The Albany State University Golden Rams have unveiled their football schedule for the 2012 season, ASU Athletics Director Richard H. Williams and head coach Mike White announced Thursday afternoon. Highlighting the 10-game slate are three classic games and three games against non-conference opponents, including matchups against two teams that made appearances in the 2011 NCAA Division II football playoffs.

“Albany State has set a very rigorous, action-packed schedule that will both challenge the Golden Rams on the gridiron and one that will offer our fans much excitement," said Dr. Williams. "Our Golden Rams are ready to deliver great football action this season.”

The Golden Rams, who finished their 2011 season at 8-4, will kick off the season on Sept. 1 at home against the North Greenville University Crusaders in the Dr. Joseph Wintroph Holley Memorial Game, ASU's first home game each season which honors ASU founder and first president, at the Albany State University Coliseum. North Greenville, an affiliate with the South Atlantic Conference, went 11-3 last season and advanced to the third round of the 2011 NCAA Division II playoffs. The Crusaders beat ASU 63-14 in the first round of the playoffs last season.

The Golden Rams will hit the road to Wingate, N.C. to take on the Wingate University Bulldogs the following weekend. At 2-0 against the Bulldogs, the Golden Rams will play for the first time at Wingate's Irwin Belk Stadium and John R. Martin Field on Sept. 8. Albany State defeated the Bulldogs 49-28 in regular season play in 2011, and won 30-28 in second-round action of the 2010 NCAA football playoffs. WIngate was 5-6 overall last season.

Week three of ASU's schedule will have the Golden Rams on the road for a return trip to North Carolina. The Golden Rams will face CIAA runner-up Elizabeth City State University in their first-ever meeting on Sept. 15. The Vikings finished the 2011 season at 8-4, including a 44-0 loss to California University-PA in the opening round of the NCAA playoffs.

Albany State will open SIAC play at home in the ASU Coliseum on Sept. 22 against the Miles College Golden Bears, who finished the 2011 season at 7-5. The Golden Rams defeated the Golden Bears 34-27 in regular-season play, but lost to Miles 17-20 in the first-ever SIAC football championship game. The Miles game is the first of three West Division crossover games.

Another long road trip is scheduled for Sept. 29, as the Golden Rams travel to Frankfort, Ky. to face the Kentucky State University Thorobreds. Albany State defeated the SIAC West Division opponents 59-31 last season in both teams' first appearances in the 28th Annual Circle City Classic at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The 2012 Music City Classic will feature the Golden Rams against the Lane College Dragons. The 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia will sponsor the game at Henderson Stadium in Macon, Ga.on Oct. 6. The Golden Rams look to avenge a 24-26 upset loss to the West Division Dragons. The game will count as a home game for the Golden Rams.

The Golden Rams will face the first of SIAC East Division opponents on Oct. 13 as they face the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College at B.T. Harvey Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Albany State defeated Morehouse 25-15 in the 2011 contest. Albany State will celebrate Homecoming 2012 and honor senior student-athletes when the Golden Rams play the Clark Atlanta University Panthers on Oct. 20. ASU beat CAU 19-13 in 2011.

Albany State will play in its third classic of the 2012 season on Oct. 27. The Golden Rams and the Benedict College Tigers will face off in the Augusta City Classic at Lucy Laney School Stadium in Augusta, Ga.

Two of the biggest rivals in the SIAC, Albany State and Fort Valley State University will close their regular seasons in the 23rd Annual Fountain City Classic on Nov. 3 at the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Ga. The Golden Rams defeated the Wildcats 38-29 in the 2011 classic game. The FCC is touted as one of the biggest and best HBCU football classics.

The winners of the East and West divisions will play for the 2012 SIAC championship title on Nov. 10 in Atlanta, Ga.

2012 Golden Rams Football Schedule

* - SIAC Games