Stetson Hatters To Square Off With FAMU Rattlers Tonight

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After winning their season-opener at home on Friday night, the Stetson Hatters will take their show on the road for the first time for a two-game swing through the state capital.

Stetson (1-0) will square off with Florida A&M (0-1) on Monday night at the Al Lawson Center on the FAMU campus with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The Hatters will then face Florida State (1-0) at the Donald L. Tucker Center on the FSU campus on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.

The Seminoles will also be in action on Monday, hosting UCF at 7 p.m.

The Hatters are looking to make major improvement in the area of ball protection during this road trip. Stetson turned the ball over 29 times in a 65-60 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Friday, the most in a game for the Hatters since January of 2002 in a game at Troy when Stetson turned it over 32 times.

“Our staff wants to see our guys be more sound and more consistent,” Stetson head coach Casey Alexander said. “We thought our shot selection was a lot better, when we actually got shots against Bethune. We just didn’t get enough of them because we kept throwing the ball to them and turning it over.”

The Hatters shot a respectable 54.8 percent from the field against B-CU, but managed just 42 shots in the game, as compared to 73 for the Wildcats. Bethune managed to hit just 19 of those shots, a 26 percent clip.

“I think we played hard and I think our guys tried to execute our defensive game-plan,” Alexander said of his team.

Stetson will likely see a similar type of team from Florida A&M, which opened the season on Friday with a 92-59 loss at Georgia Tech. The Rattlers shot just 37.7 percent from the field in that game, and got outrebounded 46-19.

“I think we will see a lot of the same from FAMU,” Alexander said. “I think they have more quality depth than we saw on the Bethune team, but they are not a team where we should not expect to go in and win the game. It won’t be easy and we aren’t favored, but it is a chance for us to get a road win, which would be great for us going forward.”

For the Hatters to be successful, they will have to continue to focus offensively on getting the ball inside to 6-9 junior center Adam Pegg. The Clearwater native tied for the team lead with 14 points on Friday, and got six of those from the free throw line.

“We wanted to get the ball to Adam, and we want to do that this year,” Alexander said. “He is the best chance we have of getting off to a good start by getting some interior points and getting to the free throw line. That is a focus for us, we talk a lot about that and our guys did that.”

After getting established on the inside, the Hatters should be able to get some open looks from the perimeter, which is what happened in the second half of the opener. Both Aaron Graham and Joel Naburgs connected on a trio of three-pointers, with five of the six bombs coming in the second half.

Alexander said Naburgs is almost back to full strength after missing an extended stretch during the preseason with an injury.

“I think Joel is OK,” Alexander said. “He made a big one late. He is a guy who plays with confidence, which we need. I am not worried about him. I think he will be fine over the course of the long haul.”

Courtesy: Stetson University

Georgia Tech men, women sweep FAMU Rattlers and ASU Hornets

Atlanta, Georgia - Georgia Tech opened the season without its most accomplished scorer and in unfamiliar surroundings. The Yellow Jackets had little trouble adjusting to both circumstances and rolled to a 92-59 victory against Florida A&M Friday. Their guards picked up the scoring slack left by suspended swingman Glen Rice Jr. to lead an energetic effort in front of a crowd announced at 2,590 at Gwinnett Arena.

Coach Brian Gregory won his debut for Tech, which finished 13-18 last season.

“Excited to get that first win,” Gregory said. “It's great and something you will always remember. I told the guys how much I appreciated their effort, not only over the last 40 minutes but the last six months. We are asking a lot of these guys and they are doing a good job of responding to it”




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SSU tries to rebound at home against FAMU

Savannah, Georgia -- After having five of his first six games on the road, Savannah State football coach Steve Davenport is looking forward to being close to home the rest of the season. Four of the Tigers’ last five games are in SSU’s T.A. Wright Stadium, beginning tonight at 7 against Florida A&M. State’s lone road game during the season-ending stretch is Nov. 12 in Daytona Beach against Bethune-Cookman.

“We spent 12½-13 hours on the bus going to and coming back from Morgan State last week, so we’re looking forward to getting some normalcy around here,” Davenport said.



The Tigers (1-5, 1-2 MEAC) may be at home, but they’ll be playing probably the most difficult part of their conference schedule. Three of SSU’s remaining five opponents — FAMU, Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State — shared the league title last season.

Norfolk State is 5-1 (the only loss at West Virginia) and atop the MEAC with a 3-0 league record this season.

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Florida A&M Homecoming Special

FAMU Ready to Face Howard - at Homecoming Game

Tallahassee, Florida -- Protecting home field has been the one thing that has been most consistent for the Florida A&M football team. They pulled out an exciting 28-22 victory over Ft. Valley State and exploded for a 34-7 win over the Deleware State Hornets.

Tomorrow, amidst the distractions of the homecoming festivities, the team's primary focus will be to keep things as routine as possible. Linebacker Demarius "D.J." Folsom, who had 6 tackles (3 solo, 1.5 TFL) and an interception in the previous contest, said that maintaining the normal regimen won't be as difficult as some would think. Especially for the seniors.

"Basically all we have to do is focus and stay discipline," Folsom said. "Every week the goal is to focus and execute and if we do that then everything else should and will handle itself."

Folsom also said that the emotions of this being his last homecoming as a member of the team will lead to an even greater effort from an individual standpoint. "My emotions are going to run really high," Folsom said. "I'm going to be high-wired, but overall I'm just going to have fun with it."

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FAMU Homecoming 2011: This Is How We Do It

Sunday, October 2nd
12:00 p.m -- 03:00 p.m "SUM DAY", Location TBA
01:00 p.m -- 03:00 p.m Coronation "Mr. & Miss FAMU", Lee Hall Auditorium
03:00 p.m -- 05:00 p.m Coronation Ball, Grand Ballroom
07:00 p.m -- 11:00 p.m Homecoming "Kick-Off Bash", Recreational Fields

Monday, October 3rd
11:00 p.m -- 01:00 p.m Homecoming "Spirit/Run Walk", CAMPUS RECREATION
01:00 p.m -- 03:00 p.m Homecoming "Spirit Rally", The Set
03:00 p.m -- 06:00 p.m Health & Safety Fair, FAMU PARK
07:00 p.m -- 10:00 p.m "Comedy/Talent Showcase", Multi-Purpose Teaching Gym

Tuesday, October 4th
10:00 a.m -- 12:00 p.m Educational "Seminar", Location TBA
12:00 p.m -- 02:00 p.m Royal Luncheon "Mr. & Miss FAMU" {Invite Only} Grand Ballroom
07:00 p.m -- 10:00 p.m "Dorm Step Show", Multi-Purpose Teaching Gym

Wednesday, October 5th
12:00 p.m -- 04:00 p.m SGA Annual Homecoming BBQ, Recreational Fields
12:00 p.m -- 04:00 p.m BET College Tour, Recreational Fields
07:00 p.m -- 10:00 p.m "Fashion Show" White Party, Recreational Fields

Thursday, October 6th
10:00 a.m -- 12:00 p.m Educational "Seminar", Location TBA12:00a.m -- 05:00 p.m "Block Party", FAMU PARK
06:00 p.m -- 09:00 p.m "Class of the Classes & Powder Puff Games", Recreational Fields

Friday, October 7th
10:10 a.m -- 12:10 p.m "Convocation", Gaither Gymnasium
01:00 p.m -- 03:00 p.m Homecoming "Spirit Rally" Gaither Gymnasium
06:00 p.m -- 10:00 p.m President's Gala, Multi-Purpose Teaching Gymnasium
07:00 p.m -- 11:00 p.m National Pan-Hellenic "Greek Step Show", Leon Co. Civic Center
08:00 p.m -- 11:00 p.m "Gospel Concert", Lee Hall Auditorium
Saturday, October 8th
08:00 a.m -- 11:00 p.m Parade/Judging of Floats, {Frenchtown & Downtown Route}
01:00 p.m -- 03:00 p.m Homecoming "Tailgate", BRAGG STADIUM 03:00 p.m -- 07:00 p.m Football Game, FAMU vs. Howard, Bragg Stadium
07:00 p.m -- 09:00 p.m "Old School/New School" Crab Boil, FAMU Track

Sunday, October 9th
12:00 p.m -- 04:00 p.m Rattler Fever Clean-Up, Bragg Stadium & The Set

Florida A&M Rattlers dominates Delaware State Hornets

Tallahassee, Florida - Florida A&M scored in every quarter, including 14 points in the third quarter, to seal a 34-7 win over Delaware State on Saturday in Tallahassee. The Rattlers got a pair of Trevor Scott field goals to take a 6-0 halftime advantage. The first was from 25 yards out and the second from 34.

Florida A&M (3-2 overall, 1-1 MEAC) saw its offense come alive in the third quarter. Damien Fleming hit Brian Tyms on a 23-yard strike for the first score. Al Terek McBurse burst through the line for a 25-yard run on the second.

Delaware State (2-3, 0-2) got on the board for the first time early in the gourth quarter when Nick Elko hit Milton Williams on a 9-yard touchdown pass. But it was too little too late, as Fleming responded with a 1-yarder touchdown and, just for good measure, Eddie Rocker added a 20-yarder to bring the game to its final score.

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FAMU offense in midseason form

The FAMU Rattlers' offense is clicking at exactly the right time despite an early-season change at quarterback.

Freshman quarterback Damien Fleming started his first collegiate game Saturday and provided a strong performance and leadership for a team looking for its first conference win. Fleming threw for 245 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another touchdown against the Delaware State Hornets.

Head coach Joe Taylor said he was impressed with his quarterback's poise after mistakes and his willingness to fight after a slow first half against the Hornets.

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DSU ends scoreless streak, but drops third in a row

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Delaware State put points on the board for the first time in more than 11 quarters, but had little else to celebrate in a 34-7 loss to Florida A&M in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game Saturday. The Hornets (2-3 overall, 0-2 MEAC) dropped their third straight game.

Delaware State scored its lone touchdown on a 9-yard pass from Nick Elko to Milton Williams with 11:37 left in the fourth quarter. The score was the first for the Hornets since the game-winning touchdown with 35 seconds left in a 31-27 win over Shaw on Sep. 10.

"We played well for a while, but made too many mistakes," said Delaware State coach Kermit Blount. "Hopefully, we'll get some of our injured players back soon to help out the offense."

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Florida A&M vs. Hampton Fumble - It's still loose!

Next up for ODU: The Hampton Pirates

Before reviewing Old Dominion’s 40-17 victory over Georgia State at the nearly empty Georgia Dome – honestly, was anybody there? – it’s time to look ahead.

ODU hosts Hampton University this coming Saturday and the Pirates are off to a 2-0 start. The Pirates have a pair of victories over some A&M schools: Alabama A&M and Florida A&M.

ODU coach Bobby Wilder says the difference in Hampton from a year ago comes at the quarterback spot where David Legree is off to a hot and fast start.

“Legree has an NFL arm and that concerns us,” Wilder said. The Monarchs host Hampton at 6 p.m. at Foreman Field on Saturday, Sept. 17.

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FAMU's Terry Johnson glad to be back on field

Tallahassee, FL - Terry Johnson experienced joy and pain all during his first day on the Florida A&M practice field.

The day started joyfully because he was starting his college football career. But a few plays into his first practice, things turned painfully sad enough to bring tears to his eyes. Johnson twisted his knee while backpedaling into position to make a play.

It was his last time on the field until this past spring after having to undergo surgery.




"That really tore me apart because I really wanted to play my first year," said Johnson, a highly touted two-sport athlete out of Rickards High School, where he also starred on the basketball team. "Then, again, everything happens for a reason."

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Southern-FAMU to be shown by Versus

Atlanta, GA - The Atlanta Football Classic between Southern and Florida A&M will be televised by the cable network Versus, according to a release from the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

SU and FAMU will play at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Georgia Dome. It is the first meeting between the longtime rivals since FAMU held off the Jaguars in a 52-49 shootout at A.W. Mumford Stadium in 2008. The teams have played 58 games since 1941, according to school records. The Rattlers hold a 33-24-1 edge.

The Atlanta Football Classic is one of two Southern games to appear on national television this season.

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Hampton Pirates vs. Florida A&M Rattlers Football Game Moved

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University football team’s contest against Florida A&M at Armstrong Stadium will be played on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The contest, the Pirates’ first MEAC game of the season and Joe Taylor’s second trip to Hampton as coach of the Rattlers, had been originally scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.

For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at http:/// .

Florida A&M defeats Morgan State 63-59

Rattlers dominant at home against Morgan State

They haven't won a game on the road all season, but that might be just fine with coach Eugene Harris for right now. His Florida A&M men's basketball team is making gains when it plays at home.  For the second consecutive game at the Lawson Center, the Rattlers knocked off one of the powers of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference by downing defending conference champion Morgan State University 63-59 Saturday night.

The win gave the Rattlers (8-18, 3-6) an 8-1 record at home and snapped a two-game losing streak, while preventing the Bears (10-10, 6-3) from creating a logjam at the top of the conference standings. The display that the Rattlers put on was the result of having the entire roster back after injuries had depleted the team, Harris said.


Videographer: RattlerBoosters

Women's Basketball Needs Overtime to Silence Lady Rattlers, 63-54

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Moneshia Davis came off the bench and scored a game-high tying 15 points and Brittany Dodson added 13 points to lead Morgan State to a 63-54 overtime victory over host Florida A&M in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) game on Saturday evening at the Al Lawson Center. The win was the Lady Bears' sixth straight over the Lady Rattlers and just the ninth win in the series' 40 meetings.

Morgan State's Theresa Davis also came off the bench and fell shy of a double-double with a team-high nine rebounds and 10 points to help Morgan State to a 40-10 advantage over FAMU in bench scoring.

Shooting woes keep Rattlers under wraps

The Florida A&M women’s basketball team shot poorly in the first half, picked it up in the second, but reverted to its bad ways in overtime in losing Saturday night at the Lawson Center.

The Rattlers' two leading scorers Antonia Bennett and Tameka McKelton struggled and the team's inefficiency at the free-throw line added up to a 63-54 loss to Morgan State University. It was a loss that could haunt the Rattlers as they head into the final weeks of the regular seasons.

FAMU (10-11, 5-4) fell to a fourth-place tie with North Carolina A&T.

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Rattlers withstand late surge by MSU, 63-59

B.C. Lions: Printers' game was figuratively lame

Sacked quarterback kept bum knee under wraps to the point it crippled his skills. Former Florida A&M University Rattlers quarterback Printers played for Lions after 3rd game with a partial tear of his ACL and a torn meniscus in right knee, while B.C. Lions kept info on the hush-hush from league.

CALGARY - Quarterback Casey Printers still hasn't lost the ability to excite and inflame the passion of Lions fans, even when he is no longer a Lion.

On Thursday, TSN reported that Printers had undergone surgery on his right knee, eight days after his release by the Lions, and the news spurred those who believed Printers had stoically suffered in silence during his disappointing second go-round with the team to view him in a much different, more heroic light.

"I suspected all along that he was suffering the effects of his knee injury," said a blogger known as the Lion King, just one of many who weighed in on the lionbackers.com web-site. "Doesn't say much about [Wally] Buono blaming Printers for the Lions' offensive woes."

Printers agreed with team MD's recommendation

Time heals old wounds. It also distorts some facts, Wally Buono said Tuesday. Though Casey Printers is no longer with the B.C. Lions, the coach/GM of the CFL team is still having to answer questions about how the club handled the medical file of his former starting quarterback.

The ACL surgery performed on the right knee of Printers last week again raised questions about whether the Lions put pressure on him to play through the injury, which caused him to sit out three weeks after he was hurt July 16 against Montreal.

Pouncing on Printers no more

There was one less Cadillac Escalade with Texas plates in the parking lot, one less quarterback with an orange jersey at practice and one more open stall in the locker-room. Otherwise, life -- post-Casey Printers -- moved forward for the B.C. Lions Thursday.

"Honestly, it's still very recent," said Travis Lulay, the acknowledged starting quarterback following Printers' release two days ago. "I don't think a ton has changed. It's so new. I wouldn't say the atmosphere is dramatically different without Casey. But I do feel the team and the locker-room is in a good place. And I'm not saying that's because Casey is gone, or if the team would be in a good place with Casey here. It's impossible to say."



Lions release Casey Printers‎

VANCOUVER -- The British Columbia Lions released quarterback Casey Printers on Wednesday. The 29-year-old started the first three games of the season before suffering a knee injury. He returned as a starter for Week 8 loss to Calgary, but had been relegated to backup status for the last two games against Winnipeg.

"At this time, we believe it's in the best interest of our club to part ways and move forward," said Lions head coach and general manager Wally Buono. "We wish Casey the very best." Printers finished his 2010 tenure at B.C. with 1,731 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Former Lions QB Printers speaks about his recent release

After being released by the B.C. Lions on Thursday, Casey Printers' CFL future is up in the air. A statement from Printers passed on through his representative to CFL Insider Dave Naylor expressed his thoughts on the Lions' decision, the team's playoff chances and what comes next for the 29-year-old quarterback.

"It was with surprise and disappointment that I received the news of my release," said Printers. "I remained confident that we had an outstanding opportunity to challenge for the Grey Cup down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Casey under the knife

The next team to take a shot with Casey Printers will have to wait until he recovers from ACL surgery he underwent Thursday. A report by TSN, which had the first word on Printers last weekend, indicated the former Lions quarterback underwent the procedure in Vancouver, which would hardly come as a surprise to Wally Buono.

Though he did not provide details at the time of his release a week ago, Buono told Printers the club would look after the costs of his medical recovery as he was going out the door.

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Morgan State opportunistic on both sides of ball

One thing that Morgan State football coach Donald Hill-Eley found out about his team last weekend was his players are a very opportunistic bunch.

The Bears had to rally in the fourth quarter to get a 10-point victory over struggling Delaware State to remain a contender in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship race. Sheldon Jacques returned a fumble 2 yards for the final touchdown, adding to an already tough performance by the MSU defense.

Morgan State at Florida A&M Matchup

When Morgan State has the ball... Florida A&M has feasted on teams like Morgan State who statistically are one of the worst offenses in Division I-AA. The Bears are averaging just 3.57 yards per play and 214.1 total yards per game, which is 116th out of 117 teams. The only other team worse than 100th in that category with a winning record is Florida A&M, whose total offense is 107th.

Morgan State may have a plodding offense, but it takes advantage of scoring opportunities when they arise. In Mid-Eastern Conference play Morgan State is averaging 28.3 points per game, primarily through running the football.

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A Rattler with deep roots: Bobby Lang hails from the glory days of Jake Gaither

A small rose garden at the entrance of Bobby Lang's home seems a fitting prelude to the tranquility inside. There are no wall-of-fame mementos of the many championships his teams won when Lang coached track and field at Florida A&M University.

Yet hours of conversation reveal the years of accomplishments Lang enjoyed in a coaching career that spanned more than four decades, including the years he spent as a multi-sport coach at FAMU High. Talk long enough with Lang, and he will touch on being the offensive line coach under four different FAMU coaches before becoming Rudy Hubbard's defensive line coach.

FAMU Rattler relishes homecoming as a chance to give back to her alma mater

I hail from the university that sits on the highest of Tallahassee's seven hills. Yes, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. It was my school of choice. To this day, I proudly say I'm so glad I'm from FAMU!

I'm sure you've seen in the Tallahassee Democrat that this week is homecoming. It was always a good time while I was a student — with all the parties and entertainment events going on. Now that I've graduated, homecoming has become more important to me, because it means the Rattlers are returning home. It's the time for me to see all my friends who I haven't seen in a year or longer. It'll be like a big family reunion.



Ukpai develops as FAMU leader on and off field

The first day of practice this week had been completed for more than 30 minutes and quarterback Martin Ukpai was still on the field with a handful of Florida A&M players from the offensive unit. When they were done tossing balls and making catches, they huddled in a close circle.

Ukpai had a lot to say, being very animated as he went through specifics of plays. His mannerism resembled the way he took charge of the offense in Saturday's game against Norfolk State.

FAMU homecoming activities kick into high gear

Florida A&M University’s 2010 homecoming has gone into full swing starting with events on Saturday. This year’s theme is: Lights, Camera, Action: The Reel Rattler Spirit. The schedule of events for homecoming is as follows:

Friday - Homecoming Convocation in Gaither Gymnasium from 10:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Keynote speaker is FAMU alumna Sonia Myles, director for Global Printed Packaging Purchases for Proctor and Gamble Company.

MSU, Florida A&M Will Battle to Stay in MEAC Title Contention on Saturday

2010 MORGAN STATE FOOTBALL
Game 8
Saturday, October 30 – 3 p.m. (ET)
Morgan State (4-3, 3-1 MEAC) at Florida A&M (4-3, 3-1 MEAC)
Florida A&M Homecoming
Tallahassee, Fla. – Bragg Memorial Stadium
Live Coverage)
Radio: WEAA Radio (88.9 FM) in Baltimore, Md. Rob Long (Play-by-Play).
Live Stream: www.morganstatebears.com
Rattlers TV: http://www.famu.edu/famcast/


Rattlers not new to playing crucial homecoming game

Running back Philip Sylvester can joke about it now, but when Florida A&M lost its 2008 homecoming game to Morgan State, it dealt the Rattlers' postseason hopes a huge blow.

The scenario is the same this year: FAMU has to beat the Bears on homecoming to keep its hopes alive for a shot at winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title. But Sylvester, who will be one of the Rattlers' featured weapons, couldn't help being a little humorous earlier this week about the matchup.

FAMU Homecoming parade gets rolling on Saturday

FAMU's homecoming festivities are winding down with this weekend's activities, which include the annual high-stepping parade and the game against Morgan State, while FSU's homecoming is getting ready to crank up.

Today (Orange And Green Day)

Homecoming Convocation featuring FAMU alumna Sonia Myles at 10:10 a.m. in Gaither Gymnasium on Wahnish Way on FAMU campus. Call 599-3400.

Block party and concert featuring K. Michelle, Midget Mac, Trina, Webbie and Ice Bergat at 1 p.m. at FAMU Park on West Osceola Street, near the softball field on campus. Free.

Coach heads turf initiative

With the football season in motion, Florida A&M is standing 4-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, head coach Joe Taylor has put his prime initiative of revamping Bragg Memorial Stadium's football field on pause until the season is over. Artificial turf was initially aimed at being installed by the Oct. 2 game against South Carolina State, but lack of funds from the Got Turf campaign postponed those plans.

However, Taylor is optimistic that the new field will be installed over the summer and in place for the 2011 football season. University Relations confirmed the amount needed is $750,000, and as of August 5, approximately $50,000 had been raised.

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FAMU Rattlers Defeat Norfolk State 17-13

NORFOLK, Va. – The Florida A&M University Football played the role of spoiler as they defeated Norfolk State, 17-13 on their homecoming, here Saturday afternoon at Dick Price Stadium.

Trevor Scott would give FAMU a 3-0 lead as he connected on a 28-yard field goal with 13:09 remaining in the first quarter as the Rattlers recovered a NSU’s Dwight Fluker-Berry fumble on the kickoff. Dante Barnes gave the NSU a 7-3 lead as scored on a 68-yard interception return with 5:54 to go in the first quarter, after the Ryan Estep PAT.



Mistakes doom NSU in 17-13 loss to Florida A&M

NORFOLK, VA - The Norfolk State football team found a new way to reach the same, tired, result. Betrayed by their defense and penalties, rather than offense and special teams, the Spartans surrendered the winning touchdown with 5:21 left and lost 17-13 to Florida A&M (4-3, 3-1 MEAC) on Saturday.

This one, the fourth straight defeat for NSU (2-5, 1-4), came before 21,118 fans on homecoming, a second straight kick in the gut after a one-point rivalry game loss to Hampton. "This one hurts a lot," senior running back DeAngelo Branche said. "You'll never understand. It's your last homecoming. To lose a game like that..."

Snake Bitten

Even with the excitement and festivities surrounding homecoming, the Norfolk State Spartans were unable to keep the Florida A&M Rattlers at bay, losing in yet another close game, 17-13.

Both teams came into the game in a must-win situation. NSU was trying to break their three game losing streak; Florida A&M needed a win to stay in the race for the MEAC Championship. The opening kickoff was fumbled by Spartans defensive back Dwight Fluker-Berry, the Rattlers recovered the ball and turned it into a 28-yard field goal by Trevor Scott. Two possessions later, cornerback Dante Barnes returned an interception 68 yards to put the Spartans up 7-3.

Photo Gallery:

FAMU 17 Norfolk State 13

NSU notes: It's 3000 yards and counting for Branche

Norfolk State running back DeAngelo Branche, who needed 42 yards to reach the 3,000-yard mark for his career, finished with 89 yards on 26 carries. The Maury graduate is just the second Spartan to hit the milestone and the first to do it at the FCS level.

"It was one of my goals," Branche said. "You can enjoy it a little. Even after a loss, an achievement is still an achievement. My name's in the record books. When I leave here, it'll still be here." Doing it on homecoming made it extra special.

Former NFC QB Walley doing well in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. — He didn't get a response from Florida A&M, or any other school that he sent film to in hopes of making their football team. Chris Walley, who piled up all sorts of impressive accolades just a few years ago at North Florida Christian, had all but resolved to just spending the spring semester at home. Pete Adrian, head coach at Norfolk State University, saw something he liked on Walley's video, though.

"He's able to do what he has to do," Adrian said. "He gets his checks on and off and that's a good thing." The call came and Walley had just enough time to get into classes a few days before the spring session began. He won the quarterback job.

Rattlers rally to victory

NORFOLK, Va. — With just over 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the Florida A&M football team trailing by three points, the situation became one of mind over matter for running back Philip Sylvester and quarterback Martin Ukpai.

What transpired for the next 5:13 Saturday afternoon was a remarkable performance with Sylvester rushing for 42 yards during a 98-yard drive that propelled the Rattlers past Norfolk State 17-13 in a must-win game at Dick Price Stadium. The Spartans had scored the go-ahead points on a field goal near the end of the third quarter, creating a desperate situation for FAMU.

Taylor on recruiting trail for local talent

NORFOLK, Va. — For the second consecutive weekend, Florida A&M faced a team that has a Big Bend quarterback under center. Of course, FAMU coach Joe Taylor has been paying attention to the talent of Antonio Bostick and Chris Walley. Bostick is quarterback at Savannah State, while Walley plays the same position at Norfolk State.

Taylor talked as if he doesn't want to make those kinds of misses in the future. His recruiters are already on the trail of some of the top players in the area, Taylor said, with some of them making early commitments. "We are just trying to make sure we get ours," said Taylor, who is prohibited by NCAA rules from naming names any players who have committed to join the program next season.

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ATTENDANCE: 21,118

FAMU to visit USF for football in 2011, 2015

First meeting with FAMU in 2005 attracted 43,122 fans to Raymond James Stadium, the second largest home crowd in USF Bulls history.

TAMPA, FL - Florida A&M will travel to Tampa to play the University South Florida in football in 2011 and 2015. USF announced today it has finalized its 2011 schedule, which also includes a visit by Texas-El Paso.

The Rattlers and Bulls will meet Sept. 17 at Raymond James Stadium, while the Miners will visit Sept. 24. USF will pay $400,000 to Florida A&M for the meeting, while UTEP will receive $650,000, according to contract figures provided by USF. FAMU, an NCAA Division I-AA team (FCS), will get $450,000 for 2015 game.

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View Full Press Conference Video: Bulls Complete 2011 Slate with FAMU and UTEP - GoUSFBulls.com—Official Athletics Web Site of the University of South Florida

FAMU's Hollinghead making an impact on the defensive line

Saturday: Oct. 16 - Florida A&M Rattlers vs. Savannah State Tigers
Where: Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Time: 3:00 p.m.
3 PM Game Broadcast - Internet TV: http://www.famu.edu/famcast/

For awhile last season, defensive line coach George Small wondered about nose guard Nicolas Hollinghead's desire. Small wanted to see a little more energy from the 6-foot-4, 284-pound redshirt junior. "I don't know how much he was committed to it," Small said. "I don't know if it was because of those older guys who were in front of him, but he just didn't really press it like I thought he would."

This past spring, the light came on for Hollinghead, who played just two seasons at Cocoa High School before coming for FAMU. He recommitted to putting in the hours in the weight room and worked on his technique to the point that he was unbeatable for the starting nose guard position coming out of spring camp.

FAMU volleyball rolls past North Carolina Central

Near the end of the match, Belinda Hehncke-Biney reminded her North Carolina Central teammates that they have to "watch 35 coming in." That was Lorrin Rucker, who was punishing on the front line for Florida A&M to help the Rattlers defeat the Eagles 3-0 Sunday afternoon at the Lawson Center. It was FAMU's fourth straight win.

Rocker had 10 of her 13 kills through the first two sets. She watched most of the third set from the sideline, but as soon as she returned to the floor she delivered a kill to put FAMU within four points of completing the sweep.

FAMU scaling back on passing

When coach Joe Taylor adjusts the offense of his Florida A&M football team with a two-back set in an attempt to jump start the Rattlers' offense, the receiving corps can expect to see fewer opportunities for catches while they'll have to do more blocking.

The change is coming at a time when FAMU's receivers are already shorter on the number of catches they had through the first five games last season. They'd like to have more chances for catches, the team's two leading receivers said, but they're prepared to make the adjustment.

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FAMU track teams improve under Moore

Wayne Angel told a group of reporters Tuesday that the sky is the limit for his track team, then made it clear that the potential that his Florida A&M men's track team is showing isn't because of some magic he worked in the short time that he's been at the helm.

He gave a lot of credit to women's coach Darlene Moore. Up until Angel was hired a little more than a month ago, Moore ran both the men's and women's teams simultaneously.

FAMU losses spur sense of urgency for turnaround »

There was a beam in Martin Ukpai's eyes and his mannerism exuded optimism when he heard about coach Joe Taylor's suspicion that the players on South Carolina State's football team might have had a meeting of the minds before coming to Tallahassee last weekend.

Whether or not Taylor's hunch was right, the Florida A&M quarterback believes there might be something to getting the offensive unit together. He figures it might just help them find the answer for producing points.

FAMU backups work for some playing time »

Linebacker Justin Davis would like to get a scholarship one day as a member of the Florida A&M football team. But for now, he has to prove he's deserving.

Davis, a redshirt freshman out of Florida High, is making a pretty good case as a walk-on. During Saturday's game against South Carolina State, he was on the field not only making plays on special teams, but trying to generate energy among his teammates — just like he has done in every other game.

FAMU looks to snap losing streak »

After watching the film of Saturday's shutout loss to South Carolina State, coach Joe Taylor has decided that he's going back to basics with the Florida A&M football team in hopes of ending its two-game losing streak.

"We're going to play smash-mouth football," Taylor said Sunday. "That's what got me to where I am."

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S.C. State extends contracts of Carter, Robertson

South Carolina State Bulldogs at Florida A&M Rattlers
Saturday, 6 p.m., LIVE: ESPN3 (Internet); Delayed TV Tape: 10:30 p.m. ESPNU.


Last March, South Carolina State came two wins shy of sending both its mens and womens basketball teams to the NCAA Tournament. With hopes of creating more "March Madness" the next three seasons, the school Board of Trustees approved contract extensions for both head coaches Tim Carter for the men and Doug Robertson for the women.

The three-year extensions would keep both men, whose contracts were due to expire after this season, on the Orangeburg sidelines through the 2013-14 school year.

Taylor, FAMU hope to get ground game going against SCSU

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - If Florida A&M was seeking a "model" to follow for Saturday's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference showdown against South Carolina State, it found one the hard way in Tennessee State.

Motivated by eight consecutive losses to the Rattlers, the Tigers roared to a 29-18 victory last Saturday at the Atlanta Football Classic. Now FAMU looks to emulate Tennessee State by attempting to end eight years of frustration by snapping a seven-game losing streak to the ninth-ranked Bulldogs.

"The last eight years, Florida A&M has not had a victory," Rattlers' head coach Joe Taylor said Tuesday. "There's no reason to deny it."

Ukpai stunned by slow start »

When Martin Ukpai made his first collegiate start in the Florida Classic last season and was named MVP of the annual season finale, the Florida A&M faithful raved over knowing that they had a solid quarterback for the future.

Four games into this season, Ukpai's rating in the poll of public opinion is questionable at best. Concerns mounted even more after the Rattlers suffered their first loss to a Division I-AA team when they fell 29-18 to Tennessee State University.

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Tennessee State shocks FAMU

The bus ride home to Nashville was a whole lot more fun than the ride back to Tallahassee, as Tennessee State shocked Florida A&M 29-18 in the Atlanta Football Classic on Saturday.

While it was bit of a surprise that Tennessee State won, what was startling was just how dominant it was over a team that had a better record this season and an eight-game win streak in this series. Tennessee State’s Preston Brown ran for a career-high 233 yards, which was also an Atlanta Football Classic record.

Big-game tested and accustomed to winning at the Georgia Dome, the Rattlers were surprisingly lifeless from the start. They had no answers for Tennessee State’s relentless pressure, as the Tigers sacked FAMU quarterbacks an astonishing 11 times

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• Atlanta Football Classic: FAMU-TSU

Tennessee State's Preston Brown sets Classic rush record

ATLANTA — Thanks to 11 sacks and Preston Brown's 233 yards rushing, Tennessee State broke an eight-game Atlanta Football Classic losing streak to Florida A&M 29-18 on Saturday at the Georgia Dome. Brown set an Atlanta Football Classic rushing record and equaled the third-best effort in TSU history.

"This is huge," first-year TSU Coach Rod Reed said. "One of the benchmarks for this program was beating Florida A&M. We came here ready to play this. I'm so proud of these gentlemen." On the game's second play, a crowd of 54,202 saw Brown take a handoff and race 71 yards up the middle for a touchdown.

Tennessee State runs past FAMU in Atlanta Classic

ATLANTA — So much for the win streak that Florida A&M had in the Atlanta Classic. The Rattlers played an uninspired first half and Tennessee State's running back Preston Brown was unstoppable all afternoon to carry the Tigers to a 29-18 victory in front of 54,202 at the Georgia Dome.

Not since losing to TSU by 20 points in 2001 has FAMU been beaten this badly by the Tigers. Ironically, that was the last time TSU beat FAMU. TSU exposed FAMU in every phase on an afternoon when the Rattlers were plain flat.

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