From HBCU Legends On SI · · 2m
HBCU Coaches Debate Money Games After Early Losses
HBCU coaches split on whether to play Power Four teams for money or player development
In brief
HBCU coaches split on whether to play Power Four teams for money or player development Three HBCU football coaches discuss financial gaps and the value of playing FBS teams after early-season losses Originally reported by HBCU Legends On SI.
Early Losses Highlight Financial Divide
Prairie View A&M lost 44-3 to Baylor and Florida A&M lost 77-7 to Miami in early-season games.
“I don’t get a check for playing Baylor”
Jackson Questions Guarantee Games
Tremaine Jackson refuses to schedule Power Four games for money, saying HBCUs lack donor support.
“That’s not how Tremaine Jackson gets paid”
Jackson's Financial View
Jackson says HBCU fundraising falls short of FBS schools' donor contributions.
“Our alums don’t donate the money those schools donate”
Gray Accepts Games for Money
Quinn Gray accepts Power Four games but says HBCUs need more resources to compete.
“The check. Unfortunately, as it relates to just being brutally honest”
Faulk's Realities
Marshall Faulk acknowledges Southern's financial limits and player safety concerns.
“We don’t have the bodies, we don’t have the funds”
Player Health Priority
Faulk cut the fourth quarter to eight minutes to protect players from injury.
“Hey man you got to know when to say uncle”
Southern's Development Focus
Faulk says Southern is still building team chemistry and needs time to compete.
“We’re not a team yet”
Financial Gaps Challenge
HBCU coaches point to financial disparities as a key obstacle in competing with FBS programs.
“We don’t have the budget to compete against them”
Jackson's Roster Vision
Jackson hopes HBCUs will one day build a $20 million roster like FBS teams.
“Hopefully man we’re sitting in a situation where we can get a $20 million roster”
Gray's Player Recruitment
Gray says financial constraints make it hard to keep and recruit players.
“FAMU lost five offensive linemen over the summer because they couldn’t offer extra pay”
Faulk's Game Analysis
Faulk called Houston's win a 'preseason crash dummy test' for their preparation.
“That was a kind of a preseason crash dummy test for Houston to work on all their good plays”
Southern's Next Games
Southern will play Louisiana Christian and Jackson State after their losses.
“We’re gonna get better”
Jackson's Coaching Stance
Jackson says the head coach bears responsibility for game outcomes and player development.
“Tremaine Jackson is the only one at the university that has something to lose by playing the game”
Faulk's Future Focus
Faulk sees Southern's 79-yard touchdown pass as a sign of future potential.
“That play is part of our future”
HBCU Financial Realities
HBCUs face significant financial gaps compared to FBS programs despite similar goals.
“We don’t have the budget to compete against them”
Coaches' Divergent Views
Jackson and Gray disagree on whether to prioritize money or player development in scheduling games.
“We don’t value college football the same way those people do”
The big picture
Three HBCU football coaches discuss financial gaps and the value of playing FBS teams after early-season losses
