Morehouse and Howard to open 2012 seasons in Classic as longstanding rivalry continues

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Morehouse College and Howard University football programs will meet for the 35th time in the 2nd annual AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ at RFK Stadium on Saturday, September 1 in the season opener for both schools. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.

In the rematch, bragging rights are at stake for the two teams whose combined rosters include 12 preseason All-Conference selections.

The return of outstanding players such as Bison All-American linebacker Keith Pough and Maroon Tigers running back David Carter, coupled with the memories of last year’s inaugural Classic thriller in which Howard pulled out a nail-biting 30-27 win, promises to make this year’s rematch even more competitive.

The Bison hold a 22-10-2 advantage in the series including four straight wins.



“The sense of tradition between these two schools inspires a classic college football experience that we are happy to once again bring to our nation’s capital,” Erik A. Moses, managing director of Events DC’s Sports and Entertainment Division.

“Last year’s game was exciting for both schools and their fans. We expect the same determination and drive from both teams to come out victorious and register their first win of the season.”

Whereas last year’s inaugural game started a great sports tradition in our nation’s capital, the Bison victory set the stage for another enticing match-up this year. Howard Head Coach Gary “The Flea” Harrell will look to Pough for defensive leadership. Pough, who is included on most preseason football honors lists, was named a 2012 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Preseason All-American and the College Sports Madness Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Pough is also one of 20 finalists for the highly coveted Buck Buchanan Award presented annually to the best defensive player in the FCS. With a strong season, Pough could break the FCS record for both total tackles and tackles for a loss in a career.

Assisting Pough on the defensive side of the ball is red-shirt senior defensive back DeCarlos Knight. Knight, a 2012 preseason All-MEAC Second Team Selection, recorded 46 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a pair of blocked kicks in the 2011 Season.

Offensively for the Bison, quarterback Greg McGhee, last year’s MEAC Rookie of the Year, College Sports Networks “Inside the Huddle” 2011 Black College Freshman of the Year and inaugural Classic MVP, will be back under center for his sophomore season.

“Last year’s victory over Morehouse was a huge win for us and was a catalyst for a great season for us,” said Harrell. “With this year’s Classic being the season opener for both teams, the energy and level of play is going to be that much more intense.”

On the opposing sideline, the Maroon Tigers have reason to be confident as they were picked to win the East Division in the 2012 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Preseason Poll. Eight Maroon Tigers have been selected to the Preseason Football All-Conference Team including 2011 SIAC Player of the Year and AFCA All-American running back David Carter, who returns for his senior season.

Carter is just 150 rushing yards shy of setting the career rushing yards record at Morehouse currently held by John David Washington (son of actor Denzel Washington) with 3,669 total yards.



Last season, the Morehouse defense finished the season ranked second in total defense in the SIAC, and with three first team All-SIAC members they will aim to finish the 2012 season on top. They will look to build on a 2011-2012 season record of 8-2 as they seek redemption from last year’s Classic nail-biting loss.

“Last year was the kind of game that football fans love to see, especially in an inaugural HBCU classic,” said Morehouse Head Coach Rich Freeman. “While we didn’t come out on top, I know our team played hard until the very last snap. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for and
this rivalry inspires the best performances out of our young players. We are looking forward to traveling back to the nation’s capital, playing in this year’s Classic and bringing the trophy home to Atlanta.”

Individual tickets for the football game are priced $25 to $50 (plus applicable fees), and on sale at ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office located at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Group tickets, suites and premium tickets are available by calling the ATTNFC Hotline at 202-608-1135. Credit card payments accepted only (Mastercard and VISA).

The JW Marriott Washington, DC is the headquarters hotel and will serve as the hub for AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ activity during the weekend. Promotional rates for this hotel, and other participating Marriott properties, can be reserved at www.nationsfootballclassic.com or 800-266-9432 (use reference code: NFF).  For more information on the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™, please visit www.nationsfootballclassic.com.

ATTNFC website: www.NationsFootballClassic.com
ATTNFC Twitter: @nationsclassic
ATTNFC Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NationsFootballClassic
Howard University website: www.howard.edu
Morehouse College website: www.morehouse.edu

Contacts: Teri Washington, Events DC: (202) 494-5737
Courtney Eiland, Events DC: (202) 608-1140
Lisa Milner / Bryant Mortimer, Swanson Communications: (202) 783-5500



About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™

The AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ is a black college football game held annually at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. This year, the game features Howard University against Morehouse College. Organized by Events DC, the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience, recognize the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities, highlight the unity of African American culture, and honor the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions.

Tickets for the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced $25 to $50.