EDDIE GEORGE

Deion Sanders did his part to make sure NFL teams don’t overlook players from historically Black colleges in this week’s draft.

— (AP) — Notre Dame will make history in its 2023 home opener by hosting Tennessee State on Sept. 2, marking the first time the Fighting Irish have faced a Historically Black College or University. School officials made the announcement Tuesday and credited second-year Tigers coach Eddie George, the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner, and Tennessee State athletic director Mikki Allen with creating the vision to schedule the game that will be televised nationally on NBC. “We’re excited to bring a pair of great academic institutions that are steeped in tradition together in 2023,” Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said in a statement. The Tigers won the 1973 Division II national championship and 12 Black College national championships since 1946, but haven't reached the FCS playoffs since 2013. “TSU and Notre Dame are two iconic programs that have helped shape today’s college athletics landscape,” Allen said.

Ben Roethlisberger ran for his first touchdown in three years, Chris Boswell kicked four field goals and the Pittsburgh Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive with a 19-13 win over Tennessee.

Deion And Eddie Impact Football FILE - Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders points during an NCAA football game against Louisiana Monroe on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Monroe, La. Hiring Eddie George has had a similar effect at Tennessee State. Hiring Eddie George has had a similar effect at Tennessee State. Tennessee State has had corporate interest from companies including The General, Best Buy and bottling sponsor Coca-Cola. With Sanders, Jackson State averaged 41,633 at home games this season.

Deion Sanders has been all over national TV, putting Jackson State in the spotlight every time his insurance commercials air.

Jackson State fan Ezra Baker of Columbus, Mississippi, believes it is a renaissance for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. But we have two competing ... Hall of Famers that's coming from Tennessee (State) and Jackson State University, and they come to put on a show. Kellie Grizzell, 30, and Andrea Jossell of Memphis, graduated from Jackson State in 2012, both saw more people tailgating before kickoff than in years past. Someone who’s attended this game for years, Jones noticed many more Jackson State fans. He like Jones, he said the increased number of Jackson State fans is indicative of what is happening at HBCUs.

Fans at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium had much to celebrate at the first Southern Heritage Classic in two years.

Tennessee State has hired former NFL running back Eddie George as football coach.

Both teams flexed their muscles in winning their respective conference championship games. The last time Alabama was held below 35 points came in a 44-16 loss to Clemson in a CFP championship game to cap the 2018 season. Clemson’s 34-10 Atlantic Coast Conference championship game rout of Notre Dame improved Trevor Lawrence's record as a starting quarterback to 34-1. San Jose State and Ball State will face off in the Arizona Bowl on Dec. 31. San Jose State is seeking to complete its first unbeaten season since a 13-0 finish in 1939.