Saturday, October 27, 2018
Huskers Roll to 45-9 Win Over Bethune-Cookman
LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Quarterback Adrian Martinez completed 15-of-22 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns, JD Spielman returned a punt for 77 yards and a touchdown, and Nebraska built an early lead en route to a 45-9 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday.
A Memorial Stadium crowd of 88,735 saw Nebraska (2-6, 1-4 Big Ten) improve to 12-0 all-time against FCS foes in a make-up game for the season opener against Akron that was cancelled because of severe weather.
Martinez, a true freshman from Fresno, California, increased his season total to 1,656 passing yards, setting a Nebraska freshman record. The previous record was 1,632 yards by Taylor Martinez in 2010.
Nebraska built a 28-3 lead after one quarter and led 38-3 at halftime, its biggest halftime lead since 2012.
“We needed that to happen,” Nebraska coach Scott Frost said of the fast start. “We needed to go out and get the game secured early. I’ve said it a bunch, 12 weeks in a row is a long time, 13 weeks of practice in a row of practice is a long time without any break. It isn’t just the physical, it’s the grind of it. It takes a toll on you emotionally, especially with what these guys have been through this season.”
With Nebraska already ahead 7-0, Spielman returned his punt for a touchdown, the longest punt return by a Husker since De’Mornay Pierson-El returned one 80 yards against Iowa in 2014.
POST GAME QUOTES: COACH TERRY SIMS, B-CU
FINAL STATS
PHOTO GALLERY
“We blocked everybody on that play,” Frost said. “Our special teams did get better; I think they have been improving. Confused special teams plays probably cost us a couple games this year, and it was good to see us finally get one on special teams. You score on defense or special teams, you’re going to win most games. We haven’t had one yet, so it was good to see us break the ice.”
Senior receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. then caught first-quarter touchdowns of 3 and 27 yards to give Nebraska a comfortable lead. He caught seven passes for 82 yards, all in the first half. It marked the second straight game Morgan has had two touchdown catches, and gives him 20 career touchdown receptions.
Transfer quarterback Noah Vedral, a native of Wahoo, saw his first action of the season beginning in the second half. He had a 20-yard rush for a touchdown and completed two passes for 29 yards.
“It was good seeing him get in the end zone,” Frost said. “I know growing up here, when I was little, that was all I could think about was scoring as a Husker, and it's been kind of a weird path for him to get there, but it was great to see him dive into the end zone at Memorial Stadium.”
Senior running back Devine Ozigbo rushed 11 times for 110 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown to begin the game. Ozigbo did not play in the second half. It marked the fourth time in the past five games Ozigbo has topped 100 yards, and his seventh career 100-yard rushing game.
Punter Isaac Armstrong had a 73-yard punt in the third quarter, tying for the seventh-longest punt in school history. It is the longest punt by a Husker since Alex Henery had a 76-yard punt at Virginia Tech in 2009.
Safety Deontai Williams had two takeaways, recovering a fumble in the second quarter and picking off a BCU pass in the third quarter. Nebraska forced three turnovers, a season high. Senior linebacker Luke Gifford had a sack to increase his season total to 5.5, a team high.
Defensive lineman Peyton Newell had an interception in the second quarter, the first of his career. It was the first interception by a Nebraska defensive lineman since defensive end Randy Gregory, Jason Ankrah and Avery Moss each had an interception in 2013.
Since beginning the season 0-6, the Huskers have won two straight games as they prepare for a Big Ten Conference road game at Ohio State on Saturday.
“Hopefully the last two (wins) means we're going to be more of a confident team,” Frost said. “We've got to go on the road to a tough place to play a very good team. We know what we're in for, we're going to get their best shot.”
NEBRASKA UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
West Virginia State Jackets Fall to Fairmont State
INSTITUTE, West Virginia -- The Yellow Jackets came into Saturday's game one of the most banged up teams in the Mountain East Conference.Meanwhile Fairmont State was possibly the hottest team in the MEC after big wins against Shepherd and Glenville State.
That combination along with gray skies, cool temperatures, and a nearly constant light rain made for a long afternoon at Dickerson Stadium as WVSU lost 41-12 to the visiting Falcons.
"They were the best team we've played," WVSU Head Coach John Pennington said."They were good in every part of the game."
Neither squad could produce much offense in the opening half which ended 13-6 in favor of Fairmont State as WVSU could only manage a pair of field goals by senior Aaron Ball.
"The defense did a great job in the first half," Pennington said. "Their line was huge and I think they wore us down some."
The Yellow Jackets have lost a total of eight starters to injury since the season began. Saturday the Falcon used their size and depth advantage up front to rush for 333 yards, the most allowed by the Jackets this season. That allowed Fairmont State to maintain possession of the ball almost nine minutes longer than the Jackets which only compounded the problem.
The Falcon offense found its footing in the third period. After missing a field goal on its first possession Fairmont State proceeded to score on its next three possessions including a blocked punt in the WVSU endzone.
The Yellow Jackets hit paydirt in the fourth quarter when Kyle Alexander intercepted a pass at the WVSU two yard line and returned it to the 30. WVSU put together its best drive of the day going the rest of the way in nine plays with Faustino Saucedo hitting A.J. Barrette from four yards out for the touchdown.
BOX SCORE
Fairmont added one more touchdown in the fourth period on a seven play, 65-yard drive, that finished with a 24-yard touchdown run.
Saucedo finished 21-of-37 passing for 191 yards while Carl Garmon led the ground game with 75 yards on 12 carries. Zach Pate caught eight passes for 68 yards and returned two punts for 48.
Joe Stoneman and Robert Branch each had 11 tackles to lead the defensive effort.
The Yellow Jackets (4-5) travel to Urbana (4-5) next week for a 1 p.m. kickoff. The Blue Knights have lost four in a row after a strong start including a 28-21 decision at Glenville State Saturday.
WVSU then wraps up the season at home against West Virginia Wesleyan (1-7) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 10.
WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS
FAMU Lady Rattlers Claim Seventh Straight Cross Country Crown
Results
SMYRNA, Delaware—Florida A&M won its unprecedented seventh straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women’s Cross Country title on Saturday at the Delaware State Outreach & Research Center.
The Lady Rattlers edged Norfolk State in the team standings, 43 points to 44.
Head coach Dr. Darlene Moore was again named Outstanding Coach.
Martha Bissah of Norfolk State was named Outstanding Performer after defending her individual crown, turning in an 18:02.31 on the soggy, chilly course. Emmax Kiplagat paced FAMU with a second-place effort, completing the 5K course in 18:42.68. Shalet MKitei was third with an 18:49.97.
FAMU placed four runners in the top 15.
North Carolina A&T State, Maryland Eastern Shore and Howard rounded out the top five of the team standings, followed by Bethune-Cookman, Morgan State, Delaware State, Coppin State, North Carolina Central and Savannah State.
Outstanding Performer: Martha Bissah, Norfolk State
Outstanding Coach: Dr. Darlene Moore, Florida A&M
All-MEAC Team
Martha Bissah, Norfolk State
Emmax Kiplagat, Florida A&M
Shalet Mitei, Florida A&M
Fridah Koech, Norfolk State
Mercy Chemutai, Maryland Eastern Shore
Sharon Kibiwott, Florida A&M
Deja Davis, Bethune-Cookman
Destiny Stanford, Howard
Candice Higgins, Norfolk State
Infinnatie Rowe, Morgan State
Katarzyna Rosikon, Delaware State
Neus Quinonero, Maryland Eastern Shore
G’Jasmyne Butler, North Carolina A&T State
Ashah Koech, Norfolk State
Mercy Rotich, Florida A&M
MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
N.C.A&T Aggies Win First MEAC Cross Country Title Since 1983
Results
SMYRNA, Del., Oct. 27, 2018—North Carolina A&T State won its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s Cross Country championship in more than three decades on Saturday at the Delaware State Outreach & Research Center.
The Aggies recorded 51 points.
Duane Ross was named the meet’s Outstanding Coach.
Carlin Berryhill of Bethune-Cookman won individual gold and was named Outstanding Performer after completing the soggy 8K course in 26:39.90. NCAT’s Regan Kimtai was second with a 26:50.80, and B-CU’s Daniel Kiptoo ran a 27:18.40 to come in third.
The Aggies, in claiming their first men’s cross country title since 1983, placed five runners in the top 20.
Savannah State was second with 86 points, with Bethune-Cookman, Maryland Eastern Shore and Norfolk State rounding out the top five. Howard, North Carolina Central, Delaware State, South Carolina State and Coppin State closed out the field.
Outstanding Performer: Carlin Berryhill, Bethune-Cookman
Outstanding Coach: Duane Ross, North Carolina A&T State
All-MEAC Team
Carlin Berryhill, Bethune-Cookman
Regan Kimtai, North Carolina A&T State
Daniel Kiptoo, Bethune-Cookman
Oussama Chouati, Maryland Eastern Shore
John Akakeya, Maryland Eastern Shore
Morris Kimble, North Carolina A&T State
Mar’Quise McGee, North Carolina A&T State
Xavier Walton, Bethune-Cookman
Abbas Abbkar, Savannah State
Festus Bett, Norfolk State
Kamil Jihad, Norfolk State
Suhieb Muhamed, Savannah State
Trenton Montgomery, South Carolina State
Hasan Gill, Delaware State
Hector Cime, Maryland Eastern Shore
MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Hampton Lady Pirates 9th at Big South Cross Country
KERNERSVILLE, North Carolina – Hampton University ended its 2018 women's cross country season on Friday with a ninth place finish at the 2018 Big South Conference Championships.High Point won the meet with 23 points, followed by Campbell (55), Charleston Southern (91), UNC Asheville (106) and USC Upstate (160) to round out the top five. Hampton had 245 points to finish ahead of Longwood (246) and Gardner-Webb (293).
Asia Johnson topped Hampton with a 34th place finish covering the 5k course in 20:28.9, while freshman Zuri Rashad was 39th in 20:38.1. Sophomore DeVonya Brown was next in 65th for Hampton in 21:35.7, while freshmen Shakeria Johnson (70th/22:07.9) and Tea Foster (71st/22:09.9) rounded out the Lady Pirates.
For more information on Hampton University cross country, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY STATEGIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Aggies Are Unlucky In Loss to FAMU
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – North Carolina A&T played for sole possession of first place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Southern Division Friday night at the Al Lawson Center against Florida A&M.Even though the score does not indicate it, the Aggies truly did come up just short, 3-0 (26-24, 25-10, 28-26). N.C. A&T had several opportunities to extend the match but could not get the key points when needed. N.C. A&T goes to 9-10 on the season and 4-2 in the MEAC, while FAMU (6-14, 5-1 MEAC) ascends into sole possession of first with a season sweep of the Aggies.
Sophomore Courtney Pitt led the Aggies with 14 kills. Freshman Andrea Laboy-Rivera contributed with 15 digs. The Aggies only hit .087 for the match with a tough second set accounting for the low percentage. FAMU surprisingly hit .276 against an Aggies defense that has been tough to be successful against all season.
“We are so close to being the team we want to be but the bottom line is we have to make the play when the play needs to be made,” said N.C. A&T coach Hal Clifton. “I know they have it and it’s coming. The hard work they are putting in is going to pay off.”
Clifton watched his team take set point at 24-22 in the first set thanks to a Pitt kill. He then painstakingly watched as the Rattlers scored the next four points to win the set. Two straight kills from Yvett Maria Garcia and another from Nair Canessa gave the Rattlers a 25-24 advantage.
After a N.C. A&T timeout, the Aggies committed an attack error to give the Rattlers a one-set lead. Clifton said the first-set disappointment led to a less than stellar showing in the second set where the Aggies hit a mere -.038.
It took the Aggies midway through the third set before it appeared they were finally over the first-set blues. N.C. A&T trailed by as many as five in the third set, 17-12 before they started to mount a rally. An attack error got the Aggies to within two at 19-17 before the Rattlers posted two straight points to extend their lead to four.
The Aggies then got tough at the net. They took over the serve with a service error by FAMU’s Jessa Long. Block assists from juniors Leila Haynesworth and Makaylah Elliot got the Aggies to within two at 21-19. Block assists from redshirt freshman Fatimah Shabazz and Elliot cut the lead to one and forced a FAMU timeout.
BOX SCORE
N.C. A&T took their first lead of the set on an attack error by Aybuke Kocabiyik leading to another FAMU timeout. Like the first set, the Aggies once again reached set point, this time on a Haynesworth kill that gave the Aggies a 24-23 lead. But the Rattlers reversed fortunes with an Ilayda Nurkan kill and a service ace from Nurkan to earn set point of their own at 25-24.
A ball handling error by Nurkan kept the Aggies alive before block assists from Aggie freshman Lily Walton and Pitt put the Aggies on the verge of going to a fourth set. But FAMU closed out the set and match with three straight points.
The Aggies are in a second-place tie in the South with the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. They play the Wildcats Sunday afternoon at 1 in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Aggies won the first matchup in three sets at home.
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Grambling State Claims SWAC Regular Season Soccer Crown
Congrats to the Lady Tiger soccer team for winning their first-ever @theswac regular season championship ... final: GSU 3, @uapblionsroar 0 #RespectTheG #grambling #gramblingstate #gramblingstateuniversity #WhyNotGrambling pic.twitter.com/kfcBO4Js2O— GSU Athletics (@GSU_TIGERS) October 26, 2018
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas | Kaylee Holt scored for the seventh straight game and the Grambling State University women's soccer team ran its scoreless streak to 660 minutes on Friday afternoon as the Lady Tigers captured their first-ever Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) regular season championship with a 3-0 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Grambling State (12-7 overall, 9-1 SWAC), which now ran its streak to seven shutout victories, have never won the outright regular season SWAC championship. When the conference was in divisional play, Grambling State had won the west division from 2003-2010, including capturing the tournament crowns in 2004 and 2006.
The Lady Tigers will meet Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1 in the opening round of the 2018 SWAC Women's Soccer Tournament in Prairie View, Texas.
Grambling State, which yielded just one goal in 10 conference matches, broke open the scoring in the 17th minute. Kailey Pena dished off the ball to a streaking Kaylee Holt down the left side and the sophomore forward from South Jordan, Utah fired the ball in the upper left corner, giving the Lady Tigers a 1-0 advantage.
GSU doubled the scoreline in the 41st minute as Jasmine Smith beat the defender to the end line and her cross found Clarissa Rivas in the penalty area. Rivas shot beat a diving Sariah Orocu to extend the margin to 2-0.
The Lady Tigers put the game away in the 81st minute as Brittany Terry's assisted on Kristy Melendez diving header to give Grambling State a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Defensively, Rita Siaha played the first 45 minutes and registered three saves. She has not conceded a goal in 405 minutes. Hanna Johnson played in the final 45 minutes in goal.
Inside the Numbers
> Rita Siaha recorded three saves in 45 minutes
> Hanna Johnson played in the final 45 minutes in goal and did not record a save
> Sariah Orocu tallied five saves for Arkansas-Pine Bluff
> Grambling State finished with 17 shots, including 12 in the first half
> Arkansas-Pine Bluff registered eight shots, including three in the second half
> The Lady Tigers held an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks
> There was a combined 19 fouls and three yellow cards
News and Notes
> Grambling State recorded its seventh straight shutout
> The Lady Tigers have not conceded a goal in 660 minutes
> Grambling State finished the regular season with 27 points, while Howard had 25 points
> GSU earned the No. 1 seed for next week's SWAC Women's Soccer Tournament
> The Lady Tigers surpassed their win total from a year ago (2017 record: 11-7-2)
Up Next
Grambling State has concluded the regular season and clinched the No. 1 seed at next week's SWAC Women's Soccer Tournament in Prairie View, Texas. The Lady Tigers will take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the opening round of the tournament at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1.
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Stellar defense helps Gold Rush win opener vs. Keiser
It was the season opener for both teams.
The Gold Rush, ranked 23rd in the NAIA, led 22-10 at halftime. It was the best scoring defense in a half by the XULA men since allowing six points in the first half at home against Alabama State on Feb. 9, 1945.
XULA won its opener for the 23rd consecutive season. Alfred Williams is 12-0 in XULA openers — 3-0 as a player, 6-0 as assistant coach and 3-0 as head coach.
The Gold Rush led 35-24 with 5:48 remaining, then the Seahawks scored 17 of the next 24 points to close the gap to 42-41 in the final minute. XULA sealed the victory when newcomer Johnell Lane made 2-of-2 free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining, then the Rush produced a turnover on Keiser's final possession.
XULA allowed its fewest points in an opener since a 97-41 home victory vs. Schreiner on Nov. 11, 1995, and its fewest points in any game since a 42-39 victory at Edward Waters on Feb. 20, 2016.
XULA will play the University of the Virgin Islands at 2 p.m. AST (1 p.m. CDT) Sunday, then play its home opener at 7 p.m. Thursday against Carver in the Convocation Center.
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
XULAgold.com
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold
Friday, October 26, 2018
Sophomores Shine in TSU Blue and White Scrimmage
Final Score: White 61 – Blue 57
Venue: Gentry Center
Location: Nashville, Tenn.
Venue: Gentry Center
Location: Nashville, Tenn.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State University women’s basketball team hosted a Blue and White Scrimmage Thursday night in the Gentry Center.
The White Team came out on top, 61-57, after a highly competitive four quarters of action. The sophomores led the way for the Lady Tigers who had four players score in double-figures.
Sophomore Andreana Wrister led all scorers with 22 points while knocking down 6-of-12 from three-point range for the Blue Team. Taylor Roberts reached double-digits with 18 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.
Jaden Wrightsell posted a double-double to lead the White Team with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Freshman Annaliese Burnett came off the bench to score 12 points while senior Asia Sims grabbed 10 rebounds.
QUOTES
Head Coach Jessica Kern
“I am, first of all, glad the season is here. When you practice so much, you’re ready to just play somebody else. A lot of offensive production tonight.”
“It’s nice to see we’re putting the pieces together. I’m happy that we are from an energy standpoint all on the same page and from a positivity standpoint, we’re all on the same page.”
“They’ve worked really hard this season. Overall we’ve got people to score the ball at every position and that’s what makes me really excited.”
SEASON OPENER
SEASON OPENER
TSU will get its final tune up of the season with an exhibition contest against Cincinnati Christian on Nov. 5 in the Gentry Center before officially kicking off the 2018-19 campaign at Lipscomb on Nov. 9.
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
SWAC Football Notebook: Week 9
Week 9 schedule (All games are conference games)
Mississippi Valley State at Texas Southern; 2 p.m. Stats Video
Alcorn State at Prairie View A&M; 2 p.m.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Grambling State; 2 p.m. Stats Radio: KPCH - 99.3 FM | KJMG - 97.3 FM
Magic City Classic: Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M in Birmingham, Ala.; 2:30 p.m. ESPN3
Jackson State at Southern; 6 p.m. Stats Audio
Week 9 Notes:
- Tiger Strong: Texas Southern has defeated Mississippi Valley State in four straight meetings including a 38-21 victory in last season’s match up.
- 1-2 punch: Texas Southern wide receivers Bobby Hartzog (30 receptions, 574 yards, five touchdowns) and Tren’Davian Dickson (31 receptions, 511 yards, four touchdowns) are currently the top two receiving leaders in the SWAC.
- Decade high: With Mississippi Valley State’s 48-47 double overtime victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff last week, it was the most points the Delta Devils scored against a conference opponent since November 8, 2008 when it defeated Texas Southern 58-44.
- You like points?: The Alcorn State-Prairie View A&M series have recently staged some of the highest scoring affairs in the conference. The Braves and Panthers have totaled at least 54 points in eight consecutive match ups dating back to the 2010 season including three games in which they combined to score at least 85 points from 2012-2014. The highest scoring match up featured a 77-48 win by Alcorn State in 2014.
- Rushing title tightens up: Prairie View A&M running back Dawonya Tucker leads Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Taeyler Porter by just single yard heading into week nine. Tucker has 812 yards with four touchdowns while Porter has rushed for 811 yards and six touchdowns.
- Tops in the conference: Alcorn State continues to lead the SWAC in both points per game (34.0), yards per game (451.9 per game), defensive points allowed per game (19.9) and defensive yards allowed per game (266.6).
- Four in a row: Grambling State has defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff in four consecutive seasons dating back to the 2013 season when the Golden Lions came away with a 45-42 victory. The game was close last year as well with the Tigers holding off UAPB 31-26 last November 4.
- Solo stopper: Arkansas-Pine Bluff sophomore defensive back Shawn Steele leads the conference in solo tackles with 33.
- Rushing the quarterback: Grambling State ranks second in the SWAC in sacks with 24, but the Arkansas-Pine Bluff offensive line has held opponents to just five sacks all season, the lowest mark in the conference. The Tigers also rank second in sacks against conference teams with 17 while the Golden Lions have not allowed a sack in three conference games to rank first in the category.
- Magic City Showdown: The Magic City Classic’s first game between Alabama State and Alabama A&M was played in 1924. It has been an uninterrupted, annual tradition since 1945 and has been played at Legion Field since 1946. The classic is the largest HBCU event in the nation attracting nearly 200,000 participants. The Bulldogs lead the series with a record of 40-38-3 all-time, but the Hornets came away victorious in last year’s edition by the count of 21-16.
- Boombox Classic: Jackson State travels down to Baton Rouge, La. to take on Southern in another see-saw rivalry. The Jaguars leads the all-time series 32–29 after winning the last five in the series including last year’s 35-17 victory.
- Stiffen up that defense: Both Southern and Jackson State have stiffened up their defense when it comes to conference play. The Jaguars rank first in points allowed per game (13.5) while the Tigers are ranked second by allowing 18.3 points per contest.
SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
The Road To The Championship HBCU Football Schedule, Week 9
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2018
OTHER CONFERENCES
Fairmont State at West Virginia State, 1 PM, WATCH LISTEN LIVE STATS
Langston at Texas College, 8 PM, Homecoming
Edward Waters at Southeastern, 7 PM Homecoming Video Stats
Lincoln (MO) at Missouri S&T 8 PM Video Stats Audio
CIAA
Winston-Salem State at Shaw, 1 PM, TV: Aspire, Homecoming
Saint Augustine's at Johnson C. Smith, 1 PM, Homecoming
Bowie State at Lincoln ( Pa.), 1 PM
Virginia Union at Elizabeth City State, 1 PM
Chowan at Virginia State, 2 PM
Livingstone at Fayetteville State, 2 PM, Homecoming
SIAC
Tuskegee at Central State (OH), 12 PM, Video Stats FLO Football
Miles at Clark Atlanta, 1 PM
Albany State at Benedict, 2 PM Video Stats FLO Football
Fort Valley State at Morehouse, 2 PM Video Stats FLO Football
Lane vs. Kentucky State at Hopkinsville, KY, 2 PM F.E. Whitney Classic Stats
BIG SOUTH
Virginia University Lynchburg at Hampton, 2 PM, ESPN+ Homecoming
MEAC
Bethune-Cookman at Nebraska, 12 PM, TV: BTN
South Carolina State at Howard, 1 PM, TV: ESPN3/STN, Homecoming
North Carolina Central at Delaware State, 2 PM, TV: ESPN3, Homecoming
Norfolk State at Savannah State, 3 PM, TV: ESPN3, Homecoming
Morgan State at Florida A&M, 4 PM, TV: ESPN3
SWAC
Mississippi Valley State at Texas Southern, 2 PM Stats Video
Alcorn State at Prairie View A&M, 3 PM Homecoming Audio Stats
Arkansas Pine Bluff at Grambling State, 3 PM Homecoming Stats
Radio: KPCH - 99.3 FM | KJMG - 97.3 FM
Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M at Birmingham, 3:30 PM, TV: ESPN3 $
Jackson State at Southern, 7 PM Stats Audio
Note: $ 77th Magic City Classic
ALL GAME TIMES TIMES SHOWN IN EASTERN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
TSU's Jones Addresses Media on SWAC Basketball Teleconference
#SWACMBB Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Trayvon Reed, @TXSOTigers— The SWAC (@theswac) October 18, 2018
- Led SWAC in rebounding (8.8 RPG) and blocked shots (3.0 BPG).
- Added 9.7 PPG on the offensive end. pic.twitter.com/8Ziv1PeXN5
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Texas Southern head men's basketball coach Johnny Jones participated in the SWAC Basketball Teleconference.
SWAC Basketball Teleconference
Please click the link above to listen to the audio segment in its entirety.
Texas Southern Men's Basketball Head Coach Johnny Jones
Opening Statement
"Good morning we're certainly excited about the upcoming season, we're all new to each other in terms of players and coaches. It's been a challenge but certainly a great experience. The guys have worked extremely hard and we feel like only three out of the four guys we have returning will dress-up this year. The nine new faces that we have that will be on the floor this year certainly gives us a reason to be excited and putting this group together is something that I've been looking forwards to since taking the job on July 1st."
On SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Trayvon Reed
"I loved Trayvon Reed in high school, I actually tried to recruit him out of high school but unfortunately we lost that battle but I'm really excited about having the chance to coach and lead him. I can tell from day one his ability to block shots, his talent level, ability to score around the rim and rebound the ball is something that we think will impact this basketball team. We just want to make sure we highlight the good things he can do around the rim and continue to improve in those areas and make sure that we try to stay away from areas he's not as effective in. But we certainly feel like he can impact the game on both ends of the floor and we look forward to trying build this team around him."
On the difference in coaching styles between current and former staff
"It's hard to say because coach and I never had an opportunity to coach together against Coach Davis but I've had the ability to watch his teams play. He's an incredible basketball coach, we're talking about a guy who took his team to the Final Four multiple times, and not only the Final Four but the championship game let's you know of his abilities and his talent. He did a superb job here at Texas Southern at putting a team together and allowing them to advance and get to the championship and then get to the NCAA Tournament. I think speaks volume to his abilities and his talent. I certainly would play up-tempo because of the points being scored but our system would probably be different but our end goal is to score that would be a lot of things that we do the same. We both try to put points on the board and play up-tempo but our offense will totally be different."
On TSU transfers Jeremy Combs and Jaylyn Patterson
"Jaylyn played for me at LSU, he was a point guard on the team there in the same class with Ben Simmons. He has a lot of ability and great talent. I'm excited about his ability and I'm hoping he can come in and quarterback this basketball team. I think the sign of a good team is really when they have a really good quarterback on the floor and I think that Jaylyn Patterson will be able to provide that force. He has good court awareness, he can hit open shots, create opportunities for others around him and he has the ability to score. I remember in his freshman year at LSU, late in games we would put him in when we needed to make defensive stops, so he's another guy that can possibly affect both ends of the floor. Jeremy Combs, 6-7, 220 pounds did a tremendous job at North Texas, averaged a double-double before transferring to LSU. Unfortunately, his injuries sidelined him there and decided that he'll play his last year here with us. I knew Jeremy was a gamer and a tough player. From what he's shown in these early practices are what he's going to be able to provide to this team with his urgency, sense of toughness, his leadership. That means a lot to us and his ability to score and his basketball IQ is certainly going to allow him to impact this team in a positive way."
On team buying into the new philosophy
"The good thing is when I came in we were all new to each other, and I told them the slate was clean. You had guys here who probably didn't play minutes that they wanted to and you had guys sitting out, and there's guys that we had to go out and recruit. So were all new to each other and there's great opportunities for everyone, and I think a little bit of my background certainly helps. The places that I've been and the guys I've had the opportunity to coach certainly helped and give me a little credibility. Getting these guys on the floor and showing them how we are going to play and areas where they would have scoring opportunities and then have a chance to impact this team. I made sure there no favoritism going on because I was new to them. I think this has given them an opportunity to welcome me with open arms as I've had the opportunity to do them, and the staff as well. It's the first time that I've transitioned as a coach in a position that I've had the higher position. This has really been good for me and I think the newness has been something bright for our staff and team as well."
On guard Derrick Bruce
"He's a good player, he's tough, talented and he's a guy who can really excel in the open floor. From watching tape of his abilities and talent last year, I can tell he's certainly a gamer. I think the scheme and the way we will play will benefit his game with the minutes we feel like he can produce out there on the floor as well."
On expectations for the team this year
"My expectations for this group is for them to go out and play as hard as they can possibly play night in and night out. That's what we're trying to build and that's on both in ends of the floor in terms of buying in. We have a very tough and challenging schedule to open up the season and I'm not sure how those games will turn out but my mission and goal is when we tip it off these guys are excelling and playing as hard as they can until that final buzzer. If we can develop some really good habits that at the end of the day some really great things will happen for this basketball team. So I don't have any preconceived idea in terms of where we going to finish, but we've got great coaches in this league. There's a lot of guys returning from last year. You also have Grambling State, Prairie View A&M and Arkansas Pine-Bluff sitting there at the top of the league and their coaches have done a tremendous job. So it's going to be a challenge and I know that every night we're going to have to be prepared for conference play but even in the pre-season I have to have these guys ready to play. It's certainly going to be a challenge to compete night in and night out on the road like we'll have these nine preseason games out there."
On the setup of the non-conference schedule
"If I had to choose I would play all my games at home, but I understand that we do have to play some road games and with that being said we look forward to the challenge. We're fortunate that we're going the have the opportunity to play a couple of non-conference games here at home. Mike played 13 straight on the road last year, his first home game was a late game. I'll play nine games on the road and I think we have a couple home games which we'll start a series with Lamar University out there on the road. We play two D2 schools here at home which gives the fans a chance to see us prior to getting into conference action so were excited about that. But like Mike, I do want to challenge these guys on this team, they do want to play against the tough competition. These are guys they've seen growing up, playing AAU basketball and have had great challenges against. It's going to give them the opportunity to go on that floor and have the opportunity to be at their best on those nights. Just like Coach Davis, I look forward to those challenges as well."
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TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Trio Of Homecoming Games Headlines MEAC Final Weekend Of October
NORFOLK, Virginia -- The MEAC race is tightening up as five full weeks of action remain in the race for the championship. Florida A&M controls its own destiny as the lone undefeated team in the MEAC while North Carolina A&T State, Howard and N.C. Central follow with one loss each. Howard, FAMU and N.C. Central are all in action this weekend while the Aggies have a bye.
Based on the past two years, just one loss damages a team’s chances at a MEAC Championship as the 2017 and 2016 champions both finished undefeated. In 2015, three teams with one loss shared the title while five teams with two losses in 2014 were crowned co-champions. There are three, one loss teams now with FAMU the only undefeated team remaining.
Bethune-Cookman at Nebraska
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12 p.m.
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South Carolina State at Howard* (homecoming)
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1:30 p.m.
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North Carolina Central at Delaware State* (homecoming)
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2 p.m.
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Norfolk State at Savannah State* (homecoming)
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3 p.m.
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Morgan State at Florida A&M *
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4 p.m.
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North Carolina A&T State was picked to defend its MEAC Football Championship as the Aggies received 19 first-place votes and was a unanimous choice to defend their MEAC Championship and represent the league in the annual Celebration Bowl on Dec. 15 in Atlanta, Ga. The Aggies have not won consecutive MEAC Championships since the 1991 and 1992 campaigns. Howard University was predicted to place second in head coach Mike London’s second season followed by N.C. Central in third place and Bethune-Cookman in fourth. Florida A&M was picked fifth followed by Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Savannah State, Morgan State and Delaware State.
Name tags will be needed this season as five MEAC teams feature new head coaches. Delaware State, Florida A&M, Morgan State, N.C. A&T State and N.C. Central will have new leaders. Both head coaches at Morgan State and NCCU coaches have the interim tag attached.
The MEAC’s streak of FBS wins continues for the third straight year after North Carolina A&T State’s win over East Carolina on Sept. 2. The MEAC picked up two FBS wins last season (2017) as North Carolina A&T State defeated Charlotte (Conference USA) while Howard defeated UNLV. The 2016 North Carolina A&T State win over Kent State was the Aggies’ first FBS win in school history and the first MEAC FBS win since Bethune-Cookman defeated C-USA’s Florida International 14-12 in 2014.
North Carolina A&T State remains the lone MEAC team ranked amongst FCS teams. The Aggies are now ranked No. 18 in the STATS FCS and 18th in the latest FCS Coaches polls.
North Carolina A&T State University quarterback Lamar Raynard was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while N.C. Central defensive back Davanta Reynolds was selected as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Last year’s MEAC Champions, North Carolina A&T State, finished the 2017 season with their highest national ranking ever as they finished No. 6 in the NCAA FCS Coaches Poll. They entered the 2018 season with their highest national preseason ranking ever with voters ranking the Aggies preseason No. 14 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. However, the Aggies will feature a new look as head coach Sam Washington takes over for the retired Rod Broadway. Washington was formerly N.C. A&T’s defensive coordinator.
History suggests a team has to win its conference opener in order to chart its path to the MEAC Championship. The last championship team which opened with a league loss was Bethune-Cookman in 2015 as they fell to N.C. Central. North Carolina A&T State, BCU and NCCU all tied for a share of the title in 2015.
The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced a partnership with the MEAC to reveal the league’s offensive and defensive players of the year as part of the festivities surrounding the 61st NFF Annual Awards Dinner Dec. 4 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. This marks the third consecutive year the players will be honored in New York.
The 14th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge saw North Carolina Central fall to Prairie View A&M on Sunday, Sept. 2. The SWAC holds a two-game winning streak for the first time in series history.
The winner of the MEAC’s regular season title will earn a bid to the 4th annual Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Ga. on Dec. 15 at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The bowl, which pits the MEAC Champion versus the SWAC Champion, is the only FCS league to host a bowl game as the MEAC leads the series 2-1.
MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
VSU Men's Cross Country Team Reclaims CIAA Championship Title
SALEM, Virginia -- The Virginia State University men's cross country team accomplished their season goal by reclaiming the CIAA Championship Title. VSU had five Trojans to cross the finish line among the overall top 15 finishes. Leading the charge for the Trojans was Tyreece Huff with an overall second place time of 26:36.5.RESULTS
The full story is forthcoming.
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Alabama A&M Bulldogs preparing for Magic City Classic
The Magic City Classic is important.
There is truth in what Maynor has heard.
Not only is the Magic City Classic a longstanding — and intense — rivalry between Alabama's two largest HBCUs, but it also is one of the most-attended games in the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision.
"And this game is extremely important to a whole lot of people," Maynor said. "That was made clear since Day 1. I've been told that from just about everyone since the day I got here."
Maynor and his new Alabama A&M coaching staff is about to see what the chatter is about.
Alabama A&M plays Alabama State on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Magic City Classic in Birmingham at Legion Field. It is the 81st time the two in-state rivals have played, and it is the 77th time in the Magic City Classic.
"Since I got here, when I go out and talk to alumni groups, the primary thing I've been told is 'you better win the Classic,'" Maynor said. "It doesn't take long to figure out just how big this game is. Just look at the numbers. This is one of the biggest games in the FCS, and for our players to have a chance to play in an event like this is huge.
"This game is a reason why guys choose to play at Alabama A&M."
In Maynor's first season, Alabama A&M (3-4) has shown lots of positive signs.
With a young team that relies heavily on underclassmen, Alabama A&M has made waves in the
SWAC, competing with some of the league's top teams.
But, what would a strong showing the Classic provide?
"This game carries so much weight," Alabama A&M defensive end Yurik Bethune. "These are the type of games you love as a player. It means so much to so many people. This is what it's about."
Alabama A&M (3-4, 2-2 in SWAC) is entering the final stretch of its schedule, and the Bulldogs are chasing the program's first winning season in six years.
How would a successful game against a longtime rival impact the program?
"It would be huge," Alabama A&M quarterback Aqeel Glass said. "There aren't many schools our size who have games of this magnitude. Anyone who thinks it's not a big deal just needs to come by the stadium on Saturday. When that many people come out for an event, it's a really, really big deal.
"A win in this game goes a really long way."
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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