Updated

Macon, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - Mercer University hopes to improve off its first season in the Southern Conference during an 11-game 2015 schedule announced on Wednesday.

The Bears finished 6-6 overall, but only 1-6 in the SoCon last year as they transitioned into the conference during the second season in program history.

Mercer will kick off the new season at Austin Peay on Sept. 5 before returning home for the first of six games at Five Star Stadium on Sept. 12 against Stetson.

Coach Bobby Lamb's squad also will host Wofford (Oct. 3), VMI (Oct. 24), Chattanooga (Nov. 7) and Samford (Nov. 21) in SoCon action and East Tennessee State (Oct. 17) in a non-conference game. ETSU will join the SoCon schedule in 2016.

"I am excited about the 2015 schedule and the challenge it brings to our program," Lamb said.

2015 Mercer Football Schedule

Sept. 5, at Austin Peay

Sept. 12, Stetson

Sept. 19, at Tennessee Tech

Oct. 3, Wofford*

Oct. 10, at Western Carolina*

Oct. 17, East Tennessee State

Oct. 24, VMI*

Oct. 31, at The Citadel*

Nov. 7, Chattanooga*

Nov. 14, at Furman*

Nov. 21, Samford*

* - Southern Conference game