Blacknbengal
Well-Known Member
GSU tops in Sheridan poll
News-Star news services
Posted on August 22, 2002
GRAMBLING - Grambling State University's football team will begin the 2002 season where it ended last year - as the No. 1 team in Black College football.
The Tigers were ranked No. 1 in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network's Preseason Football Poll released Wednesday, picking up 20 of 30 first-place votes in the process. Florida A&M was ranked No. 2 with seven first-place votes while Tuskegee picked up three first-place votes and is ranked No. 3.
Grambling finished the 2001 season atop both the SBN and The American Sports Wire (NCAA Division I) Black College Football polls. The SBN Black College Football Poll is compiled weekly with votes from newspaper, television and radio reporters as well as black college coaches and sports information directors.
"It's nice to be recognized and as the defending champions; you kind of expect to start the season back at No. 1," GSU coach Doug Williams said. "It's great to be honored in that way, but it doesn't really matter. What matters is going out there and winning that first game and having a good season."
The Tigers continued preseason workouts Wednesday in preparation for their Aug. 31 season opener at McNeese State University.
Tennessee State, GSU's fourth opponent, was ranked No. 4 in the SBN preseason poll while the SWAC had three other teams besides Grambing getting notice with Southern No. 6, Alabama State No. 7 and Jackson State No. 9.
Alcorn State also received nine points in the poll.
Grambling took a good look at its offensive line and blocking schemes during the workout.
"We really want to be able to run the ball, because that will help open up our running game," senior lineman Terry Riley (6-0, 300) said. "We know McNeese is a good team and they're going to have a good defensive front. If we want to beat them, we'll have to do it in the trenches."
Riley is joined by tackle Brandon James (6-3, 280) as the only two returning offensive starters for the Tigers. But Grambling does return several experience veterans to the offensive line and has several mammoth and talented freshmen linemen to throw into the mix.
"They're all working hard and making progress," GSU offensive coordinator Melvin Spears said. "We're working on the mental aspects as much as the physical now. We're gearing up for that first game."
News-Star news services
Posted on August 22, 2002
GRAMBLING - Grambling State University's football team will begin the 2002 season where it ended last year - as the No. 1 team in Black College football.
The Tigers were ranked No. 1 in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network's Preseason Football Poll released Wednesday, picking up 20 of 30 first-place votes in the process. Florida A&M was ranked No. 2 with seven first-place votes while Tuskegee picked up three first-place votes and is ranked No. 3.
Grambling finished the 2001 season atop both the SBN and The American Sports Wire (NCAA Division I) Black College Football polls. The SBN Black College Football Poll is compiled weekly with votes from newspaper, television and radio reporters as well as black college coaches and sports information directors.
"It's nice to be recognized and as the defending champions; you kind of expect to start the season back at No. 1," GSU coach Doug Williams said. "It's great to be honored in that way, but it doesn't really matter. What matters is going out there and winning that first game and having a good season."
The Tigers continued preseason workouts Wednesday in preparation for their Aug. 31 season opener at McNeese State University.
Tennessee State, GSU's fourth opponent, was ranked No. 4 in the SBN preseason poll while the SWAC had three other teams besides Grambing getting notice with Southern No. 6, Alabama State No. 7 and Jackson State No. 9.
Alcorn State also received nine points in the poll.
Grambling took a good look at its offensive line and blocking schemes during the workout.
"We really want to be able to run the ball, because that will help open up our running game," senior lineman Terry Riley (6-0, 300) said. "We know McNeese is a good team and they're going to have a good defensive front. If we want to beat them, we'll have to do it in the trenches."
Riley is joined by tackle Brandon James (6-3, 280) as the only two returning offensive starters for the Tigers. But Grambling does return several experience veterans to the offensive line and has several mammoth and talented freshmen linemen to throw into the mix.
"They're all working hard and making progress," GSU offensive coordinator Melvin Spears said. "We're working on the mental aspects as much as the physical now. We're gearing up for that first game."