Wednesday, October 17, 2007

NCCU relishes playing on the road


By MIKE POTTER, The Herald-Sun

With the odd schedule the Eagles are having to play in their first season in the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision, N.C. Central has already played its last home football game of the year.

But first-year head coach Mose Rison said he isn't worried about it.

The Eagles relish the chance to play on the road.

"We talk about it all the time," said Rison, whose 5-2 Eagles will travel to Savannah State (1-5) on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the first of three road games to finish the campaign. "Our kids for some reason like to play on the road and like hostile environments."

"That was something [senior nose guard] Courtney Coard said to me once, and I've found it to be true."

The Eagles are 2-1 this season away from home, winning at North Carolina A&T and beating Elizabeth City State on a neutral site while losing to Presbyterian in the season opener.

This year's NCCU senior class has three chances to become the school's first football team since 1984 to put together four straight years of winning records. And since the beginning of the 2004 season, they're 15-3 away from O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

"I don't know if it's history or what it is, but I've found it to be true," Rison said of the road-warrior mentality during his weekly press conference on Tuesday at The Chicken Hut.

This season, the Eagles have been very good at winning close games. Only their 17-0 romp over Fayetteville State was decided by more than seven points. St. Augustine's, A T and most recent victim North Greenville have all had the ball with a chance for victory in the closing seconds, but all have come up empty.

"After looking at the film from Saturday's game, we played well on both sides of the ball," Rison said. "We didn't want to give up any big plays, and we were successful at that. And our offense played a really good football game -- I was extremely pleased with that."

One thing that has made him particularly happy is the continued progress of sophomore quarterback Stadford Brown, who last year was named the Black College offensive player of the year.

Brown may not have the stats to repeat, having completed 98 of 195 passes for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns with five interceptions, but with a less experienced group of skilled players around him, Brown has continued to direct a winner.

"Stadford isn't big on stats," Rison said. "He just likes to win football games. He's done a very good job of knowing when to just throw the ball away and live to fight another day.

"We're proud of our [+12] turnover ratio. We trust our defense to get the ball back for us."

NCCU is 1-0-1 all-time against the Tigers, having played back-to-back in 1974 and '75. Savannah State, currently the only other Historically Black College playing as a Division I independent, is in its first season under head coach Theo Lemon.

Rison and Lemon were on the same sideline for one season, when Rison was wide receivers/tight ends coach and Lemon linebackers coach at Rutgers in 1994.

"I know what kind of coach Theo is, and he'll have his team ready to play," Rison said. "They would like to have a better record, but they're a Division I football team with Division I talent."

NOTES -- Savannah State has lost four straight games, with its only victory so far a 24-10 win over visiting CIAA member Johnson C. Smith. ... NCCU has no reported injuries except for the two players - kicker Brandon Gilbert and running back Jeff Tolliver - who were reported out for the season in September. ... NCCU is 34-7 since the beginning of the 2004 season; the previous best four-year run was 30-10-2 for the class of 1974.

Tough road ahead for NCCU Eagles men's hoops


By MIKE POTTER, The Herald-Sun

N.C. Central opened men's basketball practice Monday night at McLendon-McDougald Gym, and Coach Henry Dickerson's Eagles are going to have to learn quickly.

NCCU's move up to the Division I level has made fund-raising a major consideration, and men's basketball is one of few sports that can get much done in that department. So Dickerson's team will play a tougher schedule than any other team at the school.

The Eagles open the season at Duke on Nov. 9, and after going to Rutgers on Nov. 12, they visit two-time reigning national champion Florida on Nov. 14.

That's the toughest part of a slate that doesn't let up much until after Christmas -- 15 of the Eagles' first 16 games are on the road, broken only by the home opener against Tennessee Tech on Nov. 21.

NCCU has just seven home games, although the Eagles will play seven other games around North Carolina including visits to N.C. State, Wake Forest and Davidson. Along the way, they'll play games in 12 other states, with Nebraska the biggest out-of-state name on the schedule after the Gators.

Dickerson (39-45) has been through a little of this before, going on the road against big-time powers several times a season when he was head coach at Chattanooga (72-73 in five seasons). But he never had to play 22 road games and never had to do it with a team boasting a total of 37 minutes experience in an official game against a Division I opponent.

Bryan Ayala played 36 minutes and Joshua Worthy one in last year's 68-47 defeat at East Carolina. Last season's losses at Duke and Wake Forest were exhibition games.

The best news Dickerson got this spring is that forward Charles Futrell, who missed last season with a shoulder injury from football, is back for a senior season after attending a pair of NFL preseason camps. Futrell averaged 10 points and 6.4 rebounds two seasons ago.

The only other NCCU player who has proven himself in four-year college ball is Ayala, who averaged 9.9 points and 4.0 rebounds last season.

Worthy, junior guard J'Mell Walters and sophomore forward Tremain Holloway have worn the Eagles' uniform before, but everyone else is new. Freshman Marius Vaskys (6-9, 220), a Lithuanian who finished his high school career at Cape Fear Christian, is the biggest recruit.

"We've got seven home games, and if we win more than seven games it's going to be a pretty good accomplishment," Dickerson said. "We've got a lot of guys who are going to be playing who have never been in a college basketball game, and they won't know what to expect. Maybe we can turn that into a positive.

"One thing we've done is recruit good people. I don't want our fans cheering for somebody just because he's wearing the school colors. I want them to be cheering for young men they might hire in a few years."

Ayala couldn't help but smile when he talked about the challenge of the schedule.

"Who wouldn't want to play teams like Duke and Florida?" he said. "If you don't want to play games like that, I don't know why you'd want to play basketball."

Added Worthy: "Of course we're excited. We want people to see how hard we play every game. I know we're going to be in condition."

NOTES -- NCCU's early season visits to Rutgers, Florida and North Dakota State (Nov. 17) plus the home game with Tennessee Tech are a part of the Blue Ribbon Classic. ... ECU is the only opponent returning from last season's schedule.

Carter wants FAMU to tackle better against Norfolk State

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

The past two weeks have been like deja vu for Florida A&M football coach Rubin Carter.

Just when it looked like the defense had turned the corner against the run this season, the Rattlers give up a combined 701 rushing yards in their past two games.

After watching his defense look helpless in giving up 405 total rushing yards Saturday against South Carolina State, Carter said he would personally try to help figure out the problem.

“I said that prior to evaluating the tape itself,” Carter said after Monday's practice. “We have to be able to make plays on defense, swarm and get to the ball.

“We had too many missed tackles. We had people in position to make plays and we have to be able to make those plays. That was the thing that was most glaring about our defensive performance.”

In two games, the Rattlers (2-4, 1-2 in the MEAC) went from being among the leaders in the conference in rushing defense to dead last, giving up 221.5 yards a game.

Carter and the Rattlers have little time to get things fixed with Norfolk State, (5-1, 4-0) coming to play on Thursday.

The Spartans rank last in rushing offense, averaging 115.5 yards a game. But senior running back Daryl Jones is among the conference leaders in rushing, averaging 93.7 yards a game.

“We're trying to make sure players understand we have to leverage the ball better,” Carter said. “We can't overrun ball carriers and all those things.”

The defense is expected to get a big boost from the return of senior defensive ends Tyrone McGriff and Carlos Rolle, who did not play Saturday because of injuries.

“It made a difference quite a bit,” Carter said about not having McGriff and Rolle on the field Saturday. “Anytime you don't have a Tyrone McGriff, who is a big-time tackler, you are losing a playmaker on the defensive line.

“You also lose another senior in Carlos Rolle on the line. The people playing in their spaces have had limited time in games.”

Carter said he was not as sure about whether junior outside linebacker Victoriano Arboleda, who has a sprained knee, would be healthy enough to play Thursday.

“It was more difficult (without those players), but we can't use that as an excuse,” Carter said. “I think they will both be ready to go Thursday night. Being off for a week helped them out immensely for the type of injuries they had.”

Outlook for FAMU vs. Norfolk State game from former FAMU President Fred Humphries...

FAMU QB Battle shines in debut

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Florida A&M's present may not look too bright after Saturday's 49-14 loss at South Carolina State, but a glimpse at a brighter future may have appeared in Orangeburg, S.C.

Redshirt-freshman quarterback Eddie Battle saw his first action as a Rattler on Saturday, playing the entire fourth quarter. He led the offense on three drives, generating a touchdown on the second drive.

“Eddie got a chance to go in, execute the offense and show his leadership at the quarterback position,” FAMU coach Rubin Carter said. “I was really pleased with his performance.

“He was one of the bright spots on a dismal day for us as a football team.”

Battle was one of three quarterbacks signed to FAMU's 2006 class, joining Eugene Smith and Robert Love. Smith did not qualify.

Smith and Love were both redshirted last season and began competing for a place on the totem pole this past spring. It was generally thought that Love came out of the spring ahead of Battle.

But Love was suspended before the start of fall practices for three games. Love also had academic issues that he was unable to clear up once his suspension was over and he has yet to rejoin the team.

With Love's status uncertain, it is a strong possibility the 6-foot-1, 220-pound quarterback from Titusville's Astronaut High will enter the 2008 season as the Rattlers' starting quarterback. Saturday was the first major step toward that process.

Photo: #8, QB 6-2/215, Eddie Battle, Titusville FL/Astronaunt H.S., is ready to do battle with Norfolk State.

“I learned a lot,” Battle said. “I got my first collegiate snap in this game. The speed of the game, the connection with the receivers and the O-line - it was a lot to take in.

“The circumstance was terrible to come into, but everybody kept me positive. If I ever have to come in again, I feel I will be alright.”

Battle's first drive under center wasn't anything to write home about. A rush for a three-yard loss, a rush for a six-yard gain, an incomplete pass to Isaac West and it was over.

Battle's second drive, however, was something for him to write home about. It included his first complete pass - a 23-yarder to Derek Williams that was also his first completion for a first down.
Battle also completed his first touchdown pass to sophomore fullback Mykel Benson.

“I got to throw to one of my great friends,” Battle said. “I played against him a lot in high school. Mykel Benson is a great receiver and it was a terrific feeling.”

Battle finished the quarter completing 5 of 7 passes for 54 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

While his play was insignificant as far as the outcome of Saturday's game was concerned, it may have had a great impact on the future of FAMU's football program.

“It was like going from an infant to a grown man,” Battle said. “I took my first hit in the first series. It was the first time I received a signal from Leon and it actually meant something.”

MSU Bears face #15 Delaware State in a showdown for first place in the MEAC

Photo: Head Football Coach Donald Hill-Eley

MSU Sports Information

The Bears travel to Dover to square-off with Delaware State during the Hornets' Homecoming on Saturday.

MORGAN STATE “BEARS” (4-3, 2-1 MEAC)
#15 DELAWARE STATE “HORNETS” (5-1, 4-0 MEAC)
GAME #8
Saturday, October 20, 2007 • 3:30 p.m.
Alumni Stadium (Capacity 6,828) • Dover, Del.
TELEVISION: Will be televised live regionally on the Comcast Network, CN8
RADIO: Morgan State Radio Network WEAA - 88.9 FM:
Rob Long (play-by-play) & Kelvin Bridgers (color).
INTERNET: www.MorganStateBears.com; www.dsuhornets.com
INTERNET COVERAGE: Live Audio and Live Stats

Setting the Scene

• Devan James ran for 19 of his team-high 73 yards in overtime to help setup a 23-yard game-winning field goal by James Meade as the Bears held off Howard 36-33 Saturday at Hughes Stadium before a record crowd of 14,987. MSU QB was Byron Selby was productive and completed 11-of-20 passes for 216 yards. MSU’s defensive unit held Howard air attack to 103 yards and was led by LB Lamar West who recorded a team-high 9 tackles. MSU will attempt to extend its winning streak to four when they face the Hornets for a battle for 1st place in the MEAC.



• #15 Delaware State is coming off a bye week and the last time they were on the gridiron was when they pitched a 27-0 shutout against N.C. A&T in Greensboro (NC). The Hornets, who are currently tied with Norfolk State for first place in the MEAC standings, were outgained by the Aggies 182 to 156 in total offense. Hornet RB Chris Strothers led DSU’s ground game by rushing for 63 yard, while QB Vashon Winton completed 3-of-9 for 31 yards and ran for a 1 yard touchdown. Defensively, DB Akeem Green scored on an 86-yard interception return and on special teams Brandon Hudson took the opening kick-off back for an 84-yard touchdown. With the win the Hornets improved to 5-1 overall and will enter Saturday’s Homecoming contest with a 4-0 conference record and will attempt to extend their winning streak to four games. Saturday’s contest will mark the 50th meeting between Morgan State and Delaware State since 1945.

• The Hornets have one of the top quartebacks in the conference. Vashon Winton (Jr./6-2/195/Chicago, IL/Simeon HS) has completed 53-of-89 passes for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns and ranks 4th in the MEAC in passing. Winton connected on 3-of-9 passes and ran for a touchdown during DSU’s 27-0 victory against N.C. A&T.

• The Hornets have one of the top quartebacks in the conference. Vashon Winton (Jr./6-2/195/Chicago, IL/Simeon HS) has completed 53-of-89 passes for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns and ranks 4th in the MEAC in passing. Winton connected on 3-of-9 passes and ran for a touchdown during DSU’s 27-0 victory against N.C. A&T.

• SEE CHAD RUN … INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS - Chad Simpson entered the Towson game just needing 63 yards to reach 1,000 yards in his Morgan State career…he ended up rushing for 195 yards! The All-MEAC running back rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opener vs. Savannah State and has increased his career total to 1,774 yards following a game-high 181 yards versus North Carolina A&T ... he now sits 259 yards behind Lloyd McCleave (1975-78) who ranks #5 in the Bears rushing annals. As a result of his career-high 221 yard output against the Winston-Salem State Rams in Week 3, Simpson was selected as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week.

• LAST TIME vs. THE HORNETS - (Oct. 14, 2006) Morgan State’s Homecoming matchup with Delaware State was riddled with Bear mistakes. The Hornets capitalized on fumbles and two blocked punts as they pulled out a 29-7 victory in front of 13,557 fans.

ESPN focuses on UD, DSU


By KRISTIAN POPE and KEVIN TRESOLINI, The News Journal

Failure to meet in football examined

The ESPN show "Outside the Lines" will feature an upcoming segment on the lack of a Delaware-Delaware State football rivalry.

Producers from the show were in Dover on Tuesday to tape interviews with representatives from DSU. They are scheduled to meet with University of Delaware officials in Newark today.

A telecast date has not been announced.

Delaware and Delaware State, two NCAA Division I-AA programs, have never met in a football game. But, as of now, both teams are in contention for a I-AA playoff berth and, under NCAA guidelines, the two could meet in a first-round game Nov. 24 at Delaware Stadium.

Hornets coach Al Lavan said Tuesday he was to be interviewed for the ESPN show with DSU athletic director Rick Costello and senior linebacker Russell Reeves. The network also is planning to tape footage of DSU's game Saturday against Morgan State at Alumni Stadium. Crews shot footage of Delaware's win over Northeastern last Saturday.

"It's good exposure for us," Lavan said. "It is what it is. They are just doing some followup to the recent stories."

The story received national attention when Delaware graduate and former Sports Illustrated reporter Jeff Pearlman wrote a column for ESPN.com that lambasted UD for not scheduling a game with DSU.

DSU (5-1, 4-0) shares the lead in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference; the champion earns an automatic NCAA bid.

Delaware (6-1, 4-1) is second in the CAA's South Division, but in the running for an at-large bid. The overall conference winner earns the CAA's automatic bid.

The 16-team I-AA field will be announced Nov. 18.

The NCAA handbook reads as follows:

1. The teams awarded the top four seeds are placed in the appropriate positions in the bracket (Nos. 1 and 4 in the upper half, and Nos. 2 and 3 in the lower half), and will be paired with teams that are in closest geographic proximity;

2. The remaining teams will be paired according to geographic proximity and placed in the bracket according to geographic proximity of the four pairings previously placed in the bracket.

The four seeded teams are given a chance to host a game if they can meet the I-AA tournament's minimum financial guarantee requirements: $30,000 for the first round, $40,000 for quarterfinals and $50,000 for semifinals. After that, the NCAA's first three criteria for selecting a host site are "quality of facility," "revenue potential" and "attendance history and potential."

While 22,000-seat Delaware Stadium routinely is filled to capacity during the regular season, playoff crowds always are smaller, in part because students have to pay for tickets and most aren't on campus Thanksgiving weekend.

Delaware's State's 6,800-seat Alumni Stadium would not, therefore, be considered for a Hens-Hornets playoff game.

DSU Hornets see a shift in power

Photo: DSU Hornets Head Football Coach Al Lavan

By KRISTIAN POPE, The News Journal

Delaware State suddenly part of MEAC's new elite

DOVER -- In about a month, there could be a first in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

None of the league's current top teams -- Delaware State (4-0 in conference play), Norfolk State (4-0) and Morgan State (3-1) -- has ever qualified for the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.

The trio's midseason success indicates a power shift in the MEAC.

"I would think so," said Hampton coach Joe Taylor, whose team won the past three conference titles but is 3-2 in the MEAC this year. "It will be interesting to see how they match up against one another."

The MEAC is among eight conferences whose regular-season champion gets an automatic bid to the I-AA playoffs. DSU has never made the playoffs and has not won the league championship since sharing it with North Carolina A&T in 1991.

Hornets coach Al Lavan has seen extra attention placed on his team, which is 5-1 overall heading into Saturday's homecoming game against Morgan State. The game will televised live on CN8.

"I'm not unaware more people are aware of the program, and that's good," Lavan said. "The incentive for me is to keep being successful."

It only gets more interesting for the Hornets, who rose to No. 15 in The Sports Network's Top 25 poll this week.

Photo: Hampton University Pirates Head Football Coach Joe Taylor.

In the MEAC's preseason poll, coaches and sports information directors picked Delaware State, Morgan State and Norfolk State to place third, sixth and seventh, respectively. Norfolk State earned its first national ranking this week when it debuted at No. 25.

Hampton was able to squeak by Morgan State, 24-17 in overtime, on Sept. 20. Had the Bears won, they would be in a three-way tie for first place with DSU and Norfolk State.

Morgan State is at or near the top of virtually every statistical category in the conference, including total defense (No. 1) and total offense (No. 2).

"The MEAC has year-to-year been a competitive conference," Bears coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "The teams at the top now have gained the edge by last-play performances, field goals and things of that nature. It's a swing in the luck or whatever goes with it. The ones up front are the ones that have normally fallen short in the last seconds, and now they've found ways to win it in the last seconds."

While the Hornets figured Hampton (whom DSU beat 24-17 on Sept. 29) would serve as the biggest barrier to their first playoff spot, the success of Morgan State and Norfolk State has put a new emphasis on the games still to come. DSU plays host to Norfolk State on Nov. 10, the next-to-last game of the regular season.

"It's always good when you have new teams winning," Lavan said. "It's an example of the coaching. These coaches have their teams put together. I think it leads to a stronger and more competitive conference."