Winston-Salem State’s football team is about to go places no Rams have ever gone before.
The Rams are set to open their second season in fall 2007 on Oct. 6 in the Championship Subdivision of Division I when they take on Florida A&M in the “Circle City Classic” in the massive RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Ind.
“This is a great opportunity for more exposure for our programs at Winston-Salem State University,” said Dr. Percy Caldwell, Director of Athletics.
Last season, the Rams held a 21-3 against the Rattlers in Tallahassee, but the FAMU was able to score 22 unanswered points and defeat the Rams. This season, the Rams will be looking for payback on neutral ground. The RCA Dome, where the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts play, seats 60,272.
The Rams will kick off their season at home in Bowman Gray Stadium, where they will play archrival North Carolina A&T. Last season, the Rams walloped the Aggies, defeating them 41-14 in Greensboro.
The Rams will play at home four times in the upcoming season. Other home games are against three-time defending MEAC Champion, Hampton University, on Oct. 27. WSSU Homecoming will take place against Delaware State Nov. 3, and the home finale will be Nov. 10 against former CIAA rival, North Carolina Central University.
The home games should be particularly interesting. The Rams played the Pirates tough last season, losing 13-3 in Hampton. Homecoming opponent, Delaware State, went 8-3 last season and was in the race for the MEAC Championship up until their loss against Howard gave Hampton the championship.
The Rams will renew old acquaintances with former CIAA foe North Carolina Central on the final home game of the season. NCCU, last season’s Black College National Champions at 11-1, will follow WSSU’s path from the CIAA to Division I in 2007. The Rams and the Eagles last met in 2005, with the Rams suffering a heartbreaking last-second 20-17 defeat.