Winston-Salem State Strikes Late To Stun UNC Pembroke Football In Season Opener

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- UNC Pembroke football team rallied all the way back from a 16-0 deficit to take the lead with 1:51 left to play, but Winston-Salem State used a miraculous 63-yard pass from Rod Tinsley to Kerrion Moore to fuel a 23-20 comeback win over the Braves on Sunday at Bowman Gray Stadium.
 
True freshman Josh Jones threw for 248 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 21-of-32 passing in his collegiate debut to pace the Black & Gold (0-1) who has now dropped two-straight games in the series with their in-state nemesis - both by a combined six points. Tyshawn Carter (3 catches, 79 yards) and Quay Threatt (5-45) both hauled in touchdown passes for UNCP as well.
 
Tinsley finished with 130 yards and a touchdown on 5-of-9 passing for the

This is what just happened, folks. 4 and 1. Just watch. pic.twitter.com/HLppTCzYXE

— Kris (@d2kferg) September 2, 2018

The Rams tacked up a safety thanks to a bad snap on a punt attempt by the Braves deep in their own end zone early in the third quarter, and then put together a 5-play, 55-yard scoring drive early in the fourth that was capped by a 27-yard scoring jaunt from Moore down the far sideline. The ensuing point-after attempt would be the last play before a lightning strike cleared the stadium and signaled a delay in action with the Rams in control 16-0.
 
The delay provided a spark for the Black & Gold who came out of the break and scored touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, including a 9-play, 80-yard drive coming out of the locker room. Carter's acrobatic touchdown catch with just less than two minutes left put UNCP up on top for the first time, 20-16.
 
Winston-Salem State used its opening possession to score the only points of the half for either side. The drive looked to have stalled on the home half of the field, but the Rams converted a 3rd-and-11 situation with a 51-yard pass from Tinsley to Quincy Jackson. Moore rumbled in from seven yards out on the ensuing play to break the deadlock on the scoreboard.
 
The Black & Gold will return to action on Saturday when they suit up to host Elizabeth City State (1-0) on Military Appreciation Night at Grace P. Johnson Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
Reserved-seat Season tickets for all six home games this season can be purchaANsed for $107. More ticket information can be obtained by visiting UNCPBraves.com/Tickets.

ATTENDANCE: 3,526 

BOX SCORE

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA PEMBROKE SPORTS INFORMATION

HBCU Judgment Day Scoreboard - Labor Day Weekend

Sunday, September 2

North Carolina A&T 28,  East Carolina 23  ESPN3

Prairie View A&M 40, North Carolina Central 24   ESPN2
Winston-Salem State 23, UNC Pembroke 20

Saturday, September 1

Texas Christian 55, Southern 7
Georgia Tech 41, Alcorn State 0   ACC Network, ESPN
Slippery Rock 38, Kentucky State 31
Jacksonville 63, Saint Augustine's 14   ESPN3
Elizabeth City State 19, Central State 10
Ohio 38, Howard 32   ESPN+
Virginia Union 34, Seton Hill 28 O.T.
Allen 47, Columbus State 3
Lincoln (MO) 10,  Lane, 7
Florida A&M 41, Fort Valley State 7  ESPN3
Buffalo 48, Delaware State 10  ESPN3
Georgia Southern 37, South Carolina State 6  ESPN+
Hampton 38, Shaw 10
Florida Tech 33, Benedict 14
Norfolk State 34, Virginia State 13  ESPN3
Alabama State 26, Tuskegee 20 OT
Louisiana 49, Grambling State 17   ESPN3
Southern Mississippi 55, Jackson State 7  ESPN+
Tennessee State 34, Bethune-Cookman 3   ESPN+
Towson 36, Morgan State 10    ESPN3
Morehouse 34, Arkansas Pine Bluff 30
Valdosta 45, Albany State 14
Alabama A&M 37, Miles 0
Fayetteville State 32, Lincoln (PA) 0
Texas Southern 26, Texas Permian Basin 16

Week 0

North Carolina A&T State 20, #6 Jacksonville State 17
Rice 31, Prairie View A&M 28
Saint Andrews 15, Edward Waters 13
Virginia University Lynchburg 30, Louisburg 28

Thursday, AUGUST 30

Wagner 40, Bowie State 23
Wingate 36, Johnson C. Smith 0
Pikeville  52, Livingstone 23
Campbell 49, Chowan 26
Charleston (WV) 35, West Virginia State 31
North Dakota 35, Mississippi Valley State 7
Alabama-Birmingham 52, Savannah State 0
Mississippi College 31, Clark Atlanta 30

Friday, August 31

Lindsey Wilson 50, Edward Waters 13

Southern Miss Defeats JSU in Season Opener

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi – Southern Miss defeated Jackson State 55-7 in the season-opener for both teams Saturday evening at M.M. Roberts Stadium.

In the third quarter, JSU (0-1, 0-0 SWAC) sustained a nine-play, 84-yard drive that culminated with a nine-yard pitch-and-catch from Jarrad Hayes to Kobe Gates.

Hayes, who relieved starter Derrick Ponder late in the third quarter, finished 7 for 8 for 56 yards.

Keshawn Harper was the Tigers’ top rusher. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder ran for 69 yards on nine carries, including a long of 45 yards. As a team, JSU ran for 105 yards on 22 carries for an average of 4.6 yards per carry.

The JSU defense forced three turnovers. Keontre Hampton and Tyler Rogers each came away with an interception. Charles Anderson added seven stops and recovered one fumble. Quedarrion Barnett led the Tigers with eight tackles.

The JSU defense did not allow USM (1-0, 0-0 CUSA) to eclipse the individual 100-yard mark.

The Tigers turn their attention to the Southern Heritage Classic and rival Tennessee State next Saturday at 6 p.m.

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI  ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Valdosta State Runs Past Albany State 45-14

VALDOSTA, Georgia  -- The Valdosta State University Blazers opened the season with a 45-14 triumph over Albany State University Saturday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

The Golden Rams offense was out of sync most of the night but finally got on the board with two scores in the fourth quarter.

With 13:17 left in the game, Kelias Williams hooked up with Mike Green for a 67 yard touchdown to give the Rams their first score of the evening. Greenville, SC native Tracy Scott, who happens to wear number 32, gave ASU another touchdown when he scampered to the end zone from 32 yards out at the 3:58 mark.

Unfortunately for the Golden Rams, due to VSU's early scoring onslaught the Blazers were firmly in control from the game's opening drive.

BOX SCORE

ATTENDANCE:

6,770

Valdosta used a balanced attack to total 438 yards of offense on 58 plays from scrimmage. Jamar Thompkins led the VSU ground game with 7 carries for 128 yards and a rushing touchdown. Through the air the Blazers' Rogan Wells connected with nine different receivers, finishing the night with 176 yards on 13-20 passing and three touchdowns.

On the game's opening drive, Wells called his own number from three yards out to cap an 8-play, 65 yard drive for a 7-0 lead. VSU added another score at the 4:25 mark of the first quarter, this time a 7 yard passing TD from Wells to Brain Saunds.



On the opposite side of the field Golden Rams' sputtered in the first half as they were held to just 44 total yards of total offense over the first 30 minutes. Valdosta State held a commanding 28-0 lead at the intermission.

The Blazers added two more scores in the third quarter; a 39 yard field goal from Andrew Gray and as the third quarter expired, Saunds hauled in his second touchdown of the day to extend the VSU lead to 38-0.

Green had an impressive fourth quarter for the Golden Rams, catching five passes including the 67 yard score to finish with 114 yards on the night.

Albany State will return to action next Saturday at the 5th Annual White Water Classic in Phenix City, Alabama where they will square off against Tuskegee University.

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN RAMS SPORTS INFORMATION

Morgan State Bears Fall to Towson in Season Opener, 36-10

BALTIMORE, Maryland --  Morgan State's football team would not get revenge in the 'Battle for Greater Baltimore' rematch against Towson, as they were defeated 36-10 on a muggy night before an announced crowd of 9,209 at Hughes Stadium.
 
The 2018 season opener marked the 25th meeting between the Bears and the Tigers with Towson winning last season's contest 10-0. The Tigers now hold a 19-6 advantage in the series.
 
The Bears drew first blood in this contest taking a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter when Towson's Coby Tippett mishandled a punt on their own 5-yard line leaving freshman long-snapper Zach Castano to recover for the Bears first score.

Towson took the lead mid-second quarter when Tigers quarterback Tom Flacco, the younger brother of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, tossed the ball to running back Shane Simpson for a short touchdown pass.

Towson would score 17 unanswered points and carried a ten point lead into halftime.

On the Tigers first drive of the second half, Flacco engineered a 7 play, 75 yard drive, and he connected on a 1-yard pass to tight end Chris Clark to give his team a 24-7 advantage.

The Tigers found the endzone again in the third quarter when running back Kobe Young plowed through the Bears defense for a 5-yard score making it a 31-10 game.

BOX SCORE

Towson's 31 points would tie the most points scored between the Bears and Tigers.
 
The Bears defense gave up 401 yards to Towson and Flacco threw for 245 yards, including a pair of touchdowns. The Bears also had 12 penalties for 107 yards and two key turnovers.

"We made mistakes turning the football over in crucial times," said Bears interim head coach Ernest Jones. "We can't win a football game turning the football over."

Offensively, the Bears could not get anything going. Junior quarterback DeAndre Harriscompleted 12-of-21 passes for 101 yards, including an interception. Freshman tight end Jack McCracken led all receivers with 43 yards on three catches. Freshman running back Joshua Chaseadded 28 yards on the ground.

Jones expressed how much he wanted to run the ball this season, but the Bears did not have any success tonight against the Tigers while only scrapping up 63 total yards.

"We didn't execute to the game plan that we put out," said Jones.

The Bears will be on the road the next three games. First traveling to Akron to take on the Zips on Sept. 8, then traveling to Albany (Sept. 15), followed by play at North Carolina A&T on Sept. 22.

Morgan State will return to Hughes Stadium for Homecoming on October 6 when they play host to South Carolina State.

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY BEARS ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Grambling State Tigers drop season opener to Ragin’ Cajun

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana | The Grambling State University football team got an early 22-yard field goal by Garrett Urban, but the Tigers could not sustain the lead as Louisiana used a 21-point first quarter in picking up a 49-17 victory on Saturday night at Cajun Field.

After Louisiana went three-and-out on its first possession, Grambling State set up shop at its own 43. On the very first play from scrimmage for the Tigers offense, Geremy Hickbottom connected with Quintin Guice for 47 yards to set up first-and-goal from the 10.

However, GSU (0-1) could not punch in the touchdown and settled for three points as Garrett Urban booted a 22-yard field goal to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead with 11:57 left in the opening quarter.

Louisiana (1-0) answered on its next drive as the Ragin' Cajuns marched 81 yards, including 53 on the ground, in eight plays as Trey Ragas punched in a four-yard run to give UL a 7-3 advantage with 8:24 remaining in the first quarter.

After a Grambling State punt, Louisiana went 70 yards in six plays as a Andre Nunez connected with Ja'Marcus Bradley in the corner of the endzone to give the Ragin' Cajuns a 14-3 lead with 4:22 left in the quarter.



The Ragin' Cajuns took advantage of a short Tigers punt and used just 1:45 off the clock as Jamal Bell caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Nunez to cap a five-play, 39-yard drive, giving Louisiana a 21-3 lead with 1:40 remaining in the quarter.

Louisiana continued to add to the lead early in the second quarter as the Ragin' Cajuns marched 62 yards in five plays as Bradley caught hit second touchdown pass of the night from Nunez, an eight-yard score, as UL extended the margin to 28-3 with 13:05 left in the first half.

After falling behind, 28-3, the Tigers put together a 10-play drive as Hickbottom carried the bulk of the load with a 52-yard run, which set up first-and-goal from the Ragin' Cajun 3-yard line. Hickbottom completed the 75-yard drive with a seven-yard score with 8:28 remaining.

Louisiana added one more score before halftime as Nunez scored on a four-yard keeper to give the Ragin' Cajuns a 35-10 advantage.

The Ragin' Cajuns put the game away early in the third quarter as Louisiana marched 98 yards in 10 plays and took 4:03 off the clock as Levi Lewis connected with Matt Barnes for a 19-yard touchdown to push the advantage to 42-10 with 9:38 left.

A 2-yard touchdown run by Raymond Calais with 3:55 remaining in the third extended the Ragin' Cajun lead to 49-10.

The Tigers added a touchdown with 3:41 left when Ladarrian Ellis-Jones punched the ball in from the 2-yard line to close the gap to 49-17.

Turning Point
The Tigers started out strong with the defense picking up a sack and forcing the Ragin' Cajuns to punt the football.

Grambling State's offense took the ball at its own 43 and on the very first play, Hickbottom connected with Guice for 37 yards to set up first-and-goal at the Louisiana 10.

But the Tigers couldn't put seven on the board.

Grambling State got seven yards on the ground from Hickbottom and Kevin Dominique, but on third down, Hickbottom was sacked for a two-yard loss.

Garrett Urban's 22-yard field goal gave the Tigers a 3-0 lead early on, but the Tigers defense surrendered 53 of the 81 yards on the ground as Louisiana scored on its next drive as the Ragin' Cajuns scored on four straight drives to grab a 28-3 lead.

Inside the Numbers
> Grambling State finished with 15 first downs
> The Tigers amassed 306 total yards of offense, including 159 through the air
> Geremy Hickbottom was 8-of-18 passing for 112 yards and rushed five times for 52 yards, including one score
> Aldon Clark finished with 47 yards on 8-of-11 passing
> Aldon Clark rushed seven times for 41 yards
> Justin Richard tallied 24 yards on seven touches
> Kobe' Ross caught three passes for 35 yards
> Quintin Guice added two catches for 54 yards
> De'Arius Christmas led the way defensively with nine total tackles, including six solo stops
> Kenan Fontenot added seven tackles, with five solo stops
> Louisiana recorded 27 first downs
> The Ragin' Cajuns registered 556 total yards, with 315 on the ground
> Andre Nunez tallied 184 yards on 19-of-22 passing and two touchdowns
> Trey Ragas ran 13 times for 142 yards and one score
> Ja'Marcus Bradley caught six passes for 70 yards
> Jacques Boudrea paced the Louisiana defense with four total tackles, including on solo stop and one sack

News & Notes
> Saturday's game was the first-ever meeting between Grambling State and Louisiana
> The Tigers were receiving votes in the STATS FCS Top 25 and FCS Coaches Poll
> Grambling State was ranked No. 1 in the SBN Black College Football Poll and No. 2 in the HBCU BOXTOROW Coaches Poll
> The Tigers are 42-26-1 all-time in season openers, with the last victory coming in 2011
> GSU is 36-44 all-time against teams from the state of Louisiana
> Geremy Hickbottom made his second-career start at quarterback (Mississippi Valley State, 2017)
> Garrett Urban converted his first career field goal for Grambling State (22-yarder)
> Grambling State used a two-quarterback system with Geremy Hickbottom and Aldon Clark splitting time
> Grambling State is 5-2 when wearing the white jerseys and gold pants



Up Next
Grambling State returns to action against Northwestern State next Saturday night in Natchitoches, La. Kickoff against the Demons is set for 6 p.m. at Turpin Stadium. Northwestern State is coming off a 59-7 loss on Thursday night to Texas A&M. This will be the fifth meeting between the two schools, with Grambling State leading the series, 3-1.

Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.

GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Buffalo Bulls Run Past Delaware State Hornets in 2018 Opener

BUFFALO, New York -- Tyree Jackson threw a career-best six touchdown passes to lead FBS Buffalo to a season-opening 48-10 win over Delaware State at UB Stadium Saturday evening, spoiling the debut of new Hornet head coach Rod Milstead.

Jackson, a 6-7, 245-pound junior, completed 17-of-27 passes for 189 yards. K.J. Osborn had three receptions for 54 yards and two touchdowns, while fellow wide receiver Anthony Johnson, a Preseason FBS All-America Second Team selection, caught four passes for 54 yards and a score. 

Delaware State was outgained 354-275 in total offense, but held a 199-154 advantage in rushing yards.   The Hornets scored the only fourth quarter touchdown of the game on a run by Brycen Alleyne. Alleyne and Mike Waters led all players with 97 and 92 yards rushing, respectively.  

DSU, however, was plagued by four turnovers, three of which resulted in Buffalo touchdowns.

“I’m pleased with our effort, even when we were way down, but we have to clean up some communication and execution issues,” said Milstead. “I give Buffalo a great deal of credit, but it’s difficult to compete against a quality FBS team when turning over the ball so many times.”

The Bulls did not commit a turnover in the game.

Buffalo drew first blood on its second possession of the game, scoring a touchdown on a nine-yard pass from Jackson to George Rushing to cap off a six-play, 41-yard drive with 9:07 left in the opening quarter.    

The Bulls scored again on their next possession, going 70 yards on six plays, ending in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Johnson to open up a 13-0 lead at the 5:37 mark of the first quarter. The extra point attempt was blocked by DSU’s Jahad Neibauer. 

Buffalo took advantage of Delaware State’s first turnover to pad its lead. Four plays after Devon Russell intercepted a pass from DSU’s Keenan Black, Jackson hooked up with Osborn on a 32-yard scoring pass to give the Bulls a three-touchdown lead. The extra point kick by Adam Mitcheson gave UB a 20-0 lead with 3:17 to go in the first quarter.

The Hornets’ second turnover also led to Buffalo’s fourth touchdown early in the second quarter. Black coughed up the ball on a sack and UB’s Chuck Harris was credited with the recovery at the DSU 40. A Hornet penalty on the play moved the ball to the DSU 25. On the fourth play after the turnover, Jackson found Rushing open in the end zone for a one-yard touchdown pass. The Bulls led 27-0 after the extra point.

Delaware State got on the board on the ensuing possession. Redshirt freshman kicker Jose Romo-Martinez capped off a nine-play, 69-yard drive with his first career field goal from 23-yards out to cut UB’s lead to 27-3 with 8:56 left in the second quarter. The key play in the drive was a 41-yard pass from Hornet starting quarterback Jack McDaniels to Kwannah Kollie to the Buffalo 34-yard line. Waters rushed for 15 yards to the UB 10 on fourth-and-one to keep the drive going.

The Bulls added another second quarter touchdown on a 19-yard pass from Jackson to Osborn to open up a 34-3 halftime lead.  

Jackson left the game after throwing his sixth touchdown pass, covering 11 yards to Charlie Jones on the opening possession of the third quarter.

The Bulls led 48-3 when Delaware State tallied its lone touchdown to close out the scoring. Alleyne finishwed the eight-play, 53-yard drive with a 24-yard touchdown run with eight-and-a-half minuites left to play. The touchdown was his first since scoring two vs. Florida A&M as a sophomore in 2016. 

McDaniels completed eight-of-15 passes for 76 yards. Kollie had two receptions for 41 yards.

Freshman safety David Bowman, a Milford (Del.) High School product, led the Hornets with a game-high 11 tackles, including seven solo stops. LinebackerBrian Cavicante had 10 tackles, five unassisted, for DSU.

The Delaware State defense held Buffalo to just two-of-13 conversions on third down, but the Bulls were successful each of its five fourth-down conversion attempts.

The Hornets were two-of-three on fourth down tries.

STINGERS The Hornets have dropped their last six opening games … Waters saw his first action since a season-ending knee injury at West Virginia in week three last season … McDaniels is the first Delaware State quarterback to start back-to-back season openers since Nick Elko in 2011 & ’12 … DSU’s Neibauer was ejected from the game in the second quarter after being called for a targeting penalty (helmet-to-helmet hit) … The Hornets return to action next Sat. (Sep. 8) at St. Francis (Pa.) … kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. in Loretto, Pa.  

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY HORNETS ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Georgia Southern Eagles Soar Over Bulldogs In Season-Opener

STATESBORO, Georgia — The South Carolina State Bulldogs dropped a tough, 37-6, decision in its season-opener to Georgia Southern Saturday (Sept. 1st) at Paulson Stadium.
 
"We played a very good Georgia Southern team and my hat goes off to them on they played today," said head coach Buddy Pough. "This team is a really young so this gave us a chance to see how these guys react in game situation."


 
The Eagles jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead in the first quarter.  Redshirt senior running back Moneo Garret scored on a 1-yard punch with 2:43 remaining late in the first to give GSU a 6-0 lead. The two-point conversion failed.
 
A costly fumble with 1:21 remaining gave the Eagles perfect field position the Bulldog 34-yard line. Redshirt sophomore Quarterback Shai Werts took full advantage scoring on a 23-yard run 0:36 seconds left to push GSU ahead two scores to close out the quarter.
 
Georgia Southern closed out the first-half off a 19-yard field goal by Tyler Bass to end intermission 16-0.
 
The Bulldogs were able to get on the board off a 2-yard run by redshirt sophomore Tyrece Nick at the 10:20 mark in the third quarter. The Eagles responded with back-to-back scores of 13 and 14-yards by Werts to extend the lead to 37-6 with 4:27 remaining in the game to seal the victory.
 
Senior defensive back Chris Adams and junior linebacker Lane Jones each finished with seven (7) tackles each in the loss, while Cornelius Walker added five (5). Redshirt sophomore Tyrece Nick led the rushing attack with 21 carries for 66-yards and a touchdown.
 
Freshman return specialist Tayshawn Baines had a solid day returning the football with two returns for 61-yards (31-long), while senior punter Jerome Pettiway posted three (3) punts for 140 yards (46.7 yards per punt) with a long of 71-yards.
 
"When you lose its always a tough feeling we have to regroup correct some mistakes and get ready for our next opponent," said Pough.

Box Score
 
Next up South Carolina State hits the road Saturday (Sept.8th) to take on Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Kickoff is 6 p.m. and will televised on ESPN3.
 
For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU Opens The Willenium With 41-7 Rout Of FVSU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Willie Simmons Era of Florida A&M University Football opened literally with a flash of lightning, as the Rattlers dominated a game Fort Valley State team, 41-7 Saturday evening at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

A near-sellout crowd of 20,262 packed the venerable stadium to witness the first varsity game on the recently installed Astro Turf, watching the Rattlers take an early 13-0 lead, thanks to a one-yard blast by sophomore running back Ricky Henrilus, and a pair of Yahia Aly field goals (38, 43 yards).

Right after Aly’s second fielder, severe thunderstorms dropped forks of lightning to the south of campus, leading to a delay of over 45 minutes, as the field and stadium were cleared.

When the action resumed, Fort Valley State (0-1), which had a recent history for playing the Rattlers close, came out of the break and struck quickly, as Lorenzo Smothers took a pass from Jarman Slade and dashed 92 yards for a touchdown, slicing the Rattlers’ edge to 13-7 with 4:30 left in the second period.

FAMU junior quarterback Ryan Stanley answered back moments later, hitting Xavier Smith with a 28-yard scoring strike with 2:15 left in the half, to stake the Rattlers to a 20-7 lead at the break.

The Rattler Defense dominated all game, holding the Wildcats to a minus 12 yards rushing on 28 tries, recording five sacks and 10 tackles for loss, applying relentless pressure. With the GanGreen Defense frustrating the Boys from Middle Georgia, FAMU’s offense began to put on the display the depth of talent that Coach Simmons and his staff have assembled, while giving fans a peak at some of the explosive potential of the new Read Option attack.

Yahia Aly extended the Rattlers’ edge to 23-7 on his third field goal of the game, a 24-yard boot with 9:21 left in the third, then Ryan Stanley tossed his second scoring pass, a nine-yard dart to Marcus Williams with 6:01 left in the quarter, for a 30-7 lead.

Aly then went to work, nailing three more three-pointers from 29, 26 and 29 yards, to set a new FAMU single game mark for field goals made with six, eclipsing the previous mark of five (5) held jointly by Chase Varnadore (vs. North Carolina Central in 2012) and Juan Vansquez (vs. Morgan State in 2000).

Prior to Aly’s final kick with 2:29 to play, FAMU pounced on a bad snap on a punt which bounded into the end zone for a safety, with 8:52 left.

FAMU’s Offense deployed a bevy of running backs who combined for 276 rushing yards, paced by speedy sophomore Bishop Bonnett, who finished with a team high 76 yards on eight carries. 

Sophomore Azende Rey had a 40-yard burst on a run play, and led the club with three catches for 25 yards.

Other Rattler backs in the talented arsenal that should come into play this season included Hans Supre (seven for 37 yards), Henrilus (seven for 34), backup QB D.J. Phillips (32 yards on four carriesin the second half), freshman Eddie Timman (three tires, 31 yards) and senior Devin Bowers (seven carries, 22 yards).

Sophomore kicker Chris Faddoul had only two punts on Saturday, but he made the most of his chances, averaging 60 yards per boot, with a long of 61 yards which resulted in a touchback.

Defensively, leading the charge were linebackers Derrick Mayweather and Kendrick Kelly with six tackles each. Mayweather added a quarterback sack and a tackle for loss, while Antonio Miller had five tackles, two for loss and a sack. Senior Orlando McKinley had a pass interception, while Doyle Grimes returned a fumbled 20 yards, and Elijah Daniels was in on the play that resulted in a safety for the Rattlers in the south end zone.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers hit the road next week to face off against Troy (Ala.) University at 6:00 p.m. Central Time on ESPN Plus.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY RATTLERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn Braves Toughened by Season-Opener at Georgia Tech

ATLANTA, Georgia --  Nearly the entire roster played for the Alcorn State University football program as it dropped a 41-0 decision to Georgia Tech on the road Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Alcorn (0-1) saw seven different student-athletes carry the ball and 10 different wide receivers caught a pass. Senior P.J. Simmons, the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player Player, led the way with 10 rushes for 47 yards (4.7 ypc) and also caught three passes for nine yards.
 
The Braves used both junior Noah Johnson and sophomore Felix Harper at quarterback. Johnson tallied 51 yards passing on 10-of-15 attempts, while Harper was 5-for-8 for 18 yards. Johnson also rushed for 21 yards on six carries.
 
Defensively, senior Alvin Wilson led the Braves with eight tackles including four solo. Senior Trae Ferrell notched seven tackles including one for a loss. Junior Taurence Wilson grabbed an interception to end GA Tech's (1-0) two-minute drill at the end of the first half.
 
The Braves forced two fumbles in the game and they were recovered by junior Brelion Hollis and freshman Keyron Kinsler.
 
Alcorn limited GA Tech quarterback TaQuon Marshall to just 9-of-18 for 104 yards throwing with an interception. The Braves out-tackled GA Tech 71-46.
 
On special teams, junior Corey McCullough booted nine punts for a career-high 372 yards (41.3 ypp). He cranked a long of 51 yards and four of his punts landed inside the 20.
 
The Yellow Jackets rushed for 439 yards, including 85 and a touchdown by Jordan Mason. KinVonte Benson scored two touchdowns to go along with 75 yards.
 
On the opening series of the game, Johnson completed a quick pass to freshman Juan Anthony Jr., but the Braves were forced to punt.
 
Georgia Tech scored on its opening drive including a 28-yard touchdown by Mason to go up 7-0. It capped a four-play, 68-yard drive which featured all running plays.
 
On GA Tech's second drive, the Yellow Jackets approached midfield when senior Quintin Smith forced a fumble and Hollis recovered to give the Braves good field position. Though, Alcorn was backed up by a false start penalty and the drive stalled out at the GA Tech 40.
 
The Yellow Jackets went up 13-0 early in the second quarter. The scoring play was a one-yard quarterback keeper by Marshall. The extra-point hit the left post, no good, but it ended a nine-play series for 81 yards consisting of all running plays.
 
Harper entered the game on Alcorn's first series of the second quarter and completed his first pass on a screen to junior De'Shawn Waller. Though, the Braves were forced to punt.
 
The Yellow Jackets led 20-0 when they had the ball in a two-minute drill situation. GA Tech went for the deep ball down the left side when Taurence Wilson leaped up and made the interception despite offensive pass interference which was declined.
 
After a GA Tech interception, the Yellow Jackets attempted a last-second 50-yard field goal which sailed wide-right. GA Tech led 20-0 at the half.
 
The Yellow Jackets got the ball first in the second half and scored on their opening drive to increase their edge to 27-0. GA Tech added-on 34-0 early in the third after David Curry scooped up a fumble after a big hit and returned it for a touchdown.
 
The Braves started to move the ball midway through the third. It started with a first down carry by Simmons, and then on third down Johnson connected with junior Raidarious Anderson for nine yards to move the chains at the GA Tech 45. However, Alcorn was pushed back by a holding penalty and ultimately had to punt. McCullough's punt landed at the GA Tech three-yard line.
 
GA Tech answered with a 97-play drive including a 24-yard touchdown pass to Brad Stewart in the back left corner in the end zone to lead 41-0 with 3:07 remaining in the third.
 
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets faced a 4th-and-goal from the one-yard line when Wilson stuffed the rush and GA Tech turned it over on downs.
 
After an Alcorn fumble, the Yellow Jackets returned the favor late in the game as freshman Keyron Kinsler recovered it before being tripped up.
 
The Braves will play their home-opener next weekend when they host Louisiana College at 6 p.m. Saturday at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium. Alcorn carries over a four-game home winning-streak from last season.


 
NOTES
- Saturday marked the second-ever meeting between Alcorn and Georgia Tech. The 16th-ranked Yellow Jackets won 69-6 in the 2015 season-opener.
 
- It was the first time in three years that the Braves dropped their season opener. They beat Miles College 50-21 last season and 21-18 in 2016.
 
- The Alcorn defense allowed GA Tech to score on just 60 percent (3-of-5) of their red zone opportunities. It came after the Braves ranked top-five in the nation in red zone defense last year, letting up scores on just 64.5 percent of trips inside the 20.
 
- The five completions marked a career-high for Harper, who saw limited action last year and completed three at MVSU on Nov. 11, 2017.
 
- McCullough's 372 punting yards surpassed his previous career-high of 309 at Alabama A&M on Nov. 4, 2017.
 
- The Braves entered the week ranked third in the Preseason HBCU Poll and are receiving votes in the Preseason FCS Poll.
 
- Alcorn's captains were McCullough, Simmons and senior Brady Smith. The Braves won the coin toss and chose to receive.
 
Quoting Alcorn head coach Fred McNair
Opening Statement
"We came out and played hard today. The defense played exceptionally well for most of the way, especially having to adjust to the way Georgia Tech plays with the triple-option. The offense had some opportunities, but we weren't able to execute on a couple passes. We'll get better. We showed some good spurts on offense but we need more consistency. We just have to keep working, and there are some things we were excited about from this game."
 
On the physicality of the game
"This was a very tough and physical game. We'll have a chance to watch the film and learn something from it. This game definitely made us tougher and we did a good job of battling. We had a great goal-line stand defensively, and the offense just needs to execute. It wasn't about what Georgia Tech did today as much as it was about what we do and what we need to get better at."
  
On what changes will be made this week
"Not a whole lot will change, we just need to work harder. That's the only thing that will change – our work-ethic. We have another chance next week to play another team, and we're excited about returning home. We're just going to continue to press on and get better."

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Look on the bright side: Southern not discouraged by 55-7 loss at No. 16 TCU

FORT WORTH, Texas — Wide receiver Cameron Mackey had a smile stretched across his face.

Linebacker Calvin Lunkins raved about the confidence a day like Saturday can inject into a program like Southern.

Coach Dawson Odums said he was proud of the effort his team gave for all 60 minutes.

Judging by their reactions after this season's opening game, it would've been impossible to tell Southern lost 55-7 to No. 16 TCU.



But as center Jaylon Brinson pointed out, Southern’s win probability before the game was measured in decimals. And the Horned Frogs did indeed dominate all 3 hours, 13 minutes of this game on a steamy afternoon.

But all things considered, Southern knows Saturday could have gone much worse.

“We definitely gained confidence because we played our hearts out,” Lunkins said. “We played hard throughout the whole game, and that's all coach asks of us."

Odums didn't deny that Southern made mistakes and suffered through more than a few low points.

Southern was outgained nearly 3-to-1 on offense (499-185) and committed three turnovers, with another half-dozen close calls sprinkled in.

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Alabama A&M opens Maynor Era with Shutout of Miles

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — History happened on "The Hill."

Connell Maynor made his debut as Alabama A&M's new football coach, and the Bulldogs delivered the program's first shutout in six years.

With a swarming defense that dominated the trenches, Alabama A&M topped Miles 37-0 Saturday night to open the season in the Louis Crews Classic.

"That was a strong performance and a great way to open the season," said Maynor, who was hired in February.

"Guys were flying around the ball all night long. We made some plays early and did a good job of setting the tempo for the game."

Alabama A&M dominated from the opening kick.

On the first possession of the season, quarterback Aqeel Glass led Alabama A&M on a six-play drive that ended with a 28-yard field goal from Spencer Corey.

And the momentum never shifted.

A few minutes later, Jordan Bentley carried the ball four straight times before punching the ball into the end zone for a four-yard touchdown. Glass threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Bailey and Gary Quarles rushed for a 1-yard score to give Alabama A&M a 24-point cushion at halftime.

Glass finished with two touchdown passes, completing 11 of 18 attempts with an interception. The sophomore threw a second-half touchdown to Marceles Clash. Dylan Smith threw a touchdown pass to Octayvious Miles.

Miles led Alabama A&M in receiving with three catches for 66 yards, while Quarles led the Bulldogs on the ground with 51 rushing yards on seven carries.

"We expected to play well," Glass said. "There are a lot of playmakers on this team — several guys capable of making plays. This definitely is a positive performance to build on."

Alabama A&M's defense was the prominent storyline.

The Bulldogs held Miles (0-1) to just 115 total yards, with 80 on the ground.

"Everyone wanted to make a statement," linebacker Elijah Timarky said. "Our goal was to play physical and give up nothing. This was a good win for our team."

Alabama A&M hosts North Alabama next Saturday.

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Goal Line Stand Helps D-2 Morehouse Upset Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 34-30

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The Morehouse defense used a goal line stand in the final seconds to upset Division I-FCS the Universiiy of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Saturday evening on the road at Simmons Bank Field.

The Maroon Tigers avenged losses to the Golden Lions the two previous years to start the season 1-0 while UAPB falls to 0-1.

With Arkansas-Pine Bluff on the three-yard line and the clock winding down sophomore transfer, William Callaway, sacked UAPB's quarterback and forced a fumble which was recovered by freshman, Ben Goins to seal the win.

MHC got the scoring started in the first quarter as sophomore running back, Frank Bailey Jr. darted up the field for a 52-yard run and freshman quarterback, Michael Sims, found Tremell Gooden down the middle of the field on a 29-yard strike to the Pine Bluff one yard line. Sophomore, Ronald Bradley plunged into the endzone for the early 7-0 Maroon Tiger lead.

Morehouse wasted little time to extend the lead as MHC went into the bag of tricks when Gooden found senior, Tamarick Vanover Jr. on a 63 yard bomb on a wide receiver pass extending the lead to 14-0.



UAPB would get on the board when Shannon Patrick connected with Josh Wilkes on a 38-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline to cut the lead to 14-7. After trading punts, Sims found Gooden on a 19-yard pass and then hit senior tight end, Ryan Edwards, on a short strike that ended with a 57-yard touchdown pass giving the Maroon Tigers a 21-7 lead. It only took the Golden Lions one minute and 27 seconds to cut into the lead when Taeylor Porter bounced a 29-yard TD run down the right sideline making the score 21-14.

Staying true to the teams offensive outburst, sophomore running back, Santo Dunn broke out with a 77-yard touchdown run making the score 28-14. Pine Bluff only needed 30 seconds before finding the endzone again on a 12-yard dart from Patrick to Tyrin Ralph but missed what would prove to be a costly extra-point making the score 28-20 going into the locker rooms for halftime.

The teams made the necessary adjustments at the half to slow down each others offenses as UAPB did the only scoring in the third quarter on a 31-yard field goal by Jamie Gillan cutting the deficit to just 28-23.

With 11:28 remaining in the game, Dunn again found the endzone on an electrifying 31-yard run extending the as Maroon Tiger lead to 34-23. UAPB would not go away as Patrick again found his favorite target Wilkes this time with a 77-yard pass making the score 34-30 with just 4:55 remaining in the game. The Morehouse defense would hold in the final seconds for the victory.

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Dunn would lead the Maroon Tiger offensive attack as he finished with 159 rushing yards on only 14 carries and two touchdowns while Bailey would chip in with 106-yards on the ground. Sims connected on 12-of-21 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown while Gooden caught three passes for 57 yards including a 63 yard touchdown pass of his own.

Defensively the Morehouse defense was led by Junior linebacker, Julien Turner, who finished with a team-high 12 tackles and a sack.

MHC out rushed UAPB 305 to 116 on the ground, but lost the battle in the passing game as the Golden Lions threw for 463-yards to the Maroon Tigers 262.

The Maroon Tigers remain on the road and travel to Jackson, Tenn. to take on SIAC foe the Dragons of Lane College next Saturday, September 8. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m.

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Jackson State Sonic Boom vs. U. Southern Mississippi

Kentucky State Sylve, St. Ge combine for 272 yards rushing

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pennsylvania -- The starting backfield of junior running back Brett Sylve and sophomore quarterback Jules St. Ge combined for 272 yards on the ground, but the Kentucky State Thorobreds ran out of gas in falling to Slippery Rock Saturday, 38-31, in non-conference action.

"It was a hot day, we don't have a lot of bodies, and we just wore down," said Kentucky State head coach John L. Smith. "It's called depth. We got through the game with five offensive linemen. I am proud the guys, especially with the travel. We traveled with the right frame of mind. We were focused and intense.

"But you have to also give (Slippery Rock) credit. They are a good football team."

In an offensively explosive game, 10 of the 11 scoring drives lasted under 3:33 minutes. The lone exception was a 13-play, 67-yard KYSU drive that was culminated with a 20-yard field goal that pulled the Thorobreds to within 35-31 in the fourth quarter.

Three plays into the contest, Sylve (Hammond, LA) opened the scoring with a 75-yard scamper. An interception by sophomore Zuriel Rudolph (Birmingham, AL) set-up another KYSU score, this one a five-yard run by St. Ge (Lakeland, FL).

Slippery Rock halved its deficit with a 57-yard pass, but another scoring drive - capped by St. Ge pushed the KYSU lead back to 14. The Rock was threatening for another score, but senior Matthew Bizimana (Louisville, KY) forced a fumble at the goal line and it was recovered by junior David Daniels (Louisville, KY).

Sylve tallied his second score of the game with a one-yard plunge to give Kentucky State a 21-point lead with 4:41 remaining in the half.

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A late second quarter score by Slippery Rock seemingly pushed the momentum to the hosts, and it showed as The Rock tacked on three more touchdowns to take their first lead of the game, 35-28, with 1:19 remaining in the third quarter.

The home team had an opportunity to take the lead earlier in the quarter, but Daniels forced, recovered and returned a fumble 80 yards to put KYSU in the red zone. It was the second goal line fumble for The Rock. The drive ended with a missed field goal.

Kentucky State drove down to within the Rock seven yardline again and had six attempts to score the equalizing touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. However, KYSU had to settle for the aforementioned 20-yard field goal.

St. Ge was 10-of-12 passing with 118 yards and one interception to go along with his 126 yards on 11 rushing attempts. He added two rushing touchdowns. His 10 completions went to five different receivers with junior Jordan Level (Detroit, MI) and junior Malik Saunders (Louisville, KY) hauling in three receptions apiece. Level finished with a team-high 45 receiving yards, and Saunders added 41 yards.

Sylve toted the rock 20 times for a team-high 146 yards with two touchdowns.

Junior Myrthel Stewart (Glenwood, IL) led the Thorobreds defensively with eight tackles, while sophomore Antwoine Lloyd (Indianapolis, IN) and Rudolph had seven tackles each.

Kentucky State (0-1) makes its home debut 4 p.m. Saturday, hosting McKendree at Alumni Stadium. The Bearcats opened their season with a 34-28 victory over Northern Michigan.

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UTPB Falcons Comeback Runs Out of Time in 26-16 Loss at Texas Southern

HOUSTON, Texas -- UT Permian Basin scored a pair of second half touchdowns and outscored Texas Southern 14-10 in the second half, but its comeback in their season opener ran out of time Saturday night as the Falcons fell against FCS D-I Texas Southern 26-16 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

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Saturday's game started at 9:35 p.m. after a 2:30 delay due to severe weather and heavy rains in the downtown Houston area.

The Falcons first possession of the night stalled out in the red zone after Kameron Mathis picked up a first down on a QB keeper and Marquis Simmons broke out for a 44 yard run down the UTPB sideline.

Texas Southern put together a six play drive to find the end zone with their first possession, scoring on a 39 yard pass as Glen Cuiellette found Bobby Hartzog despite John O'Kelley providing the pressure from the blind side.

The Tigers took advantage of a short field on their second drive, needing to go just 40 yards for a touchdown by Tren'Davian Dickson on a 14-yard diving catch in the corner of the end zone. The Falcons got on the scoreboard on the PAT when they blocked the attempt up the middle and Diameon Brewer scooped it and took it down the field unimpeded to the end zone for two points.

La'Daidreain Glasker provided a big spark for the Falcons in the early moments of the second quarter, recovering a fumble out of Cuiellette's hands on a deep sack to give the Falcons the ball on the TSU 37-yard line.

A 14-yard Adrian Walker rush down to the 3-yard line following a 3rd-down conversion pass to Ben Galaviz put the Falcons in sight of the goal line, but a missed FG turned possession back over to the Tigers.


After Texas Southern scored the first points of the second half on a pass to the back right corner of the end zone from two yards out, the Falcons got their first TD of the night when Sam Allen entered at QB and ran the team down the field, rushing six times for 46 yards, including a two-yard run into the end zone for the touchdown.

Allen scored his second touchdown of the night, connecting with Ben Galaviz down the sideline in single coverage for a 64-yard touchdown. Allen found Kyle McBride wide open in the flat on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt to close within 26-16.

Justin Nicholls forced the defense's second turnover of the game, coming up with a deep jump ball inside of Falcon territory with under seven minutes remaining.

O'Kelley spent his night in the TSU backfield, ending the game with three sacks and 3.5 tackles-for-loss with seven total tackles.

Simmons was the team's leading rusher, carrying the ball 10 times for 78 yards, averaging 7.8 per carry as the Falcons out-rushed Texas Southern 182 to 128 as a team. Allen added 58 yards on nine rushes and Adrian Walker carried the ball five times for 40 yards.

Allen ended the game the Falcons leading passer, throwing for 84 yards on four completions, the bulk coming on his TD to Galaviz. Galaviz ended the night with 78 yards on three receptions and a touchdown.

Quinn Tinley, Chris Hoad and Marquee Allison each ended the game with six tackles for the UTPB defense.

UT Permian Basin is back in action next week, traveling to Marquette, Mich. for a non-conference contest at Northern Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. local time (noon CT).

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Allen University Yellow Jackets Records First Win in 15 Years

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- For the first time in 15 years, Allen University played a college football game.

It made itself at home at the locale of a fellow Yellow Jacket - Irmo High School. Over 500 fans werer in attendance at W.C. Hawkins Stadium to watch Allen face Columbus State University.

The Yellow Jackets led 24-0 at halftime and went on to win 47-3. They play host to Livingstone College on Sept. 8 at W.C. Hawkins Stadium.



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