Albany State-Clark to be televised on Saturday

ALBANY — At this point in the season, just about all of Albany is familiar with the Albany State Rams football team and how it does business.

They’ve seen the “Dirty Blue Defense” frustrate opposing quarterbacks and stop offenses. They’ve seen running back Jarvis Small elude defenders. They’ve even seen the coaching staff in action as they prepare the squad throughout the week.

On Saturday, the state will be able to see what Albany sees as the Rams will be featured on ASPiRE network this weekend when they travel to meet Clark Atlanta.

Since its inception in 2012, ASPiRE has been dedicated to highlighting the African-American experience. From HBCU athletics to black festivals, shows and movies, the network, launched by former Los Angelos Laker great Magic Johnson, strives to enlighten and entertain through positive programming.

This weekend, SIAC fans can tune in to watch not just Albany State against Clark, but Morehouse vs. former ASU head coach Mike White’s Benedict Tigers as well.

SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore said, “This unique ASPiRE broadcast will not only provide a platform to showcase our outstanding student-athletes from four outstanding SIAC institutions, but the AUC “Homecoming Takeover” will also provide fans with a glimpse of some homecoming pageantry and festivities which is expected to attract over 30,000 students, alumni and fans to the AUC on Saturday.”

ASU athletics director Richard Williams echoed those sentiments and added that he is pleased to see the Rams make another televised appearance.

“It’s great for the program. We’re increasing our brand and the visibility of the Albany State Golden Rams athletic program,” he said. “All athletic directors want games and appearances and through ASPiRE and the SIAC, they chose this game as one of those games to look at. I know with it being their homecoming, there will be a fantastic crowd, so hopefully the weather is good, we play some good football and there will be some great action Saturday.”

From the gridiron, offensive coordinator Steve Smith said while the exposure has no effect on how they prepare for the game, it is good for the team to get some exposure.

“It’s always great when you have the chance to be nationally known and people get a chance to watch you,” he said. “It also helps with guys whose family don’t get to come to the game. They get a chance and to see what they’re doing.”

He added that it definitely helps the program in the long run.

“It helps us in a recruiting aspect because now high school kids are able to see us more,” he said. “So now we can talk to a recruit and say ‘Hey, we’ll be on ASPiRE TV this weekend, take a look at us and you’ll see what we do, how we run and all those type of things.’ So I think it’ll be a good deal, especially since it’s their homecoming, so I’m sure they’ll see a big crowd out there this weekend.”

Kickoff for both games is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.. Calling the action will be James Verrett and Eric Tabor while Rashan Ali will be handling sideline and reporting duties.

Fans interested in watching can head to www.aspire.tv, click the orange “Get the channel” tab in top right-hand corner of the screen and see if the game is being shown in their service area. If it’s not, you will be given the option of sending a request to the cable provider for ASPiRE to be added to their channels.