Florida A&M University which earlier this month announced that its game with SC State would be played on Thursday, Sept. 12, in order to accommodate ESPNU, announced Wednesday that it has chosen to keep the football showdown on Saturday, October 14, as originally scheduled.The pivotal heavyweight bout, which will kickoff at 6:00 p.m. in Bragg Memorial Stadium, had been considered broaddcast on Thursday night telecast as part of the MEAC's 2006 broadcast package.
"We made the choice to keep the South Carolina State on its' original date after conferring with MEAC officials and ESPNU as they were finalizing the conference television schedule," FAMU Athletic Director Nelson Townsend said Wednesday.
"Realizing that the Detroit Classic (FAMU vs. Delaware State) and the Florida Classic (FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman) will be televised, we then decided that we would use those games as our television dates within the 2006 MEAC package.
"We also made the decision after weighing the possible impact that a Thursday night game would have had on our attendance, especially the hardship it might work on our out-of-town fans." Townsend added.
Tuesday's announcement clears the way for the FAMU-S.C. State game to serve as the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Game, during which the 2006 induction class will be honored.
The MEAC is expected to announce its' complete football television lineup with ESPNU within the next several weeks.