So here we go. Week 12 of the Sheridan Broadcast Network’s Black College Football Rankings. I’ll just put it out there in the hopes that the energy catches up to the coaches and SIDs who vote in this poll.
Southern University does not belong in the top ten.
While the poll has gotten progressively better throughout the season, this seems to be a hard pill for the voters to swallow. Here’s the poll.
| 1. Tuskegee Golden Tigers (21) | 10-0 | 254 | 1 |
| 2. South Carolina State Bulldogs (9) | 8-2 | 231 | 2 |
| 3. Grambling State Tigers | 8-2 | 193 | 3 |
| 4. Prairie View Panthers | 8-1 | 155 | 4 |
| 5. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats | 7-2 | 130 | 5 |
| 6. Tennessee State Tigers | 8-2 | 117 | 6 |
| 7. Southern Jaguars | 5-4 | 74 | 7 |
| 8. Shaw Bears | 8-3 | 61 | 8 |
| 9. Florida A&M Rattlers | 7-3 | 43 | 10 |
| 10. Albany State Golden Rams | 7-3 | 38 | NR |
Others receiving votes (in order of points): Morgan State 27, Fayetteville State 25, Jackson State 22, Hampton 17, Elizabeth City State 12.
As you can see, Southern maintains its standing in the rankings despite having four losses, despite Shaw University winning a CIAA title, and despite Albany State being named to the freakin’ NCAA Division II playoffs. At a certain point, these folks just lose credibility.
The Heritage Sports Radio Network compiles two polls, one for FCS teams, and the other for Division II teams. Theirs seems to be more logic based, but I think only a few people vote on it. I’m leaning toward publishing this poll next year, but I would like to know how many members the voting panel consists of.
ricky 8:17 am on November 16, 2008 Permalink
For years, Tuskegee University has been on the top of the Sheridan
Black College Football rankings. Tuskegee does not and never has belong
before any MEAC or SWAC teams playing Clark-Atlanta, Morehouse, Miles,
Fort Valley St. or etc. Tuskegee could never beat Bethune-Cookman,
FAMU,South Carolina St, Morgan St, Hampton Univ. or etc. Tell the
Tuskegee Univ, AD to schedule some CIAA, SWAC & MEAC teams to their
schedule on a consistent basis. Then lets see their record.
JC 9:12 am on November 16, 2008 Permalink
The same argument could be made for an ACC team over an SEC team. Just because a conference is stronger from top to bottom doesn’t mean other teams aren’t worthy.
Tuskegee plays who they play, and they haven’t lost in two years. None of the other teams you mentioned can say that.
LionFan 1:24 pm on November 17, 2008 Permalink
Why is Tuskegee not playing in the NCAA D2 Playoffs? I would love to see
how well they play against other teams outside of their Conf. I do think it’s pretty smart to only play a limited level of teams especially since you can keep a High HBCU Ranking. It’s hard to argue with undefeated, even if you only play a very very weak and limited schedule.
We traveled to Tuskegee a couple of years ago and lost a ver very close game.
( Wrong side of Strange calls that even their fans were embarrassed about). To date they refuse to return the visit to our home. We take on all, D1-AA, DII SWAC, MEAC, SIAC home or away. A true Champion should want to remove all doubt.
Cease 3:15 pm on November 17, 2008 Permalink
All I know is that the MEAC is the toughest black college division. I’m a Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) fan but I think S.C. State should be ranked #1 followed by B-CU.
anthony 8:27 pm on November 17, 2008 Permalink
A playoff system is the only way to determine an undisputed national champion! If you look @ the sheridan & boxtorow polls there is not a big difference in ranking the top 8 teams. The first round, the games would be played @ the top seed home field. Round 2, the games would be played @ Atlanta(freedmens bowl) & Houston(emancipation bowl). Round 3 the Heritage Bowl would be played in New Orleans. Look @ the potential first round matchups #2 SCST VS #7 SU, #3 GSU VS #6 TSU, #4 PVAMU VS #5 BCM, #1TU V SHAW
JC 8:36 pm on November 17, 2008 Permalink
I don’t think any system outside of a playoff can determine a true champion, but it would hard to compile considering the two divisions in which black colleges compete.
Also, while I believe there is good to having a black college champion, I can see how some would look at it poorly in the entire scope of college football.
anthony 1:02 am on November 18, 2008 Permalink
When was the last time that a HBCU won a FCS are DII championship? 1978 and that team was FAMU. The SWAC does not participate in the FCS playoffs & I think that the MEAC only sends 1 team. Tuskegee does not participate in DII playoffs & Shaw got disrespected!
JC 11:24 am on November 18, 2008 Permalink
Black Colleges just have to do a better job of recruiting and enhancing facilities. Those are the only things that separate HBCUs from other mid-major programs.
It has to include more of an alumni effort. Other schools have big booster programs, and aside from the SWAC giants, and a few MEAC teams, you don’t really hear a lot about the fundraising or marketing power of booster clubs at other black colleges.