RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University football team opens its 2011 schedule this Saturday at Big 12 foe Kansas State. Kick-off is set for 7:10 p.m. ET.

This is the sixth consecutive year, and 10th overall in the last 11 seasons, that Eastern Kentucky has opened its football schedule on the road. The Colonels have lost 10 straight season openers including a tight 19-13 decision at Indiana two years ago. The Colonels return nine offensive and seven defensive starters including a league-high seven players who were named to the 2011 preseason All-OVC team.

Kansas State finished the 2010 season 7-6 overall and advanced to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl in New York City. The Wildcats return 15 players who started at least six games one year ago. K-State has won 18 consecutive season openers under head coach Bill Snyder dating back to 1990.

This is EKU’s first-ever meeting against Kansas State and first-ever meeting against a Big 12 opponent. Kansas State last faced an OVC opponent in 2009 when the Wildcats posted a 49-7 win over Tennessee Tech.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

Game Notes
--Click here for game notes!

Television
--None

Video Streaming
--Saturday’s game can be seen on the web as part of k-statehd.tv. The cost is $9.95. Click here for live video stream!

Live Audio
--Saturday’s game can be heard locally on WCYO 100.7 FM. Click here for live radio broadcast!

Live Stats
--Click here for live stats!

Tickets
--Tickets are available by calling the Kansas State ticket office at (1-800-221-CATS) or ordering on-line at www.kstatesports.com.

Weather
--Saturday’s forecast in Manhattan, Kan., calls for scattered thunderstorms and a high of 93 degrees. Sunset is scheduled to happen at 7:54 p.m. CT.

Storylines
--Starting quarterback #T.J. Pryor# is doubtful to play this coming weekend due to a hand injury he suffered in a preseason scrimmage on Aug. 20. If he can’t play, the Colonels will most likely start Jared McClain or Travis Carlyle, both of whom are true freshmen.

--The Colonels will feature a pair of new coordinators this season. The offense will be run by Dane Damron, who had coached the special teams each of the last two years. Tony Hatmaker, who was the defensive backs coach for three years, was promoted to defensive coordinator in the spring.

--This marks the first regular season game where EKU has traveled by plane since 2002 when the Colonels headed to the Pacific coast to take on Oregon State.