Grambling State Tigers 27, Jackson State Tigers 17

GSU wins second straight game

JACKSON, Miss. — There wasn't much offense to speak of. For the second Saturday in a row, Grambling didn't need it. GSU beat Jackson State 27-17 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in a rematch of the last pair of Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Games. The win was sparked again by Grambling end Christian Anthony, the SWAC's defensive player of the year. Late in the first period, Anthony reeled in his third interception in two weeks, then rumbled 30 yards for his second touchdown of 2009 — and the first TD of the night.

Grambling defeats Jackson State

JACKSON, Miss. — Frank Warren ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns as Grambling State beat Jackson State 27-17 today. Grambling State (2-1, 1-0 Southwest Athletic Conference) relied on its defense to build a 20-3 halftime lead. The Tigers’ defense recorded two safeties and defensive end Christian Anthony intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers recovered five Jackson State fumbles and intercepted one pass. Warren scored on an 18-yard run in the second quarter and added a 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth. The Grambling State defense allowed Jackson State no yards rushing on 43 carries.

Is it still a rivalry if Grambling owns Jackson State?

JACKSON, Miss. — By record, this game isn’t a rivalry. Jackson State simply hasn’t beaten Grambling enough over the past three seasons. Coming into Saturday’s afternoon scrum at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, JSU had won just once through five meetings in this series since Rick Comegy took over. Jackson, after falling 27-17, is now 1-and-5 over that span.
JSU hasn't topped Grambling in a regular-season game since 2004, and hasn’t won consecutive games over GSU since 1998-99.

JSU Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band








Photo Galleries: Grambling vs. Jackson State

Tigers hurt cause

On a cloudy Saturday afternoon at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, there was at least one bit of sunshine (albeit a small one) for the Jackson State faithful. At least this worst-than-it-sounds 27-17 loss to SWAC nemesis Grambling doesn't count in the league standings. Other than that, there wasn't a whole to cheer about for the announced crowd of 10,905 who watched JSU fall to the G-Men for the sixth time in the last seven meetings, including last season's SWAC championship game. Although the score wasn't as one-sided as that 41-9 setback in Birmingham last December, the game was - at least in the first half when Jackson State managed just 18 yards of offense and fell into a 20-3 hole.

Transfer Johnson finding niche with Tigers

Jackson State defensive back Anthony Johnson, a Mississippi State transfer, experienced a bit of deja vu Saturday. Well, almost. It was late in the second half when Johnson picked off a pass in his own end zone and appeared headed for a 100-yard, momentum-swinging interception before being hit from the blind side after racing for 45 yards. It was just two seasons ago when Johnson did the same thing for MSU, returning a pass 104 yards (the longest in school history) right before the half to help the Bulldogs knock off Alabama. "I had a little flashback there," Johnson said. "I felt like I should have never given up the play a little earlier so I had to redeem myself. It was just a redeeming play."

Photo Gallery: Jackson State - Grambling

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Southern Jaguars 21, Tennessee State Tigers 17

Southern University Coach Pete Richardson at expanded A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Fired up Jaguars defense

While Southern University’s offense found stiff competition Saturday night against Tennessee State, the Jaguars defense roughed up the visiting Tigers even more. After playing opponents from different levels of college football the first two weeks of the season, Southern found itself on even footing against Tennessee State, and the Jaguars defense made sure their offense had all the chances needed to pull out a 21-17 win. “Tonight, we played a team on our level, and we knew it would be a dogfight,” Southern defensive coordinator Terrence Graves said. “These guys stepped up and made big plays. This is a testament to them and things to come this season.”

Photos: Southern 21, TSU 17

Jaguars get intense victory

Saturday night in A.W. Mumford Stadium, the Southern football team played hard, if not always sound. Yet as the offense huddled with 6:30 remaining, then Jaguars needed to score against a tough Tennessee State defense. Otherwise, the Jaguars’ three-hour struggle was destined to become a loss. So, as they geared up for what would become their fourth-quarter game-winning drive in front of 12,247 fans, quarterback Bryant Lee gave his teammates a simple message: Play with one heartbeat. “It was really intense in there,” tailback Brian Threat said. “A lot of yelling like, ‘Hey, we’ve got to get it. We’ve got to get amped up.’ We all came together, got amped up and executed well.”

House answers call, stars at safety

Free safety Jason House and strong safety Demetric Rogers started for the second straight game Saturday in Southern’s 21-17 victory over Tennessee State, stepping in for regular starters Anthony Wells and Gary Chatman. Wells is recovering from two knee surgeries and a pulled hamstring, which he suffered during the first half of SU’s season-opening loss at Louisiana-Lafayette. On Saturday, he walked the sideline in his game jersey and jeans. Chatman, who sprained his right ankle in the ULL game, dressed out Saturday but did not play.

Too many 3-and-outs

Tennessee State quarterback Calvin McNairl didn’t want to come off the field without a score. Tennessee State’s defense had just denied Bryant Lee enough yardage for a first down on fourth-and-1 inside the red zone and it was time for his Tigers to go to work. At the time, TSU was ahead by three and a touchdown would have made it a two-score game. With 8:20 left to play, the Tigers took over at their 16-yard line. McNairl hoped this drive would be different from five others that ended with three-and-outs. The worst case scenario? The Tennessee State quarterback hoped for a field goal. What he got was two decent gains from Preston Brown. But on third-and-3, the Tigers went backward as Brown was stopped for a 2-yard loss.

Southern uses late rally to defeat TSU

BATON ROUGE, La. — Tennessee State allowed Southern to go on a late fourth-quarter drive that led to a 21-17 Tigers loss on Saturday night. "We just gave up some big plays. Our offense had the chance to get some first downs and run the clock out," Tennessee State Coach James Webster said. "We just didn't get it done." TSU, which scored just two offensive touchdowns in its first two games, managed 255 yards of offense and squandered two scoring chances inside the Southern 20. But the Tigers (1-2) took a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter.

New TSU starter shows he's a leader

Now that he's the starting quarterback, Calvin McNairl is sending a message in more ways than one to Tennessee State's football team. Not only is the former Henry County star now talking about his ability to lead the Tigers, but he is also proving it on the field. He was the most valuable player in last week's 14-7 Southern Heritage Classic win over Jackson State and has carried himself with more resolve this week as TSU (1-1) prepared to visit Southern (1-1) at 6 tonight. "When Calvin first got here he wouldn't say, 'Boo,''' TSU Coach James Webster said. "But now he's talking. He's telling his offensive teammates where they need to be, what they need to do. The guys have responded and it's made a difference."

TSU's defense gets in groove

Tennessee State Coach James Webster hates to say I told you so, but…Webster did warn of the offensive struggles his team has experienced and told his defensive players to be prepared handle a heavier load. "I said that our defense was going to carry this football team until our offense could jell,'' Webster said. "I fully expected that." While the offense showed improvement in Saturday's 14-7 win over Jackson State, the defense is being counted on heavily as the Tigers (1-1) prepare for Saturday's game at Southern (1-1).

Attendance: 9,300 @ Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA.

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Florida A&M Rattlers 48, Howard Bison 10

LeRoy Vann adds 2 more returns for TDs as FAMU blasts the Bison

Just over two minutes were left in the third quarter when the dancing began in the stands at Bragg Stadium on Thursday night. There was plenty to celebrate by then, as FAMU was well on its way to a 48-10 victory over Howard University that insured the Rattlers would win three straight games to start a season for the first time in nine years. A national television audience saw this one on a night that LeRoy Vann returned two punts for touchdowns and quarterback Curtis Pulley connected with receiver Kevin Elliott twice in the first half to give the Rattlers a commanding 34-10 lead at halftime. Trevor Scott punctuated the first half with a near-record 51-yard field goal.

Attendance: 7,668 Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL (ESPNU Live)

Florida A&M easily handles Howard 48-10

LeRoy Vann scored on two punt returns for the second straight week and Florida A&M beat Howard 48-10 on Thursday night. Vann, who scored on returns of 40 and 66 yards, ran back two punts for touchdowns against Winston-Salem State last week. The senior has returned seven punts for touchdowns during his career, tying a Football Championship Subdivision record set by Northern Iowa's Kenny Shedd between 1989-1992. The Rattlers (3-0, 2-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) built a 34-10 halftime lead, highlighted by Curtis Pulley's touchdown throws to Kevin Elliott of 46 and 35 yards. Pulley finished with 182 yards passing.

Penalties still plaguing Rattlers

As much as FAMU football coach Joe Taylor and his staff tried all week to get the Rattlers to cut down on penalties, there were plenty of whistles against both teams Thursday night at Bragg Stadium. Coming into the game against Howard University, the Rattlers had been penalized 18 times for 166 yards in two games. The Rattlers were called for six more infractions for 55 yards against the Bison, who had five for loss of 35 yards halfway through the game. One of the most glaring penalties was a 15-yard penalty that put the Bison on FAMU's 23 after Fabian Wilson was whistled for a late hit. The Bison ended the drive with a 38-yard field goal by Denis Wiehberg.

Photo Galleries:
FAMU 48, Howard 10
FAMU vs. Howard first half
FAMU Pre game photos
FAN CAM - FAMU vs. Howard University
FAMU 21 Delaware State 12

Transfers finding a home at FAMU

Offensive lineman Brandon Curry couldn't have been happier. The big day had finally come for him to sign a college scholarship. He was off to Marshall University. Just like he'd been made to believe — a Division I school was where he belonged. But Curry didn't play one down in a game and he is now at FAMU, a much smaller school. He understands now that a small school might not have been a bad choice at first. The voices wouldn't let him, though, when he came out of Boyd Anderson High School.

"It's the hype," he said. "In high school, everybody is praising you for going to that big school. People don't understand that's it's D-I but that might not be the fit for you." Each year, hundreds of football players make the same move like Curry after signing with a big school. Why they leave depends on who you ask, but most would say it's over a lack of playing time. A philosophical difference with a coaching staff also is another popular reason.

FAMU's Vann running through records

Last season, Florida A&M University football return man LeRoy Vann (Blake High) was named first-team All-American. How could he top that for his senior season? Well, his performance last Thursday night was all-world. When the Rattlers defeated Winston-Salem State 34-10, Vann scored on punt returns of 95 and 80 yards, while continuing to rewrite the record books. It was the first time a FAMU player had two punt-return touchdowns in a game. It gave Vann the FAMU career mark for punt-return touchdowns with five, surpassing All-American Howard Huckaby (1986-89), who had four punt returns for scores (all in 1988). Vann's 95-yarder tied the FAMU record for longest punt return (Leroy Hardee against South Carolina State in 1958).

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FAMU Marching 100 Half-Time Show vs. Howard Bison 9/17/09

Tennessee State Tigers 14, Jackson State Tigers 7

TSU QB Calvin McNairl scores over hapless JSU.

Tennessee State's streak reaches 7 victories in Southern Heritage ...

MEMPHIS — The Jackson State football team went over 55 minutes without scoring a single point inside the Liberty Bowl on Saturday. But, amazingly, with seven seconds remaining on the clock, JSU still had a shot. That shot, from the arm of Dedric McDonald, fell harmlessly to the turf as Jackson State fell 14-7, its seventh straight loss to Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic. "It had nothing to do with them, we just weren't clicking," JSU starting QB Mike Mosley said. "It's really frustrating, we're much better. I just don't know."

The day was horrid for a JSU offense that was starting its second quarterback in as many weeks. A third, McDonald, entered the game just before halftime after Mosley injured his shoulder. McDonald took his team to the brink, and was a dropped touchdown pass away from tying the game at 14 apiece. "I don't know," JSU coach Rick Comegy said when asked about the offense. "The film will tell us."

Photo Galleries: JSU - TSU

Win caps big week for TSU quarterback

Quarterback becomes a dad, is named MVP...
MEMPHIS — Calvin McNairl stood at midfield, holding his most valuable player trophy, after leading Tennessee State to a 14-7 win over Jackson State in the 20th Southern Heritage Classic on Saturday night. But when asked what had been the best part of his week, it was a tough decision for the Tigers sophomore quarterback. Earlier in the week, McNairl became the father of a baby girl. Then, he was named TSU's starting quarterback, replacing Dominic Grooms, who suffered a severe hamstring injury in last week's season opener.

Finally, in his first start since 2007, McNairl not only won the game, but also he was awarded the MVP trophy in front of the 43,306 who turned out at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. ''God works in mysterious ways,'' McNairl said. ''It's been a long week. This has been the best week ever. I can't explain how much this week means.'' TSU had to hold on at the end, as Jackson State reached the Tigers' 3 in the final seconds. McNairl rushed 14 times for 101 yards and a touchdown while completing four of 11 passes for 43 yards.

TSU turns to McNairl at quarterback

Tennessee State will turn to its third quarterback of the season Saturday, with Calvin McNairl stepping in as the starter against Jackson State at the Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis. McNairl, a sophomore from Henry County, will replace Dominic Grooms, who started in Saturday's 24-7 loss to Alabama A&M and suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter.
Grooms was replaced by sophomore Jeremy Perry. McNairl started the last four games as a freshman in 2007 when Antonio Heffner was hurt. McNairl redshirted last year.

QB lifts Tennessee State over Jackson State in Southern Heritage Classic

Calvin McNairl stood at midfield, holding his Most Valuable Player trophy, after leading his Tennessee State team to a 14-7 victory over Jackson State in the 20th Southern Heritage Classic on Saturday night. But when asked what had been the best part of his week, it was a tough decision for the Tigers redshirt sophomore quarterback. Earlier last week, McNairl became the father of a baby girl. Then, he was named TSU's starting quarterback, replacing Dominic Grooms who suffered a severe hamstring in last week's season opener. Finally, in his first start, McNairl not only won the game, but was awarded the Most Valuable Player trophy in front of 43,306 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

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Alabama State Hornets 20, Savannah State 17

Hornets hold off Savannah State

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Devin Dominguez caught a 20-yard pass from Chris Mitchell in the fourth quarter and Alabama State held on to defeat Savannah State 20-17 on Saturday. Savannah State could've taken the lead in the fourth quarter, but Dereck Williams missed two field goals from 36 and 42 yards. Nick Andrews had 124 yards on nine catches for the Hornets (2-0). Mitchell threw for 227 yards on 17-of-31 for Alabama State. Darius Mathis caught four passes for 62 yards and one touchdown. The Hornets defense allowed just 84 yards rushing and only 286 yards total while forcing the Tigers into a 3-for-14 performance on third down conversions.

Attendance: 5,947@Ted Wright Stadium, Savannah, GA

Shannon Sharpe Day set at SSU

Shannon Sharpe is coming home to Savannah State University to have his football jersey number officially retired. Sharpe, who wore No. 2 when he played spilt end for Savannah State College (now university) from 1986-89, will be honored Oct. 17, the day SSU plays Bethune-Cookman University at 5 p.m. at T.A. Wright Stadium. Sharpe, an analyst on “The NFL Today” show on CBS since 2004, played 14 seasons in the NFL. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and won three Super Bowl championships — two with the Denver Broncos, one with the Baltimore Ravens — before retiring in 2003 as the NFL’s all-time leader at tight end in touchdown catches (62), receiving yards (10,060) and receptions (815).

WSSU move no problem

Winston-Salem (N.C.) State's announcement Friday that it will leave the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference should not hurt SSU's chances of becoming the league's 14th member, SSU vice president of administration Claud Flythe said Saturday. "I would think not," Flythe said Saturday before kickoff. "There have been some discussions for quite a few months as to the status of Winston-Salem State, whether they will remain Division I or go back to Division II. "I have no reason to believe their decision to leave the MEAC will have any kind of impact on Savannah State."

Thursday, North Carolina Central in Durham became the MEAC's 13th member. MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas has said the conference wants to expand to 14 schools, 12 of which play football. Coppin State and Maryland-Eastern Shore do not have football programs. The MEAC wants to expand to 12 football-playing schools so it can form North and South divisions and have a conference championship game.

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Alabama A&M Bulldogs 31, Hampton Pirates 24

A&M makes key stops down stretch

Alabama A&M's defense, under pressure for most of the second half Saturday night against Hampton University, thought it had come away with a game-saving stand with less than two minutes remaining. The Bulldogs had stopped the Pirates, giving the ball back to their offense. However, running back Ulysses Banks fumbled on the ensuing play and Hampton recovered it, forcing A&M's defense to come up with yet another stop. Jeremy Maddox, who had been held in check for much of the game, came to the Bulldogs' rescue.

A 6-foot, 263-pound All-Southwestern Athletic Conference defensive end, Maddox had managed just one sack and a tackle for loss against the Pirates. However, with the game on the line, he broke through and sacked Hampton quarterback David Legree, and the Bulldogs hung on for a 31-24 victory before an announced crowd of 6,377 at Louis Crews Stadium. "I missed three sacks," said Maddox, clearly upset with himself, "but I got the one that counted. I knew we had to make a stop for us to win. I think we got a little ahead of ourselves and didn't play as well in the third quarter, but we came together and stepped it up in the fourth quarter and got the win."

Finally, Segura has some good news for Mom

New Orleans native is an A&M starter after three years of injuries, disappointments. Raymond Segura calls his mother back home in New Orleans almost nightly. Unfortunately for Segura, the Alabama A&M weakside linebacker hasn't had much to offer his mom, Angela Waxter, concerning his football career. Truth be told, Segura's first three seasons have been filled with one injury after another. The list includes shoulder, back, foot and knee injuries. "I've dealt with just about every injury you can have," Segura said. Still, despite all of his ailments, Segura kept the faith and, because of an injury to one of his teammates, was inserted into the starting lineup last week against Tennessee State. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound redshirt junior didn't disappoint. He had plenty to tell his mother after the game.

Mitchell:Study in perseverance

Losing two years to ineligibility fails to faze A&M receiver. Anthony Mitchell was headed for stardom. A 6-foot-2, 197-pound receiver, Mitchell was supposed to team with Thomas Harris to give Alabama A&M one of the best tandems in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Unfortunately, eligibility issues got in the way. Mitchell was the team's third-leading receiver in 2006 as a sophomore when A&M downed Arkansas-Pine Bluff to win the SWAC championship. With quarterback Kelcy Luke back along with a number of returning offensive starters, the Bulldogs were expected to repeat the following year. However, Mitchell, who had 20 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns during A&M's championship year, wasn't there to participate, having been ruled academically ineligible for the 2007 season. Jackson State beat A&M late that season and went on to win the SWAC title.

A & M holds off Hampton

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Over and over, Alabama A&M quarterback Kevin Atkins dropped back to pass and scanned the field for wide receiver Thomas Harris. The Hampton University defense could do nothing to stop it. Harris caught 10 passes for 224 yards with two touchdowns, and the Bulldogs held on to beat the Pirates 31-24 Saturday night at Louis Crews Stadium. It was the first loss for Hampton coach Donovan Rose, whose Pirates fell to 0-5 on the road against Southwestern Athletic Conference schools.

"Defensively, we've got to find a way to stop the pass," Rose said. "They threw the ball something like 36 times in the first half, and I'm still waiting on our guys to recover. We've got to find a way to stop that and give our offense the ball. Thirty-one points and 24 points in two games, defensively, we've got to find a way to stop that."Twelve seconds into the game, it appeared as if the Pirates could name their score. Senior running back LaMarcus Coker took the A&M kickoff at the 13, cut up the middle, faked his way past a couple of Bulldog defenders and returned the kick 87 yards for a touchdown. Jordan Stovall's extra point gave Hampton a 7-0 lead before the echoes of the national anthem had died down.

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Special: Colonial Athletic Conference (CAA) Leaves Its Mark on I-A Teams

Last weekend's victories by William & Mary over Virginia, Richmond over Duke and Villanova over Temple reinforced the notion that the Colonial Athletic Association remains one of the strongest leagues in division I-AA football, if not the most powerful. Should James Madison knock off Maryland (Maryland won 38-35 in OT) and New Hampshire topple Ball State (NH won 23-16) on Saturday, it will further enhance the CAA's reputation and strengthen the argument that the talent gap between division I-A teams and the top programs in I-AA is shrinking.

"I've always told people that when Appalachian [State] beat Michigan [in 2007] . . . it was all the talking heads on television that were talking about what a huge upset it was," James Madison Coach Mickey Matthews said. "You didn't hear any coaches in the Big Ten and the CAA saying it was a huge upset. The top 10 or 15 teams in I-AA football can play with anyone in the country. I'm not saying we're going to beat them, but we certainly can compete against anyone."

This is the fourth year in a row that at least one CAA team has defeated a division I-A team. New Hampshire is going for its fifth consecutive win against a division I-A team this weekend. Since 1997, CAA teams boast 19 wins against division I-A opponents; no other I-AA conference comes close to matching that number. CAA teams have also fared well within their own classification. The league sent a record five teams to the division I-AA playoffs in each of the past two seasons. Last year in the 16-team field, four of the final eight teams and two of the final four teams were from the CAA.

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QUESTION FOR OUR READERS: Is South Carolina State, Florida A&M and Grambling competive with "any" of the ranked teams of the CAA? You may want to wait until after this Saturday's games to answer the question, although, other MEAC/SWAC teams are not as competitive as SCSU, FAMU or Grambling. Two CAA vs. MEAC games are on tap:

William and Mary (2-0) @ Norfolk State (1-1): 6 p.m.
Delaware State (0-1) @ Delaware (1-1) 12:00 noon

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North Carolina A&T 17, Norfolk State 13

Aggies coach Alonzo Lee impact is being being felt at both North Carolina A&T and Morgan State. The Aggies are 3-0 (including DSU Hornets forfeit) and Morgan State's defense is missing in action, after yesterday rout at Akron.

Penalties, goal-line stand by NC A&T drops NSU to 1-1

GREENSBORO, NC--Pete Adrian had been a thorn in North Carolina A&T's side since coming to Norfolk State five seasons ago. Alonzo Lee didn't take long to return the favor. The first-year coach promised a new Aggie attitude, and his quickly-improved team delivered Saturday night, sending NSU to a 17-13 defeat in its MEAC opener. Adrian's Spartans had won three straight in the series, and appeared to be on firmer footing heading into the game, with a veteran squad that has designs on contending for a MEAC title. North Carolina A&T, 3-9 last year, was picked eighth.

"It shows that we can't take any team for granted," NSU tailback DeAngelo Branche said. Norfolk State (1-1, 0-1 MEAC) also demonstrated it can't commit 10 penalties and fail to finish drives. The Spartans had first and goal at the A&T 6 early in the fourth quarter but failed to get the ball in on four straight running plays. Later, NSU moved to the A&T 31 before turning the ball over on downs. "You can't get shut out in the second half and think you're going to win the game," Adrian said.

Aggies regroup for win vs. Norfolk State

GREENSBORO -- Alonzo Lee had been waiting for the situation N.C. A&T faced Saturday night. The first-year head coach watched the Aggies slip behind by 10 points just seconds into the second quarter at Aggie Stadium. The offense was struggling to sustain drives, and Norfolk State had marched steadily for touchdowns on two of their first three possessions. The game seemed to be slipping out of hand, but Lee saw an educational opportunity.

"I wanted to be in that situation where this weekend we can show that we can fight, we can come back," Lee said. "They came and they ran the ball down our throat. And that's what I told the guys. Men, they ran the ball down your throat. The test of a true man is when your back is against the wall." The Aggies passed that test during the final three quarters, riding momentum-swinging defensive plays and key offensive performances to a 17-13 win over the Spartans.
















Aggies RB Tony Coles leaves NSU defense grasping for air.

FANS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN AGGIES VICTORY

GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T head football coach Alonzo Lee and the Aggies made their debut at home in front of 14,338 fans Saturday at Aggie Stadium under the klieg lights. Those same fans assisted the Aggies in punching Norfolk State’s lights out in a 17-13 win. Perhaps the new head coach’s influence extends beyond the 2-0 football team. Whenever he speaks, whether it is in front of alumni, his team or the media, there always seems to be an extra gear he goes into that makes people – old and young – wish they could suit up too. It is hard to match Lee’s enthusiasm. But the people wearing the sea of gold at Aggie Stadium Saturday night sure tried.

In fact, Aggie fans acted as if they had heard a coach Lee pregame speech. The fan participation didn’t go unnoticed. “We knew this wasn’t going to be an easy game for us,’’ said Norfolk State head coach Pete Adrian. “We knew they were going to be a fired up football team after last week. You add that to having to come in here and play in this atmosphere with this crowd noise, and we had a tough task ahead of us.” A smile came to sophomore running back Mike Mayhew’s face when asked about playing his first game in Aggie Stadium.

“It was unbelievable,’’ Mayhew said as he leaned forward with a big grin on his face. “To play in your first college game at an HBCU with the crowd, the band and the excitement, it’s what you live for.”

Attendance: 14,338 @ Aggies Stadium, Greensboro, N.C.

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Florida A&M 34, Winston Salem State 10

Rattlers run wild: A&M's Vann scores twice on punt returns of 95 ...

Winston-Salem State had no answer for return specialist LeRoy Vann of Florida A&M last night at Bowman Gray Stadium. Vann, one of the fastest players in the MEAC, scored on two long punt returns as the Rattlers won 34-10 in front of 6,313. On the bright side for the Rams (0-2) was their offense, which came to life a little bit, much to the delight of Coach Kermit Blount.

"I think the tempo was a little better," Blount said of an offense that generated 218 yards. "But those two punt returns really got us. But overall we improved and got better, but the score didn't indicate that." Vann scored on a 95-yard punt return that stunned the Rams in the second quarter. It was bad enough that Vann, 5-9 and 185 pounds, went the 95 yards, but he did so without being touched. He added an 80-yard punt return in the third quarter, which made the score 21-3 and put the Rattlers (2-0) in control.

» PHOTOS: WSSU vs. FAMU - 09-10-09

Vann strikes twice to lead the Rattlers

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – As for wins and losses, beating Winston-Salem State didn't do anything for the Florida A&M football team in the MEAC standings. But Thursday's 34-10 victory at Gray Stadium gave a national television audience a pretty good peek at what the Rattlers could become this season — not to mention a breathtaking view of one of the nation's most accomplished return specialists.

While the FAMU offense looked out of sorts at times Thursday night, defensive back LeRoy Vann scored twice on punt returns — of 95 and 80 yards — to highlight the night. FAMU can now take the victory over the Rams, a provisional MEAC team, into a week of preparation for Howard University in another Thursday night game that will mean a whole lot more. Vann set a school record for most returns for touchdowns with his second in the third quarter at a time when FAMU needed it. The Rattlers were held to 147 yards in the first half.

Battle would have been ready ... if

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem State University coach Kermit Blount said a lot of things would have been different when his team faced FAMU on Thursday night. He promised that if freshman Brandon Williams had to play at quarterback he'd do better than he did in a season-opening loss to North Carolina A&T State. We saw it — at least through the first three quarters. Up to that point, he threw for 111 yards. That's 20 more yards than the Rams had in total offense in their first game.

Another promise was that the defense would be much tougher and productive against FAMU. Right again. The Rattlers had 194 yards through three quarters — two yards fewer than quarterback Curtis Pulley had rushing alone last weekend. Thanks to kick returner LeRoy Vann the Rattlers went into the fourth with a 16-point lead. Blount had talked about finding ways to stop Vann, too. He didn't find solutions Thursday night as Vann had a record night.

MEAC Football Standings
CONFERENCE OVERALL
Florida A&M 1-0 - 2-0
Hampton 0-0 - 1-0
Norfolk State 0-0 - 1-0
North Carolina A&T 0-0 - 1-0
South Carolina State 0-0 - 1-0
Howard 0-0 - 0-0
Morgan State 0-0 - 0-0
Bethune-Cookman 0-0 - 0-1
Delaware State 0-1 - 0-1

2009 Conference Leaders
PASSING ATT COMP YDS TD
C. Pulley, Florida A&M 40 29 349 3
A. Glaud, Delaware St 32 17 188 1
D. Legree, Hampton 18 10 140 1

RUSHING CAR YDS AVG TD
C. Pulley, Florida A&M 25 230 9.2 1
E. Rocker, Florida A&M 20 94 4.7 0
C. Fears, NC A&T 10 78 7.8 1

RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD
I. West, Florida A&M 10 163 16.3 1
K. Elliott, Florida A&M 9 95 10.6 1
D. Jackson, Delaware St 7 67 9.6 0

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Tonight on ESPNU: FAMU Rattlers vs. Winston Salem State Rams

WSSU Rams Coach Kermit Blount: "I think we can neutralize their (FAMU) speed if it's a team effort," Blount said.

WSSU is likely to switch passers

Winston-Salem State most likely will have a new starting quarterback tonight when it plays Florida A&M at Bowman Gray Stadium. Senior Jarrett Dunston sprained his right ankle in last week's 19-10 loss to N.C. A&T, hasn't practiced all week and was limping noticeably yesterday at the WSSU field house. Coach Kermit Blount was coy about the starter, but every indication is that it will be redshirt freshman Branden Williams.

Kickoff will be at 7:30, with television coverage on ESPNU (Time Warner Ch. 143). The Rams had just 90 yards of offense last week, with two turnovers and several mishandled Shotgun snaps, and correcting those mistakes has been emphasized in practice. "I've had some people ask me about what's wrong with the offense," Blount said. "I had one guy ask me after the game, and I said, ‘Look, I don't come on your job asking you about things.' It's just a work in progress and considering we lost Jarrett during the game that was a huge loss for us."

FAMU's athletic director Hayes interested in WSSU job

Bill Hayes has applied for the athletics-director position at Winston-Salem State, sources have confirmed. Hayes, in his second year as the athletics director at Florida A&M, has sent in an application and is interested in the WSSU vacancy, according to one source in Winston-Salem and one in Tallahassee, Fla. Hayes was traveling to Winston-Salem yesterday for tonight's football game between A&M and WSSU and did not respond to a message left on his cell phone.
Hayes, 64, coached football at WSSU for 12 seasons in the late 1970s and 1980s, compiling a record of 89-41-2 and leading the Rams to seven CIAA championship games and three titles.

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Norfolk State 28, Virginia State 10

Spartans' 'D' awakens, stands tall

Kickoff at Norfolk State's Dick Price Stadium was a little after 6 Saturday night. The Spartans defense arrived about 6:15. Once it did, though, it dominated the proceedings, in a 28-10 victory over Virginia State in front of 24,325 fans at the annual Labor Day Classic. The Division II Trojans got a field goal on their first drive and a touchdown on their last - receiving some help from a pair of 15-yard penalties against NSU's second-team D on the latter score.

In between, nothing. Virginia State had tallied just 119 yards of offense prior to its final possession. The Trojans finished with just 169. "We were kind of rusty on our first series," linebacker Anthony Taylor said. "It was our first time being out there and we got roughed up a little bit." NSU coach Pete Adrian said it was a matter of adjusting to game tempo. Virginia State had played a game, beating Livingstone 37-7 Aug. 29. The Spartans were making their season debut.

Once the Spartans settled in, they had little trouble, forcing five Virginia State turnovers, including three interceptions. NSU's new spread offense did not exactly light up the night, but was efficient and mostly mistake-free. Quarterback Dennis Brown threw for 109 yards and ran for 72. Tailback DeAngelo Branche rushed for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Brown spread his 13 completions among six receivers, none going for more than 15 yards. NSU totaled 312 yards of offense, 203 on the ground.

NSU's quarterback, in pursuit of perfection

On a drizzly and unseasonably cool afternoon on the Norfolk State campus, quarterback Dennis Brown strolled out of a dining hall, a one man ray of South Florida sunshine. While most students huddled against the gloom in jeans and hoodies, Brown looked like his native Miami in a white linen shirt, plaid shorts and gleaming white Creative Recreation low-top sneakers. "I thought it was gonna be sunny out, you know?" he explained. "I've got to bring the Miami flavor up here a little bit."

Brown, a senior who will lead the Spartans in the season opener tonight against Virginia State, swears he used to be shy, but it's hard to believe. As he walked from the dining hall toward the student center, he shared an umbrella with a comely coed. Just a friend, he said. When he turned toward an academic building, his friend went the other way, but he ran into another, at the top of a stairwell. "How you doing, Tasha?" he said. She just smiled. "What, you don't talk to me any more?" Brown continued on his way, toward the marketing department. Marketing is his major, and it seems perfect for him. Since coming to Norfolk, which he said he loves, he's met seemingly everyone on campus.

Fast return from torn ACL has NSU's Craig feeling hopeful

Hasan Craig is going to give it a go. The outside linebacker, just eight months removed from surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, plans to test his leg before deciding whether to seek a medical redshirt. "I'm going to play the first three games and see how it feels," he said. A junior, Craig started six games last year and showed a knack for big plays. He forced two fumbles and had six quarterback hurries, leading the team in both categories. He was second on the team with 8.5 tackles for loss.

Craig injured his knee in a pickup basketball game in December. He has been practicing but was held out of contact until last week. Complete recovery from ACL surgery can take a year, but Craig said he's a fast healer. Meanwhile, the Spartans are well-stocked at Craig's old spot. Lamont Thorpe is the starter and backup Terrence Pugh was one of the standouts at NSU's last two scrimmages.

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Hampton Pirates 31, North Carolina Central 24

Hampton U. rallies late on Coker's 29-yard run

Hampton, VA--LaMarcus Coker's touchdown run technically measured 29 yards. Throw in the long celebration run on Hampton University's newly surfaced track and it was closer to 100 — at a clip few other than Usain Bolt could manage. Coker's sprint to the end zone on a draw with 1 minute, 28 seconds to play in the game gave the Pirates a come-from-behind 31-24 win over North Carolina Central. His run afterward was a combination of celebration for new head coach Donovan Rose, and an expression of relief for a Hampton team that seemed beaten only 90 seconds earlier.

"At that point I was having a horrible game, but I told my teammates, 'I'll get it this time,' " said Coker, who ran for only 59 yards. "After I scored, I just got emotional and didn't know what to do, so I just ran." Pirates, quarterback David Legree, who started because school record-setting quarterback Herbert Bynes was hobbled by a sprained ankle, added, "That's Coker for you, man. Coker will give you that five yards a pop, five yards a pop, and then spring the big play on you." The Pirates (1-0) needed the big play to secure the non-conference win. The Eagles disintegration moments earlier put them in position to get it.

Happy return for HU QB

Hampton University quarterback David Legree had not played in a football game since 2006, as a senior at South Shore High School in New York. He said it felt more like 20 years."And I'm only 19," he joked.Legree, a transfer from Syracuse University, handled himself admirably in a fill-in role. He completed 10-of-18 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown in the Pirates' 31-24 win over N.C. Central. Most important, he displayed poise after a rough start. On the first series of the game, he threw an interception, which the Eagles converted into a touchdown.

Often under heavy pressure, Legree was sacked on the Pirates' next two possessions, which ended in punts. But, after Julio Sanchez forced a fumble by Eagles quarterback Michael Johnson, Legree put his new scrambling experience to work. Hounded yet again by an Eagles defender, Legree scrambled to the right. His run prompted receiver Damon McDaniel's defender to break away from him in case Legree ran with the ball. Legree braked and threw to a wide-open McDaniel. The 32-yard touchdown pass tied the score at 7 and settled Legree.

QB coach Pep Hamilton knows how to deal with talent

As the point guard on the same AAU team as college stars Jeff Capel and Jeff McInnis, Pep Hamilton learned to funnel his basketball knowledge to highly skilled players. Now, 15-plus years later, Hamilton finds himself in a similar situation as the Chicago Bears' quarterbacks coach, working with Pro Bowler Jay Cutler. Inheriting such a talented player should make Hamilton's job a lot easier, considering the unsteady quarterback situation from a year ago.

3rd. year Chicago Bears QB Coach Pep Hamilton is a former Hampton University Top Student and star quarterback.

"I take pride in the fact it's my job to try and help guys realize their full potential," Hamilton said. "We didn't achieve our ultimate goal as a team [last season], so there's no way I can say that any us did our job to the level we expected."

Hamilton, who turns 35 on Sept. 19, is in his third season with the Bears and sixth in the NFL. The Charlotte native never played in the league, opting to jump into coaching after his last season as quarterback at Hampton University. Yet his lack of pro playing experience has not impeded his progress up the coaching ranks. Cutler is the third first-round quarterback under Hamilton's tutelage, joining former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith of 49ers and ex-Bear Rex Grossman. No doubt Cutler is the most talented of the three.

Hampton bowler returns to No. 1

Becca Glazier of Sparetimes headed the girls all-star team with a 185 average. Glazier, the Hampton Women's Bowling Association Female Bowler of the Year for 2009, is a repeat selection. As a freshman at Hampton University, she hopes to pursue a career in forensic science and will compete for the school's bowling team this season.

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South Carolina State 34, Grambling State 31

Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough had South Carolina State Bulldogs in mid-season form against a great Grambling State Tigers program.

Bulldogs take measure of Grambling, 34-31, in MEAC/SWAC Challenge

There was already some sense of foreboding going through South Carolina State head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough entering Sunday’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Grambling. “I got scared when I got out of my car in Orlando on Friday afternoon when we got here because it was smoking,” he said. “It had been cool at home the last week, so we really hadn’t had any real hot weather for a while. So I knew that we might be in a little bit of trouble with the elements and when we came over here today, it was really hot when we walked on the field.”

Pough’s concerns became more legitimate as Bulldog players like quarterback Malcolm Long missed most of the second half due to heat cramps. On the same day he surpassed DeShawn Baker for second place on the school’s career rushing list, Walter Payton Award finalist William Ford saw limited action after injuring his left shoulder on the first play of the second half. Despite those adversities, the 16th-ranked Bulldogs still managed to hold off 25th-ranked Grambling 34-31 in a matchup of the top two teams in black college football. Backup redshirt freshman quarterback Derrick Wiley accounted for 118 total yards and one touchdown, all in the second half in relief of Long, to earn ESPN and “Challenge” Player of the Game honors.

Semaj Moody nabs win for SC State at MEAC/SWAC Challenge

Two weeks ago, catching passes was Semaj Moody's job on the football field. "Why'd Semaj move to DB?" South Carolina State Coach Buddy Pough asked, chuckling. "Because he couldn't catch."
Turns out he could, and when it most counted, too. Moody, who said he played cornerback for the first time in his collegiate career on Sunday, made a game-winning interception with fewer than 90 seconds remaining in the MEAC/SWAC challenge. He picked off Grambling State quarterback Greg Dillon at South Carolina State's 10-yard line, allowing the Bulldogs to run out the clock and keep a three-point lead. "That was Coach, good call," Moody said after the game. "All defensive line, DBs, everybody was just where they were supposed to be. I ran at the QB. ... It was a play that needed to be made and I made it."The interception ended the Tigers' comeback bid. The Bulldogs won the opener 34-31 before 21,367 at the Citrus Bowl.

SC State prevails in Black College showdown

South Carolina State used a national stage to show that it is one of the best teams in Black College football - if not the best. The Bulldogs continued the MEAC’s dominance in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Sunday by holding off Grambling State 34-31 in a nationally-televised game from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Malcolm Long passed for two touchdowns and Travil Jamison rushed for two more to lead South Carolina State (1-0) to the MEAC’s fourth win in the five-year history of the Challenge.

Legendary Coach Willie Jeffries, S.C. State University Bulldogs

Sunday Conversation with Willie Jeffries

When Willie Jeffries watches the MEAC/SWAC Challenge between South Carolina State and Grambling, he’ll have a rooting interest for both programs. Much like the late Eddie Robinson is synonymous with Grambling, Jeffries is seen as the face of the Bulldogs eight years after his retirement. He also served eight months in 2005 as the Tigers’ athletic director.

These days, Jeffries remains a man on the go from speaking engagements, to contributing to charitable causes. In an interview with T&D Senior Sports Writer Thomas Grant Jr., Jeffries talks about his post-retirement, S.C. State football and Coach Rob:

Q. In the eight years since coaching your last game at South Carolina State, you’ve been one of the hardest-working men in retirement. What is a typical day like for you?

Path to sports glory isn't always on the field

After a solid run playing linebacker at Duke University, where he lettered in his final season, Robert Vowels anticipated joining the helmeted warriors who knocked heads for big bucks on Sundays. Being cut by a pro-football team took the starch out that plan. Nevertheless, he got up, dusted himself off and made the transition from star player to studious pupil. He earned his law degree and, over time, parlayed his education into a series of upwardly mobile executive positions within college sports.

As he told the 350 or so juniors and seniors who attended the ESPN 101 Career Panel this week, reality may have cut short his on-field dreams, but having a Plan B kept him in the game. "Once you get punched in the face the first time, you have to make some choices," said Vowels, vice president for educational affairs for the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

It was a pin-drop moment in a session replete with such moments at the Walt Disney World branch of Boys & Girls Club in Pine Hills. When Vowels spoke, the crowd — consisting largely of hoopsters, footballers, and Stuart Scott wannabes from Evans, Jones, and Oak Ridge high schools in Orlando — listened intently. The session, among the activities orbiting the Disney-sponsored MEAC/SWAC Challenge football game, which pits two historically black colleges, was meant to familiarize sports-minded students with other pursuits.

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Alabama State 38, Concordia 33

ALABAMA STATE 38, CONCORDIA 33: Hornets hold off Concordia

Alabama State got more than it bargained for Saturday night. What some thought would be a routine season opener turned into a fight for survival. Concordia College of Selma rallied from an early deficit and pulled within one score of upsetting ASU in the final minutes at Cramton Bowl. ASU's defense made a final stand at its 26 to seal a 38-33 win. "We weren't overlooking them. That wasn't the problem," ASU linebacker Adrian Hardy said. "We knew they would be ready to play and we expected it to be a fight. It was."

ASU head coach Reggie Barlow said the game was a starting point. "This game served its purpose," Barlow said. "We got to see our team under the lights and we got a look at how we would perform. We've got a long way to go." The game may have served its purpose, but not without leaving Barlow and his Hornets sweating the finals minutes. After watching a 38-14 lead disappear in the final 17 minutes, ASU needed its defense to step up.

Photo Galleries: ASU plays Concordia College

Hornets' comeback falls short

Concordia College football coach Shepherd Skanes felt the pain Saturday night. Not the pain of losing 38-33 to Alabama State University in the Cramton Bowl. The pain of not winning, however, cut to the quick. “As hard as we played tonight, it hurts,” said Skanes, whose Hornets dropped to 1-1 with the narrow defeat. “We were supposed to win.” Skanes had problems with the amount of penalties and the officiating difficulties the Hornets suffered during the game.

After having to deal with nine penalties for 74 yards in the first half, Concordia had to call attention to the time clock, which was running after an incomplete pass. “I know (the officials) did what they had to do, what they were supposed to do,” he said. “But it's not supposed to be that way.” Concordia pulled within three scores to open the fourth quarter when quarterback T'Chelpio Woods hit Calvin Cornish for a 19-yard TD pass with 9:22 to play. ASU led 38-27.

ASU Hornets Jermaine Peryear fights for yardage against Concordia defense.

Maturity RB Traylor's top trait

Rahmod Traylor is mature. To Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow, that's the most obvious character trait in his senior running back. No matter the situation, no matter the circumstances, Barlow and the rest of the ASU coaches know that Traylor will do what's expected and what's right. Every time. "He's a guy that's just always there, always steady," Barlow said. "That maturity is so important to have around a team. Having that guy you can count on to be accountable and be where he's supposed to be is a great lesson for the other players." Being where he's supposed to be has been a bit difficult for Traylor the last couple of seasons.

Woods takes Hornets to ASU

Concordia College junior quarterback T’Chelpio Woods played two years at Alabama State, but his return to Montgomery to face his former team Saturday will not be a homecoming. “I’m from Selma,” Woods said Thursday on the Hornets’ practice field. “Whether we win or lose, it’s a milestone for us, showing how far we’ve gone. They’ve got everything to lose. We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Woods played two years at Selma High before completing his high school football at Central Christian Academy. The Hornets (1-0) of Dallas County have the momentum from last week’s season opener, when they shellacked Texas College 68-0. They will be the opponent in the season opener for the Hornets of Montgomery County. Alabama State is a larger school than Concordia, but that doesn’t concern Woods.

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Arkansas State 61, Mississippi Valley 0

MVSU Delta Devils head coach Willie Totten

Red Wolves Roll Past Mississippi Valley State in Season Opener

Senior tailback Reggie Arnold rushed for 126 yards and four touchdowns and senior quarterback Corey Leonard became the Arkansas State all-time yardage leader as the Red Wolves rolled to 61-0 victory over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in the season opener Saturday night at ASU Stadium. Leonard passed for 129 yards and a touchdown and rushed for seven more to finish the night with 7,433 career yards, surpassing Cleo Lemon's mark of 7,309 set from 1997-2000.

Arkansas State piled up 496 yards on the night while holding the Delta Devils to 69 yards of total offense. The shutout was the Red Wolves' first since a 3-0 overtime victory over Florida Atlantic during the 2005 season. "We did what we needed to do, we came out and got a victory," said ASU head coach Steve Roberts. "I was very proud of the preparation of our young men, coming out and taking care of business. We got to play a lot of people tonight and got sloppy towards the end on special teams, but I thought our offense and defense continued to play well. We got a lot of guys on scout team who never get an opportunity to play, and we rewarded them by letting them play in the 3rd and 4th quarters."

Next up for Arkansas St.: Nebraska

Arkansas State won't have long to savor its 61-0 victory over Mississippi Valley State. Next up for the Red Wolves is a trip Saturday to Nebraska, which opened its season with a 49-3 victory over Florida Atlantic. Like ASU, Florida Atlantic is a member of the Sun Belt Conference. Against Mississippi Valley, Reggie Arnold scored four touchdowns for the Red Wolves and rushed for 126 yards on 12 carries. Corey Leonard completed 8 of 13 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed for another 10 yards. Leonard became ASU's leader in career total offense, with 7,433 yards. ASU's defense held the Delta Devils to 69 total yards.

Delta Devils Armon Williams goes in for the tackle.

Valley braced for brutal first game

Mississippi Valley State's first game will be its toughest. Trying to rebound from back-to-back 3-9 seasons, the Delta Devils kick off the 2009 season Saturday at Arkansas State - a Football Bowl Subdivision team (formerly known as Division I-A) that returns 17 starters from last year's team that went 6-6 and defeated Texas A&M."No doubt this will be a challenge for us," Valley coach Willie Totten said. "They play a lot of tough competition in Division I-A in the Sun Belt conference."The good news is that we will know exactly where we are with this team, and with an open date coming up, we will have two weeks to get it right before we open conference play.

"The Red Wolves are 4-0 against Southwestern Athletic Conference teams, with the last two wins coming in major blowouts (55-3 over MVSU in 1995 and 83-10 over Texas Southern in 2008). This is obviously not the way Totten would have preferred to open the season, but this game gives Valley's strapped athletic budget a boost because Arkansas State will pay MVSU $200,000 to play Saturday. Totten says the program should net at least $185,000 once all the travel expenses are paid.

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North Carolina A&T 19, Winston Salem State 10

Aggies start Lee era with statement win

Alonzo Lee built a reputation as an aggressive defensive coordinator in 12 seasons coaching in the MEAC. Turns out Alonzo Lee the head coach is even more aggressive. Senior quarterback Carlton Fears passed for 131 yards and ran for 78 and a touchdown to lead N.C. A&T's offense during a 19-10 victory over Winston-Salem State in Lee's debut as the Aggies' head coach Saturday night at Bowman Gray Stadium. It wasn't that close.

The Aggies' offense left some scoring chances on the field. They missed a field-goal attempt, saw another field-goal try blocked, got stopped on a fourth-and-3 gamble at the 8 and let the first-half clock run out 2 yards short of the end zone. "I thought we moved the ball well, but we've got to get better in the red zone," Lee said. "We were in the red zone too many times where we did not come up with points. We've got to work on it. We're going to go back to the drawing board and find our best red-zone plays and get better." On this night, the Aggies didn't need those points because their defense was flat-out dominant. A&T grudgingly surrendered just 90 total yards, had four sacks and recovered two fumbles.

Photo Gallery: N.C. A&T 19, Winston-Salem State 10

Aggies beat Rams 19-10

N.C. A&T won the backyard battle with Winston-Salem State, mainly because it had fewer mistakes. The Aggies won 19-10 in front of a sellout crowd of 22,000 at Bowman Gray Stadium. Coach Alonzo Lee of the Aggies, making his debut, built his reputation on defense as an assistant coach. That trait has carried over because the Aggies held the offensive-stagnant Rams to just 90 yards. The Rams' defense, spending way too much time on the field, tired in the fourth quarter and the Aggies took advantage. Coach Kermit Blount of the Rams summed it up best: "The bottom line is we can't turn the ball over and we can't keep our defense out there as long as we did."

The game was tied at 10 going into the fourth quarter, but the momentum swung toward the Aggies after a bad snap on a punt by long-snapper Rodney Taylor of the Rams. Pinned deep in their own territory punter Landon Thayer had to fall on a bad snap that nearly sailed all the way over his head. The Aggies took over on the Rams' 10 and after the defense held again; freshman place-kicker Patrick Courtney made a 25-yard field goal for a 13-10 lead with 7:54 left. The way the Rams' offense was going, the field goal was enough.

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