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By Michael Roberson, For The African American Athlete
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Tennessee State Tigers (0-1) took their legendary talents to the Hoosier State to take on the well-renowned Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0) in a game that marked a major milestone for each program.
This contest marked the first time the Golden Domers hosted an HBCU school. TSU was a longtime independent power at the Division 1-AA (FCS) level until 1987 when the Tigers joined the Ohio Valley Conference.
The Majesty of a FULL Notre Dame Stadium and the hyped atmosphere was cool to absorb. I also had the privilege of sitting beside veteran award-winning journalist Terence Moore in the press box.
I’ve respected his work from afar for many years, and this sporting extravaganza involving my alma mater finally brought us together.
The Tigers were competitive early in the game, but miscues and their opponents’ advantages came to the forefront whenever TSU had a chance to take the lead or close the gap of their deficit.
After 30 minutes of play in Irish Country, the Tigers found themselves down by 35-3 instead of leading a couple of times in the first quarter.
Even though this game will go down in history for the magnitude of the matchup, the team will want to remember the several opportunities they should have capitalized on, and ND took full advantage of their gifts.
Despite the disappointing initial half of play by the football Tigers, their fellow Big Blue Nation entity, the Aristocrat of Bands, came through Big Time while the team was in the locker room. Over 77 thousand individuals were captivated when the multiple Grammy-Award-winning group marched onto the field. As the guests, the Notre Dame band allowed them to go second, as the team allowed the Irish to have the ball first in the game.
When I asked if his players were embarrassed by the devastating outcome, Tennessee State Head Coach Eddie George said, “We got our A** kicked before, and nobody likes that feeling. Embarrassed, NO, we go out there, and we play hard.”
The AOB performed for approximately 7 ½ minutes and riveted the crowd with every beat and move. As gracious guests, the band director thanked the university and shouted out the city of South Bend. They also showed love for the genre of Hip Hop, as it is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Despite the great show the Music City crew put together at intermission, it got worse for the Nashville-based players and coaches. Notre Dame tagged on 21 more points to their already impressive tally, winning by a whopping 53 points, while preventing their second straight team (Navy) from reaching the end zone.
Overall, it was a tremendous experience for all parties involved, and HISTORY was made. The Fighting Irish faithful really enjoyed the spirit of Big Blue, and of course, the AOB was delightful to observe in person. The award-winning, highly acclaimed band did not disappoint, as the South Bend crowd understood why it is important to stay in their seats when TSU is on the stage (field).
As an alumnus and fan of Tennessee State University, I was thoroughly impressed with the hospitality of Notre Dame and Labor Day Weekend ’23. It will always be etched in my memory.
It was an excellent moment for TSU, other HBCUs, all levels of college football, and just football, period. The TSU-Notre Dame game could easily influence other sports entities and other walks of life.
TSU reportedly received $1M for the game in what some would call a cupcake on ND’s schedule; however, whatever the amount, the memories of this historic contest should be PRICELESS for the Big Blue Nation.
Well Done, Notre Dame! Well Done.
Note: I had a chance to meet and interact with Jerome “The Bus” Bettis on the field, behind the end zone. Bettis was a star player for the Fighting Irish (1990-92) and returned to South Bend 30 years later (2022) to receive his degree.
