North Carolina A&T Aggies

N.C. A&T's Washington receptive to FCS playoffs

Published Apr. 3, 2018 3:19 p.m. ET

(STATS) - North Carolina A&T first-year coach Sam Washington is running his program much like his predecessor, Rod Broadway, not necessarily fixated on putting a personal stamp on the program.

One day he might because Washington has a different view on the postseason.

Prior to N.C. A&T winning the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl for the second time in three years in December, Broadway was adamant that his program was better served playing in it than in the FCS playoffs, where the Aggies were an at-large qualifier in 2016 and suffered the MEAC's 20th straight loss since 1999.

Washington isn't quite tip-toeing around the topic, knowing the FCS national champion usually is the playoff champion. The Aggies were the HBCU national champ and the only unbeaten team (12-0) in the FCS, finishing No. 7 in the final rankings.

"I think (the playoffs are) the ultimate goal of this football team," Washington said recently. His program's 11-game schedule was announced Tuesday.

"I wouldn't mind seeing something a little different. It's all about getting better and doing something that's greater than yourself. I'm looking forward to that challenge one day. It may not be tomorrow, but one day I really would like to get in the playoff hunt.

"I do know this: If there's a will, there's a way. We're going to keep hope alive that we have an opportunity one day to compete for the FCS national championship."

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2018 North Carolina A&T Schedule

Aug. 25, Jacksonville State (Montgomery, Alabama)

Sept. 1, at East Carolina

Sept. 8, Gardner-Webb

Sept. 22, Morgan State

Sept. 29, South Carolina State*

Oct. 6, at Delaware State*

Oct. 13, Florida A&M*

Oct. 20, at Bethune Cookman*

Nov. 3, Norfolk State* (Homecoming)

Nov. 10, at Savannah State*