The non-conference schedule features strong competition from schools such as Ohio State, Florida, Kansas State and Miami. The Ospreys will open with an exhibition against Flagler at the UNF Arena Nov. 1, and will begin the season at Alabama Nov. 11. The Ospreys look to improve upon their last season in which they finished 15-19 overall and 10-10 in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

Head coach Matthew Driscoll sited many advantages to a schedule that for the first time ever features five non-conference games and six home games before Christmas, including monetary gain to the athletic department, which provides assistant coaches and summer school programs for athletes.

In respect to the level of competition, Driscoll said it would be good for the team to face challenging opponents.

“Our guys will be road tested and road-weary,” he said. “The Ospreys had six road wins last year, which is good for third place in the A-Sun, and five the year before.”

Driscoll also feels that as the players get older, the added experience will create a residual effect, which gives them a chance to win.

“Our kids are no different,” he said. “They want to go against the best; it’s going to be a war every minute, but we feel we can beat them.”