Texas Southern men’s basketball coach Tony Harvey could check off a lengthy list of accomplishments from the 2009-10 season. TSU’s first winning season since 2002-03. A 10-win improvement from the previous season. The Tigers’ first appearance in the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament final since 2003.
Harvey, however, said his No. 1 accomplishment of 2009-10 can be best seen in a photo that sits on the desk of his office. In the photo, Harvey is posing with former Tigers guard David Burrell after the latter’s graduation from TSU in May.
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Williams shakes off three interceptions, rallies Morgan State past Delaware State, 34-24
The redshirt freshman then directed an 85-yard drive, capped by his 34-yard touchdown pass to Tyrone Hendrix with 20 seconds left. Sheldon Jacques added another touchdown on a 2-yard fumble return as time ran out to give Morgan State a 34-24 victory in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game Saturday before an announced 14,312 at Hughes Stadium.
Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley liked how his team overcame adversity on the last drive.
In seconds, DSU Hornets squanders victory
BALTIMORE, MD -- Delaware State has struggled all season when it comes to stopping the opponent in the fourth quarter. Saturday saw that problem reach a new extreme. With time winding down, Morgan State overcame a fourth-and-10 from its own 15-yard line and rallied for 13 points in the final 20 seconds to pull off a 34-24 victory in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game.
"That's why you have to play for every snap that's required in a football game," DSU head coach Al Lavan said. "It's not a mystery as to what happened. It's very clear as to what happened -- we didn't make enough plays when we were given the opportunity to."
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huevoicesdotcom captures sights and sounds from Morgan State's 2010 Homecoming game. Check out Bobby Marvin's blog site at: http://www.huevoices.com
huevoicesdotcom is a blog that provides news,one on one interviews, features, and commentary on the African-American community of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Monday, October 25, 2010
North Carolina A&T Aggies Blow Out Howard Bison, 52-32
The Howard Bison may not be winning, but they are progressing. Although they fell to 1-6 after suffering a 52-32 road loss to the North Carolina A&T Aggies on Oct. 23, Howard scored their highest point total this season behind freshman quarterback Randy Liggins, Jr. Howard entered the game averaging just 11 points per game, but lit up the scoreboard in the losing effort.
Howard turned the ball over five times, and North Carolina A&T took full advantage, jumping out to a 14-0 lead after Jeremy Graham returned a fumble 38 yards for a score on Howard's opening drive of the game. Howard battled back behind Liggins, who threw consecutive scoring strikes to Brandon Drayton and Daley Gunter for 56 and 31 yards, but the team failed both two-point conversions to make it 14-12 at the end of the first quarter.
Aggies get first victory
GREENSBORO -- N.C. A&T coach Alonzo Lee couldn't help but crack a furtive smile before addressing the media following his team's 52-32 runaway win against Howard. When your team came in on a 10-game losing streak -- a run that began at last year's homecoming -- you're allowed to smile.
Lee reverted to his usual stoic demeanor after a few seconds, but there was no question how much the victory meant to him and the program. "I first want to thank God for a long-time-coming victory," Lee said. "There's no doubt I was just as excited for the young men."
N.C. A&T 52, Howard 32
ATTENDANCE: 6,351
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Howard turned the ball over five times, and North Carolina A&T took full advantage, jumping out to a 14-0 lead after Jeremy Graham returned a fumble 38 yards for a score on Howard's opening drive of the game. Howard battled back behind Liggins, who threw consecutive scoring strikes to Brandon Drayton and Daley Gunter for 56 and 31 yards, but the team failed both two-point conversions to make it 14-12 at the end of the first quarter.
Aggies get first victory
GREENSBORO -- N.C. A&T coach Alonzo Lee couldn't help but crack a furtive smile before addressing the media following his team's 52-32 runaway win against Howard. When your team came in on a 10-game losing streak -- a run that began at last year's homecoming -- you're allowed to smile.
Lee reverted to his usual stoic demeanor after a few seconds, but there was no question how much the victory meant to him and the program. "I first want to thank God for a long-time-coming victory," Lee said. "There's no doubt I was just as excited for the young men."
N.C. A&T 52, Howard 32
ATTENDANCE: 6,351
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ASU Hornets wear down winless Savannah State Tigers
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Eight games, all on the road. The Savannah State Tigers are just looking for a break. "We haven't won a game, so we've got it in our mind that we have to play as hard as we can to try and win a football game," said senior linebacker J. Vince Cochran, the team's leading tackler. "Just give more effort than we usually do to try and pull one out."
The Tigers put together an inspired defensive effort against Alabama State on Saturday, but the end result was the same. Savannah State wore down in the second half and allowed the Hornets to pull away for a 24-0 win in front of 5,237 fans at Cramton Bowl.
Savannah State Tigers Fall to 0-8
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Devin Dominguez completed 18 of 27 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns as Alabama State beat Savannah State 24-0 on Saturday.
The Hornets (4-3) took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter after an 8-yard touchdown pass from Dominguez to Nick Andrews. Dominguez hooked up with Landon Jones on a 12-yard scoring pass in the third quarter as Alabama State entered the fourth with a 14-0 lead.
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Based on the talent that Savannah State has recruited in their first year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for football, basketball, baseball and the band, the Tigers are going to become a competitive force in short order. I like the enthusiasm of the kids and how they are not letting this growth period negatively impact their long term goals toward creditability and high achievement in the conference.
Keep plugging away SSU as you continue laying the foundation for a solid Division I program. In a few years as you become competitive, Alabama State, Georgia State and Georgia Southern won't even take your athletic director's telephone calls to schedule a game with the Tigers.
Already, the Georgia State Band wants no parts of a 5th quarter in the Dome with the Tigers. Go SSU!
-Beepbeep
The Tigers put together an inspired defensive effort against Alabama State on Saturday, but the end result was the same. Savannah State wore down in the second half and allowed the Hornets to pull away for a 24-0 win in front of 5,237 fans at Cramton Bowl.
Savannah State Tigers Fall to 0-8
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Devin Dominguez completed 18 of 27 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns as Alabama State beat Savannah State 24-0 on Saturday.
The Hornets (4-3) took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter after an 8-yard touchdown pass from Dominguez to Nick Andrews. Dominguez hooked up with Landon Jones on a 12-yard scoring pass in the third quarter as Alabama State entered the fourth with a 14-0 lead.
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Based on the talent that Savannah State has recruited in their first year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for football, basketball, baseball and the band, the Tigers are going to become a competitive force in short order. I like the enthusiasm of the kids and how they are not letting this growth period negatively impact their long term goals toward creditability and high achievement in the conference.
Keep plugging away SSU as you continue laying the foundation for a solid Division I program. In a few years as you become competitive, Alabama State, Georgia State and Georgia Southern won't even take your athletic director's telephone calls to schedule a game with the Tigers.
Already, the Georgia State Band wants no parts of a 5th quarter in the Dome with the Tigers. Go SSU!
-Beepbeep
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Virginia State Trojans tame Lincoln (Pa.) Lions
ETTRICK, VA - It's a good thing the cannon at Rogers stadium fires blank rounds after every Virginia State University touchdown. If actual cannon balls were required, there may not have been enough on hand Saturday as home team routed Lincoln 42-0 in a CIAA matchup.
The Trojans defense fired a blank of their own, claiming their first shutout of the year by forcing five turnovers and limiting the Lions to 225 yards of total offense.
VSU senior Laquentin Milo got things started for the home team by picking off a pass from Lincoln quarterback Steven Torres. The 6-0, 220-pound linebacker returned it 29 yards to the Lions' 16-yard line, much to the delight of a rowdy homecoming crowd.
Image Gallery for Trojans tame Lions
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The Trojans defense fired a blank of their own, claiming their first shutout of the year by forcing five turnovers and limiting the Lions to 225 yards of total offense.
VSU senior Laquentin Milo got things started for the home team by picking off a pass from Lincoln quarterback Steven Torres. The 6-0, 220-pound linebacker returned it 29 yards to the Lions' 16-yard line, much to the delight of a rowdy homecoming crowd.
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Win slips through Lane's fingers late at home
Emotions overcame Lane College football coach Derrick Burroughs after the Dragons lost to Stillman College 26-25 on the final play Saturday. "I don't know, I don't know," Burroughs, with his hands on top of his head said. "What to say, I don't know." The last second loss mirrored Lane's 30-23 overtime loss to Benedict College, October 10.Burroughs and Lane were stunned as Stillman came away with the win after Damien Ford took a lateral from Samuel Barry on a Hail Mary pass play that covered 65 yards. "I had just said a prayer on the sidelines," Ford said. "And (God) pulled us through."
Lane defensive back Jerell Alexander looked as if he had picked off Stillman quarterback Demarco Starks' desperation pass at the Lane 20, but fate found Stillman (1-7, 1-6) and heartbreak found Lane (0-8, 0-7).
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Bethune-Cookman 7-0, but not perfect
DURHAM, N.C. -- Bethune-Cookman's perfect run continued Saturday with a 23-10 win over North Carolina Central at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. But it wasn't a thing of beauty, according the first-year Wildcats coach Brian Jenkins.
"A win is a win," Jenkins said. "We'll take it. It was ugly. We didn't play very well offensively. Thank God for our defense. My hat goes off to North Carolina Central. They played a tough physical football game, which I knew they would."
The 14th-ranked Wildcats needed a fourth-quarter scoring surge to put away N.C. Central and improve to 7-0. NCCU (2-5), which joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this season but is not yet eligible for the conference championship, lost its third straight game.
DURHAM, N.C. -- Bethune-Cookman won its first five football games of 2010 with offense, but for the second week in a row the Wildcats needed their defense to come through on Saturday, and it did. An interception by junior linebacker Ryan Lewis that he returned 67 yards for a touchdown set the tone early for Bethune-Cookman in its 23-10 win over North Carolina Central.
Lewis said he knew the play was coming before the interception because of the way Central's tight end lined up and got off the ball on the snap. "All week I heard about that play (in practice)," Lewis said. "The coaches told me it was going to be there and I just had to make it. I got a couple of blocks from my teammates that helped me. That's the best part about it."
Bethune-Cookman pulls away from NCCU
DURHAM -- It's going to take more than a game to turn around N.C. Central's football season, but interim coach Darryl Bullock saw some promising signs in his team's 23-14 loss to No. 14 Bethune-Cookman on Saturday. "We're showing we belong and we're close, but that just makes me sick," Bullock said. "It is a sick feeling, and I know that's how the team feels. We've got to stay together."
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ATTENDANCE: 7,645
"A win is a win," Jenkins said. "We'll take it. It was ugly. We didn't play very well offensively. Thank God for our defense. My hat goes off to North Carolina Central. They played a tough physical football game, which I knew they would."
The 14th-ranked Wildcats needed a fourth-quarter scoring surge to put away N.C. Central and improve to 7-0. NCCU (2-5), which joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this season but is not yet eligible for the conference championship, lost its third straight game.
Wildcats LB Lewis keeps coming up big
DURHAM, N.C. -- Bethune-Cookman won its first five football games of 2010 with offense, but for the second week in a row the Wildcats needed their defense to come through on Saturday, and it did. An interception by junior linebacker Ryan Lewis that he returned 67 yards for a touchdown set the tone early for Bethune-Cookman in its 23-10 win over North Carolina Central.
Lewis said he knew the play was coming before the interception because of the way Central's tight end lined up and got off the ball on the snap. "All week I heard about that play (in practice)," Lewis said. "The coaches told me it was going to be there and I just had to make it. I got a couple of blocks from my teammates that helped me. That's the best part about it."
Bethune-Cookman pulls away from NCCU
DURHAM -- It's going to take more than a game to turn around N.C. Central's football season, but interim coach Darryl Bullock saw some promising signs in his team's 23-14 loss to No. 14 Bethune-Cookman on Saturday. "We're showing we belong and we're close, but that just makes me sick," Bullock said. "It is a sick feeling, and I know that's how the team feels. We've got to stay together."
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ATTENDANCE: 7,645
KSU Thorobreds' rally falls just short in home finale
Frankfort, KY - One yard and a missed extra point. Combined, those two things cost the Kentucky State football team a victory on Saturday against Fort Valley State. The Thorobreds lost 14-12 despite a rally in the final minute that gave them a chance to tie with no time left on the clock.
Trailing 14-6 with 1:05 left in the game, KSU recovered a fumble on the FVSU 45-yard line. After stalling on the first three downs, KSU got new life with a pass interference call on a fourth down Hail Mary pass. Taking over at the 11-yard line, quarterback Martez James (who took over for Jerrell Noland) flipped a pass out to Jamaree Gordon in the right flat. Gordon spun around and shed two tackles before making a final dive at the pylon.
FVSU holds off Kentucky State
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Fort Valley State head coach Donald Pittman said Kentucky State was scary. Defensive coordinator Haskel Buff expected the Thorobreds to give the Wildcats a test. FVSU almost failed it.
The Wildcats gave up a touchdown on the game’s final play, but the defense came through with the stop on the two-point conversion as FVSU avoided the upset and nipped Kentucky State 14-12 on Saturday afternoon. FVSU improved to 7-1 overall and 6-1 in the SIAC, while Kentucky State fell to 3-6 and 2-5.
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Trailing 14-6 with 1:05 left in the game, KSU recovered a fumble on the FVSU 45-yard line. After stalling on the first three downs, KSU got new life with a pass interference call on a fourth down Hail Mary pass. Taking over at the 11-yard line, quarterback Martez James (who took over for Jerrell Noland) flipped a pass out to Jamaree Gordon in the right flat. Gordon spun around and shed two tackles before making a final dive at the pylon.
FVSU holds off Kentucky State
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Fort Valley State head coach Donald Pittman said Kentucky State was scary. Defensive coordinator Haskel Buff expected the Thorobreds to give the Wildcats a test. FVSU almost failed it.
The Wildcats gave up a touchdown on the game’s final play, but the defense came through with the stop on the two-point conversion as FVSU avoided the upset and nipped Kentucky State 14-12 on Saturday afternoon. FVSU improved to 7-1 overall and 6-1 in the SIAC, while Kentucky State fell to 3-6 and 2-5.
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Southern Jaguars let one slip away
SHREVEPORT, LA — Henry Frazier III wasn’t worried. Saturday night at Independence Stadium, even when his Prairie View football team came up empty on a handful of great chances to score against Southern in the second half, Frazier felt good. His team had momentum. His team was in good shape.Ultimately, by the end of the Panthers’ 30-16 victory, he was right. “I told (the players), ‘We’ll be OK,’ because our defense was playing so good,” Frazier said. “When your defense is playing that well ... I mean, we stayed on their side of the field the whole second half. So I was OK with it. Normally, I’m conservative, but I took a couple of gambles tonight.”
Panthers defense stiffens
SHREVEPORT — In the first half, the Prairie View A&M defense allowed 218 yards to Southern. The second half was a different story. The Panthers limited the Jaguars to 41 yards in the second half en route to a 30-16 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory in Saturday’s Shreveport Classic at Independence Stadium.
Prairie View defensive coordinator Heishma Northern said the Panthers made a few adjustments at halftime, but it was mostly about playing better. “We just talked to the guys about doing their job,” said Northern, a Baton Rouge native who played football at Southern and played and coached at Glen Oaks High School.
Prairie View breaks through in 4th quarter
SHREVEPORT — Through much of the second half of Saturday’s game at Independence Stadium, when Southern’s offense failed to move the ball and Prairie View kept threatening to take control, the Jaguars’ defense did everything it could to hold the fort. Or, in the words of defensive tackle Jordan Miller, the defense did almost everything.
Eventually, the Panthers broke through. “Our offense delivered. Sixteen points should be enough to win,” Miller said. “We can’t keep giving up so many touchdowns.” Really?
Panthers continue recent dominance over SU
SHREVEPORT — Another year. Another win. Another round of notable achievements for the Prairie View football program. The Panthers defeated Southern 30-14 on Saturday at Independence Stadium, their third consecutive victory over the Jaguars. It had been a while since Prairie View could claim that kind of dominance over Southern.
The Panthers hadn’t won three straight games in this series since 1962-64, when legendary William “Billy” Nicks still coached at Prairie View. Saturday’s game also marked the first time this season that Panthers quarterback K.J. Black — the reigning offensive player of the year in the Southwestern Athletic Conference — threw for more than 300 yards this season.
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ATTENDANCE: 19,979
Final: Prairie View, 30; Southern, 16
HOW THEY SCORED
First quarter
Prairie View – Donald Babers 3 run (Kyle Mathews kick) at 8:11. DRIVE: 10 plays, 83 yards, 4:25. KEY PLAYS: Prairie View converts on a third-and-10 with a throw from quarterback K.J. Black to tailback Devin Brown. Black throws to wideout Shaun Stephens for a 32-yard gain. SU safety Demetric Rogers is flagged for holding on an overthrown pass. Babers runs on the final five plays of the drive. Prairie View 7, Southern 0.
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Grambling Tigers grind out win over MVSU Delta Devils
GREENVILLE, Miss. — Grambling State's performance against Mississippi Valley State on Saturday was far from perfect, but it was more than enough to get the job done.
The Tigers were plagued by penalties, turnovers and a general lack of focus, but still notched a comfortable 35-14 victory over the winless Delta Devils and remained perfect in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. "We didn't play like we're capable of playing, and we didn't make the progress I thought we would make, but a win's a win," Grambling head coach Rod Broadway said. "We still beat 'em by 21."
Grambling burns winless Valley 35-14
GREENVILLE, MS — Frank Warren rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns, and Grambling State rumbled past Mississippi Valley State 35-14 on Saturday. Warren carried 29 times and sealed the win for the Tigers (6-1, 6-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) with 85- and 39-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter. Danny Reyes passed for two TDs and ran for another as Grambling piled up 516 yards of total offense.
Oliver Hughes completed eight of 22 passes for 194 yards and two TDs for the Delta Devils (0-7, 0-5).
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The Tigers were plagued by penalties, turnovers and a general lack of focus, but still notched a comfortable 35-14 victory over the winless Delta Devils and remained perfect in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. "We didn't play like we're capable of playing, and we didn't make the progress I thought we would make, but a win's a win," Grambling head coach Rod Broadway said. "We still beat 'em by 21."
Grambling burns winless Valley 35-14
GREENVILLE, MS — Frank Warren rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns, and Grambling State rumbled past Mississippi Valley State 35-14 on Saturday. Warren carried 29 times and sealed the win for the Tigers (6-1, 6-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) with 85- and 39-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter. Danny Reyes passed for two TDs and ran for another as Grambling piled up 516 yards of total offense.
Oliver Hughes completed eight of 22 passes for 194 yards and two TDs for the Delta Devils (0-7, 0-5).
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ATTENDANCE: 3,197
FAMU Rattlers Defeat Norfolk State 17-13
NORFOLK, Va. – The Florida A&M University Football played the role of spoiler as they defeated Norfolk State, 17-13 on their homecoming, here Saturday afternoon at Dick Price Stadium.
Trevor Scott would give FAMU a 3-0 lead as he connected on a 28-yard field goal with 13:09 remaining in the first quarter as the Rattlers recovered a NSU’s Dwight Fluker-Berry fumble on the kickoff. Dante Barnes gave the NSU a 7-3 lead as scored on a 68-yard interception return with 5:54 to go in the first quarter, after the Ryan Estep PAT.
Mistakes doom NSU in 17-13 loss to Florida A&M
NORFOLK, VA - The Norfolk State football team found a new way to reach the same, tired, result. Betrayed by their defense and penalties, rather than offense and special teams, the Spartans surrendered the winning touchdown with 5:21 left and lost 17-13 to Florida A&M (4-3, 3-1 MEAC) on Saturday.
This one, the fourth straight defeat for NSU (2-5, 1-4), came before 21,118 fans on homecoming, a second straight kick in the gut after a one-point rivalry game loss to Hampton. "This one hurts a lot," senior running back DeAngelo Branche said. "You'll never understand. It's your last homecoming. To lose a game like that..."
Even with the excitement and festivities surrounding homecoming, the Norfolk State Spartans were unable to keep the Florida A&M Rattlers at bay, losing in yet another close game, 17-13.
Both teams came into the game in a must-win situation. NSU was trying to break their three game losing streak; Florida A&M needed a win to stay in the race for the MEAC Championship. The opening kickoff was fumbled by Spartans defensive back Dwight Fluker-Berry, the Rattlers recovered the ball and turned it into a 28-yard field goal by Trevor Scott. Two possessions later, cornerback Dante Barnes returned an interception 68 yards to put the Spartans up 7-3.
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NSU notes: It's 3000 yards and counting for Branche
Norfolk State running back DeAngelo Branche, who needed 42 yards to reach the 3,000-yard mark for his career, finished with 89 yards on 26 carries. The Maury graduate is just the second Spartan to hit the milestone and the first to do it at the FCS level.
"It was one of my goals," Branche said. "You can enjoy it a little. Even after a loss, an achievement is still an achievement. My name's in the record books. When I leave here, it'll still be here." Doing it on homecoming made it extra special.
NORFOLK, Va. — He didn't get a response from Florida A&M, or any other school that he sent film to in hopes of making their football team. Chris Walley, who piled up all sorts of impressive accolades just a few years ago at North Florida Christian, had all but resolved to just spending the spring semester at home. Pete Adrian, head coach at Norfolk State University, saw something he liked on Walley's video, though.
"He's able to do what he has to do," Adrian said. "He gets his checks on and off and that's a good thing." The call came and Walley had just enough time to get into classes a few days before the spring session began. He won the quarterback job.
Rattlers rally to victory
NORFOLK, Va. — With just over 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the Florida A&M football team trailing by three points, the situation became one of mind over matter for running back Philip Sylvester and quarterback Martin Ukpai.
What transpired for the next 5:13 Saturday afternoon was a remarkable performance with Sylvester rushing for 42 yards during a 98-yard drive that propelled the Rattlers past Norfolk State 17-13 in a must-win game at Dick Price Stadium. The Spartans had scored the go-ahead points on a field goal near the end of the third quarter, creating a desperate situation for FAMU.
Taylor on recruiting trail for local talent
NORFOLK, Va. — For the second consecutive weekend, Florida A&M faced a team that has a Big Bend quarterback under center. Of course, FAMU coach Joe Taylor has been paying attention to the talent of Antonio Bostick and Chris Walley. Bostick is quarterback at Savannah State, while Walley plays the same position at Norfolk State.
Taylor talked as if he doesn't want to make those kinds of misses in the future. His recruiters are already on the trail of some of the top players in the area, Taylor said, with some of them making early commitments. "We are just trying to make sure we get ours," said Taylor, who is prohibited by NCAA rules from naming names any players who have committed to join the program next season.
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ATTENDANCE: 21,118
Trevor Scott would give FAMU a 3-0 lead as he connected on a 28-yard field goal with 13:09 remaining in the first quarter as the Rattlers recovered a NSU’s Dwight Fluker-Berry fumble on the kickoff. Dante Barnes gave the NSU a 7-3 lead as scored on a 68-yard interception return with 5:54 to go in the first quarter, after the Ryan Estep PAT.
Mistakes doom NSU in 17-13 loss to Florida A&M
NORFOLK, VA - The Norfolk State football team found a new way to reach the same, tired, result. Betrayed by their defense and penalties, rather than offense and special teams, the Spartans surrendered the winning touchdown with 5:21 left and lost 17-13 to Florida A&M (4-3, 3-1 MEAC) on Saturday.
This one, the fourth straight defeat for NSU (2-5, 1-4), came before 21,118 fans on homecoming, a second straight kick in the gut after a one-point rivalry game loss to Hampton. "This one hurts a lot," senior running back DeAngelo Branche said. "You'll never understand. It's your last homecoming. To lose a game like that..."
Snake Bitten
Even with the excitement and festivities surrounding homecoming, the Norfolk State Spartans were unable to keep the Florida A&M Rattlers at bay, losing in yet another close game, 17-13.
Both teams came into the game in a must-win situation. NSU was trying to break their three game losing streak; Florida A&M needed a win to stay in the race for the MEAC Championship. The opening kickoff was fumbled by Spartans defensive back Dwight Fluker-Berry, the Rattlers recovered the ball and turned it into a 28-yard field goal by Trevor Scott. Two possessions later, cornerback Dante Barnes returned an interception 68 yards to put the Spartans up 7-3.
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Norfolk State running back DeAngelo Branche, who needed 42 yards to reach the 3,000-yard mark for his career, finished with 89 yards on 26 carries. The Maury graduate is just the second Spartan to hit the milestone and the first to do it at the FCS level.
"It was one of my goals," Branche said. "You can enjoy it a little. Even after a loss, an achievement is still an achievement. My name's in the record books. When I leave here, it'll still be here." Doing it on homecoming made it extra special.
Former NFC QB Walley doing well in Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. — He didn't get a response from Florida A&M, or any other school that he sent film to in hopes of making their football team. Chris Walley, who piled up all sorts of impressive accolades just a few years ago at North Florida Christian, had all but resolved to just spending the spring semester at home. Pete Adrian, head coach at Norfolk State University, saw something he liked on Walley's video, though.
"He's able to do what he has to do," Adrian said. "He gets his checks on and off and that's a good thing." The call came and Walley had just enough time to get into classes a few days before the spring session began. He won the quarterback job.
Rattlers rally to victory
NORFOLK, Va. — With just over 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the Florida A&M football team trailing by three points, the situation became one of mind over matter for running back Philip Sylvester and quarterback Martin Ukpai.
What transpired for the next 5:13 Saturday afternoon was a remarkable performance with Sylvester rushing for 42 yards during a 98-yard drive that propelled the Rattlers past Norfolk State 17-13 in a must-win game at Dick Price Stadium. The Spartans had scored the go-ahead points on a field goal near the end of the third quarter, creating a desperate situation for FAMU.
Taylor on recruiting trail for local talent
NORFOLK, Va. — For the second consecutive weekend, Florida A&M faced a team that has a Big Bend quarterback under center. Of course, FAMU coach Joe Taylor has been paying attention to the talent of Antonio Bostick and Chris Walley. Bostick is quarterback at Savannah State, while Walley plays the same position at Norfolk State.
Taylor talked as if he doesn't want to make those kinds of misses in the future. His recruiters are already on the trail of some of the top players in the area, Taylor said, with some of them making early commitments. "We are just trying to make sure we get ours," said Taylor, who is prohibited by NCAA rules from naming names any players who have committed to join the program next season.
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ATTENDANCE: 21,118
'D' rules for Rams - WSSU's defense shuts down UNC Pembroke
No. 21-ranked Winston-Salem State has plenty of glitz and glamour on offense, but it can also grind it out on defense. The Rams, thanks to their defense’s best game of the season, shut down UNC Pembroke 21-7 in front of a homecoming crowd of around 18,000 at Bowman Gray Stadium.With the victory, the Rams (8-1) improved their chances for a Division II playoff berth and along the way proved that their defense can also win games.
“To finish my last home game of my career with an interception and to get a win is great,” said senior defensive back Marvin Bohannon, a former star at North Forsyth. “Pembroke’s a great team and their defense is ranked nationally and that let us know we can play with the best.”
» Gallery: 10-23-2010 WSSU vs UNCP football
UNCP Braves Fall At No. 21 Winston-Salem State
By UNCP Sports Information
WINSTON-SALEM – Kameron Smith threw for 207 yards and two first half touchdowns, and then used his legs to add the final score of the game in the second half, to help lead the 21st-ranked Winston-Salem State Rams to a rousing 21-7 Homecoming victory over visiting UNCP on Saturday afternoon at Bowman-Gray Stadium.
The Rams (8-1) amassed more than 350 yards of total offense, including 248 in the first half alone, to take a 14-7 lead into the locker rooms, and then capitalized on a turnover on the opening drive of the second half to put the game away. Despite being limited to just 106 yards of total offense in the opening half, UNCP (5-3) had its chances to post a second half comeback, but fumbled away its opening possession of the third quarter and turned the ball over on downs on three of its final four possessions of the game.
Kameron Smith completed 14 of his 21 pass attempts with an interception to open up holes for the ground game which got 108 yards on 19 carries from Nicholas Cooper. Jahuann Butler contributed three catches for 84 yards and both first half touchdowns for the Rams as well.
Rashon Kennedy ran for a team-best 55 yards for the Braves, who also got 30 rushing yards and their lone touchdown from Keith Gore. St. Anthony Lloyd matched a school record with eight catches for the second-straight game and paced the air game with 62 receiving yards. Quarterbacks Cory Smith (13-of-24) and Garrett Sutphen (9-of-19) each tallied 92 passing yards, but both threw interceptions in the opening stanza as well.
"We had our opportunities in the second half to make this a good game, and we let them slip away," said UNCP head coach Pete Shinnick. "Winston-Salem State did a good job of executing what they wanted to do. We made a couple of mistakes and gave up a couple of long balls but, other than that, I thought our defense played very well. We got going late offensively, but didn't get any points. The name of the game is to score points and we didn't score enough."
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Attendance: 18,000
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Homecoming 2010: WSSU puts on a grand parade
Winston Salem, N.C. - Musicians, dancers, beauty queens and fire trucks marched, strutted, waved and rolled through downtown yesterday in celebration of Winston-Salem State University’s homecoming.
WSSU’s Red Sea of Sound Marching Band helped kick off the 10 a.m. parade that drew a throng of people along the Fourth Street route.
Bobbietta Adams was there with her daughter Cameron, 4, who was having fun dancing to the music and waving to the band’s members as they marched by. Bobbietta Adams has been a WSSU fan all her life.
» Gallery: 10-23-2010 Homecoming Parade for Winston-Salem State University
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WSSU’s Red Sea of Sound Marching Band helped kick off the 10 a.m. parade that drew a throng of people along the Fourth Street route.
Bobbietta Adams was there with her daughter Cameron, 4, who was having fun dancing to the music and waving to the band’s members as they marched by. Bobbietta Adams has been a WSSU fan all her life.
» Gallery: 10-23-2010 Homecoming Parade for Winston-Salem State University
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Grounded: JSU's vaunted passing attack stymied by TSU's attacking D
HOUSTON, TX - Air what? For the first time this season, Jackson State's Air Raid offense met its match. And then some.Hounded, hassled and harassed, quarterback Casey Therriault and his prolific passing attack stood no chance as Texas Southern beat Jackson State 21-18 on Saturday, grounding the Air Raid with a swarming secondary and a pass-rushing defensive front.
The Football Championship Subdivision's leaders through the air, Therriault and JSU's new pass-happy offense walked out of Houston's Butler Stadium with a black eye of a day that included one offensive touchdown.
Clock ticks down on Jackson State's decisions
HOUSTON, TX - Jackson State fans let the boos reign during the final 2 minutes of the Tigers' 21-18 loss to Texas Southern on Saturday. The reason for it stemmed from some questionable game management that may have cost JSU a chance to get a final possession with the team down by three points. Here's a retake of the events:
Notebook: Banged-up defense melts down in second half
How about this for a tale of two halves in Jackson State's 21-18 loss to Texas Southern on Saturday? JSU's defense allowed 97 yards and 0 points in the first half. And in the second? 260 yards and 21 points.
The Tigers allowed a total of 295 yards rushing, most of those coming in the final two quarters and many of them coming on long third-down scampers from TSU QB Arvell Nelson.
Texas Southern holds off Jackson State
Marcus Wright ran for 139 yards and a touchdown and Arvell Nelson added 115 rushing yards and two scores as Texas Southern held off Jackson State 21-18 Saturday. Wright rushed 26 times while Nelson scored on a 12-yard run and a 1-yarder and passed for 62 yards.
Texas Southern (4-3, 4-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) finished with 295 yards on the ground while holding Jackson State (5-2, 3-2) to minus-6.
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Attendance: 8,767
No. 24 Saint Augustine's Falcons spoil JCSU Bulls' homecoming
Saturday was J.C. Smith's homecoming, but Walter Sanders' big day.St. Augustine's tailback became the first Falcon to run for 1,000 yards since the program was revived in 2002 in a 34-24 CIAA South win against the Golden Bulls at McGirt Field. Sanders, Division II's third-leading rusher, ran for 208 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries to help No. 24 St. Augustine's (7-1, 5-0) win its sixth straight and remain tied for first in the division with Raleigh crosstown rival Shaw.
"Our offensive linemen came out ready to play because it was Johnson C. Smith's homecoming and we wanted to set an example ...
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SC State Pulls Out Tough 10-7 Victory Over Hampton
ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1 MEAC)turned things around with a hard fought 10-7 victory over the Hampton University Pirates (5-2, 4-1 MEAC), Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.The Bulldogs celebrating “Homecoming 2010” took advantage of every option in front of a home crowd 22,000 students, alums, and former Bulldog athletes to preserve the victory.
“We are happy to get a win and it wasn’t easy beating a team like Hampton,” stated SC State head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough. “We kind of got things together and turned our week around after a tough loss to Bethune-Cookman a week ago.”
Bulldogs boot the Pirates, 10-7
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Scott’s Erickson’s 48-yard field goal with 7:32 to go in the fourth quarter lifted South Carolina State to a 10-7 conference victory against Hampton on Saturday before a homecoming crowd of 22,010 at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
The win allowed the Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1) to stay in the running for at least a share of the MEAC title and a spot in the FCS playoffs. Hampton (5-2, 4-1) saw its five-game winning streak end.
“That was a win that we had to have, and we found a way to get it done against a real good team,” Bulldogs coach Buddy Pough said. “Scott’s been hitting them pretty good for us all season, so I was pretty confident when I sent him out. He’s as good as you’ll find in the country.”
Hampton University's five-game winning streak ends with 10-7 loss at South Carolina State
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — In a game dominated by defense, Hampton's MEAC showdown with two-time defending South Carolina State on Saturday came down to special teams.
The host Bulldogs received a decisive 48-yard field goal from Scott Erickson with 7:23 remaining in the fourth quarter, while Hampton freshman Rodrigo Hernandez was 0-for-2, including a botched-snap mishap that doomed a potential game-tying bid from 37 yards out with 3:14 to go.
Erickson's 10th straight successful kick was the longest of his career, and lifted the Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1 MEAC) to a 10-7 win that kept their conference championship hopes alive. For the Pirates (5-2, 4-1), it was the end of a five-game winning streak and the fifth straight loss to S.C. State.
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ATTENDANCE: 22,010
Albany State comes back, edges Morehouse
Albany State scored a touchdown with 18 seconds to play Saturday for a come-from-behind 13-12 win over Morehouse.
The Golden Rams’ Ronnie Childs caught a 6-yard pass from Stanley Jennings in the corner of the end zone to keep Albany State undefeated. Morehouse players -- and fans who were congregated just off the field -- protested loudly that Childs’ foot was out of bounds on the catch. A scuffed foot mark on the end line was Morehouse’s claim as evidence. The back official saw it and called the head referee over to see the mark, but the head referee was having none of that. The play stood.
“It hurts really bad,” Morehouse coach Rich Freeman said. “I thought we were one first down away from getting the win, and we took a...
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Morehouse junior Lewis Eichelberger wowed the audience attending the Dedicatory Performance in the Emma and Joe Adams Concert Hall in the new Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College. Lewis was accompanied by professor Dr. Jefferson Ethridge on piano. Director Spike Lee took film classes from young Eichelberger's father, Dr. Herb Eichelberger, a professor at Clark Atlanta University.
The Golden Rams’ Ronnie Childs caught a 6-yard pass from Stanley Jennings in the corner of the end zone to keep Albany State undefeated. Morehouse players -- and fans who were congregated just off the field -- protested loudly that Childs’ foot was out of bounds on the catch. A scuffed foot mark on the end line was Morehouse’s claim as evidence. The back official saw it and called the head referee over to see the mark, but the head referee was having none of that. The play stood.
“It hurts really bad,” Morehouse coach Rich Freeman said. “I thought we were one first down away from getting the win, and we took a...
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Morehouse junior Lewis Eichelberger wowed the audience attending the Dedicatory Performance in the Emma and Joe Adams Concert Hall in the new Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College. Lewis was accompanied by professor Dr. Jefferson Ethridge on piano. Director Spike Lee took film classes from young Eichelberger's father, Dr. Herb Eichelberger, a professor at Clark Atlanta University.
Week 8: Pretenders vs. Contenders
My heart goes out to the players at Lane College. After 19 straight losses, you would think the Dragons (0-8, 0-7 SIAC) could hold onto a lead to beat the equally bad Stillman College Tigers (1-7, 1-6). No Sir! The Dragons allowed Coach L.C. Coles Tigers to come from behind scoring 9 points in the 4th quarter to squeak past Lane 26-25 on the final play of the game.
For Lane College first year Coach Derrick Burroughs, who was the defensive backs coach at Stillman in 2007, its another bad pill to swallow. With SIAC powers Fort Valley State and Tuskegee remaining on the Dragons schedule, it looks like an 0-10 season for Lane. It was pure joy for L.C. Cole who coached at Lane with his brother, Johnnie Cole (Texas Southern) a few years ago.
Does anyone have any ideal why Livingstone is not competitive? Fayetteville State romped 59-6 on the Blue Bears like they were playing their own "pit team." And Saint Paul's Tigers offense finally showed up scoring 28 points on Virginia Union, but the Panthers offense was 11 points better for a 39-28 VUU win. Enough with the pretenders....
Now to the contenders... Hampton botched a late field goal attempt in the 4th quarter to hand S.C. State a gift 10-7 homecoming win. Bethune Cookman conducted another coaching clinic, this time at North Carolina Central, and walked away with a 23-10 win to move to 7-0, 4-0 MEAC on the season.
Does anyone have any ideal why Livingstone is not competitive? Fayetteville State romped 59-6 on the Blue Bears like they were playing their own "pit team." And Saint Paul's Tigers offense finally showed up scoring 28 points on Virginia Union, but the Panthers offense was 11 points better for a 39-28 VUU win. Enough with the pretenders....
Now to the contenders... Hampton botched a late field goal attempt in the 4th quarter to hand S.C. State a gift 10-7 homecoming win. Bethune Cookman conducted another coaching clinic, this time at North Carolina Central, and walked away with a 23-10 win to move to 7-0, 4-0 MEAC on the season.
Florida A&M is no cupcake and Norfolk State's homecoming party got squashed by the Rattlers 17-13. The Rattlers remain in contention for the MEAC championship with a 3-1 record, tied with S.C. State. Coach Joe Taylor is not looking ahead, but we are. Up next are Morgan State (homecoming), at North Carolina A&T, Hampton and the November 20, Florida Classic with league leading Bethune-Cookman.
Better get your tickets now for the Florida Classic. This B-CU/FAMU clash will be a sellout with 74,000 partying fans at the somewhat refurbished (new field turf) Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. But it won't mean a thing, if the Rattlers don't stop Morgan State next week. Taylor says, one game at a time, but the Rattlers offense has looked anemic since week 3 of the season.
FAMU's defense and special teams play is consistently good enough to help the Rattlers run the table and stay in title contention. It appears that the Rattlers are beginning to believe in their slogan -- " Don't take no for an answer!"
If the B-CU Wildcats continue to steamroll the conference, they will make the greatest one season turn-around in recent FCS memory. The 'Cats finished last season at 5-6 under former Coach Alvin Wyatt, and have a chance to go undefeated in their first season under Coach Brian Jenkins with the Speedway O spread offense.
Better get your tickets now for the Florida Classic. This B-CU/FAMU clash will be a sellout with 74,000 partying fans at the somewhat refurbished (new field turf) Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. But it won't mean a thing, if the Rattlers don't stop Morgan State next week. Taylor says, one game at a time, but the Rattlers offense has looked anemic since week 3 of the season.
FAMU's defense and special teams play is consistently good enough to help the Rattlers run the table and stay in title contention. It appears that the Rattlers are beginning to believe in their slogan -- " Don't take no for an answer!"
If the B-CU Wildcats continue to steamroll the conference, they will make the greatest one season turn-around in recent FCS memory. The 'Cats finished last season at 5-6 under former Coach Alvin Wyatt, and have a chance to go undefeated in their first season under Coach Brian Jenkins with the Speedway O spread offense.
What can you say about Grambling State other than they own the SWAC and the MVSU Delta Devils. The G-Men(6-1, 6-0 SWAC) won 35-14 without breaking a sweat.
Defense rules! Just ask Jackson State Tigers No. 1 ranked offense. Coach Johnnie Cole's Texas Southern Tigers defense proved again why they are the No. 1 ranked defense in the SWAC -- holding the "Air Raid" offense to -6 yards rushing, 5 sacks and holding the FCS leading passer, Casey Therriault in check.
TSU has two tune-up games next with Mississippi Valley and Southern before the November 11, Thursday night Clash of the Titans with Grambling State for the SWAC West Division title. This home game will be televised by ESPN Classic and ESPN3.com to the nation.
TSU has two tune-up games next with Mississippi Valley and Southern before the November 11, Thursday night Clash of the Titans with Grambling State for the SWAC West Division title. This home game will be televised by ESPN Classic and ESPN3.com to the nation.
What more can you say about the No. 8 ranked Albany State Golden Rams other than their quarterback is backing up the talk. Junior quarterback Stanley Jennings, 2-times SIAC Offensive Player of the Week, guaranteed that the Golden Rams would not lose the remainder of the season.
It took a superman effort, but ASU scored a touchdown in the final18 seconds of the game on an 84 yard drive. The Golden Rams keep the promise alive with the come from behind 13-12 win to spoil Morehouse homecoming. Jennings was responsible for 92 yards rushing and 202 yard passing, to move ASU record to 8-0, 7-0 SIAC. No. 18 ranked Morehouse drops to 6-2, 5-2 SIAC.
-beepbeep
SIAC
Fort Valley State 14, Kentucky State 12
Albany State 13, Morehouse 12
Tuskegee 37, Clark Atlanta 10
Stillman 26, Lane 25
Benedict 20, Miles 14
MEAC
South Carolina State 10, Hampton 7
Bethune Cookman 23, North Carolina Central 10
Florida A&M 17, Norfolk State 13
North Carolina A&T 52, Howard 32
Morgan State 34, Delaware State
Alabama State 24, Savannah State 0
SWAC
Arkansas Pine Bluff 39, Alcorn State 35 (Thurs.)
Texas Southern 21, Jackson State 18
Alabama State 24, Savannah State 0
Grambling State 35, Mississippi Valley 14
Prairie View A&M 30, Southern 16
CIAA
Bowie State 20, Elizabeth City State University 12
Winston Salem State 21, North Carolina - Pembroke 7
Shaw 35, Chowan 14
Saint Augustine's 34, Johnson C. Smith 24
Virginia State 42, Lincoln (Pa.) 0
Fayetteville State 59, Livingstone 6
Virginia Union 39, Saint Paul's 28
OVC
Tennessee Tech 21, Tennessee State 10
OTHERS
Peru State 41, Lincoln (Mo.) 33
North Greenville 42, Edward Waters 0
Glenville State 42, West Virginia State 27
Shippensburg 50, Cheyney
SIAC
Fort Valley State 14, Kentucky State 12
Albany State 13, Morehouse 12
Tuskegee 37, Clark Atlanta 10
Stillman 26, Lane 25
Benedict 20, Miles 14
MEAC
South Carolina State 10, Hampton 7
Bethune Cookman 23, North Carolina Central 10
Florida A&M 17, Norfolk State 13
North Carolina A&T 52, Howard 32
Morgan State 34, Delaware State
Alabama State 24, Savannah State 0
SWAC
Arkansas Pine Bluff 39, Alcorn State 35 (Thurs.)
Texas Southern 21, Jackson State 18
Alabama State 24, Savannah State 0
Grambling State 35, Mississippi Valley 14
Prairie View A&M 30, Southern 16
CIAA
Bowie State 20, Elizabeth City State University 12
Winston Salem State 21, North Carolina - Pembroke 7
Shaw 35, Chowan 14
Saint Augustine's 34, Johnson C. Smith 24
Virginia State 42, Lincoln (Pa.) 0
Fayetteville State 59, Livingstone 6
Virginia Union 39, Saint Paul's 28
OVC
Tennessee Tech 21, Tennessee State 10
OTHERS
Peru State 41, Lincoln (Mo.) 33
North Greenville 42, Edward Waters 0
Glenville State 42, West Virginia State 27
Shippensburg 50, Cheyney
LeMoyne-Owen closer on football
Committee favors starting in 2012; president, board still must approve.A feasibility committee will recommend that LeMoyne-Owen College field a football team starting in 2012.
The recommendation, based on expectations that football will drive up enrollment, will be made to president Johnnie B. Watson -- who seems inclined to approve it and send it to the Board of Trustees for the final OK. Watson said Wednesday afternoon that he had not received the recommendation. But he said he would support a plan, if fiscally sound, that would return football to the school, which last fielded a team in 1951.
"I think any college president would love to have a football team because of all the people that it brings to the campus," Watson said. "The primary question I would raise is how are we going to fund it? How are we going to sustain the funding of it?
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Saturday, October 23, 2010
Preview: Week 8 - CIAA, SIAC, SWAC, MEAC Football Games
EXCITING CIAA DIVISIONAL RACES ENTER STRETCH RUN!
GAME OF THE WEEK: ELIZABETH CITY STATE AT BOWIE STATE: The winner of this contest has won the Division four of the past five seasons. This season, however, both teams trail Virginia State after prior losses to the Trojans. Consequently, BSU and ECSU must take care of their business and wish for a Virginia State stumble. The question for the Vikings is....
This Week in the SWAC for Oct. 20, 2010
THE RATING GAME
1. GRAMBLING
Another week, another big game from RB Frank Warren.
2. TEXAS SOUTHERN
Tigers play four of last five regular-season games at home.
3. JACKSON STATE
Nov. 20 game against Alcorn could decide Eastern Division.
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GAME OF THE WEEK: ELIZABETH CITY STATE AT BOWIE STATE: The winner of this contest has won the Division four of the past five seasons. This season, however, both teams trail Virginia State after prior losses to the Trojans. Consequently, BSU and ECSU must take care of their business and wish for a Virginia State stumble. The question for the Vikings is....
This Week in the SWAC for Oct. 20, 2010
THE RATING GAME
1. GRAMBLING
Another week, another big game from RB Frank Warren.
2. TEXAS SOUTHERN
Tigers play four of last five regular-season games at home.
3. JACKSON STATE
Nov. 20 game against Alcorn could decide Eastern Division.
READ MORE, CLICK TITLES.
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