Updated

Tennessee State's football program will play in three "classics" as well as five home games in an 11-game schedule announced for the 2013 season on Wednesday.

One of the classics is a home game at LP Field, the John Merritt Classic against defending MEAC champion Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 1.

Tennessee State also will play Jackson State in the Southern Heritage Classic at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., on Sept. 14, and Division II Central State in the Gateway Classic at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on Sept. 28.

The Tigers will play four Ohio Valley Conference games at home against Southeast Missouri State (Oct. 5), defending champion Eastern Illinois (Oct. 26, Homecoming), Austin Peay (Nov. 9) and Murray State (Nov. 16).

They also will play OVC road games against Tennessee Tech (Sept. 21), Jacksonville State (Oct. 12), UT Martin (Oct. 19) and Eastern Kentucky (Nov. 2).

Tennessee State finished 8-3 under coach Rod Reed last season.

2013 Tennessee State Football Schedule

Sept. 1, Bethune-Cookman, LP Field

Sept. 14, at Jackson State, Memphis, Tenn.

Sept. 21, at Tennessee Tech*, Cookville, Tenn.

Sept. 28, Central State, St. Louis

Oct. 5, Southeast Missouri State*, LP Field

Oct. 12, at Jacksonville State*, Jacksonville, Ala.

Oct. 19, at UT Martin*, Martin, Tenn.

Oct. 26, Eastern Illinois* (Homecoming), Nashville, Tenn.

Nov. 2, at Eastern Kentucky*, Richmond, Ky.

Nov. 9, Austin Peay*, LP Field

Nov. 16, Murray State*, LP Field

* - Ohio Valley Conference game