South Carolina State releases 2008 football schedule

Photo: SCSU Head Football Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough faces two 1-A foes in 2008, in UCF and Clemson.

If last season's schedule was historic and unprecedented for South Carolina State, the 2008 campaign offers even more challenges and the return of an old rival. For the second straight year, the Bulldogs will play two Football Bowl Subdivision opponents -- both of whom are coming off bowl appearances. After opening the season Aug. 30 at Central Florida, three weeks later the Bulldogs will travel to Death Valley for their first meeting against Clemson University.

SCSU and Clemson were originally slated to meet in 2016. With Louisiana Tech voiding its contract with Clemson, an opening was created for SCSU to set up its second match up against a Palmetto State FBS (1-A) foe.

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Based on the schedule, the Bulldogs are very serious about making the FCS playoffs in 2008.

Here is why...

SCSU was 7-4 in 2007 with losses at South Carolina and Air Force--scoring only a field goal in each contest. However, it was more important that SCSU got paid-- the Bulldogs received $235,000 for this past season's historic contest with the University of South Carolina to go with the $220,000 it received to face Air Force Academy. Both games were not competitive with a 34-3 Air Force and 38-3 South Carolina losses.

This was the second 7-4 season for the underachieving Bulldogs with a senior laden team that were predicted to be the (pre-season) MEAC champions. It didn't happen with an overtime loss at Norfolk State (20-13) and a 17-16 home loss to Delaware State.

The question that cannot be answered today is how playing Air Force, South Carolina, Central Florida and Clemson improves recruiting for Buddy Pough 2008 Bulldogs? Certainly, releasing this schedule before National Signing Day next month is an advantage for SCSU over other MEAC schools that have not done so.

It's also an advantage for SCSU and Norfolk State to be playing bowl teams like Central Florida, Clemson, and Kentucky (NSU), respectively. It allows the MEAC teams to get greater exposure while placing them above the normal entree of HBCU football. Playing a local FCS (1-AA) would be absence both the financial gain and big time exposure that comes with playing a FBC team.

Norfolk State just capitalized on their upgraded schedule with the transfer of UConn quarterback Dennis Brown, red shirt sophomore from Miami Central High School (Florida). This 6-3/196 passing phenom may be the Spartans starter in '08, as they are scheduled to play at high powered Kentucky (that dismantled Florida State in the Music City Bowl).

Photo: SCSU has revenge on their minds as they have scheduled NSU for homingcoming 2008.

Its great to make money on these 1-A beat-downs, but if it does not translate long term into improving your team in getting higher quality student-athletes and winning your conference championship and FCS playoff berth, it may be deemed counter-productive, unless you are happy being stuck at 7-4.

For SCSU, Norfolk State and Delaware State, its too soon to determine if this strategy is going to work long term to make their programs more competitive on the field and in the FCS playoffs.

However, it certainly helps the strength of schedule if they can be competitive on the field with Central Florida or Clemson. No financial terms were made available by Central Florida and Clemson on what the Bulldogs are receiving in payment and athletic director Charlene Johnson is not telling--yet.

The regional rivalry with Benedict College is a great advantage for the gate and is not a disadvantage for getting multiple teams into the FCS playoffs. SCSU 63 scholarship players should clobber the 23 scholarships players of Division II, Benedict with ease and pack the stadium on both sides. The FCS has to now treat SCSU the same as it does with University of Delaware who plays a home game annually with D-II, West Chester State to balance scheduling one contest with a FBC team (this season its Maryland).

We do like the forward planning of SCSU in scheduling five home games and 12 contests in 2008.

It appears that all aspects and special interests of the program are being addressed from: (a) recruiting advantage; (b) breaking glass ceiling with Clemson Tigers; (c) earning $455,000 on two 1-A games to support athletic program; (d) play local rival Benedict in home contest on years that 12 games are permitted for five home games and guaranteed win; (e) providing an exciting fan driven schedule beyond the usual HBCU entree; and (f) balance one 1-A contest with long term rivalry contest with a D-II program.

This is a great marketing strategy and it keeps the fan interests alive and can translate to more butts in the seats in the home stadium for attendance records and higher program income.

Did anyone notice, the lack of the use of the word "Classic" on any of SCSU games? This sends the message loud and clear, South Carolina State is now serious about college football and making the FCS playoffs.

For SCSU, NSU and Delaware State this is an excellent scheduling model that will give them a competitive advantage over many other FCS and MEAC programs, and build strength of schedule for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

The key here is consistency of scheduling the FBC teams yearly to strengthen the HBCUs recruitment of prized student-athletes and 1-A transfers, and capture alumni support that attend and follow FBC football. We also see this as a great method for building a loyal fan base and building the financial and competitive infrastructure to move to the Football Bowl Subdivision in the next decade.

Great job South Carolina State University and athletic director Charlene Johnson! That's using your noggin after playing college football for 101 years.

2008 Bulldog Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time
8/30 Central Florida Orlando, FL TBA

9/6 BENEDICT ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

9/13 BETHUNE-COOKMAN ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

9/20 Clemson Clemson, SC TBA

9/27 Winston-Salem State Orangeburg, SC TBA

10/4 OPEN

10/11 NORFOLK STATE ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

(Homecoming)

10/18 Florida A&M Tallahassee, FL TBA

10/25 HAMPTON ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

11/1 Delaware State Dover, DE TBA

11/8 HOWARD ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

11/15 Morgan State Baltimore, MD TBA

11/22 North Carolina A&T TBA TBA


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