Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2005
By: Jason "Jake" McDonald, Special to BlackAmericaWeb.com
South Carolina State vs Alabama State - MEAC-SWAC Challenge
The last time these two met the majority of the current students at either institution weren’t even born. It has been 35 years since the Hornets defeated the Bulldogs 29-20. Alabama State leads the series 4-2 with an average margin of victory of 15 points. Three games have ended in shutouts with the Bulldogs getting the better of their opponents in two of them.
Of course none of this means squat, but it’s always nice to take a look at history. In present times Alabama State holds court as the reigning champion of the SWAC. Their opponent, South Carolina State, was one game short of a perfect regular season and a solo spot atop the MEAC when they lost to conference rival Hampton.
The loss and a snub by the D-1AA playoff selection committee left the Bulldogs destiny unfinished, something they are anxious to resume at the expense of the Hornets. It won’t be an easy task considering the Hornets return their entire backfield of Tavaris Jackson, Keldrick Williams, and Robert Randolph. On the outside there isn’t as much security where Jackson will have to find a new go to receiver with the graduation of Reginald Glover.
SC State also lost the services of an experienced wideout to graduation, leading receiver Tavarus Morgan. Running back Coty Martin has also moved on but that just means Deshawn Baker a 1000 yard rusher will have to shoulder more of the load.
This game will be televised on ESPN Regional television at 2:30 central /3:30 eastern time.
Edge: SC State (+3)
North Carolina Central vs North Carolina A&T – Aggie Eagle Classic
The Aggies of North Carolina A&T and the Eagles of North Carolina Central square off for the 12th straight time in one of the most brutal of all Labor Day Classics. This game will mean twice as much especially after some of the comments made following last year’s game that it was a lose-lose for the Aggies because they were facing a Division II school. Well last spring North Carolina Central announced they are looking to join the D-1AA ranks as a possible 11th member of the MEAC. To win this game would send a clear message to the Aggies and the rest of the MEAC schools that the Eagles are coming to duplicate the success of the Hampton Pirates.
After a 3-8 season (1-6 in the conference) the Aggies owe the Blue Death Family at least a .500 season. If they are to get it going, they’ll have to improve on the one-point 16-15 win over the Eagles in 2004. It won’t be easy as the Eagles have improved their lineup with Greg Pruitt, Jr. and a host of transfers including defensive ends Ronald Dowdy- U of Florida and JUCO receiver Julius McClellan.
The Eagles have the advantage of having played an actual game. They defeated Edward Waters College 70-12 last week. Don’t expect the same results on Monday.
Edge: NC A&T (+3)
Texas Southern vs Prairie View A&M Labor Day Classic
In the first meeting with their new coaches leading both squads the Panthers jumped out early on the Tigers 2004 with three touchdowns from the offense and two safeties from the defense. The win was the only conference victory for Prairie View. It was one more than Texas Southern managed to get.
Edge: PV A&M (+7)
Hampton vs Jackson State – Detroit Labor Day Classic
Playoff contender Hampton University wants to prove their success in 2004 was just a taste of what will happen this year. With pure passer Princeton Shepherd and top ground gainer Alonzo Coleman returning the Pirate offense will run smoother than ever. But if the Pirates are to dominate this season it will be because of its defense, specifically the front seven. Linebacker Justin Durant, defensive tackles Marcus Dixon and Antonio Shippy, and D-1A transfers Alden Blizzard (North Carolina), Chris Carrothers (Wake Forest).
Jackson State suffered quite a beating (39-12) in the first meeting between the two last year. A new coaching staff has Tiger fans looking hopeful.
Edge: Hampton (+14)
Arkansas Pine-Bluff vs Mississippi Valley State – Chicago Football Classic
The game was moved to the Delta Devils Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena, Mississippi last year. The Delta Devils were in nearly every ball game including a 14-10 lead over Southern halfway through the fourth quarter. Leading rusher James Johnson departs the backfield via graduation. Mo Forte has the guys moving in the right direction. It will be a tough game for Valley as the players and staff try to put the Hurricane Katrina tragedy out of their minds.
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Saturday, September 3rd 2005 at 7:13PM
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