CIAA welcomes Claflin University this fall

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The CIAA has extended its southern footprint to the state of South Carolina.

Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C., becomes the historically black athletic conference’s 13th member this fall and will compete in the CIAA Southern Division.

The privately endowed school of some 2,000 students previously was affiliated with the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, or SIAC.

The CIAA addition from the Palmetto State will make for some lengthy bus rides. It is 382 miles from Richmond to Orangeburg. It is more than 600 miles from Orangeburg to the CIAA’s northern-most member school, Lincoln University in Lincoln., Pa.

Claflin is 136 miles from CIAA headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte also is the site of the CIAA annual men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

Nicknamed the Panthers, Claflin University does not compete in football. It joins the CIAA with five men’s and six women’s programs.

In men’s sports, Claflin will compete in CIAA basketball, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and baseball.

CONTINUE READING

Is this the season for J.C. Smith’s turnaround? Here are 10 storylines to follow

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- J.C. Smith football finally has some stability.

Golden Bulls coach Kermit Blount is excited about this year’s squad, which he says has better depth, athleticism and consistency throughout the roster. After going 2-8 in 2017, there’s a sense the program is on the cusp of a rebound, starting with the CIAA South.

“We know, we think, we feel where we should be,” Blount said. “There’s no pressure. We feel urgency for our own personal gain. When you’re in this business, you compete to win, you don’t compete to finish third or fourth.”

J.C Smith, which was picked fifth in the six-team CIAA South, has some work to do to move up. The Golden Bulls’ last winning season was 2012, when they finished 6-4. Here are 10 storylines to watch:

CONTINUE READING

Ohio Football Kicks Off 2018 Season Saturday Against Howard

Ohio Game Notes (PDF)

ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio football team (0-0) kicks off its 124th season on Saturday (Sept. 1), playing host to NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision opponent Howard (0-0). Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. EST at Peden Stadium. Click here for ticket information or call 1-800-575-CATS (2287).

Saturday's contest will be streamed live on ESPN+, with Matt Stewart and former Georgia starting quarterback Hutson Mason on the call. The game can also be heard on the Ohio IMG Sports Network. Russ Eisenstein returns for his 11th season as the "Voice of the Bobcats." Ohio alum Rob Cornelius, who has been a part of the broadcasts for close to two decades, is back in the booth. The 12-station network has an over-the-air coverage area that hits three states. In addition, the broadcasts are available online through OhioBobcats.com and TuneIn.com/OhioBobcats.com. They are also free on the TuneIn app.

WEEK ONE: Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 | Howard (0-0) at Ohio (0-0) | 2 p.m. EST | Peden Stadium | Athens, Ohio | ESPN+ | Ohio IMG Sports Network

OPENING KICKOFF
• The Bobcats are coming off of a 2017 campaign in which they went 9-4 overall and finished second in the Mid-American Conference East Division with a 5-3 mark in league play.
• The 2017 season saw Ohio earn bowl eligibility for the ninth-straight season and make its eighth bowl appearance during that span. The Bobcats ended the year on a high note, rolling to a 41-6 triumph over UAB in the Bahamas Bowl.
• Frank Solich is back on the Ohio sidelines as head coach for a 14th season. The Bobcats have gone 97-71 (.577) during Solich's tenure -- including 64-40 (.615) in MAC play. Three more victories will put Solich in the company of Don Peden (1924-46; 121 wins) and Bill Hess (1958-77; 108) as the only coaches in the history of the program to lead the Bobcats to at least 100 victories. Solich has guided Ohio to four MAC East Division titles (2006, '09, '11, '16) and three bowl victories in nine appearances.
• Ohio was tabbed MAC favorite in the league's preseason media poll, which was announced in late July. The Bobcats were picked first in the East Division with a league-best 140 total points. Ohio was also selected to win the 2018 Marathon MAC Football Championship Game, which will be held at Ford Field on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. The contest will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
• Saturday's contest marks Ohio's first-ever meeting with Howard. Ohio is 1-0 all-time against current members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Bobcats beat Norfolk State, 44-10, on Sept. 22, 2012, at Peden Stadium.

LIFTING THE LID
Ohio is 8-5 (.615) in season openers in the Solich era. The Bobcats are seeking their second-straight victory in a season opener and fourth in the last five seasons. Ohio will be opening the season at home for the third year in a row.

Ohio Season Openers Under Solich
Sept. 2, 2017 - vs. Hampton: W, 59-0
Sept. 3, 2016 - vs. Texas State: L, 56-54 (3OT)
Sept. 3, 2015 - at Idaho: W, 45-28
Aug. 30, 2014 - at Kent State: W, 17-14
Sept. 1, 2013 - at No. 9 Louisville: L, 49-7
Sept. 1, 2012 - at Penn State: W, 24-14Sept. 3, 2011 - vs. New Mexico State: W, 44-24
Sept. 4, 2010 - vs. Wofford: W, 33-10
Sept. 5, 2009 - vs. UConn: L, 23-16
Aug. 30, 2008 - at Wyoming: L, 21-20
Sept. 1, 2007 - vs. Gardner-Webb: W, 36-14
Sept. 2, 2006 - vs. UT Martin: W, 29-3Sept. 3, 2005 - at Northwestern: L, 38-14 

A COACHING LEGEND
Entering his 20th season as the man in charge on the sidelines overall and 14th at Ohio, Solich has already cemented his legacy as legendary head coach. Among his achievements:

• Ranks third in MAC history in wins behind Herb Deromedi (110, Central Michigan, 1978-93) and Bill Hess (108, Ohio, 1958-77).
• Is tied for second in MAC history in conference-only wins with Hess, with both trailing Deromedi (90 wins).
• Is tied with Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy as the third-longest tenured head coach in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision behind Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (20th season) and TCU's Gary Patterson (19th).
• Has coached four All-America honorees at Ohio.
• The program has tallied 94 All-MAC selections during his tenure.
• Nine players have been selected in the NFL Draft under his watch.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Ohio is the only program in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision to have the same head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator for the last 14 years as Tim Albin (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs) and Jimmy Burrow (Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Safeties) both return to Solich's staff in 2018.

Longevity is a theme on the Solich staff. Dwayne Dixon(12th year; Wide Receivers) and Brian Haines (11th year; Special Teams/Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator) have both coached under Solich for over a decade. Three other assistants have been with Solich for at least five years -- Ron Collins (Eighth year; Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers), Scott Isphording (Sixth year; Quarterbacks) and Chris Rodgers (Sixth year; Assistant AD for Football Operations). Pete Germano (Defensive Line), De'Angelo Smith (Defensive Backs) and Ryan Bainbridge (Director of Player Personnel and High School Relations) are all beginning their second seasons, though this is Germano's second stint at Ohio; he spent 11 seasons on the Bobcats' staff before serving as the defensive line coach at Fresno State for five seasons. 

New to the Solich coaching staff in 2018 are Bart Miller (Offensive Line) and Tremayne Scott (Defensive Tackles). Miller comes to Athens after serving as tight ends coach at Air Force last season. He has coached the offensive lines at Minnesota, Florida Atlantic, New Mexico State and Wisconsin. Scott is a familiar face to followers of the Bobcats. At 2012 graduate of Ohio, he played in 35 games on the defensive line for the Bobcats, registering 71.5 tackles, 7.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and one interception. He earned All-MAC Second Team recognition after his junior season. He was also named Defensive Player of the Game following Ohio's 45-14 victory over Louisiana-Monroe in the 2012 Advocare V100 Independence Bowl. Scott spent the last two years coaching at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. 

PUTTING UP THE POINTS
Ohio set new single-season standards for points scored (508) and highest scoring average (39.1), average yards per carry (5.7) and rushing touchdowns (44). Ohio ranked 34th in the country in total offense (433.1 yards per game) -- including 16th in rushing offense (244.5 yards per game) -- and ninth in scoring.

SEEING RED
Not surprisingly, the Bobcats boasted one of the most opportunistic red zone offenses in the nation a year ago, scoring on 91.9 percent (57-of-62) of their trips inside the opponents' 20-yard line to rank 12th in the country. Ohio scored a staggering 35 red zone rushing touchdowns, which was good for third in the country. 

POUND THE ROCK
Ohio's ground game was crucial to its offensive success in 2017. The Bobcats ranked 16th in the country in rushing offense (244.5 yards per game). In total, Ohio compiled 3,179 rushing yards to rank 15th in the country -- the fifth-most rushing yards in a single season in program history. The Bobcats' 5.74 average yards per carry ranked as the most in program history and ninth-most in the country while their 44 rushing touchdowns set a new program standard and ranked fourth in the nation.

The Bobcats ran for at least 200 yards seven times a year ago -- including three performances of over 300 yards. The high mark came in a 38-10 thumping of eventual MAC champion Toledo on Nov. 8 at Peden Stadium when Ohio racked up a season-high 393 yards on the ground.

RUNNING DOWN A DREAM
Redshirt senior running back A.J. Ouellette (Covington, Ohio) has blossomed from walk-on buried on the depth chart heading into his 2014 freshman campaign to climbing the charts on Ohio's rushing records.

Ouellette heads into his final season with the Bobcats ranked ninth in school history with 2,478 career rushing yards. He needs just 48 more yards to pass Arnold Welcher (1974-77) for eighth place and 137 more to pass Kevin Babcock (1976-79) for seventh. His 506 career carries rank as the 10th-most in program history, and his nine career games with at least 100 yards rush are good for ninth-most in program history.

In 2017, Ouellette became the first Ohio back to rush for at least 1,000 yards in a single season, finishing with 1,006 to become the first since Beau Blankenship piled up 1,604 in 2012.

AIR CANADA (WITH GROUND SUPPORT)
Quarterback Nathan Rourke (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) burst onto the scene for Ohio in 2017, earning All-MAC Second Team honors for his efforts. He etched his name in the program's top-10 for passing yards (2,203; ninth), completions (161; tied-10th), touchdown passes (17; seventh) and passing efficiency (132.9; ninth) in a single season. He threw for the most yards by an Ohio sophomore signal caller since Tyler Tettleton passed for 3,302 yards in 2011. 

Rourke proved problematic for opposing defenses not only because of his arm but because of his legs as well. He set the program record for rushing touchdowns in a single season with 21, which tied him for third-most in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in 2017 with Washington running back Myles Gaskin and ranked as the most by a quarterback in the country last season. His 6.66 yards per carry a year ago rank as the fourth-highest in a single season in program history and ranked as the 11th-highest average in the country, finishing just behind former Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson (6.90) of Louisville. Rourke tallied five 100-yard games last season, tying him for the 10th-most in a single season in program history.

In all, Rourke accounted for 3,115 total yards of offense (sixth-most in a single season in program history), averaging 7.26 yards per play (second-most in a single season in program history) and 239.6 yards per game (fourth-most in a single season in program history. He set Ohio's single-season scoring record with 132 points (tied for sixth-most in the nation in 2017), 22 touchdowns scored (fifth-most in the nation in 2017) and 39 touchdowns responsible for. His 234 points responsible for tied him for ninth-most in the country last year.

Rourke enters his junior season with his name appearing on the Manning, Maxwell and O'Brien award watch lists.

STRENGTH IN THE SECONDARY
Ohio returns three-fourths of its defensive backfield in 2018. 

Redshirt junior free safety Javon Hagan (Jacksonville, Fla.) was an All-MAC Second Team pick a year ago after ranking second on the team with 85 total tackles (45 solo, 40 assisted). He picked off one pass and forced one fumble. The 2016 MAC Freshman of the Year is on the watch list for the Thorpe Award entering this season.

The Bobcats return redshirt senior Kylan Nelson (Lexington, Ky.) at strong safety. Nelson was sixth on the team with 53 total tackles (28 solo, 25 assisted) and third with eight pass breakups.

Redshirt senior Jalen Fox (Cincinnati, Ohio) is back as the starting right cornerback after tying for second on the team with two interceptions and ranking second with 11 pass breakups a year ago.

Ohio's secondary lost All-MAC Third Team left cornerback Bradd Ellis, who led the Bobcats with 19 pass breakups and tied for second on the squad with two interceptions. Two sophomores who are natives of Miami, Fla., Jamal Hudson and Marlin Brooks, are vying to take the starting spot this year.

KICKING GAME SPECIAL
The Bobcats have the luxury of returning one of the top special teams tandems in the country in redshirt junior kicker Louie Zervos (Tarpon Springs, Fla.) and redshirt junior punter Michael Farkas (Mishawaka, Ind.). 

Zervos enters the season having been named to the Groza Award Preseason Watch list for the second year in a row. He was an All-MAC Third Team pick in 2017 after making 15 of his 18 field goal attempts and drilling 61 extra points. He enters this year tied for fourth in program history in career points scored (229) and ranked second in career field goals made (44) and fourth in career extra points made (96). His 83.1 percent career field goal percentage is good for second-best in program history.

Farkas enters his third season as Ohio's punter ranked eighth in program history in career punting yards (5,261).

Also back for the Bobcats is senior Jake Hale (Powell, Ohio) to once again handle the long snapping duties.

A LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE
Following the matchup against Howard, Ohio will play back-to-back road games at Virginia (Sept. 15) and Cincinnati (Sept. 22). The Bobcats will take on the Cavaliers for the first time since 1993 when Virginia was ranked No. 21 in the country at the time. The all-time series against in-state rival Cincinnati is deadlocked at 23-23-4, but the Bobcats have not faced the Bearcats since 1981. Ohio wraps up non-conference play with a battle with UMass (Sept. 29) at Peden Stadium. The Bobcats escaped Amherst with a wild 58-50 victory over the Minutemen last September. 

MAC play opens with back-to-back road games at Kent state (Oct. 6) and Northern Illinois (Oct. 13). Ohio closes October out with a Homecoming matchup against Bowling Green (Oct. 20) and a home game against Ball State (Oct. 25). The Bobcats are back on the road again to start November, visiting Western Michigan (Nov. 1) and archrival Miami (Nov. 7). The regular season concludes with home showdowns against Buffalo (Nov. 14) and Akron (Nov. 23). 

FOLLOW THE LEADERS
Ohio enters 2018 with seven team captains -- Ouellette, Lowery, Hagan, Rourke, Nelson, Berger and Croutch. Ouellette is a three-year team captain while Lowery and Hagan are both two-year team captains.

CELEBRATING '68
The Bobcats are set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1968 team capturing the program's last MAC championship. Ohio went 10-0 in the regular season that year -- including 6-0 in league play -- under the legendary Hess. The Bobcats earned an invitation to the Tangerine Bowl, where Ohio fell to Richmond, 49-42. Ohio placed 10 players on the All-MAC team that season -- quarterback Cleve Bryant (First Team), offensive tackle Ken Carmon (First Team), fullback Bob Houmard (First Team), halfback Dave LeVeck (First Team), linebacker Steve Robinson (First Team), center Jeff Robison (First Team), end Todd Snyder (First Team), offensive tackle Frank Peters (Second Team), defensive back Craig Rader (Second Team) and tight end Phil Swindell (Second Team). Bryant, Carmon and Snyder were all also named All-Americans Snyder is still the one of the most decorated Bobcat receivers ever, still ranking sixth in career receptions (140), second in career receiving yards (2,241) and fourth in touchdown catches (15). Snyder's 214 receiving yards in the Tangerine Bowl remain an Ohio single-game record. Bryant still ranks eighth in career passing yards (3,414) and third in career touchdown passes (29) in program history.

SCOUTING HOWARD
Howard finished 7-4 a season ago in head coach Mike London's first season at the helm -- including 6-2 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play. In London's first game as head coach of the Bison, Howard stunned UNVL, 43-40, in Las Vegas. London came to Howard after serving as the head coach at Virginia for six years (2010-15). He made his mark in the coaching profession at Richmond, where he led the Spiders to a 24-5 record in two years as head coach -- including a Football Championship Subdivision title in 2008. 

The Bison return sophomore quarterback Caylin Newton -- the younger brother of Carolina Panthers starting quarterback Cam Newton. The 2017 MEAC Rookie of the Year became the first freshman in conference history to surpass 3,000 yards of total offense (3,185). Including Newton (Second Team), Howards boasts nine Preseason All-MEAC Team selections -- junior Jequez Ezzard (First Team-Wide Receiver; Second Team-Return Specialist), center James Holmon (First Team), offensive lineman Tyrone Ramsey (First Team), linebacker Marcellus Allison (Second Team), wide receiver Kyle Anthony (Second Team), defensive back Bryan Cook (Second Team), kicker Dakota Lebofsky (Third Team) and defensive lineman Aaron Motley (Third Team)

UP NEXT
Following a bye week, Ohio visits Atlantic Coast Conference opponent Virginia on Sept. 15. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. from Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va. The contest can be seen on ACC Network Extra. The Bobcats will be looking for their first win over an ACC team since beating former conference member Maryland, 21-14, on Sept. 6, 1997, in College Park, Md.

OHIO UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Arizona Wildcats replace Texas Southern with Georgia Southern

TUCSON, Arizona -- Arizona will host Georgia Southern on Nov. 29 at McKale Center instead of holding a home game against Texas Southern on Nov. 28.

According to Ryan Reynolds, UA's director of basketball operations, the change came after Texas Southern coach Mike Davis left and the program no longer wanted to play the game.

Davis, who left to become Detroit Mercy's head coach, was known for playing a difficult nonconference schedule full of road games in order to raise money and help his team's ratings. Davis took Texas Southern to McKale Center in 2016-17, for an 85-63 UA win.

The change will give the Wildcats a full week to rest and practice following their participation in the Nov. 19-21 Maui Invitational, and it could also give them a slight boost in their strength of schedule ratings.

"It was late for us because we usually try to get done in May or June," Reynolds said. "But I'm happy we got them (Georgia Southern)."

Under the now-discarded RPI, Texas Southern finished 212 last season (it was 243 in Kenpom) while Georgia Southern was 143 (152 in Kenpom). Texas Southern won the SWAC's automatic bid and was a No. 16 NCAA Tournament seed last season before Davis left.

CONTINUE READING

Jackets Open 2018 at Home Against Alcorn State Braves

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Georgia Tech Football (0-0, 0-0 ACC) vs. Alcorn State (0-0, 0-0 SWAC)
Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 • 12:30 p.m. • Atlanta, Ga. • Bobby Dodd Stadium (55,000)

TV: RSN | Where to Watch (In Atlanta: Fox Sports South) | Watch Online ESPN3

Radio: Georgia Tech IMG Sports Network | Where to Listen (In Atlanta: 680/93.7 The Fan) | Sirius 112 / XM 193 | Listen Online | GT Gameday App | TuneIn

BUY TICKETS ONLINE | New at Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2018 | The Tailgate At Wreckfest | Clear Bag Policy

Georgia Tech Game Notes | Georgia Tech Depth Chart | Alcorn State Game Notes | Alcorn State Depth Chart | 2018 GT Football Info Guide

Top Storylines

• The 126th season of Georgia Tech football kicks off on Saturday when the Yellow Jackets host Alcorn State for the 2018 season opener at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

• Georgia Tech is coming off a disappointing and frustrating 5-6 season in 2017. The Yellow Jackets were literally three plays away from an 8-3 campaign and two plays away from a fifth ACC Championship Game appearance, as they saw three opponents (Tennessee, Miami and Virginia) score the go-ahead points in the final 82 seconds of regulation or overtime last season. The Jackets also held leads of at least 13 points in four of their six defeats (Tennessee, Miami, Virginia and Duke).

• If history is any indication, last year’s 5-6 season will lead to a bounce-back campaign for Georgia Tech in 2018. Following each of the previous three sub-.500 seasons of Paul Johnson’s head-coaching career, his teams have rebounded to win at least eight games the following year.

• Georgia Tech returns 15 starters from last year’s squad — eight on offense, five on defense and two specialists.

• On offense, the Yellow Jackets bring back 100 percent of their passing yardage from a year ago, 90.4 percent of their rushing yardage and a total of six offensive linemen that have combined to make 75 career starts.

• Headlining the Yellow Jackets’ returners are senior quarterback TaQuon Marshall and junior B-back KirVonte Benson. Last season, Marshall and Benson became only the second duo in Tech history to both rush for 1,000 yards in the same season (Marshall — 1,146 rushing yards, Benson — 1,053 rushing yards).

GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS

Why Cajuns coach Billy Napier insists Grambling is a season-opening challenge

Grambling State at Louisiana, 7 pm ET, ESPN3

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana -- The numbers and the history may be on their side, but UL-Lafayette coach Billy Napier said his Ragin’ Cajuns are paying no attention to the past or to the record books.

The Cajuns are paying attention to what they see on film from the Grambling Tigers, who provide the opposition the season opener at at 6 p.m. Saturday at Cajun Field.

“They definitely present a number of challenges,” Napier said of the Tigers, who face the Cajuns for the first time. “They present different problems for you in all three phases. But I believe in the work we’ve done so far, and I’m excited to see what these young men are going to do on Saturday.”

Napier’s first game as head coach comes after UL-Lafayette had a combined 15-22 record over three straight losing seasons since 2015.

In that same time, the Tigers have a combined 32-6 record and have gone unbeaten in 25 games against their Southwestern Athletic Conference brethren.

Grambling went 11-2 last season, losing to Tulane 43-14 in its opener before reeling off 11 straight wins followed a 21-14 loss to North Carolina A&T in the Celebration Bowl. Since Broderick Fobbs took over in 2014, the Tigers are a healthy 39-11.

CONTINUE READING

Washington Discusses N.C.A&T's Upcoming Game vs. ECU

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- “It’s said that from Game 1 to Game 2 will be the most improvement your team will have throughout the season, so I’m taking that into this ballgame. We must improve. There must be a significant difference from last week to this week.”

Coach Washington on what he learned about his team:

“I learned a little. They will not quit, they finish. They play hard, and they play until the whistle blows.”

Coach Washington talks about his four new starters on the offensive line:

“They played against a great defensive line (Jacksonville State). Not good, great. And I thought they held their own. They played well enough for us to win, but there’s room for improvement.”

Coach Washington on the Aggies offense:  

“As far as scoring? I think the offense did what we expected them to do.  And our philosophy is the same. Stop the run, protect the football and win the kicking game.  And I think we did that. We weren’t able to protect against the pass but we were able to stop the run. I thought the offense protected the football, and we had minimal turnovers. That young man (Malik Wilson) returned the kick at the perfect time. I think that was the most significant part. A lot of times it’s not the play that you make, it’s when you make that play. See that was after a touchdown so the momentum had shifted away, and he took that thing back 98 yards and brought it back home for us, so we’re grateful to him.”

Coach Washington on whether North Carolina A&T is still underrated:

“We can play. If they haven’t realized that by now, then that’s on them.  What they think doesn’t really bother me honestly.”

Coach Washington talks about the significance of N.C. A&T’s win over Jacksonville State:

“I think it speaks volumes honestly, but what I don’t want to happen is our heads get big and we have to worry about deflating. The fact remains that we didn’t play well and that what we’re going to harp on this week. We did not play well.”

Coach Washington on how healthy N.C. A&T is after its first game:  

“I’ll learn more today. We’ve got a few guys that are banged up obviously, but that’s after every contest. But today when we get out on the grass and watch them run and move around a little bit then you’ll know more. Some are going to think they’re hurt and some are going to think they’re not hurt but they actually are injured. It’s best to wait until you get out there and actually see them move around.”

Coach Washington on ECU:

“I don’t know what to say other than they’re a football team. They’re big, they’re fast and strong. But so are we. But like I said last week, put the ball down and let’s see.”

Coach Washington on Lamar Raynard:

“Listen, that young man is a winner. They can say what they like, he has won 27 straight ball games as a starter. That speaks for itself. Sometimes you don’t have to polish certain awards. They stand out on their own merit.  He stands out on his own merit.”

Coach Washington on playing an FBS program:

“That’s the only challenge. We’re going in as the underdog. The way I see it, they put 11 out there, we put 11 out there and let’s play.”

Coach Washington on recruiting:

“One, we play hard. Two, we graduate. Maybe I should reverse that because we graduate first. But those two things I can assure you of. We’re a winning program and above everything else, we are going to do things the right way. You’ll never have to worry about us doing anything wrong. We’ll keep everything on the table.”

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU Football Weekly Press Conference: Week 1 vs Prairie View

DURHAM, North Carolina -- The North Carolina Central University football program held its weekly press conference on Tuesday, Aug. 28 ahead of the Eagles' season opener on the road against Prairie View A&M at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Hear from interim head coach Granville Eastman as he discusses the summer and the first game of the season.

The North Carolina Central University football team is hard at work on the gridiron getting ready to start a new campaign, beginning on Sunday, Sept. 2 against Prairie View A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Hear from tight ends coach Bobby Turner as he talks about the tight ends.



NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

CAU Ramsey Ready to Kick Off CAU Football Season Thursday

HEAD COACH KEVIN RAMSEY
COURTESY: CAU PANTHERS ATHLETICS

ATLANTA, Georgia -- There is some extra pep in the step of Clark Atlanta University head football coach Kevin Ramsey this week.

The 2018 football season is just days away from kicking off at Mississippi College (Thursday, 8 p.m. EST) for Ramsey's Panthers and after all the preparation, he is ready to get things started.

"You're excited for another season," said Ramsey, in his fourth year as CAU's head coach. "It's just a blessing. I was telling the kids that this is my 34th year in football and the enthusiasm and excitement is still there. To see these guys put it on the field – with what we did from last year, winter workouts, and all the new guys we got here – is the ultimate test and that's what we look forward to.

"I'm excited for a number of reasons," he said. "When I look at a guy like Josh Banks who had an ACL injury, to see him make a comeback; I'm excited about Kenneth Morgan, who has been providing a lot of leadership for us. And I think of a Darius Preyer, who came here when I first got here. He was my scout team center at Alabama State as a true freshman and to see him as a graduate student contributing is very, very big and exciting. And the most exciting thing for me is my coaching staff. I think our continuity has been great since we've been here all together. And coach Willie Totten is a new addition, and that ball is still rolling."

The Panthers will hit the road Wednesday morning for the trip to Clinton, Miss., just west of the state capitol, Jackson.
Mississippi College is in their second year of transitioning into Division II and in the process of becoming full members of the Gulf South Conference. The Choctaws finished 1-9 last season, including a season-opening 32-29 overtime loss to Clark Atlanta at Panther Stadium last season.

After Johnathan McCrary's 1-yard TD run, Carlos Saldana converted the extra point to put the game into overtime. In the extra period, Saldana hit a 44-yard field goal to seal the victory.
Ramsey expects an even tougher contest this year.

"They have upgraded with transfers and got a new offensive coordinator and we're waiting to see what they are going to do," he said. "We don't know what they are going to do offensively. This first ballgame, the leading lady, is always about blocking on offense and tackling on defense. If we block well on offense, we're feeling pretty good. And if we tackle well on defense, we feel pretty good. And be sound in the special teams."

Panther Notes: Thursday's game will be aired live via web stream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/mc/ … Last season's meeting was the first between the two schools….The Choctaws are led by John Bland, who is in his fifth season as head coach at Mississippi College….Of the nine Georgia teams that Mississippi College has played during their 106-year history, they have a losing record against six of them, including Clark Atlanta…. CAU offensive coordinator Willie Totten's first game at Clark Atlanta marks a return to his old stomping grounds. The College Football Hall of Famer made his mark a little over 90 minutes north of Clinton in Itta Bena, Miss., home of his alma mater, Mississippi Valley State University.

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

UAB Football Opens 2018 Season on Thursday Against Savannah State

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama --  On the heels of its historic return to the field last year, the UAB football team opens the 2018 season this Thursday, Aug. 30 against Savannah State at Legion Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
 
Who: UAB (0-0) vs. Savannah State (0-0)
Where: Legion Field - Birmingham, Ala.
When: 7 p.m.
Watch: ESPN+ ($)
On the Call: Mike Grace (play-by-play), Scot Harrison (color)
Listen: WJQX 100.5 FM
On the Call: David Crane (play-by-play), Steve Irvine (color), Trey Ragland (sideline)
Series: First Meeting



STORYLINES:

• The Blazers tallied a program-record eight wins last season and are poised for more success this year with a host of returning veteran talent.
   
• UAB is one of the most experienced teams in the country. The Blazers return the most offensive starters in country with 10 and have the most players in the nation who have already graduated (19). Furthermore, UAB ranks second nationally with 20 total returning starters, while its 36 seniors on the roster are also the second most in the nation.
   
• Sophomore running back Spencer Brown headlines the offense after being named UAB's first-ever FWAA Freshman All-America honoree last year. Brown rushed for 1,329 yards and 10 touchdowns as a true freshman. Entering his sophomore campaign, he needs 1,488 yards to become UAB's all-time leading rusher.
   
• Brown will be running behind a veteran offensive line which features four seniors and junior center Lee Dufour. Dufour, James Davis and Justice Powers started all 13 games last year, while right guard Malique Johnson started 10 and left guard Rishard Cook started four.
   
• UAB finished 41st nationally last year in total defense and looks to be even more disruptive this season. The defensive front is anchored by interior linemen Anthony Rush and Garrett Marino, while linebacker Fitzgerald Mofor returns for his junior year after compiling 71 tackles in 2017, the third most on the team. Free safety Broderick Thomas headlines the defense as the All-America candidate had 95 tackles last year to go along with two interceptions and three tackles for loss.
   
• A win against Savannah State would extend UAB's FBS school record home winning streak to seven games. The Blazers were 6-0 at home last year and look to build upon that success this season. The overall record for consecutive home wins is eight straight that split the 1995 (FCS) and 1996 (FBS) seasons, while UAB also won seven straight at home as Division III members from 1991-92.
   
• This is the first meeting between UAB and Savannah State. The Blazers have won their last two season openers, which includes a 38-7 victory over Alabama A&M last season and a 48-10 victory over Troy in 2014.
   
• Erik Raeburn enters his third year as the head coach of Savannah State. The Tigers, who finished 3-8 last season, open the season with four consecutive road games starting with the Blazers, and follow that up with trips to Miami (FL), Howard and Florida A&M.
   
• SSU returns senior defensive end Stefen Banks, who had a monster season in 2017 with 18.0 TFL and 10.0 sacks.

 
TICKETS:
 
Season tickets, mini plans and single game tickets are on sale by clicking here. Season tickets are the most affordable option if planning to attend UAB's six home games this season. Call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1 for additional questions.
 
HOW TO WATCH:
 
The game will air on ESPN+ which is the newest platform ESPN is offering this season. Fans can purchase ESPN+ for $4.99 a month and can click here for a seven-day free trial. UAB's Week 2 game at Coastal Carolina will also be on ESPN+ and the Blazers will play on that platform five times this season.
 
FOLLOW:
 
For pregame, in-game and postgame information and updates, follow @UAB_FB and @UAB_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and like UAB Athletics on Facebook. Additional information on everything involving gameday from the moment fans leave their house to the minute they return can be found by visiting www.blazergameday.com, following @BlazerGameday on Twitter and Instagram and liking Blazer Gameday on Facebook. 

WVSU RB Calil Wilkins ready to keep rising from great freshman year

INSTITUTE, West Virginia -- Fewer debuts for West Virginia State’s football team have gone better than running back Calil Wilkins’ in 2017. It was award-winning.

Wilkins finished the season – one where the Yellow Jackets finished with a winning record for the first time since 2008 – as the Mountain East Offensive Freshman of the Year. Yet he looks at his debut as just that – a beginning.

The bar, both for him and the Yellow Jackets, has been set higher. And Wilkins wants to show the conference how much he has grown starting with his first game of the season, Thursday’s 7 p.m. tilt versus cross-county rival University of Charleston at UC Stadium.

“Motivation, that’s the main thing,” Wilkins said of his freshman season. “I feel like it motivated me to do more. I want to do everything I can.”

Wilkins entered a backfield that already had a productive Juawan Etheredge and Dionta Brown and asserted himself as the featured running back. He finished the year with a team-high 819 yards – ranked fourth in the MEC and fourth among all Division II freshmen – and an average of 6.1 yards per carry, adding five touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns.

CONTINUE READING

Johnson C. Smith quarterback rivals share mutual aims and respect Wallace, Herbin benefit from pushing each other

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Antonio Wallace is winning Johnson C. Smith’s unexpected quarterback derby.

Wallace, a redshirt freshman from Charlotte, is the likely starter in Thursday’s season-opener against Wingate. Although he’s never thrown a pass in collegiate competition, Wallace will be the starter while senior Harold Herbin is the backup.

“It’s great to be the starter, but I know there’s an experienced guy behind me,” said Wallace, who is 6-foot-3, 185 pounds. “I’ve got to be at my best because I know he’s right there and that’s good for me, good for him, and good for the team.”

Wallace, a South Mecklenburg High graduate, made the most of the opportunity when last year’s starter, Terrance Ervin, decided not to return and senior Jordan Lane transferred to Wingate. Suddenly, the job was up for grabs between Herbin, a career reserve, and four freshmen.

“Right now, if we had to play, it would probably be ...

CONTINUE READING

Cassandra Brown Named AAMU Head Softball Coach

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama --- Cassandra Brown has been named head softball coach at Alabama A&M University, Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks announced Tuesday.

"I am really excited to have Coach Brown return to the Bulldog Family," Director of Athletic Bryan Hicks said. "Coach Brown is an excellent coach with a passion for the development of student-athletes and their athletic experience. Her competitive spirit and enthusiasm will be an asset to our program."

Brown was the assistant coach for the Lady Bulldogs from 2015-2017 under former coach Nakeya Hall, specializing in pitchers and catchers.

"First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity and I am honored that President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. and Mr. Hicks believed in me to continue the winning culture here at my alma mater, Alabama A&M University," Brown said. 

Before making the transition to coaching, Brown spent four years at Alabama A&M as a student-athlete. As a freshman, she wrote her name among the great pitchers for AAMU and became the team's ace right away with a great effort in the circle. She was the starting pitcher from 2010-14, recording 165 strikeouts in 80 appearances.

"I am excited to return back to "The Hill" and pour into these young ladies my knowledge of the game and the importance of academics," Brown said. "I look forward to carrying on the successful tradition of Alabama A&M Athletics, both on and off the field."

A native of Pembroke Pines, FL, Brown earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from AAMU in 2014 and she completed her Master's degree in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health in 2016. 

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Benedict Names Artis Maddox Head Men's Basketball Coach

COLUMBIA, South Carolina --  Artis Maddox, a successful coach who has served on the coaching staff of a national championship team, has been named the head men's basketball coach of the Benedict College Tigers, Director of Athletics Willie Washington announced.

"Coach Maddox's credentials speak for themselves," Washington said. "Any time you have the opportunity to hire a coach with national championship experience, you jump at it. We want to make Benedict a national championship contender and Coach Maddox is the man who can take us there."

Maddox comes to Benedict after serving as head coach at Florida Memorial University for the past three seasons. At Florida Memorial, he took over a program that had won just three games prior to his arrival and won 10 games in his first season. In just his second season, the Lions finished 18-8 overall in 2016-17, 13-3 in the Sun Conference, won the regular season title, defeated four ranked opponents, and Maddox was voted the Sun Conference Coach of the Year. He guided Florida Memorial to the first-ever national ranking in school history during the 2016-17 season, and the Lions started the 2017-18 season ranked No. 14 nationally. The Lions went 15-12 last season and had two players earn All-Conference honors.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Maddox to the Benedict College family," said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. "Coach Maddox has a proven track record as a committed leader and champion who has garnered a reputation as an excellent recruiter and mentor to student athletes."

At Florida Memorial, he coached six players who received All-Conference honors, and had one All-American and one NAIA Scholar-Athlete All-American.


Prior to his stint at Florida Memorial, Maddox spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at Mountain State University, where he helped lead the Cougars to the 2003-04 NAIA Division I national championship with a 38-1 record, the best record of any college or university in the country.

With Maddox on the basketball staff, the Cougars had an overall record of 277-38. During his tenure as an assistant at MSU, Coach Maddox won nine consecutive conference regular season titles, seven conference tournament championships, and advanced to the national tournament every season, making it to four semifinals and three championship games in nine seasons. MSU held the No. 1 ranking in the nation for over 70 weeks and ranked in the top 25 nationally for 134 consecutive weeks.

Maddox helped recruit and coach seven first-team All-Americans, four second-team All-Americans, five third-team All-Americans, eight honorable mention All-Americans and one National Player of the Year.

A Jacksonville, Fla. native, Maddox attended Robert E. Lee High school where he averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds per game. After graduating, he attended Edward Waters College, where he was conference Freshman of the Year, averaging 14 points and six rebounds. He transferred after two seasons to Mountain State, where he had 500 points over his career and was second in free-throw percentage. He had a career high 29 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals in the first round of the National Tournament against Waylen Baptist. While at Edward Waters and Mountain State, Maddox was voted team captain and helped lead MSU to its first No. 1 ranking in the country.

Maddox earned his Bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Mountain State University in 2002. He and his wife, Leslie, have five children: Ariel, Yasmyn, Artis Jr., Treyvon, and a newborn daughter, Faith.

BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU Rattlers not nervous to kick off new era, hoping to grab fans as only game in town on Saturday

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- This Saturday, the Florida A&M Rattlers officially strike up a new season.

A new turf, some new helmets and a new head coach all headline FAMU's season opener against Fort Valley State in what could be called one of the most anticipated season openers in recent Rattler history.

Hometown kid Willie Simmons will take the field with the Rattlers for the first time as head coach, and fans are eager to see Simmons' new-look offense.



The game is nearly sold out and with all of the renovations, both in the program and the cosmetics surrounding it.

For the new head coach, he says it puts some pressure on, but he's just ready to get the ball kicked off and see what his team can do.

"This is the first one of six and we want to make sure we start it off on the right foot, so I wouldn't say that there's a nervousness," Simmons said. "There's naturally some anxiety from players and coaches and I'm sure from fans as well to actually see how good this football team can be."

CONTINUE READING

SC State's Buddy Pough Previews His Last Season In Orangeburg