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Showing posts with label Atlanta Football Classic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlanta Football Classic. Show all posts
The Southern University football team has long played in the Bayou Classic, matching up with rival Grambling every year. Now, the Jaguars will head east to play in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic.
100 Black Men of Atlanta announced Wednesday that Southern and Florida A&M will square off Sept. 24 in the annual game.
First played in 1989, the Atlanta Football Classic matches Historically Black Colleges & Universities in the Georgia Dome. Southern and Florida A&M have both played in the game, but it’s the first time they will face each other in it. The halftime show features a battle of the bands.
Organizers of the Atlanta Classic ensured the revival of one of the oldest rivalries in college football Wednesday afternoon when they officially announced Southern University as Florida A&M's opponent in the September game.
The games between the two programs go back to the years when Ace Mumford coached at Southern and Jake Gaither at FAMU. When the Jaguars and Rattlers meet on Sept. 24 it will be their first since 2008.
Both teams signed a four-year deal in 2007, but had been able to keep the agreement because of conflicting commitment to their conferences. The 100 Black Men of Atlanta have signed both teams to a two-year deal to play in the annual Classic
Tennessee State has the home stadium that provides infinite possibilities.
Florida A&M has one of the Top-5 premier brands in all of the Football Championship Subdivision football.
Tennessee State was once the most feared football rivalry for the Rattlers.
FAMU has the world-renowned "Marching 100," which is worth the price of admission to any venue.
TSU has the Sophisticated Ladies and the Aristocrats of Bands.
Tennessee State Tigers embarrassed FAMU on national television in the Atlanta Football Classic in 2010, which later denied the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Co-Champion Rattlers an FCS playoff spot.
The 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., has dropped TSU for the next two years, and is working out a contract with Stump Mitchell's Southern University Jaguars, for all the wrong reasons.
Tennessee State University has the Gentry Center which seats 10,500 for collegiate basketball.
FAMU has a new athletic director, Derek Horne, who's on a mission to help FAMU live up to its national legacy as a championship athletic program. Horne, from Southeastern Conference (SEC) University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) is accustomed to big games and large athletic budgets.
TSU athletic director Teresa Lawrence Phillips is in a pickle to replace longtime rival FAMU on its 2011 schedule and find a new revenue source for the $450,508.00 (2008 payout) loss from the Atlanta Football Classic.
What seems like a big problem, is an opportunity for greatness for TSU and FAMU.
Let me say that again...but more slowly, so that it sinks in...
What appears to be a huge problem is an opportunity for greatness and increased athletic income for Tennessee State University and Florida A&M University on a much larger stage.
The Rattlers/Tigers game must go on in 2012.
If a FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman rivalry (Florida Classic) has earn the Rattlers and Wildcats $1.5 million dollars EACH annually, there is no reason that a "Tennessee Classic" cannot earn a greater payout for FAMU/TSU in the capital city of Tennessee, with a statistical population area estimated at 1.67 million people.
The 2010 Florida Classic had 61,712 fans in attendance. No reason that a "Tennessee Classic" can't exceed the Florida Classic numbers in a few years as this is a more serious football rivalry for TSU and FAMU. It's more marketable -- OVC Football vs. MEAC Football.
Florida A&M vs. Tennessee State should be all about the maximum money that can be made off of this game for both institutions, annually. With that being said, forget about home and home for this classic match up.
Let us suggest that the universities' administration book it for the next five years at Nashville's LP Field (or equal), the home stadium for the TSU Tigers and NFL Tennessee Titans. LP Field seats 68,800 in a state of art facility.
Using the same self-governing business model used for the Florida Classic, FAMU/TSU should set-up the same type of consortium for the proposed "Tennessee Classic" and hire an outside management company (like a Florida Citrus Sports) to manage the game affairs for a reasonable fixed fee.
There is absolutely no reason that this type of rivalry game cannot gross each school $1.5 million to $2 million annually, after expenses, when marketed properly, and when based on the structured business model of the Florida Classic. All the physical ingredients that makes the Florida Classic and Atlanta Classic successful are present in Nashville.
Videographer: UrbanSportsITG
More importantly, put the dang game out for bid for additional guaranteed money based on a projected economic impact of $30+ million dollars, based on a projected annual attendance of 52,000 fans or greater. Let Nashville, Jacksonville (Florida), Tampa (Florida), Memphis, and Knoxville all submit bids for the game to be played in their city and stadium for five years.
What we are suggesting is let Nashville and LP Field earn the rights to host the football game and other events by paying for those rights through the highest bid of cash to be paid to FAMU and TSU and/or reduced hotel rooms, stadium fees and the like for each university.
Let Versus, Fox Sports South and ESPN bid for TV rights to broadcast the game from Nashville, the 29th largest television market in the U.S. And offer others the regional and national Radio rights for fair market value. The two universities will remain the sole owners of the Tennessee Classic football game, basketball tournament and all of its ancillary events, like the Tennessee classic parade, battle of the bands, step shows, etc. and concerts.
FAMU and TSU products are more valuable than the $450,508.00 each paid by the 100 Black Men in Atlanta. If anyone knows this better, its athletic director Teresa Phillips, who earned a bachelor's degree in economics and business education from Vanderbilt University.
Videographer: hbcusportsonline - Excepts from FAMU 's half-time show at 2010 Florida Classic
It is long overdue that athletic directors Phillips and Derek Horne, recognizes the needs of their strong fan base and the financial needs of their respective athletic departments to maximize the earning power of this rivalry game.
Self-management and oversight of this game is the key to maximizing earnings for each university program.
Yes, it will take a little work from the respective athletic departments, but the gain for our student-athletes will be greater than the payouts from a FBS money game or a home game in Tallahassee (13,000 fans) with a strong Division II program, like a Fort Valley State.
The 100 Black Men did both institutions a major favor by giving TSU the boot.
It now forces TSU and FAMU to look beyond guaranteed losses (money games) with Football Bowl Championship/BCS programs; minimum pay days with third parties like the 100 Black Men; or so-called money games with the Division I basketball powerhouses--that buys guaranteed wins from barnstorming Division I programs like the MEAC, SWAC and OVC.
Our student-athletes deserves a fair opportunity to win every game scheduled and adequate financial support for academic excellency. Horne understands this from this playing days in SEC basketball and having worked in true Division I athletic administration at Ole Miss.
Phillips needs to avoid the "quick fix" solution used by most Division I HBCU athletic directors to raise cash quickly by scheduling FBC or Division II blowouts. Either way, the loyal fan base is severely short changed.
FAMU vs. Tennessee State rivalry must continue in 2012.
That's what makes our suggested Plan B so intriguing, and invites further study, discussion and consideration.
Schedule the rivalry game the last week of October or first Saturday in November 2012 and take advantage of hosting a season opening basketball tournament at the TSU Gentry Center. The tournament could operate under the same brand ("Tennessee Classic") and would invite six men and women programs, i.e., TSU, FAMU, Middle Tennessee State, Jackson State, Alabama A&M, and Southern. The goal is to earn an additional $600,000 for the two-day basketball events scheduled around the football game, on Friday and Sunday.
Again, thank you 100 Black Men of Atlanta for giving TSU the boot!
Without adversity, TSU/FAMU would continue to schedule the same unprofitable football games with the third party reaping all the benefits. Now, each institution is forced to go to a Plan B. Tigers and Rattlers fans must keep the pressure on their respective administrations for a university owned "Tennessee Classic" or some variation of what we are suggesting in this blog.
There will never be a new Bragg Memorial Stadium at FAMU with 45,000 seats, field turf and luxury suites if we continue along the financial pathway created by athletic directors who have long since been fired and forgotten for fund raising and financial management incompetency.
Please, no more scheduled Bowl Championship Series (BCS) blowouts for $450,000 (pay your own expenses) or less. No more home dates with Division II football opponents. No more 10-12 game basketball tours of the Midwest for only a check and a guaranteed loss for the Rattlers and Tigers men and women basketball programs.
No more painting over the rust in Bragg Memorial Stadium. As we all know, FAMU is long overdue for a major Stadium upgrade with luxury suites, field turf and 45,000 seats with backs. It all cost millions of dollars that FAMU has not earned under the past business models.
That's why the TSU/FAMU rivalry is so important and should be developed into a three day event in Nashville. I am reminded of how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., always spoke on the urgency of now. We all have a responsibility to support the continuation of this historic rivalry and NOW is the time to move forward to make this event a reality.
Tennessee State Athletics Director Teresa Phillips said the Tigers will not play in the Atlanta Football Classic next season for the first time since 1994, and she hopes to replace the September game with a Football Bowl Subdivision or a "prominent" Football Championship Subdivision opponent.
TSU, an FCS team, has played Florida A&M in the past nine Atlanta Football Classics at the Georgia Dome and was involved in 17 of the 19 games since 1989.
Phillips said she became aware several weeks ago that officials from the Atlanta Football Classic were negotiating with Southern University as an opponent for Florida A&M to replace TSU. She received official word last week that the Tigers would not be invited back.
TSU Tigers Will Not Play In Atlanta Classic in 2011
Tennessee State University Athletic Director Teresa Phillips has released the tentative 2011 football schedule without the Atlanta Classic against perennial opponent, Florida A&M University.
"The Atlanta Classic is sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and they decided to bring in another opponent to face Florida A&M," said Phillips. “We are in active negotiations to schedule an FBS or prominent FCS team to replace that game this year.” She concluded saying, “We expect to complete our schedule by the end of the month.”
The Tigers and Rattlers have played each other for twenty-eight consecutive years with FAMU holding a 26-25-1 edge in the all-time series. TSU beat FAMU 29-18 last year in Atlanta in front of a crowd of 54,202.
Tennessee State Coach Rod Reed told his players this week that Florida A&M would be the best team they've faced. He also emphasized the importance of the game even though it is not against an OVC opponent. The Tigers (1-2) and Rattlers (2-1), from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, have met 14 times in the Atlanta Football Classic, and FAMU has won 11.
"I don't view either type of game as being more important than the other whether it's a conference game or one of our classics," said Reed, who is TSU's all-time leading tackler with 406 from 1985-88. "I embrace the classics. That's our heritage as (a Historically Black College and University)." TSU usually plays non-OVC opponents in Classics, which routinely draw larger crowds and are steeped in tradition.
It's a rivalry that dates back to 1944. FAMU head football coach Joe Taylor says, "Through the Jake Gaither, John Meritt days when those two guys always had tremendous battles and we're just keeping that tradition going."
A tradition that began in 1989, sixteen games between Tennessee State and FAMU have met halfway, in Atlanta, to play in what is now called the Atlanta Football Classic. FAMU sophomore DT Padric Scott adds, "It's always a big event. The history and tradition surrounding it, now you can't let that get too much over you so you still have to approach it as a game, but it's also a great game to have that environment."
The Atlanta Football Classic is expected to bring 60,000 visitors and a economic impact of $26 million, according to the Atlanta Visitors and Convention Bureau.
The Georgia Dome will host the Atlanta Football Classic on Sept. 25. Tennessee State will attempt to break its eight-year losing streak to Florida A&M, which has won 11 classics. Just as in the previous games, though, the classic will carry far more meaning than a football game.
"It's about an early come-together before Thanksgiving. It's a family reunion, part one," said Joe Bullard, voice of the Marching 100, Florida A&M's incomparable marching band. (If you're wondering, parts two and three take place at FAMU's homecoming and then at its final game of the year, according to Bullard.) It's a weekend of activities that include a health fair, job fair, college fair and parade.
It was hard to find much positive to take away from Howard's 50-7 loss to Florida A&M on Saturday afternoon at Greene Stadium. The Bison threw an interception, lost a fumble and had a punt blocked - and that was just in the first half. To make matters worse, all three of those miscues led to touchdowns for the Rattlers.
"We didn't play well, didn't play well in any phase - offensively, defensively, special teams," Howard Coach Carey Bailey said. "Was disastrous on all fronts. Was not a good day." Howard (0-3, 0-2 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) has now lost 10 in a row, dating to last season.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sept. 5, 2009. What a night it was for Florida A&M running back LaVante Page. The kid went out and rushed for over 100 yards and looked powerful doing it, too. About 30 minutes after he had a throng of media members looking for explanations of his explosive runs, Page was lying on the ground in a spot not far from the stadium where he lit up the night.
Page was the victim of a wanton shooting involving some teenagers who were later arrested. Page escaped with his life, but he'll live with the scar on his left arm where a stray bullet hit him. This year, Sept. 5 was much quieter for Page. A dubious anniversary came and went. Page didn't even remember to mark the day. No flashbacks, no nothing.
Tennessee State University will play an eleven-game football schedule for the 2009 season that features four home games and three “Classic” match-ups. The Tigers’ non-conference opponents consist of four traditional rivals, three from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (Alabama A&M, Jackson State, Southern) and one from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (Florida A&M). TSU’s seven-game Ohio Valley Conference schedule will consist of all OVC teams except Jacksonville State.
The 2009 season opens at home on Labor Day Week-end, September 5th, against Alabama A&M in the John Merritt Classic. The following week, TSU battles Jackson State at the Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis, TN (9/12). Closing out September, the Tigers travel on succeeding week-ends to face Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA (9/19) and Florida A&M in Atlanta, GA (9/26) at the Atlanta Football Classic.
TSU opens Ohio Valley Conference play on October 3rd at home against Southeast Missouri, then travels to Richmond, Kentucky to battle 2008 OVC Champion Eastern Kentucky. The month of October sees TSU host Murray State (10/17) followed by an open date before traveling to Cookeville, TN facing Tennessee Tech (10/31). Three games in November begin with Homecoming (11/03) against Tennessee Martin followed by road games at Austin Peay State (11/14) and Eastern Illinois (11/21).
Florida A&M (3-1) vs. Tennessee State (4-1) - FAMU is giving the 4-0 TSU Tigers a clinic on Joe Taylor power football with the Rattlers driving at the start of the 4th quarter with a 28-14 lead. Kudos to Versus with an excellent telecast of the Atlanta Football Classic game, including full half-time shows by both bands. FAMU Qier Hall intercepts QB Antonio Heffner with .59 second left in game to give the TSU Tigers the loss and Joe Taylor gets his 200th career victory (200-77-2). FAMU keeps the streak alive in a hard fought battle for their 7th consecutive victory over rival TSU. Rattlers move up with 3-1 record and has served notice to all, knocking off the #23 ranked team in the FCS Rankings and the Ohio Valley Conference leader. The Rattlers are moving forward to their rightful place as the premier football program in the MEAC. The game MVP for FAMU was QB Curtis Pulley and QB Antonio Heffner was the MVP for TSU. Final score FAMU 28-21.
Morgan State vs. Rutgers - No surprise here as the Scarlet Knight called the dogs off in the second half, but steamrolled the Morgan Bears 38-0.
Bethune Cookman vs. Norfolk State - The Spartans received a bitter dose of reality in Daytona Beach as the BCU Wildcats flatten the Spartans 33-17. The Spartans are nothing more than a one season wonder with a 2-3 record on the season.
South Carolina State vs. Winston Salem State - SCSU Bulldogs trying to get their pride back after getting smashed by Clemson last week 54-0. Too bad for the hapless WSSU Rams as they are getting a tatto beaten on their rear at the tune of 3-31 at the end of second quarter. Update: Score 37-10 SCSU with 12 minutes left in 3rd quarter. Final score on this blowout is SCSU 43, WSSU 17.
Grambling State vs. Langston - GSU wins 13-2 over their visitors. Final: GSU 13, Langston 2.
Southern vs. Alcorn State - The Jaguars are in for a long season as they escape the lowly Braves by a score of 15-12, with all their points coming in the second half of the game.
Central Connecticut State University vs. Delaware State - Hornets gets pounded 28-10 by a North East Conference, 1-AA Blue Devil team that moves to 3-1 on the season with a victory over N.C. Central last weekend. DSU falls to 1-2.
PVAMU vs. Morehouse - The Division II Maroon Tigers gave the Panthers a fight in the Angel City Classic in Los Angeles, CA. With the 28-17 win, Prairie View moves to 4-0.
AAMU vs. UAPB - Monte Coleman and the Golden Lions move to 0-5 as the Bulldogs move to 2-3, winning 23-17.
Howard vs. Savannah State in Miami, FL - In the battle of the cupcakes, Howard gains a much needed win by pounding the helpless Tigers 49-21 in Miami, FL. Bison moves to 1-3 and SSU drops to 2-3
NCA&T vs. Coastal Carolina - The Aggies get embarrassed again falling on the losing end of a 20-7 score. The Lee Fobbs era may be ending soon as only 2,062 attended this contest at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, N.C. This attendance figure has to be wrong. If not, the Aggies have lost their pride and are feed up with Fobbs and his losing ways. The Aggies fall to 2-3 on the year. CCU of the Big South Conference moves to 3-2.
Texas Southern vs. Concordia College - TSU is padding its record with a schedule of Division II cupcakes in Texas College and Concordia College. The Tigers are leading 45-21 in the 4th quarter over Concordia which illustrate how awful this TSU program is under-performing.
Who's Hot: FAMU Rattlers are playing superb football and has opportunity to become the league's contender with a home date with South Carolina State next weekend. Rattlers should mop the field with Buddy Pough Bulldogs who ran over the Rattlers last season when Rubin Carter was coach. It won't happen this time as the Rattlers are seeking a championship.
Greatest Surprise: PVAMU 4-0 and in the drivers seat to win the SWAC. Overall poor showing of the SWAC this football season. FAMU defense is stopping drives and scoring TDs to help offense. National televised rivalry game attracts 50,428 to Georgia Dome with gas shortages in Atlanta. MEAC Teams inability to beat Out of Conference 1-AA/FCS teams that they scheduled for their home stadiums.
Top Newcomer: FAMU QB Curtis Pulley
Dummy of the Year: The clown(s) responsible for the FAMU athletic website (http://www.famurattersport.com/) that has everything wrong or missing including current rosters for the athletic teams, posted game scores and stats, and listing two coaches no longer on Coach Joe Taylor's staff.
NO. 23 TSU (4-0) VS. FLA. A&M (2-1) Where: Georgia Dome Last meeting: FAMU 18, TSU 17 (2007) Key matchup: FAMU RB Philip Sylvester vs. TSU DT Maurice Davis. Sylvester carried the ball 25 times for 131 yards in last year's game. Davis helped TSU hold Eastern Kentucky to 9 rushing yards last week and is tied as the Tigers' leading tackler among linemen with 13 total stops. TV: Versus Sports Channel (LIVE nationally) -- Cable Systems, Dish Network and Direct TV Time: 4:00 PM ET
Tennessee State quarterback Antonio Heffner made his way past a teammate being interviewed by a reporter earlier this week and offered a directive. "Talk about the team Cliff — it's all about the team,'' Heffner said to safety Eugene Clifford. This team is very special to Heffner. Just how special a team the Tigers are could be answered if they finally beat Florida A&M (2-1) at 3 p.m. today in the Atlanta Classic at the Georgia Dome.
TSU QB Antonio Heffner proposed to girlfriend after Southern Heritage Classic victory in Memphis on Sept. 13, 2008. She said "yes", and since he has the girl, he now plans to get first victory in his career against FAMU.
It has been a great start for the No. 23 Tigers (4-0), but today's test might be the stiffest they've faced so far. Playing before a large crowd that could be in excess of 50,000, TSU hopes to snap a six-year losing streak to an opponent Coach James Webster calls "our No. 1 rival." Heffner agrees. "Not only is this our No. 1 rival, (but) it's about the event, all the hype that comes along with this game,'' Heffner said. "We haven't beaten them in a long time and not since I've been here." More fanfare was added last week when the Versus cable sports network announced it would televise the game live nationally for the first time.
Versus announced Thursday it will broadcast the Atlanta Football Classic game between Tennessee State and Florida A&M on Sept. 27. It is the first time in the game's 20-year history that is has been televised nationally. Versus reaches approximately 73 million homes.
"We feel that given the tradition and historic rivalries featured … it is truly an event of national significance,'' said Marc Fein, executive vice president of programming, production and business operations for Versus. Kickoff will be at 3 p.m. This will mark the 10th consecutive year that TSU and Florida A&M have appeared in the Atlanta game. Florida A&M has won the last six.
FAMU, TSU get $100K each; rest goes to Atlanta schools
By St. Clair Murraine, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
ATLANTA - A little more than a dozen children were so engrossed during a math-class discussion that they seemed oblivious to the presence of principal Curt Green on Friday. Hardly any of them looked around when Green began to explain the roundtable setting to a visitor.
A few doors down the hall, an English teacher worked with a handful of students at the chalkboard. At the same time, several other students had group discussions going on.
Nothing seemed traditional in any of the other classes at the all-boys BEST Academy, housed in the old Thurgood Marshall School on Atlanta's northwest side. The curriculum is like most elementary schools, but the way it's presented is completely out of the box.
"Most boys seem to be hands-on in terms of studies," said Green, explaining the teaching concept. "They need a lot of movement associated with the work that they're learning in class. They get to touch and manipulate the (leaning tools) that they're using in class versus sitting down and hearing a lecture and taking notes all the time. We're focusing on their strengths."
The school's future looks bright, thanks in part to money raised through the Atlanta Classic football game. The game has become the 100 Black Men of Atlanta's biggest annual fundraiser.
While the Atlanta School Board provides funding for the school, the 100 Black Men pays for the boys' uniforms. But the biggest financial beneficiary is Project Success, a mentoring program initiated by the 100 Black Men.
Project Success offers children from low-income families an opportunity to develop life skills. The men take a lead role with actual involvement with the children.
Since taking over promotion of the annual rivalry game between FAMU and Tennessee State University 19 years ago, Project Success has benefited to the tune of $2.6 million, said John Grant, CEO of the organization, who didn't disclose exactly how much has been raised.
A huge chunk of gate receipts goes to payouts in the range of more than $100,000 to each university. About $6 million has been paid to the schools over the years.
The partnership goes hand in hand with the 100 Black Men's mission to motivate children from underprivileged communities to attend college, Grant said. He also said that several corporate supporters have offered internship opportunities and jobs to graduates of Project Success.
The Classic remains pivotal, though.
"I think the important thing to know is the fact that we're partnering with two colleges that have a long history of rivalry," he said. "We want those institutions to be strong institutions because we're sending kids.
"Our goal is to continue to increase the amount of payout that goes to the schools every year and raise money for more kids from challenged societies. We are impacting a lot of lives in a lot of communities."
The school is the brainchild of Beverly Hall, Atlanta's superintendent of schools, and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta. It's the latest mentoring project for the non-profit organization.
The academy opened for the first time in August with 138 sixth-grade boys. The plan is to add a grade every year through 12th. In two years, renovation work will be completed at Benjamin Carson School, which will become the permanent home of the academy.
Project Success, like the BEST Academy, is about letting children know that education is a sure way to change their fortunes, Grant said. Some of the boys are proteges of Project Success.
"Going through that, I got help with school and my homework, too," said Chad Gordon, 11. "I really appreciated it because I could get a scholarship to a college. My parents are really happy about that, and I'm really excited because I can't wait to go to college."
The emphasis at BEST, which stands for Business, Engineering, Science and Technology, is just that. Scientists such as Lonnie Johnson, who is known for his work in the study of alternative fuel, have had discussion sessions with the boys.
In the classroom, some of their work is done on special computerized programs in each room.
"I find it interesting because at this school we have iPods," said Marcquel Culberson, a former traditional-school student. "I'm enjoying it a lot."
The children's parents are just as involved as their mentors and teachers. They have to commit to giving volunteer hours and participating in educational projects themselves, Grant said.
"This is about changing the paradigm," Grant said. "We want them to know this is not an entitlement program; it's an opportunity program. You have to want the opportunity; we're not here to pull you along."
By JOHN T. GRANT, (AS TOLD TO BILL BANKS) , Atlanta Journal Constitution
The Atlanta Football Classic, and all the events surrounding it, has profound relevance for me personally.
I grew up in a small town, Potecasi, N.C., and I went to North Carolina A&T State University. Like many who've attended historically black colleges and universities, I was the first person in my family to go to college.
This game started because 100 Black Men of Atlanta needed to raise more money for our (mentoring and tuition assistance program) Project Success, which was then in its second year.
That first game was at Bobby Dodd Stadium, and we drew 40-something thousand, which was crucial. If we had only drawn 20,000 or so, we would've been dead in the water. We never would've met expenses.
From there, the game has just grown into a Wednesday-through-Saturday festival. We have a big college fair with about 5,000 high school juniors and seniors who show up. We have a health fair, an intellectual debate, a concert, and our Georgia Power Parade of Excellence.
In other words, we use this game as a way to promote our mission, which is to provide support and improve the quality of life for African-American kids.
Further, I think that remains the mission of HBCUs. I think a lot of people in recent years have wondered if HBCUs have outlived their usefulness. But I believe they are needed today more than ever.
In the beginning, HBCUs were needed because of discrimination. Now the reasons are more economic.
We have had in the current generation, because of the policies of our country, a whole new cycle of poverty. As a result, you have children growing up today who don't know anything about the college experience.
It seems like everywhere I turn, I see kids who don't envision college as a part of their future.
They don't think of themselves in academic terms, and neither do their parents. So, I think, given those conditions, HBCUs are as vital today as they were 100 years ago.
And I think the same of HBCU football. There is a climate, an energy that is different from mainstream college football. HBCU football is more of a community and cultural experience.
There is something about our football that hearkens back to an earlier era, before big business and big media took over sports.
Our game reminds us of a more casual era when there was barely any separation between players and spectators, when we were all part of one large community.
Here's an interesting fact: 59 percent of those coming (to the Classic) are women, who in turn bring children. So we have more of a family atmosphere than your typical football game.
Many of the people, perhaps more than half of the 70,000 people who show up, aren't even alumni of the two schools.
This is just a huge homecoming and reunion for HBCU fans and graduates in general. We have people buying tickets who come from 33 states, plus Canada and the Virgin Islands.
Of course, there is one other major difference between black football and mainstream football.
At [mainstream] games, people rush to the concession stands at halftime. But at our games, people are rushing to their seats.
No one in their right mind would want to miss the battle of the bands.
— John T. Grant, 50, became CEO of 100 Black Men of Atlanta in November, 2001, but he joined the organization in 1988 and worked on the very first Atlanta Football Classic (then called "The Ebony Classic" ) in 1989. The Classic remains the largest fund-raiser for 100 Black Men of Atlanta.
After seeing his opponent rip 90 yards down the field with no timeouts in less than a minute, the Florida A&M coach knew it was time to put his trust in a higher power.
As he watched Tennessee State's sure-footed kicker Eric Benson lined up for the go-ahead 27-yard field goal with eight seconds left, Carter's only thought was, "Lord, I sure hope he misses this kick."
He did.
Photo: Tennessee State kicker Eric Benson (left) watches his field goal attempt sail wide left, while Florida A&M defensive back LeRoy Vann (right) celebrates.
Benson, who hadn't missed a kick all year, shanked it wide left. The missed kick, which never had a chance, enabled Florida A&M to escape the Georgia Dome with an 18-17 win over rival Tennessee State in the 19th annual Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic.
It was the fifth straight year the game has been decided in the final period and the sixth straight time FAMU has beaten TSU. Tennessee State leads the series 25-22, but FAMU is now 11-3 against the Tigers in the Atlanta Football Classic.
"I had all the confidence in the world that he was going to make that kick," said Tennessee State coach James Webster. "I thought when he lined up, game over, end of the streak. I was already starting to think about how we were going to squib the kickoff."
Carter admitted, "It didn't look real good with eight seconds left."
Tennessee State took possession with 50 seconds left, having spent its final timeout on FAMU's previous possession. The Tigers (2-3) began on their own 5 after a holding penalty on the punt return.
But quarterback Antonio Heffner put Tennessee State in position to win the game with a pair of clutch passes, a 25-yarder to Ronald Evans and a 55-yarder to Chris Johnson, who almost scored before being gang tackled at the 5. Tennessee State suffered a 5-yard penalty for illegal procedure, then waited through a FAMU timeout before Benson attempted the kick.
"He's a very poised young man," Webster said. "He just didn't kick it right."
FAMU (2-2) won the game with a strong second half. The Rattlers, who trailed 14-5 at halftime, were more aggressive on defense and became more effective on offense after Leon Camel replaced starter Albert Chester late in the third quarter.
"We played awful football in the first half, not up to game tempo," Carter said. "At halftime we talked about the urgency we needed to have in the second half."
Photo: The Rattlers' Philip Sylvester, left, stiff arms the Tigers' #10, Reno Thompson for extra yardage.
Freshman Qier Hall came up with the big plays the Rattlers needed in the third quarter. He returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown, then returned the next punt 20 yards to set up the go-ahead score.
"We told the special teams last night that we needed to make a big play and they did," Carter said. "That turned it around for us."
Webster agreed. "You take that [touchdown] away and we win the game," he said. "Those were two critical plays on the punt coverage team."
FAMU's Philip Sylvester provided the offensive stability needed. The freshman rushed 25 times for 131 yards and caught two passes. He was named the team's MVP.
Heffner, voted Tennessee State's MVP, led the Tigers by completing 12 of 22 passes for 309 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 67 yards and one touchdown. But Heffner was pursued more aggressively by the FAMU defense in the second half and could not produce another touchdown.
"They started taking more chances," Webster said. "The first half they sat back and let things happen. The second half they started blitzing and take chances.
The FAMU defense had only two sacks, but made eight tackles behind the line. Carlos Rolle led the Rattlers with nine tackles.
By JENNIFER BRETT, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tailgating, classic style: Hot dogs on the grill, brews in the cooler.
Tailgating, 100 Black Men of Atlanta style: Carving stations, proper silverware — and fantastic people watching.
"I don't do tailgating," said Charita Gray, among the crowd at the posh reception preceding Saturday's Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome.
But the club-level shindig, held hours before Florida A&M and Tennessee State University took the field, suited her fine. The event featured live music, a cash bar and buffet stations with pasta, vegetables, maple-glazed turkey breast and Cajun roast beef. Some guests claimed comfy seats near a wall of televisions airing various sporting events, while others worked the crowd.
"This is absolutely the way to do it," said Cynthia Williams, vice president of resource development for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women of Atlanta, Metro Atlanta Chapter. She was seated near the keyboardist with Virginia Harris, the group's president.
Cynthia and Bobby Smith of Mableton attended as guests of former Assistant Secretary of State Terrell Slayton Jr., president-elect of 100 Black Men of Atlanta. Cynthia Smith chuckled as she contemplated the poor tailgaters having to get by without china or linen serviettes.
"They need to get in the know," she joked.
Kidding aside, of course, the Classic benefits Project Success, a mentoring program run by 100 Black Men of Atlanta that prepares young people to excel academically, professionally and in civic life.
And there's certainly nothing wrong with standard game-day fare, said a sharp-dressed Fonzworth Bentley, the former personal assistant of Sean "Diddy" Combs and author of "Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence and Style to Get Ahead."
"That is the real thing, sitting outside, barbecuing, sweating," said Bentley, an Atlanta native known as Derek Watkins during his Morehouse College days. Casually elegant in blue jeans, blazer with pocket square and velvet slippers, he caught up with friends Leigh Jones and Tannis Williamson, both Clark Atlanta University alumnae.
(Yes, they both said, he was fabulous even before he became Fonzworth.)
Other notable attendees included Earl Martin and Hiram Little, both members of Atlanta chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. Earlier in the day they participated in the Classic parade, and heads swiveled as the gents made their way through the reception crowd.
"I appreciate all the attention I get," Little said. "I'm not going to lie, I love it. Although sometimes I think it's a little overdone."
ATLANTA — Turnovers didn't cost Tennessee State like they did a week earlier at Southern. On Saturday, it was special-teams problems.
A botched punt snap resulted in a safety just before halftime. An 83-yard punt return for a touchdown by Qier Hall put Florida A&M within three points in the third quarter. And a 20-yard return by Hall later in the third led to what proved to be the winning touchdown in the 18-17 TSU loss.
"That was a big play in the game," TSU Coach James Webster said of the touchdown return, during which Hall eluded the grasp of four would-be tacklers.
The Tigers' only turnover came on a third-quarter fumble by Javarris Williams, who had 87 yards on 19 carries. But quarterback Antonio Heffner did drop a direct snap on a fourth-down play in the fourth quarter.
Richardson plays: Despite a sore shoulder and knee, All-OVC defensive end Shaun Richardson played in the second half and had a sack in the fourth quarter.
"We thought we could get one big play out of him," Webster said. "He didn't play in the first half and I don't know if he should have in the second."
Gouch gets start: With Richardson hurting, freshman Branden Gouch got his first college start in his hometown. He went to Therrell High School, just a few miles from the Georgia Dome.
Other homecomings: Gouch was one of four players from Georgia to see plenty of action against FAMU. Nahshon Bigham, a senior from Macon, and Kalvin Baker, a sophomore from Columbus, started a linebacker. Ozzie Harrell, a freshman from the Atlanta suburb of Lithonia, played extensively at cornerback.
Time off: The Tigers are idle next weekend before returning to OVC play at Tennessee Tech on Oct. 11, a Thursday night game. TSU, which beat Austin Peay 33-32 in overtime in its OVC opener, defeated Tennessee Tech 30-20 last year in Nashville.
Photo: TSU quarterback Antonio Heffner has been the biggest turnover offender this season. He has thrown seven interceptions and fumbled twice.
By MIKE ORGAN, Tennessean
TSU (2-2) VS. FLORIDA A&M Atlanta Football ClassicWhere: Georgia Dome, Atlanta.Time: 2 p.m.TV: SportSouth (not available on Comcast in Nashville).Radio: WNSR 560-AMLast meeting: FAMU 25, TSU 22 OT (2006)Key matchup: TSU WR Chris Johnson vs. FAMU DB Ernest Williams. Johnson is ranked ninth nationally, averaging 98 receiving yards per game. Williams has an interception and 12 tackles.
Otherwise solid offense averages four giveaways
TSU quarterback Antonio Heffner has been the biggest turnover offender this season. He has thrown seven interceptions and fumbled twice.
Tennessee State's football players are holding onto hopes of accomplishing their goals.
Or are they?
The Tigers didn't hold onto much of anything in the second half of last week's game at Southern.
Five second-half turnovers led to a 41-34 loss and evened TSU's record to 2-2, with another difficult challenge sure to come today from Florida A&M (1-2) in the Atlanta Football Classic.
The Rattlers, the last nonconference opponent on the schedule, handed the Tigers a heartbreaking 25-22 overtime loss last year.
Even with the bungles and botched plays, the most important goals — posting a winning record and winning the Ohio Valley Conference — are within reach for the Big Blue. That's provided the offense can get a grip.
"When it comes to cutting down on turnovers, I don't think you put it in your players' minds,'' TSU Coach James Webster said. "You work on turnovers. But I don't want them thinking, 'Don't turn it over, don't turn it over.' I want them feeling positive and good that, 'I'm not going to turn it over as a result of working on drills.'"
The staff put the offense through more drills this week aimed at protecting the football than during any of the previous weeks.
Overshadowing accomplishments
Take away the turnovers and TSU's offense has performed well. The Tigers are first in the OVC and 19th nationally in total offense, averaging 421.8 yards a game.
Those accomplishments, however, have been overshadowed by an average of nearly four turnovers per game.
With eight fumbles and seven interceptions TSU is ranked 113th out of 116 teams nationally in turnover margin (minus-2.25).
No player has been bugged by the bungles more than Antonio Heffner. The junior quarterback has been responsible for nine turnovers — seven interceptions and two fumbles.
"You're just out there playing and some things happen that are not under your control,'' said Heffner, who fumbled twice and threw two interceptions last week. "Sometimes you wonder, 'How did that happen?' The ball security drills we did this week should help.''
Despite the setbacks, Heffner said the Tigers are glad they still can accomplish what they hoped for this season. And a win today would send them back into OVC play (Oct. 11 at Tennessee Tech) with some needed momentum.
"This is a big game because it's a rivalry came,'' Heffner said. "Then we get a week off next week before we go back into the OVC. Our main goal is to win the OVC."
TALLAHASSEE — Today's Florida A&M-Tennessee State game in Atlanta matches two of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's and Ohio Valley Conference's top running backs, but FAMU freshman Phillip Sylvester isn't concerned with a one-on-one battle with Tigers running back Javarris Williams.
"Really, when I go into a game, I don't try to compare myself to anybody else or compete with him," Sylvester said.
"What he does has nothing to do with what I'm going to do or what I'm capable of doing."
Still, fans at the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic will have eyes on both runners.
Williams ran for 229 yards and a touchdown last season against FAMU (1-2), although his fumble allowed the Rattlers to kick the winning field goal in overtime.
"He's a very smart back." FAMU linebacker Dannel Shepard said of Williams. "He reads his linemen. He knows how to cut to his holes very fast and he's a hard runner."
Yet Shepard is confident in the FAMU defense."We have that mind-set and that courage and that camaraderie on our defense to the point that if one man steps up, everyone will step up," he said.
"You see one orange jersey and there will be 10 others coming around."
Sylvester wasn't on the field last season, but he is gaining ground. Two weeks ago, he ran for 222 yards in a 30-17 win against Howard.His 120.7 rushing yards per game is second-best in the MEAC and he's averaging 7.9 yards per carry.
"The first thing is the offensive line," he said. "They block really well. Even in high school, I didn't average 10 yards a carry in any one of my games."
Photo: #80 SU Gerard Landry and #45 TSU Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are both All-Americans and faced each other last week in SU vs. TSU game.
By St. Clair Murraine, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
Tennessee State University receiver Chris Johnson is making a name for himself in the Ohio Valley Conference. Defensive back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie also is getting noticed for his penchant for blocking kicks.
Then, there is kicker Eric Benson, who might turn out to be the man who makes the biggest difference against Florida A&M on Saturday. He is the reason that the Tigers are coming into Saturday's Atlanta Classic with a 2-2 record.
Field goals by Benson gave TSU back-to-back wins over Jackson State and Austin Peay.
"Right now I feel very confident that if it comes down to a kick at the end that we're going to win," said TSU coach James Webster. "He's won two ballgames for us (and) I think he's got confidence in what he's doing. I've got a lot of confidence in him."
Considering the outcome of the last two games, which FAMU won, accuracy in the kicking game could be pivotal. FAMU took last year's game on Wesley Taylor's leg.
Taylor secured an overtime win for FAMU with a 34-yard field goal last year. A year earlier Taylor's punt to TSU's 1-yard line in the closing minutes put FAMU in position to hold off the Tigers 12-7.
Taylor, who has been in a funk lately, said the magnitude of the game is enough for him to begin a turnaround.
"I like the pressure," said Taylor, who hit his first field goal in three attempts two weeks ago against Howard. "I've been blessed to be able to go out there and win the game for my teammates. A lot of people say they can't take the pressure.
"As a field-goal kicker, that pressure kick is the one you live for. Everybody in the world is depending on you."
Taylor said he used FAMU's bye week to refocus and brush up his technique.
"The past few games, I've been putting too much pressure on myself," he said. "Coach (Rubin) Carter told me I'm a senior and I should go out there and have fun. He was right. I'm going to stop thinking about it and have a good time."
While Webster expressed confidence in Benson, Carter was just as optimistic that Taylor will get the job done if the game is going to be decided by a field goal.
"What we have to do is to make sure we surround (Taylor) with a supporting cast," Carter said. "Wesley has shown competitiveness in his ability to win big games for us."
FAMU receiver misses last two games with knee injury.
Willie Hayward wasn't a part of the lineup of players for FAMU's weekly meeting with the media on Tuesday, but maybe he should have been.
So much was being asked of his teammates about the wide receiver's expected return to the Rattlers' offense this weekend.
While offensive and defensive players had plenty to say about how Hayward's absence has affected the offense, no one ever has more to say than Hayward. He doesn't just talk the talk, however. He walks the walk as well, bringing an extra dimension to the Rattlers' firepower.
He sat out FAMU's last two games with a damaged MCL in his left knee, which he injured during FAMU's season-opener against Southern.
Hayward comes with a swagger - his gift of gab, body language that's intended to intimidate defenses. And, yes, there are times when he'll celebrate with arms akimbo on his hips whenever he makes a catch.
Catch Hayward at the right time, and with his flamboyant style he'll drop a line or two in third person.
"I guess that's all part of Willie Hayward," he said, a long gold necklace dangling on his chest. "Maybe I can take it over the top, but I know to calm myself down.
"For the most part, I'm just playing with emotion and getting into the game. Being in the game and talking is something that comes naturally to me."
His talent seems natural, too. So much so that NFL scouts have been taking notice and more than a few of them might be in the Georgia Dome when Hayward makes his comeback. FAMU plays Tennessee State in the Atlanta Football Classic on Saturday.
No one is more elated than coach Rubin Carter, who has used a string of young receivers in the two games that Hayward missed.
"Now he's back to full speed and able to go out and be an integral part of what we do offensively that includes him," said Carter, adding that Hayward's antics aren't overbearing because sometimes the team needs it.
"That's the competitive nature of Willie," he said. "He is just that caliber of athlete. As long as it doesn't cause us any harm, we like the energy and fire he has."
During his recovery, Hayward spent time working on his upper-body strength. Most days in practice he was perched on the sidelines talking and observing. His first actual day of practice was Wednesday.
"I decided to go out there every day and watch from the outside, the coverages on defense," he said. "I always try to get better any way I can."
Hayward had three catches for 31 yards against Southern as his only contribution so far this season. His teammates, responding to the questions from the media, made it clear that Hayward is a must-have weapon.
"With (Hayward) coming back adds a whole new dimension to our offense," said senior running back Anthony Edwards, who has played sporadically due to arthritis in his foot. "From the Southern game we saw how much respect (defenses) have, putting two or three people on him. If they put two and three on him, that just opens up the run."
The Southern University football team has long played in the Bayou Classic, matching up with rival Grambling every year. Now, the Jaguars will head east to play in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic.
