Elon University will kick off its 2013 football season with a first-ever game against Georgia Tech and play six at home as part of a 12-game schedule announced Monday.

Elon will visit Georgia Tech on Aug. 31 for its sixth game against an FBS-level opponent, as well as its fourth from the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The Phoenix will host non-conference games at Rhodes Stadium against Division II West Virginia Wesleyan (Sept. 7) and Coastal Carolina (Sept. 28) from the Big South Conference as well as four games within the Southern Conference: Appalachian State (Sept. 21), Chattanooga (Oct. 19), The Citadel (Nov. 9, Homecoming) and Georgia Southern (Nov. 16).

Elon also will have road games at North Carolina A&T (Sept. 14) from the Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference and SoCon rivals Furman (Oct. 5), Wofford (Oct. 12), Western Carolina (Oct. 26) and Samford (Nov. 23).

"We will face a challenging schedule which includes a very strong non- conference schedule in 2013," Elon coach Jason Swepson said. "We hope to get off to a good start early in the year and use that momentum throughout the season."

Elon finished with a 3-8 record, including 1-7 in the SoCon, last season.

2013 Elon University Football Schedule

Aug. 31, at Georgia Tech

Sept. 7, West Virginia Wesleyan

Sept. 14, at North Carolina A&T

Sept. 21, Appalachian State*

Sept. 28, Coastal Carolina

Oct. 5, at Furman*

Oct. 12, at Wofford *

Oct. 19, Chattanooga*

Oct. 26, at Western Carolina*

Nov. 9, The Citadel* (Homecoming)

Nov. 16, Georgia Southern*

Nov. 23, at Samford*

* - Southern Conference game