Mack, NCCU not backing down from challenge

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Jerry Mack might be a new kid on the block, but he’s not backing down from anyone. Neither is his team.

That was the message Mack relayed last Friday at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Football Media Luncheon in Norfolk, Va.

N.C. Central was picked to finish eighth in the conference, a ranking that perturbed Mack, one of four new coaches in the MEAC. Bethune-Cookman was picked to win its third straight conference title.

“We are second to no one and will not back down to anyone,” the NCCU coach said. “We want to be the best in the conference and one of the top FCS teams in the country. And there is only one way to do that, and that’s the right way.”

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FAMU looking for redemption despite tough schedule

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- His statement was cliché, but it is how Earl Holmes choses to explain whether this will be a season of redemption for his FAMU football team.

"Put it this way," Holmes said, as the countdown begins to the start of practice next week. "Time will tell what's at stake as far as what the critics might say. We are going to take it one game at a time."

Remember, the Rattlers finished Holmes' first season as a head coach with a 3-9 record. That put Holmes, just in his second season as a head coach, under the gun.

But he seems to understand why even some of the diehards seem a little impatient.

"As far as redeeming, I feel it's time for us to make a statement," Holmes said." But there are a lot of variables; injury bug and all that stuff.

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Florida Classic still set for Citrus Bowl

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Worry not fans of FAMU and Bethune Cookman football teams.

That's the assurance that came from the office of Orlando's Mayor Buddy Dyer on Tuesday, responding to concerns that renovation of the Citrus Bowl might force the Florida Classic to another venue.

"It's halfway completed and on track to be ready to host FAMU and B-CU for the Florida Classic," Dyer's spokesperson Heather Fagan told the Democrat Tuesday. "It will be game-ready that day."

The annual season-ending rivalry game between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman is scheduled to take place Nov. 22.

"It will be a great experience for the fans," Fagan said.

LIVE CAM:   Construction Cam - Citrus Bowl Stadium Reconstruction ...

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ASU defensive tackle Derrick Billups can be SWAC's best

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Derrick Billups can be the most dominating defensive player in the Southwestern Athletic Conference this season.

That's the attitude he has. And that's the attitude he should have, according to his coach.

"I think he should," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "I think if he doesn't, then he would not have lived up to his ability. He just has to do it.

"I believe he has the ability to play in the NFL and he has to set the tone for us every day, in practice as well as in the game. We're going to demand that from him. I think he needs to be that. He has the ability to do it."


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JSU Baseball stadium for Farish Street? It’s possible

JACKSON, Mississippi — The City of Jackson, Jackson State University and Tim Bennett, owner of Overtime Sports, may begin talks in the next few weeks on the feasibility of building a baseball stadium for JSU in the Historic Farish Street District.

“This is just in the observation stages,” said Bennett, who was the force behind moving the Mississippi Braves to Pearl 10 years ago and moving the Huntsville Stars to Biloxi for next season.

“We’re taking a look at the potential for a stadium. The next step is to sit down with the mayor (Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber) and discuss entering into an agreement to do feasibility and economic impact stories.”

“Jackson State is agreeable to taking a look at this opportunity, but there are no firm commitments in place.”
The Jackson State baseball program won the SWAC Championship this year and participated in the Division I post-season, which included a victory over highly regarded Louisiana Lafayette.

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GREENSBORO, North Carolina  -- The A&T football team will return to the field for its first official practice at 9 a.m. Saturday on the practice field behind the Bryan Fitness and Wellness Center on campus.

A&T will hold a 2½-hour practice in preparation for a 12-game 2014 schedule. Twenty-nine days later the Aggies will open the season in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney at 11:45 a.m. Aug. 31 at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla. A&T’s home opener is at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 against FCS playoff quarterfinalist Coastal Carolina at Aggie Stadium.

The Aggies were 7-4 overall and 4-4 in the MEAC last season. The Aggies return five starters on offense and four players on defense. The Aggies have four preseason first-team All-MEAC players: reigning MEAC rookie of the year running back Tarik Cohen, fifth-year offensive lineman William Ray Robinson III, senior wide receiver Desmond Lawrence and fifth-year linebacker D’Vonte Grant.

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Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference aims to end FCS playoff drought

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins has a simple strategy for snapping the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's lengthy playoff losing streak: play better.

"We haven't played good enough football in the playoffs, and that's why we came out on the down side," Jenkins said last week at the MEAC's preseason football media day in Norfolk. "It's time to put it all together.

"The opportunities have presented themselves and we just have not produced," he said. "It's time for this program and other programs who are getting opportunities to get past the point of not being able to win a playoff game. It's time to make it happen."

MEAC teams have lost 17 consecutive playoff games dating to 1999. Florida A&M recorded the league's last playoff win, over Troy State in the 1999 quarterfinals. Since 2000, seven different schools have lost a total of 16 playoff games.

The MEAC is the only one of ...

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Tuskegee talking national titles, not Turkey Day Classic

MONTGOMERY, Alabama --Tuskegee senior quarterback Justin Nared enjoyed playing against Alabama State in the Turkey Day Classic, but he doesn't miss the annual game.

He and Golden Tigers are focused on a different prize -- winning a national championship.

"Without playing the Turkey Day Classic, the atmosphere with the team and around the guys is we can be national champions versus HBCU champions or Turkey Day Classic champions," he said. "We have the opportunity to be (NCAA) Division II national champions. That's been preached about, talked about. Being Division I national champions and we have the opportunity to do that now. "



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FAMU staff change moves Holmes back to defensive coordinator

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Earl Holmes’ football staff will be a little smaller this season, but he said he has already rearranged the duties of his assistants to make up for being short-handed.

Holmes finds himself having to make the changes because of cuts by athletics director Kellen Winslow in an effort to save money in his department. The cuts cost Holmes his defensive line coach George Small and tight ends assistant Brian Gilmore their jobs.



In the reshuffling, linebackers coach Levan Kirkland will coach the defensive line, while Holmes returns to being defensive coordinator. He held the position before becoming head coach last year.

Edwin Pata will continue with the offensive line and tight ends. Receivers coach Ernie Mills will help Pata with the tight ends, Holmes said.

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Smaller college football teams in second-and-short situation

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — They'd like to get paid, too.

With all the talk about paying Division I-A college football players and power leagues that are seeking more autonomy to provide full cost-of-attendance and other benefits, athletes at Division I-AA schools like Alabama State and Division II schools like Tuskegee also want to share in the wealth.

"It sucks," Alabama State senior defensive tackle Derrick Billups said. "I feel like we deserve money, but I don't really complain about it. It would help out a whole lot if student-athletes received money because it's tough in college. All our parents aren't blessed financially."

The "Big Five" proposal of the 65 schools in the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten and Pac-12 to provide full cost-of-attendance, medical care and insurance as well as to fund trips for family members to visit athletes is up for a final vote next month. NCAA I-AA and D-II programs may never receive those benefits, but Southern coach Dawson Odums described a way to address the needs of players at their level.

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Hampton picked seventh in MEAC, aims to prove skeptics wrong

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Miles Grooms likes the vibe around the Hampton University football program. New coaching staff, new faces, guys hungry after several seasons in the MEAC muddle.

"Our approach to the game is different," the Pirates' all-conference defensive end said. "The way we prepare, the way we work out. Everything is different. And it's better. We're all working harder. We're listening to the coaches. The young guys are listening to the leaders, following their lead. I think it's going to be a major turnaround this season."

Grooms and versatile offensive yardage machine Jorrian Washington were HU's representatives at Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football media day Friday, where the league's coaches and sports information personnel picked the Pirates seventh in the preseason poll.



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Bowie State's Lee, Brown, Diaz-Aviles and McDaniel Voted Preseason All-CIAA

(L to R /Top to Bottom) Khari Lee, Keith Brown,
Mario Diaz-Aviles and Anthony McDaniel

DURHAM, North Carolina -- The Bowie State University football team has been predicted to finish 6th in the CIAA and 3rd in the Northern Division according to the 2014 conference preseason poll, which was released during the league's football press conference at the Durham Convention Center.

The Bulldogs return 42 lettermen including 14 starters from last year's squad. Bowie State finished the 2013 campaign with a 5-5 overall record and 3-4 record in the CIAA.

Seniors Khari Lee (TE - Baltimore, Md.), Keith Brown (RB – Temple Hills, Md.), Mario Diaz-Aviles (PK – Washington, D.C.) and Anthony McDaniel (DL – Fort Washington, Md.) were selected to the 2014 All-CIAA Preseason Team. The conference Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason Team are voted on by the CIAA Football Coaches Association.

For the third consecutive year, the defending CIAA Champions of Winston-Salem State University were selected to finish as the top team in the conference in 2014 followed by Fayetteville State University, Virginia State University, Shaw University and Elizabeth City State University made up the top five teams. Bowie State was voted as the sixth overall ranked team in the conference followed by Johnson C. Smith University, Chowan University, Saint Augustine's University, Virginia Union University, Livingstone College and Lincoln (Pa.).

Bowie State will open up the season on September 6th, hosting the Saint Anselm College Hawks of Manchester, N.H. at 1 pm. St. Anselm is a member of the Northeast-10 Conference and finished the 2013 season with an overall record of 2-9 (1-7 in the conference). The Bulldogs captured a 42-28 victory in last years' season opener on the Hawks home field.

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Shaw picked third, St. Aug's fifth in CIAA football

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State was picked to win the South Division and Virginia State was picked to win the North at the CIAA football media day Thursday in Durham.

In the South Division, Fayetteville State was picked second, Shaw third and St. Augustine’s fifth.

Winston-Salem State has won the past two titles. Shaw won it in 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Winston-Salem State has a new head coach in former defensive coordinator Kienus Boulware but Boulware will have 18 starters back. One of those is All-CIAA quarterback Rudy Johnson, a senior.

Shaw, coached by Robert Massey, was 6-4 last season and closed with a 32-14 win over St. Augustine’s has a defensive line Massey says is “the best defensive line in the country.”



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Football: Fisher to be preferred walk-on at Winston-Salem State

NEW BERN, North Carolina  --  Felix Fisher didn’t know if he’d get his shot of playing football in college. Then Winston-Salem State called.

The former New Bern defensive back was hoping to continue his playing career. Then, one morning, the coaches at Winston-Salem State left a message, offering him a spot as a preferred walk-on.
Fisher jumped at the chance.

“I just have to go there and show them what I can do. They are giving me this opportunity to show my skills,” Fisher said.

Fisher was accepted into the college and took a visit in April. It wasn’t until recently when he received the good news.

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Alabama State establishes new football classic

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama State University and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama announced the establishment of the Prince Hall Masons Americanism Football Classic Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom.

The two-year agreement was signed by Alabama State University President Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd and Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama Grandmaster Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq. KYGCH, 33°. This year's game will feature the Hornets hosting Texas Southern on Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. In 2015, Alabama State will host Grambling State on Sept. 19 at the New ASU Stadium.

"We are certainly excited to establish a third classic for Alabama State University," said Dr. Boyd of this new classic which joins the existing State Farm Magic City Classic and the Turkey Day Classic. "We are excited that when you (the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama) did reach out for a partner, not only in football, but in enhancing the lives of our young people, and especially our young men, you chose Alabama State. It is important that we always acknowledge that our students are student athletes, they are students first. We want them to be champions in the classroom as well as champions on the field. In partnering with you, they will see role models and examples of excellence in the community.  You will help them understand what it takes to be real men in their community, and to be real men who continue to give back and are productive citizens in the world."

The mission of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Alabama is to continue the legacy of making good men better through fraternal brotherhood, to aid and assist widows, orphans, and distressed men, and to contribute to the community through service, scholarship, charity and training. Among the goals and benefits of this new classic football game will be the establishment of scholarships for Alabama State students.

"I look at this as a great opportunity as Black men to be role models to young men going to school trying to better themselves," Grandmaster Hawkins said. "Part of our mission statement is to present scholarships. This is an outstanding way for us to do so. We have to be more involved in our children's lives. In order to be a man, you must see a man, and I think this is an outstanding opportunity. I am thankful to Alabama State University for allowing us to partner with you. It's a blessing to have a school that's willing to do such."

 

 COURTESY SWAC.ORG MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU upperclassmen plan to lead turnaround

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The onus is on head football coach Earl Holmes to turnaround the FAMU football program, but senior defensive back Terry Johnson insisted that it's up to him and the other upperclassmen to make this a winning season.

They could only do it by being responsible as leaders, Johnson told reporters Friday at the MEAC kickoff at the Marriott Waterside.

"It starts with leadership and accountability," said Johnson, a product of Rickards High School. "If we have the younger players looking up to us they will follow our lead.



"Every leader was a follower. I was a follower and I looked up to the older guys and did what they did. It made me the person that I am today."

FAMU finished last season with a disappointing 3-9 record, considering the hype surrounding Holmes debut as a head coach. At least five of their games were decided by a touchdown or fewer points, something that Holmes attributed to mistakes by his young team.

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MEAC: Five SSU players earn preseason league honors

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- Yes, Savannah State’s football team has something to play for during the 2014 season, Tigers second-year coach Earnest Wilson said Friday after the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason football luncheon in Norfolk, Va.

SSU (1-11 in 2013) isn’t eligible for postseason play because penalties from a poor Academic Progress Rate released in the spring and the Tigers weren’t included in the league’s preseason poll voting.

But ...

“If we beat everyone in the MEAC, who’s the champion?” Wilson said.

Bethune-Cookman was the favorite in the voting of league coaches and sports information directors followed by South Carolina State, North Carolina A&T, Howard, Delaware State, Norfolk State, Hampton, North Carolina State and Morgan State.

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SWAC media day: SU Jaguars put 6 on all-conference teams

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Southern re-emerged as a dominant program in Southwestern Athletic Conference football last season by going 9-4 and winning the conference title by topping Jackson State 34-27 in double overtime.

All that success has the Jaguars on everyone’s minds. As the 2014 season nears, they put six players on the preseason all-conference teams, announced Friday, and they’re the favorite to win the SWAC West Division.

Junior receiver Willie Quinn and junior offensive lineman Anthony Mosley received first-team nods. Sophomore running back Lenard Tillery, senior offensive lineman Zach Brown, senior linebacker Daniel Brown and senior defensive lineman Arthur Miley were voted to the second team. Quinn also was honored as a second-team return specialist.

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Rabalais: The ring’s the thing for Southern, which will aim for another

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  — The Southern Jaguars don’t need a target on the back of their powder blues for opponents to aim at.

Just triangulate on the ring.

Southern’s rings from last season’s SWAC championship rank pretty high on the bling meter. They’re so massive that you had to think Jaguars football players Brian McCain and Arthur Miley, who accompanied coach Dawson Odums to SWAC media day here Friday, got in the equivalent of their daily offseason weight work just toting these things around.

Despite the constant silver reminders, the Jaguars are focused — shades on to protect against the sun’s glare off those rings — on the future.

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SU's Avery Johnson, others headed into Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame

NEW ORLEANS  -- At one point in his young life, Avery Johnson wasn’t good enough to crack the starting lineup at St. Augustine High.

“I was kind of a 30-point guy,” Johnson told The Advocate last year. “When we were up by 30, I would have an opportunity to go in the game and play a little bit.”

The diminutive backup had his number called when St. Aug’s starting point guard was suspended from the team during the 1983 state playoffs.

Off Johnson went, helping the Purple Knights complete a 35-0 season and win the Class 4A title.

That was followed, of course, by an illustrious career at Southern and 16 playing seasons in the NBA, where he later coached the Spurs and Nets.

He will be one of five persons entering the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame on Aug. 2.

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B-CU football picked by MEAC to defend conference title

NORFOLK, Virginia – The Bethune-Cookman University football team was picked to defend its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title on Friday.

B-CU had 487 votes to top South Carolina State (457) and North Carolina A&T (338).

B-CU senior offensive center Andrew Edouard was named to the all-MEAC preseason first team.

Teammates LeBrandon Richardson and Marquis Drayton were selected to the preseason first team on defense.

Quarterback Quentin Williams and senior defensive lineman Rony Barrow made the all-MEAC preseason second team.

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Tennessee State Football Tickets Still on Sale

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Season and single game tickets for the 2014 Tennessee State football campaign are still on sale. Tickets can be purchased by visiting or calling the TSU Ticket Office (615-963-ROAR).

 

The reigning Black College National Champions open the season on Saturday, August 30 against Edward Waters College in the 16th annual John A. Merritt Classic.

 

TSU returns to Hale Stadium to face Tennessee Tech on Sept. 20 before taking on Florida A&M for Homecoming, Sept. 27.

 

In October, the Tigers will host Jacksonville State (10/11) and UT Martin (10/18) with the final home contest coming against Eastern Kentucky on Nov. 1.

 

Last season, TSU finished with a record of 10-4 and advanced to the second round of the FCS Playoffs.

 

The Tigers are coming off of their first postseason victory since 1986 and return the bulk of a defense that ranked sixth nationally in yards per game (296.9).

 

Season tickets are $90 and season parking passes are $30. The season parking package will include the three contests at LP Field.  The Hale Stadium games will be $5 cash only for every contest.

 

Ticket Information

 

SEASON TICKET BROCHURE (First time season ticket holders)

Season Ticket Price - $90

TSU Faculty/Staff Price - $80

Young Alumni/Kids 12 and under - $60 (Must be listed among TSU graduates from 2010-2014 are eligible/ Must specify at time of purchase)

 

2014 Football Single Game Tickets

Single Game Tickets at LP Field – Range from $15 - $40

Single Game Ticket at Hale Stadium - $15

** Tickets increase by $5 on game day**

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

 

 

Six Rattlers Named To MEAC Preseason All-Star Team

NORFOLK, Virginia – Six Florida A&M University football players were named to the Preseason All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference team during the MEAC Football Media Luncheon here Friday afternoon at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel.

The preseason All-MEAC team, selected by the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors, featured FAMU with four second team selections, sophomore guard Keonte Cash (Miami, Florida), senior defensive back Devontae “Terry” Johnson (Tallahassee, Florida), redshirt sophomore Patrick Aiken (Pembroke Pines, Florida) and senior kicker Chase Varnadore (Tallahassee, Florida).

The two third team selections from FAMU included senior quarterback Damien Fleming (Jacksonville, Florida) and senior offensive lineman Ryan Templeton (Chicago, Illinois).

RATTLERS IN THE HOUSE

FAMU was well represented by a contingent of personalities which included athletic director Kellen Winslow, Sr., head football coach Earl Holmes, and star players Chase Varnadore and Devontae “Terry” Johnson.

All four gentlemen were run through a battery of interviews with media outlets from around the conference during a Media Day session prior to the Noon Coaches’ Luncheon.

MEAC NOTES

A pair of seniors snagged the Preseason Player of the Year honors, as Howard quarterback Greg McGhee, the league leader in both passing and total offense, was the Offensive Player of the Year, while Norfolk State All-America linebacker Lynden Trail, was tabbed Defensive Player of the Year.

South Carolina State led all league schools with 10 preseason all-star selections, tying defending champion Bethune-Cookman (7 selections) for the most first-team picks: four (4).

Norfolk State was second in the number of overall selections with eight (8), followed by Bethune-Cookman and MorganState with seven (7) apiece.

BETHUNE PICKED TO WIN

The league’s coaches and SIDs also weighed in on the coming football title chase, picking Bethune-Cookman to defend their 2013 title, garnering 487 points. South Carolina State (457 points) was second, followed by North Carolina A&T (338) and Howard University (309).

2014 MEAC Predicted Order of Finish

# School (Points)

1-Bethune-Cookman (487)

2-South Carolina State (457)

3-North Carolina A&T (318)

4-Howard University (309)

5-Delaware State (229)

6-Norfolk State (225)

7-Hampton (200)

8-North Carolina Central (187)

9-Morgan State (148)

**FAMU and SavannahState are ineligible for the conference title due to an NCAA postseason ban over the Academic Progress Rate (APR).

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU picked to win Southern Division

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State, the two-time defending CIAA champion and three-time defending Southern Division champion, has been selected as the top team again in its division.

The Rams, who have not lost a CIAA game in the last three seasons, were selected as the top team by the preseason CIAA coaches’ poll that was released this afternoon.

Following the Rams in the Southern Division are Fayetteville State, Elizabeth City State, Johnson C. Smith, St. Augustine’s and Livingstone.

The top team in the Northern Division was Virginia State, the defending division champion.

Following Virginia State were Elizabeth City State, Bowie State, Chowan, Virginia Union and Lincoln.

Coach Kienus Boulware of the Rams, who is in his first season, said earlier this week that he’s looking forward to the season starting.

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Miles College football game with Benedict College changed for national TV

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football game between Miles College and Benedict College has been selected for a CBS Sports Network national television broadcast. The game has been moved to 7 p.m. Central on Thursday, Oct. 2, as part of the NCAA Division II Football Game of the Week television package.

The Golden Bears and Tigers were originally scheduled to play on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Albert J. Sloan-Alumni Stadium in Fairfield.

"Playing on CBS Sports Network is a great opportunity for Miles College and our football program especially when it comes to playing in front of a national television audience", said Golden Bears head coach Reginald Ruffin said in a prepared statement. "It's big for our institution to have an opportunity to be showcased in markets all of the country."

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