In keeping with our previous commitment to root for San Jose State football this season, SFist notes that the beleaguered Spartans will be hosting Morgan State University, a historically black university on Sept. 18 -- and their nationally renown marching band, the Magnificent Marching Machine. Besides supporting the Morgan State Bears, the Magnificent Marching Machine has played at the World Series, at halftime for a number of NFL teams, and was featured in Chris Rock's movie Head of State (wouldn't it be great if he and Bernie Mac actually were running for president this year?).

The game is sponsored by the organization Read-2-Lead, a group seeking to promote literacy and leadership through college athletics, and founded by Dr. Fitzgerald Hill, the head SJSU football coach. San Jose State will also be hosting a multicultural gala before the game to promote unity in diversity.

San Jose State is hopeful that this event will drive up ticket sales and increase community interest for the team. So call for tickets before they're sold out!