Philly hosting FCS Awards Banquet and Presentation

FOR THE FIRST time, the 26th annual FCS Awards Banquet and Presentation will be held in Philadelphia, Monday night at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel.

Villanova's Andy Talley, whose team made the biggest turnaround (2-9 to 8-4), is presenting the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, 15 years after he won it. And he might be giving it to himself, since he's one of the three finalists. Wonder if that's ever happened?

His quarterback, John Robertson, is also one of the three finalists for the Jerry Rice Award that goes to the top freshman. The best wide receiver in NFL history will be handing out that one.

Former Villanova wideout Brian Finneran will present the Payton Award to the top offensive player, which he won in 1997.

In addition, Georgia Buchanan, widow of Buck Buchanan, will present the 18th award that bears her husband's name to the outstanding defensive player.

The event begins at 6 o'clock with a cocktail reception and silent auction to benefit the Philadelphia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The dinner and awards presentation will follow at 7.

Tickets are $100. For more information contact Craig Haley of The Sports Network at 215-441-8444, ext. 1119, or email chaley@sportsnetwork.com.