TSU values football classics for history, money

Tennessee State Coach Rod Reed told his players this week that Florida A&M would be the best team they've faced. He also emphasized the importance of the game even though it is not against an OVC opponent. The Tigers (1-2) and Rattlers (2-1), from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, have met 14 times in the Atlanta Football Classic, and FAMU has won 11.

"I don't view either type of game as being more important than the other whether it's a conference game or one of our classics," said Reed, who is TSU's all-time leading tackler with 406 from 1985-88. "I embrace the classics. That's our heritage as (a Historically Black College and University)." TSU usually plays non-OVC opponents in Classics, which routinely draw larger crowds and are steeped in tradition.

FAMU Ready For Atlanta Classic

It's a rivalry that dates back to 1944. FAMU head football coach Joe Taylor says, "Through the Jake Gaither, John Meritt days when those two guys always had tremendous battles and we're just keeping that tradition going."

A tradition that began in 1989, sixteen games between Tennessee State and FAMU have met halfway, in Atlanta, to play in what is now called the Atlanta Football Classic. FAMU sophomore DT Padric Scott adds, "It's always a big event. The history and tradition surrounding it, now you can't let that get too much over you so you still have to approach it as a game, but it's also a great game to have that environment."



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Atlanta Football Classic weekend brings FAMU Rattlers, Tennessee State Tigers

The Atlanta Football Classic is expected to bring 60,000 visitors and a economic impact of $26 million, according to the Atlanta Visitors and Convention Bureau.



The Georgia Dome will host the Atlanta Football Classic on Sept. 25. Tennessee State will attempt to break its eight-year losing streak to Florida A&M, which has won 11 classics. Just as in the previous games, though, the classic will carry far more meaning than a football game.

"It's about an early come-together before Thanksgiving. It's a family reunion, part one," said Joe Bullard, voice of the Marching 100, Florida A&M's incomparable marching band. (If you're wondering, parts two and three take place at FAMU's homecoming and then at its final game of the year, according to Bullard.) It's a weekend of activities that include a health fair, job fair, college fair and parade.

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FAMU's Robinson to miss rest of season

Offensive tackle Steven Robinson will miss the rest of the season with the Florida A&M football team after undergoing surgery to repair a broken left ankle that he sustained in Saturday's win over Delaware State University.

The loss of the former Lincoln High School standout will create a bit of shifting of personnel on the line, but coach Joe Taylor said Monday that he didn't expect the unit to see any drop off in talent. Jarian Moreland, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound transfer from the University of Central Florida, will replace Robinson at left tackle, Taylor said.

Robinson went down early in the fourth quarter of FAMU's 17-14 victory over Delaware State University. FAMU also had to play the second half without running back Philip Sylvester, who twisted his right ankle.



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Defense prevails in FAMU's first win

DOVER, Del. — A lot of what coach Joe Taylor expected from his Florida A&M football team didn't materialize, but he was thankful Saturday night at Alumni Stadium. Taylor's biggest thank you after watching the film could go the Rattlers' defense, which turned away Delaware State twice during the final seven minutes to secure a 17-14 victory in FAMU's first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game.

"It's always been tough to play up here," Taylor said, "but we will take a victory." Neither team could do much offensively early on. The teams mustered just 16 points in the first half with the Rattlers taking a 10-6 lead at halftime.

PHOTO GALLERIES

• FAMU 17, DSU 14

Without kicker, DSU loses close one

DOVER, DE -- The good thing is that Delaware State's football team might be just one swift kick away from solving its problems. The bad thing is that Mario Diaz-Aviles, the Hornets' freshman placekicker, sat on the bench with a severely injured ankle against Florida A&M University and won't be ready to come back anytime soon.

The lack of a reliable placekicker put DSU coach Al Lavan and his Hornets at a sizable disadvantage in field position -- and scoring -- against the Rattlers.

Hornets quick hits

Delaware State's football team wore stickers with the initials "KG" on their helmets during Saturday's game against Florida A&M in honor of New York City firefighter Keith Glascoe, a DSU graduate who played for the Hornets in the early 1980s and was among those killed while performing rescue efforts at the World Trade Center on 9/11.

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Talking about 'The Hawk'

Andre Dawson’s friends and colleagues talked about “The Hawk” on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Mel Didier (longtime scout and player development person): “I first saw Andre at Florida A&M when I came out to see some other players. When I saw him hit the ball, and I saw the way the ball bounced when he hit it and how it took off, I said to myself, ‘I have another Hank Aaron here.’ At that time, I ran the draft for the Montreal Expos. And for some reason I let him fall to the 11th round of the draft and still got him. I knew he’d be a great player, but I didn’t know at that time he was also going to be a great man.”

Dallas Green (Cubs general manager 1982-1987: “I was the happiest guy in the world when Andre and his agent Dick Moss came to me with that blank contract to sign for 1987. I was embarrassed that I didn’t have more money to give him, but I was thrilled to death that he wanted to play for the Chicago Cubs. It was a great day for the Chicago Cubs and their fans when Andre Dawson made his decision to play for less money than he deserved that season.”

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Dr. Phillips WR Chris Gallon lands Florida A&M and Colorado State offers

Dr. Phillips High School (Orlando, Florida) senior WR Chris Gallon, a transfer this year from Oviedo High School, located in adjacent Seminole County, landed his second NCAA Division I-A scholarship offer Tuesday night from Colorado State, and also received an offer from Florida A&M University. His other D-I offer was from University of Memphis. Gallon will be looking to fill huge shoes this season for the Panthers with the graduation of Kenny Shaw, who is headed to Florida State. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Gallon is ranked No. 20 on the Sentinel’s 2011 Central Florida Super60.

Dr. Phillips is the defending Metro Conference Champions. Gallon had over 450 yards receiving for Oviedo High and scored six touchdowns last season. "I'm transferring to Dr. Phillips, I think that's very good for me," Gallon said. "I'm having some family issues and I'm trying to do what's best for me." Gallon runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and is also being shown interest by Tennessee, Florida, and Miami.



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AD search back on for FAMU

President James H. Ammons, Ph.D., Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

The search for an athletics director at Florida A&M is back to square one. FAMU President James Ammons said Thursday he has decided to extend the search by continuing to take applications for a permanent AD. Ammons also shot down reports that interim athletic director Mike Smith will be named the permanent replacement, although he said Smith could apply for the position.

Ammons' announcement during an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat came almost two months to the day in February when he told staff at an athletic department meeting that he'd have a decision within a week. He has since reconsidered but didn't make a statement until Thursday, when he said advertising for the position will resume.
"I want to make certain that we have reached all the talent for this position," Ammons said. "I just want to make sure I have a pool that is broad enough and rich enough to make this important decision."

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FAMU'S Green Team wins 27-0 in Orange and Green Game

Defensively, the Rattlers Green Team was led by linebacker Jerod Brisbon, who finished with five tackles (4 solos, 1 asst) and one tackle for a loss of four-yards. The former Hillsborough High standout was arrested (Booking No. 10007525) on February 14, 2010 in Tampa and charged with allegedly possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest without violence. All three charges are misdemeanor offenses and Brisbon posted a $1,500 bond with the Hillsborough County Sheriff Office and was released. The 5-foot-11, 208-pound Brisbon signed with FAMU last spring and despite coming in as a true freshman, earned a starting spot at linebacker by the end of the season.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Florida A&M University Football team held their Annual Orange and Green game on Saturday, April 3 at Bragg Memorial Stadium with the Green Team winning 27-0, over the Orange Team. Trevor Scott gave the green team a 3-0 lead as he connected on a 22-yard field goal with 4:21 to go in the first quarter. He would then connect on another 22-yard field goal to increase the Green’s team lead to 6-0 with 11:04 left in the second quarter. Anthony Shutt scored the Green’s team first touchdown of the game on a 46-yard interception return with 4:46 to go in the half, giving them a 13-0 lead.

Lavontae Page scored the Green’s team first offensive TD of the game on a two-yard run with 14:52 left in the fourth quarter, making the score 20-0 in favor of the Green Team. James Owens would score the Green’s team final TD on another two-yard run with 1:10 left in the contest for the 27-0 win. The Green team finished the game with 305 yards of total offense with 124 yards on ground and with 181 yards through the air.

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Battle for fullback heats up for Rattlers

If Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor had to name his starting fullback today, Ronald Jackson would be atop the depth chart. But that isn't stopping the next two players in line from mounting a fierce competition to at least make the process interesting during FAMU's spring practice. Kory McCloughen and Jonathon Smith are trying to make a statement for the role as Mykel Benson's replacement. Smith is coming off being idle last season when he had to sit out while recovering from an ailment that robbed his body of protein. McCloughen has given up waiting behind snapper Jay Culpepper.



They both understand the position isn't one that will get them a lot of attention, unless they have a phenomenal year. They do know it's a position that comes with the huge responsibility of getting the all-important short yardage, though. Benson got his assignment done most times. He had 19 carries for 63 yards and even scored four touchdowns that helped FAMU win pivotal games. There is more to the job, which Smith understands.

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FAMU rallies past Jackson State, 11-10

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Tobi Adeyemi’s RBI single in the bottom of the ninth scored Daniel Lee as the Florida A&M University Baseball team rallied past Jackson State 11-10, here Saturday afternoon at Moore-Kittles Field. FAMU (3-4-1) tallied a game high 17 hits, while JSU (2-6) finished with 10 hits. The Rattlers were paced by Adeyemi, who went five-for-six from the plate with five RBI’s, and scoring two runs, while the Tigers were led by Braneric Holmes, who went three-for-five from the plate with four RBI’s and scoring three runs.

FAMU head baseball coach Robert Lucus

Tobias Lee (1-0) picked up the win for FAMU, allowing two hits, one earned run and striking out two in three and one-third innings of relief. Cortney Nelson took the loss for JSU, allowing seven hits, five earned runs and striking out six in four and one-third innings of relief. The Rattlers took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first as Darryl Evans scored on a Jimmie Terrell single. Holmes tied the game at 1-1 for the Tigers in the top of the second inning as he scored on a Louis Mila ground out to first base. In the bottom of the second inning, FAMU took a 3-1 lead as Scott Sheplak homered to left field and Jared Jeffries scored on an Adeyemi single up the middle.

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NCAA Invites should go to best conference record

In a stretch from 2005 to 2007, Greg Jackson's Delaware State Hornets were the toast of the MEAC, winning 32 of a possible 36 league games over that two-year span. Yet they were never able to go dancing. That's because the NCAA mistakenly rewards teams for reeling off three or four consecutive wins in a conference tournament rather than handing out a bid to the NCAA tournament for a body of work compiled in more than three months. Makes no sense.

Delaware State University Hornets men's head basketball coach Greg Jackson.

"The NCAA needs to change it," Jackson said. "One team gets hot and all you've done is null and void." Sure, the NCAA recently implemented a rule in which any team that wins their regular-season title receives an automatic bid to the NIT. But what kid these days grows up with dreams of playing in the NIT? No one. Delaware State was 16-2 in league play in 2005-06 but watched a Hampton team that was 10-8 in conference action go to the NCAA tournament. The next season the Hornets finished with an identical mark yet this time it was Florida A&M and its 12-6 mark that wound up getting automatic inclusion via three wins in March.

It wasn't the only time that Florida A&M pulled the upset either. The Rattlers were 12-19 overall back in 1999 and pulled off the upset to win the league tournament and get into the Big Dance.

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Throwing a change-up: FAMU's Lee now pitching a baseball instead of a football

A pitcher can get a little rusty when he hasn't stepped on the mound in three years. Tobias Lee is no exception, as he tries to regain the stuff he had during his four years as pitcher for Pike County High School in Alabama. The four-seam fastball is coming back. So is his curve and change-up. But as he tries to execute them for the Florida A&M baseball team, he's found one huge challenge in his two starts for the Rattlers.

"Out of all those (the variation of pitches), just getting used to the strike zone is the most challenging," Lee said. "It's just a matter of getting used to that." If the last name seems familiar, it is. Lee is the same mild-mannered, easy-going, lanky sophomore who played tight end on FAMU's football team last season. Baseball has been a passion since he began playing the game at the T-ball level. He played both sports until his senior year at Pike High when fatigue from quarterbacking his football team in the fall was too much for him to go out for baseball in his senior year.

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Spiders Rattle Florida A&M, 23-1, In 2010 Season Baseball Opener

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Richmond baseball team exploded for 10 runs in the second inning and senior Matt Zielinski was dominant in the season-opener as the Spiders rolled past Florida A&M, 23-1, Friday in the first game of the North Florida Classic. Zielinski fanned five and scattered just five hits over six innings to pick up the Spiders third-straight season-opening win under head coach Mark McQueen. The senior lefty allowed just one walk and a run in the winning effort.

"We threw strikes, only walked one and didn't commit an error," said McQueen. "I liked that we did the little things well and that's a credit to our guys. Even though we've practice outside only once with all the snow, we've worked hard and came ready to play today." Sophomore C Chris Cowell launched a three-run homer in the Spiders 10-run second inning and set a career-high with six RBI to lead an offensive attack that struck for 21 runs on 11 hits and benefited from 16 walks by Rattler pitching.

"The big second inning really gave us a chance to relax and allowed our guys to get in a zone," said McQueen. "We had good at-bats and I liked the approach." Junior DH Billy Barber had two hits, a solo homer, three RBI and scored four times, while sophomore LF Phil Ruzbarsky had two hits and scored a career-high three runs. After Barber led off the second inning with a single, Brown followed with a towering shot to left and Cowell later tomahawked a three-run homer over the left-center field wall. Richmond feasted on five walks in the frame and ended the day of FAMU starter Miguel Parga quickly.

North Florida Classic Schedule / Results
Friday, Feb. 19
Richmond 23, Florida A&M 1
Boxscore

Ohio State 4, North Florida 2
Boxscore

Saturday, Feb. 20
Richmond 16, North Florida 11
Boxscore

Ohio State 16, Florida A&M 1
Boxscore

Sunday, Feb. 21
Richmond vs. Ohio State
11:00 a.m.

Florida A&M vs. North Florida
3:00 p.m.

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FAMU narrows selection for AD, finally gets off NCAA probation

Florida A&M University President James Ammons, Ph.D. has a very difficult decision to make in the selection of the Rattlers next athletic director from finalist Mary McElroy and Derrick McGee.

A double shot of good news for Florida A&M. University president James Ammons announced that the school had narrowed is search for a permanent athletic director to two candidates. The news came on the heels of another announcement, this one from the NCAA that confirmed that the Rattlers have finished their four-year probation for various infractions and violations. Ammons said that the two finalists for the AD position are Derrick McGee and Mary McElroy.

McGee is currently chief financial officer for the University of Cincinnati Bearkats and is a former Rattler basketball player. McElroy finished a short stint as AD for compliance at SMU. Prior to that, she served three years as athletic director at Georgia State in Atlanta, where she initiated the school's first football program. "I've completed my interview and now I'm working on all of the due diligence that I have to do in order to make the appointment," Ammons said. "I'm hoping that within the week, we will have an announcement to make on the new director of athletics."

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Florida A&M Rattlers Baseball: 2010 Preview

FAMU baseball went 24-29 last year, and the majority of that team is back this season and hoping to make waves in 2010.

FAMU head baseball coach Robert Lucas says, "We should be able to be a lot better this year because we have more arms. We got another year of experience, and I feel probably better about this team than any the last three years." FAMU shortstop Jarrod Jeffries adds, "Things are going great. Everyone is showing they put in the personal time to get better, we're just trying to communicate as a team."

Preseason predictions have the Orange and Green finishing tied for fourth in the MEAC. Lucas says, "Predictions don't mean anything to me because we determine what our outcome is going to be. People sitting in an office don't decide what we do on a baseball field."

Florida A&M Rattlers Re-loads with majority Sunshine State Talent

FAMU Rattlers head football coach Joe Taylor -- "Man does not decide his future. Man decides his habits. And his habits decide his future."

FAMU finds nice fit in new recruits

Aram Wynn, an offensive lineman at Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, found exactly what he'd been looking for at FAMU and has committed to becoming a Rattler. "It was a nice, family friendly environment," said Wynn, 6-foot-5, 280 pounds. "The coaching staff seemed very excited about what they are doing about changing a boy into a man." He visited FAMU on Saturday and announced his commitment during a telephone interview Sunday. He was among 18 high school players who visited during the weekend.

"When I came to FAMU, it just grabbed my attention," he said. "I'm very excited. I'm looking forward to being around a good football program." Highly-touted Cassius McDowell also visited over the weekend, but said Sunday night that while he's leaning toward FAMU, he might not decide until Wednesday when the national signing period begins. Toledo, the University of Connecticut and Florida Atlantic University have also shown interest in McDowell, who said he's visited all three schools.

FAMU Rattlers Football 2010 (28 Full-Scholarships Available)

Mid-Year Transfers:
1. Joshua Newkirk, LB, 6-2/240, Winston Salem State, Wallace Rose H.S., Wallace, North Carolina
2. Saf Ahmad OL, 6-3/260, Florida International, Miami Norland H.S.
3. Shelly Anthony, LB, 6-1/290, Western Kentucky; Sandy Creek H.S., Georgia
4. Eric Watts, LB, 6-1/220, Illinois, Jacksonville Wolfson H.S.
5. Steven Robinson, OL, 6-3/306, U. Central Florida, Tallahassee Lincoln H.S.
6. James Poe, TE/FB, 6-4/237, U. Central Florida, GA Military College, Orlando Freedom H.S.
7. Jarien Moreland, OL, 6-5/313, U. Central Florida, Glades Central H.S.

Verbal Commitments for National Signing Day, February 3, 2010

1. Aram Wynn, OL, 6-5/280, St. Petersburg Lakewood H.S.
2. Chris White, DE/LB, 6-4/220, Gainesville Newberry H.S.
3. Brandon Rogers, OL, 6-5/315, Jacksonville Trinity Christian
4. Dennis Hall, WR, 5-9/170, Pahokee H.S.
5. Shawn Brown, OL, 6-3/290, Miami Central H.S.
6. Dontae Black, RB, 5-8/170, Dunnellon H.S.
7. Rodney Johnson, RB/WR, 5-9/180, Tampa Hillsborough
8. Michael Ethridge, TE, 6-3/215, Tallahassee Godby
9. Terry Johnson, DB, 5-11/180, Tallahassee Rickards
10. Kevin House, OL, 6-3/315, Jacksonville Ed White
11. Patrick Davis, FB, 6-1/240, Gainesville Eastside H.S.
12. Lynnworth Lennon, WR, 5-10/175, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson H.S.
13. Davonnie Coard, OL, 6-4/305, Orlando Evans H.S.
14. Brandon Green, LB/DE, 6-3/245, Hargrave Military Academy (VA), Tampa Catholic H.S.
15. Jordan Stanley, RB, 5-11/185, FAMU H.S., Tallahassee (Academic Scholarship)

Tampa Catholic grad Brandon Green commits to Rattlers

Brandon Green, a 2009 Tampa Catholic grad who spent a season at prep school, has committed to the Florida A&M football program. “I just felt comfortable with FAMU -- the coaching staff and everything,” Green said. “I believe I can go there and mature as a player and mature as a young man.” FAMU is recruiting the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder to play LB and DE. Green was a three-year starter for the Crusaders and helped the team earn a spot in the state finals as a junior.

Last fall, he played at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, which is considered to be one of the country’s elite prep schools for football. “I believe that helped me a whole lot,” Green said. “Hargrave helped me mature.” During the recruiting process, Green also had interest from USF and FSU. Brandon is the older brother of TC QB Christian Green, who made an official visit to FSU last weekend.

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Looking forward to National Signing Day and a Rattler roster with few, if any, JUCOs. Let's close the deals. beepbeep...

FAMU Rattlers Haul in More Division I-A Transfers

Coach Joe Taylor is making major strides in recruiting Florida blue chip talent, including opening the doors for top D-IA transfers like Steven Robinson, Jarien Moreland and James Poe.

Former Lincoln lineman looks to rejuvenate career at FAMU »

Offensive guard Steven Robinson is coming home to rekindle the passion that just a year ago put him on the radar of several major college football programs. Robinson, a two-time All-Big Bend selection out of Lincoln High School, has enrolled at FAMU where he plans to play his final three years of football. Robinson said he is currently going through the enrollment process after signing to become a Rattler. He played in eight games this past season at the University of Central Florida, but the fire that made him want to play the game was being diminished as he tried to fit into the program, Robinson said.

“I just didn’t feel like I was going to reach my fullest potential,” he said. “I was playing football but I wasn’t enjoying it. I was starting to lose that passion so I said I can’t sit here and let my years go by.” Robinson is expected to fill a void on the Rattlers’ offensive line where they’ve lost three seniors. His UCF teammates James Poe, a 6-foot-4, 237 pound tight end-fullback and, 6-5, 313 pound center Jarien Moreland also have transferred to play at FAMU.

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Players Bio:
Steven "Moose" Robinson

Class: RS Freshman, Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla., High School: Lincoln, Height/Weight: 6-3/306, Position: Offensive Line.

TRUE FRESHMAN SEASON (2008): Earned a redshirt.

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned four letters in football for head coach Kyle Rice at Lincoln High School ... Named first-team Class 4A All-State by the Florida Sports Writers Association following his senior season ... Earned All-Big Bend first-team honors by the Tallahassee Democrat as a junior and senior ... Four-year starter on the offensive line ... Earned third-team All-State honors as a junior ... Also lettered in wrestling, track and field and played the tuba in the school band ... Ranked as the No. 25 offensive guard prospect in the country by ESPN.com ... Ranked as the No. 24 offensive guard prospect in the country and the No. 69 overall prospect in the state of Florida by Scout.com ... Ranked No. 90 on the top 100 high school football prospects 2007 list by the Orlando Sentinel ... Also recruited by Clemson, Georgia, Minnesota, South Carolina and USF.
Majoring in Criminal Justice.

Jarien Moreland

Class:RS Freshman, Hometown: Belle Glade, Fla., High School: Glades Central,
Height/Weight: 6-4/321, Position: Offensive Line.

TRUE FRESHMAN SEASON (2008): Earned a redshirt.

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned four letters for head coach Willie Snead at Glades Central High School ... Helped lead his team to the 2006 Class 3A state championship as a junior and Class 3A Region 4 titles as a sophomore, junior and senior ... Ranked No. 36 nationally among offensive guards by Rivals.com and the 90th best prospect in the state of Florida ... Ranked No. 95 nationally among offensive tackles by Scout.com ... Also received recruiting interest from Florida State, LSU, Miami (Fla.), Pitt and USF.

James Poe

Class:RS Sophomore, Hometown: Orlando, Fla., High School: Freedom, Last College:
Georgia Military College, Height/Weight: 6-4/232, Position: Running Back.

PRIOR TO UCF: Attended Georgia Military College before coming to UCF ... Played for Freedom High School in Orlando ... Selected as the team MVP his final two years after being ranked as the fifth-best running back in the state with 1,500 rushing yards as a senior, and 700 yards as a junior ... Also recruited by West Virginia, Louisville, Florida, East Carolina and Iowa. Major is undecided.

Bethune Cookman 58, Florida A&M 57

FAMU men lose MEAC opener

DAYTONA BEACH — Two minutes and 53 seconds were still on the clock when FAMU men's coach Eugene Harris dipped into his pocket for his play card. He yelled his decision across the court at the Ocean Center. Brandon Bryant delivered. Swish. A 3-pointer that tied the ballgame against Bethune-Cookman University at 55-all. The Rattlers would tie it again at 57, then seconds later find out how costly the simplest of mistakes could be. This one was as basic as calling a timeout left FAMU with a 58-57 loss. The problem was that the Rattlers didn't have one to spare with four seconds left when Larry Jackson signaled for the break with FAMU in possession of the ball. That resulted in a technical foul that sent C.J. Reed to the line, where he nailed the deciding shot for the victory in the MEAC opener for both teams.

B-CU edges FAMU

DAYTONA BEACH -- After C.J. Reed's short jumper rimmed out with four seconds left, the Bethune-Cookman sophomore heard Florida A&M's Larry Jackson call timeout. Then he looked over at the Wildcats' bench and saw the coaches standing and yelling, "They don't have any. They don't have any." FAMU indeed did not have any timeouts remaining and were called for a technical foul, which allowed the Wildcats to win the game on the foul line. Reed missed his first free throw but hit his second to lift B-CU to a 58-57 victory Saturday before 2,328 fans at the Ocean Center. "It was just one of those things," FAMU coach Eugene Harris said. "In our (previous) timeout we told them we have no more timeouts. All we had to do was hold the ball, and we'd go to overtime. It was just a mental mistake."

B-CU star Demetria Frank hits 9 of 9 from the line, and scored 14 points and had 14 rebounds in loss to Lady Rattlers.

Wildcats women fall short

DAYTONA BEACH -- Euneshia Proctor spearheaded a defense that helped Bethune-Cookman rally from a 15-point deficit with a chance to tie Florida A&M in the final seconds.
But she won't remember her three steals in the final three minutes or her team-high 15 points. What she'll picture over and over in her mind is the one missed free throw.Proctor was fouled while taking a 3-pointer with 5 seconds remaining and the Wildcats down 63-60. She missed the first of her three free throws and FAMU held on for a 65-62 victory Saturday at the Ocean Center. "I have to make them," said Proctor, who did hit the final two. "I've been struggling at the line. I just have to work harder."

Rattlers women edge past B-CU

DAYTONA BEACH — LeDawn Gibson and Vanessa Inge renewed acquaintances with a long embrace just before the tip at the Ocean Center. The respect they have for each other was clearly obvious. On the court, though, it was a different story Saturday afternoon. Inge's Bethune-Cookman Wildcats showed no love for Gibson and her FAMU Rattlers, playing stubborn before falling short at the free-throw line to give the Rattlers a 65-62 victory. The Rattlers played without leading scorer Deidra Jones who watched in street clothes. She injured her knee last week against UF, but the extent of the injury still hasn't been determined.

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Alabama-Birmingham 90, Florida A&M 59

Howard Crawford leads UAB to win over Florida A&M

UAB spent the early part of the basketball season sharing the role of go-to guy. On Saturday night, it was Howard Crawford’s turn again. The 6-foot-8 senior scored a career-high 26 points and added a team­high eight rebounds to lead UAB to a 90-59 non-confer­ence victory over Florida A&M before a Bartow Arena crowd of 3,860. It was the second con­secutive Saturday that Crawford set a career high in points. Last Saturday, he scored 21 points in a 72-56 win over Georgia. He fol­lowed that by making only 3-of-9 shots from the field against Troy and finishing with nine points.

Eugene Harris may have inherited a mess when he accepted the position of head basketball coach at Florida A&M on the eve of the 2007-08 season. But, Harris is seven games into his third season and sports a 0-7 record and 25-45 career mark in 70 games. Coach Harris is proving to be unable to recruit blue chip players, especially a mobile 6'-10"+ center --with a brand new 10,000 seat facility with three practice courts, that is second to none in the Southeast. The question of the day--when will FAMU President James Ammons get the message that the Rattler fans wants a winner and Harris is unable to deliver!

“It’s the first time in his career to be the guy,” said UAB head coach Mike Da­vis. “He’s going to have his good nights and bad nights while he adjusts. I just told him to keep playing.” It was a good night for Crawford against a Florida A&M team that was consid­erably smaller than the Blazers. Crawford shot 4-of-5 from the field and 6-of-7 from the free throw line on his way to 14 first­half points. He added five rebounds as UAB (6-1) built a 38-23 halftime lead. In the second half, Craw­ford was 4-of-5 from the field again and 4-of-5 from the free throw line. He tied a season high with eight re­bounds overall, matching his total against Troy.

The Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center may not see a victory until Division II Albany State (Ga.) visits on 12/19/09. The Rattlers are expected to be 0-11 by then, with losses at Florida, FIU, at BCU and Georgia State. For sure, the Rattlers will not be returning to the big dance under this coaching staff nor will they finish with a .500 record under Coach Harris.

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The Harris File:
15-17 (2007-08)
10-21 (2008-09)
0-7 (2009-10)
______
25-45 (.357)

Florida A&M reached the NCAA tournament in 2006-07, but has been in a state of disarray ever since due to what Coach Eugene Harris indicates was a poor job of recruiting during that championship season. Harris personally recruited every player on the Rattlers roster that is being blown out by Mid-Major teams that FAMU should be competitive. Even with the mess, Harris was able to win 15 games with Coach Mike Gillespie's players. What's his excuse for going 10-28 with his own recruits?

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Florida A&M - Team Notes - USATODAY.com

30th Florida Classic Hits Gridiron at 2:30 p.m. Today

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30th Florida Classic Hits Gridiron Today


ORLANDO -- A huge college football rivalry returns to the Florida Citrus Bowl today for the 30th anniversary of the Florida Classic. The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and Florida A&M Rattlers meet again in what has become the nation’s largest football rivalry between two historically black colleges. Though Daytona Beach-based B-CU is closer to home at the Citrus Bowl, Florida A&M has the upper hand in the series at 19–10. Since moving to the Citrus Bowl from Tampa in 1997, the Rattlers are 8–4 against the Wildcats.

Video: Will It Stay Or Go?

B-CU has shot to save season

ORLANDO -- After consecutive 5-6 seasons in 2006-07, Bethune-Cookman's Dexter Jackson would have been satisfied with the Wildcats' 8-3 record last year -- if that third loss hadn't come against Florida A&M in the season-ending Florida Classic. "Last year we went 8-3, but all you could think about that whole off-season was the last game we played," the senior defensive tackle said this week. "I just want to come back and make it right this year." The Wildcats, winners of five of their last six games, will get that chance today when they meet FAMU at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m.

"When you lose to FAMU, it sticks with you," B-CU quarterback Matt Johnson said. "When you win, it makes the atmosphere around campus a lot better place to be." B-CU (5-5, 4-3 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) is 1-3 in its past four meetings with FAMU (7-3, 5-2) after beating the Rattlers three straight in 2002-04 for the first time in series history. "It's the biggest game on our schedule," B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt said. "It's nationally televised. It's a bigger crowd that you've had all season (an average of 68,000 in the 12 years the game has been in Orlando).

FAMU Too Strong for B-CU

Last year, I didn't quite know what to expect heading into the Florida Classic battle between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M. I knew it had the potential of being a tight game, and it was for a while. I knew the crowd would be great and the bands would be even better, which they were. What surprised me, however, was the offensive explosion that took place. Both teams scored at such a rapid pace that my pen nearly ran out of ink while I took notes. FAMU won the shootout, 58-35, and once it was finally over, many in the Florida Citrus Bowl were exhausted, including myself.

As the 30th annual Florida Classic takes place in Orlando this afternoon, I know quite a bit more about these two teams and their capabilities. For one, expect to see a lot of points, but don't think it's going to be 93 this time. Despite a shocking shutout loss at Hampton last week, FAMU (7-3) has the firepower to hold up its end of the bargain, and it should rebound. Quarterback Curtis Pulley has the dual-threat ability to punish the Wildcats like he did last year when he rushed for 171 yards, passed for 125 and combined for four touchdowns. This year, he's more dangerous and has no shortage of targets, including former Kathleen receiver Adrian Smith.



FAMU Seniors Ready for Classic

For the Rattlers 27 seniors, the annual meeting with Bethune Cookman in the Florida Classic will mark their final regular season game wearing the Orange and Green.
FAMU Senior Offensive Tackle Robert Okeafor says, "I've been going to the Classic since '99. I had a cousin who played for Florida A&M back in the day so I think I've missed two since '99 so I know the excitement. All my family is going to be there, a lot of my friends will be there so it's going to be a real big deal come Saturday." FAMU Senior Outside Linebacker Gregory Boler adds, "Coming from Philly, there's really no type of anything to that magnitude." The Rattlers will look to go out with a bang in 2009, similar to the way they ended 2008, when they beat Bethune 58-35.

Taking different paths, both Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman can reach bigger ...

TALLAHASSEE — Four games into the 2009 football season, the annual Florida Classic game between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman was shaping up as an afterthought. FAMU looked unstoppable at 4-0. Bethune-Cookman looked lost at 0-4. As the two teams end their regular seasons, it's a different story. FAMU stumbled to a 3-3 record over their last six games, while Bethune-Cookman rallied to go 5-1 in the same span. Facing off today at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FAMU needs to win to keep alive any playoff hopes. A Bethune-Cookman win would cap an impressive turnaround and allow the Wildcats to finish with a winning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record.

"I am a little bit shocked and surprised with where we are today," Wildcats coach Alvin Wyatt said. "I thought it was going to take a little bit more time for us to get to where we are." Bethune-Cookman's resurgence came as its turnovers faded. The Wildcats are tied for 111th in the Football Championship Subdivision with 30 turnovers lost, but 17 of those came in their first four games. Ball security was a major issue for the Wildcats in last year's game, as FAMU forced six fumbles and one interception in a 58-35 win.

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