With four new head coaches and the suspension of Paine’s football program due to financial issues, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference takes on a different look from last season. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is Tuskegee and Albany State on top of their respective divisions in the pre-season coaches’ poll released on July 20. Now that we’re closer to the start of the 2015 season, let’s take an updated look at how the SIAC’s football teams stack up. [divider]
SIAC EASTERN DIVISION PREVIEW
BR-158 Clark Atlanta Panthers
2014 Record: 3-7, 1-6 SIAC, 1-4 SIAC East Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 5th SIAC East Head Coach: Kevin Ramsey (1st season; 2nd season overall, 4-7) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 11 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Owing to last season’s struggles was the relative youth of the Panthers’ offense. All 11 projected starters return on offense, all of whom are either sophomores or juniors. Ramsey, who was named head coach on July 13 after three years as Alabama State’s defensive coordinator, is trying to change the culture at Clark Atlanta, who is looking for their first winning season since 2008. “I know they will buy into having fun,” Ramsey said. “Having fun with these guys, a small circle, being in the meeting room with the installations. That is always been my interest in those small meeting rooms.” Clark Atlanta’s offense averaged 281.9 yards and 18.8 points per game, both next-to-last in the SIAC. Junior quarterback Trenton Earl (576 passing yards, 5 TDs, 7 INTs) and sophomore running back Shaquan Mitchell (79 carries, 383 rushing yards, 5 TDs) should show some improvement this season behind an offensive line with four sophomores and one junior projected to return as starters. Although the Panthers were an option type run based team last season, Ramsey promised a few wrinkles on offense. “We’ll spread it out a little,” Ramsey warned. Despite the offensive struggles, Clark Atlanta’s defense more than held their own, finishing fourth in the SIAC in defense (316.2 yards and 21.1 points per game). Expect that trend to continue under Ramsey, a defensive minded coach whose units at Texas Southern and Alabama State were among the leaders in sacks in their respective leagues. “We like to apply pressure” on defense, Ramsey said. “Our kids will really enjoy our defensive scheme. Everywhere I’ve coached at, our linebackers, our cornerbacks and our safeties were involved in sacks.” Three defensive linemen, led by junior Justin Marcus and his 8.5 TFLs, and three defensive backs, led by senior Josh Tate and his three interceptions, are projected to return to the Panthers’ defense, which ran a 3-3-5 scheme last season.
BR-144 Morehouse Maroon Tigers
2014 Record: 6-4, 4-3 SIAC, 3-2 SIAC East Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 4th SIAC East Head Coach: Rich Freeman (9th season, 47-34) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 4 On the surface, the Maroon Tigers looked poised to challenge Albany State for the SIAC East crown. Freeman has several holes to fill on both sides of the ball, more so on defense. Yet, the mentality is different after a 6-4 record last year following back-to-back losing seasons. “Coming into the season our seniors know what it takes to win and can lead the game,” Freeman said. “We are looking to get back to having fun and winning as a team.” Junior quarterback Monquavious Johnson (1,439 passing yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs) brings veteran leadership to the Morehouse offense. “Over the last two years I've gained a lot of experience and have been able to develop to a full quarterback,” Johnson said. “Playing in a spread offense in high school, I needed to develop more and I have.” With Shelton Hamilton having graduated, the Maroon Tigers will have a gap to fill in the running game. Junior Malik Johnson (72 carries, 302 yards, 2 TDs) is the team’s leading returning rusher. Senior Devon Mann (33 carries, 513 yards, 5 TDs) and junior Lake McGuffie (28 carries, 448 yards, 4 TDs) are Morehouse’s leading returning receivers. A concern for the Maroon Tigers heading into training camp is on defense, as only four projected starters from last season return. Juniors Robert Davis (21 tackles, 2 TFLs) and Josh Burton (3.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 1.5 sacks) return on the defensive line. Senior linebacker Jamil Irvin-Muhammad (3 INTs) and junior defensive Emmanuel Parks (2 INTs) also are projected to return for the Maroon Tigers. Another key defensive leader, senior linebacker Chris Hambie (39 tackles, 1.5 TFLs), is expected to play a major role on and off the field. “I've been with the program all four years so I feel that it is our responsibility to teach the younger ones how to win, how to listen,” Hambie said. “They look to me on the field and in the classroom.” Overall, Freeman has high expectations for his Maroon Tigers. “Our philosophy is to play fast, hard and smart,” he said. “If we do that everyday, then we will achieve our long-term goals of winning the conference and even the national title. We want to see the continued growth throughout the year.”
BR-150 Benedict Tigers
2014 Record: 4-6, 2-5 SIAC, 2-3 SIAC East Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 3rd SIAC East Head Coach: Mike White (1st season; 16th overall, 112-51) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 9 After 15 years at Albany State, Mike White left his alma mater to become head coach at divisional rival Benedict. “I’m looking forward to the hungry group we have and getting it turned around in a positive way,” White said. “I really have a lot of reasons why though: being in Columbia, the field and our team going forward.” Whether that enthusiasm will be enough to jump start a team that is decent on offense but struggled mightily on defense remains to be seen. With quarterback Cameron Stover having graduated, returning senior Marcus Graham is projected as the starter under center. Benedict’s rushing attack finished second-to-last in the SIAC last season (89.6 yards/game). Junior George Myers (54 carries, 166 yards, 1 TD) projected as the team’s leading returning rusher, expressed excitement over the coaching change. “We’re looking forward to the balanced offense approach and putting the players in the right position to succeed,” Myers said. “We are going to have a great quarterback coming in and great chemistry between us.” Senior Jeremy Glinton (20 catches, 378 yards, 5 TDs) is the team’s leading receiver. Nine starters are projected to return for a defensive which allowed 393.1 yards and 30.3 points per game (both 10th in the SIAC). “The coaches are big on teaching us, so we are learning a lot more about our new defensive scheme,” said sophomore linebacker Stephen Williams. “We've been working out a lot over the summer and think that we are going to have a great season.” Senior defensive end DeVante Pinkney (7.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks) and senior linebacker Charles Powell (9 TFLs, 2 sacks, 2 recovered fumbles) anchor the Tigers’ front seven, while senior Rodney Hall (2 INTs, 1 recovered fumble) leads the Benedict secondary.
BR-133 Fort Valley State Wildcats
2014 Record: 6-4, 4-3 SIAC, 3-2 SIAC East Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 2nd SIAC East Head Coach: Donald Pittman (7th season, 35-29) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 9 The Wildcats looked poised to steal the SIAC East before back-to-back losses against Morehouse and Albany State kept them out of the SIAC title game. Pittman is trying avoid the same fate this season. “We are excited with the talent we have coming back,” he said. “We have a chance to win, but there is always that element of the surprise with the coaches and teams in the conference. This year I think it is going to be very competitive.” Watch for senior Marcus Eady (885 passing yards, 4 TDs, 7 INTs; 82 carries, 310 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs) and junior Otis Brown (714 passing yards, 9 TDs, 3 INTs; 90 carries, 381 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs) to battle it out for the starting quarterback position in training camp. “We want to be more consistent at quarterback,” Pittman said. “We’ve got to get better on offense, so we can do better in competition.” Sophomore running back Jalen White (85 carries, 519 yards, 5 TDs) has the potential to have a breakout breakout season behind an offensive line with four returnees who weigh an average of 311 pounds. Sophomore wide receiver Drelon Williams (33 catches, 720 yards, 11 TDs) had three 100-yard receiving games last season as a freshman; his 11 TDs were tied for second in the SIAC (or, as many touchdowns as Lane scored as a team last season). “Our offense is coming along,” Pittman said. “We don’t expect to lose any games on offense this season.” Of Fort Valley State’s nine projected returning starters on defense, six are seniors. Senior defensive back Brian Walker (5 INTs) headlines a Wildcats secondary which helped lead the SIAC in interceptions (18). Another key defensive leader for Pittman is junior Patrick Edwards, who has seen time at both strong safety and inside linebacker. Edwards’ flexibility will help boost a linebackers group with senior Stefon Harper (68 tackles, 3 TFLs) as the lone returnee. All four starters on the defensive line, led by senior Aaron Davis and sophomore Larry Matthews, are also projected to return.
BR-81 Albany State Golden Rams
2014 Record: 7-3, 7-0 SIAC, 5-0 SIAC East (won SIAC East championship; lost to Tuskegee in SIAC Championship Game) Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 1st SIAC East Head Coach: Dan Land (1st season) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 6 After 13 seasons as an assistant coach under Mike White, Dan Land takes over as interim head coach of the Golden Rams. “The biggest challenge so far has been getting all of the players back in and getting ready for the season,” Land said. “With the SIAC, you have to get your players in and get them ready over the summer to be successful.” On the top of the to do list for Land, who was the defensive backs coach before his promotion and also played running back during his collegiate playing career at Albany State, is to find a replacement for graduated quarterback Frank Rivers. Expect the competition to come down to senior Charod Williams and sophomore Ta’Keevian Harris, neither of whom took a snap in a game last season. Whoever earns the starting quarterback job will have several weapons at his disposal, including junior Leonard Walker (29 catches, 426 yards, 4 TDs), sophomore Quadrey Simmons, (22 catches, 258 yards, 3 TDs) and senior Ryan Latner (20 catches, 229 yards). Senior running back Jarvis Small (222 carries, 1,169 carries, 12 TDs), the SIAC’s leading rusher and preseason offensive player of the year, powers the Golden Rams offense. Albany State also returns three of their five starting offensive linemen from last season. Defensively, the Golden Rams return six starters, including four from the front seven. Junior defensive end Grover Stewart (13 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, 6 QB hurries) is Albany State’s lone returning defensive lineman. An experienced linebacker group, led by senior SIAC preseason defensive player of the year Tavarius Washington (93 tackles, 17.5 TFLs) and senior Jack Ndem (12 TFLs, 6.5 sacks) is expected to boost the SIAC’s top-rated defense which held opponents to league-lows in yards allowed (254.9) and points allowed (17.3). Senior Cedric Ashe (3 TFLs, 1 INT) and sophomore Nick Scott (2 INTs) are the leading returnees for the Golden Rams secondary. While the Golden Rams were tapped to repeat as SIAC East champions, that doesn’t faze a self-described “old school” coach like Land. “Seeing stuff on paper doesn't mean a whole lot to me,” he said. “Once we get out there and prove stuff on the field, then we will worry about the rankings. I appreciate the coaches voting us first place, but we want to prove it on the field.” [divider]
SIAC WESTERN DIVISION PREVIEW
BR-166 Lane Dragons
2014 Record: 1-8, 1-6 SIAC, 1-5 SIAC West Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 6th SIAC West Head Coach: Derrick Burroughs (1st season of second stint at Lane; 5th season overall, 15-25) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 7 The Dragons have nowhere to go but up … literally. The Dragons have managed just three winning seasons since becoming a D2 program in 1993 (this also factors in 19 vacated wins in a six-year span, including eight vacated wins in 2006). A familiar face is expected to bring a boost to a program in need of some good fortune. After a one-year stint at Jackson (Miss.) State’s defensive coordinator, Derrick Burroughs returns to Jackson, Tenn. for a second stint at the Dragons’ head coach. That, according to assistant coach Fred Manuel, is bringing a buzz around the Lane locker room. “Everyone is excited Burroughs is back,” Manuel said. “Alumni and staff know that under Burroughs in the past, the team was successful on and off the field. They feel comfortable knowing that he is going to bring the same kind of fire that he had before.” The program also made improvements to their facilities during the off-season. “Having been in the cellar in the past, and now going into a new weight room and locker room has made the players work a lot harder,” Manuel said. “Whether that translates into winning more games is yet to be seen. Eating an elephant requires one bite at a time.” On the field, watch for senior Roderick McKee (445 passing yards, 2 TDs, 7 INTs) and junior Terrance Ayers (1,043 yards, 4 TDs, 6 INTs) to battle it out for the starting quarterback spot. Senior RB Gerald Gaines (88 carries, 301 yards, 1 TD) and junior Darius Mitchell (38 catches, 424 yards, 3 TDs) look to help bolster the SIAC’s worst offense (231.1 yards and 11.1 points per game). Lane also had a rough time stopping opposing offenses, allowing the most points per game (38.8) and the second most yards per game (424.3) in the SIAC. When your leading tackler is a defensive back (senior Will Lacy, Jr., who also recorded three interceptions), it’s generally not a good sign. However, the Dragons are projected to return all four starting defensive linemen, led by senior Gabriel Mass (11.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks) and junior Craig Drummond (8 TFLs, 3 sacks).
BR-143 Kentucky State Thorobreds
2014 Record: 3-7, 2-5 SIAC, 2-3 SIAC West Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 5th SIAC West Head Coach: Josh Dean (3rd season, 8-12) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 9 The Thorobreds will have several holes to fill on offense, as only three offensive linemen, along with senior TE Vaughn Caine and junior WR Moronkie Tapper (14 catches, 292 yards, 1 TD) are projected to return. Sophomore Ora Johnson is expected to step in as starting quarterback after Adam Robinson’s graduation. Filling the shoes of RB Jacquise Lockett, who signed a free agent deal with the Washington NFL franchise, and his 1,142 rushing yards will be easier said than done. “One thing we have lacked is the discipline throughout the team,” said senior wide receiver Derek Woodmore. “We have to drop the pride and not be selfish. It only takes one player to not do what they are supposed to do. We have had the tools in the past, the record didn't show because of the discipline – less penalties, less mistakes.” The Thorobreds drew 10.5 penalties per game last season, the second most in the SIAC, and committed 25 turnovers, third most in the league. While the defense held opponents to a respectable 341.6 yards per game, Kentucky State didn’t force a lot of turnovers, forcing just 14 (10 fumbles and four interceptions) in 10 games last season. Senior LBs Lydell Simon (76 tackles, 8 TFLs) and Trevon Spencer (8.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks) anchor the Marauders’ 4-3 defense. Woodmore and other veterans on this Kentucky State team are buying into Page’s vision in Frankfort. “[Page] has an idea of what he wants us to do, and it is up to us to make everyone else fall in line,” Woodmore said. “I think the young guys are ready to follow us, and that is the mindset of everyone. You aren't going to lead your family in the wrong direction. We have a lot of talent with the young guys and the young guys listen. They know who Kentucky State is, and they want to get this program back to where it used to be.”
BR-138 Central State Marauders
2014 Record: 3-7, 2-5 SIAC, 2-3 SIAC West Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 4th SIAC West Head Coach: Cedric Pearl (2nd season, 4-6) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 8 As Central State transitions from being a football-only associate member of the SIAC to a full member in all sports starting this fall, the big question is whether the Marauders can take the next step in the SIAC West. After a 4-6 record last season, and several starters returning, Pearl is optimistic about his Marauders squad. “We’ve got a great nucleus coming back,” Pearl said. “We want to continue to grow as a team and continue to form our identity running the football.” Several key players return on offense, including three offensive linemen, junior RB Isaiah Grooms (105 carries, 447 yards, 3 TDs), senior WR Chris Murray (30 catches, 575 yards, 7 TDs) and junior TE Zach Thomas (27 catches, 407 yards, 2 TDs). But, it’s the competition for the starting quarterback spot that is attracting the most attention. Marquise Wells, a transfer from West Hills College in Southern California, is expected to challenge senior Julian Walker as starter, though the word is that Wells has the inside track after a strong spring practice. Junior Terrence Wafford (537 passing yards, 3 TDs, 5 INTs), whose 2014 season was cut short due to injuries, could also be in the mix as Pearl looks to settle on one quarterback this season. The entire front seven and a pair of defensive backs are projected to return this season. The front four of seniors Kevin Carter, Justin Woods-West and Tayvin Ziegler, and junior Artell McMillan, combined for 37.5 TFLs and 23.5 sacks last season. “We are looking forward to having those players back,” Pearl said. “We’re looking for great things out of our defense.” Senior safety Okoye Bozeman and junior cornerback Dashad Tucker each recorded a team-high three interceptions, while senior linebacker Gervell Morgan recorded 9.5 TFLs and 2 interceptions.
BR-131 Stillman Tigers
2014 Record: 5-6, 4-3 SIAC, 2-3 SIAC West Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 3rd SIAC West Head Coach: Teddy Keaton (5th season, 24-20) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 5 The Tigers will be looking for a new quarterback for the coming season, as Josh Straughan, one of the SIAC’s leading quarterbacks last season (167-for-289, 2,223 yards, 26 TDs, 8 INTs), will miss the season after suffering a torn rotator cuff last season. Straughan will be on the coaching staff this season in advance of his anticipated graduation in December. “It’s not clear whether he’s going to play another year,” Keaton said. “I’m appreciative of what he’s done for our program and the fact that he’s going to graduate, he’s a Presidential Scholar. I’m proud of him.” Along with Straughan, 22 seniors from last season’s squad have graduated, leaving several starting spots wide open entering training camp. “I was very optimistic when the spring ended,” Keaton said. “The guys who were role players last year, I think they stepped in and transitioned pretty good. So it’s how much they put into the offseason and when they come back to camp, we’ll see where they’re at.” Seniors Devonta Gilmore (27 catches, 437 yards, 5 TDs), Hudson Cain (17 catches, 269 yards, 3 TDs), along with senior TE Devon Mackey (13 catches, 212 yards, 4 TDs), are the Tigers’ top returning receivers. A pair of junior RBs in Jonathan Esther (65 carries, 495 yards, 4 TDs) and Rovonta Johnson (43 carries, 167 yards) are the leading returning rushers, though Keaton also expects a lot from his younger players as well. “We have some guys that had a lot of touches so they have to transition into being full-time players,” Keaton said. “I don’t think that’s much of a problem.” While Stillman’s offense ranked second in the SIAC (378.5 yards, 28.9 points per game), the Tigers’ defense hasn’t kept pace, allowing the most yards per game (430.6) and second most points per game (33.7), having allowed 30 or more points in a game six times last season. “We lost some key playmakers, [safety] Cam Stallings, [safety] Rashad Crosby and some defensive linemen,” senior linebacker Eric Childs said. “But we’ve still got some guys that can play on defense. We’re throwing some new things in so we can play against anybody.” Senior defensive end Zamir Carlis (10.5 TFLs), along with senior defensive back Wiley Issac (3 INTs) and sophomore defensive back Greg Abrams (3 INTs), are among the key returnees who will bolster a group which includes several junior college transfers.
BR-99 Miles Golden Bears
2014 Record: 6-4, 5-2 SIAC, 4-1 SIAC West Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 2nd SIAC West Head Coach: Reginald Ruffin (5th season, 27-16) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 7 The gap between the division leader and the rest of the division isn’t as pronounced in the West as it is in the East, poses the biggest threat to Tuskegee’s dominance. Despite returning seven starters from last season’s squad, Miles will be breaking in a new quarterback with the graduation of Demetric Price. Junior David Whipple, who saw limited action in five games last season, is projected to be the starter. While junior running back Jonathan Clark (130 carries, 811 yards, 3 TDs) returns, Ruffin has some holes to fill among the receiving corps with the graduation of Antonio Pitts (32 catches, 491 yards, 9 TDs) and Darren Fife (22 catches, 320 yards, 3 TDs). “We had so many freshman that played [at receiver] last year,” Ruffin said. “We have juniors Earnest Bell (30 catches, 503 yards) and junior Antonio Dunn returning so we feel good about them going forward.” Where the Golden Bears look to be strong is on defense. “I think the defensive line will lead us,” Ruffin said. “We have a couple players coming back that have been great leaders on and off the field.” Senior defensive end Braysean Jones (22.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 8 QB hurries), one of Ruffin’s defensive on field leaders, anchors the defensive line, while sophomore Ronderick Rice (2.5 TFLs, 1 INT) is the lone starting linebacker projected to return in 2015. And although the defensive backfield boasts three returning starters, it will be tough for them to match the output of graduated CB Travis Lee’s six interceptions. The Golden Bears get a big test to start the season when they face perennial Gulf South Conference power North Alabama in the Labor Day Golden Classic at Birmingham, Ala.’s Legion Field. “Going into North Alabama is our only focus right now,” Ruffin said. “We have a tough schedule but it begins with the first game. That is the first thing on our schedule so we want to make sure we are ready to play.”
BR-54 Tuskegee Golden Tigers
2014 Record: 9-3, 7-0 SIAC, 5-0 SIAC East (SIAC West Champions; defeated Albany State in the SIAC Championship Game; lost in first round of NCAA playoffs to West Georgia) Projected 2015 Finish (Preseason Coaches Poll): 1st SIAC East Head Coach: Willie Slater (10th season, 80-21) Projected Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Projected Returning Defensive Starters: 6 Repeating as SIAC champions will not be easy for Tuskegee, especially with only three offensive starters from last season projected to return. That didn’t stop the coaches from naming the Golden Tigers the favorites to win the SIAC West. “It seems like we have that bulls eye on our back every year, because it seems like when we play people we play their best game,” Slater said. “That's why we feel very fortunate to accomplish what we've accomplished over the years. But this is a different year, so all that stuff doesn't mean anything.” Junior quarterback Kevin Lacey (1,299 passing yards, 7 TDs, 7 INTs) split duties under center with the since graduated Justin Nared last season. Although the two-quarterback scheme didn’t exactly hurt the Golden Tigers’ SIAC-leading offense (385.8 yards and 34.8 points per game), Lacey looks to have the inside track to be the full-time starter this season. Tuskegee’s leading rusher from last season, Hoderick Lowe (137 carries, 818 yards, 12 TDs) will miss this season, reportedly due to academic ineligibility. Without Loew, senior Tyree Brooks (58 carries, 266 yards, 2 TDs) is the leading returning running back. Seniors Marquel Garner (29 catches, 687 yards, 2 TDs) and Desmond Reece (16 carries, 210 yards, 2 TDs) are the Golden Tigers’ leading returning receivers. Tuskegee boasts an experienced defense which allowed the second fewest yards (378.5) and third-fewest points (20.3) in the SIAC. Junior defensive end Darian Hall (12 TFLs, 6 sacks) anchors the Golden Tigers’ 4-3 defense, while returning linebackers senior Jewell Ratliff and sophomore Osband Thompson combined for 15.5 TFLs, five interceptions and four sacks. Three of four defensive backfield starters, led by senior Michael Robinson (2 TFLs, 2 INTs) are also projected to return. While the expectations are high, the players aren’t letting it go to their heads. “You always want to repeat, but we’re not going into the season looking ahead to a championship,” Lacey said. “We have 10 games to play before we get there.” [divider]
2015 SIAC FOOTBALL
COMPOSITE SCHEDULE
All Times Eastern and Subject to Change
Week 1
Sept. 3 Fort Valley State at Delta State (GSC), 7:00 p.m. Sept. 5 Central State at Alderson-Broaddus (IND), 12:00 p.m. CLARK ATLANTA at TUSKEGEE, 2:00 p.m. Lane at Concordia-Selma (USCAA), 3:00 p.m. Livingstone (CIAA) at Benedict, 5:00 p.m. (Palmetto Capital City Classic) Edward Waters (NAIA) at Morehouse, 7:00 p.m. Kentucky State at Hampton (1-AA), 6:00 p.m. Stillman at West Alabama (GSC), 7:00 p.m. (Tiger Bowl) Valdosta State (GSC) at Albany State, 7:00 p.m. (J.W. Holley Memorial Game) Sept. 6 North Alabama (GSC) vs. Miles, Legion Field, Birmingham, Ala., 7:00 p.m. (Golden Labor Day Classic)
Week 2
Sept. 12 CENTRAL STATE at CLARK ATLANTA, 2:00 p.m. Johnson C Smith (CIAA) at Kentucky State, 2:00 p.m. ALBANY STATE vs. TUSKEGEE, Phenix City, Ala., 3:00 p.m. (White Water Classic) Concordia-Selma (USCAA) at Stillman, 4:00 p.m. Miles at West Georgia (GSC), 4:00 p.m. Elizabeth City State (CIAA) at Benedict, 6:00 p.m. LANE at FORT VALLEY STATE, 6:00 p.m. Morehouse at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-AA), 7:00 p.m.
Week 3
Sept. 19 FORT VALLEY STATE at CLARK ATLANTA*, 2:00 p.m. Kentucky State at Virginia State (CIAA