Brigham Young to Host Tulane in the 2001 BCA Football Classic

Princeton, N.J. (June 26, 2001) – The Gazelle Group, producer of the BCA Classic, is pleased to announce that Brigham Young University will host Tulane University in the 2001 BCA Classic preseason football game. The fifth annual BCA Classic will be held on Saturday, August 25th at LaVell Edwards Stadium and will be nationally televised on ESPN2 at 4:30 EST.

BYU football enters a new era with the retirement of coaching legend LaVell Edwards who spent 29 years on the sidelines for the Cougars. Gary Crowton, who served as the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears over the past two years, will assume the head coaching role. Crowton’s team returns 7 starters on offense and 6 on defense.

Several returning players saw time at quarterback last season, however, Brandon Doman will likely assume the starting role after leading the Cougars to two victories in last year’s final two games. Luke Staley and Brian McDonald will lead a talented and deep rushing attack. The linebacker crew, led by Justin Ena, Isaac Kelley and Paul Walkenhorst, will be the strength of the BYU defense.

"We are very pleased to be playing in the Black Coaches Association’s preseason game," says Crowton. "This game will give our team an early test and will give our fans an additional game as we open the college football season."

Head coach Chris Scelfo leads a Tulane team that returns five starters on offense and five starters on defense from a team that finished 6-5 last season. The Tulane offense led Conference USA in offense by averaging 453 yards per game which ranked them seventh nationally. Patrick Ramsey returns at quarterback after leading C-USA with 2,833 passing yards a year ago. Tailback Mewelde Moore, last year’s C-USA Freshman of the Year, ran for 890 yards, including five 100-yard rushing games.

"It’s a privilege and an honor to be a part of this game representing the Black Coaches Association," says Scelfo. "Our players will have to make an adjustment to their summer schedules, but I know that they look forward to playing on national television versus a nationally known team like BYU."

The last time these two teams played was in the 1998 Liberty Bowl. Tulane defeated BYU 41-27. The win completed 10th ranked Tulane’s undefeated season (12-0). Tulane is playing in its first ever preseason game

The Black Coaches Association is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to foster the growth and development of minorities at all levels of sports, both nationally and internationally.

"We are thrilled to have two outstanding teams participating in this year’s Event," says Floyd Keith, Executive Director of the Black Coaches Association. "A match-up of this caliber on national television will provide the Black Coaches Association with a tremendous amount of exposure."

The BCA Classic is an exempt football game allowing teams to play an "extra" game and is subject to final approval from the NCAA.

Tickets for the BCA Classic will go on sale immediately. Current season ticket holders and students have until Wednesday, July 18th, to take advantage of a special season ticket holder discount.

To order tickets, call 800-322-BYU1 or 801-378-BYU1. For more information about the BCA Classic, please contact Mike Flanigan at (609)921-1300 or mflanigan@gazellegroup.com.