ESPN College Gameday to I-AA Site This Wkd

[TexasTerror]

College Gameday is coming to Houston for Grambling-Southern. Question is, where they going to have it? Budweiser Plaza outside of Reliant? Or are they going to do it outside of the practice bubble in the Teal parking lot? We'll see...

I figure Lee Corso picks Grambling in what should not be that entertaining of a game. Southern is 4-4 in conference, having beat up on the SWAC lightweights (Jackson St, TxSo, Ark-PB and PVA&M) and losing to the only SWAC teams with winning records (outside of this week's opponent) while Grambling enters undefeated at 8-0, on it's way to a SWAC title game.

Still a huge game with the bands, the crowd and all that great stuff. Grambling by 30 in this one as Bruce Eugene airs it out for over 400 yards...


Nov. 21, 2005, 2:06AM
TV-RADIO NOTEBOOK
College GameDay is on its way to Houston

By DAVID BARRON

As we began the week with ESPN's Sunday night crew of Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire and Suzy Kolber at Reliant Stadium for Chiefs-Texans, we will end it with a visit from the ESPN College GameDay crew of Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, who will broadcast Saturday morning from Reliant Park prior to the Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern.

No details yet on logistics for the set and details on how to watch the show in person, but Michael Fountain, the show's coordinating producer, will be in town today to firm up plans. College GameDay, of course, airs at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays on ESPN, and Grambling-Southern airs at 1 p.m. on NBC and KPRC (Channel 2).

Along with fans of Grambling and Southern, College GameDay would seem to offer a perfect setting for Texas or Texas A&M fans, based on the outcome of Friday's game in College Station. It's a light week on the schedule, so the Big 12 title game between Texas and Colorado, Dec. 3 at Reliant Stadium, certainly will be a topic of discussion.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3474465.html

[Big Dawg]

They should've come to the biggest game, The Florida Classic.

FAMU 26 BCC 23 OT...70,000 people were in attendance.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2005-11/20580877.jpg
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2005-11/20581512.jpg

[Golden Eagle]

They would pick this over FSU-Florida?

[TexasTerror]

They would pick this over FSU-Florida?

There's so many rivalry games this weekend...

This game has no significance (Grambling has clinched SWAC title game appearance) outside of the rivalry/tradition but it's not too surprising of a move...

I'm shocked because it's an NBC game, not an ESPN/ABC game...

[GAD]

:) :) :) YES YES YES da SWAC does it again :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :) :)

[Catmendue2]

There's so many rivalry games this weekend...

This game has no significance (Grambling has clinched SWAC title game appearance) outside of the rivalry/tradition but it's not too surprising of a move...

I'm shocked because it's an NBC game, not an ESPN/ABC game...


You seem to be shocked a lot. It is as significant as any game this weekend with or without your approval. Go SWAC, do damn thang.

[TexasTerror]

You seem to be shocked a lot. It is as significant as any game this weekend with or without your approval. Go SWAC, do damn thang.

Significant as playoff games where it's one and done? Hardly...

Grambling has nothing to prove with a win (outside of inflating Eugene's stats and Spears' ego) and while Southern could upset Grambling, it's highly unlikely considering Southern's inability to beat a solid squad...

It's a great tradition, great rivalry, but this year on the field is on the opposite side of the spectrum from those two great things. Won't be seeing much great on the field outside of the Grambling offense as it runs up the score on Southern...

[Retro]

ESPN's gameday location has NOTHING to do with what network the game is broadcast on.. They were in Tuscaloosa for LSU/BAMA and that is a CBS game... They usually big the biggest game for that week. While i'm glad to see them pick the bayou classic, it would've been nice to see them 3 more hours west in san marcos for Texas State and Ga Southern..
Anyway, i hope the swac boys put on a good show for them!

[SU Jag]

Congrats! It will be a big weekend in Houston. Their will be two big games there this weekend, the Labor Day Classic(Texas Southern vs Prairie View) on Friday, and of course the Bayou Classic between Southern and Grambling. With Gameday comming, it will only add to the atmosphere! I'm so pumped for this weekend, it reminds me of 2002 when Grambling was a big favorite and we shocked the world by beating them.

[TexasTerror]

And what about Sunday's classic?

That field is going to be in AWFUL condition for the Texans game after two games...

Bad move by Reliant Park/SMG that even had Bob McNair questioning it...

[SU Jag]

There's so many rivalry games this weekend...

This game has no significance (Grambling has clinched SWAC title game appearance) outside of the rivalry/tradition but it's not too surprising of a move...

I'm shocked because it's an NBC game, not an ESPN/ABC game...

This game always has significance, its GSU vs SU. Throw the records out the door in this one! During the 2002 season we beat a Grambling team that had already clinched a spot in the SWAC title game, and they we are HUGE favorite. We jumped out on them and upset them. During my senior year last year, we were a big favorite, Grambling came in 5-5 and had a terrible year. We had already clinched a spot in the title game and Grambling came in and beat us. This game is big for a lot of people. The radio stations here in Birmingham, have been talking about since yesterday. This game is huge, no matter what the records are.

[SU Jag]

And what about Sunday's classic?

That field is going to be in AWFUL condition for the Texans game after two games...

Bad move by Reliant Park/SMG that even had Bob McNair questioning it...

Do the Texans play at home this Sunday? Is there any room for tailgating at Reliant? :cool:

[bluedog]

They should've come to the biggest game, The Florida Classic.

FAMU 26 BCC 23 OT...70,000 people were in attendance.



The only reason that the classic you guys play in had more attendance the last couple of year is because the superdome added more suite and remove some regular seating bringing its capacity down to about 69k.

There are many reason that the BC is the largest event in BCF and one of the biggest in America and none of them any bigger then the simple fact that the BC was the first to bring BCF rivalries to the forefront on a national level at a national scale.

Before the BC there wasn't any school that even dared to believe that they could pull off such an event on such a large scale magnitude, so lets not kid ourselves.

You're quick to speak attendance but fail to mention the fact that the BC ranks in the top five in economic impact (http://www.neworleanscvb.com/static/index.cfm/contentID/528/sectionID/4/subsectionID/129) for what was one of the largest cities in the nation.

Added to that is the fact you choose to over look the fact that even though the florida classic has been doing it for 26 years its attendance history doesn't command the prestige that the BC does.

Florida Classic (http://www.onnidan.com/bcsp/1120/stry11201.htm)

1997 56,351
1998 66,245
1999 70,125
2000 70,719
2001 70,112
2002 70,201
2003 73,358
2004 71,153

Bayou Classic Results

YEAR ATTENDANCE
1974 76,753
1975 73,214
1976 76,188
1977 68,518
1978 72,000
1979 67,500
1980 75,000
1981 67,500
1982 71,555
1983 58,199
1984 51,752
1985 57,041
1986 58,960
1987 55,783
1988 55,450
1989 64,333
1990 70,600
1991 62,891
1992 71,282
1993 72,586
1994 66,641
1995 67,361
1996 71,586
1997 64,500
1998 60,986
1999 67,641
2000 72,000
2001 67,345
2002 72,586
2003 70,151
2004 68,911
?

Hopefully this helps you fully understand why the BC holds the prestige that it does and as long as there's a Bayou Classic and as long as there's a *SU and SU playing in it the florida classic and many others will be playing catch up in the prestige department. It doesn't mean that you won't just that you'll have to because the BC is the barometer that all classic are measure by.

[SU Jag]

The only reason that the classic you guys play in had more attendance the last couple of year is because the superdome added more suite and remove some regular seating bringing its capacity down to about 69k.

There are many reason that the BC is the largest event in BCF and one of the biggest in America and none of them any bigger then the simple fact that the BC was the first to bring BCF rivalries to the forefront on a national level at a national scale.

Before the BC there wasn't any school that even dared to believe that they could pull off such an event on such a large scale magnitude, so lets not kid ourselves.

You're quick to speak attendance but fail to mention the fact that the BC ranks in the top five in economic impact (http://www.neworleanscvb.com/static/index.cfm/contentID/528/sectionID/4/subsectionID/129) for what was one of the largest cities in the nation.

Added to that is the fact you choose to over look the fact that even though the florida classic has been doing it for 26 years its attendance history doesn't command the prestige that the BC does.

Florida Classic (http://www.onnidan.com/bcsp/1120/stry11201.htm)

1997 56,351
1998 66,245
1999 70,125
2000 70,719
2001 70,112
2002 70,201
2003 73,358
2004 71,153

Bayou Classic Results

YEAR ATTENDANCE
1974 76,753
1975 73,214
1976 76,188
1977 68,518
1978 72,000
1979 67,500
1980 75,000
1981 67,500
1982 71,555
1983 58,199
1984 51,752
1985 57,041
1986 58,960
1987 55,783
1988 55,450
1989 64,333
1990 70,600
1991 62,891
1992 71,282
1993 72,586
1994 66,641
1995 67,361
1996 71,586
1997 64,500
1998 60,986
1999 67,641
2000 72,000
2001 67,345
2002 72,586
2003 70,151
2004 68,911
?

Hopefully this helps you fully understand why the BC holds the prestige that it does and as long as there's a Bayou Classic and as long as there's a *SU and SU playing in it the florida classic and many others will be playing catch up in the prestige department. It doesn't mean that you won't just that you'll have to because the BC is the barometer that all classic are measure by.

Amen! The Bayou Classic was the first HBCU game to get the media attention from white America. When you say HBCU football, one of the first things that people think about is the Bayou Classic. The Florida Classic and all the others are growing, just as HBCU football is growing. Americans both black and white are starting to get into the HBCU Classics. HBCU football is so different, from the atmosphere, the bands, the taigating, everything is different. More and more people from outside of the HBCU world are starting to take notice. I have seen more Alabama fans who were older white couples, ditch the Crimson Tide game to attend the Magic City Classic in Birmingham. HBCU football is a great experience, and its totally different from any brand of football. You can argue about playoffs or quality of the teams but the atmosphere at the games exspecially Classic games are just amazing. This past year, I took one of my co-workers, who was a Auburn graduate to the Magic City Classic with me. He was critical at first, but when he saw the traffic, all of the tailgating, and everything that surrounds the game he was speachless. After we got inside, he was amazed the there was over 68,000 people at a D-1AA game! He loved the fact the that the bands went at each others throat in the stands, he was just impressed. After the game, he was suprised to see how many people remained inside of the stadium to watch the 5th quarter between the bands. He was even more suprised once we got outside of the stadium, there were even more people showing up. He was suprised that people stayed at the stadium until the crack of dawn partying and having a good time. He had so much fun that I had to leave him out there! And the first thing that he said to me on Monday mourning, was "when is the next one?" And as pumped as I am for Classic Weekend, he is even more pumped about going to the game this weekend. You can be critical of HBCU football all you want, but try your best to make it to one of the Classic games and I promise that it will change your whole outlook of HBCU football. :cool:

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.khou.com/perl/common/vid...bell5_51121.wmv


:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[MACHIAVELLI]

As an added note, a special feature on Grambling State’s senior quarterback Bruce Eugene will be included in this broadcast. This segment will include a closer look at the Walter Payton Award candidate on his progress throughout his final season.

[SU Jag]

Yeah, he can also talk about why Southern has dominated this game in the past decade! He can also talk about how we beat yall in 03 to win the West. We went to the title game, and Bruce cried on the sideline! :D See you, in Houston!

[putter]

Great to see the publicity it is just too bad that the only thing the promote is HBCU and the fact that it is I-AA football is never mentioned. :confused: :rolleyes:

[SU Jag]

Great to see the publicity it is just too bad that the only thing the promote is HBCU and the fact that it is I-AA football is never mentioned. :confused: :rolleyes:

Probably because HBCUs are more than D-1AA. The HBCUs from the SIAC and CIAA are D-2. There are some that are D-III.

[putter]

Point taken but Grambling/Southern is I-AA but you never hear about that when ESPN is promoting the game. However, the support and publicity is awesome and something that every program wants.

[SU Jag]

ESPN has never promoted this game, NBC has but not ESPN. ESPN does promote HBCU football on ESPN U but the only reason that they dont say D-1AA is because they show more than D-1AA HBCUs.

[*****]

... You're quick to speak attendance ... even though the florida classic has been doing it for 26 years its attendance history doesn't command the prestige that the BC does...
Florida Classic
1997 56,351
1998 66,245
1999 70,125
2000 70,719
2001 70,112
2002 70,201
2003 73,358
2004 71,153

Bayou Classic
1997 64,500
1998 60,986
1999 67,641
2000 72,000
2001 67,345
2002 72,586
2003 70,151
2004 68,911

... Hopefully this helps you fully understand...Florida Classic
1997-2004 548,264

Bayou Classic
1997-2004 544,120

[*****]

... ESPN does promote HBCU football on ESPN U but the only reason that they dont say D-1AA is because they show more than D-1AA HBCUs.Explain why they only mentioned I-AA twice the entire game when SCSU was making the big playoff push last week? SHAME!

[bluedog]

Florida Classic (http://www.onnidan.com/bcsp/1120/stry11201.htm)

1997 56,351
1998 66,245
1999 70,125
2000 70,719
2001 70,112
2002 70,201
2003 73,358
2004 71,153

Bayou Classic Results

YEAR ATTENDANCE
1974 76,753
1975 73,214
1976 76,188
1977 68,518
1978 72,000
1979 67,500
1980 75,000
1981 67,500
1982 71,555
1983 58,199
1984 51,752
1985 57,041
1986 58,960
1987 55,783
1988 55,450
1989 64,333
1990 70,600
1991 62,891
1992 71,282
1993 72,586
1994 66,641
1995 67,361
1996 71,586
1997 64,500
1998 60,986
1999 67,641
2000 72,000
2001 67,345
2002 72,586
2003 70,151
2004 68,911
?




Florida Classic
1978???????????? wanna guess why there aren't any attendance numbers from 1978-1996?
1997-2004 548,264

Bayou Classic

1974-2004 2,076,813

[*****]

Florida Classic
1978???????????? wanna guess why there aren't any attendance numbers from 1978-1996?
1997-2004 548,264

Bayou Classic

1974-2004 2,076,813Apples/Oranges... If you post 97-04 then compare it on that. I don't trust any of those attendance numbers anyway...

[bluedog]

Florida Classic
1978???????????? wanna guess why there aren't any attendance numbers from 1978-1996?
1997-2004 548,264

Bayou Classic

1974-2004 2,076,813


Well podnuh, when you become the attendance monitor of all D-IAA maybe then somebody will care.

[TexasTerror]

Do the Texans play at home this Sunday? Is there any room for tailgating at Reliant? :cool:

Texans host the Rams. It's going to be an awful field. We've seen what has happened before when they overload the schedule for an extra $$$...

[TexasTerror]

Question...what are the numbers on the Labor Day Classic (TxSo/PVA&M) compared to Bayou Classic? How does that game fair in comparison?

[MACHIAVELLI]

I don't trust any of those attendance numbers anyway...

Why?

[AppGuy04]

Why?

The attendance numbers are reported by the promoters of the game, and therefore, tend to be overinflated to make the game seem bigger than it was

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

I don't trust any of those attendance numbers anyway...
SAD, SAD, SAD :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

The attendance numbers are reported by the promoters of the game, and therefore, tend to be overinflated to make the game seem bigger than it was
Sad, Sad, Sad :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse

[AppGuy04]

Sad, Sad, Sad :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse

every school does it, trust me, not just "classic" games

[gram4life]

I wonder where the haters are that say "...no one cares about HBCU football..."? It would seem that ESPN cares, and so does NBC (and NBC has obviously cared since 1992).


Oh Shellshock didn't you know, it's call welfare for us.

[SU Jag]

Question...what are the numbers on the Labor Day Classic (TxSo/PVA&M) compared to Bayou Classic? How does that game fair in comparison?

The Labor Day Classic isnt as big as the Bayou Classic because Texas Southern and PVAMU aren't usually good teams. They usually get about 40-45,000, but back a few years ago, they use to get about 55,000. My thing is,will reliant have enough room for tailgating and all of the other stuff. Sice the Texans play at home on Sunday, what will that do to the people who usually tailgate through Sunday? I hope that everything so well.

[Big Dawg]

Currently The Florida Classic is the king...

Honestly though, I didn't mean to sound like I was downplaying the BC in the beginning.

[PMB4Life]

I wonder where the haters are that say "...no one cares about HBCU football..."? It would seem that ESPN cares, and so does NBC (and NBC has obviously cared since 1992).

Oh Shellshock didn't you know, it's call welfare for us.

Sigh... here we go again. ESPN is throwing HBCU's a bone because they get to pat themselves on the back at the end of the day and say to themselves in Bristol Connecticut "Hey, look how much we care about HBCUs. Aren't we freakin' awesome?" The truth of the matter is that ESPN is truly the bane of any non DI-A, BCS football or basketball program. Why? THEY DON'T CARE, and I can guarantee you one thing: the GameDay crew won't have a clue who anybody is that plays for either GSU or SU.

That being said, NBC has covered this game since 1992, and I will be the first to say that I watch almost every year. So whoever said that this game is THE BCF Classic is most definitely right, and not just because I watch (although I am pretty friggin' awesome). Ask any random confused white guy about Black College Football and he'll say, "Oh! Like Southern and Grambling, right?" He won't be able to tell you what the SWAC and MEAC are, or any of the other HBCUs (for the record... most true I-AA fans can), but he'll know that game. NBC has been a big part of putting this game on the map, but I would say that they are still just a part. Say what you will, this game is a college football rivalry staple.

And ESPN wants on the bandwagon RIGHT NOW.

In closing, don't refer to white people as giving HBCUs welfare. I get really irritated with that kind of talk. Fans of BCF have done this all on their own, and NOT through any kind of "welfare," save for ESPN, whose welfare is color blind and of a different variety. NBC shows the BC because it brings them good ratings, and they are only concerned about the bottom line. It's pretty much that simple: lots of viewership... lots of money. "Let's show the Bayou Classic!" NBC says as a result. It seems to have been working since 1992.

[UAPB '97]

The GameDay crew has plenty of time to do their homework concerning who will be on the field for each team.

I think the 'welfare' comment was in jest...

[TexasTerror]

The Labor Day Classic isnt as big as the Bayou Classic because Texas Southern and PVAMU aren't usually good teams. They usually get about 40-45,000, but back a few years ago, they use to get about 55,000. My thing is,will reliant have enough room for tailgating and all of the other stuff. Sice the Texans play at home on Sunday, what will that do to the people who usually tailgate through Sunday? I hope that everything so well.

Tailgating only happens on Sunday at Reliant Park for Texan games. They will close the parking lot for those want to tailgate through Sunday for Grambling-Southern because they have to get the lots ready for the next day...

[SU Jag]

This something good for HBCU football, but the thing that I get frustrated with is that some people never give HBCU football any credit. We talk about having the biggest games in D-1AA attendence wise every year and all I hear from the haters is "well they come to see the band"! We say Gameday is comming to the Bayou Classic, and they say "for what?" We never get a congragulations or a pat on the back from some people. I have never understood that. I mean, whatever you say positive about HBCU football, someone has to come with something negative. I just wish that more people from outside of the HBCU world would attend events like the Florida Classic or Bayou Classic, just to see what the hype is really about! :)

[TypicalTribe]

This something good for HBCU football, but the thing that I get frustrated with is that some people never give HBCU football any credit. We talk about having the biggest games in D-1AA attendence wise every year and all I hear from the haters is "well they come to see the band"! We say Gameday is comming to the Bayou Classic, and they say "for what?" We never get a congragulations or a pat on the back from some people. I have never understood that!

Congratulations. I think the HBCU community does a tremendous job of supporting the band and the "Classics" are fantastic events that bring people together for entire weekends, not just the game.

The only reason that HBCU football doesn't get more credit is that, for most fans of other schools, it's all about the football, and the quality of HBCU football lags behind the rest of I-AA.

[SU Jag]

Congratulations. I think the HBCU community does a tremendous job of supporting the band and the "Classics" are fantastic events that bring people together for entire weekends, not just the game.

The only reason that HBCU football doesn't get more credit is that, for most fans of other schools, it's all about the football, and the quality of HBCU football lags behind the rest of I-AA.

I agree! You hit the nail right on the head.

[TexasTerror]

The only reason that HBCU football doesn't get more credit is that, for most fans of other schools, it's all about the football, and the quality of HBCU football lags behind the rest of I-AA.

That, a lack of desire to play I-AA teams (namely due to SWAC mandate which makes no sense considering conference title game in play) and unwilligness to take part in I-AA playoffs...

Only two reasons I don't care much about HBCU football at this level. I've been to HBCU events, big rivalry games in other sports, I loved the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd...

[SU Jag]

That, a lack of desire to play I-AA teams (namely due to SWAC mandate which makes no sense considering conference title game in play) and unwilligness to take part in I-AA playoffs...

Only two reasons I don't care much about HBCU football at this level. I've been to HBCU events, big rivalry games in other sports, I loved the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd...

Yeah, I understand you on that! But, I think that the "big wigs" at the SWAC office knew what was at risk when they organized the SWAC Championship. The SWAC Championship is basically another "Classic" game. Its a big deal to the city of Birmingham and it as a big economic boost on the economy. The SWAC Championship game is like all other classics, is a big weekend and not just the game. The events and other things that surround the game makes it a big game.

[MACHIAVELLI]

Currently The Florida Classic is the king...


The FC is currently the attendance leader. Being the biggest sometimes is more than just attendance :D I think it is more impressive to have 68,000 plus folks come to a game knowing way in advacne they can watch the game on TV for free. That is BIG.

[MACHIAVELLI]

That, a lack of desire to play I-AA teams (namely due to SWAC mandate which makes no sense considering conference title game in play) and unwilligness to take part in I-AA playoffs...


The SWAC can take part in the playoffs.

[TypicalTribe]

The SWAC can take part in the playoffs.

Not realistically, unless one of the 2nd place teams in one of the divisions is somehow good enough to qualify. Which would be a miracle.

[PMB4Life]

This something good for HBCU football, but the thing that I get frustrated with is that some people never give HBCU football any credit. We talk about having the biggest games in D-1AA attendence wise every year and all I hear from the haters is "well they come to see the band"! We say Gameday is comming to the Bayou Classic, and they say "for what?" We never get a congragulations or a pat on the back from some people. I have never understood that. I mean, whatever you say positive about HBCU football, someone has to come with something negative. I just wish that more people from outside of the HBCU world would attend events like the Florida Classic or Bayou Classic, just to see what the hype is really about!

Here's something that pissed me off to end today... Chris Fowler of ESPN was talking about going down to Houston for the BC, and had this to say about Eugene's 40 TDs to 3 INTs stat:

"That's impressive numbers in Sandlot football... much less I-AA."

:bang: Jackass. I'll concede that SWAC football is a step behind the rest of I-AA, but to call them Sandlot? :mad:

[TypicalTribe]

Here's something that pissed me off to end today... Chris Fowler of ESPN was talking about going down to Houston for the BC, and had this to say about Eugene's 40 TDs to 3 INTs stat:

"That's impressive numbers in Sandlot football... much less I-AA."

:bang: Jackass. I'll concede that SWAC football is a step behind the rest of I-AA, but to call them Sandlot? :mad:

I think you misinterpreted what he was saying. He was saying those are amazing numbers anywhere, but they're even more impressive having been compiled against I-AA competition. The comment actually didn't even mention the SWAC. Little touchy?

[PMB4Life]

I think you misinterpreted what he was saying. He was saying those are amazing numbers anywhere, but they're even more impressive having been compiled against I-AA competition. The comment actually didn't even mention the SWAC. Little touchy?

Yeah, maybe. I've never been impressed with ESPN's coverage of ANYTHING non USC or Duke.

[SU Jag]

Exspecially anything sais be Lee Corso! "Not so fast my friend!" :D

[SU Jag]

:bang: Damn you Corso! :bang:

[*****]

Posts were removed here, remember this is the discussion board... not the smack board.

[*****]

I think it is more impressive to have 68,000 plus folks come to a game knowing way in advacne they can watch the game on TV for free. That is BIG.Yeah, I watched the FC on TV this year from Chicago...

[Tod]

I think you misinterpreted what he was saying. He was saying those are amazing numbers anywhere, but they're even more impressive having been compiled against I-AA competition. The comment actually didn't even mention the SWAC. Little touchy?

I agree. I think it's easy to misinterpret that statement, but I think it was a compliment. But I also didn't hear it. :confused: :confused:

[SochorField]

I went to high school with Southern QB JC Lewis. What an athlete...he was a couple years behind me, but I remember watching him on Friday nights.

Too bad UC Davis couldnt recruit JC...Walnut Creek, CA is merely 45-60 mins from Davis.

Really cool to see him playing big time college football. Go Southern!

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

I went to high school with Southern QB JC Lewis. What an athlete...he was a couple years behind me, but I remember watching him on Friday nights.

Too bad UC Davis couldnt recruit JC...Walnut Creek, CA is merely 45-60 mins from Davis.

Really cool to see him playing big time college football. Go Southern!
:D :D :D :D :D

[SU Jag]

I went to high school with Southern QB JC Lewis. What an athlete...he was a couple years behind me, but I remember watching him on Friday nights.

Too bad UC Davis couldnt recruit JC...Walnut Creek, CA is merely 45-60 mins from Davis.

Really cool to see him playing big time college football. Go Southern!


This is my new best friend! :D :D Always remember Southern=Good Grambling=Bad!

[GAD]

Southern= :)
Grambling= :(

[MACHIAVELLI]

Not realistically, unless one of the 2nd place teams in one of the divisions is somehow good enough to qualify. Which would be a miracle.

SWAC members outside of Grambling, Alabama St.& SU and the Swac Championship Game participants are eligible for an at-large bid to the playoffs.

[SU Jag]

That leaves noone who would get in!

[mikebigg]

This game always has significance, its GSU vs SU. Throw the records out the door in this one! During the 2002 season we beat a Grambling team that had already clinched a spot in the SWAC title game, and they we are HUGE favorite. We jumped out on them and upset them. During my senior year last year, we were a big favorite, Grambling came in 5-5 and had a terrible year. We had already clinched a spot in the title game and Grambling came in and beat us. This game is big for a lot of people. The radio stations here in Birmingham, have been talking about since yesterday. This game is huge, no matter what the records are.

SU Jag,

Unfortunately, the prevalent sentiment among a large number of posters on AGS is that SWAC games are insignificant. Because the Bayou Classic isn't rescheduled (moved up a week) so as not to conflict with the 1AA playoffs, it often bears the brunt of criticism. So posters have even made disparaging remarks about the game being little more than a fashion show or even had the audacity to say that it being covered by NBC as a publicity event.

Of course that is ridiculous since the sponsors of the game and NBC recognizes that this is a marketing opportunity for them... The number of seats in the SEATS has a lot to do with this game being televised. I'm somewhat surprised that the Florida Classic hasn't generated more media attention...but it's a matter of time. Perhaps those two schools (FAMU and BCC) need to step up their campaign to get a television deal.

If some would remove the anti-SWAC bias (and trust me it does exist), they would realize that this game involves 2 1AA teams...The really smart thing would be to include a conference that normally leads 1AA in attendance in the playoffs. Wouldn't it be practical to delay the playoffs one week? This not only allows Grambling, Southern, Bama State to complete their regualar season, but also allow other teams a week to heal up, prepare for the first round, and improve attendance (since most students are out for Thanksgiving) for the playoffs.

Let's play the "what if" game relative to a possible Grambling/Hampton matchup in the first round of the playoffs. I wonder what the attendance number would be for that game... Neither campus could hold the number of fans that would come out and see the teams play. Maybe the NCAA isn't interested in revenue...

[mikebigg]

Explain why they only mentioned I-AA twice the entire game when SCSU was making the big playoff push last week? SHAME!

Ralph,

This is not smack...but the question is why didn't they mention the 1AA playoffs, period? Division 1AA playoffs is suffering from a relative lack of exposure for what is a good thing. The teams and players competing should get more exposure and recognition for the work they put into becoming champions. But the fact is (imo) that D1AA misses out on media coverage and exposure by it's adamant stand that the SWAC champion be decided prior to the Thanksgiving weekend. That has really hurt 1AA playoff attendance since every SWAC champion since 1999 has been either Grambling, Southern, or Alabama State (who also has a Thanksgiving weekend game against their traditional rival...the 125 year old Turkey Day Classic).

Now, imagine if this year's BC decided the SWAC champion! All during College Gameday and all during the NBC broadcast, the commentators would "most likely" reference the fact that the game was for bragging rights AND the right to participate in the 1AA playoffs. Sounds like a missed opportunity to me...simply over the other members of 1AA not voting to move the playoffs back one week. Why the rush? The NCAA acts as though they can't wait an extra week to (excuse me but it's how I feel) PIMP you guys for $$$.

[GaSouthern]

every school does it, trust me, not just "classic" games

GSU's numbers are always under... we could tell because we always head counted students... just like everyone else in our stadium, well this year we made all the students swipe the student ID's and we set a student record 2K over what we averaged telling us for all these years the head count was horribly wrong.

[Jafus (Thinker)]

MikeBigg,

Unfortunately, other than a few individuals like Ralph that have a true passion for uplifting and show casing I-AA, the Division I (Division I-A members) Football Committee does not have much interest in really showcasing football at the I-AA level. They are more concern with I-AA moving into the "Bowl Games" picture as opposed to really showcasing I-AA football and expanding the playoff field as well as moving the Tournament back a week or two.

The Division I Football Committee wants to only do enough to appease I-AA administrators/officials such that these individuals will not make a huge disturbance regarding the entire picture.

It will be interesting to follow.

[TexasTerror]

Expanding the field AND pushing it back a week or two would conflict the I-AA playoffs with the Div I-A bowl games. Is that what we really want? It'd get lost in the shuffle! I think that'd be a huge mistake...

Also throw in the fact that many of these schools have insufficient athletics admins (I'm thinking SIDs) who can capably cover FB going later in the year and basketball overlapse. Big problem for several schools I know of as is that is not such a big deal right now due to not so much overlapse...

[McNeese72]

Expanding the field AND pushing it back a week or two would conflict the I-AA playoffs with the Div I-A bowl games. Is that what we really want? It'd get lost in the shuffle! I think that'd be a huge mistake...

Also throw in the fact that many of these schools have insufficient athletics admins (I'm thinking SIDs) who can capably cover FB going later in the year and basketball overlapse. Big problem for several schools I know of as is that is not such a big deal right now due to not so much overlapse...

It would also cause the Championship Game to be on or near Christmas. I wonder if that would benefit or hurt?

[R.A.]

Remember- Game Day from the Bayou CLassic at 10:30am on ESPN

[Jafus (Thinker)]

D@mn!! :sick:

They moved the "ESPN GAME DAY" inside after the first live feed outside at 8:00am or so because of the rain. I had my sign (PVAMU, SWAC, MEAC, BCF, & I-AA), SWAC umbrella, SWAC tailgating chair, (a whole ham for breakfast sandwiches on the gas grill) and was ready to head to the game early with some friends. Well, now as you can read, I will wait and head straight to the game.

D@mn!! :sick:

[UNH 1999]

Gameday from inside the stadium is absolute CRAP. Might as well do it from inside a studio... no character of what that game is conveyed at all by them sitting in front of a stadium of empty seats.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

And what about Sunday's classic?

That field is going to be in AWFUL condition for the Texans game after two games...

Bad move by Reliant Park/SMG that even had Bob McNair questioning it...

This is not a bad move. I was on the field just about the entire game and the field was in excellent shape after the Labor Day Classic. The ground screw is doing an excellent job with the upkeep of the field. I was out on the field this morning at 6:30am and you couldn't tell a game was played a day earlier. I have a field pass for the Bayou Classic as well and can give an update later tonight. But your assessment of awful conditions are severely premature.

[UNH 1999]

gotta love Mac Brown being interviewed and calling for a playoff... too bad D-1A, enjoy your BCS... what excitement.

[TexasTerror]

This is not a bad move. I was on the field just about the entire game and the field was in excellent shape after the Labor Day Classic. The ground screw is doing an excellent job with the upkeep of the field. I was out on the field this morning at 6:30am and you couldn't tell a game was played a day earlier. I have a field pass for the Bayou Classic as well and can give an update later tonight. But your assessment of awful conditions are severely premature.

Severely premature?

The Texans have had severe field problems in the past. Them moving the bands to the sidelines was made due to concerns. We'll see what happens on Sunday. Reliant Park staff says it could be done. Texans are nervous...

[TexasTerror]

Darn shame about them moving it indoors. The weather has been awful all morning. Finally clearing up thankfully. Should be beautiful this afternoon. Too bad it dampened the GameDay show. My friend was looking forward to going...

[SU Jag]

Severely premature?

The Texans have had severe field problems in the past. Them moving the bands to the sidelines was made due to concerns. We'll see what happens on Sunday. Reliant Park staff says it could be done. Texans are nervous...

The Battle of The Bands is always from the stands, and never on the field on Friday night. I went inside earlier to take a look at the field, and it looks pretty good. I don't know how its going to look after today but we'll see. I hate that it rained because everyone had planned to have fun outside with Gameday. Both bands were supposed to be there, as well as the cheerleaders. I was very upset that it couldn't be done outside.

[TexasTerror]

The Battle of The Bands is always from the stands, and never on the field on Friday night.

That's not how it was said in the media...oh well, the field was saved. I'd assume one game wasn't going to impact it much. A second game sure would, but they are changing out the grass between the hashes...