TSU Game Notes
AAMU Game Notes
NORMAL – The Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division champions will open on the road for the second straight season when they face the Tennessee State Tigers in the Jon Merritt Classic. This will be the 29th meeting between the TSU Tigers and the AAMU Bulldogs. The Tigers hold the series lead 18-10. Last season, the Bulldogs defeated TSU in the JMC, 24-7, and have won six of the last nine meetings dating back to 2001.
The Bulldogs enter 2010 after posting a 7-5 (4-3 SWAC) record winning the SWAC East Division before losing the championship game to Prairie View A&M, 30-24, ending a two-game win streak.
AAMU returns 18 starters (9-Offense / 8-Defense / 1-Special Teams) under ninth-year head coach Anthony Jones. Last season, the Bulldogs led the SWAC in rushing defense (102.5 yards), sacks (43), and time of possession (33:09). AAMU was predicted to finish first in their division in the SWAC preseason slating a possible rematch against Prairie View A&M.
The Maroon & White heads into the season with five players headlining the SWAC's preseason teams in Russell Jackson (First Team - OL), Frank Kearse (First Team - DL), Afu Okosun (First Team - LB), Anquez Jackson (Second Team - OL), and Korey Morrison (Second Team - DB).
Kearse and Morrison each earned 2010 preseason honors as both were named to the 2010 FCS Senior Scout Bowl Preseason All-America second team and the CDS HBCU squad. Morrison also led the SWAC last year in passes defended with 17 including five interceptions.
The John Merritt Classic, first played in 1999, honors John A. Merritt, the legendary TSU football coach who led the Tigers from 1963 - 1983. During 21 seasons, "Big John" won four undisputed national championships among historically black colleges ranked by the Sheridan Poll, compiled a lifetime record of 172-33-1.
The JMC, one of only three football Classics solely hosted by a single NCAA FCS institution, is intended to allow Tennessee State to raise funds for scholarships and other related needs for TSU students. The Classic also provides an opportunity for community outreach with its weekend of activities.
Alabama A&M becomes the third FCS to host a Classic. They will play in their first Louis Crews Classic named after their legendary coach on September 11, 2010 against Central State.
The contest will begin at 6:00 pm and will be hosted by LP Fields in Nashville, Tennessee.
