March 31, 2004
Texas A&M Director of Athletics Bill Byrne and Aggie football head coach Dennis Franchione announced changes to the football schedule on Wednesday.
"We received a phone call from Dave Hart, the athletic director at Florida State, and with their new conference alignment and schedule in the ACC, he was looking for relief in their schedule," Byrne said. "We granted his request and the move allowed us to schedule a home-and-home series with Army. We have been trying to work out a series with Army for quite some time."
"There aren't many schools who will come to Kyle Field for only one game, and after conducting a lengthy search, we signed The Citadel to fill a spot in the 2006 season," Byrne said.
Coach Fran has not faced either Army or The Citadel as a head coach.
"A major reason I love Texas A&M so much is the traditions," Coach Fran said. "Army is another traditional football program that has a great atmosphere. I look forward to playing the Black Knights of the Hudson."
"Texas A&M is a natural opponent for the service academies and institutions with strong military backgrounds," Coach Fran said. "With our rich military heritage, our patriotism and respect for those who serve our country, these additions to the schedule are welcomed."
The Aggies are still looking for an opponent in the 2005 season to fill out the non-conference schedule. A&M is currently scheduled at Clemson on Sept. 3 and Texas State is scheduled for Sept. 24, 2005 at Kyle Field.
The non-conference schedule in 2006 has A&M hosting The Citadel on Sept. 2, going to Army on Sept. 16 and hosting Troy State on Sept. 23.
Kyle Field will be the place to be in 2008 as the Aggies host the United States Air Force Academy on Sept. 20 and the United States Military Academy on Sept. 27.