Classic to feature hard-hitting action

Two of the premier squads in college football will face off at 4 p.m. Saturday at the RCA Dome in the 22nd annual Circle City Classic. Tennessee State and North Carolina A&T State promise to bring some big hits and big plays to the Dome.

TSU linebacker Jamar Landrum was the 2004 Circle City Classic Defensive MVP.

The TSU Tigers have a misleading 1-3 record but feature a potent offense and one of the South’s top defensive players. The North Carolina A&T State Aggies, also 1-3, have run into some hard luck early in the season but look to bounce back on Saturday.

Of course, the football game is just one of the attractions during Circle City Classic Weekend, an event that draws thousands of visitors from across the country to downtown Indianapolis. There’s the morning parade, featuring top marching bands and celebrities, the halftime show, one of football’s best, and all of the extracurricular activity at local nightclubs and restaurants after the event.

The event was founded as a way to spotlight the academics and athletics programs at the nation’s historically black colleges and universities, but has expanded over the years into a citywide celebration and party.

At the heart of it all, of course, is the football. The Tigers feature an improving quarterback in Richard Hartman, who can scramble as well as connect on the big plays. They also feature a powerhouse defensive player in Jamar Landrum, the 2004 Circle City Classic Defensive MVP.

The OLB recorded 15 tackles and forced two fumbles in last year’s Classic, which the Tigers dropped to South Carolina State. The 6-3, 215 pound Landrum transferred to TSU from Toledo last year and is in his senior season. He’s making the transition from safety to outside linebacker this year.

Last weekend against Florida A&M, the Tigers scored in the first minute of the game on a 62-yard pass from Hartman to receiver Richard Gayle. But FAMU held the offense in check for the rest of the game. Hartman fumbled once and threw three fourth-quarter interceptions.

Despite that, the Tigers almost won. A late-game drive that started on their own 1 ended up on the FAMU 3 before Hartman threw a goal-line interception with seconds left.

NC A&T State is also coming off a disappointing loss last week, losing 12-9 to Elon. Quarterback Marshall Glenn, who’s struggled so far this season, began the game with a TD drive but the Aggies fell short on a late-game 4th and 1 to seal the defeat.

Here’s a brief rundown of Classic festivities. For the full schedule and ticket information, visit circlecityclassic.com.

On Wednesday, the Classic Prayer and Praise Worship Service will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Eastern Star Church, 5750 E. 30th St. The Rev. Freddie Haynes from Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas will be the featured speaker.

On Friday, the Coors Light Indiana Black Expo Circle City Classic Golf Outing will be held at the Golf Club of Indiana in Lebanon. The Colts will host a Friday luncheon honoring the coaches of both squads at the Convention Center.

The Marriott will host the Circle City Classic gala Friday from 7 to 11 p.m., an event that features the beautiful people in full formal wear. It’s $125 a person, so no scrubs need apply.

On Saturday, the American Family Insurance Classic Parade will be held downtown from 10 a.m. to noon. Bleacher seating ranges from $6 to $16. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, 239-5151.

It’s an understatement to say that the Indianapolis Colts have looked ugly despite their 3-0 record. They’re looking like the Deliverance County Pork Fair Queen so far, winning games on the back of their defense.

While coach Tony Dungy says he’s not concerned, any team which has been as dry offensively as the Colts has to be a bit worried. The Colts’ 13-6 victory last Sunday against Cleveland was sheer luck assisted by some home-cooking calls from the referees.

Despite having one of the league’s easiest schedules, the Colts have looked poor so far, leading to questions about the team’s chemistry and viability. Sure, they may go 7-0 to start the season, but it’ll be the ugliest 7-0 start on record if they do.

For a detailed analysis of this Sunday’s game at Tennessee, be sure to tune in to ESPN Radio 950 AM for the Champps/ NUVO Postgame Show, featuring Brad Wochomurka, Colts legend Jeff George and myself. The show airs from 3 to 5 p.m.