Updated

A first-ever matchup against Arkansas and five home games help to highlight the 2013 Samford football schedule announced on Monday.

Samford has scheduled 11 games and is not playing a 12th game, as allowed by the NCAA during the 2013 FCS regular season.

Samford will open the season at Georgia State on Aug. 29 before taking on Arkansas in Little Rock on Sept. 7.

After the first of two byes, the Bulldogs will then play three straight home games against Southeastern Louisiana (Sept. 21) and Southern Conference rivals Western Carolina (Sept. 28) and Georgia Southern (Oct. 5).

The Bulldogs then travel to four straight conference opponents: Appalachian State (Oct. 12), Wofford (Oct. 26), The Citadel (Nov. 2) and Furman (Nov. 9).

They wrap up the regular season by hosting Chattanooga (Nov. 16) on Homecoming Day and Elon (Nov. 23).

"In conference play, each week is a challenge, and we know we have to bring our 'A' game each week," Samford coach Pat Sullivan said. "We will look forward to that challenge again this season."

Samford finished 7-4 overall and 5-3 in the SoCon this past season.

2013 SAMFORD FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Thursday, Aug. 29, at Georgia State

Saturday, Sept. 7, at Arkansas (Little Rock, Ark.)

Saturday, Sept. 21, Southeastern Louisiana

Saturday, Sept. 28, Western Carolina*

Saturday, Oct. 5, Georgia Southern*

Saturday, Oct. 12, at Appalachian State*

Saturday, Oct. 26, at Wofford*

Saturday, Nov. 2, at The Citadel*

Saturday, Nov. 9, at Furman*

Saturday, Nov. 16, Chattanooga* (Homecoming)

Saturday, Nov. 23, Elon*

* - Southern Conference game