Pocatello, ID (Sports Network) - Idaho State will make visits to FBS programs Air Force and Nebraska, and play five home games as part of an 11-game 2012 schedule announced on Thursday.

Idaho State will open the season at Air Force on Sept. 1, play Division II Black Hills State in its home opener at Holt Arena on Sept. 8 and, following a bye, visit Nebraska on Sept. 22.

The Bengals beat Air Force, 13-7, in their one prior meeting. They have never played Black Hills State or Nebraska.

"Our team is excited to play all three nonconference games," coach Mike Kramer said. "Going to the Academy is a cool experience, having done it once before, and one of the great experiences in college football is playing at Nebraska. We welcome the challenge, cherish the opportunity and look forward to giving all we have all game long."

Idaho State will play eight Big Sky games in the new 13-team conference.

The Bengals will host Sacramento State (Sept. 29), conference newcomer UC Davis (Oct. 13), Northern Arizona (Nov. 3) and Weber State (Nov. 17).

Their Big Sky road games are at Portland State (Oct. 6), Northern Colorado (Oct. 20), Montana (Oct. 27) and conference newcomer Cal Poly (Nov. 10).

Idaho State finished with a 2-9 record in Kramer's first season last year.

2012 Idaho State Football Schedule

All Times ET

Sept. 1, at Air Force

Sept. 8, Black Hills State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22, at Nebraska

Sept. 29, Sacramento State*, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 6, at Portland State*

Oct. 13, UC Davis*, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20, at Northern Colorado*

Oct. 27, at Montana*

Nov. 3, Northern Arizona*, 7 p.m.

Nov. 10, at Cal Poly*

Nov. 17, Weber State*, 7 p.m.

* - Big Sky Conference game

The Sports Network