Valparaiso University head football coach Dale Carlson has announced the Crusaders’ 2011 football schedule, which is highlighted by five home games at Brown Field, including the season opener on Sept. 3.

The Brown and Gold will kick off the year under the lights against Franklin, the first of three non-conference games at the beginning of the schedule.

“It will be exciting to play Franklin under the lights in the opener,” Carlson said.  “They were a NCAA playoff qualifier in 2010.”

Valpo then takes to the road for the final two non-conference tilts, beginning Sept. 10 at Youngstown State.  One week later the Crusaders head to Pittsburgh, Pa. to take on Duquesne.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of playing Youngstown State and Duquesne,” Carlson added.  “It is important for us to play a challenging non-conference schedule and increase the number of FCS teams on the slate.”

After a bye week, the Crusaders will open Pioneer Football League play on Oct. 1 for Homecoming when Morehead State visits Brown Field.  That is the first of two straight home games as San Diego comes to town one week later.

Two straight weeks on the road will see Valpo head to Butler and Drake before returning on Oct. 29 to host Dayton.  As the Crusaders begin November, a trip to Marist opens the month before the home finale on Senior Day, Nov. 12, against Campbell.  The 2011 season will then come to a close one week later with a trip to Davidson.