The Morning After the Florida Classic

by beepbeep

Florida A&M University 2007 football season was terrible, uninspiring and certainly not entertaining unless you were expecting to watch a horror flick.

I'm not going to waste the winter, spring and summer months dissecting why the Rattlers were so bad. It really doesn't matter, as ultimately the head coach is totally responsible. So, look no further than the top guy, the all-pro, the talent selector, recruiter, X and 0 man for all the answers. I'm sure the excuses will be plentiful and it won't change the outcome--the Rattlers are 16-17 the past three years. If you want to add the 2004 1-A season to the mix, make that 19-25.

For ole Rattlers like me, that more than I can stomach.

FCS No. 5 ranked Southern Illinois University of the Gateway conference recently had the same problems as FAMU.

This is the 10-1 Salukis program that trampled former three time MEAC champions Hampton University yesterday 45-27 (in Hampton, VA), on their way to the 2007 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. Southern Illinois will be making their fifth consecutive appearance in the playoffs as the #4 Seed and their only loss this season came from Gateway foe, No. 1 ranked FCS Northern Iowa (#1 Seed), the Gateway conference champions. The Salukis also beat Division I FBC Northern Illinois.

Prior to the hiring of head coach Jerry Kill in 2001, Southern Illinois had 11 consecutive losing season. The Salukis had never won a gateway conference championship and now, they've won three straight. They had been to the playoffs only once in school history and now its five straight playoffs appearances. In 2005, the Salukis beat Eastern Illinois to win their first playoff game since 1983. The Salukis spent 10 weeks atop the I-AA polls, and Kill was named the winner of the Eddie Robinson Award honoring the Coach of the Year in I-AA in 2004.

But it wasn't always that way.

Kill first season was 1-10; his second 4-8 before the over achiever's resurrection of Saluki football with consecutive playoff campaigns beginning in 2003 with 10-2, 10-2, 9-4, 9-4, and 10-1 in 2007. In 2004, his squad was remarkable with the defense ranked #1 in the nation in points allowed, while the offense ranked #3 in points scored. The team set a record for consecutive home wins with 12 and broke numerous statistical records on offense and defense.

Southern Illinois 2004 season came on the heels of a exceptional 2003 campaign in which SI shocked the world of I-AA football by winning its first 10 games and advancing to the playoffs for the first time in 20 years. Kill was runner-up for the Eddie Robinson Award in `03.

Raised in a working class family, Kill became the first member of his family to graduate from college, earning a teaching degree with a minor in biology for Division II Southwestern College, Kansas. His head coaching gigs were at Division II Saginaw Valley State (Mich) and Emporia State (Kan).

Much closer to home, Grambling State's Melvin Spears once had similar problems like FAMU.

After Spears firing, Rod Broadway who built North Carolina Central University into a Division II powerhouse in four years, steps in with vision and experience. In one season, Coach Broadway moved Grambling State forward with an undefeated conference record 8-0 SWAC and two competitive losses to Football Bowl Championship division Big East Conference Pittsburg (L 34-10) and Louisiana -Monroe (L 28-14) of the Sun Belt Conference. The Tigers will face Jackson State for the SWAC Championship on December 15, after playing Southern University next weekend in the Bayou Classic.

Not bad for a coach that is using the other guy's players. Broadway has the opportunity to end the season at 10-2, with an FCS No. 18 ranking or higher if the Tigers take care of business with Southern (Bayou Classic) and Jackson State in the conference championship game.

Under Spears, Grambling State was 3-8 in 2006.

"I'm really proud of these kids," Broadway said. "We have some good kids that wanted to be a championship-type football team. They've done a good job of listening, learning and buying in. "You should have a chance to be successful here. Not being critical, but we've got to recruit a better athlete than what we have. If we can do that, we can be really successful in this league."

When Prairie View A&M University went searching for a program change, it reached down to Division II and East to Bowie State University. There, it selected Henry Frazier III to resurrect a program that had 20 head coaches over the past 31 years, without a winning season. In fact, PVAMU holds the modern era NCAA Division I record with 80 consecutive losses.

Frazier believed he was given the opportunity to head the best Division I program in America. Never mind the fact that Prairie View last winning season was when Frazier was in third grade and that the school had the second smallest budget in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

None of that fazed Frazier and he steadily improved the program, moving from a 3-8 record in 2006 to the school's best record in 41 years at 7-3, 6-3 SWAC.

Prairie View second place finish behind Grambling State in the West Division is a tremendous improvement for the program and a confidence builder that you can move mountains with solid coaching, hard work, vision and initiative.

No one questions the facts that having good facilities, administrative support, commitment of the fan base and top student-athletes can help the advancement to the top quicker.

Take for example, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference foe Norfolk State University.

For ten years, the Spartans faithful laid the foundation with top-notch facilities, financial and fan support and increased scholarships in their methodical transition from Division II, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association to Division I, MEAC. For seven years, NSU won nothing more than the rights to be on every one's homecoming schedule.

This all changed when the University president went outside the box and hired Pete Adrian three years ago. Adrian had 38 years of coaching experience, 33 at the collegiate level. At Rhode Island, he was on staff for three Yankee Conference championships and NCAA playoff teams.

Coach Adrian has been named one of 16 finalists for the 2007 Eddie Robinson Award, given annually by The Sports Network to the national Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Coach of the Year. His Spartans are tied for second in the MEAC with SCSU, with a slight outside chance of going to the FCS playoffs.

After taking over a program that won two games combined in 2003 and 2004, Adrian has turned NSU into a winner in just three years. After consecutive four-win seasons his first two years (2005 and 2006), Adrian guided the Spartans to a 8-3 record in 2007. Under Adrian’s guidance, NSU clinched the program’s first winning record in the Division I era (since 1997), won a program-best six MEAC games (6-2 record), a final Top 30 FCS ranking (#28)and lead the program in its first FBS Division I game against #5 ranked Rutgers.

I don't know about you--Rattlers, but it has been so long that I cannot recall the last time a FAMU football team was ranked in the Top 25 in the division nor loss 25 games over a four year span. I find no peace in measuring the Rattlers against North Carolina A&T State University and their 27 consecutive losses or having our beloved Rattlers viewed as a conference and FCS cupcake. What are (Mighty) Rattlers without the mighty but just plain old garden snakes with no bite.

Even a patient person runs out of patience--just ask a Prairie View, Aggies or Rattlers fan.

MEAC/SWAC Scoreboard 11/17/2007

Compiled by beepbeep

Congratulations to Norfolk State University for their record setting season in the 10th year of playing Division I football. The Spartans (8-3,7-2 MEAC)were the surprise team of the year contending for the MEAC championship with Delaware State. NSU ends the year with a 23-20 victory over Winston Salem State University Rams (6-5, 5-4 MEAC)and tied for second place in the conference with SCSU. Over 8,093 fans enjoyed NSU, who appears to have won the home attendance record for 2007 in HBCU football over Southern University. Both the Rams and Spartans have shown that they will be championship teams in the near future in the MEAC and strong home attendance.

NSU: Behold, the Green and Gold! WSSU: No doubt, WSSU defense is RAM tough!

It was record setting day at South Carolina State University. Lee Fobbs Aggie team was blasted 51-7 in front of 13,083 fans with sophomore Will Ford steamrolling the N.C. A&T defense for 322 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. Senior Cleveland McCoy became the #1 passer in SCSU history surpassing 6,133 yards with two touchdown passes. The Bulldogs scored 31 straight points on Fobbs defense and ran up 632 yards of offense on the Aggies. SCSU finished a disappointing season at 7-4, 7-2 MEAC, tied with Norfolk State for second place in the conference.

North Carolina A&T finished its second virgin season (0-11). Coach Fobbs is 0-22 in two seasons in his first job as head coach and the Aggies losing streak is extended to a record 27 consecutive games. Just one question for Coach Buddy Pough---Did you run up the score on North Carolina A&T after leading 37-7 at the end of the third quarter just to set individual player records? Buddy should be flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct!

Hampton University Pirates got pounded 45-27 by #5 ranked FCS Southern Illinois before 3,340 Pirate fans at Armstrong Stadium. In victory, SI tied a school record with its 10th regular season win. The FCS playoff bound Salukis are 10-1, 5-1 in the Gateway Conference behind FCS #1 ranked Northern Iowa (11-0, 6-1 Gateway). Hampton played a competitive game but was burned for 282 yards and three touchdowns by quarterback Nick Hill on 24/28 passes. The Pirates T.J. Mitchell also passed for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23/37 passes and led Hampton to 411 yards of offense. SI gained 474 yards and was able to score on the fastest defensive backfield in the MEAC on a 76 yard run, 28 yard pass and a 29 yard pass play. Hampton finishes their season at 6-5, 5-4 MEAC for 4th place with DI provisional - Winston Salem State University, who finished with the same record.

Tennessee State University (5-6, 4-3 OVC) had five turnovers in a 43-38 loss to University of Tennesseee - Martin (4-7, 4-4) to end their season. Calvin McNairl, a true freshman quarterback for TSU had three interceptions on 8/22 passes for 173 yards. Running back Javarris Williams rushed for four touchdowns and 162 yards on just nine carries before a crowd of 7,859 fans. Dominique Rodgers had a 92 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in third quarter.

Before 32,506 fans at the Capital City Classic, Jackson State University (7-4,7-2 SWAC)was able to overcome a early 6-0 Alcorn State (2-8, 2-7 SWAC)lead to score 24 unanswered points to win at home 31-19. This was possibly Dr. Johnny Thomas last game as head of Alcorn's football program, and he had no answer for Rick Comegy's quick strike offense. Grambling awaits Jackson State in the December 15th SWAC Championship game.

Prairie View A&M Panthers (7-3, 6-3 SWAC) indirectly helped Jackson State University win the east division title outright by humbling Alabama A&M University Bulldogs (8-3, 6-3) by a 30-20 score. The Bulldog loss and JSU win gave the Tigers the SWAC East Division title and a date with West Division champs, Grambling State University. The loss may drop AAMU from receiving an NCAA FCS At-Large playoff bid but we must await the selection committee announcement.

Prairie View finishes their season with the most wins in 40 years, but more importantly, their first winning season in a long time. In four seasons, coach Henry Frazier III has taken the worst program in the country with the second smallest football budget in the SWAC and reconstructed the Panthers into a second place finisher behind west division leader, Grambling State.

Over 7,782 Panthers fans watched PVAMU take a 21-0 half-time lead on the Bulldogs with a 73 yard punt return by Anthony Weeden in the first quarter. Calvin Harris one yard run in the second quarter moved the score to 14-0 with the PAT, and quarterback Mark Spivey 3 yard pass to Gabrael Osaze Ediae and the PAT closed out the scoring in the first half.

Texas Southern (0-10) played inspired football before 750 fans, but it was not enough to keep Arkansas Pine Bluff (4-7) from recording a 20-10 defeat over the Tigers. TxSU has one more game with the C-USA West Division Champs, University of Houston Cougars (7-4, 6-2 C-USA). Texas Southern may end the season as a virgin at 0-11 and a 13 game losing streak.

UAPB Mo Forte coached his last game for the Golden Lions and is expected to be fired on Monday, with a buyout of the final year of his $120,000 contract.

The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (3-8, 2-7 SWAC) took Savannah State (1-9) to the woodshed for a 28-3 victory. SSU rushed for 38 yards on 30 attempts against the Delta Devils. Savannah State's coach Theo Lemon finishes his second season with a 1-9 record. No doubt, both of these programs need better athletes and should put out the welcome signs for all D-I transfers.

Florida Classic: Bethune Cookman University 34, FAMU 7

Photo: Goodbye Coach Carter, your services are no longer needed...

by beepbeep

Florida A&M University Rattlers (3-8, 2-7 MEAC) were soundly beaten by the Bethune Cookman University Wildcats (5-6, 3-6 MEAC) before 65,357 Florida Classic fans. The Wildcats, with no passing offense to speak of held possession of the football for 41:36 to just 18:24 for the Rattlers. The Rattlers gifted BCU 21 points with four silly fumbles, including one on the first play of the game. FAMU had a total of 158 yards of offense to BCU 414 yards.

We are talking about a Rattlers team being coach by Rubin Carter, a former NFL all-pro defensive lineman with Superbowl experience coaching in his 33rd game at FAMU. Let us not worry about being politically correct tonight, as the Rattlers are in need of major changes starting with the ENTIRE coaching staff.

There is absolutely no defense for bad coaching and lousy performance in the eleventh game of the season. It was final exams this afternoon and FAMU lay-ed a big F with four fumbles on the Citrus Bowl turf. The only thing good about this game is FAMU will receive slightly over $1 million dollars for showing up.

I don't know about you, but this Rattler has had enough of sub-standard FCS football. Coach Carter's 2005, 2006 and 2007 defenses can't stop the run and gave up an average of 25 points per game and over 215 yards rushing this season. The Wyattbone blasted FAMU for 336 rushing yards. The Rattlers offense ended the season with a scoring average of 18.5 points per game but only scored 30 points on the Howard Bison this season. You won't win many games giving up 25 and scoring 18.

A career record of 6-5, 7-4 and 3-8 just doesn't cut it, especially for a head coach with a life-time record of 16-17 and a winning percentage of 48.5 percent. No head football coach in the modern era of Rattlers history has had such a pitiful record at FAMU. I am amazed how cupcake programs with no facilities, small recruiting budgets and half the number of assistant coaches can make an 8-3 or 10-1 record out of little resources. So, what's Carter excuse?

Before Carter, FAMU was a top ten team in NCAA home attendance. Today, the Rattlers are ranked #22 averaging only 15,193 per home contest (four) played at Bragg Memorial. Before Carter, attendance at the Atlanta Classic averaged 68,000 to 70,000 fans. This year, only 56, 990 came to watch the Rattlers and Tennessee State. Before Carter, homecoming was a sellout; after Carter, it wasn't in 2007. The MEAC/SWAC Challenge with our key rival, Southern University drew only 30,106 in Birmingham in the season opener. The Circle City Classic with Winston Salem State had only 43, 821 in attendance in a 60,000 seat NFL facility. Now, the Florida Classic attendance drops from 70,000 to 65,000.

Welcome to the Exit Club Coach Carter. Come join your buddies in the MEAC/SWAC that have a ticket to somewhere else. Meet Texas Southern 's former coach Steven Wilson, 4-38 (fired); Dr. Johnny Thomas (48-61), Alcorn State; Lee Fobbs (0-22), North Carolina A&T; UAPB Mo Forte (21-22); and Mississippi Valley State's Willie Totten (25-41). Coaches, meet FAMU's Rubin Carter (16-17) who replaced a college football hall of famer.

MEAC/SWAC Rivalry Weekend: Delaware State 29, Howard Bison 13

Compiled by beepbeep

FCS #10 ranked Delaware State University Hornets (10-1, 9-0 MEAC) 29, Howard University Bison - 13 (4-7, 3-6 MEAC). Season over for the Bison. DSU MEAC representative in NCAA FCS Playoffs next weekend.

The Delaware State Hornets took care of business with the Bison as expected, but their FCS #9 ranked rivals at the University of Delaware (8-3, 5-3 CAA) were beaten by the Villanova Wildcats (7-4, 5-3 CAA), 16-10.

We do not expect to see the long anticipated first football game between Delaware State and UD in the FCS playoffs, as the Hens are no better than Villanova, who they are tied for 3rd place in the South Division of the Colonial Athletic Association. The CAA has a tie for their automatic bid in Division leaders UMass and Richmond, who are both 9-2, 7-1 CAA. Both are expected to be in the playoffs with possible second place James Madison University (8-3, 6-2 CAA)being selected.
Expect Delaware State to be put on the road and paired with one of these CAA teams by the FCS selection committee.

Only 1,985 fans came out to watch the Hornets dismantle Howard.

DSU stomped HU Bison 29-13 to go undefeated in the MEAC for 2007.

The Bison took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 9 yard pass from Brian Johnson to Larry Duncan to cap a 14 play, 80 yard drive consuming 7:05 of the quarter. Howard was helped on a second and 6 at the DSU 35 with a 15 yard roughing the passer call on senior LB Russell Reeves from Mechanicsville, MD. After two rushing plays and a 4 yard completion from the DSU 20 yard line, on third and goal from the 9 yard line, Brian Johnson hit Duncan for the touchdown.

The Bison would only score again in the fourth quarter with only 2:43 remaining in the game on a 4 yard pass to Jarahn Williams 4 from QB Floyd Haigler with the two point conversion failed.

The Hornets scored 29 straight points on the Bison before their final score of the game. Quarterback Vashon Winton led the attack with 16/24 passes, 185 yards 0 TD/0 interceptions. DSU running back Kareem Jones scored one touch down on a five yard run in the second quarter, and had 13 carries for 53 yards and caught five passes for 58 yards. Lennox Norville scored on a four yard run.

DSU field goal kicker Peter Gaertner hit two from 24 yards and 33 yards to complete the offensive scoring. The Hornet defense scored a safety and a touchdown with the tackle of Howard's Russell Reeves in the end zone in the third quarter.

Later, Howard's Jarahn Williams fumbled the return and Brandon Hudson ran 10 yards for a touchdown that put the Hornets ahead 19-7.

The Hornets should more up to #9 spot in the FCS Polls this week.

MEAC/SWAC Rivalry Weekend, 11/17/07

Compiled by beepbeep

Florida Classic: Florida A&M University (3-7, 2-6 MEAC) vs. Bethune Cookman University (4-6, 2-6 MEAC) expects to attract 70,000 for this annual Orlando affair that will be televised on ESPN Classic at 3:00 p.m., today. FAMU leads the series 45-14-1 with Rattlers boss Rubin Carter holding a 2-0 mark over Alvin Wyatt Wildcats. The Rattlers will need to contain BCU running quarterback Jimmie Russell who has rushed for 762 yards/165 attempts and 12 TDs in the Wyattbone. Last week against Howard University, Russell could not be stopped and rushed 15 times for 141 yards and three touchdowns. Rattlers are giving up over 214 yards per game rushing and hasn't stopped anyone in two seasons, except BCU.

BCU has two standout NFL prospects on defense in LB Ronnie McCullough and FS Bobbie Williams, who lead the defense with 137 and 75 tackles, respectively. Williams is a shutdown free safety that will play against FAMU's best receiver, senior Willie Hayward. It doesn't matter! The Rattlers always find a way to win this game even with a red shirt freshmen quarterback (Eddie Battle), 3rd string freshmen offensive linemen and a defense plagued with injuries. Rattlers senior kicker/punter Wesley Taylor will be the difference maker in this game of two teams that need to recruit better athletes.

Capital City Classic: Jackson State University (6-4, 6-2 SWAC) vs. Alcorn State University (2-7, 2-6) is the Tigers last chance to win the east division title to play in the December 15 SWAC championship game against Grambling State University. Alcorn is playing for pride. JSU blew it last week at Prairie View, who has an opportunity to help JSU by beating the AAMU Bulldogs who are tied for first with the Tigers. A win by JSU puts them in the championship game.

Expect ASU Coach Johnny Thomas (48-60,11 years) to join fired Texas Southern Coach Steve Wilson (4-38, 4 years) on the sidelines after this game. Not only is Thomas record below par, but when you attract only 1,000 fans for ASU home date with MVSU and 2500 against division champion AAMU, the ASU fans are making a strong financial statement to the administration. The Braves total attendance for five home dates was 30,430 or 6,086 average attendance for the season. This is not rocket science--a change must come.

The Braves defense is solid, but can the offense score enough to keep up with Jackson State? Expect JSU seniors to go out as winners in an exciting game!

Howard University Bison (4-6, 2-5 MEAC) at FCS #10 ranked Delaware State University Hornets (9-1, 8-0 MEAC).

This game should be a tune-up for the MEAC champion Hornets for next week FCS playoff game, hopefully against University of Delaware Hens. Howard coach Carey Bailey believes in playing smash mouth football and the Bison team that beat MEAC second place Norfolk State in Norfolk, may just show up in Dover. If so, DSU will get what it expects to see in the FCS playoffs, a ball control, grind in out offense with a few conservative shots in the air when the receivers are open.

The Bison got smacked last week by a BCU ground attack that did not complete a pass in five attempts but amassed 420 yards rushing/4 touchdowns. Delaware State was able to come back in the fourth quarter and score 18 points on Norfolk State to take the game into overtime, and win the MEAC championship. Expect a tough game for the Hornets in containing Bison senior quarterback Brian Johnson (172 of 293 passes, 2,053 yards, 20 TDs, 8 interceptions; 126 carries, 439 yards, 4 TDs)and senior WR JARAHN WILLIAMS (53 receptions, 652 yards,14 TDs).

On defense, the Bison are led by senior All-American DE Rudy Hardie (38 solos, 20 assists, 22.5 tackles for losses, 10.0 sacks, 8 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles). Delaware State need to win this game to keep their momentum going, but expect Hornets Coach Al Lavan to protect his starters as this game is basically meaningless. The Hornets are looking ahead to their first ever NCAA championship playoff game against a team that refuses to play them in football, University of Delaware. Howard stopped DSU from sharing the MEAC crown last year with a 20-17 victory in Washington, D.C. QB Vashon Winton, NFL prospects WR Shahee McBride, RB Kareem Jones and DB Akeem Green brings a lot of talent to the field. DSU should prevail in this contest with an undefeated season in the MEAC.

Winton Salem State University Rams (6-4, 5-3 MEAC) at Norfolk State University Spartans (7-3, 6-2 MEAC).

Norfolk State would like to close out this season with a win over provisional FCS division upstart WSSU. Both the Spartans and Rams have been the surprise of the league this season beating traditional powers Hampton and FAMU. WSSU took SCSU and DSU to the wire before losing late in the fourth quarter. Both have gained respectability and winning records for their programs.

Norfolk has the third leading rusher in the conference in senior Daryl Jones who has 235 rushes for 1097 yards (4.7 yds. carry) and 14 touchdown. This 250 bus is almost impossible to stop. Quarterback Casey Hansen is the third leading passer in the conference averaging over 189 yards per game passing.

Lowcountry Classic: North Carolina A&T Aggies (0-10, 0-7 MEAC) at South Carolina State University (6-4, 5-2 MEAC). The Aggies will remain a virgin for a second consecutive season at 0-11. But, there is always--Next Year! SCSU Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough finishes with a disappointing 7-4 record in a year of high expectations of winning the MEAC, going to the FCS playoffs, playing Air Force and University of South Carolina competitively, all in the Bulldogs 100th year of college football. This talented class of Bulldogs will be remembered most for the seasons of under achievement. No titles, no playoff bids--just high fan expectations.

Bulldog senior quarterback Cleveland McCoy should closeout his SCSU career as the #1career leader in touchdowns and total yards. McCoy is three behind Michael Hicks' 52 in touchdowns and total yardage, he's 76 yards behind Marvin Marshall's 5,996 yards.
Not bad for a guy that wasn't recruited by the Division I schools as a quarterback.

Coach Pough is 6-0 life-time against North Carolina A&T. We lost patience with Aggies Coach Fobbs some time ago when the losing streak hit 12, but it has grown to an embarrassing 27 consecutive losses. Fobbs is a head coaching virgin at 0-21 overall, 0-15 MEAC in his 2nd season. Hopefully, someone will take our suggestion and schedule a Division II cupcake for next season opener to end the streak. The Aggie-nation deserves a winner, and Fobbs ain't delivered!

Aggie Pride however, is alive as North Carolina A&T is ranked #12 in NCAA home attendance (5 home games) in the entire FCS class, with a 14,245 average for the season. Norfolk State #6 (19,045) and Southern University #7 (18,913) are the only HBCUs ranked higher than the Aggies in home attendance. Outstanding for a school that hasn't tasted victory since 2005. Go Aggies!!!

Southern Illinois Salukis #5 ranked FCS(9-1, 5-1 Gateway) at Hampton University Pirates (6-4, 5-4 MEAC).

This was supposed to be Hampton Coach Joe Taylor signature game to catapult the Pirates into the FCS playoffs this season, but they got derailed by DSU, NSU, SCSU and WSSU for their highest number of conference losses in the past three years. The Salukis only loss came at the hands of Gateway conference champion and #1 ranked FCS Northern Iowa (10-0, 6-0) but SI will be in the FCS playoffs next weekend. This will be a good measuring stick for Hampton to see where they need to improve in the off-season to become FSC top echelon ranked and playoff successful. Great opportunity for Hampton to pull off a major upset.


University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions (3-7, 3-5) at Texas Southern Tigers (0-9, 0-8 SWAC)

The Tigers fired coach Steve Wilson last week after a 4-38 record in four years. Defensive coordinator DeChon Burns was named interim coach. Wilson also served this season as his own offensive coordinator. Former Washington Redskins LB Monte Coleman was elevated to defensive coordinator for TSU.

Wison had loss 11 consecutive games before his firing.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff coach Mo Forte is 20-22 in four years and went 8-4 in 2006, winning the West Division title and losing 22-13 to Alabama A&M in the SWAC championship game. The Pine Bluff Commercial is reporting that barring a change of heart by UAPB Chancellor Lawrence Davis or Athletic Director Skip Perkins, Forte final year of his contract ($120,000) will be bought out. Forte is expected to be fired on Monday.

Expect the Golden Lions to make this the third win in a row for Forte against a TSU team with no running game. Regardless, who is sitting in the head coaching position, the Texas Southern athletic programs are in a shambles due to the poor administrative leadership.

With the basketball coaching position having an interim head coach (after a national search), the former president Priscilla Slade firing and public court battle for misspending university funds and the Texas governor firing the TSU BOT, it may take years for TSU to recover. Football and basketball are not their top agenda item.

Expect the Golden Lions Forte to win this one for pride.

FCS #23 ranked Alabama A&M University Bulldogs (8-2, 6-2 SWAC) at Prairie View A&M University Panthers (6-3, 5-3 SWAC).

The Bulldogs have two scenerios riding on today's game with PVAMU. First, AAMU must win.

Secondly, if AAMU wins and Alcorn State upsets Jackson State in the Capital City Classic, the Bulldogs will win the Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division title and the Bulldogs last game will be next month against Grambling in the championship game. If A&M wins and Jackson State beats Alcorn State, the Bulldogs hope their 9-2 record will be good enough for an at-large berth in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

Prairie View is riding high after knocking out Jackson State last weekend to secure their first winning record in 31 years. The Panthers are playing well and don't expect them to scratch and crawl their way to the second place in the West behind Grambling University with a win, a half game in front of Southern University. Players and coaches read the press clippings, and that spread in USA Today this week was impressive on Prairie View success this season under Coach Henry Frazier III. The rebuilding job is just about completed and this will be a statement game for Frazier and the Panthers--not in our house!

Alabama A&M Kelsey Luke may be the difference maker for the Bulldogs. Luke holds virtually every Division I passing record in school history, including yards (6,538), completions (547), attempts (984), touchdowns (55). Luke also holds career marks for total offense (8,009) and touchdowns responsible for (73). If the Bulldogs win, it will be their third straight season with 9 win season under Coach Anthony Jones and Luke will have a 32-10 record for this career. This one will be a battle!


Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils (2-8, 2-7 SWAC) at Savannah State University Tigers ( 1-8).

Mississippi Valley State coach Willie Totten is 24-41 in six seasons. The Delta Devils are not a good team, but neither in SSU in any stretch of the imagination. Watching a good high school playoff game may be more entertaining than seeing the Delta Devils and the Tigers. But watching the Delta Devils Marching Band perform is worth the price of the football ticket.


University of Tennessee - Martin ( 3-7, 3-4 OVC) at Tennessee State University ( 5-5, 4-2)

TSU Tigers have an opportunity to end the season with a winning record and 3rd place in the Ohio Valley Conference. UTM defense is suspect giving up over 30 points an outing which should give the Tigers opportunity to score on the ground and in the air. TSU should be motivated to earn a winning season.

FAMU SPORTS PIONEER HANSEL TOOKES DIES WEDNESDAY

More on the passing of Coach Tookes and the arrangements for his funeral can be seen at these links:

http://thefamurattlers.cstv.com/genrel/111507aac.html

http://thefamurattlers.cstv.com/genrel/111407aac.html

As FAMUans, we all have our favorite coach and Coach Tookes was at the top of my list. I learned the basic fundamentals of golf from him which has been a part of my life after leaving FAMU. I will always love this man for what he gave to me as a student and a young Rattler.

As we move forward in life, let us not forget how Coach Tookes touched all our lives with kindness and generosity to our beloved Alma Mater and community. He will always live in the heart, mind and spirit of Rattlers forever. Thank you friend, counsel, mentor, coach, professor, father, great administrator and visionary for creating the Florida Classic for 70,000+ to enjoy annually.

What a Mighty Rattler you were and thank you Lord for giving Hansel E. Tookes to all of us! Your presence will be missed but not forgotten.

FAMU signs a diamond in ASHLEY HAMPTON

FAMU Coach Debra Clark has Lady Rattlers 3-0 on the 2007-08 season.

Florida A&M University Lady Rattlers basketball coach Debra Clark had successful surgery to remove her thyroid on Wednesday morning. Clark, in the final year of her contract did not let that stop her from moving the program forward and her assistants were able to keep the Lady Rattlers undefeated at 3-0 with a victory over Albany State on Wednesday evening.

On Thursday, Coach Clark signed to a national letter-of-intent Ashley Hampton, senior forward with St. John Lutheran, who is a top basketball and volleyball player in the Ocala, Florida region. Basketball was the sport that many took notice of the 5-foot-9 senior, as she also drew interest from Harvard and Princeton, thanks to a grade-point average of 4.42.

Seven relatives of Hampton has graduated from FAMU. She joins her uncle Whitfield Jenkins, as members of the family who have signed athletic scholarships with the Rattlers.

"They stayed in contact with me from there and also contacted my coach," Hampton said. "They kept up with me and then we had a home visit and then I went on my official visit and I was sold (on the school)."

As a volleyball player, Hampton started each of the past three seasons on the varsity, after moving up at the end of the freshman season. She played in three consecutive Class 1A Final Fours, including the state title game in 2006.

In basketball, Hampton plays the guard position and entered her senior season with a school record 1239 points. Last season, she received second team All-State honors, averaging 16.2 points and 10 rebounds per game, in leading the Saints to their third consecutive district championship and advancement to the regional semifinals. Hampton was also selected as the FACA's District 7 MVP for Class 1A.

Photo: All-Stater Ashley Hampton is expected to become a star in both the classroom and on the basketball court at FAMU, in 2008-09.

Her mother, Kimberly Pompey-Bell is the second year head coach of St. John Lutheran School Varsity & J.V Girls Basketball programs. She is pleased in her daughter's selection of FAMU. "She wanted to go where she could major in pharmacy, and she's real excited about this chance."

Ashley's mother is no stranger to Division I women basketball, having been a star player at Ocala Vanguard and the University of South Alabama, where she still holds the school record for most 3-pointers.

"A lot of people helped play a part in this," Ashley said. "I really enjoyed my time at St. John and I feel very prepared for what lies ahead."

FAMU currently has 15 players on its roster and Hampton will play the three-guard in college.

Two of the Rattlers' three players at that spot will graduate this season, so she will have a chance to get into the mix right away.

"They are a running team and their coach (Debra Clark) liked the way that I run the floor and finished on the fast break," Hampton said. "My main focus throughout school was academics and I also love sports. Why not use sports to help with my academics? It has really worked out well."

Due to Coach Clark's recovery period, she will miss the Lady Rattlers game with Savannah State University on November 20. However, with Ashley Hampton signed for next season, her recovery should be a little less painful and peaceful.

Congratulations to Ashley Hampton and her family for continuing the Rattlers tradition of excellence. Get well soon, Coach Clark! Go Rattlers!