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2003 Black College Football Classics Schedule
SATURDAY, AUG. 23
Martin Luther King Literacy Classic
Grambling State vs. San Jose State in San Jose,
Calif.
The G-Men open up the Black College football
season a week early with a trip to the West Coast.
One of the matchups where a predominantly White
college hooks up with a Black College to get
a better halftime show.
SATURDAY, AUG. 30
50th Gateway Classic
Bethune-Cookman vs. Savannah State in Jacksonville,
Fla.
This game has become a traditional season opener
for these former SIAC rivals. They meet halfway
on Interstate 95 and face off in Alltel Stadium.
Labor Day Classic
Norfolk State vs. Virginia State in Norfolk,
Va.
Last year Virginia State's new coach got an early
bragging-rights test. Now its NSU's turn to break
in a new coach as two former CIAA rivals kick
off the season in the Tidewater Area.
19th Labor Day Classic
Texas Southern vs. Prairie View A&M in Houston
Prairie View has increased its scholarship commitment
and looks beyond being a pushover. This game
moves next door to a plusher and bigger Reliant
Stadium as both teams look for their first SWAC
conference win.
5th John Merritt Classic
Tennessee State vs. S.C. State in Nashville
TSU opens the season honoring its legendary coach.
This game gives South Carolina a chance to "pay
back" the Blue Tigers for hiring away their
basketball coach, while TSU takes on its first
of two MEAC opponents this season.
Memphis Blues Classic
Lane vs. Virginia Union in Memphis
Lane always schedules an early season game in
Memphis. This time they've invited a CIAA power
to some Beale Street hospitality on Labor Day
weekend.
Inaugural Detroit Classic
Florida A&M vs. Alabama State in Detroit
The Motor City gets back in the Classic mix thanks
to the support of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, a former
offensive lineman at FAMU. Two great bands, competitive
coaches and proud programs meet at Ford Field.
Arkansas Classic
Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Alcorn State in Pine
Bluff, Ark.
This season opener not only showcases UA-PB's
new facility but also provides an early test
for both upstart programs. The Golden Lions want
to make an early statement while the Braves are
out to show that last season was no fluke.
SUNDAY, AUG. 31
A.G. Gaston Labor Day Classic
Miles vs. Tuskegee in Birmingham, Ala.
Miles is still smarting from last year's loss
at Tuskegee. The Golden Bears want revenge in
a game honoring one of Alabama's foremost businessmen
and civic leaders.
10th Aggie-Eagle Classic
N.C. Central vs. N.C. A&T in Raleigh, N.C.
The Eagles broke the Aggies' undefeated streak
last year and now both schools have new coaches
because of a retirement and a firing. North Carolina's
two largest Black Colleges battle in the state's
capital, providing a different flavor from the
past.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 6
Wade Wilson Classic
Cheyney State vs. Allen in Cheyney, Pa.
Cheyney, the nation's oldest football-playing
Black College, opens the season hosting one of
the newest teams on the horizon. Wade Wilson
attended, played for, and later served as president
of Cheyney.
Peach State Classic
Fort Valley State vs. Winston-Salem State in
Macon, Ga.
This would be a Classic matchup without the name.
Fort Valley has a new coach with ties to the
CIAA. Winston-Salem wants a taste of "outside" competition
to help its chances to qualify for the playoffs.
Labor Day Classic
Benedict vs. Tuskegee in Columbia, S.C.
BC extends the Labor Day weekend to host the
defending SIAC Champions in front of very supportive
fans. This catfight features a new coach with
impressive credentials taking on a veteran mentor
with an outstanding track record. Tuskegee has
the target on its back and Benedict gets the
first shot.
Port City Classic
Southern vs. Prairie View A&M in Shreveport,
La.
The Jags and Panthers take their battle upstate
to a city known for hosting SWAC events. Shreveport
has hosted the Red River Classic for years; now
they get two different teams to meet in Independence
Stadium.
30th Gulf Coast Classic
Alabama State vs. Bethune-Cookman in Mobile,
Ala.
ASU traditionally plays one of its "home" games
in Mobile each year. This year the Hornets will
host the defending MEAC Champion Wildcats in
Ladd Stadium in an interconference battle with
national championship implications. Both schools
are upgrading their schedule to gain more national
recognition. This will be the Hornet's second
Classic game in as many weeks.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13
Las Vegas Football Classic
N.C. A&T vs. Southern in Las Vegas
Black College football returns to Sin City under
new management. The name of the game has changed
and promises more than half-a-million dollars
in guarantees to the teams.
2nd Lexington Heritage Classic
Kentucky State vs. Allen in Lexington, Ky.
Last year promoters brought teams from Georgia
and Missouri to kick off their effort. This year
they've picked a team from just down the road
to play host for the "Clash in the Bluegrass."
14th Southern Heritage Classic
Tennessee State vs. Jackson State in Memphis
This game features some of the best tailgating
in the country. The smell of barbecue is just
one attraction that brings folks from miles around
to the Liberty Bowl. Traffic jams start early
and the late arrivals often miss the kickoff.
10th Joe Turner Classic
Savannah State vs. Norfolk State in Savannah,
Ga.
The Classic is held in honor of the legendary
Joseph Turner, an outstanding athlete (track,
football, and basketball) at SSU from 1948 to
1952 and a dynamic high school teacher and coach
in the Savannah Public School System from 1953
to 1980.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 20
Ohio Classic
Tuskegee vs. Hampton in Cleveland
Originally called the Riverfront Classic because
of its location in Cincinnati, this game has
moved to Cleveland and changed its name. Booker
T. Washington will be watching over the battle
between two institutions he helped establish.
15th Atlanta Classic
Florida A&M vs. Tennessee State in Atlanta
The 100 Black Men of Atlanta use the proceeds
to fund many of its community programs. The rivalry
has a rich history as two storied programs meet
in the Georgia Dome.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
Palmetto Capital City Classic
S.C. State vs. Benedict in Columbia, S.C.
The two largest Black Colleges in South Carolina
battle in the state capital. Benedict has a new
coach and high expectations. S.C. State doesn't
want to stumble on its road back to the top.
Although only 30 minutes apart, these school
will draw from the entire state and beyond.
25th New York Urban League Classic
Morgan State vs. Hampton in East Rutherford,
N.J.
These two teams ended last season facing each
othe. Now they travel to the Big Apple to do
battle. MSU doesn't consider itself a pushover
anymore and they would love to knock off the
Pirates to gains some respect in the MEAC race.
9th Budweiser Gateway Classic
Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Kentucky State in St.
Louis
Now with a title sponsorship from Budweiser,
this game will be a rematch from last year. Proceeds
will fund scholarships and help sponsor sports
programs for young people through the St. Louis
Gateway Classic Foundation.
Willie Gary Classic
Shaw vs. Edward Waters in Jacksonville, Fla.
This Classic shows how money talks. Shaw alum
Willie Gary owns MBC, which means that his alma
mater and his adopted school get to play before
a national television audience in an NFL venue.
They won't fill the stadium, but everyone will
have a good time.
Stan Lomax Gold Coast Classic
Fort Valley State vs. Clark Atlanta in Brunswick,
Ga.
Southeast Georgia's Gold Coast will be the site
for this SIAC matchup. Fort Valley hopes to expand
its fan base. Clark Atlanta continues to rebuild.
SATURDAY, OCT. 4
5th Down East Classic
Elizabeth City State vs. N.C. Central in Rocky
Mount, N.C.
Both teams will be led by new coaches in this
eastern North Carolina matchup. Elizabeth City
likes moving a home game westward so fans don't
have to always drive to the coast to see the
Vikings play.
6th Music City Classic
Albany State vs. Savannah State in Macon, Ga.
These former SIAC rivals renew pleasantries in
central Georgia. Savannah State continues to
rebuild while Albany has almost completed its
rebuilding effort.
State Fair Classic
Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling State in Dallas
The State Fair of Texas and SWAC football are
not a bad combination for 50,000 of your closest
friends. Halftime is always a big attraction
and Prairie View will try to keep fans in the
stands during the second half.
20th Circle City Classic
Florida A&M vs. Jackson State in Indianapolis
After convincing the city to host the game, the
Indiana Black Expo celebrates 20 years of success
during its weeklong regional "homecoming." The
downtown stadium, food court, vendor showcase
and numerous social opportunities are all within
walking distance, making this Classic attractive
to fans from several states.
Fish Bowl
Norfolk State vs. N.C. A&T in Norfolk, Va.
Dick Price Stadium welcomes Shriners from all
over the country for fellowship and football.
Spartan and Aggie optimism is running high with
new coaches and new attitudes on both sides of
the field.
SATURDAY, OCT. 18
68th Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic
Morehouse vs. Tuskegee in Columbus, Ga.
One of the longest-running rivalries in Black
College football history, this game is geographically
located in an ideal spot to attract fans from
both schools. Forget win-loss records, these
two teams always lay it on the line when they
meet, regardless of sport.
12th CSRA Classic
Savannah State vs. Alabama A&M in Augusta,
Ga.
The Central Savannah River Area plays host to
two former SIAC rivals who now meet as I-AA combatants.
Alabama A&M left for the SWAC some time ago.
SSU is still playing as an independent.
Battle of the Bay
Hampton vs. Norfolk State in Norfolk, Va.
These teams have split their last two meetings
in the battle for supremacy in the Virginia Tidewater
area. Hampton swept the MEAC All-Sports Trophy
for men and women in 2002-03, but all is forgotten
in this first of several meetings in the new
season.
RJB Hornets Classic
Allen vs. Edward Waters in Kingsland, Ga.
The Camden County Black Business Association
Inc. is the official sponsor of the game named
in honor of the Black public high school in Camden
County, Ga. The Hornet was the high school's
mascot. Both schools are affiliated with the
African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and
enter the second year of the rivalry for their
new football programs.
Eagles in the East Classic
N.C. Central vs. Fayetteville State in Kinston,
N.C.
Black College fans in eastern North Carolina
will get to see the defending CIAA Champion Broncos
face the Eagles. Both schools recruit in the
area, so some bragging rights are on the line.
SATURDAY, OCT. 25
62nd Magic City Classic
Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M in Birmingham,
Ala.
This game often decides Alabama's top team in
the SWAC divisional race and establishes bragging
rights until basketball season. Legion Field
is the site for this fierce battle including
football teams, bands, and cheerleaders.
SATURDAY, NOV. 1
26th Gold Bowl
Virginia Union vs. Bowie State in Richmond, Va.
One of the largest social events in the Commonwealth's
capital city, this game takes on additional significance
because it could determine the Eastern Division
representative in the CIAA Championship.
SATURDAY, NOV. 15
CIAA Championship
East Champion vs. West Champion in TBA
The site had not been determined at press time
but the payoff has increased. Last year Fayetteville
State took the title and went to the playoffs.
Now several teams understand that this game may
be their only path to post season play.
14th Fountain City Classic
Fort Valley State vs. Albany State in Columbus,
Ga.
This game often helps determine the SIAC Champion
and can make or break playoff possibilities.
FVS has a new coach and rich tradition. ASU's
Golden Rams are ready to return to the championship
form.
SATURDAY, NOV. 22
9th Capital City Classic
Alcorn State vs. Jackson State in Jackson, Miss.
Jackson State hasn't been to the SWAC Championship
Game in four years. Alcorn State has never made
the trip. This game could determine which one
gets the chance.
24th Florida Classic
Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman in Orlando
This game determined the MEAC champion last year.
Now that B-CC has shown that it can beat the
Rattlers, this contest takes on increased significance.
THURSDAY, NOV. 27
80th Turkey Day Classic
Alabama State vs. Tuskegee in Montgomery, Ala.
Alabama State is getting pretty tired of losing
to Tuskegee at Homecoming. The Hornets have a
lot of pride and Tuskegee would like to make
it three embarrassments in a row.
SATURDAY, NOV. 29
30th Bayou Classic
Southern vs. Grambling State in New Orleans
Arguably, this is the premier Classic of the
season with a nationwide television audience.
This game helped determine the SWAC Western Division
champion last year and it could do the same this
year.
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
SWAC Championship
East Champion vs. West Champion in Birmingham,
Ala.
The significance of this game may change depending
on the decision of whether all teams will be
required to play each other. The game will be
in its fifth year, with Grambling looking to
make it four championships in a row.
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