Bethune-Cookman excited about opportunity to play Florida State

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  -- Normally when Bethune-Cookman steps up in competition, coach Brian Jenkins will downplay the magnitude of the game while throwing in an apology to his opponent, as in, “No offense to (opponent here), but we treat this game like any other game.''

But this week, Jenkins went all Vince Dooley on Florida State, going as far as saying he thinks the No. 8 Seminoles are “destined to win a national championship.''

FSU (2-0) will host B-CU (3-0) at 6 p.m. today at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. And the usually stoic Wildcats, who are coming off their first win against a top-tier Division I opponent, seem genuinely excited to step into one of college football's most venerated arenas.

 

“You get a chance to go up against one of the best programs not only in the state but in the nation and you've got to get excited about that opportunity and the 'what if,' '' Jenkins said. “A lot of fans are excited. Everybody's excited. There's excitement in the air for our program and for our university, period.''

 

The Wildcats enter the game riding high after trouncing Florida International 34-13 last week. Now the stakes go up as they will face one of the top teams in the nation.

 

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PVAMU Panther Football Prepares For Home Opener This Weekend

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

OPPONENT: Alabama A&M

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Prairie View, Texas

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PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Prairie View A&M returns home to the friendly confines of Blackshear Field for the first time this season as they host the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in a key SWAC match-up on Saturday evening at 6 p.m.  Both teams enter the game looking to get back on the winning track as both fell in contrasting fashions last weekend on the road.

The Panthers are coming off an emotional double overtime loss to Southern last weekend in Baton Rouge, La. while Alabama A&M fell to South Carolina State in a non-conference match-up.  Prairie View A&M enters today's game looking to snap a two-game slide to the Bulldogs which dates back to 2011.  When A&M entered the SWAC in 1999, the contest was scheduled in September until 2004 when the series was pushed back to the end of the season.  Prairie View A&M began to have success against the Bulldogs when playing in November as they rattled off six straight wins until 2011. 

When playing in September, the series favors AAMU as they're 5-0 against the Panthers during that span.

Offensively, the Panthers feature a balanced attack led by junior quarterback Jerry Lovelocke (755 yards passing, 3 TDs), running back Courtney Brown (114 ypg, 5 TD), running back Johnta' Hebert (72 ypg, 4 TD) and wide receiver Deandre Cooper (21 receptions).  Defensively, linebackers Raheem Cardwell, Jerome Howard and Jamespaul Bryant lead the way with 37, 26 and 19 tackles, respectively.  Howard has a team-high three sacks and six tackles for loss.



COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Perceived role as big favorite worries S.C. State’s Pough

COLUMBIA, South Carolina  -- A big favorite against a smaller Palmetto State school hungry to pull a major upset, only to get eventually overwhelmed by the larger, more resourceful larger school.

South Carolina State played the underdog role two weeks ago when it traveled to Memorial Stadium to face third-ranked Clemson. Despite the Bulldogs’ best effort, the Tigers dominated from the outset to pull off a 52-13 victory.

Different Tiger, different role for S.C. State today at Williams-Brice Stadium. This time, it’s the Bulldogs who enjoy the perceived personnel advantages against a Division II Benedict College team it has defeated 11 straight times and defeated by an average of 43.3 points in the previous three Palmetto Capital City Classic meetings.

The Goliath mantle is something S.C. State head football coach Buddy Pough has been reluctant to wear entering today’s game. In fact, he sees a closer gap competitively between Benedict and S.C. State as compared to his team and Clemson.



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UAPB Golden Lions in a Familiar Spot Going into Saturday

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (0-3, 0-1 SWAC)
vs.
Alcorn State Braves (2-1, 1-0 SWAC)
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
Golden Lion Stadium

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- There's an old saying that goes "We got'em right where we want'em". If that's true, the Alcorn State Braves are in a little trouble. You see, last season, the Golden Lions lost a tough game to Alabama A&M at home, then proceded to stomp their way through the rest of the schedule en route to a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.

Well, here we are again. Last week, the Golden Lions came from 21 points down to take the lead, only to give up a late touchdown after a botched play on special teams and go on to lose to Alabama State 40-39. If history stays the course, the Golden are set to tee off on Alcorn State on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Golden Lions Stadium.

I think everyone understands the situation that we're in," said UAPB head coach Monte Coleman.

"Last year this time, after one SWAC game we were 0-1 with the loss to Alabama A&M, so we're by no means out of the race. There's one team in the SWAC that's won two SWAC games, so we're in the hunt."

By no means are Coleman and his staff panicing. "We're right where we need to be," he said. "The thing we've got to do is start winning football games, and the thing that we're doing is practicing to make sure that we win this game against Alcorn."

Though the mission is clear, it won't be easy. Alcorn State was a much improved team in 2012 and that has continued into this season. The Braves come into Saturday with a 2-1 record and 1-0 in the SWAC. They are coming off of a dramatic 35-28 come-from-behind win last Saturday over Mississippi Valley State.

The Braves lead the league in scoring averaging 35 points per game. Alcorn State is powered by a rugged running game led by tailback Arnold Walker. Walker is ranked sixth in the SWAC in rushing. He has a total of 216 yards, averaging 72 yards per game.

"The thing we're trying to do this week is just slow down and make sure that we take care of our responsibility before we try to help our teammate and I think we'll fair well this week against their running attack," said Coleman.

"We're very young on the defensive line. We've got one starter out of the four, which is Troy Goss. I told them that we have to play a little more aggressive and also take care of our responsibility. A lot of times, we tend to try and help our teammate before we take care of our responsibility and it gets us in trouble."

Alcorn State also has one of the SWAC's most prolific passers in John Gibbs. Gibbs is ranked second in the SWAC in Passing Efficiency. However, the Golden Lions counter with quarterback Ben Anderson, who is ranked third in the SWAC in Passing Yards/Game. Anderson is averaging 190.7 yards per contest. Anderson is also ranked fourth in the SWAC in total offense with 211.7 yards per game.

In addition to Anderson, the UAPB offense got on track against Alabama State after being squeezed in the first two games. There have been some surprises early on, as several young players have stepped into some vacancies left by missing veterans, particularly in the backfield. The duo of freshman tailbacks, Jeremiah Young and Jamie Smith have stepped in and lended balance to the UAPB attack. Smith is averaging 54.7 yards per game, while Young has scored in all three games this season. He has also thrown a touchdown pass.

"That's what good football teams are made of. You're going to lose players throughout the season, and when they go down somebody else has to take the responsibility and say I'm going to step up," said coach Coleman. "We've been very blessed and very fortunate to have good running backs. One running back goes down, we can plug in another one. It couldn't be more evident in this past game or this season."

"With (Justin) Billings not being able to play, (Aaron) LaGrone not being able to play, Jamie Smith stepped in a did a great job. Jeremiah Young has come in and done a great job and that's what we're going to need. We're going to need guys stepping up and if it's not the running backs, then we've got to be able to throw the football."

UAPB wideout Isaiah Ferguson also had a solid game against the Hornets. He finished the game with 115 yards on four catches. "Isaiah Ferguson had a tremendous game last week for us, keeping us in a game that we felt like we should have won," Coleman commented "That's part of recruiting. Young guys have to come in and play on occasions and the ones we've played so far this year have made a great impact for us."



QUICKIE NOTES

The Matchup:
This game has the appearance of two teams heading in different directions, at least on paper. The preseason favorite Golden Lions with games against two strong programs, then faced the preseason Eastern Division favorites Alabama State at home. The result was an 0-3 start. The Golden Lions now face Alcorn State, who just happens to be sitting atop the Eastern Division standings at the moment. The Braves' loss came to Mississippi State. With both teams putting up a lot of points last weekend, fireworks could be in order today.

The Series:
The Golden Lions lead the series 20-13-2. UAPB has won four of the last five meetings. Last season, UAPB used big plays in the second half to defeat Alcorn State. UAPB led 7-6 at halftime. The Golden Lions dominated the second half, outscoring the Brave 17-0.

Players to Watch
UAPB -
(RB) Jamie Smith - 164 yards, 1 TD on 38 carries (54.7 ypg)
(RB) Jeremiah Young - 67 yards, 3 TD on 22 carries (22.3 ypg - Has scored in all 3 games)
(QB) Benjamin Anderson - 49-of-89, 572 yards, 3 TDs, (190.7 ypg)
(WR) Dezmond Beverly - 10 rec, 139 yards (46.3 ypg)
(LB) Jer-ryan Harris - 40 tackles (13 solo), 1 TFL (1 fumble return for TD)
(P) Tyler Strickland - 19 punts, 779 yards (41.0 ypp)
ALCN -
(RB) Arnold Walker - 216 yards, 5 TDs (72 ypg)
(QB) John Gibbs - 44-of-71, 499 yards, 4 TDs (166.3 ypg)
(WR) Tavoris Doss - 8 rec, 114 yards, 1 TD (38 ypg)
(LB) William Thomas - 18 tackles (10 solo), 1 TFL
(LB) Deion Roberson - 14 tackles (7 solo), 5 TFL, 1 FF
(DB) Damon Watkins - 18 tackles (15 solo), 1 BU, 1 PD

Last time out:
UAPB -
The Golden Lions overcame a 21-point deficit, let it slip away down the stretch in a 40-39 loss to Alabama State. Alabama State jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. But after trimming the deficit to 24-13 by halftime, the Golden Lions scored 19 unanswered points to take a 32-24 lead. But, the lead wouldn't hold as a long drive, followed by a short drive set up by a botched punt, gave the Hornets the win. The loss spoiled a dramatic comeback effort for the Lions.

ALCN -
The Braves trailed Mississippi Valley 21-7 at halftime, but stormed back in the second half to get a 35-28 win at home. After tying the game in the fourth quarter. the Braves recovered an onside kick. John Gibbs gave the Braves the lead for good, hitting LaDarrien Davis on a 22-yard touchdown pass, putting the Braves up 28-21. Alcorn scored one more touchdown to put the game away.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

Tennessee State Men's Basketball Announces 2013-14 Schedule

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Tennessee State men’s basketball team has announced its upcoming schedule for the 2013-14 season. The slate includes 14 non-conference matchups, nine of which will be on the road.

“As our program moves forward, we wanted to play some of the toughest competition in the country and I think we did that,” head coach Travis Williams said. “We also wanted to let our student-athletes see different parts of the country and experience things that they have never experienced before.”

 

After a tune-up exhibition against Lemoyne-Owen at home on Nov.4, the Tigers will begin the regular season in Honolulu, Hawai’i for the Rainbow Classic. TSU will play host Hawai’i on Nov. 8, New Mexico State Nov. 9 and Western Michigan Nov. 11.

“The Rainbow Classic is a very well-respected tournament and Hawai’i, New Mexico State and Western Michigan are very good programs that had winning records last season,” Williams said.

Following the trip to the paradise islands, the Tigers will go to Kansas for a tilt at 2012-13 Final Four team Wichita State on Nov. 16 before coming home to face cross-town rival Lipscomb on Nov. 18.

“Coach Marshall at Wichita State has taken that program to the highest level and they were just one game short of the National Championship. I’m excited about our guys playing a team of that caliber,” Williams said.

TSU will then hit the road for contests at Tennessee (Nov. 22), Auburn (Nov. 26), USC Upstate (Nov. 30), Drexel (Dec. 7) and Illinois State (Dec. 19). Sandwiched in-between those matchups are home games versus Alabama A&M on Dec. 3 and Fisk on Dec. 15.

The Tigers will play host for the remaining non-conference contests when Miami (Ohio) and former TSU coach John Cooper come to town on Dec. 21 and Middle Tennessee State visits the Gentry Center on Jan. 7.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with Coach Cooper,” Williams said. "I was his top assistant when he was here, and I thank him for that, but it will be a different experience coaching against him."

TSU will start Ohio Valley Conference play on the road at Eastern Illinois (Dec. 28). The remaining road OVC matchups are Southeast Missouri State (Jan. 11), UT Martin (Jan. 13), Jacksonville State (Jan. 16), Tennessee Tech (Jan. 30), Belmont (Feb. 13), Morehead State (Feb. 27) and Eastern Kentucky (March 1).

The home schedule for conference games includes Tennessee Tech (Jan. 2), Jacksonville State (Jan. 4), Belmont (Jan. 18), Eastern Kentucky (Jan. 23), Morehead State (Jan. 25), Austin Peay (Feb. 6), Murray State (Feb. 8) and SIUE (Feb. 20).

“The level of competition in this conference is incredible, and any team can win on any given night,” Williams said. "Our team will have to be physically and mentally prepared for each and every game."

This year’s Ohio Valley Conference Tournament will be held at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville from March 5-8.

 

TSU 2013-14 Men's Basketball Schedule 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

 

XU's Montrel, Mandlekar, Bruins advance at HBCU event

JONESBORO, Georgia --  Xavier University of Louisiana's Kyle Montrel and Tushar Mandlekar each won twice Friday to advance to title matches at the HBCU National Tennis Championships.

Montrel, a sophomore seeded fourth in the men's singles A flight, defeated Prairie View A&M's Jackson Varney 6-3, 6-0 in the quarterfinals, then fought off six match points to upset Florida A&M's top-seeded Rodney Carey 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5).

Mandlekar, an unseeded freshman in the men's B flight, also defeated a pair of NCAA Division I players. He beat Prairie View's Trenton Johnson 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals and Bethune-Cookman's Santiago Lobelo 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in the semifinals.

Also advancing was unseeded XU freshman Sha'Nel Bruins in the women's singles C flight. Bruins defeated Tuskegee's fourth-seeded Meheq Khokar 6-1, 6-1 and Prairie View's Payton Gore 6-2, 6-0 to reach the semifinals.

Montrel will play Saturday in his final against third-seeded Daniil Gerasimov of North Carolina Central, and Mandlekar will face Florida A&M's Zack Evenden, who advanced when XU freshman Jordan Harrell retired because of cramping in the third set of their semifinal. Harrell led 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 1-0.

Bruins will play Southern's top-seeded Morgan Taylor in the semifinals.

Montrel and Mandlekar, top-seeded in men's A doubles, advanced to the semifinals with an 8-3 victory against North Carolina Central's Stephan Charles-Donatien and Tamina Kienka. Harrell and Nikita Soifer, seeded first in men's B doubles, beat Tennessee State's Daniel Bernal and Joe Daniels 8-0 to reach the semifinals.

Thursday's story: http://www.xula.edu/athletics/news/2013/0919a.html

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

NSU's Clark Announces 2013-14 Women's Basketball Schedule

COACH DEBRA CLARK

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- Head coach Debra Clark and the Norfolk State women's basketball team released their 2013-14 schedule. NSU will host 14 home games at Joseph Echols Hall in addition to participating in two-day tournaments hosted by Texas San Antonio and James Madison University.

"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to play 14 games home this season," said Clark. "We also play a very competitive non-conference schedule which I feel will prepare us for the tough competition we will face in the MEAC."

2013-14 NSU Women's Basketball Schedule

NSU will host Virginia Wesleyan in an exhibition game on Nov. 4 before opening the regular season at Morehead State on Nov. 8.

NSU will then host a trio of games at Joseph Echols Hall, including the home opener on Nov. 15 vs. Radford. The Spartans will also host UNC Greensboro on Nov. 20 and Wofford on Nov. 24.

The Spartans will travel to San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 29-30 for the UTSA Thanksgiving Classic, where they will play Texas-Pan American and Texas-San Antonio.

NSU will remain home for the next four games as it takes on both MEAC and non-conference opponents. The MEAC schedule opens with Florida A&M on Dec. 5 and then Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 7. The Spartans will have a 10 day break before competing against East Carolina on Dec. 17 and Virginia University-Lynchburg on Dec. 20.

The Spartans will close out their December schedule in Harrisonburg, Va., at the James Madison Invitational tournament on Dec. 29-30, where they will take on UMBC and either James Madison or Ohio.

The Spartans will face their last non-conference opponent of the season on Jan. 5 as they travel to Philadelphia, Pa., to take on the University of Pennsylvania.

NSU resumes MEAC play on the road at Maryland Eastern Shore on Jan. 11 and at Delaware State on Jan. 13. NSU will host two games in January, including Morgan State on Jan. 18 and Coppin State on Jan. 20. The Spartans will finish out the month of January at South Carolina State on Jan. 25 and at Savannah State on Jan. 27.

Norfolk State will travel to Morgan State on Feb. 8 before welcoming Howard on Feb. 10 and Hampton on Feb. 15. The Spartans will play three final road games as they visit Coppin State on Feb. 22, Howard on Feb. 24, and Hampton on March 1.

NSU will close out the regular season at Echols Hall with a game against UMES on March 3 and then North Carolina Central on March 6.

The 2014 MEAC Tournament will be held March 10-15 at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va.

By Chaundrea Lee, Media Relations Assistant
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Four TSU Tigers Remain in Hunt for Hardware at HBCU Championships

ATLANTA, Georgia  – The Tennessee State tennis continued play on Friday at the HBCU National Tennis Championships in Atlanta, Ga.

 

In quarterfinal play, Daniel Bernal lost a hard fought 6-3, 6-3 battle to the #3 seed, Daniil Gerasimov, North Carolina Central, in the men’s A Flight. The loss ended Bernal’s chase for a title, while Gerasimov added a win in the semifinals and will play in the championships match on Saturday morning.

 

Bernal continued play on the day as he teamed up with Joe Daniels in the men’s B Doubles. The Tiger duo earned an 8-6 victory over Fabrice George and Jamal Hoyte from North Carolina Central in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, the tandem ran into Jordan Harrell and Nikita Soifer, the top seeded team from Xavier (La.), and fell 8-0 to end their run in the tournament.

 

Daniels advanced in the men’s B Flight consolation over Kahai Hall of Morehouse and will face William East of North Carolina Central. The quarterfinal match will begin at 10:30am.

 

Jared Asher and Branden McClain fell just short, 8-5, in their first match of doubles action against James Jackson and Carlos McYntre of Prairie View A&M.

 

In women’s action, Attalah Eiland dropped an 8-4 contest to Veronika Kalugina from Stillman.

 

Jared Asher and Branden McClain will compete in men’s C Flight quarterfinal action. Asher will face Tuskegee’s Bobby Smith, while McClain will square off with Prairie View A&M’s James Jackson. Both matches are scheduled to start at 1:30pm.

 

Trinity Randolph will compete in a 1:00pm women’s C Flight consolation semifinal. Randolph will face the winner of the quarterfinal between Kalugina and third seeded Maria Dimitrova of Bethune-Cookman. 

 

Friday’s Results

 

Men A Flight

(3) Daniil Gerasimov, North Carolina Central defeated Daniel Bernal, TSU 6-3, 6-3

 

Men B Flight

Joe Daniels, TSU defeated Kahai Hall, Morehouse Def (ns)

 

Women C Flight

Veronika Kalugina, Stillman defeated Attalah Eiland, TSU 8-4

 

Men’s B Doubles

Daniel Bernal and Joe Daniels, TSU defeated Fabrice George and Jamal Hoyte, North Carolina Central 8-6

(1) Jordan Harrell and Nikita Soifer, Xavier (La.) defeated Daniel Bernal and Joe Daniels, TSU 8-0

 

James Jackson and Carlos McYntre, Prairie View A&M defeated Jared Asher and Branden McClain, TSU 8-5

  

Saturday Schedule

 

Men B Flight

Joe Daniels, TSU vs. William East, North Carolina Central 10:30am

 

Men C Flight

Jared Asher, TSU vs. Bobby Smith, Tuskegee 1:30pm

 

Branden McClain, TSU vs. James Jackson, Prairie View A&M 1:30pm

 

Women C Flight

Trinity Randolph, TSU vs. Semifinals 1:00pm

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Saint Augustine's football player overcomes hearing disability

RALEIGH, North Carolina  — When asked what the toughest thing is for him on the football field, Javarous Faulk simply responded, “Communication.”

Faulk, a St. Augustine defensive end, is essentially deaf able to hear sounds and tones through a hearing aid. But he is right at home after the ball is snapped.

“I’m just able to be me,” said Faulk, who was votied a second-team Division
II All-American by USA College Football. “It makes me happy.”

In 10 games last season, Faulk tallied 42 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. The 6-foot-1, 245-pounder has overcome his hearing disability and is now one of the most feared linemen in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

 When Faulk was only 3 years old in Macon, Ga., his mother, Debra Robinson, began noticing signs that led her to believe he might be losing his hearing. His word pronunciation seemed off, he would try to repeat words back and wouldn’t respond to his name when he was called.

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Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/09/20/3213181/st-augs-football-player-overcomes.html#storylink=cpy

Battle of the Bands: Texas Southern vs. Jackson State

XU wins 13-of-16 matches on first day of 2013-14 season

JONESBORO, Ga. — Xavier University of Louisiana's tennis teams won a combined 13-of-16 matches Thursday — 8-of-9 by their newcomers — on the first day of the HBCU National Championships.
     
The tournament is the first of two on the XU fall schedule, but first-day jitters were not a problem. Freshmen Tushar Mandlekar, Jordan Harrell, Sha'Nel Bruins and Brandi Nelson began their collegiate careers with singles victories. Mandlekar won twice and upset Florida A&M's third-seeded Courage Okungbowa 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals of the men's B flight.
     
Transfers Kevin Chaouat and Vincenzo Ciccone also won their XU singles debuts. Chaouat won twice to join Harrell and Mandlekar in the men's B quarterfinals.
      
Harrell, a No. 4 seed, defeated Howard's Myron Davis 6-2, 6-2. In the women's C flight, Bruins defeated Tuskegee's Raynah Favor 6-0, 6-1, and Nelson beat Tennessee State's Attallah Eiland 6-0, 6-0.
      
Returning NAIA All-Americans Kyle Montrel, Nikita Soifer and Kourtney Howell advanced in singles. Howell and Amber Brown won 8-3 in women's A doubles against Stillman's Litia Godinet and Veronika Kalugina, who were 26-2 last season.
     T
he Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets, both ranked among the top five in last season's final NAIA poll, were a combined 7-3 against NCAA Division I opponents.
     
The tournament will continue Friday and conclude Saturday at Clayton County Tennis Center.

Results:  Men    Women

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
XULAATHLETICS 

Xavier Rush schedule: exhibition at LSU, GCAC tourney in N.O.

 
NEW ORLEANS — The 2013-14 Xavier University of Louisiana men's basketball schedule includes a first-time visit to LSU and a chance for XU fans to stay home and watch the Gold Rush compete for the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament championship.
     
Dannton Jackson, in his 11th season as head coach of the Gold Rush, announced Thursday the schedule, which includes 15-of-29 regular season games in the Convocation Center.
      
Xavier will open its 76th season at 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 against Carver College of Atlanta in the Convocation Center. It will be the 20th consecutive season that the Gold Rush open at home, and the XU men will attempt to win their opener for the 18th straight season.
     
 Five days later, on Nov. 6, the Gold Rush will visit LSU in a 7 p.m. exhibition game. It will be the third time in eight seasons that the XU men play an exhibition against an SEC opponent. They visited Arkansas in 2006 and Vanderbilt in 2011.
      
The GCAC selected New Orleans as the host city for its 2014 men's and women's basketball tournaments. Xavier, one of three GCAC members from New Orleans, is committed to a role in the event, which will be played during the first full week of March. Venues, dates and times will be announced later.


      
Additional schedule highlights include:

     •  The Crosstown Classic on Jan. 25 against longtime HBCU, city and GCAC rival Dillard.
     •  A rematch with Faulkner, which defeated Xavier in the opening round of last season's Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship. The Eagles and Gold Rush will play Dec. 19 in Montgomery, Ala.
     •  Games against NCAA Division II opponents Albany State (Nov. 9 at Xavier) and LeMoyne-Owen (Nov. 30 in Memphis, Tenn.)
     •  Home-and-away matchups with former GCAC rivals Loyola, Belhaven, Mobile, Spring Hill and William Carey.
     •  Seven of the first 10 regular-season games at home and six consecutive home games in January.
     •  Senior Day on Feb. 22 against Tougaloo.
       
Xavier will begin its 32nd GCAC schedule Jan. 4 at Fisk, then visit first-year GCAC member Voorhees two days later. The first conference home game will be Jan. 11 against city rival SUNO.
     
Still to be determined is which home contest will be the NABC Suits and Sneakers Game for cancer awareness and fundraising.
      
It will be the second season of basketball in the Convocation Center, a $25 million facility which seats nearly 4,000. The Gold Rush were 12-3 in the building last season, including victories against Morehouse, Tuskegee, Mobile, SUNO, Philander Smith and Dillard.
     
The GCAC Tournament men's champion will earn an automatic bid to the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship at Kansas City, Mo. Xavier qualified for nationals last season as an at-large selection and reached the tournament for the third consecutive year and the seventh time in nine seasons. The Gold Rush were 24-8 overall in 2012-13 and 11-3 in the GCAC to share the regular-season title with Philander Smith. Xavier ranked 24th in the NAIA Division I postseason poll for the second consecutive year.

2013-14 Xavier University Men's Basketball Schedule Click here for detailed schedule information Nov. 1 (Fri.):  CARVER, 7 p.m. Nov. 6 (Wed.):  at LSU (exhibition), 7 p.m. Nov. 9 (Sat.):  ALBANY STATE (DH), 2 p.m. Nov. 11 (Mon.):  at Mobile (DH), 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 (Thu.):  WILEY, 7 p.m. Nov. 19 (Tue.):  LOYOLA, 7 p.m. Nov. 23 (Sat.):  TEXAS COLLEGE (DH), 2 p.m. (1) Nov. 26 (Tue.):  at Wiley, 6 p.m. Nov. 30 (Sat.):  at LeMoyne-Owen, 2 p.m. Dec. 5 (Thu.):  WILLIAM CAREY (DH), 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 (Sat.):  MOBILE, 3 p.m. Dec. 14 (Sat.):  at Loyola, 4 p.m. Dec. 17 (Tue.):  at Spring Hill, 7 p.m. Dec. 19 (Thu.):  at Faulkner, 6 p.m. Dec. 30 (Mon.):  at Belhaven, 2 p.m. Jan. 4 (Sat.):  • at Fisk (DH), 5 p.m. Jan. 6 (Mon.):  • at Voorhees (DH), 7:30 p.m. EST Jan. 11 (Sat.):  • SUNO (DH), 5 p.m. Jan. 13 (Mon.):  SPRING HILL, 7 p.m. Jan. 18 (Sat.):  • EDWARD WATERS (DH), 5 p.m. Jan. 20 (Mon.):  • TALLADEGA (DH), 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 (Sat.):  • DILLARD (DH), 5 p.m. (2) Jan. 28 (Tue.):  BELHAVEN, 7 p.m. Feb. 1 (Sat.):  • at Tougaloo (DH), 5 p.m. Feb. 3 (Mon.):  • at Philander Smith (DH), 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 (Sat.):  • at SUNO (DH), 5 p.m. Feb. 11 (Tue.):  at William Carey (DH), 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 (Mon.):  • PHILANDER SMITH (DH), 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 (Sat.):  • TOUGALOO (DH), 5 p.m. (3) March 1 (Sat.):  • at Dillard (DH), 5 p.m. TBA:  GCAC TOURNAMENT IN NEW ORLEANS, TBA March 19-25 (Wed.-Tue.):  Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship, Kansas City, Mo. Home matches (in bold and CAPITAL LETTERS) will be played at the Convocation Center (capacity 3,937), Xavier University campus, New Orleans • Gulf Coast Athletic Conference game TBA — To be announced All times are Central except where noted (DH) — doubleheader with Xavier's women (1) — Homecoming (2) — Crosstown Classic (3) — Senior Day Call (504) 520-7329 for ticket information

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Rivalry Week: Golden Bulls, Wildcats square off at J.C. Smith

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Keahn Wallace hasn’t forgotten his first encounter against cross-county rival Davidson.

In 2011 as a Johnson C. Smith freshman, Wallace completed 11-of-29 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown in Davidson’s 35-7 victory. His counterpart, Jonathan Carkhuff, had a field day, passing for 427 yards and five touchdowns. Two scores went to receiver Lanny Funsten, who caught seven passes for a career-best 195 yards, including a school-record 99-yarder.

“They snuck up on us my freshman year and they beat us pretty bad,” quarterback Keahn Wallace said. “I doubt that will happen this year.”

Wallace and the Golden Bulls will get their chance to prove it Saturday at McGirt Field. Davidson and JCSU have played three times, with Davidson winning the last two. This year, the teams are off to decidedly different starts, with the Golden Bulls 2-0 while the Wildcats are 0-2 after a 34-18 loss to Division II Lenoir-Rhyne last week in Davidson’s home opener.

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Mo. Southern football hosts Lincoln in the MIAA TV Game of the Week

JOPLIN, Missouri -- The Missouri Southern football team will look to go to 3-0 for the second season in a row as the Lions play host to Lincoln University this Saturday in the MIAA TV Game of the Week. Kickoff from Fred G. Hughes Stadium is slated for 2:37 pm.

The Series: Lincoln won the first two games in the series back in 1969 and 1970, but the Lions have won the last seven in a row. Southern is 7-2 overall in the series and are 4-1 at home, while carrying a 2-1 record in Jefferson City. Southern won 56-14 in 2011 when the two teams played in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis and the Lions won again last year in a rain-soaked 21-14 game that came down to the last play.

The Dish on the Blue Tigers: Lincoln is coming off of a 47-34 win over Division I Grambling State in the Missouri Classic at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Blue Tigers are 1-1 on the season after dropping a season-opening game at Lindenwood, 24-22.

Offensively, Morris Henderson leads the rushing attack with 28 carries and 236 yards, hitting the endzone three times. Quarterback Jacob Morris is the second-leading rusher on the team with 79 yards and one score. Although Henderson has more yards than Morris, Morris has more carries, having lost 49 yards on sacks. Khirey Draine is the leading receiver for Linclon, having caught nine balls for 93 yards and 10.3 per catch. He has one touchdown. Maurice Woodard has eight catches for 118 yards and Andre Borney has five receptions and a touchdown.

Defensively, the Blue Tigers are led by Kendrick Causey as the senior linebacker has 21 tackles. Brian Smith has 16 tackles, including two forced fumbles and two recoveries. Justis Schulte leads the team with a sack and has nine tackles and one forced fumble.

The Blue Tigers will be back at home next weekend, playing host to Pittsburg State in Jefferson City.

A Victory vs. Lincoln Would: give the Lions eight wins in a row against the Blue Tigers. It would be the second season in a row the Lions had started 3-0. It would be the first time a Southern team had gone 3-0 to start the season in back-to-back years since the Lions did it in each of the 1975, 76 and 77 seasons. The Lions haven't gone 4-0 to start a season since 2002.

The Coaches: Daryl Daye is in his second season as the head coach at Missouri Southern. Last year, he led the Lions to a 6-5 record, the first winning season since 2007. After installing a triple-option offensive attack, the Lions set school records for rushing yards and rushing attempts, while tying a school record for rushing touchdowns.

Daye came back to Southern after serving two seasons with the NFL's Buffalo Bills as Assistant to the Head Coach. He assisted Defensive Coordinator Dave Wannstedt in coaching the inside linebackers and also helped to coach the special teams units. Prior to his stint with the Bills, Daye served for four years with the Lions as the team's defensive coordinator. In 2008, the Lions led the MIAA in pass defense. Southern held its opponents to 172 passing yards per game and recorded 58 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks and recovered all 15 fumbles the team forced.The 2007 MSSU defense helped the Lions to their first winning season in 12 years. The defense led the MIAA in total defense for the 1st time in school history and also led the MIAA pass defense, opponents' first downs, passing efficiency and were ranked second in Opponents third and fourth down conversions. The Lions' defense was ranked 21st nationally in total defense and also broke a 17 year old division II school record with 21 interceptions.

Prior to Southern, Daye worked as special teams coach for the Southern University and also served as head coach at Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux, La., from 1999-2003, and as an assistant at Liberty, LSU and Southern Miss.

Former NFL linebacker and St. Louis Ram Mike Jones is in his second year as a collegiate head coach and in his third season at Lincoln University. He is 3-21 overall in two seasons at Lincoln. Jones spent the past season as linebacker coach at Southern University in Louisiana, where the Jaguars went 2-9. Southern's defense recorded several solid numbers in 2010, including 26 sacks, eight interceptions and 92 tackles for loss.

Before his time at Southern, Jones spent six years at Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis, where he spent two years as head coach leading the team to a state title in 2008, when the team went 12-2. Overall as a head coach, he went 18-7.

COURTESY MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Jackson State runs past Texas Southern, stays unbeaten in SWAC play

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- So much for needing a passing attack.

Jackson State scored solely with runs on Thursday en route to a 35-7 victory against Texas Southern, keeping the Tigers perfect in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.

“It doesn‘t matter who we play, as long as we execute our offense,” JSU quarterback Clayton Moore said.

The biggest issue JSU has had in executing its offense has been limiting turnovers. Against Texas Southern, the Tigers played relatively clean football.



Coming off a four-interception performance, Moore did not throw a pick in his 16 attempts. But that’s what happens when you don’t throw the ball as much. Jackson State had more rushing yards than passing yards, finishing the night with 214 yards on the ground compared to 81 in the air.

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Hard to work up much venom for Florida A&M

COLUMBUS, Ohio  -- I keep dreaming as I approach the press entrance to Ohio Stadium on Saturday, one of the red coats shoos me away.
“Go home. Nothing to see here. Wrong A&M.”

Got that right. The powers-that-be at Ohio State aren’t giving you Johnny Football for those tickets you bought with your kids’ inheritance. You’re getting Damien Football.

Doesn’t quite have the same ring. Nor does Damien Fleming’s stat line — 48 percent completion rate, two touchdowns, five interceptions — inspire Heisman talk.

Yes, Kenny Guiton could start for the Rattlers. Heck, Joe Bauserman could start for them.

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Savannah State-Miami Preview Capsule

MIAMI, Florida  -- No. 16 Miami (2-0) vs. Savannah State (1-2), 7 p.m. (ESPN3)
Line: No line.
Series record: First meeting.

WHAT'S AT STAKE
Nothing. Savannah State played two ranked teams last season. The Tigers got outscored 139-0 in those meetings with Oklahoma State and Florida State, got outgained 1,095-167 — and it would have almost certainly been worse if the final 24 minutes of the game against the Seminoles were not canceled because of lightning.

KEY MATCHUP
Miami DE Anthony Chickillo vs. Savannah State QB Anthony Bostick. Chickillo and the rest of Miami's defensive line will see multiple looks from Bostick, which should serve as a good primer for the rest of the season and a good test to gauge how quickly the Hurricanes can react to unexpected formations.



PLAYERS TO WATCH
Savannah State: WR Simon Heyward. It would make sense for the Tigers to try some razzle-dazzle, and Heyward is the best candidate for big plays against Miami's secondary.

 Miami: S Deon Bush. Might this be the week where Miami's injured safety gets his first game action of the season? If Bush plays, it's a big boost for Miami going forward, especially with the Atlantic Coast Conference opener two weeks away.

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Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/09/19/3637077/savannah-state-miami-preview-capsule.html#storylink=cpy

NSU Spartans Return from Bye Week, Host Charleston Southern for Community Day

Game Notes | Watch Live | Live Statistics | Listen Live | Twitter Updates

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Coming off its lone bye week of the 2013 season, the Norfolk State football team returns home this Saturday to host Charleston Southern for Community Day. The Spartans will be looking to avoid an 0-3 start and hand the Buccaneers of the Big South Conference their first loss of the year. Kickoff is 4 p.m. at Dick Price Stadium.

The game has been designated Community Day. Fans can buy special four-packs which included four general admission tickets, four hot dogs and four drinks for $40.

MEDIA COVERAGE• Radio: NSU Sports Network, 1490 AM The Game/WNSB Hot 91.1 FM
(Play-by-Play: Ross Gordon; Color: Maguell Davis; Pre-Game: Gordon, Davis and Matt Michalec)
• Live Video: www.nsuspartans.com/showcase (requires subscription)
• Live Statistics: http://www.sidearmstats.com/nsu/football/
• Audio Stream: www.nsuspartans.com (click "Live Audio" link under Inside Athletics tab)
• Twitter Updates: @NSUSpartans

SCOUTING THE SPARTANS

 NSU, coming off a bye week last Saturday, heads into this week's matchup at 0-2 on the season following a 38-0 defeat at Rutgers on Sept. 7. The Spartans suffered from poor field position throughout the day, as Rutgers began all five of its touchdown drives in NSU territory. The Spartans finished with just six fi rst downs and 133 yards of total offense in their third all-time meeting with the Scarlet Knights.

Rolandan Finch rushed 13 times for 46 yards and leads NSU with 126 yards (63.0 ypg) so far. Lamar Neal led a game defensive effort with a career-high 10 tackles. Marcell Coke had seven tackles, an interception, a pass breakup and half a sack. The Spartans are attempting to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2005, head coach Pete Adrian's first season at the helm of the program.

SCOUTING THE BUCCANEERS
Charleston Southern is 3-0 for just the second time in school history after a 30-10 win at Campbell University last Saturday. The Buccaneers rushed for 327 yards as a team. Both quarterback Malcolm Dixon and running back Christian Reyes topped 100 yards on the ground and scored a pair of touchdowns apiece. Dixon led the way with 135 yards rushing and also passed for 140.

The Buccaneers, who also have wins over The Citadel and Shorter this year, have been led by Dixon, their senior quarterback. He has passed for 404 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 237 yards. Reyes paces the team with 253 rushing yards and three scores this year. Kevin Glears has been the top receiving weapon, as he has three TD catches among his five receptions. Defensively, CSU is yielding just 18 points and 97 passing yards per game.

THE SERIES
• NSU holds a 1-0 series lead with Charleston Southern. The Spartans won 33-3 at CSU in 2011 during their MEAC championship season.
• The Spartans are 4-4 all-time against teams currently in the Big South Conference, but are 4-0 during head coach Pete Adrian's tenure.

QUICK HITS FROM RUTGERS
More news and notes from the loss to Rutgers on Sept. 7:
• NSU remained scoreless against Rutgers in three meetings. The Scarlet Knights have outscored the Spartans 128-0 in those contests.
• The Spartans are also now 0-6 all-time against FBS schools.
• The following had career highs in tackles: LB Lamar Neal (10), DB Darrin Marrow (nine), LB Deon King (nine) and LB Mike Privott (seven).
• WR James Church (1-5), TE James Lynch (1-8) and Aaron Daniels (2-16) made their first career catches.
• ILB Marcell Coke had his second career interception, which he returned 22 yards into Rutgers territory in the second quarter.
• OLB Jay Anderson saw his first career action and assisted on one tackle.

QB IN QUESTION
Redshirt sophomores Tyler Clark, Malik Stokes and Omari Timmons - three transfers - battled during training camp to take the quarterback spot held most of last year by Nico Flores, a redshirt senior who will not play in the first four games of the year due to an academic suspension. Clark, an ODU transfer, got the start against Maine, but went just 3-of-8 for 40 yards with an interception. He was sacked four times. Stokes played extensively, but completed just 10-of-29 passes for 104 yards. He did account for NSU's lone score on a 34-yard TD pass to Joseph Hawkins in the second quarter.

Stokes, who transferred from Rutgers, started against Rutgers but went 0-for-10 with an interception. Clark and Timmons (a transfer from Albright College) also played. The trio went 8-of-27 for 74 yards. Through two games, the trio has completed 21-of-65 (32.3 percent) for 218 yards with one TD and two interceptions. Timmons has been given the nod to make his first career start this week.

LAST SERIES MEETING
Chris Walley completed 20 of 23 passes for 285 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and the Spartans outgained host Charleston Southern 519-141 en route to a 33-3 non-conference win on Sept. 24, 2011 at Buccaneer Field in the teams' prior meeting. Running back Takeem Hedgeman ran for 105 yards on 15 carries, and receivers Victor Hairston and Xavier Boyce both topped the 100-yard receiving mark and caught a touchdown pass for NSU.

The defense got 12 tackles from linebacker Corwin Hammond and four sacks (from four different players). Marcus Center accounted for the only turnover of the game with a fourth-quarter interception. Walley hit Boyce on a 13-yard TD pass on the first possession of the game. After a three-and-out by CSU, the Spartans needed just one play to score their next TD as Walley found Hairston for a 67-yard TD. Later in the quarter, Ryan Estep hit a 23-yard field goal, the first of his three on the afternoon, to give the Spartans a 17-0 edge.

NSU led 17-3 at halftime and cruised in the second half. The Spartans took their opening possession of the third quarter and drove 80 yards in 12 plays. Nico Flores capped the drive with a 1-yard run, his first TD as a Spartan, to extend the advantage to 24-3. NSU would tack on three more fi eld goals to account for the final margin. Estep connected from 19 and 20 yards out, and Everett Goldberg hit a 47-yarder.

CSU had 55 yards rushing on 45 carries.

SPARTANS IN THE NATIONAL FCS RANKINGS
The Spartans enter this week's game trying to pick up the pace on offense. The Spartans are currently last out of 113 teams in the FCS rankings in both scoring offense (3.0 ppg) and total offense (178.5 ypg). NSU also ranks lower than 100 in rushing offense (106th - 69.5 ypg) and total offense (107th - 109.0 ypg).

By Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
VISIT: NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: NSUSPARTANS.COM

TSU to Open OVC Slate at Tennessee Tech on ESPN3

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- On Saturday Sept. 21, the Tennessee State football team will hit the road once again, this time to Tennessee Tech for the first Ohio Valley Conference game of the season.

During last weekend’s, 26-16, victory over Jackson State, the TSU (2-1) defense forced six turnovers by six different players. It was the most for the team since Oct. 13, 2005 against Tennessee Tech when the Tigers forced seven. TSU is fourth, nationally in takeaways with nine.

Senior safety David Van Dyke recorded one of the club’s five interceptions on the night, giving him three picks on the year. He is currently tied for the FCS lead in interceptions with seven other players.

Tennessee State also only allowed one offensive touchdown versus JSU and it was just the third touchdown surrendered by the unit on the year. Big Blue is ranked No. 6 in points per game allowed (11.7).

GAME NOTES | LIVE STATS | RADIO | WATCH LIVE

Jackson State managed 367 yards of total offense against TSU, but the defense still ranks first among OVC schools in total defense (261 ypg), rush defense (116 ypg), pass defense (145) and scoring defense.

While the defense has been stout so far this season, the Big Blue offense is still trying to find its way. TSU mustered 285 yards in Memphis, but just 111 of those came through the air.

Freshman quarterback Ronald Butler started the game for the Tigers and completed five-of-eight passes for 69 yards in the opening quarter. He was spelled for redshirt junior Michael German to begin the second period, but German was 4-of-14 during his 45 minutes of action for 42 yards- his lowest since his first ever collegiate game.

While the passing game struggled at the Southern Heritage Classic, the rushing attack flourished with Telvin Hooks and Tim Broughton tallying 92 and 91 yards, respectively.

During the past two weeks, TSU has averaged 221 yards on the ground per contest.

The Tigers will need to continue to get good results from their defense and get their offense on track when they travel to Cookeville to square off against Tennessee Tech (2-1).

The Golden Eagles come into Saturday’s contest flying high, having defeated Hampton, 30-27, last weekend. Tech’s defense was impressive against the Pirates, holding them to 245 yards of total offense.

TTU has the second-best passing defense in the conference, allowing opponents just an average of 153.3 yards per game through the air.

Golden Eagles quarterback Darian Stone completed 14-of-28 attempts for 158 yards and a score at Hampton, and most of his passes went Cody Matthews who finished the day with nine grabs, 114 yards and a touchdown.

Stone is fifth in the OVC in total offense per game, averaging 156.3 yards per contest.

TSU is 15-10 all-time against TTU and the Tigers are 7-2 in the past nine meetings including last year’s 22-21, thrilling victory in the Hole. TSU also won the last contest at Tech, 42-40, when the Golden Eagles were ranked No. 19 in the FCS at the time.

Tennessee State is 12-13 all-time in OVC openers dating back to 1987 and the squad will try to get back to .500 on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and fans can watch the game online on ESPN3.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

OSU's Meyer wants 'clean, fast' win vs. Florida A&M

COLUMBUS, Ohio  -- What's brewing with the 2013 Ohio State Buckeyes ...

BUCKEYES BUZZ: There are different ways to judge how a team plays.

Of course, there's always the final score. But sometimes, particularly when the teams aren't on the same scale in terms of talent, there are other measures.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer was asked how he will gauge Saturday's noon game against Florida A&M, other than the final score.

"A clean, fast (game), competitive spirit and to win the game," he said. "That's what our goal is and that's the way we practiced. I want to come out of the chute fast — that'd be four games in a row. Four games in a row. There's different ways to evaluate teams and how you come out of the locker room (before the game and at the half) is an indication of whether the kids like to play or not. Not just talent, but if they like to play. Our guys have come out three in a row, so I'm pushing that again real hard."



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Conference pride on the line in Tuskegee's matchup against D-II national runner-up WSSU

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's not just another game.

Sure, it's an early-season, non-conference matchup but Tuskegee's scheduled tilt against Winston-Salem State (N.C.) is big.

The game, scheduled for a noon kickoff and being billed as the Cleveland Classic, will be played at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the NFL's Browns.

It pits two teams from rival conference, both ranked in the American Football Coaches Association Division II poll, against each other.

"CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) schools are tough," Tuskegee coach Willie Slater said. "They've always been tough to me. Every time we play them they're always physical and they're just tough. They have very good players."

Both teams captured conference crowns last season and the Rams advanced all the way to the Division II national championship, becoming the first historically black college to play for a championship since Florida A&M won the inaugural Division I-AA national title in 1978.

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Junior a big hit at WSSU

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Jerome Junior didn’t arrive at Winston-Salem State to take it easy, play a little football and hope to be part of a winning program.

Junior, a hard-hitting safety and intense competitor, wants a lot more — and he’s intent on proving it.

"He’s been a leader since Day One,” said Richard Hayes an assistant coach for the Rams. “He’s immersed himself into everything that we do.”

Even though he’s new to the program, Junior — who graduated from Connecticut last spring — was allowed to address the team after practice last Monday. It was their first practice after a season-opening 25-21 loss to UNC Pembroke and Junior wanted to be heard.

"I said a few things,” Junior said. “But I mostly just talked about how we have a lot more things we can accomplish. We lost the game but we can’t have our heads down and be sad.”

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