Latest news with #BayouClassic
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
FCS football likely moving to 12 game schedule
FCS football programs, including many HBCU schools, are one step closer to expanding their regular-season schedule to 12 games starting in 2026. The NCAA FCS Oversight Committee recently approved a key recommendation that would make the 12-game schedule standard every year. What's Changing for FCS Football? Currently, FCS football teams play either 11 or 12 games depending on the calendar. When there are 13 weeks between Labor Day weekend and the FCS playoff selection show - typically aired the Sunday before Thanksgiving - teams are allowed to play 12 games. In years with only 12 weeks, teams play 11. Under the new proposal, FCS programs would shift to a consistent 13-week schedule. The season would begin annually on the final Thursday in August, giving teams the opportunity to play 12 regular-season games every year. Why the Change Matters for HBCU football The committee cited the importance of aligning FCS football with FBS standards. FBS teams have played a consistent 12-game schedule since 2006, regardless of calendar shifts. "Standardizing the start date and number of contests in FCS football enhances the overall experience and provides FCS football student-athletes with the opportunity to participate in the same number of regular-season contests as FBS football student-athletes, regardless of the calendar year," the committee stated in its report. Impact on HBCU Football Programs This change will have a significant impact on HBCU football programs, many of which compete at the FCS level in conferences such as the SWAC and MEAC. These programs often build their schedules around major classics, rivalry games, and revenue-generating matchups against FBS opponents. A guaranteed 12-game schedule every year could offer more flexibility for: Scheduling marquee events like the Bayou Classic, Florida Classic, and Magic City ClassicIncreasing revenue opportunities through additional home games or high-profile matchupsEnhancing exposure and recruiting by ensuring more consistent national and regional visibility This change could also help level the playing field, allowing HBCUs more chances to match the scheduling advantages already enjoyed by FBS and some FCS peers. What Happens Next? The final decision will be made at the upcoming NCAA Division I Council meeting next month. Approval is expected, which would make the 12-game FCS football schedule official starting with the 2026 season. The post FCS football likely moving to 12 game schedule appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion
College Sports HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion A major shift could be on the horizon for HBCU football programs at the NCAA FCS Division I level. The NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Oversight Committee is recommending a change that would allow all FCS teams-including those in the MEAC and SWAC-to schedule 12 regular-season games every year beginning in 2026. Under current rules, teams are limited to 12 games only when the calendar includes 14 Saturdays between the end of August and late November, which hasn't been an issue recently-each season from 2015 through 2030 meets that condition. For HBCU football programs, this rule change could have immediate and long-term implications. The ability to schedule a 12th game each year opens more chances to secure guarantee games against FBS opponents, add showcase matchups, and maintain traditions that define the cultural fabric of HBCU football. However, the way this rule would impact each conference varies. The MEAC, which has a smaller number of football-playing members, typically operates with a lighter conference schedule, often leaving room for four or five non-conference games even under the current 11-game model. This flexibility has allowed programs like North Carolina Central and Howard to pursue national exposure through matchups against FBS schools or Ivy League opponents as well as games against historic rivals outside of the conference. A 12th game would offer even more space to explore additional rivalries, classics, or revenue opportunities-without disrupting conference standings or postseason plans. In contrast, the SWAC's structure presents a tighter scheduling situation. With two divisions and eight required conference games, plus a potential ninth game for the conference championship, many SWAC schools are already working within a packed calendar. Teams like Jackson State, Southern, and Grambling State often face difficult choices in trying to preserve traditional games like the Orange Blossom Classic or the Bayou Classic. The addition of a 12th regular-season slot could relieve that pressure, allowing schools to retain those marquee events while still fulfilling conference commitments and exploring high-value non-conference matchups. Alabama State quarterback Dematrius Davis eludes a Howard University defender in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. (082722) Steven J. Gaither The proposal would also bring an end to the use of Week Zero games by standardizing the start date of the FCS season. Under current rules, some programs have used legislated exceptions to play early-season games on the Saturday before Labor Day weekend. Starting in 2026, all FCS teams would instead begin competition on the Thursday 13 weeks before the FCS playoff bracket is released. This effectively eliminates Week 0 games, removing an exposure window. While this levels the calendar across the board, it also limits early visibility for programs that previously used that stage to launch their seasons. Coaches and players would also feel the effect. A longer schedule requires careful roster management, especially for programs working with limited depth. But it also provides more opportunities for players to showcase their talent, particularly in high-profile games that draw the attention of NFL scouts and media outlets. For athletic departments, this change means earlier planning around housing, travel, and academic support as the calendar expands. The next steps are critical. The recommendation will be presented to the NCAA Division I Council on May 15, with a final decision scheduled for June 24–25. If approved, the new 12-game schedule will go into effect beginning with the 2026 season. For HBCU football programs in the MEAC and SWAC, the proposed rule opens the door to expanded strategy, tradition preservation, and national visibility-all while reinforcing the cultural and financial importance of the HBCU football calendar. The post HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025 This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 1:50 PM.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Seven hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning in Baton Rouge
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Seven people were taken to the hospital on Friday, March 21, after showing symptoms of possible carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Baton Rouge Fire Department. Officials said all of the individuals were conscious when first responders arrived around 7:30 a.m. at a house on Brady Street. BRFD's Hazardous Materials Unit believes a gas-powered HVAC system was the source of the CO exposure. BRFD urges residents to be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning, which include confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea and fatigue. To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, BRFD recommends the following safety measures: Install CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Have a qualified technician inspect and service gas appliances, including HVAC systems, annually. Never use generators, grills, or other gas-powered devices inside a home or garage. 'If your alarm sounds or you suspect CO exposure, leave the area immediately and call 911,' BRFD advises. East Baton Rouge, Livingston Parish deputies arrest 2 teens in Bayou Classic shooting Boosie Bash: Celebrating Louisiana's music and community spirit, honoring Caleb Wilson Trump says student loans moving to SBA, 'special needs' to HHS Seven hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning in Baton Rouge Jan Schwieterman, star of Nickelodeon's 'Good Burger' movie, dies at 52 Gov. Landry declares emergency for Louisiana OMV system failures Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
East Baton Rouge, Livingston Parish deputies arrest 2 teens in Bayou Classic shooting
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Livingston Parish and East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Offices have arrested multiple suspects in connection with a shooting that happened during the Bayou Classic in New Orleans on Nov. 30, 2024. On March 19, EBRSO's Gang Intelligence agents received information that the suspects were in Livingston Parish. Investigators identified them with help from the New Orleans Police Department. They used shared intelligence from different agencies. Authorities arrested 17-year-old Dantrell Sanford and a 16-year-old juvenile, both wanted for principal to attempted second-degree murder. EBRSO agents and LPSO's Narcotics Division conducted surveillance and spotted the suspects near a vehicle matching the description from their sources. With help from LPSO's K9 Division, officers stopped the vehicle on Buddy Ellis Road. They found Sanford and his mother, Keyonna Sanford, inside. Both were taken into custody. After the arrest, officers searched an apartment where they found two more juveniles, clothing worn during the shooting, two AR pistols, body armor, marijuana, and codeine. Dantrell Sanford and the 16-year-old were booked as fugitives from NOPD and charged with principal to second-degree murder. Another juvenile was charged by LPSO with drug and firearm offenses. Keyonna Sanford faces similar charges. LPSO's Narcotics and K-9 Divisions assisted in the operation. LSU Police arrest Prairieville man accused of raping girlfriend Saturn's rings to 'vanish' this weekend: What to know Florida man remembered for life of 'Marlboros, fast women, and Ford Broncos' in obituary MONEY TALKS: Stay the Course with Investing Acting head of FEMA says his parents in Florida received denial letter East Baton Rouge, Livingston Parish deputies arrest 2 teens in Bayou Classic shooting Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
