Thursday, September 26, 2013

Winless Hampton U. looks for fresh start in MEAC play

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Hampton University's journey back to competitive relevance so far included a flat tire, a blown radiator and a fleecing by the locals.

Now that the Pirates return to their neighborhood, they have a chance at a fresh start, with the possibility of a big audience.

After a month, HU is in the same position as a year ago — winless. Unlike last year, all of the Pirates' losses were to non-conference teams. They have the full Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference slate ahead of them, beginning with Saturday's opener 2 p.m. at South Carolina State (2-2, 0-0 MEAC), a game that will be broadcast on tape-delay by ESPNU.

"Regardless of whatever the record may be, we're just starting," Pirates coach Donovan Rose said Wednesday. "It's the MEAC. We went through a preseason and we didn't come out with the script that we would have liked. But we're here, and now, we have an opportunity to go in front of the entire nation. It shouldn't be any additional motivation required. Now, we get a chance to redeem ourselves and let them know who you are — the real HU."

Hampton (0-4) comes off of a 50-17 loss at Coastal Carolina, only the fourth time that HU has given up 50 points since becoming a Division I program. The Chanticleers, ranked 15th at the time, rushed for 382 yards and led 40-0 at halftime before taking their foot off of the gas pedal.

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