Comeback falls short as Alcorn State drops fourth straight

UAPB Golden Lions  Head Coach Monte Coleman

LORMAN, MS — It was do or die for Alcorn State quarterback Brandon Bridge Thursday night. With his team down 39-35 and time running out, Bridge had successfully driven the ball 70 yards all the way to the Arkansas-Pine Bluff 3-yard line. A false start knocked them back five yards, but the Braves had gotten back to the 5-yard line with 44 seconds remaining.

It was fourth and goal, and Bridge had one shot to put his team up with less than a minute to play. The ball was snapped, and Bridge scanned the field for a few seconds before attempting to hit tight end Ryan Singleton with the winning play.

SWAC: Golden Lions rally to win

Arkansas-Pine Bluff scored the final 12 points to take a 39-35 come from-behind victory over Alcorn State at Jack Spinks Stadium on Thursday. The Golden Lions (4-3, 3-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) jumped out to a 27-7 lead, only to see Alcorn State (3-4, 2-3) come back and take a 35-27 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Stephen Jones scored on a 10-yard touchdown run with 7:03 left to give UAPB a 36-35 lead. The Golden Lions added a 42-yard field goal by Chris Ewald and then held on for the victory.  Alcorn State’s final drive ended inside Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s 5-yard-line with less than a minute to play after Brandon Bridge’s pass fell incomplete on fourth down.

Attendance: 2000

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Alcorn State heads for more prime time vs. UAPB Golden Lions

Alcorn State gets its second opportunity to play on television this season.

The Braves (3-3, 2-2) plays Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday night in a crucial SWAC contest that will be televised by ESPNU at 6:30. Mississippi State defeated the Braves 49-16 last month in a contest televised by Fox Sports South.

The Braves still control their destiny of reaching the SWAC title game on Dec. 11 in Birmingham. If Alcorn win its remaining games, it will capture the East Division championship.

Jackson State at Texas Southern, noon: The Tigers (5-1, 3-1) must improve their special teams play to stay ahead of Alcorn in the East. Jackson State ranks next to last in the SWAC in extra-point attempts. The Tigers also have given up big yards on punt and kickoff returns.

Game Time: Thursday: 6:30 p.m. EDT.
TV: ESPNU


UAPB's Webber lights up league

Last season, when Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State played on national television, viewers never got to see the end of the game. Nobody did. A three-hour-long lightning storm near Pine Bluff, Ark., forced officials to delay and ultimately cancel the game.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Lorman, Miss., the teams meet again on ESPNU. And this time, if Raymond Webber does what he’s done for much of this season, something else — the scoreboard — might be lighting up instead.

The Golden Lions’ 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior wide receiver has taken over as the league’s best receiver, now that Juamorris Stewart’s stellar career at Southern has ended. Webber leads the SWAC in...



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Texas Southern Tigers defense flusters Bridge in Alcorn State loss

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State quarterback Brandon Bridge has shown such great promise since becoming the starter three games ago that the ASU sports information department is trying to think of nicknames for him. But he is still a true freshman. And against Texas Southern’s relentless pressure, you could tell.

The Tigers’ pressure flustered Bridge all game long, forcing him to throw two interceptions, cough up a fumble and take a crucial sack in the final minute of the Braves’ 30-20 loss. Alcorn coach Earnest Collins knew his team was going up against the best defense in the SWAC, and knew they would bring the pressure against Bridge.

Texas Southern defeats Alcorn State 30-20

LORMAN, Miss. — Marquis Jackson had his second sack of the game, forcing a fumble to prevent a potential game-winning touchdown late in Texas Southern's 30-20 win over Alcorn State on Saturday. The Tigers (3-3, 3-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) led 23-20 when the Braves (3-2, 2-1) were driving in Texas Southern territory.

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Attendance: 10,000

Alcorn State plays to full capability in falling to Mississippi State 49-16

The ASU Braves, led by multi-talented freshman QB Brandon Bridge compiled 314 yards of total offense against quality SEC defense.

Dogs think they should have played better

STARKVILLE, MS -- The scoreboard at Davis Wade Stadium showed Mississippi State beat Alcorn State 49-16 Saturday, but coaches and players feel like they should have performed better.

MSU (3-2) turned the ball over twice and didn't force any from Alcorn State. And after entering Saturday's game as the least penalized team in the Southeastern Conference, the Bulldogs committed a season-high nine penalties for 75 yards.

The Bulldogs also got a scare from the Braves, who pulled to within eight points near the end of the second quarter. But for every big play quarterback Brandon Bridge and Alcorn State made, Mississippi State was there to answer with a score.

Wake-up call for Bulldogs

STARKVILLE — Even with a win, Dan Mullen was frustrated with the way his team performed and his coaches prepared.

Mississippi State (3-2) made its fair share of mistakes at Scott Field on Saturday morning but also had more than enough big plays on offense and defense for a 49-16 win over Alcorn State.

"We came out a little flat," Mullen said. "We didn't play with the emotion and the passion we played with last week.

MSU Notebook

Alcorn State quarterback Brandon Bridge shocked the Mississippi State faithful with one quick move to the sideline. The true freshman from Canada, who Braves coach Earnest Collins calls "the young fella," burned State's defense for a 78-yard run to cut MSU's lead to 14-7 early in the second quarter. It was the longest run the Bulldogs have allowed this season.

"We'd like to not be out-athleted that badly, to be honest with you, but that's the way it looked," MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said. "He made a heck of a play. In a game where playmakers decide things, he made a play and we couldn't stop him."

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Attendance: 50,439

Mississippi State Bulldogs Host Alcorn State Saturday In SEC-SWAC Showdown

STARKVILLE, Miss. - After last week’s 24-12 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs, Mississippi State seeks to carry its momentum into this Saturday’s game against the Alcorn State Braves. Kick time between the instate opponents is set for 11 a.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium . The game will be televised by Fox Sports Net.

Last week, MSU quarterback Chris Relf had a career high 257 total offensive yards and two touchdowns through the air. The Bulldogs were able to compile 314 yards of total offense while Vick Ballard rushed for 65 yards and crossed the goal line for his fifth touchdown of the season.

Avoiding Ole Miss-type trap, Dawgs prep for Alcorn

Mississippi State will face Alcorn State this week in an in-state showdown that features the first ever pairing of these two schools but the second matchup between an SEC and a SWAC team - the first being MSU and Jackson State last season.

That contest ended in a 45-7 dismantling of the Tigers of Jackson State, and fans should expect some of the same out of this game. However, the Bulldogs feel they must stay focused and avoid a letdown like ...

Bulldogs know not to overlook unsung Braves

STARKVILLE — Coach Dan Mullen and Mississippi State are not underestimating or overlooking Alcorn State.

The warning shots have been fired and not necessarily from Lorman, the home of the Braves. Mullen and the players at MSU (2-2) have seen all the upsets inside and outside the state this year and realize nothing can be taken for granted.

TV: 11 AM CT/12:00 ET, Fox Sports Net

Internet: ESPN3.com

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Alcorn State 41, Alabama State 21: Alcorn takes battle of SWAC unbeatens

LORMAN, MS. -- Gabriel Nash had 29 carries for 135 yards and two touchdown, and Alcorn State took advantage of five Alabama State turnovers to take a 41-21 victory and emerge as the Southwestern Athletic Conference's only undefeated team Saturday.

Alabama State (3-1, 3-1 SWAC) began the game positively with a five-play, 62-yard drive capped off by a 10-yard touchdown run from quarterback Devin Dominguez, giving the Hornets a 7-0 lead following a PAT. "We came out of the gate and the first drive of the game was outstanding," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "After that drive, we did nothing positive on offense."

Alcorn (3-0, 2-0) quickly responded with Brandon Bridge's 57-yard TD run, and Gabriel Nash's 12-yard run to take the lead.

Alcorn offense leads way in win over Alabama State

LORMAN, MS —Alcorn State was averaging 38 1/2 points after two games coming into its matchup with Alabama State Saturday. And the Braves continued to thrive offensively, churning out another high-scoring game and defeating the Hornets 41-21 to improve to 3-0 on the season.

The win marked Alcorn’s first victory over Alabama State since 2002, something Braves head coach Earnest Collins was very happy about. “I wouldn’t have cared if it was 41-40, as long as we came out with the victory,” Collins said. “The kids played hard. We made some mistakes in the game that we have to get corrected, but the kids played together, and I’m proud of them.”

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Attendance: 2584
Next Games: Alcorn State at Mississippi State 
                       Texas Southern at Alabama State    

Alcorn ready to challenge in SWAC East

LORMAN, MS — It may only be the fourth week of the season, but when Alabama State heads into Jack Spinks Stadium to take on the Alcorn State Braves, SWAC East division title implications could be on the line.

Alabama State has a 3-0 record in the SWAC, including an 18-15 upset victory over Prairie View last week, while the Braves have a 1-0 conference mark following a 27-9 win over Mississippi Valley State. And if the Braves want to play in their first SWAC Championship Game, the Hornets might be the team that stands in their way.

“Regardless of what our records are early in the year, this is a big game,” Alcorn State head coach Earnest Collins said.

Bridge gives Alcorn dual threat at quarterback‎ 

 Don't berate Alcorn State coach Earnest Collins if he's coy about his quarterback plans for Saturday's key conference game against streaking Alabama State. It's a coaching thing. They all do it. Collins replaced starting quarterback Terrence Barnes with true freshman Brandon Bridge during Alcorn's win over Mississippi Valley State last week, sparking the Braves to the 27-9 victory.

That raises the question: Who will start Saturday? "We'll work that out in practice," Collins said earlier this week.

Bridge, a 6-foot-5, 195-pounder from Canada, ran and threw for a combined 250 yards. He threw a touchdown and ran for another after replacing Barnes in the second quarter. Bridge, who Collins says runs the 40-yard dash in less than 4.6 seconds, accounted for 150 yards more in three quarters than Barnes had in the first two games.

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Alcorn State Braves hits right notes at Soldier Field‎

Braves set tone for 27-9 victory over Mississippi Valley State on special teams.

Chicago, IL - Alcorn State has proved in its first two games that while it's nice to have offense, it's really not necessary for getting in the end zone. The Braves used two early special teams touchdowns to set the pace in their 27-9 victory over Mississippi Valley State (0-3) in the Chicago Football Classic on Saturday at a musically boisterous Soldier Field.

"We saw some flaws in their punt protection and we tried to exploit it, and it ended up working out for us," Alcorn State coach Earnest Collins Jr. said. Saturday's performance came two weeks after Alcorn State (2-0) returned three turnovers for touchdowns in its season-opening victory over Langston. Mississippi Valley State punted on its first possession to Alcorn State receiver Edward Johnson, who returned it for a 70-yard touchdown. Johnson, who scored twice, was named the game's offensive MVP.





Alcorn State gets easy win over MVSU

CHICAGO — The Alcorn State defense had all the fun two weeks ago against Langston, scoring three touchdowns. So Saturday against Mississippi Valley State in the Chicago Football Classic, the Braves special teams decided they would get in on the action. Alcorn scored two special teams touchdowns in the first quarter to jump out to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back in a 27-9 victory over the Delta Devils.

Alcorn true freshman quarterback Brandon Bridge also had a great game, coming off the bench to throw for 127 yards and a touchdown and rush for another 67 yards.

Alcorn State beats MVSU at Soldier Field

Edward Johnson scored two touchdowns, including one on a 70-yard punt return, and Alcorn State defeated Mississippi Valley State 27-9. Gabriel Nash added 81 rushing yards and a TD, and the Braves (2-0, 1-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) also scored on a blocked punt. The game was played at Soldier Field as part of the annual Chicago Football Classic.

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Alcorn's defense scores three TD's in 50-27 win

LORMAN, MS — The Alcorn State defense prides itself on being an aggressive bunch with a nose for the football and a reputation on wreaking havoc. And that was never more the case than in the Braves’ 50-27 victory over Langston Saturday. The Alcorn defense scored three defensive touchdowns, recorded a safety, and set the offense up inside the 5-yard line after turnovers on two other occasions.

“Defensive coordinator Zach Shay does an awesome job with instilling that attitude,” Alcorn head coach Earnest Collins said. “We call it BIA, Best in America, at hustle. It’s not about athletic ability, but 100 percent about hustle. He preaches that every day.” And Alcorn State needed every one of those defensive scores, as the Braves offense sputtered for a majority of the game.

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Alcorn looks for improvement in run game

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins liked what he saw from running back Arnold Walker in last year’s Capital City Classic. But he’ll like it even better if Walker can have that kind of production over the entire 2010 season. Walker, then a true freshman, rushed for a career-high 120 yards in Alcorn’s 14-7 win over Jackson State and was the game’s offensive MVP.

“Arnold got a little taste last year in the Jackson State game of his role and what it has to be for us,” Collins said. “Basically in the second half we just handed the ball to him, and he was a workhorse for us in that game. We’re looking for him to do more of what he did in that game.”

Walker and fellow sophomore Gabriel Nash each bring something different to the table when they get the ball, Collins said.

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Fall camp gets under way for Alcorn State

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State head coach Earnest Collins noticed a big difference on the Braves first day of fall practice Thursday — more players. And Collins said that should have a big impact on the kind of season the Braves will have in 2010. “Last year we came into camp with 70 some odd players, which is not enough,” Collins said. “Now we’re about to capacity, and I feel a lot better about it.”

As the Braves began fall practice to prepare for their Sept. 4 season-opener against Langston, Collins said the added depth means every player will have to fight for his position. “Now the players know there is depth behind them,” Collins said. “There is somebody pushing them, and they won’t be playing by default. Last year we had some players who had to play by default because there was nobody behind them. That’s not the case this year at any position we have.”

In addition to the added depth, Collins said he was pleased with the physical condition of his players, and could tell they have been working hard over the summer to stay in shape.

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Job turns to hobby for Texas College Carson‎

Ricky Carson, a former teammate of Jerry Rice at Mississippi Valley State, is now the head football coach and athletic director of NAIA Texas College.

NATCHEZ, MS — When Alcorn State University hired Rickey Carson as its first ever golf coach, there was one teeny-weeny problem. Carson had never played golf. When The Dart landed at Duncan Park Golf Course Friday afternoon, Carson was practicing his swing while wife Victoria and daughter Courtney looked on. “I had to find out about the rules. What’s a par? What’s a birdie? I didn’t even know what that was,” Carson said.

But Carson is well versed in the game now. But Carson is well versed in the game now. An assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the ASU football team from 1998 to 2000, Carson studied the rules of golf at the library, and eventually applied his newfound knowledge at Duncan Park.

“I did bad my first time out. I tore up the golf course real bad,” Carson said. “I’m sure everyone was glad when I left that day.” Carson didn’t let his less than stellar debut deter him from the game. He continued to practice, and even gained pointers from his team, which finished sixth overall in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

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Collins: It's time for Alcorn State to win

NATCHEZ, MS — Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins had one message for Braves fans Thursday night. It’s time to win. Collins and Alcorn offensive coordinator Michael Armour and defensive coordinator Zach Shay addressed Braves fans at the annual Alcorn State Powwow on the ASU Natchez campus. “We’re not going to be satisfied just beating Mississippi Valley State and Jackson State every year,” Collins said. “We want to win SWAC championships. You didn’t hear me say that last year. But what I’m saying now is that we expect to win.”

















Collins said his team has built off last season’s 14-7 victory over Jackson State in the season-ending Capital City Classic, and has ridden that momentum into this season. “The phenomenal thing about that game was we played as a team on both sides of the ball,” Collins said. “The offense scored two quick touchdowns and that was all we needed. We held Jackson State to minus-12 yards rushing, and anytime you can do that, you’re going to win the football game. “I told the guys after the game that we were on our way if they just continued to do what they were doing.”

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Alcorn State enters season overflowing with optimism

Earnest Collins' Alcorn State Braves won only three games in 2009, his first as head coach, but two of the three were especially huge.


Alcorn defeated both in-state SWAC rivals Mississippi Valley State and Jackson State en route to a 3-6 finish that was the Braves' best since 2006. It's almost as if the Braves are starting 2010 at 1-0, because Collins openly called last year's Capital City Classic, the season-ender against Jackson State, "our first game of the 2010 season."

Alcorn beat the JSU Tigers 14-7, a victory that made winter workouts and spring training much more fun and productive, Braves players say. "We got a taste in our mouth that we enjoyed," Isaac Williams of Clinton, a three-year starter at center, said. "It made everything go better in the off-season. It was big for us, especially beating Jackson State. Everybody knows how big that is."

Big? Yes. The supreme goal? "No," answered Collins. "I want to win them all. You play the game to win championships. I expect us to be much, much better this year."

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Doing More--With Less: Most budgets rise, but not at Mississippi Valley State

Mississippi Valley State University Devilettes Softball Team ended the 2010 season with an overall record of 27-23. The Devilettes lost 6-3 in the SWAC Championship game to eventual champion Alcorn State University Lady Braves.

Mississippi State and Ole Miss will each spend about four percent more on athletics than they did a year ago, according to athletic department budgets approved Wednesday by the state College Board. Ole Miss has the larger of the two totals, checking in with a projected $43.7 million. Mississippi State's 2010-11 budget is $37.4 million. Both budgets are among the smallest in the Southeastern Conference. Southern Miss projects a $19.7 million budget, up 2.3 percent from last year.

Jackson State's $6.8 million, which increased by 3.3 percent, is the largest of the state's three Southwestern Athletic Conference teams. Budgets didn't rise everywhere, though. Mississippi Valley State's $3.3 million budget is 20 percent less than last year's edition. Alcorn State's $5.3 million budget stayed basically the same. Division II school Delta State has the smallest budget, at $2.7 million. That's down 2.5 percent from last year.

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Grambling State University claims SWAC baseball tournament title

Grambling State University Tigers first year coach James Cooper wins first SWAC championship.

SHREVEPORT, LA — As the Southwestern Athletic Conference baseball tournament crawled along, the regular-season powerhouses quietly tiptoed out of Fairgrounds Field. Eventually, Grambling and Alcorn State found themselves in the championship game. Sunday afternoon, with an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament on the line, Grambling was quiet no more. The long-suffering Tigers — playing against Alcorn State University and their former coach, Barret Rey — unloaded on the Braves pitching staff and got a sterling effort from left-hander Adrian Turner in a convincing 15-2 victory.

It is the ninth SWAC championship for Grambling, but its first in 25 seasons. The Tigers hadn’t won a baseball title since 1985, when then-coach Wilbur Ellis led them to their third consecutive crown. This time, their coach is James Cooper, who, at 29 years old, took over the Grambling program last summer when Rey left after three years for the same job at Alcorn.

The Braves (28-27), who finished third in the SWAC Eastern Division, were 3-0 in the tournament heading into Sunday’s championship game, with two wins over Southern and one more against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Grambling (22-30), which finished third in the SWAC West, went undefeated in four games at Fairgrounds Field. Jackson State lost its first two games. Southern and Texas Southern flamed out Friday.

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Braves excited about Alcorn State's first-round NCAA matchup

When they saw their name pop up on the television screen in the honors dormitory, the Alcorn State University softball team immediately ran the spectrum of emotions. "We were excited and shocked," said starting catcher Chelsie Dahlbeck, a 2008 graduate of Estero High School in Estero, Florida.

Excitement is understandable for the team from southwestern Mississippi that will be making its first appearance in the NCAA tournament. The shock factor can be attributed to Alcorn's first opponent in the 64-team field, which was announced Sunday night during a selection show on ESPNU. Alcorn, whose school's undergraduate enrollment is less than 2,700, will meet powerful Alabama, whose 48-9 record and Southeastern Conference title earned the Crimson Tide the tournament's No. 1 seed.

Dahlbeck knows a daunting task awaits Alcorn, but she said it's a challenge that the Lady Braves won't shy away from. "It's a good experience. I know they're looking at us as the underdog. I hope we do well," Dahlbeck said. The double-elimination Tuscaloosa Regional also includes Alabama-Birmingham and Atlantic Sun Conference champion Lipscomb.

Alcorn (24-24) generated a minor miracle just to get into the NCAA tournament. After losing its first game in the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament, Alcorn had to reel off five straight wins -- including the title clincher against Mississippi Valley State -- to earn an automatic bid.

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Alcorn State Claims 2010 SWAC Softball Championship Title‎

The (Alcorn State University) Lady Braves started the day with an 11-2 rout over Grambling State to secure a place in the championship game against the six-time defending champion (Mississippi Valley State University) Devilettes. In the first inning of the title game, MVSU’s first two batters, Ashley Hobbs and Angelica Wade hoisted home runs out of the park, giving Alcorn State an early 0-2 deficit. However, the Lady Braves answered back at the top of second with a Jennie Hatch homer that drove home two runs. The game would remain knotted at two all for the next five innings.

After a brief rain delay at the top of the eighth inning, Alcorn State returned from the hiatus re-energized as the Lady Braves rattled off three hits while scoring four runs to take the 6-2 lead. The Devilettes looked poised for a scoring surge of their own after an Angelia Jones homer at the bottom of the eighth. However, MVSU wasn’t able to score again, halting a six-year conference championship win streak. Alcorn State was led by Rachel Morris who was 2-for-4 in the game while Haleigh Eubanks led the way for the Devilettes, going 3-for-4.

This is Alcorn State’s first conference championship since 1997, when they were co-champions with Grambling State. With the win, the Lady Braves are automatic qualifiers for the NCAA regional tournament. The softball selection show is set for Sunday, May 16 at 9 p.m. (CT) on ESPNU.

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Coach Shirley Walker honored by Mississippi House‎ of Representatives

Shirley Walker was fired from Alcorn State University on May 16, 2008, after 30 years coaching the Lady Braves basketball team. She finished with a 492-336 career record, winning 11 SWAC championships. However, her final years were tarnished by NCAA sanctions in 2006, for multiple NCAA violations.

LORMAN, MS — Former Alcorn State women’s basketball coach Shirley A. Gibbs-Walker was already a coaching legend in the state. But now she has the stamp of approval from the Mississippi House of Representatives. Walker was honored by the House on Tuesday, where a resolution was passed honoring Walker’s accomplishments on and off the basketball court. "I was very surprised,” Walker said of receiving the honor. “It was breathtaking and it brought back some wonderful memories."

In Walker’s 30-year tenure at Alcorn State, the Lady Braves won 11 regular season SWAC championships, seven SWAC tournament championships and participated in the NCAA tournament three times. Walker, an Alcorn alumnus, won 492 career games and was named SWAC Coach of the Year 10 times. In addition to her accomplishments as head coach, Walker also played an important role as a member of several different NCAA committees.

As a member of the NCAA Division I Basketball Committee, Walker worked to help secure an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament for the champion of the SWAC tournament. "A lot of people don’t know about that,” Walker said. “I’m the one that worked hard and opened the door for SWAC women’s basketball to have an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament."

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Alcorn ready to tackle baseball season with new coach

Alcorn State baseball coach Barret L. Rey, Sr., ended his first head coaching job at Grambling State with a 56-94 record over a three year span moving the Tigers from the cellar to the SWAC semi-finals in 2009.

LORMAN, MS — Three things are on Alcorn State baseball coach Barret Rey’s mind, and those three things are the key to a championship season, he said. “It’s what I tell them every year,” Rey said. “All we need is defense, situational pitching and situational hitting. If we have those three things, we’ll be alright.” And Rey said he’s not satisfied with simply making the SWAC championship game. The Braves did last year, only to lose 11-7 against Southern University.

“We want to make it back, without a doubt,” Rey said. “But we don’t want to just be content with just getting there this year. We want to win, and we won’t be satisfied until we win. “This is a mature team, with a lot of juniors that were in the championship game last year. If we do things right — if we don’t beat ourselves — we’re going to be awfully tough to beat.” Rey singled out hitting as his team’s biggest strength, and said his players’ athleticism has allowed him the flexibility to move them around to different positions. “We can swing the bat,” Rey said. “We’re a pretty athletic team, too, and our success is going to come from our hitting and athleticism.

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