Sunday, October 17, 2010

FVSU Beats Tuskegee 26-0 for 5th Straight 'W'

Two SIAC heavyweights did battle in the Valley Saturday. Fort Valley State and Tuskegee rolled in at 5-1, tied for 2nd in the conference behind undefeated Albany State.

The Wildcats scored on their opening drive, thanks to a six-yard TD run from Tony Reid to make it 6-0. In the second quarter Aaron Courtney punched it in, followed by a failed two-point conversion to make it a 12-0 game. FVSU QB Eugene Smith connected with Demario Barber before halftime to make it 19-0.

Wildcats dominate Golden Tigers in SIAC showdown

FORT VALLEY, GA – Back in August, there was talk about the old Fort Valley State “blue death” defense. That was talk. The live 2010 version showed up against Tuskegee. When FVSU’s offense actually let Tuskegee have the ball, FVSU’s defense made it pay.

Tuskegee was held to only 92 yards in total offense and blanked for the first time since 2003 as the Wildcats were dominant on both sides of the ball in pounding the 16th-ranked Golden Tigers 26-0 on Saturday night at Wildcat Stadium. FVSU improved to 6-1 overall and 5-1 in SIAC play on senior night while Tuskegee fell to 5-2 and 4-2.

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PVAMU Panthers Roll Past Lincoln 45-12

K.J. Black passed for two touchdowns and Chris Adingupu recorded a 53-yard interception return as Prairie View A&M defeated Lincoln University 45-12 before an overflow homecoming crowd at Blackshear Field.

Prairie View’s Jarvis Wilson recorded the game’s first big play as he scooped up a fumble and raced 32 yards to Lincoln’s 8-yard line on their opening possession. Four plays later, Prairie View’s Brady Faggard connected on a 21-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. Prairie View moved ahead 10-0 on its second offensive possession as Black connected with wideout Brandon Bell for a 42-yard strike and upped its lead to 17-0 several minutes later in the first quarter following Donald Babers’ 13-yard touchdown run.

LU trimmed its deficit to 17-12 midway through the second quarter following a 75-yard touchdown run from Joseph Snell and a 15-yard return off a blocked punt from Demarkis Smith. Prairie View added another touchdown run from Babers with 8:08 left in the second stanza to move ahead 24-12 and put the game away in the third quarter as they exploded for 21 points.

Attendance: 12,000

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A&T loses lead and 10th straight game

DOVER, DE -- Through a winless football season, Delaware State University could count on one offensive weapon from week to week: running back Jaashawn Jones.

On Saturday, Jones led the Hornets with 144 yards on 30 carries. More importantly, he drew enough attention from N.C. A&T's defense to open up big plays for the Hornets' other weapons. The result was a 31-26 homecoming win for the Hornets in front of 4,131 fans at Alumni Stadium. DSU (1-5, 1-3 MEAC) had seven plays of 20 yards or more, six of which came through the air.

DSU Earns First Win of the Season

Dover, Del. -- Delaware State is celebrating a victory for the first time this season after a 31-26 homecoming win over North Carolina A&T at Alumni Stadium this afternoon. The Hornets improved to 1-5 overall and 1-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), while the Aggies fell to 0-7 and 0-4.

Jaashawn Jones rushed for a career-high 144 yards and a touchdown to lead the Delaware State attack. The Hornets racked up 351 yards in the contest, including 195 passing.

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Saturday, October 16, 2010

Alcorn State ready for Grambling‎

LORMAN, MS — After dropping their first conference game of the year last week against Texas Southern, the Alcorn State Braves are looking to get back on the winning track.

But it sure isn’t going to be easy as the Braves will head to Grambling, La., to face the only undefeated team in SWAC play, the Grambling State Tigers.

After losing their first game of the season to Football Bowl Subdivision team Louisiana Tech, the Tigers (4-1, 4-0 SWAC) have reeled off four victories in a row, including a 22-7 victory over Alabama State last week.

GSU key: Play smart


GRAMBLING, LA — The Grambling State football team aims to make some improvements in discipline and alignment when it hosts Alcorn State for a 2 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Robinson Stadium.

The Tigers are 4-1 overall and a perfect 4-0 in conference play, but they are also one of the most penalized teams in the conference. GSU ranks ninth out of 10 SWAC teams in yards penalized, averaging 85 penalty yards per game.

Mirror image: Frosh QBs on display in Alcorn State-Grambling matchup



Rod Broadway knows how Earnest Collins and Alcorn State feel right about now - that is, life with a true freshman quarterback. Collins and the Braves (3-2, 2-1 SWAC) travel to the conference's lone undefeated team Saturday, Broadway's Grambling Tigers (4-1, 4-0). They do so with QB Brandon Bridge, who graduated from high school about six months ago.

Broadway knows all about that. True freshman Anthony Carrothers leads the Tigers' offense. "We know a little bit about what they're going through," Grambling's fourth-year coach said.

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Wells, Southern Jaguars relish role as underdog against Jackson State Tigers

Jackson State University head football coach Rick Comegy

His knee was at full strength again, but his hamstring still burned. It felt tight, and he couldn’t run like he wanted. Anthony Wells’ body kept betraying him. How was he supposed to make an impact like this?

He was missing from spring practice at Southern, and he missed summer workouts, too. There was, of course, a new coaching staff in town. As first impressions go, this one wasn’t much to brag about. This was not how Wells had envisioned his grand return.

QB makes most of his chance at Jackson State

Less than three years before Casey Therriault became Jackson State’s starting quarterback, he spent a night of his winter break hanging out with former Wyoming Park High football teammates in Grand Rapids, Mich.

On the way to their car, they were approached by a man who was inebriated. He traded insults with one of the guys. When Therriault laughed at something his friend said, the man turned his attention to him, striking Therriault, who, in turn, threw one punch and walked away.

Jackson State vs. Southern

When: Today, 6 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Television: None
Radio: JSU Network (WHLA-95.5 FM, Jackson)
Records
Jackson State: 4-1, 2-1 SWAC
Southern: 2-3, 1-2
History: Last meeting: Jackson State 22, Southern 14, 2009
All-time series: Southern leads 28-26-0

Touchdown issue getting to Richardson

Casey Therriault knows what comes with being the quarterback of a pass-happy, high-scoring offense like the one Jackson State runs. "Everybody wants to score," the Tigers star said.Add receiver Rico Richardson to the very top of that gradually shortening list.

Through five games, Richardson, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound sophomore from Natchez, has gained 256 yards - fourth on the team - on 15 catches and averages 17 yards a catch - tied for second on the team. He's among the six JSU receivers who have caught 15 passes or more this season.

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Tuskegee, 5-1, at Fort Valley State today

For No. 16 Tuskegee (5-1, 4-1 SIAC), its brutal stretch of confer ence games concludes with Fort Valley State (5-1, 4-1). After a home throttling at the hands of conference- leading Albany State, the Golden Tigers have rebounded well with wins over FCS opponent Texas Southern and SIAC foes Miles and previously undefeated Morehouse.

The primary reason has been the play of Tuskegee's defense, which ranks seventh in Division II in total defense and first in passing yards allowed. Fort Valley State's defense, however, has been nearly as sturdy.

FVSU readies for key contest with Tuskegee


FORT VALLEY, GA — Donald Pittman looked like a man who needed a few administrative assistants, immediately. Two different phones rang, and his office was filled with boxes of blue T-shirts with his team’s midseason motto: Making Up For Last Year.

Fort Valley State’s head coach needed to order more small T-shirts, and it appeared they wouldn’t be delivered in time for Thursday night’s pep rally. And that wasn’t making him happy.

Then the conversation returned to Saturday night’s opponent, and Pittman’s attention immediately returned to football. “Seven long years,” he said. “It’s about time for that to change.”

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This is the funniest guy in Georgia.

NSU is rivalry win away from rebound

Hampton University coach Donovan Rose said records don't matter in rivalry games. Norfolk State hopes he's right. Entering the 48th Battle of the Bay between NSU and Hampton at 1 p.m. today, the 4-1 Pirates sit atop the MEAC with a 3-0 league record.

The Spartans (1-2, 2-3), meanwhile, have had all reasonable hopes for a conference title dashed and will be manufacturing motivation for the last half of the season. "We still got pride to win," senior lineman Calton Ford said. " The whole goal is to win. A couple games don't dictate the season or who you are. They don't tell who you are or what you're known for after you've done things. We still have pride in the season."

Hampton hosts Battle of the Bay



Hampton, VA (Sports Network) - Saturday's Bethune-Cookman at South Carolina State matchup in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is one of the more anticipated games of the season. It's offense versus defense. Bethune-Cookman's upstart team leads the FCS in both points and yards per game. Meanwhile, South Carolina State's MEAC power leads the nation in total defense.

What shouldn't be overlooked with this big matchup is that Hampton could hold first place all by itself come late Saturday afternoon.

Friendship takes backseat to Battle of the Bay when Hampton faces Norfolk State


Sherron Childress and Jacobi Fenner are friends — for 51 weeks of the year. The other week, they're football players trying to beat the living daylights out of each other in the annual showdown known as the Battle of the Bay.

"Phone calls are cut out," said Childress, Norfolk State's senior tight end who went to Hampton High with Fenner, Hampton University's senior linebacker. "We speak when we see each other, but as far as holding a real conversation — it's game week. We have to prepare. But after the game, we'll be friends. We'll go out and hang out with each other and talk about the game."

Hampton- Norfolk State Battle of the Bay preview and our prediction

HAMPTON (4-1, 3-0 MEAC) vs. NORFOLK STATE (2-3, 1-2 MEAC)
WHEN: 1 p.m.
WHERE: Armstrong Stadium.
TV/RADIO: 88.1 FM

THE BUZZ: The Pirates are hungry for revenge after being embarrassed 46-6 last year at Norfolk State, and they seem to have the balanced offense (198 rushing yards per game, 136 passing) to achieve it. The Spartans have lost two straight games to ranked MEAC teams, including...

On Campus: NSU coach Pete Adrian knows a thing or two about rivalries

Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian has been in involved in a rivalry or two in his playing and coaching careers. For his money, his team's annual showdown against nearby MEAC rival Hampton, known as the Battle of the Bay, is among the best in the business.

"These are great games. That’s one thing that college football is all about, is rivalries," Adrian said. "I can remember when I played at West Virginia, we had a team called Pitt. And that’s the Backyard Brawl, and that was really the beginning of it for me, to see the intensity.

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N.C. Central Eagles not sure what to expect against Ga. State



DURHAM, N.C. -- Georgia State may be an upstart program, but it's football team isn't playing like one. The Panthers, who are playing their first season, are coached by Bill Curry and are on a three-game winning streak. NCCU coach Mose Rison said his team needs to be ready to play or it could be a long day against Georgia State (4-2).

"They're a good football team," Rison said. "They have played some pretty good football team in the first six weeks. "They don't look like a team that just got started. They've recruited well. They've got some transfers."

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UMES: Thunderin' Hawks Pep Band debuts

PRINCESS ANNE, MD -- The dream of loyal members of the UMES family has come to fruition with the creation of the Thunderin’ Hawks Pep Band — a credit to a collaborative effort by alumni and campus partners.

“I want to see school spirit increased,” pep band director Simba Leonard said. “I’m envisioning that the pep band members will have fun, which will ... excite the community and create a lot of energy on campus.”

The idea started at the 2010 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference basketball tournament, where UMES was the lone university of 11 participating without a pep band. A steering committee of alumni and representatives of UMES' departments of athletics, student activities and alumni affairs was formed to guide discussions about starting a musical group to boost school spirit.

“Under the leadership and tenacity of alumni Delphine Lee, Class of ’70, and Jesse Williams, Class of ’62, approximately $75,000 has been raised ... toward the goal of $100,000 to re-establish a first-class pep band at UMES,” said Kimberly Dumpson, J.D., director of Alumni Affairs.

“For all of us, it is music to our ears,” Dumpson said with a smile.

The new 30-piece pep band debuts at the university’s Hawk Hysteria, Friday, Oct. 15. A night of activities begins at 6 p.m. in the Hytche Athletic Center.

For more information, or to contribute to the Thunderin’ Hawks Pep Band, contact Dumpson at 410-651-7686.

Wheeler Brown dismissed as A&T athletics director

GREENSBORO, N.C. — In his most high-profile move since a student collapsed and died in an unofficial track practice, N.C. A&T Chancellor Harold Martin fired athletics director Wheeler Brown on Friday.

“I commit to you that I will take constructive steps to move our athletics program in a different direction,” Martin said during a news conference at the school.

Brown’s dismissal comes nearly two months after sophomore Jospin “Andre” Milandu, 20, of Knightdale, died on Aug. 19 due to complications of sickle cell trait. He was one of several students participating in the tryout without medical paperwork required by the NCAA.

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Chancellor Memo

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information
Release: 10/15/2010

TO: University Community
FROM: Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr.
DATE: October 15, 2010
RE: Milandu Internal Investigation Closed

On yesterday, the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released the autopsy report for our former student, Jospin "Andre" Milandu, showing that he died as a result of "complications of sickle cell trait." Andre, a sophomore from Knightdale, North Carolina, was described by his peers as a caring and kind-hearted young man. His presence has been and will continue to be missed at North Carolina A&T State University.

This continues to be a sad time for the University family, the Department of Athletics, and one beyond measure for the Milandu family. As a parent, my heart continues to ache for Andre's family and friends.

We deeply regret Andre's loss. Since my arrival at North Carolina A&T, I have consistently stressed the importance of adherence to University policies, practices and procedures with all University administrators. This has been reaffirmed throughout my tenure, and even more so since this tragic incident. I commit to you that I will take constructive steps to move our athletics program in a different direction.

Today, I have discontinued the employment of our Athletics Director, Wheeler Brown. I have asked Dr. Deborah Callaway, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, to assume administrative oversight for the immediate future until an interim Athletics Director is named within the next week. I will immediately launch an aggressive, national search for a new leader of our Athletics program.

This new leadership for Athletics will be expected to bring significant managerial and leadership skills, knowledge of Athletics, the ability to develop a high performing organization and the ability to manage the necessary cultural changes to ensure enhanced services, transparency and individual accountability.

Let us continue to pray for the Milandu family.

Friday, October 15, 2010

N.C. Central Eagles looking forward to MEAC membership

DURHAM, N.C. -- N.C. Central men's basketball coach Levelle Moton was welcomed into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Thursday when the league held its preseason coaches' teleconference.

Moton said he was glad the Eagles have found another home in the MEAC after three seasons of barnstorming the country playing games. NCCU still is in transition to full NCAA Division I membership and full participation in the MEAC, but the Eagles will be competing against more teams from the conference this season.

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S.C. State faces surprise unbeaten Bethune-Cookman

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina State on top of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is no surprise. But Saturday's opponent, Bethune-Cookman, wasn't expected to be anywhere near first place at this point in the season.

Picked to finish eighth in the MEAC, the Wildcats (5-0, 3-0) have won their first five games by an average of 34 points. Now they get a chance to knock off the big dogs in the league. The Bulldogs (4-1, 2-0) have won 21 games in a row in the conference.

"Any time you're playing a hot team, it's gonna be tough to get ready," Pough said. "They seem to be excited about what they're doing."



Top Video: Coach Mark Orlando brings the "Speedway O" to Bethune Cookman.

B-CU gets big chance to prove self vs. S.C. State

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Quarterback Matt Johnson was not exactly jumping for joy when Bethune-Cookman received a national football ranking Monday for the first time in his five years with the program. Neither were his teammates.

"No, there really wasn't a big reaction at all, because we're not happy at being (No.) 23," Johnson said. "There's nothing really to be happy about. I think everybody heard about it and went about their day." Rest assured, if the Wildcats win this week to stretch their record to 6-0...

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Virginia State Trojans take over first in CIAA North

ETTRICK, VA -- Daronte McNeill took Elizabeth City as far as he could, but it was a balanced Virginia State attack that prevailed 15-10 last night. Playing on just five days rest, the Trojans went with a wildcat offense that spread the carries around, then let sophomore quarterback Jarred Battle finish the job.

The Vikings had McNeill, who nearly completed a second-half comeback, but his mud-stained jersey showed just how heavy the team rode its workhorse back. Unlike VSU, McNeill had no quarterback to lean on -- sophomore Namon Jones threw three interceptions in his first collegiate start.

Trojans hold off Vikings 15-10

ETTRICK, VA - The spotlight suits the Virginia State University football team. The Trojans played host to the CBS Division II game of the week and were seemingly unphased by the national audience. They jumped out to a first-half lead and held on to beat visiting Elizabeth City State University 15-10 on Thursday in a CIAA North Division game.

After fumbling on its first possession and punting on its second, Virginia State performed the football equivalent of batting for the cycle. The Trojans scored in every possible way - tallying a touchdown, two field goals and a safety en route to a 15-3 lead.

Virginia State defeats ECSU

Elizabeth City State’s football team’s motto this season is “Seal the Deal.” On Saturday, the Vikings had several chances to seal the game and ultimately had to turn to a handful of backups to secure a 17-14 win over Virginia Union.

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Thursday, October 14, 2010

TONIGHT: ECSU Vikings and VSU Trojans CBS College Sports Game of the Week

The Virginia State University Trojans and Elizabeth City State University Vikings football game on Thursday night, October 14 at 8:00 pm can be viewed live on CBS College Sports Network.

The network is available via satellite on DIRECTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Channel 152. For Time Warner digital customers the game is available on sports tier channel 537. Verizon Fios channel 94 and Comcast channel 732. In the Hampton Roads region on Cox Communications channel 216 and in HD on channel 816.

If you have none of the above -- watch via the Internet at: http://www.ncaa.com/allaccess/
video

Vikings in prime time; on TV, web tonight


Last year, Elizabeth City State was riding high atop the division standings when it took a trip to Ettrick, Va. where Virginia State stunned the Vikings 23-10 to begin a skid that cost ECSU a trip to the CIAA championship game.

The Vikings (4-2, 3-0) are in the same position and cannot afford a loss at Virginia State (4-2, 2-1) when the two teams meet tonight in a nationally televised contest.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

JSU Tigers aiming to feast on Southern Jags



For offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson and quarterback Casey Therriault, it can't get much better than this. Owner of the best passing offense in the Football Championship Subdivision, Jackson State (4-1, 2-1 SWAC) hosts a Southern team that struggles in defending the pass.

The Jaguars (2-3, 1-2) have a young secondary that has just four interceptions through five games this season - that's next to last in the conference. "We like to throw a little bit," coach Rick Comegy said when asked about Southern's struggling pass D.

Game site puts Jags AD in pickle


Greg LaFleur is in a tight spot. On one hand, the Southern University athletic director has to please the school's rabid fan base. On the other, he has to raise money for the university. When LaFleur moved Southern's home football game last year against Jackson State to 60,000-seat Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, it did two things:

It doubled the amount of money the school would have made had the game been played at the school's 24,000-seat A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge. And it ticked off many Jaguar fans.

Worth repeating: Stump Mitchell


His team stopped a three-game losing streak last week, dumping Mississippi Valley State to move to 2-3. Now comes the really fun part for Stump Mitchell & Co: stopping Jackson State. The Jaguars and Tigers tee it up at 6 p.m. Saturday in Veterans Memorial Stadium.

"It’s definitely good to be back here after a win. It’s been a tough three weeks for Southernites. It’s been a tough three weeks for the players and coaches as well. We’ve been preparing to get a victory...

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Alcorn visits Grambling in East-West showdown

A preview of the SWAC championship game could take place this weekend at Eddie Robinson Stadium. Alcorn (3-2, 2-1 travels to Grambling (4-1, 3-0) on Saturday at 2 p.m. in a battle of East and West Division leaders. Both have a shot at reaching the league title game on Dec. 11 at Birmingham’s Legion Field. Alcorn is tied atop the Eastern Division with Jackson State.

The Tigers must stop Alcorn quarterback Brandon Bridge, who’s given the Braves stability at the position.

Young QBs guide Grambling, Alcorn


Halfway through an entertaining season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Alcorn State is tied for first place in the Eastern Division. Grambling sits atop the West. The two teams meet at 2 p.m. Saturday in what could be a doozy of a cross-divisional game.

It could also serve as a showcase for two young-but-dynamic quarterbacks: Grambling’s Anthony Carrothers and Alcorn’s Brandon Bridge. Of the SWAC’s 10 regular starting quarterbacks, Carrothers and Bridge are the only true freshmen.
1. GRAMBLING
Tigers are looking more and more like the class of the West.
2. TEXAS SOUTHERN
Besides Grambling, TSU is only team in control of its own fate.
3. JACKSON STATE
QB Therriault ranks 3rd in nation in passing with 1,772 yards.
4. ALCORN STATE
Braves can vault to top with win at Grambling this week.

Midseason progress report


Grambling State (4-1, 4-0 SWAC)

WHAT WENT RIGHT: The running game. Grambling ranks 13th in the country in rushing, with more than 232 yards per game. Senior Frank Warren has been a workhorse. He ranks second among FCS running backs with more than 146 yards per game — less than 6 yards behind nation's leader Preston Brown (Tennessee State). Defensively, the Tigers are very impressive considering the unexpected loss of Christian Anthony, the reigning SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. The team's only loss came to FBS member Louisiana Tech.

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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

FAMU's Hollinghead making an impact on the defensive line




Saturday: Oct. 16 - Florida A&M Rattlers vs. Savannah State Tigers
Where: Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Time: 3:00 p.m.

3 PM Game Broadcast - Internet TV: http://www.famu.edu/famcast/

For awhile last season, defensive line coach George Small wondered about nose guard Nicolas Hollinghead's desire. Small wanted to see a little more energy from the 6-foot-4, 284-pound redshirt junior. "I don't know how much he was committed to it," Small said. "I don't know if it was because of those older guys who were in front of him, but he just didn't really press it like I thought he would."

This past spring, the light came on for Hollinghead, who played just two seasons at Cocoa High School before coming for FAMU. He recommitted to putting in the hours in the weight room and worked on his technique to the point that he was unbeatable for the starting nose guard position coming out of spring camp.

FAMU volleyball rolls past North Carolina Central

Near the end of the match, Belinda Hehncke-Biney reminded her North Carolina Central teammates that they have to "watch 35 coming in." That was Lorrin Rucker, who was punishing on the front line for Florida A&M to help the Rattlers defeat the Eagles 3-0 Sunday afternoon at the Lawson Center. It was FAMU's fourth straight win.

Rocker had 10 of her 13 kills through the first two sets. She watched most of the third set from the sideline, but as soon as she returned to the floor she delivered a kill to put FAMU within four points of completing the sweep.

FAMU scaling back on passing

When coach Joe Taylor adjusts the offense of his Florida A&M football team with a two-back set in an attempt to jump start the Rattlers' offense, the receiving corps can expect to see fewer opportunities for catches while they'll have to do more blocking.

The change is coming at a time when FAMU's receivers are already shorter on the number of catches they had through the first five games last season. They'd like to have more chances for catches, the team's two leading receivers said, but they're prepared to make the adjustment.

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FAMU's Ojo making a positive impact at safety »
Nervous energy a good sign for FAMU volleyball going into MEAC schedule
Harris adds Sheals to FAMU basketball coaching staff


WSSU: A Little Big Man

Tehvyn Brantley of Winston-Salem State is short for a college wide receiver, and he carries a big chip on his shoulder. Brantley, a 5-7, 175-pound freshman, says he could have played at a Division I school, possibly using his outstanding speed as a kick returner, but that the conditions weren’t what he wanted. Instead, he’s making an impact for WSSU.

“I had offers from N.C. State, North Carolina and South Carolina,” said Brantley, who is originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Durham with his mother three years ago to attend Mount Zion Christian Academy. “I had a couple of offers from mid-majors, and North Carolina was actually going to give me a chance if I went to Hargrave Military, but I didn’t want to do that.”

Fans can ride around the Bowman Gray track


Motorcycle enthusiasts will get a chance to ride around the Bowman Gray Stadium track Saturday during pregame festivities for Winston-Salem State’s game against Livingstone, and Athletics Director Bill Hayes, an avid rider, will lead a parade of motorcycles.

The ride will be at 4 p.m., and kickoff will be at 6 p.m. The cost to ride in the parade is $35, including a ticket to the game, and there will also be a special motorcycle tailgate spot. Money raised from the ride will go to the athletics department. Anyone interested in more information can contact Trent Rawley (rawleyjt@wssu.edu or call 309-4249).

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Bethune Cookman Wildcats garners national ranking

DAYTONA BEACH -- South Carolina State has been ranked all season in the FCS Top 25. On Monday, the Bulldogs were joined in the poll by Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference foe Bethune-Cookman. As luck would have it, the two teams will square off Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Orangeburg, S.C.

B-CU (5-0, 3-0 MEAC) entered The Sports Network/Fathead.com poll at No. 23 with 390 points after receiving votes the previous two weeks. It is the first time the Wildcats have been ranked in the FCS Top 25 since the final poll of the 2003 season.

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ESPNU to air S.C. State/Hampton Football on Oct. 23rd.

Fans who'd hope to see ESPN trucks in Orangeburg for Saturday's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest between South Carolina State and Bethune-Cookman will apparently will have to wait an additional seven days.

The network declined to make the critical contest between two Top 25 teams the 'wild card' addition to its HBCU schedule. Instead, the network and a S.C. State official confirmed Monday it will air another possible MEAC contest with first place on the line at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium taking place Saturday Oct. 23 when the Bulldogs play host to Hampton.

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JCSU Golden Bulls beaten on both sides of ball

Shaw is hitting its stride at the right time. The Bears remained unbeaten in the CIAA with a 45-13 South Division win against J.C. Smith Saturday at McGirt Field, for Shaw's sixth straight in the series and third in as many league games. Shaw (4-2, 3-0 CIAA) remains tied for first in the division with crosstown Raleigh rival St. Augustine's and Winston-Salem State.

"Personally, I love being under the radar," said Shaw defensive tackle Michael Carter, a Wake Forest transfer who led the Bears with eight tackles and a sack. "That way, you can come up and surprise people and show them where they should be but they're not."

Shaw Finds Its Rhythm; Downs JCSU 45-13

Charlotte, NC – Shaw found its rhythm in all three aspects of the game and handily defeated Johnson C. Smith 45-13. The Bears gave up only one offensive touchdown, while generating nearly 500 yards of offense.

“The defense and special teams had been playing well all season,” said Shaw Head Coach Darrell Asberry. “This week the offense finally found its rhythm. (Quarterback) Kevin Atkins needed a breakout game, and I think this was finally it.”

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Last Week Highlights: Shaw Bears at Livingstone Blue Bears

Jefferson H.S. QB Quentin Williams commits to Bethune-Cookman

The recruitment of Jefferson quarterback Quentin Williams took an unexpected turn this weekend when the Dragons senior orally committed to Division I-AA Bethune-Cookman University. Williams, who is in the middle of what could be the most prolific passing season by a Hillsborough County quarterback, struggled to get on the Division I-A recruiting radar, but appeared to be drawing more interest recently.

Jefferson coach Mike Fenton described Williams' commitment as a soft verbal, but said Williams committed while attending Bethune-Cookman's homecoming win over Delaware State. "I think he still wants to take other visits and see if something else big comes up, but I guess he went up there and was talking with some of the other recruits and decided to commit," Fenton said.

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Monday, October 11, 2010

Fayetteville State shocks division-leading Virginia State, 21-14

PETERSBURG, Va. - Fayetteville State shocked the CIAA North Division leader, Virginia State, 21-14, on Saturday night. It was the first road win of the season for the Broncos (2-4, 1-2). Fayetteville State built up a 21-0 lead after three quarters, then held off a rally by the Trojans.

Quarterback Robert Benjamin threw three touchdown passes for the Broncos.

Trojans fall



ETTRICK, VA - The stage was set for more late-game heroics from the Virginia State football team. Having won last week on a last-minute 50-yard touchdown pass, they looked poised to steal another game, this time from visiting Fayetteville State. But sophomore quarterback Jarred Battle's fourth-and-goal pass fell incomplete with 27 seconds left and the Broncos held on for a 21-14 victory.

The Trojans, who came into the game sitting atop the CIAA North Division standings, struggled on both sides of the ball from the start.

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Shreveport Classic: Prairie View A&M Panthers vs. Southern University Jaguars - Oct. 23rd.

Prairie View A&M University Department of Athletics has entered into a two-year agreement with the City of Shreveport and State Fair of Louisiana to bring to the city one football game each during the 2010 and 2011 seasons at Independence Stadium.

Prairie View's first contest in Shreveport will take place on October 23rd, 2010 versus Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge). The gridiron matchup will be a reunion of sorts as both teams met in Independence Stadium during the 2003 campaign.

For more information and tickets, visit: http://www.shreveportclassic.com/


B-CU rolls on toward S.C. State‎

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Bethune-Cookman linebacker Ryan Lewis was answering a question Saturday after the Wildcats' 47-24 homecoming victory over Delaware State, and while gazing straight ahead he could sense his teammates sitting next to him were serving up disapproving glances.

Lewis, who had five tackles Saturday, including a 13-yard sack to force a fumble that set up the Wildcats' fourth touchdown, was getting precariously close to suggesting this week's showdown with South Carolina State would be something more than "just another football game."

Coach Brian Jenkins' players have proven to be well-coached and well-programmed as they've unexpectedly stormed to a 5-0 record for just ....

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