Defense dominates in S.C. State Spring Game‎

The defending two-time MEAC Champion Bulldogs will open the season September 4 when they make the short trip to Atlanta to face ACC champion Georgia Tech.

The old adage “every dog has his day” proved true Saturday for South Carolina State Bulldog defensive lineman Joe Council. It’s been a quiet three seasons for the Walterboro native since his transfer from East Carolina. But, during Saturday’s Spring Game at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, Council made plenty of noise with his aggressive play up front in helping the Blue (defense) pull away from the Garnet (offense) 24-13.

Though three players (linebacker Dawan Thompson, defensive back Titus Graham and linebacker Rashad Hampton) had one more tackle than Council’s six, the constant pressure and havoc he caused drew praise from the coaching staff and helped set the tone for the Blue.

“My coaches kept believing in me and kept telling me to concentrate on the little things and I started doing that and started seeing what they were talking about,” Council said. “Coach (David) Blanchard and (Coach) Adams, they believed in me and told me what I was doing wrong. I kept working, kept at it and had a good day.” “Joe is growing up a little bit,” S.C. State head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough said. “It’s good to see because we need those guys defensively to get going.”

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SCSU wraps up football practice today with Spring Game‎

South Carolina State Bulldogs All-MEAC linebacker Marshall McFadden returns from a season of inactivity due to a broken wrist.

From a team standpoint, head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough saw Friday’s practice as being just as important as today’s Spring Game.“We got enough done to make sure that we didn’t waste a day and that’s what we were trying to get done,” he said. “We wanted to get a good solid day’s work and I thought we got that done.”

While today’s 2 p.m. controlled scrimmage at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium is an opportunity for fans to get a slight “sneak preview” of the 2010 edition of the two-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions, Friday’s session allowed the team to put the finishing touches on spring practices. With the work behind them, the Bulldogs look to put on a strong showing before the home fans.

“Saturday’s game is now more just a culmination of activities,” Pough said. “It’s not nearly as important as the practices that led up to Saturday. It’s more an opportunity for our fans to come out and see us play a little bit and kind of see themselves.”

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Morgan's Todd Bozeman does it his way

Turnaround of MSU Bears shows compromises aren't an option for the determined Coach Todd Bozeman. With 82 wins and three championships in four seasons, the Bears are dominating the MEAC and are ready to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament.

Even after the severe NCAA sanctions, the cold shoulder from needy colleges and the long fall from grace to Morgan State, Todd Bozeman was in no mood to make concessions. Especially not in the players he brought to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. If there was any doubt about his approach, it was dispelled in a phone conversation with a coaching rival shortly after Bozeman took over Morgan's struggling basketball program in the spring of 2006. The coaching rival had a friendly suggestion and the name of a marginal player Bozeman might want to check out. Bristling, Bozeman wanted no part of the suggestion or the player.

"He said, 'This is the kind of player you're going to be able to get in the MEAC,' " Bozeman remembered. "I said, 'I don't recruit like that. I'm going to recruit the players I want, [and] I want players who can play at a high level."

Four years, 82 wins and three regular-season titles later, Bozeman took the right track. When his top-seeded Bears (24-9) open defense of their MEAC championship in a quarterfinal at 7 tonight in Winston-Salem, N.C., the rest of the conference will be playing catch-up. After a get-acquainted season in 2006-07, Bozeman's Bears have dominated the MEAC, going 42-6 in conference play over three years. They advanced to the NCAA Division I tournament in 2009 for the first time in school history and will play in a postseason tourney this year for the third straight season regardless of what unfolds in Winston-Salem.

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Coach Bozeman's recruits at Morgan read like a Who's Who of MEAC basketball: Reggie Holmes (2010) and Jamar Smith (2008) are MEAC Players of the Year; Kevin Thompson (2010) and Boubacar Coly (2008) are Defensive Players of the Year; Dewayne Jackson is this year's MEAC Rookie of the Year. Photo: MSU #4 Boubacar Coly (6'-10") MEAC Defensive Player of Year - 2008

Baltimore's best-kept basketball secret


If you haven’t seen my feature on Morgan State senior guard Reggie Holmes, Baltimore’s best-kept basketball secret, check it out below. Holmes is a local product who starred at Southern High then St. Frances, then went on to become the all-time leading scorer at Morgan last week.

Before Holmes, Jamar Smith (2008) was MEAC Player of the Year.

Holmes has averaged 22.4 points per game in his senior season. Even though he’s among the Division I leaders in shot attempts, he’s an unselfish player who is greatly respected by his teammates and coach (I discuss this hardcourt dichotomy in the story). Holmes has shot 39.7 percent from the field this season, including 37.0 percent from beyond the arc. The slick shooter is a throwback, and a lot of fun to watch. If you didn’t get the chance to see him play, you missed out.

Laidback assassin: An inside look at Reggie Holmes, Morgan's sharpshooter

Reggie Holmes likes to say he cares only about winning, because if the W's pile up, the individual accolades will take care of themselves. What may seem like a canned quote belies the fact that he really means it. But the senior guard realized the magnitude of the moment as a silky-smooth two-pointer Thursday night solidified his place in Morgan State hoops history. The basket, which came late in the second half of the Bears' 74-54 victory over Coppin State, pushed the 22-year-old Cherry Hill native past the late Marvin Webster, a Baltimore legend, to become the school's all-time leading scorer.

"Breaking that record, it feels good," said Holmes, who finished with 36 points. "Where I'm from, being the all-time leading scorer at a Division I college, it means a lot." In four seasons on Cold Spring Lane, Holmes hasn't always been flashy, but there is plenty of substance to his game. He can dunk but settles for layups. He can dangle the ball on a string but keeps it simple instead of trying to break an opponent's ankles with a crossover dribble. And instead of being a ballhog, he uses his high hoops IQ to get his teammates involved.

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After 9 Years, South Carolina State's Buddy Pough Still Having Fun

S.C. State's Coach Buddy Pough is becoming a bigger name in South Carolina football than his previous mentor-employer at the University of South Carolina, Coach Steve Spurrier. Coach Pough was named the 2009 Palmetto State College Coach of the Year, amongst many other awards. (Photo: Spurrier and Pough at mid-field following hard fought 38-14 win by Gamecocks over Bulldogs in 2009).

After nine years, the job is still fun for South Carolina State head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough. What’s not to love about coaching his alma mater in his hometown? From leading the Bulldogs to three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles, two Top 15 finishes in the national Football Championship Subdivision rankings and a black college football national championship, Pough has reached many of his goals since succeeding Willie Jeffries in 2001.

Pough’s 67-26 record after eight seasons is virtually identical to the legendary Jeffries’ after nine seasons (66-27-4). Nevertheless, Pough begins preparation for Year Nine of his tenure with the start of spring practice Monday with many unattained goals on his agenda.

In this week’s Sunday Conversation, Pough discusses the program, life in Orangeburg and what to expect during the spring.

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South Carolina State gets more powerful; Signs 22 new All-Stars

Midlands talent boosts S.C. State

South Carolina State's back-to-back MEAC championships and appearances in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs have not gone unnoticed by recruits. The Bulldogs landed a class of 22 players Wednesday, highlighted by a dozen instate players. "We're getting a different kind of reception from people in general, both instate and in neighboring states," S.C. State coach Buddy Pough said. C.J. Wilson, a Shrine Bowl offensive tackle from Richland Northeast High, was more than happy to sign with the Bulldogs. "I was looking for the best school that fit me," the 6-foot-4, 270-pound Wilson said. "I've been to Orangeburg, and there's something about that place that kept me coming back."

A large part of the appeal was consecutive 10-win seasons, which both ended with tough first-round losses to perennial FCS power Appalachian State on the road, as well as a black college national championship this past season. Curtis Hill, a 6-1, 287-pound defensive tackle from Blythewood High, wants to take the Bulldogs even higher. "I would love to go there and play Appalachian State again, beat them and possibly go to the (FCS) national championship game," said Hill, who had an offer from Big 10 power Wisconsin earlier in the process. Coach Buddy Pough was thrilled to get both players.

SC State Signs 22 Football Prospects

S.C. State head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough said the Bulldogs meet all of its needs with the 2010 Class.

ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State, on Wednesday, announced the signing of twenty-two prospects to national letters. Twelve of the Bulldog signees are from the Palmetto State, seven are from Georgia, two from North Carolina and one from Maryland. Three are from schools not far from the SC State campus. The 2010 Class, which features three Shrine Bowl and North-South All Star Game participants each, includes five wide receivers and defensive linemen each, four defensive backs, three offensive linemen, two prospects designated as athlete, and one running back, quarterback and linebacker each.

Coach Buddy and his staff were seeking help at defensive line, wide receiver and defensive back and it appears they met their goals for the most part. We had three areas (WR, DB, DL) that we concentrated our efforts on,” said Pough who begins his ninth season at the helm. “You are never certain about things, however, we think we addressed our needs. In this group, we have some outstanding personnel, some good people with strong credentials and several who are highly rated,” Pough continued. “Sometimes it takes some players a little longer than others to play well at this (collegiate) level, but I expect a few of these guys to come in and really fill some of the voids we have.

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2010 S.C. State Bulldogs Signed Recruits
1. Antuawn Blue WR 5-10 175 Dillon, S.C. Shrine Bowl
2. AJ Brown DL 6-5 380 Rockmart H.S., Rockmart, GA, Rivals 2 Star
3. Charles Brown RB 5-11 200 St. John’s College H.S., Capitol Hgts., MD 1,816yds, 24 TDs
4. Darius Drummond DB 6-0 170 Asheville H.S., Asheville, NC All-State
5. Santez Emory ATH 6-1 175 Heard County H.S., Franklin, GA All-State
6. Terrell Fitts LB 6-1 230 Glenn Hills H.S. Augusta, GA Georgia All-Star Game
7. Dtwane Fulmer WR 6-2 200 Hunter-Kinard-Tyler H.S., Springfield, SC All-State
8. Kendrick Frazier DL 6-3 250 Denmark-Olar H.S., Denmark, SC, North-South Game
9. Curtis Hill DL 6-2275 Blythewood H.S., Columbia, SC Rivals 3 Star
10. Matt Jackson DL 6-2 240 Camden CountyH.S., Kingsland, GA, Georgia State Champ
11. Schawn Jamison WR 6-1 175 Hunter-Kinard-Tyler H.S., Salley, SC All-State
12. Tyler McDonald WR 6-1 185 Stratford High/Fork Union H.S., Summerville, SC, North-South Game
13. Xavier McFadden DB 5-11 165 Rock Hill H.S., Rock Hill, SC, Shrine Bowl
14. Denzel Myers DB 5-11 180 North Charleston H.S., N. Charleston, SC North-South Game
15. Brandon Miller ATH 6-0 170 Manning H.S., Manning, SC, 2,000yds, 30TDs
16. Steven Murphy DB 6-1 180 Camden County H.S., St. Mary’s, GA, Georgia State Champ
17. Marquis Parks DL 6-3 260 Lincoln County H.S., Lincolnton, GA All-State
18. Dennis Rowe WR 6-3 190 Keenan H.S., Columbia, SC 42 Receptions, 1123 yds, 14TD
19. Jarrad Quarles OL 6-1 330 Richmond Academy, Augusta, GA All-Region
20. TeDarrius Wiley QB 6-2 185 Richmond County H.S., Rockingham, NC, NC State Champions
21. Cephas “CJ” Wilson OL 6-3 275 Richland Northeast H.S. Columbia, SC Shrine Bowl
22. Domanic Wilson OL 6-3 260 Lake City H.S., Scranton, SC 3-Yr. Starter

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FCS Playoffs: S.C. State at Appalachian State

Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough Bulldogs received no respect from FCS Playoff Committee. 9-2 William and Mary chosen to host 7-4 Weber State, giving Bulldogs a second road trip to Boone, N.C.

SC State to play Appalachain State in FCS playoffs

The South Carolina State football team will get a rematch in Saturday’s first round of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs against Appalachian State. For the second consecutive season, the Bulldogs will travel to Boone, N.C., for a noon game to be televised on ESPNU. The Bulldogs dropped a 37-21 decision to the Mountaineers last season. At the time, ASU was the three-time defending national champion while the Bulldogs were making their first trip to the playoffs since 1982.

Both teams enter this game on a roll. The Bulldogs, who are ranked No. 7 in the latest FCS national poll, finished the regular season with a 10-1 overall record, with the only loss coming to FBS opponent South Carolina, and an 8-0 mark in the MEAC. This is the second consecutive season they have won the league title by going unbeaten and have won a conference record 19 straight games dating back to 2007.

ASU to host South Carolina State in FCS playoffs

The Mountaineers will see a familiar foe this Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Appalachian State will host South Carolina State in the first round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs this Saturday. The announcement was made Sunday. South Carolina State is the MEAC champions and has a 10-1 record. The Bulldogs' lone loss was to South Carolina.

Appalachian State won its fifth straight Southern Conference championship with a win over 27-10 win over Elon, and won it outright with a 19-14 win over Western Carolina last Saturday. The Mountaineers are 9-2, but have won nine straight games. "I think we've gotten better all the time and I think that's what's important and I think they have too," Mountaineers coach Jerry Moore said. "It should be one of the best games on the docket next Saturday." "I'm happy because now we know who we play," ASU cornerback Cortez Gilbert said. "We've actually played them before, so we've got film on them with us on it, I'm just happy to be in it, to be honest."

2009 FCS Playoff Pairings

South Dakota State (8-3) at (1) Montana (11-1)
Eastern Washington (8-3) at Stephen F. Austin (9-2)
South Carolina State (10-1) at Appalachian State (9-2)
Elon (9-2) at (4) Richmond (10-1)
Holy Cross (9-2) at (2) Villanova (10-1)
New Hampshire (9-2) at McNeese State (9-2)
Weber State (7-4) at William & Mary (9-2)
Eastern Illinois (8-3) at (3) Southern Illinois (10-1)

It's Back To Boone For The Bulldogs

For the second consecutive year, South Carolina State will open the FCS playoffs in Boone, North Carolina against Appalachian State. The Bulldogs, ranked seventh in the country and winners of the MEAC, had hoped to host a first-round playoff game. But Sunday, the team learned it would be headed back to Boone for a Saturday game that is set to kick off at noon. Appalachian State, the reigning Southern Conference champion, is ranked fifth in the country. The winner will meet the winner of the game between #4 Richmond and ninth-ranked Elon.

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