Battle of Bands: Grambling State vs. Jackson State

Part I: Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South 2007


Part II, Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band 2007

2007 Battle of Bands: SCSU vs. NCAT

Lowcountry Classic 2007 Half-Time Shows

South Carolina State University Marching 101


North Carolina A&T State University Blue & Gold Marching Machine

2007 Florida Classic: Battle of the Bands - FAMU vs. BCU

Florida A&M University Marching 100

Florida Classic Halftime FAMU 2007


Bethune Cookman University Wildcats

Florida Classic Halftime BCU 2007


Florida A&M University Marching 100 - Concert Selection


Bethune Cookman University Wildcats - Concert Selection


Florida A&M University Marching 100



Bethune Cookman University Wildcats



Florida A&M University Marching 100

PBS Florida Crossroads: The Making of the Band, The FAMU Marching 100

The Florida A&M University "Marching 100” was featured on PBS’s Florida Crossroads television show on October 30, November 1, and November 4, 2007, which aired on PBS and other public, educational and government channels throughout the State of Florida. The 30-minute documentary, "The Making of the Band: The FAMU "Marching 100," focused on the members of the Marching 100, who spoke candidly about what it takes to be a part of the world renowned tradition.

For your pleasure and enjoyment, the entire program is provided below in a sequence of three parts of the program. Dr. Julian E. White, director of bands and chairman of the Florida A&M University Department of Music, shares impartial insight to the internal workings of this 61 year old institution, which was created by Dr. William P. Foster. You don't want to miss watching this straightforward documentary of the Florida A&M University Marching 100. Enjoy!

Part I: PBS Documentary, "The Making of the Band: The FAMU Marching 100"


Part II: PBS Documentary, "The Making of the Band: The FAMU Marching 100"


Part III: PBS Documentary, "The Making of the Band: The FAMU Marching 100"

Today's Game: Grambling State at Jackson State

Photo: Member of GSU band performs at Half-time.

by beepbeep

Today's rivalry game with the only two undefeated conference teams in the SWAC has created a championship buzz and excitement second only to the final SWAC championship game itself. Grambling State University with a 5-1 overall record (5-0 SWAC), will face Jackson State Tigers, 4-2 overall, 4-0 SWAC in a celebration that will commemorate the 40th year of Grambling and JSU playing at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

This game will also honor the late Grambling coach Eddie Robinson. Members of Coach Rob's family (wife, Doris Robinson and son Eddie Robinson Jr.) are expected to attend the game to receive honors on his behalf. Members of the 1967 JSU football team and former JSU coach Rod Paige, who later served the country as a political appointee and Secretary, over the U.S. Department of Education will also be honored.

But best of all, this rivalry game will be a classic with the Tigers band of Grambling State University and the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band doing non-stop battle in the stands, on the field and in the 5th Quarter. All the SWAC bands are great, but these two schools takes it to the highest level when they face off at half-time, and you don't want to miss these memorable performances that will be talked about by fans for the next 40 years.

Photo: JSU Sonic Boom of the South band is ready for the world famous GSU Tigers Band.

Yes, this game will be televised today at 12:00 p.m. Central Time, (1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time) on ESPN Classic and via the Internet online at ESPN 360.

Expect the football to be great also, with Rod Broadway's Grambling Tigers and Rick Comegy's Jackson State Tigers fighting for bragging rights to the SWAC championship.

This one is too close to call and you just have to watch it or be there to see who will become the favorite for the SWAC Championship.

However, to get you in the spirit here are a few excepts for your enjoyment from the bands of GSU and JSU. Enjoy!

Grambling State University Tigers Marching Band (10/13/07)



Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band (10/13/2007)

Grambling State Band: How are they this season?

If you have not heard the famous band from the deep, deep South--here is a clip for your listening pleasure. We all know Grambling football team is headed for the SWAC Championship but is the band up to their usual championship quality? Holla back and let me know your opinions....

Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band (@ UAPB 10/13/07)

Gallery & Half-Time Show: UAPB M4

The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) and the Golden Girls (10/13/2007).

Gallery: Southern University Human Juke Box answers JSU Tigers

Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band and the Dancing Dolls

Gallery: JSU came, they saw and they conquered Southern University Jaguars!

Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band and The Dancing J-Settes

Today's SWAC football games

Photo: AAMU Marching Maroon and White Band

Huntsville Times

Today's games

Prairie View (3-2, 2-2 SWAC) at Alabama State (4-2, 3-2 SWAC); Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, 1 p.m.

The Panthers need three wins in their last five games to post their first winning season in decades. Prairie View's two losses have been at Southern (12-2) and against Grambling (17-14) at Dallas. The Panthers are among the best defensive teams in the league and have been among the top rushing teams.

Alabama State has dropped its last two games since opening the season with four straight wins. QB Chris Mitchell and Alex Engram have struggled the last two weeks. Combined, they have completed just 13-of-51 passes for 176 yards, three TD and three INT. Last week, ASU's defense allowed 285 yards rushing in a loss at Jackson State.

Prediction: Alabama State 17, Prairie View 14

Alcorn State (0-5, 0-4 SWAC) at Texas Southern (0-5, 0-4 SWAC); Durley Field, Houston, Texas, 2 p.m.

The Braves or Tigers will get their first win of the season today. Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas has been able to get his team off the deck in recent years, but it doesn't appear that will happen this season. Thomas, who has managed to hang on, might not be able to keep his job if he doesn't get the Braves turned around.

The same can be said of Texas Southern coach Steve Wilson. The Tigers are 4-34 in Wilson's four seasons.

Prediction: Texas Southern 17, Alcorn State 14

No. 3 North Dakota State (5-0) at Mississippi Valley State (1-4); Rice-Totten Stadium, Itta Bena, Miss., 2 p.m.

The Delta Devils, who have been outscored 70-3 in their last six quarters, have allowed 135 points the last three games. WR/return specialist Clarence Cotton has two fractured vetebrae and has not played in the last two games. MVSU coach Willie Totten said Cotton's season is likely over and the team will apply for a medical redshirt. QB Paul Roberts has a concussion and likely won't play, while QB Semaj Williams, who started in place of Roberts against Grambling, has bruised rubs.

North Dakota State crushed MVSU 45-0 last season in Fargo, N.D.

Prediction: North Dakota State 52, Mississippi Valley State 10

Grambling (4-1, 4-0 SWAC) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-4, 1-2 SWAC); Golden Lions Stadium, Pine Bluff, Ark., 4 p.m.

The Tigers have been the most dominant team in league play. Grambling, which has allowed just two offensive TDs in SWAC play, disposed of Alcorn State, Alabama A&M, Prairie View and Mississippi Valley State by a combined score of 119-30. QB Brandon Landers has been very efficient, along with freshman RB Frank Warren and Cornelius Walker. WR Clyde Edwards and Reginald Jackson are ranked among the league's best.

The Golden Lions, who started 1-3 last season before running off seven straight wins to claim the West Division title and reach the championship game, are 1-4. Duplicating last year's run won't be easy. QB Chris Wallace, the preseason Offensie Player of the Year, was benched weeks ago and running backs Martell Mallet and Mickey Dean have been ineffective behind a revamped offensive line.

Prediction: Grambling 31, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 10

Jackson State (3-2, 3-0 SWAC) at Southern (5-1, 3-1 SWAC); A.W. Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, La., 6 p.m.

Tigers coach Rick Comegy upset many folks earlier this week with comments about how hostile the environment was at Southern even though he has never coached a game there. JSU has won three straight games since dropping its first two but has arguably the most difficult schedule in the East Division. After today's game, the Tigers host Grambling and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, visit Alabama A&M and Prairie View and host Alcorn State.

Southern suffered its first setback last week with a home loss to Alabama A&M. The Jaguars, trying to keep up with Grambling, are in a must-win situation. Southern's defense, which had been dominant until last week, needs to return to form against Jackson State, which has hit its stride over the last three weeks.

Prediction: Southern 24, Jackson State 20

Last week: 3-1

Season total: 24-8

Reggie Benson

Photo: Alcorn State University Sounds of Dyn-O-mite Marching Band.

Jackson State University Sonic Boom Band suspension lifted

Photo: JSU Sonic Boom of the South Band member does fire routine during half-time performance.

By LaRaye Brown, Clarion Ledger

Alleged hazing amounts to sit ups

The JSU Sonic Boom marching band will be allowed to perform at the university's Saturday football game against Southern after university officials lifted a suspension prompted by hazing allegations.

Two days after suspending the Sonic Boom of the South, Jackson State University announced it has reversed the decision and will allow the band to perform at Saturday's game against rival Southern University.

The 280-member band was suspended Tuesday after parents and non-members raised hazing allegations.

"Some students were required to do sit ups and crunches if they did not perform their musical parts or marching routine correctly," Velvelyn Foster, vice president of academic affairs and student life, said in a news release. "We also found that some members of the band might have felt pressure because of the high expectation of excellence required of band members."

Lee Shields, a senior trombone player, said he and other members have done 25 to 50 push ups for being late to practice and other things. He said it’s not hazing.

“It’s the honor system,” Shields said. “You know you messed up. There really isn’t any other consequence for it other than you messed up the show.”

The band, which draws high school musicians from across the country, competes at football games with other university show bands. It has performed internationally and on national television, including the NAACP Image Awards.

Honda BOTB DVD: Stompin' at the Dome

FAMU Marching 100 is not on this one; taped in 2007--NSU and BCU represented the MEAC. My favorite is Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm, directed by George W. Edwards, (FAMU grad) who put on a spectacular show, as always. Order it--worth the price and great entertainment! Proceeds from the DVD sales will benefit each school’s music program.

Florida A&M University Marching 100: Half-Time Show, Atlanta Football Classic 2007

Part I


Part II


Part III


Part IV

Tennessee State University Marching Band: Half-Time Show, Atlanta Football Classic 2007

Part I, Tennessee State University "Aristocrat of Bands" Marching Band


Part II


Part III

Injuries mount against the FAMU Rattlers

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

ATLANTA - The Florida A&M Rattlers left the Georgia Dome with another win Saturday, but it may have come at the cost of the some key players.

Senior defensive end Tyrone McGriff left the game in the third quarter with a torn biceps on his left arm, which could make him doubtful for next week's Circle City Classic in Indianapolis.

Redshirt-sophomore guard Anthony Collins went down 2:58 in the second quarter with looked like an injury to his knee. Collins, who hurt his knee two weeks ago against Howard did not play the rest of the game.

Freshman fullback Demarius Folsom went down 11:52 in the first quarter with what looked like a foot injury and did not play the rest of the game either.

Folsom, from Madison County High, was replaced by sophomore Mykel Benson, who saw his first action of the season.

Benson just returned to practice three weeks ago after recovering from a neck injury that kept him out of fall camp and the first three games of the season. Benson caught a pass for 15 yards in the first quarter.

A taste of twin towers
Freshman bookend defensive ends Kendrick Washington and Marquiste Ramos are expected to the future of FAMU's pass rush.

The future got a jump start Saturday when the two got the opportunity to play together for the first time this season.

It happened in the third quarter when senior starters Carlos Rolle and McGriff went down with injuries on the same play.

Washington and Ramos were inserted at bookends for the first time in their careers.

“It was exciting,” said Washington, who had one tackle, assisted on a tackle for loss and had a pass breakup in the game. “It was something we have been looking forward to.”

Trick plays
Offensive coordinator Bob Cole brought out a few trick plays in the first half. First he lined up quarterback Albert Chester II at wide receiver and direct-snapped the ball to running back Philip Sylvester who took it for a nine-yard gain.

Later in the second quarter, Chester lined up outside again, but this time backup quarterback Leon Camel was put in the game and took the snap in the shotgun formation.

That play didn't gain any yards, however.

Encouraging words
FAMU senior kicker Wesley Taylor was happy to win Saturday, but admitted he felt some sympathy for Tennessee State Eric Benson, who missed the potential game-winning field goal with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter.

“It's a tough situation for a kicker to be in,” Taylor. “I've never had that happen to me in a game, but I know what he is going through. I talked to him after the game and told him to keep his head up.”

Taylor had his struggles Saturday, missing a field-goal attempt and an extra-point kick but will end his career having never lost in the Georgia Dome.

Last year Taylor kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime, earning MVP honors.

Safety valve
An errant snap in the second quarter that resulted in a safety turned out the be the points difference in the game.

Tennessee State's center sent the ball sailing into the end zone when he thought he saw quarterback Antonio Heffner move his foot.

Tennessee State head football coach James Webster said the offense had to use a silent snap count because of crowd noise.

Heffner was stepping up to the line to call an audible, which confused the center.

Marching to the beat

Photo: Giving back--SCSU 101 and FVSU Marching Bands perform at Festival to help raise money for high school marching band program.

Festival raises money for marching band

By Timothy Cox, The Augusta Chronicle

Spencer Gartrell said he wasn't alarmed Sunday afternoon as he watched more than a thousand people pour into Butler High School Stadium to see bands perform - void of football teams.

"What many people don't realize is that when it comes to black college football games, people generally come to watch the bands compete, not the football teams," said Mr. Gartrell, a co-organizer of the first CSRA Battle of the Bands festival.

"Historically, it's been that way," added Angelo Hatcher, Mr. Gartrell's business partner.

"It even happens at a Josey-Laney high school game. It's all about the bands," he said.

Sunday's festival's proceeds help fund the CSRA All-Star Marching Band, founded three years ago by Mr. Hatcher.

Ticket proceeds help cover costs of uniforms, transportation, instruments and other costs associated with successfully funding a marching band made up of area middle and high school musicians, Mr. Hatcher said.

In addition to the all-star band, Sunday's festival lineup featured bands from South Carolina State University, Fort Valley State University, Beach High School of Savannah and local units from Glenn Hills High School, South Augusta Marching Unit and the Garden City Panthers.
Eddie Ellis, South Carolina State's band director, and Spike Nealy, his assistant, appeared in the movie Drumline, which filmed in Atlanta at Morris Brown College.

"The movie finally gave credibility to the black college marching style," Mr. Ellis said, adding that he has since witnessed major colleges adopting a similar format, focused on drums and choreography.

Photo: An enthusiastic crowd gathered to watch the action. Bands from around the area participated in the festival.

Mr. Nealy, a former James Brown percussionist, said the movie has generated a renewed interest in drums for young musicians.

Sherry Puryear, Glenn Hills' band director, applauded Mr. Hatcher's efforts.

"His work assists all the band directors county-wide, because he keeps our kids active throughout the summer," she said.

Many area school bands and students don't perform during the summer, she said.

As founder of Step-A-Rama, a local college step show, Mr. Gartrell said he also supports Mr. Hatcher financially.

"It's because of his dedication to young people, this is why he deserves the financial help," said Mr. Gartrell.

He added that he hopes the festival will generate $30,000 to aid Mr. Hatcher's group.
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Reader Comments

dang, how i wish i could have come home that weekend!--i bet it was something else!
Posted by istp on Mon Oct 1, 2007 8:01 AM

I was there my wife, sons and daughter....it was their first time seeing and hearing a black college, university band that had over one hundred members. Our black children need to see the positive side of being black, and our HBCUs are our back bones in this country. Mr. Hatcher keep pushing..........Jellyroll, Laney and Josey get on board please...
Posted by belapris55 on Mon Oct 1, 2007 10:26 AM

FAMU vs. TSU--2007 Atlanta Football Classic Battle of the Bands

Perfect starts give Southern, Alabama State high hopes

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

SU vs. Alabama State
WHEN: 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
WHERE: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Ala.
TV: ESPNU.
RADIO: KQXL-FM, 106.5

Both Southern and Alabama State — teams that dueled in the 2003 and ’04 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship games — went 5-6 last season and entered this season with little in the way of outside expectations.

Both, however, are off to 4-0 starts this season, and hopes are starting to inflate.

The Gulf Coast Classic at 2:30 p.m. Saturday will give one team a chance to equal last season’s win total and keep precious momentum going. The game will be played on Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala., and was picked up earlier in the season by ESPNU.

“It’ll be a good football game,” 15th-year Southern coach Pete Richardson said. “Hopefully, we can have a packed house to see two fine football teams play. This game is a conference game, and it’s huge for both teams. We want to be in a position to control our own destiny, so we don’t have to depend on anybody else.”

Despite being sapped by losing 18 players since the spring, Southern (4-0, 2-0 SWAC) nevertheless has gotten stronger as games progress, outscoring foes 58-16 after halftime. SU overwhelmed both Tennessee State and Florida A&M with second-half comebacks.

“We’ve won the close ones,” Richardson said. “That helps you out a great deal. It keeps your spirits alive. A large part of that becomes confidence in yourself.”

Alabama State (4-0, 3-0) switched quarterbacks, going to junior college transfer Chris Mitchell, and has won all four of its games in the fourth quarter. The Hornets have outscored the opposition 46-23 in the fourth quarter.

“I never had any predictions coming into the season, but you always want to win them all,” first-year Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. “This may not be the best way to win games, but I’ll take it.”

In the conference’s preseason poll, Southern was picked to finish third in the SWAC Western Division. That’s the Jaguars’ lowest projection since the SWAC went to divisional play in 1999.

“I’m kind of surprised,” Richardson said of his team’s 4-0 start. “I’m proud of this football team, the way they hung in regardless of the situation. They’re going to play hard for 60 minutes and they’re learning how to win.”

Richardson credited his assistants and his players for the Jaguars’ best start since 2003.

“To be in this position, we have to attribute that to the players themselves,” Richardson said.

Meanwhile, Alabama State was picked to finish last of five teams in the Eastern Division.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us,” Barlow said of Saturday’s game. “We’re going to come and give it our best shot. If we can pull it out, that will be huge for our kids, our community and our school.”

Powerful Peck
The player working the room at the SWAC Media Day in late July was Alabama State running back Jay Peck.

Peck had a reason to be confident and self-assured. After all, the former walk-on from Columbus, Ohio, — introduced to the school by an Alabama State alum who is a cousin —Peck had already graduated in marketing and had emerged from the shadows of Robert Randolph and Keldrick Williams to run for 1,139 yards and eight touchdowns, becoming a first-team All-SWAC selection in the process last season.

“He gets it,” Barlow said. “He understands what he’s here for. You know what you’re going to get out of him every day. He comes to work.”

Peck had six carries in 2005, but had 249 last season. He’s already rushed for a SWAC-best 492 yards and two TDs on 98 carries this season.

“We have to stop the run,” Richardson said. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to stop Peck. We’ll have to try to limit him.”

2007 Alabama State University Marching Hornets Band and Stingettes Dancers



Peck has the complete package after transforming from third-down back to workhorse back. ASU split him out Saturday, and Peck hauled in a key pass in a victory over Alcorn State. He has 10 catches for 116 yards this season.

“He’s always been talented,” Barlow said. “We knew he could run routes and catch the ball well. I’m not sure anybody knew he would be as good a runner as he’s turned out to be. He’s patient. He sets up his block well.

“We’re going to lean on him again to rush the ball and get us to where we need to be.”

Barlow credited offensive coordinator Maurice Harris with finding ways to get Peck involved all over the field — and the entire offense for allowing Peck to work, even though teams are keying on him.

“That’s a tribute to our O-line,” Barlow said. “Even though teams are preparing for him, those guys are still creating positive running lanes for him, and our receivers are doing a good job in perimeter blocking.”

The buzz on the Hornets’ defense
Alabama State is 14th nationally in scoring defense (16.0 points per game), 15th in total defense (286.0 yards per game) and is tied for 14th in tackles for loss (8.8 per game). The Hornets are second in the SWAC in scoring defense and rushing defense (101.0 ypg) and third in total defense.

Barlow called his defense “the backbone” of his team and its success.

“We’ll have to continue to rely on them,” Barlow said.

While Barlow, Alabama State’s quarterbacks coach, may be new to the role of head coach, much of the staff has remained intact. That includes Tony Pierce, in his fifth season as the Hornets defensive coordinator. Pierce was named the American Football Coaches Association’s I-AA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2004.

“Defensively, they’re real aggressive,” Richardson said. “They like to do a lot of blitzing, which puts a lot of pressure on you to get rid of the football.”

Said Southern sophomore quarterback Bryant Lee, “They’re physical. They’re going to attack us.”

Who's got best band? Really? Prove it

JON BUSDEKER, Huntsville Times

This is for all those fans who think football gets in the way of the real excitement. This is for those who get pumped up by the sound of cymbals crashing and drums pounding.

On Sunday, Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University and a slew of other college and high school bands will perform in the Rocket City Battle of the Bands.

The event, held at Louis Crews Stadium, will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at James Records and Tapes on North Memorial Parkway, through Ticketmaster or at the stadium box office.

The Battle of the Bands will coincide with A&M's homecoming.

Barney Smart, a former saxophonist for the A&M marching band and organizer for the Battle of the Bands, said this will be the first time the bands will share a football field. Performing will be bands from Butler, Johnson and Lee high schools, Bethune Cookman College, Miles College and Texas Southern University.

"Each band has a different style," Smart said.

Smart added that the marching bands from Bethune Cookman and Texas Southern have never played in Huntsville.

For years, marching bands from historically black colleges and universities didn't get any exposure to a mass audience, Smart said. That changed in 2002.

"We got a lot of help from the movie 'Drumline,'" Smart said.

"Drumline," starring Nick Cannon, follows a hotshot drum major who must learn to work with his fellow bandmates to achieve success. The movie showed the excitement behind marching bands.

Smart, whose father was once the band director at A&M, has seen the popularity of marching bands increase since the film's release.

In January, Smart plans to showcase the Battle of the Bands at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

"The entertainment part of it is nonstop," Smart said. "It's always fun to watch. It's so much going on at the same time, you don't know where to look."

ATLANTA FOOTALL CLASSIC: Fantastic finishes for FAMU, Tenn. State

By STAN AWTREY, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The series between Florida A&M and Tennessee State has produced final-quarter theatrics for the past four years. Each of those games, all FAMU victories, has been decided by six or fewer points. Last year FAMU kicked a field goal to win in overtime.

"Those are great for the fans, but they're hard on the coaches," laughed FAMU coach Rubin Carter. "The overall atmosphere — the alumni from both schools, the venue, the bands — makes for an exciting game."

The excitement should continue Saturday in the 19th Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic. That's partly because both schools start quarterbacks who can generate a buzz throughout the Georgia Dome.

FAMU starts Albert Chester, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior from Miami, who threw for 1,986 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2006. A preseason All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference choice this year, Chester has thrown for 502 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for 52 yards.

Tennessee State starts Antonio Heffner, a 6-2, 195-pound junior from Memphis, who originally signed with South Carolina. He threw for 1,668 yards and nine touchdowns last year and was first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference.

Heffner threw for a career-best 316 yards and three touchdowns last week against Southern, but also had two interceptions and lost a fumble. He has passed for 954 yards and leads the OVC.

"When you have a balanced attack it puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback," said Tennessee State coach James Webster. "We're like [FAMU]; so goes the quarterback, so goes us."

Both teams have exciting backs. FAMU freshman Phillip Sylvester averages 120.7 yards per game and has twice been named the MEAC's rookie of the week. He rushed for 221 yards against Howard. Tennessee State's Tavarris Williams, a junior who gained 1,233 yards in 2006, averages 106 yards per game. Williams rushed for a career-best 229 against FAMU last year.

"I think both teams match up well through all the personnel groups," Carter said. "The quarterbacks, the tailbacks ... you take that equality across the board with all the different parts of the game."

That could mean a continuation of the recent dramatics:

• 2006: Tennessee State scored 15 points in the final seven minutes to send the game to overtime. FAMU won on Wesley Taylor's 34-yard field goal.

•2005: After a turnover, FAMU stopped Tennessee State from point-blank range near the end of the game and preserved the win with a fourth-down interception.

•2004: FAMU took the lead with 2:12 left and stopped Tennessee State's last-minute effort with an interception.

•2003: FAMU blocked a field goal in the waning minutes and returned it for a touchdown to stun the Tigers, who had led most of the day.

"We're in the entertainment business," Webster said. "We want the people to enjoy themselves and have a good time. But this year we want our fans to be the ones jumping up and down at the end of the game."