Updated

Worcester, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - As the Holy Cross football program adds scholarship classes, the Crusaders continue to schedule FBS opponents.

On Wednesday, Holy Cross announced it will open the 2019 season with a visit to Syracuse. The two will meet inside the Carrier Dome on Aug. 31, 2019.

Holy Cross and Syracuse have played 28 times, but not since Nov. 10, 1973. The Orange hold a 23-5 lead in the series.

"We are excited about adding Syracuse to our 2019 schedule," Holy Cross coach Tom Gilmore said. "Games like this allow us to showcase our program on the national stage, which is important for recruiting, and provide our student- athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level."

Patriot League schools began to offer football scholarships in 2013. Holy Cross has since scheduled other FBS opponents with Connecticut in 2017 and Boston College in 2018 and 2020.