N.C. Central at Albany State

Shaw at Miles College

ALBANY MUNICIPAL COLISEUM, ALBANY, GA.; 6 P.M.; CSTV; WRJD-1410

Series history: The Eagles defeated the Golden Rams 20-0 in their first game of the 2006 season. It was the team's first shutout since 2004 and was the start of an undefeated regular season. The Eagles finished with arguably the best season in school history and were named the black college football national champions by Sheridan Broadcasting Network.

New start: NCCU starts its first season of NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision play after announcing its departure from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association in July. The Eagles now play as independents but, as part of the transition, aren't eligible for NCAA postseason play until the 2011-12 season.

Experienced leadership: Mose Rison stands on the sideline as a head coach for the first time after replacing coach Rod Broadway, who took over the program at Grambling State. Rison, 51, who also remains as the team's offensive coordinator, has been coaching for 25 years.

Key question: Will the Eagles remain as offensively explosive as they were last season, when the team scored a school-record 30.9 points per game? Only six offensive starters return, including standout quarterback Stadford Brown, who passed for 2,577 yards and 26 touchdowns and rushed for three touchdowns. Trying to stop the Eagles will be Albany State, who led the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in scoring defense, allowing just 11.8 points per game.

Defensive strengths: Corners Craig Amos and Tyrone Williams and safety Darren Brothers will bolster the Eagles' secondary. Amos, a 2006 All-CIAA first team selection, had seven interceptions and turned them into 178 yards. The three seniors could bedevil the Golden Rams' wide receivers and young quarterbacks.