Magic City Classic highlights schedule
LUT WILLIAMS
BCSP Editor
The annual battle for Alabama black college football supremacy, Birmingham's 61st Magic City Classic at historic Legion Field matching Alabama A&M against Alabama State, should bring out a great crowd and has added spice this year as both teams are in the running for the SWAC E. Div. title.
Alabama State (5-2, 2-2 SWAC E) and head coach L. C. Cole took a big step to get back into contention with a 24-20 win over then division co-leader Jackson State at the Oct. 12 Gulf Coast Classic in Mobile. ASU will come in well rested after an open date last weekend.
A&M (5-2, 3-0 SWAC E), under first-year head coach Anthony Jones, is the surprise leader in the division though the real meat of its schedule lies ahead. After Alabama State the Bulldogs play at Jackson State (Nov. 9) and host Alcorn State (Nov. 16), their nearest pursuers in the division.
PREDICTION: With two weeks to prepare, look out for the Cole brothers. ASU 31, A&M 20.
SWAC W. Div. leader Grambling (6-1, 3-0 SWAC W) hosts Jackson State (3-3, 2-1 SWAC E) in a game that counts on both teams' divisional records. Grambling will likely follow Alabama State's blueprint to victory, constant pressure on JSU QB Robert Kent. GSU 32, JSU 30.
In the MEAC, with top gun and BCSP #1 Bethune-Cookman idle, S.C. State (5-2, 2-1 MEAC) hosts Hampton (5-2, 3-0 MEAC) with second place in the conference on the line. Hampton wins 23-20.
Tuskegee (6-1, 4-1 SIAC) is at SIAC front-runner Fort Valley State (6-2, 6-0 SIAC).Look for another nailbiter with FVSU prevailing, 24-18.
Fayetteville State (6-1, 4-0 CIAA W) should clinch its first W. Div. title with a 23-10 win over J. C. Smith.
© 2002 Azeez Communications, Inc.