The Deriso Report

Steve McNair’s collegiate legend kept growing, even in defeat

Nick DeRiso — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:21:02 +0000

Steve McNair (QB, Alcorn State University, 1991-1994) has been named to the Black College Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012. He joins 10 others selected from a list of 35 finalists who had been determined earlier by the Black College Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Induction ceremonies will be held February 18, 2012 [...]

In Bayou Classic’s storied rivalry, these six contests rank as the very best

Nick DeRiso — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:40:41 +0000

Thirty-eight seasons in, which Bayou Classic games mattered the most? I’m talking turning-point moments. Not just because that particular day was (or wasn’t) a big win, but because it had a lasting impact. Leading up to Saturday’s Bayou Classic XXXVIII, here’s our take … SIX: 1980 When Mike Williams walked off the Superdome carpet with [...]

James ‘Shack’ Harris’ legendary career was sparked by MLK’s dream

Nick DeRiso — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:14:58 +0000

James “Shack” Harris (QB, Grambling State University, 1965-68) has been named to the Black College Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012. He joins 10 others selected from a list of 35 finalists who had been determined earlier by the Black College Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Induction ceremonies will be held February 18, [...]

Book details rich history, lasting impact of Bayou Classic

Nick DeRiso — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:47:44 +0000

Monroe, Louisiana-native Thomas Aiello explores the deeper meaning of the football rivalry between Grambling State and Southern in his book: Bayou Classic: The Grambling-Southern Football Rivalry. Paul J. Letlow, an occasional TDR correspondent, found it offered a rich history lesson behind the nationally televised game that brightens New Orleans annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. [...]

Complete black college football polls, Week 12: Nobody is getting past Jackson State in SWAC

Nick DeRiso — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:56:44 +0000

Jackson State remains the highest-ranking SWAC program, and it appears unlikely that any league team can pass the Tigers — even as a postseason from which they are banned looms. JSU was runner up only to Norfolk State in the Heritage Sports Radio Network Black College Football FCS Poll, and the Dr. Cavil’s Black College [...]

Two resurgent teams to meet in the always-emotional Bayou Classic

Nick DeRiso — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:23:08 +0000

The Bayou Classic in-state rivalry game always means something to the fans at Southern and Grambling. This year, with a shot at a record seventh appearance in the SWAC Championship Game on the line for Grambling, it means a little bit more. That Grambling (6-4 overall, 5-3 Southwestern Athletic Conference) is in this position at [...]

Willie Brown was a player of record-breaking skill, amazing stamina

Nick DeRiso — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:58:51 +0000

Willie Brown (DB, Grambling State University, 1959-63) has been named to the Black College Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012. He joins 10 others selected from a list of 35 finalists who had been determined earlier by the Black College Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Induction ceremonies will be held February 18, 2012 [...]

Plenty of intrigue remains as SWAC football season winds down

Nick DeRiso — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:57:29 +0000

Though it hasn’t always been pretty — Western Division, I’m looking at you — fans have to love the way this Southwestern Athletic Conference season is winding down. With one game remaining, both divisions are still in doubt. Two different teams could still advance to represent the East in the SWAC Championship Game, while three [...]

Efforts to remove Melvin Spears are picking up steam at Alcorn State

Nick DeRiso — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:30:39 +0000

Alcorn State president Christopher Brown seems to be giving serious consideration to the ongoing complaints from alumni regarding first-year football coach Melvin Spears — telling Ross Dellenger from The (Jackson, Miss.) Clarion-Ledger that there is a 50 percent chance the rookie coach will be ousted after less than a year on the job. Spears finishes [...]

Complete black college football polls, Week 11: Jackson State remains SWAC’s highest ranked

Nick DeRiso — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:44:38 +0000

Jackson State is the highest ranking Southwestern Athletic Conference team in the latest Sheridan Broadcasting Network Black College Football Poll, and is also the only SWAC team ranked in the Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25, at No. 21 — one spot behind the MEAC’s Norfolk State. The Sheridan poll, which includes lower division programs as [...]