COLUMBIA, S.C. –SC State head coach Buddy Pough and Benedict's coach James Woody had a chance to talk a little football at the annual Palmetto Capital City Classic Tuesday at the Columbia Convention Center.

At Tuesday's kick-off press conference to officially announce the game and week-long activities leading up to the contest, Hall of Fame Coach Willie Jeffries, executive director of PCCC, introduced the participating teams and their respective athletic directors and coaches to the media and the public.

Besides the usual jokes and jabs, both coaches took to time to take a more serious approach to the Aug. 30, season-opener between the Tigers and Bulldogs at Charles W. Johnson Stadium.

"It will be a challenge for us," Woody said. "It's going to take a great football game to beat those guys, but I feel real good about our chances. If we slow the game down, capitalize on some mistakes, and hopefully we can pull a victory out."

"It's always tough when you go to another guy's house and play a football game. I'm sure Benedict will be about as prepared as you can be under these circumstances," Pough said.  "We'll be behind a little bit, but we're going to get prepared, and by the time we get here for the Palmetto Capital City Classic on the 30^th of August, our people will be ready to go."

The two schools renewed the rivalry last year in the Palmetto Capital City Classic after a nine-year absence, which was played at Williams-Brice Stadium. SC State dominated in fashion with a 59-6 victory over Benedict. The Bulldogs posted a 61-20 victory over the Tigers since last playing in Charles W. Johnson Stadium in 2010.

Benedict,  was recently picked 7^th in the SIAC Preseason Football Poll, while South Carolina State last season's MEAC Co-Champion was picked to finish 2^nd behind Bethune-Cookman for the second straight year.

 Ten Bulldogs were named to the All MEAC Preseason Football Team along with senior's Domanic Wilson (OL), Devin Flowers (OL), Andrew Carter (DL) and Alex Glover (DL) all earning Preseason First Team All-MEAC honors.

Also, during the press conference, a representative from the County Council of Richland County, and Scott Powers, director of the Columbia S.C. Regional Sports Council gave opening remarks, as well.

The City of Columbia and Richland County has been long-standing partners with the Palmetto Capital City Classic Committee, and supporters the Classic for the past twelve (12) years. This year's Classic will be the thirteenth annual game and will feature an array of scheduled and planned events including the PCCC Golf Tournament, PCCC R&B and Jazz Old School Show. The Pre-game Show and the Battle of the Bands Drum-line Challenge will feature a marquee event from last year's college and high school bands, and an Alumni Mixer/Reception.
       
For more information concerning the Palmetto Capital City Classic log on to www.PalmettoCCC.com or call (803)-252-9200.
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