The football season kicks off the year at home Sept. 1 against Northeastern State University.

This year marks the 126th year of play for Washburn football, the program having started in 1891.

Craig Schurig is heading into his 15th season as the Ichabod’s head coach with three NCAA Playoff appearances, two bowl appearance championships and winner of the 2005 MIAA regular season championship with the Ichabods.

Last season the Ichabods went 5-6, with their first loss being in the season opener. Traditionally the Ichabods have done better during the season openers where they played at home, with a 73-46-6 record across all season openers and a 52-22-4 record when playing at home.

Coach Schurig’s record against Northeastern State is 4-0 however, despite that, Northeastern State head coach Rob Robinson is a former member of Schurig’s coaching staff.

But Northeastern State isn’t to be underestimated. Last season, the Ichabods placed 8th in the MIAA with Northeastern State trailing just behind in a tie for ninth.

In preseason polls, the Ichabods were picked to finish 8th in the MIAA, while Northeastern State was picked to finish 9th.

From a stats perspective, the Ichabods lead almost completely across the board, making the coaches poll appear odd to place Washburn right next to Northeastern State.

Looking at Washburn’s individual teams, the Ichabod offense was sixth in the MIAA ranks, the defense was ranked fourth overall and the special teams was fourth in kickoff returns.

But the Ichabods haven’t made it to post season play since 2011, so it’s still anyone’s game.

Kickoff is at 6 p.m. on Sept. 1, see you there Ichabods!