S.C. State Bulldogs Releases Depth Chart Ahead In Week 1 Versus Georgia Southern

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough announced the release of its 2018 Football two deep Thursday.

The Bulldogs released their depth chart ahead in preparation for next week's season-opener versus Georgia Southern, Saturday, Sept. 1^st in Statesboro, GA , at Allen E. Paulson Stadium . Kickoff is 6 p.m. and will televised live on ESPN+.

Here is the full two-deep, from Preseason All-MEAC selection senior defensive back Alex Brown spearheading the defense all the way down to the new group of specialists for the 2018 season.

Please note that the 2018 Bulldog Depth Chart is subject to change.

2018 SC State Depth Chart Week #1 (Georgia Southern)

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK
#5            Tyrece Nick (So., 6-0, 170)
#9            Dewann Ford, Jr. (r-Jr., 6-2, 180)
 
RUNNING BACK
#18          Datron James (r-So., 5-10, 201)
# 32         Jarius Jenkins (r-So., 5-11      200)
 
TIGHT END (H)
#48           Austin Ruger (r-Sr., 6-3, 240)
# 88         Trae Churn  (r-So.,6-5, 220)
 
WIDE RECEIVER (X)
 # 1          De'Montrez Burroughs (Jr., 6-2, 200)
# 84         Rodriques Thomas  (r-Fr., 6-3, 185)
 
WIDE RECEIVER (Y)
#4            Tra' Quan Dubose (r-Jr., 5-10, 170)
#16          Will Vereen (r-Fr., 5-11, 198)
 
WIDE RECEIVER (Z) 
#82          Quan Caldwell (r-Sr., 5-11, 180)
#21          Jermaine Baxley (r-Sr.,6-3, 210)
 
LEFT TACKLE
#58          Malik Mickle (r-Sr., 6-3, 285)
#72           Tison Gray (r-Fr., 6-4, 300)
 
 LEFT GUARD
#56          Robbie Stephenson (Sr., 6-4, 290)
#78          Pat McNeil (r-So., 6-1, 97)
 
CENTER
#50          Michael Terry (r-Jr., 6-0, 290)
# 70         Terrell Vaughn (r-Jr., 5-11, 260)
               
RIGHT GUARD
#52          Jalen Page (So., 6-2, 285)
# 71         John Guthrie (r-Fr., 6-3, 300)
 
RIGHT TACKLE
# 73         Alex Taylor (r-Jr., 6-9, 305)
# 64         Francois McFall (r-So, 6-4, 315)
 
DEFENSE

DE (Fox)
# 95         Cordell Brown (Sr., 6-2, 230)
#57          Jemetre Blair (r-So., 6-1, 225)
 
DT
#76          Paul McKiever (r-Jr, 6-4, 290)
#91          Rod Perry (r-Jr., 6-2, 310)
 
NT
#97          Tyrell Goodwin (Jr., 6-0, 265)
#86          Demingus Wilson (r-So., 6-4, 280)
 
DE (Joker)
# 35         Damu Ford (r-Sr., 5-11, 240)
#98          Bruce Johnson (Sr., 6-2, 225)
 
WLB
#45          Lane Jones (Jr., 6-2, 230)
#28          Johnell Brown (r-Jr., 6-3, 190)
 
MIKE
#13          Jarrod Jones (Jr., 5-11, 240)
#46          Cornelius Walker (Jr., 6-1, 212)
 
NICKEL
#26          Jayden Brunson (Fr., 5-10   192)         
# 8           Khaliq Anthony (r-Jr., 6-1, 182)
 
BC
#30          Alex Brown (r-Sr., 6-0, 170)
#22          Xzavien Burson (r-Fr.,5-11, 180)
 
FREE SAFETY
#12          Jaylen Evans (r-Fr., 6-0, 177)
#4            Duane Nichols (r-Fr., 6-1, 210)
 
STRONG SAFETY
# 33         Chris Adams (Grad., 6-0, 190)
# 36         Scott Robinson (Fr., 6-0, 175)
 
FC
#14          Decobie Durant (r-So., 5-11, 175)
#19          Kendall Moultrie     (Fr., 5-11, 170)
 
SPECIAL TEAMS

LONG SNAPPER
# 59         Caleb Brown (Fr., 6-4, 205)
#47          Joshua Pringle (Fr., 5-10, 190)
 
HOLDER
#17         Jerome Pettiway(r-Sr.,6-4,220)
#19          Bobby Gentile (r-So., 5-10, 170)
 
PUNTER
# 45         Cliff Benjamin, Jr. (r-So., 6-1, 170)
#17         Jerome Pettiway(r-Sr.,6-4,220)
 
KICKER
#41           Dillon Bredesen (Fr., 5-10, 160)
#42          Austin Kemp (Fr., 6-1, 173)

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

London, Howard Bison Football Want More in 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With the 125th season of Howard University Football approaching, Coach Mike London and the Bison seek to take the next step and win their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title since 1993.
 
After a successful 2017 campaign, HU refuses to be satisfied; thus, this year's battle cry and motto #WeWantMore. A year ago, the Bison finished 7-4 overall and 6-2 in league play, including a 43-40 victory at Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) foe UNLV.
 
"We're looking to improve our performance in different areas," said London on his expectations. "We're looking to improve our football IQ and reduce penalties. With young guys developing, we want them to show progress as we continue to build the program."  
 
Despite losing several key players due to graduation, Coach London and his superb staff has filled voids with several outstanding prospects while adding depth to various positions. Although last year's resurgence was magnificent, many believe this season's version will be even better; hence, the program's other motto #MissionPossible2.0.
 
Offense
 
Second-year offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Brennan Marion returns six starters from last year's explosive offense, led by All-MEAC wide receivers Kyle Anthony (Miramar, Fla.) and Jequez Ezzard (College Park, Ga.) and 2017 MEAC Rookie of the Year quarterback Caylin Newton (Atlanta).
 
"We have a pretty good team this year," said Ezzard, who recently was named to the 2018 BOXTOROW HBCU Preseason All-America Team. "The focus this season is a championship. We're coming for it."
 
Last season, the Bison averaged nearly 30 points per game while displaying the league's top balanced offense.  On the ground, Howard led the conference in rushing (215.5 ypg) and finished second in air behind reigning MEAC champions North Carolina A&T State (230.5 ypg).
 
This season, Howard added more weapons for the second-year signal caller with the additions of wide receivers, three-star prospect A'Jae Boyd (Pittsburgh, Calif.) and Tayshaun Porter (Newport News, Va.).
 
"We're looking to take advantage with our talented wide receivers and quarterback," London stated. "Offensively, we realize that their skillsets allow us to be successful."
 
After losing three OL starters from last year's club, HU addressed the OL with talented prospects during the early signing period, who averaged 6'3" and 300 pounds.
 
Howard's key losses include running back Dezmond Wortham (Frisco, Texas) and All-MEAC First Team selections Anthony Philyaw (Los Angeles) and Gerald Wright (Miami).
 
Defense
 
A year ago, second-year defensive coordinator and 2019 College Football Hall of Fame finalist Vince Brown played several freshmen during the 2017 season; thus, watching the defense battle through growing pains.
 
"Defensively, we had a lot of young players play last year that might not be household names yet," London added. "We've also added young players on the roster competing for starting jobs."
 
Howard returns seven starters from last season, including All-MEAC selection defensive back Bryan Cook (Cincinnati). Cook headlines an exciting secondary, which features sophomores Tye Freeland(Petersburg, Va.) and D.C. native Aaron Walker. With the addition of three-star prospect defensive back Jalen Smith (Virginia Beach, Va.) from Ocean Lakes H.S. (Va.), HU's secondary will create challenges for opposing teams' air attack.
 
"I expect us to communicate and trust each other," said Cook on his expectations. "We're going to complete, play our game, make plays, and have fun doing it. I am going to do whatever it takes to help this team."
 
Last season, second-year pass rusher Aaron Motley (Highland Springs, Va.) led the squad with five sacks while registering 39 tackles (35 solo), six pass breakups, and three forced fumbles despite missing three games. Senior Isaiah Fludd (Richmond, Va.) and junior Tyler Fuller (Manuel, Texas) also return to the DL, along with highly recruited Jayde Pierre (Sterling, Va.), who ranks No. 27 in HERO Sports 2018 recruiting class.
 
The unit's biggest losses come in the linebacker core, losing last year's leading tackler Devin Rollins(Miami) and the versatile Elijah Anglin (Detroit). Despite their departures, Howard has an experienced set of veterans ready to fill those holes, led by seniors Marcellus Allison (Durham, N.C.), David Lee(Miramar, Fla.) and Dominique Smith (Cincinnati). Two-star prospect Jomier Augustine (Suwanee, Ga.) provides more depth to the front seven.
 
Upcoming Season
 
Howard's 11-game regular season slate features five home contests at Greene Stadium and two matchups against FBS opponents: at Ohio (Sept. 1); at Kent State (Sept. 8). On Sept. 15, the Bison host Savannah State in their home opener before traveling to Indianapolis for the 35th Circle City Classic against Bethune-Cookman (Sept. 22).
 
Other notable games include Howard University Homecoming versus South Carolina State (Oct. 27), followed by long-time rival Florida A&M (Nov. 3).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

Derek W. Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information

HOWARD BISON ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Trevor Callarman Named UMES Hawks Head Volleyball Coach

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — Following a nationwide search, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Department of Athletics stayed very close to home when filling its vacant head volleyball coaching position. Trevor Callarman — who has been serving in the role on an interim basis — has been named the head coach for the Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team through the 2019 season.

“We are very happy that Trevor is taking the reins of the volleyball program.” Director of Athletics Keith Davidson said. “Over the summer, he has become the leader of this team, and we are confident he can continue to deliver the great results that our volleyball program has historically achieved.”

An assistant for the 2017 season, Callarman ascends to the position after serving in an interim capacity following the departure of Toby Rens in January.

“I’m very excited to lead this team this fall.” Callarman said. “After being on campus for a year and experiencing success, I’m ready to dedicate myself — with hard work and high energy — to our plan of bringing the MEAC title back to The Shore.”

This is Callarman’s first collegiate head coaching job, retroactive to the interim post over the past eight months. His duties included spring practice and scrimmages, recruiting five new student athletes for this season as well as completing the upcoming season schedule and countless other responsibilities. He also led the school’s annual Nike Volleyball Camp this past July.

He helped guide the Hawks to a 27-9 record last season with a MEAC Northern Division title and an appearance at the National Invitational Volleyball Championship.

“I’m fortunate to inherit a great program with a sustained culture.” said Callarman. “I have developed a bond with the team. We’ve worked a lot to instill core values and live by them. We are focusing on who we are, how we push ourselves to the next level, and not settling.”

The Hawk volleyball program has certainly sustained a nearly two-decade long period of achievement. This includes MEAC Championships in 2011 and 2012, two trips to the NCAA Tournament, six national statistical awards in aces per set, numerous conference player of the year honors, and an average of nearly 20 victories a season dating back to 2002.

The team has also achieved in the classroom frequently ranking among the athletic program’s top grade point averages year-after-year.

The team he has built for this fall will consist of eight returning players and five newcomers that will play 25 regular season matches.

“I am confident in the team that’s been assembled here and we will hold ourselves to a high standard of play and high level of expectation,” Callarman said.

Callarman came to Maryland Eastern Shore with more than 10 years of experience on the sidelines and 15 on the court, working and playing the volleyball circuit in his native Texas. Prior to his time in Princess Anne, his stops included a stint with Texas State University and the head men’s club coach for the University of Texas at Austin.

He also worked with Austin Performance Volleyball, where as head coach he led the club team to numerous top 25 AAU finishes. He also worked in the development of a beach program and assisted with summer camps. Players who worked with the program went on to have collegiate careers at Texas, TCU and North Carolina, among others.

Along with his coaching positions, Callarman competes in the USAV Open Championships annually. Earlier this summer his team placed second at nationals in the Men’s BB division.

The 2018 season kicks off in Chicago Friday (Aug. 24) as the Hawks travel to the UIC Invitational. Their first match will be against Central Michigan, followed by host UIC and Bryant on Saturday (Aug. 25).

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION

Edward Waters Greg Ruffin Makes Appearance on Local Radio

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- In his continued quest to promote Edward Waters Football, head football coach Greg Ruffin made an appearance on 1010XL/92.5 FM Jacksonville Sports Talk Radio on Tuesday morning.

Ruffin appeared on the "The Drill" with Dan Hicken, Jeff Prosser, Lauren Brooks, & Steve "Beef" Bute and spoke about the changes that have been made to the program since he was hired in December of 2017, the prospects for the 2018 season, and the future of Tiger football under his leadership.

The head coach also appeared on a podcast following the morning show and spoke with host Tom Champion and went further in-depth about the program. The podcast interview can be heard at https://soundcloud.com/user-145697181/new-edward-waters-college-football-coach-greg-ruffin.

Follow the Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters College Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWCAthletics (Twitter), /EWCSports (Facebook) and @EWCAthletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters athletics at EWCTigerPride.com.

AAMU Bulldogs Kickoff Luncheon set for Aug. 29

HUNTSVILLE. Alabama – The annual Alabama A&M University Football Kickoff Luncheon has been set for Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Knight Center.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the program will begin at noon.

The luncheon will feature Head Coach Connell Maynor with a preview of the upcoming season and special introductions from members of the Bulldogs football team.

The Bulldog football coaching staff will also be on hand while the A&M cheerleaders and the Marching Maroon and White will add to the atmosphere.

Reserved tables, which include seats for eight guests, are $110. Individual tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the door.

The Bulldogs open the 2018 season against Miles College on Saturday, Sept. 1, at Louis Crews Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.

Season tickets and individual game tickets are still available for purchase online at Louis Crews Stadium and at the ticket website.

Follow the Bulldogs
For complete coverage of Alabama A&M University football, follow us on social media at @AAMUFB (Twitter), /Alabama A&M Bulldogs (Facebook), and @Alabama A&M Football (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama A&M athletics at aamusports.com.

Alabama A&M Elevates Lora to Head Baseball Coach

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — The search for Alabama A&M's baseball coach is complete.

Alabama A&M announced on Thursday that Manny Lora has been hired as the Bulldogs' new head baseball coach.

"We are really excited to have Manny Lora as our new baseball coach," Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks said. "Manny is a bright up-and-coming coach in collegiate baseball. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and a high baseball IQ to our program, and he will serve our baseball program and student-athletes well.

"He is an asset to our program."

Lora, a Miami native, spent the past three seasons at Alabama A&M working under former coach Mitch Hill as the team's pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.

Before making the transition to coaching, Lora played for Alabama A&M as a relief pitcher from 2010-14, recording 151 strikeouts in 54 appearances.

"I want to thank our president, Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr., and our Athletic Director, Bryan Hicks, for trusting me to lead our program," Lora said. "Being a former player, this program here at A&M is important to me.

"I have always envisioned myself leading young men to achieve and dominate both in the classroom and on the field."

The foundation of Lora's strategic plan for Alabama A&M's future focuses on recruiting and player development. He also plans to continue Alabama A&M's recent trend of playing a strong non-conference schedule to help prepare the Bulldogs for anything they might face during league play.

"There's a lot of potential here," Lora said. "Right now, we're focused on recruiting and bringing in players who can build on the foundation we've established.

"I'm excited about what's ahead — establishing a program with a vision that's ultimate goal is to win championships."

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

No Tiller, no problem: For first time in recent memory, Southern fields a veteran defensive line

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana --Jaron Johnson wants to make one thing clear: just because Aaron Tiller is gone doesn’t mean Southern’s defensive line is hopeless.

For four years Tiller was the anchor of the Jaguars’ defensive front. He totaled 169 career tackles, including 30 sacks, and forced nine fumbles. At 6 foot 1, 256 pounds, he was their most physical presence and powerful voice in the locker room.

His absence after graduation is certainly a void to be filled. Even Johnson will freely admit to that.



But don’t mistake a lack of Tiller for a lack of talent.

“First of all, Aaron Tiller did a lot but it was never just one guy,” Johnson said. “Since he’s gone, we’ve had to come together as a unit. This is what we’re going to do and this is how we’re going to do it. We’re not going to dwell on losing Aaron Tiller.”

Two years ago Tiller was the sole leader in a group of freshmen and sophomores gaining experience by getting thrown into the fire.

CONTINUE READING 

Reviving the Legacy of FAMU's Jake Gaither

Eley Meets With the Media in Advance of Labor Day Classic

MONTGOMERY, Alabama --  With just 10 days remaining before the kickoff of the 2018 season with the second annual Labor Day Classic, Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley met with the media at ASU Stadium Wednesday morning.

Eley was joined by Tuskegee head coach Willie Slater to discuss the game and preparations that have taken place over the last two weeks for both teams. The Golden Tigers defeated Alabama State 14-6 last season, but this will be the first meeting with Tuskegee for Eley who was named head coach after a 5-1 run as the interim coach last season.

Kick set for the contest is set for 5 pm, and can be seen on Amazon Fire and Facebook courtesy of HBCU Gameday. Season tickets and single game tickets are on sale for the 2018 season. The Hornets play four home games during the campaign with Jackson State, Texas Southern and Mississippi Valley State joining Tuskegee. Several options are available for fans this season, including a Young Alumni package and group rates. For more information, call (334) 229-4551 or visit BamaStateSports.com.

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University football, follow us on social media at @BamaStateFB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook), and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State University athletics at BamaStateSports.com.

Grambling looks to add alcohol sales to home football, basketball games

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- More than football may be on tap inside Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium this fall.

Grambling State is looking to join its neighbors ULM and Louisiana Tech, fellow SWAC member Prairie View A&M and more than 50 Football Bowl Subdivision institutions, that sale alcohol on-campus at sporting events. The permit application to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana has been spearheaded by Aramark, GSU’s campus food and beverage partner who handles its concessions at athletic events.

If approved, fans would be able to purchase beer, and potentially other types of alcoholic drinks, while attending Grambling games at The Hole and inside Fredrick Hobdy Assembly Center that houses its women’s and men’s basketball and volleyball team.

“We’ve had several requests the last couple of years to consider bringing alcohol sales to our athletic events,” GSU President Rick Gallot told The News-Star Tuesday.

CONTINUE READING

FAMU Marching “100” Receives Prestigious Invite to 2019 Rose Bowl Parade

WATCH IN FULL SCREEN

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s (FAMU) world- renowned “Marching 100” is heading to the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade in 2019. The University’s band has received an invitation to participate in this Rose Bowl-connected event in Pasadena, California.

“The Marching “100" has mesmerized audiences around the globe for more than 70 years. Throughout its history, the internationally acclaimed band has performed in multiple high-profile events including the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, 's and the 1989 French Bicentennial Celebration in Paris, France, and the inaugurations of two U.S. President’s.

As one of the most famous and recognized New Year's Day events in the nation, an opportunity to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade provides a unique platform to entertain millions of viewers on one of the most recognized stages in the world. This marks FAMU’s first appearance in the parade.

 FAMU Interim President Dr. Larry Robinson says, “It is an opportunity to give countless viewers exposure to a University that continues to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of many of America’s best and brightest young men and women,” said FAMU’s Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “Congratulations to Band Director Dr. Shelby Chipman, his team, and our student-musicians for their leadership in taking the band to the next level.”

Band Director Dr. Shelby Chipman added that, “Our students continue to be recognized for excellence, hard work and their dedication to being the best in musicianship, performance and academics.  We look forward to this exciting opportunity and putting on an unforgettable show.””

Tournament of Roses parade officials say they chose FAMU because of the exceptional talent, dedication and showmanship.  Sixty million people will view the parade world-wide and as many as 700,000 people will watch the performance in-person.

The band has already started its fundraising efforts to finance the trip. Supporters can contribute by contacting the FAMU Foundation office at 850-412-5755 or Band Director Dr. Shelby Chipman at 850-599-3024.

WATCH IN FULL SCREEN

FAMU's Marching 100‏ @THEMARCHING100

The Road Starts NOW! Please donate to the “Road to Pasadena” Campaign by texting famurising to 41444! Please support the Marching “100” as it embarks on fundraising for the Tournament of Roses Parade! We appreciate your support!

10:57 AM - 25 May 2018

WATCH IN FULL SCREEEN

VISIT www.famubands.com    

Homegrown FAMU coach brings solid resume

https://www.facebook.com/famu.bands/videos/1101270966693040

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Willie Simmons grew up just 25 miles from Florida A&M’s Bragg Memorial Stadium. The Quincy native spent plenty Saturdays watching the Rattlers, which helped to inspire a boy who went on to play football at Clemson and The Citadel before he went into coaching.

Simmons is home again – bringing an up-tempo, option attack to the Rattlers as their first-year head coach. The 37-year-old Simmons built a resume as an assistant in stops at Middle Tennessee and Alcorn State before taking over as the head coach at Prairie View, where he went 21-11 in three seasons (including 19-6 in conference play).

When FAMU administrators called in December, the offer was too good to pass up.

“It comes full circle,” Simmons said. “When I left Quincy 20 years ago, I would have never dreamed that I would be back in this capacity. The Lord has been really good to me and my family. To be able to come back to the place where it all started, the place where I grew up watching Saturday afternoon football games, I’m just blessed at the opportunity.”

CONTINUE READING

4 D1s on XULA Nuggets' schedule; Auburn to visit Nov. 28

2018-19 Schedule
 PDF of 2018-19 Schedule

NEW ORLEANS — Not only will Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball play four NCAA Division I opponents in 2018-19, but the Gold Nuggets also will do it over five games in 19 days.

Those are some of the highlights of a schedule that 20th-year head coach Bo Browder announced Wednesday. XULA is a longtime NAIA power.

Two of the DI teams will visit XULA's Convocation Center — Auburn on Nov. 28 and North Texas on Dec. 16. XULA will play Auburn for the second straight season and begin a two-year series with North Texas.

The other DI games will be Nov. 30 at Southeastern Louisiana and Dec. 15 at Louisiana-Lafayette. XULA and the Ragin' Cajuns will meet for the sixth straight season.

Additional highlights will include five games against 2018 NAIA national tournament qualifiers, two during a season-opening four-game home stand. The Gold Nuggets will open their 41st season of the Title IX era on Halloween evening against Stillman, an NAIA tournament qualifier a year ago. City rival Loyola, which reached the national round of 16, will visit Nov. 6.

The other NAIA tournament qualifiers on the schedule are Nov. 10 at Our Lady of the Lake and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference meetings with Dillard Jan. 26 at home and Feb. 16 on the road.

GCAC rival Edward Waters, a 25-game winner last season, will visit XULA Jan. 19 and play host to the Nuggets Feb. 4.

2018-19 RosterPDF Roster 

"We are looking for an outstanding season," Browder said, "which means challenging for the conference championship, getting back to nationals and winning some games there. I feel very good about our recruiting class and our returning players. We have talented freshmen and some transfers who will step up and make an impact. We will be solid and deep at the guard position."

The Xavier Classic will move to its earliest-ever dates, Nov. 2-3. The Nuggets will play Florida Memorial the first day and Langston the second. LSU-Alexandria will be the fourth team.

The Nuggets will take a warm-weather trip Thanksgiving week. They'll visit Florida Memorial, then play two games in a tournament at the University of the Virgin Islands.

There will be no first-time opponents. SLU is on the schedule for the first time since 1988-89, and North Texas appears for the first time since a pair of XULA victories in 1980-81. Rust became the eighth GCAC member in July, and the Nuggets will play them twice.

The GCAC Tournament will be March 1-3 in Jacksonville, Fla. followed by the NAIA Division I National Championship March 13-19 at Billings, Mont. XULA seeks to qualify for nationals for the 20th time in 25 seasons. The Gold Nuggets missed nationals last season for the second straight year after going 15-12 overall, 7-5 in the GCAC (tied for third place) and reaching the semifinals of the GCAC Tournament.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, tickets for home games will be available online at xulatix.com.

NOTES: It will be the first time since the 2012-13 season that the Nuggets open with four straight home games . . . XULA will count the Auburn and North Texas games as exhibitions . . . Browder's 446 victories at XULA are No. 3 on the all-time Louisiana collegiate list for women's basketball coaches . . . This will be the Nuggets' seventh season in the Convocation Center, where they are 72-17.

Xavier University of Louisiana
2018-19 Women's Basketball Schedule
Oct. 31 (Wed.):  STILLMAN, 6 p.m.
Nov. 2 (Fri.):  FLORIDA MEMORIAL, 6 p.m. (Xavier Classic)
Nov. 3 (Sat.):  LANGSTON, 4 p.m. (Xavier Classic)
Nov. 6 (Tue.):  LOYOLA (N.O.), 6 p.m.
Nov. 10 (Sat.):  at Our Lady of the Lake, 7 p.m.
Nov. 12 (Mon.):  at LSU-Alexandria (DH), 5 p.m.
Nov. 19 (Mon.):  at William Carey (DH), 5 p.m.
Nov. 21 (Wed.):  at Florida Memorial, 7 p.m. EST
Nov. 23 (Fri.):  at Virgin Islands Tournament, TBA
Nov. 24 (Sat.):  at Virgin Islands Tournament, TBA
Nov. 28 (Wed.):  AUBURN, 6 p.m.
Nov. 30 (Fri.):  at Southeastern Louisiana, 6 p.m.
Dec. 3 (Mon.):  MOBILE, 6 p.m.
Dec. 15 (Sat.):  at Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA
Dec. 16 (Sun.):  NORTH TEXAS, 4 p.m.
Dec. 18 (Tue.):  VIRGIN ISLANDS, 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 (Thu.):  at LeMoyne-Owen, TBA
Jan. 7 (Mon.):  •  TOUGALOO (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 (Sat.):  •  at Rust (DH), 3 p.m.
Jan. 14 (Mon.):  •  at Philander Smith (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 (Sat.):  •  EDWARD WATERS (DH), 3 p.m.
Jan. 21 (Mon.):  •  at Tougaloo (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 (Sat.):  •  DILLARD (DH), 3 p.m. (Crosstown Classic)
Jan. 28 (Mon.):  •  at SUNO (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 (Sat.):  •  at Talladega (DH), 3 p.m.
Feb. 4 (Mon.):  •  at Edward Waters (DH), 5:30 p.m. EST
Feb. 11 (Mon.):  •  TALLADEGA (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 16 (Sat.):  •  at Dillard (DH), 3 p.m.
Feb. 18 (Mon.):  •  SUNO (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 23 (Sat.):  •  RUST (DH), 3 p.m.
Feb. 25 (Mon.):  •  PHILANDER SMITH (DH), 5:30 p.m. (Senior Day)
March 1-3 (Fri.-Sun.):  Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament, Jacksonville, Fla.
March 13-19 (Wed.-Tue.):  NAIA Division I National Championship, Billings, Mont.

Home games in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS
•  Gulf Coast Athletic Conference game
(DH) Doubleheader with XULA's men
All times are Central except where noted
Schedule is subject to change
Visit xulatix.com beginning Monday (Aug. 27) to purchase tickets for all XULA home events

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

College Football Preview 2018: Mississippi Valley Delta Devils

Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils

#Head coach: Vincent Dancy (First year)

#2017 record: 2-9 overall, 1-6 SWAC East

#Outlook and Prediction

#After last season, Mississippi Valley State University cut ties with head coach Rick Comegy in November 2017. It was not an unexpected move, as he had a 6-38 record in his four seasons at the helm of the program.

#MVSU named Vincent Dancy as interim coach before giving him the full-time position in December 2017. He inherits what might be the toughest job in college football. The team has not had a winning season since its back-to-back successes in 2005 and 2006.

#However, the Delta Devils do have something that rival JSU does not: Preseason All-SWAC players, such as star receiver Quinn McElfresh. MVSU will be better if the offense can become more consistent. The team used three quarterbacks last year and couldn't run, finishing with negative-103 rushing yards.

#The schedule is tough, with out-of-conference games against the University of North Dakota, Bethune-Cookman University, Jacksonville State University and Hampton University. 

#

CONTINUE READING

College Football Preview 2018: Alcorn State Braves

Alcorn State University Braves

#Head coach: Fred McNair (12-11 overall, all at ASU, entering third season)

2017 record: 7-5 overall, 6-2 SWAC East

#Outlook and Prediction

#Alcorn State should have a reload season instead of a rebuild. The Braves have 11 Preseason All-SWAC players. Only Grambling State University had more selections. First Team Preseason All-SWAC quarterback Noah Johnson 
returns this season with Preseason Offensive Player of the Year P.J. Simmons to run the ball.

#The offensive line should be good, as well, with 
offensive linemen Mustaffa Ibrahim, Deonte Brooks and Kevin Hall helping to open holes in the running game and 
provide quarterback protection. Linebackers Trae Ferrell and Solomon Muhammad should lead in organizing the unit. Defensive lineman Sterling Shippy will be the focus, with defensive back Brady Smith leading the secondary.

CONTINUE READING