Tallahassee, Florida -- FAMU's win over North Carolina A&T eliminated the Aggies from playoff contention. The Rattlers are one of three teams left vying to be MEAC Champions.
"We're trying to get to these playoffs," says senior wide receiver Kevin Elliott. "If we win out there's a good possibility we will get to the playoffs."
However, if Norfolk State wins its season finale, the Spartans will be crowned champs. The question at hand for the Rattlers then becomes, should two teams from the MEAC be invited to the playoffs.
"Looking around the conferences this year, a lot of the stronger conferences have teams with more loses that normally have stronger records,' adds junior defensive tackle Padric Scott. "I think the competition level right now is going to be up for grabs.
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Showing posts with label Florida A and M University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida A and M University. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
FAMU Rattlers hold off N.C. A&T, remain in postseason hunt
Tallahassee, Florida -- The little children who surrounded Florida A&M receiver Kevin Elliott in pursuit of autographs knew he had done something big in the game that they'd just watched at Bragg Stadium, although they might not understand the significance of the outcome.
Elliott just smiled and kept signing. The rest of his teammates were all smiles too Saturday night, as well they should after handing North Carolina A&T a 26-20 loss on Senior Day.
The victory gives FAMU a 6-3 overall record and put the Rattlers at 4-2 in the MEAC standings. The win, which eliminated the resurging Aggies from contention for the league title, puts FAMU in a four-way tie for second place.
They must win their two remaining game to have any chance of tying leader Norfolk State (8-2, 6-1) or at least finishing second in the standings.
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FAMU's Fleming efficient early in his tenure
Finding a quarterback to finish out the season for the Florida A&M football team has been a bit tricky during the past three years. Last year, Austin Trainor finished the last six games, replacing Martin Ukpai.
Trainor was replaced this season by freshman Damien Fleming after four starts. But there is one consistency that Taylor's quarterbacks can brag about going back to his first season in 2008. Three of them have had at least an 80-percent completion rate.
In 2008, Eddie Battle didn't miss a pass against South Carolina State in 11 attempts, and the following year Curtis Pulley hit 17-of-21 against Winston-Salem State for 80.9 percent. Fleming is the latest to do so, completing 34-of-40 passes for 85 percent against South Carolina State.
Of the three quarterbacks, Fleming reached the 80-percent mark the fastest. He did it in his fourth game as a freshman, while Battle was a junior and Pulley was a senior.
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Elliott just smiled and kept signing. The rest of his teammates were all smiles too Saturday night, as well they should after handing North Carolina A&T a 26-20 loss on Senior Day.
The victory gives FAMU a 6-3 overall record and put the Rattlers at 4-2 in the MEAC standings. The win, which eliminated the resurging Aggies from contention for the league title, puts FAMU in a four-way tie for second place.
They must win their two remaining game to have any chance of tying leader Norfolk State (8-2, 6-1) or at least finishing second in the standings.
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FAMU's Fleming efficient early in his tenure
Finding a quarterback to finish out the season for the Florida A&M football team has been a bit tricky during the past three years. Last year, Austin Trainor finished the last six games, replacing Martin Ukpai.
Trainor was replaced this season by freshman Damien Fleming after four starts. But there is one consistency that Taylor's quarterbacks can brag about going back to his first season in 2008. Three of them have had at least an 80-percent completion rate.
In 2008, Eddie Battle didn't miss a pass against South Carolina State in 11 attempts, and the following year Curtis Pulley hit 17-of-21 against Winston-Salem State for 80.9 percent. Fleming is the latest to do so, completing 34-of-40 passes for 85 percent against South Carolina State.
Of the three quarterbacks, Fleming reached the 80-percent mark the fastest. He did it in his fourth game as a freshman, while Battle was a junior and Pulley was a senior.
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Saturday, November 5, 2011
Success by North Carolina A&T Aggies turning heads
Tallahassee, Florida -- When North Carolina A&T won three straight MEAC games to start conference play, it raised more than a few eyebrows — especially since one of the wins came over defending champion Bethune-Cookman.The Aggies have since lost two straight, but remain one of seven teams in the hunt for the conference title. That in itself could be considered a major achievement for a team that had just one victory last season.
First-year coach Rod Broadway stopped short of calling it a turnaround earlier this week, but said he's seen plenty of signs that N.C. A&T (4-4, 3-2) is on the right path. And it's happening with only 30 scholarship players.
"We got some kids who want to do well," Broadway said. "They want to be successful (and) we've got to teach them how to win and now how to finish."
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Defensive front getting job done for FAMU
Tallahassee, Florida -- The Florida A&M defensive secondary has been stealing the ball and grabbing headlines for a few weeks now. Meanwhile, the trio on the front line has gone about its business quietly — sacking quarterbacks and stopping running backs who dare to challenge them.
"We don't mind not getting the publicity and stuff," said defensive end Nicholas Hollinghead. "We just come in and work hard every day. We already know going into the season that to have a good defense you have to have a good line. We do a good job of getting after it every day."
That might sound like self-praise, but at least it's not brash talk. Between Jerry Willis, the other end, Hollinghead and nose tackle Padric Scott they have a combined 10 sacks, with Hollinghead and Willis making three and a half each.
Throw in the effort of the four linebackers in the Rattlers' 3-4 defense and they account for another 10 sacks. As a team FAMU is eighth in the MEAC in total defense, but third in sacks with 23 for a loss of 112 yards. It also leads the league in red zone defense.
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"We don't mind not getting the publicity and stuff," said defensive end Nicholas Hollinghead. "We just come in and work hard every day. We already know going into the season that to have a good defense you have to have a good line. We do a good job of getting after it every day."
That might sound like self-praise, but at least it's not brash talk. Between Jerry Willis, the other end, Hollinghead and nose tackle Padric Scott they have a combined 10 sacks, with Hollinghead and Willis making three and a half each.
Throw in the effort of the four linebackers in the Rattlers' 3-4 defense and they account for another 10 sacks. As a team FAMU is eighth in the MEAC in total defense, but third in sacks with 23 for a loss of 112 yards. It also leads the league in red zone defense.
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Wednesday, November 2, 2011
FAMU Football Special Teams Prep for Duel with NCA&T
Tallahassee, Florida -- Special teams will be a major factor for the Florida A&M football team this week against the North Carolina A&T Aggies. FAMU (5-3, 3-2 in the MEAC) is coming off a 27-24 win against South Carolina State University on Oct. 22. It snapped an eight-game losing streak to SCSU.
FAMU will face NCAT on Nov. 5 at Bragg Stadium. It will be the last home game of the season. The Rattlers are looking to continue to build momentum coming down the stretch of the conference schedule.
NCAT (4-4, 3-2 in the MEAC) is coming off a loss to Norfolk State last weekend. FAMU had a bye week last week, which gave them two weeks to prepare for the Aggies.
Head coach Joe Taylor said consistency on special teams is the key. "We have to continue to cover well on kickoffs and punts," Taylor said. "We are probably number one on kickoff coverage in the conference."
Senior wide receiver and special teams gunner Edwin Baker agreed, and added that it is up to each individual player to contribute to the game. "Doing my part and holding my teammates accountable will have a positive impact on everybody," Baker said.
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Seniors look to win final game on home field
Defensive end Jerry Willis could have been speaking for any of the other 13 senior starters on the Florida A&M football team the other day when he was trying to explain his expectations going into his final home game at Bragg Stadium on Saturday.
"It the last time I'm playing in Bragg, last time it's a home game, last time I play in front of these fans," he said. "It's going to be real emotional."
All that will have to be suppressed somehow, though. The business at hand will be too urgent to have one tear-jerking moment or anything of the sort.
The Rattlers will be taking on a North Carolina A&T team that is in the midst of a dramatic turnaround. Just last year, the Aggies won only one game but they're now one of five teams in the MEAC with two losses and remain mathematically in the race for the conference title.
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FAMU will face NCAT on Nov. 5 at Bragg Stadium. It will be the last home game of the season. The Rattlers are looking to continue to build momentum coming down the stretch of the conference schedule.
NCAT (4-4, 3-2 in the MEAC) is coming off a loss to Norfolk State last weekend. FAMU had a bye week last week, which gave them two weeks to prepare for the Aggies.
Head coach Joe Taylor said consistency on special teams is the key. "We have to continue to cover well on kickoffs and punts," Taylor said. "We are probably number one on kickoff coverage in the conference."
Senior wide receiver and special teams gunner Edwin Baker agreed, and added that it is up to each individual player to contribute to the game. "Doing my part and holding my teammates accountable will have a positive impact on everybody," Baker said.
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Seniors look to win final game on home field
Defensive end Jerry Willis could have been speaking for any of the other 13 senior starters on the Florida A&M football team the other day when he was trying to explain his expectations going into his final home game at Bragg Stadium on Saturday.
"It the last time I'm playing in Bragg, last time it's a home game, last time I play in front of these fans," he said. "It's going to be real emotional."
All that will have to be suppressed somehow, though. The business at hand will be too urgent to have one tear-jerking moment or anything of the sort.
The Rattlers will be taking on a North Carolina A&T team that is in the midst of a dramatic turnaround. Just last year, the Aggies won only one game but they're now one of five teams in the MEAC with two losses and remain mathematically in the race for the conference title.
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Friday, October 28, 2011
FAMU football tops MEAC in nine categories
Tallahassee, Florida -- Getting to its bye week has been quite a rollercoaster ride for Florida A&M. But even as they sit in a third-place tie, the Rattlers have plenty to feel good about — at least through this weekend's MEAC games.
The Rattlers amazingly are leading the league in nine of 33 statistical categories. Topping the achievement is the team's 19 interceptions, which is the best in the national in all levels of college football.
FAMU also has the conference's best scoring offense, kicker off coverage, PAT success, third-down conversions, time of possession, red zone offense, red zone defense and sacks.
"I take my hat off to the coaches," head coach Joe Taylor said Thursday, as he read the list. "We have been adjusting as we go and that's why you see us playing better."
Safety Anthony Shutt agreed that the stats that the Rattlers are racking up is the result of the chemistry between players on both sides of the ball.
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The Rattlers amazingly are leading the league in nine of 33 statistical categories. Topping the achievement is the team's 19 interceptions, which is the best in the national in all levels of college football.
FAMU also has the conference's best scoring offense, kicker off coverage, PAT success, third-down conversions, time of possession, red zone offense, red zone defense and sacks.
"I take my hat off to the coaches," head coach Joe Taylor said Thursday, as he read the list. "We have been adjusting as we go and that's why you see us playing better."
Safety Anthony Shutt agreed that the stats that the Rattlers are racking up is the result of the chemistry between players on both sides of the ball.
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Men's Basketball Team preview: Florida A&M Rattlers
Tallahassee, Florida -- Clemon Johnson was around during the days when Florida A&M was a perennial powerhouse in the SIAC. As a senior, he helped the Rattlers reach the Division II tournament for the final time in 1978.
Hired as the program's new coach this May, Johnson sees no reason his alma mater cannot recapture the glory days of old.
"We expect to win the conference. There's nothing else," Johnson said. "We're definitely going to reach for the sky. I just want them to have the faith in me coaching them."
Johnson carries quite a basketball resume into his first Division I coaching job. As a player with the Rattlers, he set team records for rebounds in a game (25), a season (412) and a career (1,494). All three marks remain intact. Johnson also ranks among the top 20 in career scoring at A&M, with 1,381 total points.
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Hired as the program's new coach this May, Johnson sees no reason his alma mater cannot recapture the glory days of old.
"We expect to win the conference. There's nothing else," Johnson said. "We're definitely going to reach for the sky. I just want them to have the faith in me coaching them."
Johnson carries quite a basketball resume into his first Division I coaching job. As a player with the Rattlers, he set team records for rebounds in a game (25), a season (412) and a career (1,494). All three marks remain intact. Johnson also ranks among the top 20 in career scoring at A&M, with 1,381 total points.
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Monday, October 24, 2011
FAMU focused on winning the final 3 games
But that didn't seem to be a concern for coach Joe Taylor following a 27-24 victory over South Carolina State. His players know there is too much at stake to become lackadaisical in their bid to run the table and have some say-so in determining who wins the MEAC title.
"These guys have turned the corner," he said. "If we keep doing what we're supposed to do we'll be OK." The Rattlers played pretty well on Saturday at Dawson Stadium when they snapped eight seasons of losing to the Bulldogs.
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Sunday, October 23, 2011
FAMU Rattlers rally in fourth quarter to beat SCSU Bulldogs
Orangeburg, South Carolina -- As the Florida A&M football team began to gather for its postgame huddle with coach Joe Taylor, he did a right about-turn. Taylor led the way as the team rushed to the side where its band was playing. They had earned the right to celebrate Saturday afternoon at Oliver Dawson Stadium by defeating South Carolina State, 27-24.
A defensive stance unlike any that the Rattlers have shown all season limited the Bulldogs to 178 yards of rushing and just another 121 passing. FAMU capped off a fourth-quarter comeback with two rushing touchdown by LaVante Page and shut the door for good with a fake punt during the closing minutes.
South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough said he was considering possible plays for his Bulldogs team when FAMU struck with the fake.
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FAMU executes when it matters
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Florida A&M made its running plays count when it mattered most Saturday afternoon, although it managed fewer than 150 yards on the ground against South Carolina State.
The Rattlers ran the ball a total of 13 times during a fourth-quarter comeback in front of 17,153 in attendance. Both times FAMU got in the red zone, LaVante Page was the one who punched it in to secure a 27-24 victory. The win ended an eight-game losing streak for FAMU against SCSU, and also snapped a two-game home winning streak for the Bulldogs.
"It was just execution and the line blocking," said Page. "We executed."
SCSU came into the game with the third-best rushing attack in the MEAC. But while it won the battle on the ground (178 yards to 142 for FAMU), the Bulldogs didn't get the production that usually comes out of their backfield.
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Is the MEAC catching up to the Bulldogs?
Orangeburg, S.C. - Buddy Pough paused for a moment. With a small band of reporters in front of him, he gathered what he had just been told - Howard knocked off North Carolina A&T, the MEAC's only undefeated team - silently.
A win would have kept the Bulldogs in the battle for the conference heading down the stretch.
For the past three seasons, Pough's team has at least shared the MEAC title. But, as he heard the news, Pough was the head coach of a team that had freshly squandered a 24-13 third-quarter lead, surrendering two Florida A&M touchdowns in the fourth quarter to slide back into the peripheral of the conference-title race.
Finally, Pough spoke.
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MEAC standings grow more cluttered
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — No one saw this coming — Norfolk State leading the standings with a month left in the season. North Carolina A&T going undefeated in conference play through its first three games didn't even seem like a possibility.
That's what has transpired, though, and at a point when there should be some kind of clear-cut indication which team will win the MEAC title, things just keep getting cloudier. That's in part to Bethune-Cookman (4-3, 2-1) stunning NSU (6-2, 4-1) on Thursday night, which allowed the Aggies to take a 3-0 conference record into their game against Howard on Saturday.
That ended after two overtimes with Howard (4-4, 3-2) winning its homecoming game 35-28 over the Aggies (4-3, 3-1). A few days before Florida A&M (5-3, 3-2) hooked up with South Carolina State (4-4, 3-2), Bulldogs coach Buddy Pough was trying to put the unexpected occurrences into perspective.
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A defensive stance unlike any that the Rattlers have shown all season limited the Bulldogs to 178 yards of rushing and just another 121 passing. FAMU capped off a fourth-quarter comeback with two rushing touchdown by LaVante Page and shut the door for good with a fake punt during the closing minutes.
South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough said he was considering possible plays for his Bulldogs team when FAMU struck with the fake.
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FAMU executes when it matters
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Florida A&M made its running plays count when it mattered most Saturday afternoon, although it managed fewer than 150 yards on the ground against South Carolina State.
The Rattlers ran the ball a total of 13 times during a fourth-quarter comeback in front of 17,153 in attendance. Both times FAMU got in the red zone, LaVante Page was the one who punched it in to secure a 27-24 victory. The win ended an eight-game losing streak for FAMU against SCSU, and also snapped a two-game home winning streak for the Bulldogs.
"It was just execution and the line blocking," said Page. "We executed."
SCSU came into the game with the third-best rushing attack in the MEAC. But while it won the battle on the ground (178 yards to 142 for FAMU), the Bulldogs didn't get the production that usually comes out of their backfield.
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Is the MEAC catching up to the Bulldogs?
Orangeburg, S.C. - Buddy Pough paused for a moment. With a small band of reporters in front of him, he gathered what he had just been told - Howard knocked off North Carolina A&T, the MEAC's only undefeated team - silently.
A win would have kept the Bulldogs in the battle for the conference heading down the stretch.
For the past three seasons, Pough's team has at least shared the MEAC title. But, as he heard the news, Pough was the head coach of a team that had freshly squandered a 24-13 third-quarter lead, surrendering two Florida A&M touchdowns in the fourth quarter to slide back into the peripheral of the conference-title race.
Finally, Pough spoke.
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MEAC standings grow more cluttered
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — No one saw this coming — Norfolk State leading the standings with a month left in the season. North Carolina A&T going undefeated in conference play through its first three games didn't even seem like a possibility.
That's what has transpired, though, and at a point when there should be some kind of clear-cut indication which team will win the MEAC title, things just keep getting cloudier. That's in part to Bethune-Cookman (4-3, 2-1) stunning NSU (6-2, 4-1) on Thursday night, which allowed the Aggies to take a 3-0 conference record into their game against Howard on Saturday.
That ended after two overtimes with Howard (4-4, 3-2) winning its homecoming game 35-28 over the Aggies (4-3, 3-1). A few days before Florida A&M (5-3, 3-2) hooked up with South Carolina State (4-4, 3-2), Bulldogs coach Buddy Pough was trying to put the unexpected occurrences into perspective.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Florida A&M Rattlers Preps For South Carolina State Bulldogs
Tallahassee, Florida - FAMU was able to avoid a letdown after its homecoming loss to Howard and responded by thrashing the Tigers of Savannah State 47-7. "We measure greatness by how you respond to adversity and in my mind we really passed a major test," says Joe Taylor.
One exam to be followed by another. FAMU travels to South Carolina State this weekend in a game which the losers championship dreams will practically be erased. Taylor adds, "The bottom line is it's still a conference ballgame. We're on the road but from the way we play I'm really not concerned with the opponent anymore because seemingly we have our act together."
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LOCATION: OLIVER C. DAWSON STADIUM, ORANGEBURG, S.C.
GAME TIME: 1:30 PM
WATCH GAME LIVE ON INTERNET FREE: ESPN3
DELAYED TV BROADCAST: ESPNU @ 10:30 PM ET
FAMU's offense getting job done
The chase for the MEAC title might look a little bleak right now for Florida A&M but the Rattlers are proving that they have the offensive power that might land them in the thick of the race when it's all said and done.
Seven games into the season with a 4-3 overall record and 2-2 in conference play, FAMU is leading the league in scoring offense among the teams that have played as many games. Its 28 touchdowns is the most in the conference, three more than Bethune-Cookman University, which has played six games, and one more than South Carolina State, which has also played seven games.
FAMU has scored 209 points and is averaging 312 yards per game. FAMU also leads the league in the red zone, scoring on 26 of 28 chances.
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FAMU zoned in on chasing the MEAC title
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Through its seven games, Florida A&M has had enough ups and downs and that should help to get the Rattlers zoned in on their next game. At least that's the feeling expressed by coach Joe Taylor, whose team has left him with a few head-scratching moments.
FAMU plays a season-defining game with South Carolina State, a team that has also been having its struggles this season. But even so, a victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday is pivotal to FAMU remaining in the chase for a shot at the MEAC championship.
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Taylor, FAMU hoping to end S.C. State’s streak
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A question brought a brief chuckle from Florida A&M head football coach Joe Taylor during Tuesday's weekly teleconference.
It regarded the Rattlers' eight-game losing streak to South Carolina State dating back to Buddy Pough's arrival in 2002. Taylor was prompted to laugh after pointing out he's been at the helm for only three of those losses, although he has a five-game losing streak to the Bulldogs counting his final two seasons at Hampton.
"South Carolina State has just built a tremendous talent base over the years there and that's what is going to make a difference if that's ever going to end," Taylor said. "It's going to be because you had a chance to recruit and get your talent base up to a level where you can compete legitimately."
Entering Saturday's matchup at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium ...
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One exam to be followed by another. FAMU travels to South Carolina State this weekend in a game which the losers championship dreams will practically be erased. Taylor adds, "The bottom line is it's still a conference ballgame. We're on the road but from the way we play I'm really not concerned with the opponent anymore because seemingly we have our act together."
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LOCATION: OLIVER C. DAWSON STADIUM, ORANGEBURG, S.C.
GAME TIME: 1:30 PM
WATCH GAME LIVE ON INTERNET FREE: ESPN3
DELAYED TV BROADCAST: ESPNU @ 10:30 PM ET
FAMU's offense getting job done
The chase for the MEAC title might look a little bleak right now for Florida A&M but the Rattlers are proving that they have the offensive power that might land them in the thick of the race when it's all said and done.
Seven games into the season with a 4-3 overall record and 2-2 in conference play, FAMU is leading the league in scoring offense among the teams that have played as many games. Its 28 touchdowns is the most in the conference, three more than Bethune-Cookman University, which has played six games, and one more than South Carolina State, which has also played seven games.
FAMU has scored 209 points and is averaging 312 yards per game. FAMU also leads the league in the red zone, scoring on 26 of 28 chances.
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FAMU zoned in on chasing the MEAC title
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Through its seven games, Florida A&M has had enough ups and downs and that should help to get the Rattlers zoned in on their next game. At least that's the feeling expressed by coach Joe Taylor, whose team has left him with a few head-scratching moments.
FAMU plays a season-defining game with South Carolina State, a team that has also been having its struggles this season. But even so, a victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday is pivotal to FAMU remaining in the chase for a shot at the MEAC championship.
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Taylor, FAMU hoping to end S.C. State’s streak
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A question brought a brief chuckle from Florida A&M head football coach Joe Taylor during Tuesday's weekly teleconference.
It regarded the Rattlers' eight-game losing streak to South Carolina State dating back to Buddy Pough's arrival in 2002. Taylor was prompted to laugh after pointing out he's been at the helm for only three of those losses, although he has a five-game losing streak to the Bulldogs counting his final two seasons at Hampton.
"South Carolina State has just built a tremendous talent base over the years there and that's what is going to make a difference if that's ever going to end," Taylor said. "It's going to be because you had a chance to recruit and get your talent base up to a level where you can compete legitimately."
Entering Saturday's matchup at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium ...
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
SCSU Bulldogs, FAMU Rattlers alike, Pough says
Orangeburg, South Carolina -- Winning two straight games and climbing over the .500 mark for the first time all season is a positive in South Carolina State head football coach Buddy Pough's book.
It does not necessary mean in his eyes, however, the Bulldogs have "turned a corner" into becoming a complete Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship contender. On Monday, Pough said the team remains a work in progress although he believes a home win Saturday over Florida A&M would bring them a step closer towards becoming what he envisioned in the preseason.
"I think the jury is probably still out," he said. "We don't necessarily have the confidence to really say that we've got it pretty much on track. I can tell you though is that I think I see that happening. We need another win or two as this week will go big in that direction of trying to make that determination."
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It does not necessary mean in his eyes, however, the Bulldogs have "turned a corner" into becoming a complete Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship contender. On Monday, Pough said the team remains a work in progress although he believes a home win Saturday over Florida A&M would bring them a step closer towards becoming what he envisioned in the preseason.
"I think the jury is probably still out," he said. "We don't necessarily have the confidence to really say that we've got it pretty much on track. I can tell you though is that I think I see that happening. We need another win or two as this week will go big in that direction of trying to make that determination."
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Sunday, October 16, 2011
FAMU runs past Savannah State Tigers, 47-7
Savannah, Georgia -- Al-Terek McBurse came out of high school as one of the top running backs in Florida and signed with Purdue. But after two years as a Boilermaker, McBurse decided to transfer to Florida A&M to be closer to home. On Saturday, McBurse made the move pay off — running wild as the Rattlers dominated host Savannah State in a 47-7 MEAC victory.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior seemed to impose his will on the Tigers — piling up a career-high 218 yards on just 14 carries. He scored on touchdown runs of 5, 60 and 31 yards in front of 4,356 fans at T.A. Wright Stadium.
“I was raised by my grandmother and I just wanted to be closer to her,” McBurse said “And I was able to make the change without having to sit out a year. I’ve had better games in high school, but this is my best in college.
“I’ve got to credit my offensive line, fullback and receivers for allowing me to get to the second level,” McBurse said. “From there, I was able to ...
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McBurse scores 3 TDs as Rattlers blast the SSU Tigers
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Florida A&M had its hiccups throughout the night, but Saturday was a victory the Rattlers football team needed. Through it all, the offense showed a new-found spark in running back Al-Terek McBurse, who anchored a 47-7 victory over Savannah State on Saturday night at T.A. Wright Stadium.
McBurse, a transfer from Purdue, ran every play as if he wouldn't be denied, and in the process turned out to be the impact FAMU needed out of the backfield. By halftime, he had four carries for 114 yards. That included his biggest run of 60 yards for his second score.
McBurse finished the night with 218 yards, becoming the first FAMU running back since Philip Sylvester to go over 200 yards in a game. Sylvester rushed for 222 yards against Howard in 2007. McBurse also had two other touchdown runs of 5 and 31 yards.
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Old Ties
Although FAMU played SSU for only the fourth time, their ties go back almost a century. Six years before their first meeting in 1927, Ted Wright for whom the Tigers' stadium is named, was a coach at FAMU.
Wright coached two seasons at SSU, starting in 1947. That was 20 years after the first meeting between the two teams, which FAMU won 18-0.
They wouldn't meet again until 77 years later when the Rattlers again beat the Tigers, 50-14.
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The 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior seemed to impose his will on the Tigers — piling up a career-high 218 yards on just 14 carries. He scored on touchdown runs of 5, 60 and 31 yards in front of 4,356 fans at T.A. Wright Stadium.
“I was raised by my grandmother and I just wanted to be closer to her,” McBurse said “And I was able to make the change without having to sit out a year. I’ve had better games in high school, but this is my best in college.
“I’ve got to credit my offensive line, fullback and receivers for allowing me to get to the second level,” McBurse said. “From there, I was able to ...
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McBurse scores 3 TDs as Rattlers blast the SSU Tigers
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Florida A&M had its hiccups throughout the night, but Saturday was a victory the Rattlers football team needed. Through it all, the offense showed a new-found spark in running back Al-Terek McBurse, who anchored a 47-7 victory over Savannah State on Saturday night at T.A. Wright Stadium.
McBurse, a transfer from Purdue, ran every play as if he wouldn't be denied, and in the process turned out to be the impact FAMU needed out of the backfield. By halftime, he had four carries for 114 yards. That included his biggest run of 60 yards for his second score.
McBurse finished the night with 218 yards, becoming the first FAMU running back since Philip Sylvester to go over 200 yards in a game. Sylvester rushed for 222 yards against Howard in 2007. McBurse also had two other touchdown runs of 5 and 31 yards.
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Old Ties
Although FAMU played SSU for only the fourth time, their ties go back almost a century. Six years before their first meeting in 1927, Ted Wright for whom the Tigers' stadium is named, was a coach at FAMU.
Wright coached two seasons at SSU, starting in 1947. That was 20 years after the first meeting between the two teams, which FAMU won 18-0.
They wouldn't meet again until 77 years later when the Rattlers again beat the Tigers, 50-14.
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
Kante Can Take FAMU to the Next Level
Senegal, West Africa native a former JUCO No. 1
Tallahassee, FL - Salif Kante grew up immersed in the game of tennis. His dad taught him the game in his native Senegal and when he was named the top junior college player in the country last year, it wasn't much of a surprise. Now, Kante is trying to put FAMU on the national map.
"That's why I came here. To win the title," Kante said with a chuckle. A couple of weeks ago, Kante won the single title at the Florida State University Invitational.
"If I go to a tournament I'm just gonna play my game," he said. "I don't care who plays. I'm just gonna play."
That's how he was taught thousands of miles away with the rest of his siblings. His older brother and younger sister were mentored by their father, who is a coach and owns a tennis club back in West Africa.
When Kante was finishing high school, he wanted ...
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Tallahassee, FL - Salif Kante grew up immersed in the game of tennis. His dad taught him the game in his native Senegal and when he was named the top junior college player in the country last year, it wasn't much of a surprise. Now, Kante is trying to put FAMU on the national map.
"That's why I came here. To win the title," Kante said with a chuckle. A couple of weeks ago, Kante won the single title at the Florida State University Invitational.
"If I go to a tournament I'm just gonna play my game," he said. "I don't care who plays. I'm just gonna play."
That's how he was taught thousands of miles away with the rest of his siblings. His older brother and younger sister were mentored by their father, who is a coach and owns a tennis club back in West Africa.
When Kante was finishing high school, he wanted ...
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
SSU NOTEBOOK: Tigers trying to regroup, get ready for FAMU
FLORIDA A&M (3-3, 1-2 MEAC) AT SAVANNAH STATE (1-5, 1-2 MEAC)
Savannah, Georgia -- It’s just past the midpoint of Savannah State’s football season. The Tigers have lost five of their six games, including the last two against teams expected to be in the lower half of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings.
First-year coach Steve Davenport said it was time for his players to regroup when they called a team meeting Monday. “Obviously, we’re disappointed, collectively,” Davenport said. “We had higher ideals than we’re meeting right now.”
There was some excitement after SSU defeated North Carolina Central in its first conference game two weeks ago. But the Tigers struggled in a 34-14 loss to Howard, snapping the Bison’s 29-game conference losing streak.
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Savannah, Georgia -- It’s just past the midpoint of Savannah State’s football season. The Tigers have lost five of their six games, including the last two against teams expected to be in the lower half of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings.
First-year coach Steve Davenport said it was time for his players to regroup when they called a team meeting Monday. “Obviously, we’re disappointed, collectively,” Davenport said. “We had higher ideals than we’re meeting right now.”
There was some excitement after SSU defeated North Carolina Central in its first conference game two weeks ago. But the Tigers struggled in a 34-14 loss to Howard, snapping the Bison’s 29-game conference losing streak.
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FAMU welcomes new head baseball coach Willie Brown
Tallahassee, Florida -- In front of a conference room full of people Tuesday evening, Willie Brown vowed to take the Florida A&M baseball program where it was when he played for the Rattlers during an era when repeat MEAC titles were the norm.
"If I don't get a MEAC ring it's a failure and your coach isn't a failure at anything," Brown said, addressing his players in the room. "I know that I'm going to win. I know we are going to compete. I know that we are going to return to the glory of the past."
Brown made his prediction in his first public appearance as the Rattlers' new baseball coach. Both athletic director Derek Horne and FAMU president James Ammons told the audience they hired Brown because of his understanding of FAMU tradition and his commitment to turning the program around.
"He knows how to win here," Horne said. "He knows what it takes to wear that uniform and be successful. That's half of the battle."
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VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
"If I don't get a MEAC ring it's a failure and your coach isn't a failure at anything," Brown said, addressing his players in the room. "I know that I'm going to win. I know we are going to compete. I know that we are going to return to the glory of the past."
Brown made his prediction in his first public appearance as the Rattlers' new baseball coach. Both athletic director Derek Horne and FAMU president James Ammons told the audience they hired Brown because of his understanding of FAMU tradition and his commitment to turning the program around.
"He knows how to win here," Horne said. "He knows what it takes to wear that uniform and be successful. That's half of the battle."
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VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
FAMU's Taylor takes blame for loss
Tallahassee, Florida -- Coach Joe Taylor took responsibility Monday for the stunning loss that his Florida A&M football team suffered during homecoming on Saturday, while saying that his players have to recommit themselves if they want to finish the season with a winning record.
"I'm taking full blame because once they're on the field, I'm saying that they are the right ones," Taylor said. "I put them out there because through evaluation, written test, practice they're showing us that they can do it."
Taylor also responded to criticism of his coaching, which has become a social network talking point. Some even called for his termination in the face of the fact that FAMU (3-3, 2-2) is teetering with the possibility of not having a shot at the MEAC title.
He seemed unfazed Monday, though ...
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"I'm taking full blame because once they're on the field, I'm saying that they are the right ones," Taylor said. "I put them out there because through evaluation, written test, practice they're showing us that they can do it."
Taylor also responded to criticism of his coaching, which has become a social network talking point. Some even called for his termination in the face of the fact that FAMU (3-3, 2-2) is teetering with the possibility of not having a shot at the MEAC title.
He seemed unfazed Monday, though ...
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Sunday, October 9, 2011
FAMU lets huge lead slip away in the final minutes
Tallahassee, Florida - Not even Joe Taylor has seen anything like it in his more than 30 years of coaching. The 23,400 fans who showed up at Bragg Stadium sure weren't expecting it after Florida A&M had taken a three-touchdown lead on Howard University.In stunning fashion, though, the Bison came back in the final 4 minutes and 26 seconds to pull out a dramatic 29-28 victory Saturday to hand Taylor his second homecoming loss as head coach at FAMU.
Howard converted two FAMU fumbles and the Rattlers could do nothing right in the meantime to avoid squandering it's the biggest lead it had taken on any opponent so far this season.
By the time the Bison lined up to kick the winning field goal ...
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HOWARD SCORES 29 FOURTH QUARTER POINTS IN WIN OVER FAMU
Tallahassee, FL -- Howard University erupted for 29 fourth quarter points--- including 15 in the last 1:23 to stun Florida A&M, 29-28 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference before a near capacity homecoming crowd at Bragg Stadium.
After trailing 21-0 at the half, the Bison (3-3 overall, 2-2 in the MEAC) rallied to cut the deficit to 21-13 with 10:23 left in the fourth quarter. The Rattlers (3-3 overall, 1-2 in the MEAC), who had won seven straight from the Bison, appeared to dash their comeback hopes when they capitalized on one of the Bison’s special team miscues and turned it into a 28-13 advantage with 8:23 remaining.
But the Bison had other ideas. Freshman quarterback Greg McGhee, who threw three interceptions, engineered a five-play, 71-yard drive that was capped off by a 10-yard scoring pass to Brandon Drayton. The Bison missed the PAT and trailed, 28-19 with just 1:27 left on the clock.
The Bison executed a well-designed onside kick on the ensuing kickoff that was recovered by Theodore Graham, IV. It took the Bison five plays to go 45 yards as Andra Williams capped off the drive with a one-yard burst to narrow the gap to 28-26 with 26 ticks on the clock.
Howard attempted another onside kick, but this time the Rattlers were ready and recovered.
FAMU appeared poised to run out the clock, but Howard’s Corey Berry forced a Damien Fleming fumble that was recovered by Sackie Kerkulah at the Florida A&M 15.
In an attempt to position itself for a game-winning field, Howard ran Williams on first down and took the ball down to the FAMU 8-yard line.
That is when things really got interesting. With four seconds on the clock, the Bison lined up for what would be the potential game-winning field goal. Sophomore kicker Parker Munoz lined up and booted a 25-yard field goal that was signaled good by one official. But the Rattlers had called a timeout in an attempt to freeze Munoz.
The problem was that FAMU had already exhausted its allotment of timeouts.
After a brief discussion, the officials ruled that there would be a penalty on FAMU. They marked if off half the distance to the goal at the FAMU four-yard line, thus setting the stage for what would prove to the game-winning, 21-yards field goal by Munoz, the first game winner in his career.
“This team is growing up,” said Howard first year head coach Gary Harrell. “To be down like that and come back and win shows the character of this team. Mishaps are a part of football but what I am most proud of is that they never gave up.”
Much of the credit has to go to the staunch Bison defense, which continues to improve each week under defensive coordinator Ray Petty. After allowing drives of 80 yards and 72 yards in the first half, Howard limited the Rattlers to 21 yards total offense the second half.
The Bison forced three fumbles and picked up an interception to go along with 12 tackles for losses and three sacks. Senior defensive end Sackie Kerkulah, who is playing as well as anyone in the FCS, added two more tackles for losses to his total of 11.5 and two sacks to up his total to 7.5, ranking him among the nation’s leaders.
He received a lot of help from teammates Keith Pough (5 tackles, two for losses and a forced fumble), DeCarlos Knight (six tackles, a tackle for a loss, a fumble recovery), Kurt Mangum, II (4 tackles, 2 for losses), Julien David (8 tackles) and Cameron Alston (4 tackles, an interception).
Offensively, red-shirt sophomore running back Andra Williams and freshman Aquanius Freeman picked up the slack with the running game when leading rusher Terrance Leffall left the game with a concussion. Williams led all rushers with 76 yards on 11 carries and a TD. He also grabbed three passes for 37 yards.
Freeman, who has begun to come own, carried the ball nine times for 28 yards. Freshman quarterback Greg McGhee completed 20 of 47 passes for 233 yards and two TDs. He was picked off three times and and sacked three times, but he made the plays when the Bison needed them.
“Everyone played their role,” said Coach Harrell. “Coach Petty (defensive coordinator) and Ted White (offensive coordinator) made some great adjustments at halftime. And the players responded with a courageous effort.”
By Howard University Sports Information
VISIT: HOWARDBISON
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
FAMU football team looking past distractions
Tallahassee, Florida -- As Tuesday's practice wrapped up for the Florida A&M football team and the players headed into Galimore Fieldhouse, throngs of students began flocking to the Lawson Center nearby for a homecoming event.
Traffic on Wahnish Way outside Lawson Center was beginning to jam up — and it wasn't even midweek yet. By the time the Rattlers meet Howard on Saturday afternoon, lots of shows and concerts will have taken place. A lot of it will be on campus, within an eye shot of the players.
They insisted they won't be distracted, though. FAMU football coach Joe Taylor said they shouldn't be. He turned to a weekly itinerary that the players have had from day one and have abided by up to now. Homecoming and its trappings isn't the time to change.
"If you're not going to be a champion every day, you're not going to be a champion on game day," Taylor said. "To me it's a process and making sure you do the process."
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Saturday, October 1, 2011
Delaware State braces for FAMU
Tallahassee, Florida - Delaware State's new head coach, Kermit Blount, sees two things in the way FAMU rallied last weekend that he could use to motivate his football players who are coming off two humiliating defeats.
First, the way the Rattlers came back in the fourth quarter to earn a five-point win gives him a power point to show his players there is hope to the end of every game. Secondly, he's been telling them that they can expect more of the same from the Rattlers. DSU comes to Bragg Stadium today for a MEAC matchup with the Rattlers.
"We have to learn how to play through all of the adversity," said Blount, who was hired after this past recruiting period to turn around the DSU program. He was out of coaching for a year after being fired at Winston-Salem State University.
Coaching the Hornets (2-2, 0-1), gives him an opportunity to resume doing ...
TODAY'S GAME
• Delaware State at Florida A&M, 6 p.m.
• RattlerNews.com: Live game blog.
• Radio: 96.1 FM.
. Internet: audio/streaming video LIVE -- FAMU ATHLETICS RATTLER VISION
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First, the way the Rattlers came back in the fourth quarter to earn a five-point win gives him a power point to show his players there is hope to the end of every game. Secondly, he's been telling them that they can expect more of the same from the Rattlers. DSU comes to Bragg Stadium today for a MEAC matchup with the Rattlers.
"We have to learn how to play through all of the adversity," said Blount, who was hired after this past recruiting period to turn around the DSU program. He was out of coaching for a year after being fired at Winston-Salem State University.
Coaching the Hornets (2-2, 0-1), gives him an opportunity to resume doing ...
TODAY'S GAME
• Delaware State at Florida A&M, 6 p.m.
• RattlerNews.com: Live game blog.
• Radio: 96.1 FM.
. Internet: audio/streaming video LIVE -- FAMU ATHLETICS RATTLER VISION
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Friday, September 30, 2011
Helmet cam debuts at FAMU practice
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| Coach Joe Taylor |
But both said the device, which is actually a helmet camera, can only make them better at their job from under center. Coach Joe Taylor said he approved its use for practices because it serves as a third eye that lets him and his staff see exactly what the quarterbacks see.
"I think it's going to have a pretty good amount of upside; it gives you a perspective from the quarterback's eyes," Trainor said. "We can't tell coach one thing and he sees another thing. It should help us in our development as quarterbacks; nothing but positives from it."
That's exactly what the team's videographer ...
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