BLOOMSBURG—The Bloomsburg University football team, ranked ninth nationally in the preseason by the American Football Coaches Association, will kickoff its 2011 season on Thursday, Sept. 1 when it hosts Ashland (OH) University at 6 p.m. at Redman Stadium.

All fans are being asked to wear maroon and gold that night with the game being part of Husky Pride Day on campus. Gates for the game will open at 4 p.m. with tickets being $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children under five are free. There is no cost to park. All employees of Bloomsburg University get free admission to the game with their employee ID. BU students also get free admission to the game with their ID.

Prior to kickoff the Bloomsburg University Alumni Office will be sponsoring a pre-game picnic starting at 4 p.m. The picnic is open to anyone. Call the Alumni Office at 1-800-526-0254 to reserve a place.

The Huskies, coming off a 10-3 season in 2010 that also saw the team reach the second round of the NCAA playoffs, will be led by co-captains Pat Carey (Williamsport/Loyalsock Twp.) and Oscar Rivera (Bethlehem/Liberty).

Carey, in his second year as a starter at quarterback, threw for over 2,000 yards last year and set a school single-season mark with at least two touchdown passes in 10 straight games finishing with 24 total TD passes.

Rivera, a four-year starter at cornerback, was one of the team's leaders in tackles last season with 53 and also had 16 pass breakups to lead the team.

In addition to Carey and Rivera, fans will also get a chance to see Franklyn Quiteh (Tobyhanna/Pocono Mountain West), last year's PSAC East Freshman of the Year and first team AP Little All-American, who rushed over 2,015 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. Quiteh's total yardage was the third best mark ever by a freshman in Division II history.

This is the fourth straight year the Huskies have faced Ashland in its season opener. The Eagles won their first game in the series last year with a 24-14 victory in Ashland.