BET Begins 22nd Season of Black College Football Coverage
Five-Game Slate of Black College “Classics” Kicks Off September 13 with Southern Heritage Classic

WASHINGTON – For more than two decades, BET has been home to some of the most legendary battles in Black College Football, and it’s time for more high-energy gridiron grudge matches in 2003. Scheduled is a roster of five games pitting longtime rivals in the highly-anticipated Black College “Classics” match-ups. The battles kick off on Saturday, September 13 “live” from the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, as Jackson State goes head-to-head with Tennessee State in the 14th Annual Southern Heritage Classic at 8 p.m. ET.

Multi-talented broadcaster George Johnson of Comcast SportsNet returns to handle the play-by-play calls as BET marks its 22nd year of Black College Football action. Joining Johnson in the booth will be NFL speed man Qadry Ismail, a former Minnesota Vikings’ receiver and a member of the 2000 Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens, who will provide color commentary. Southwest Airlines has renewed its commitment as presenting sponsor for a sixth year.

Huddled around the football action on the field will be the renown “Showtime Half-Time” as seen in the hit movie Drumline featuring the excitement of the best marching bands in the land and celebrity musical appearances, including the national anthem sung by R&B singer Gerald Levert and half-time collaborations by rap artists Chingy and Ludacris to name a few. Also scheduled to host pre-game activities are BET talent AJ & Free, hosts of 106 & PARK; Big Tigger, host of RAP CITY; and Tiffany, host of BET.COM COUNTDOWN.

“Each year we enhance our coverage by adding new elements that make the season more thrilling than the year before. This year’s schedule promises to be one of the most exciting schedules we’ve ever televised, and also one of the most competitive in terms of match-ups,” said Jacque Coleman, BET Vice President of Specials and Sports Programming. “BET has generated a loyal fan base for these games, and we’re committed to continuing our tradition of televising the best in Black College Football.”

The following is the 2003 BET BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL schedule:

September 13 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT (Live)
Southern Heritage Classic: Tennessee State vs. Jackson State
Liberty Bowl – Memphis, TN

September 20 at 7 p.m. ET/PT (Same Day Coverage)
Ohio Classic: Hampton University vs. Tuskegee University
Cleveland Browns Stadium – Cleveland, OH

September 27 at 7 p.m. ET/PT (Same Day Coverage)
Whitney Young Classic: Morgan State vs. Hampton
Giants Stadium – Meadowlands, NJ

October 4 at 7 p.m. ET/PT (Same Day Coverage)
Circle City Classic: Jackson State vs. Florida A&M
RCA Dome – Indianapolis, IN

October 18 at 7 p.m. ET/PT (Same Day Coverage)
67th Annual Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Classic: Morehouse vs. Tuskegee
Memorial Stadium – Columbus, GA

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