New head football coach Danny Rocco poses for a photo in the Hen locker room. (Delaware sports information/Mark Campbell)

New Delaware football coach Danny Rocco will make his debut on Aug. 31 against Delaware State as UD announced its 2017 schedule on Thursday.

The Blue Hens will then face a pair of new nonconference foes when they go to Virginia Tech on Sept. 9 and host Cornell on Sept. 16.

The rest of Delaware’s eight-game slate will be filled with its Colonial Athletic Association matchups.

Among the highlights are a Sept. 30 home date with defending NCAA Division I FCS national champion James Madison, an Oct. 21 home game with Rocco’s former team, Richmond, and a Nov. 18th season finale at rival Villanova.

2017 Delaware football schedule

(Kickoff times to be announced)

AUGUST

31-Delaware State

SEPTEMBER

9-At Virginia Tech

16–Cornell

30–James Madison*

OCTOBER

7-At Stony Brook*

14–William & Mary*

21–Richmond*

28–At Towson*

NOVEMBER

4–At Maine*

11–Albany*

18–At Villanova*

*-Colonial Athletic Association game