By Stephenson Beck
Pending NCAA approval, BYU will host Tulane Aug. 25 in the 2001 Black Coaches Association Classic.
BYU is hoping an exemption will allow them to play in the game. NCAA regulations allow a team to participate in one preseason game every four seasons.
BYU played in last season”s Pigskin Classic against Florida State.
“In order to do this, we have submitted the necessary information to the NCAA requesting an exemption to play in this game,” said BYU athletic director Val Hale. “There have been exceptions to the rule in the past, and we are hopeful the committee will approve our request when the meet next month.
“BYU and the BCA felt we could not wait to make this announcement because less than two months remain to sell tickets and make the necessary preparations for the game.”
The only previous meeting between the two schools was the 1998 Liberty Bowl. The Green Wave won 41-27. The win completed tenth ranked Tulane”s undefeated season.
Tulane, which is located in New Orleans, is coming off a 6-5 season in 2000.
The Green Wave owned Conference USA”s top-ranked offense led by returning quarterback Patrick Ramsey and running back Mewelde Moore. Ramsey averaged 453 yards a game last year, and Moore was the C-USA Freshman of the Year.
Tulane will be playing in its first preseason game.
The BCA Classic will be Gary Crowton”s first as the Cougar head coach.
Crowton faced the Green Wave as head coach of Louisiana Tech, losing 63-30 during the 1998 season.
“This game will give our team an early test and will give our fans an additional game as we open the college football season,” Crowton said.
The game will be televised on ESPN2. Students can take advantage of a special season-ticket-holder discount until July 18.
