Presbyterian begins Division I-AA transition

CLINTON, S.C. - Presbyterian will face seven Division I-AA opponents as it begins its transition from Division II into the Big South Conference.<br> <br> The Blue Hose and new coach Bobby Bentley will take on Division I-AA powers like Furman and Coastal Carolina in its 11-game schedule, announced Thursday.<br> <br> Presbyterian will also play a Thursday night game at Samford on Sept. 13, one of its eight road games.<br> <br> Presbyterian athletic director William ``Bee&#39;&#39; Carlton said the shift to the higher division made it difficult to get many home games this season. Carlton said the school can play 12 games in 2008 and will have full home and away schedules with Big South members.<br> <br> The season starts at Furman on Sept. 1. Other road games are against Samford, Western Carolina (Sept. 22), North Carolina Central (Sept. 29), VMI (Oct. 13), Coastal Carolina (Oct. 20), Liberty (Oct. 27) and Charleston Southern (Nov. 10).<br> <br> Bentley&#39;s first home game is Sept. 8 against Pikeville. The other two home games are against North Greenville (Oct. 6) and Chowan (Nov. 3).<br> <br> Not part of the Blue Hose&#39;s schedule is longtime Division II rival Newberry. The teams competed each in the ``Bronze Derby&#39;&#39; game, but the rivalry is on hold with Presbyterian&#39;s move.<br> <br> Bentley says this year&#39;s schedule is a difficult one. ``These teams have name recognition and playing these programs will only help us,&#39;&#39; he said. ``My hope and goal is that years from now that this year&#39;s schedule set the foundation for the success of PC football.&#39;&#39;

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