By Nunnie Robinson, WG Sports Editor
On Saturday, alumni from Morehouse, Spelman, and Tus kegee gathered at Smitty’s to watch the 90th edition of the Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic, normally played in Columbus, Georgia, but the evolutionary nature of the game demanded a change of venue—thus, the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. Though Tuskegee historically has dominated Morehouse on the gridiron, the Maroon Tigers have won the last two contests, including Saturday’s competitive 30-28 victory. Morehouse alums present were Clarence Grisham and Perry Thurston. Spelman graduate Novice Johnson was in attendance, while Tuskegee was represented by SFTAC President Oscar Braynon, LeCher Salley, Eric McCrary, Tony Davis, and Carol Lawrence.
Ironically, in the aftermath of the Morehouse victory, Tuskegee relieved Aaron James of his duties as head coach, immediately launching a national search for his successor. James’ success as a coach didn’t measure up to his accomplishments as an award-winning, championship quarterback who led the Golden Tigers to a 42-5 record from 1998-2001, including three SIAC titles, a 12-0 undefeated season, and an HBCU national championship in 2000.
It is unusual for HBCUs to fire coaches in midseason, leading one to speculate that retaining his position was tied directly to winning or at least competing for the conference championship.
We wish him great success in his future endeavors as he processes and navigates this new reality.
Mississippi Valley’s home 28-27 upset of Prairie View shocked the HBCU football landscape. Former Miami Dolphins player Terrell Buckley has the Delta Devils believing in themselves. It also helps to have a poised, athletic passing quarterback named Josh Brown to lead the way.
An untimely turnover led to Jackson State coming from behind to defeat Alabama A&M 31-28, a game the Bulldogs let slip away. Morgan State’s exhilarating 38-35 victory over Villanova capped a thrilling weekend of action for Black college football.
The position with the most depth and talent in HBCU football is quarterback, namely Quad Brown of Alabama A&M, ASU’s Andrew Body, MVSU’s Josh Brown, JSU’s Jacoby Lockhart, and Grambling’s Ashton Frye, among others.
I suspect more upsets, such as BCU over Alabama State, before the curtain closes on this football season.
