Virginia State University got off on the wrong foot in 2021 and never fully found its stride.

Under new Coach Henry Frazier III, the Trojans are hopeful of a more uplifting start this season — but it won’t come easy.

The Men of Troy open Sept. 3 at Lenoir-Rhyne University. That’s the same Lenoir-Rhyne Bears that pounded VSU, 48-7, to open the 2021 season in Ettrick.

It was 31-7 at halftime and Lenoir-Rhyne wound up out-gaining the Trojans, 532 yards to 138.

Lenoir-Rhyne quarterback Grayson Willingham, who threw for three touchdowns, has departed but running back Dwayne McGee, who ran for 175 yards, is back.

A member of the NCAA Division II SouthAtlantic Conference, Lenoir-Rhyne went on to post an 8-3 record a year ago. The Bears reached the NCAAplayoffs before bowing to CIAA champ Bowie State.

VSU finished last season at 3-6 overall and 3-4 in the CIAA in Coach Reggie Barlow’s farewell season.

Barlow, who had a 34-16 overall mark at VSU, resigned to become head coach with the DC Defenders, the professional XFL.

Under Coach Frazier, the Trojans have some proven bell ringers in running back Darius Hagans and linebacker Zion Johnson, a preseason All-CIAA pick.

There are question marks elsewhere.

In 2021, Barlow juggled four quarterbacks without ever finding a true No. 1.

Jordan Davis is the lone returning QB. From Woodbridge, Davis played in four games a year ago.

Other QBs (all freshmen) on the current roster are Meziah Scott from nearby Petersburg High, Jabari Blake from Lynchburg and Jakari Joyce from Upper Marlboro, Md.

The Trojans’ first home game at Rogers Stadium will be Sept. 10 against Bluefield State, W.Va. It will mark the first game on a new artificial grass surface.

Following the challenging trip to Hickory, VSU figures to be at least “even money” in its next four games against Bluefield St. Augustine’s, Livingstone and Shaw.