Alabama State victory is sweet, especially in the Magic City Classic

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama | The 76th annual McDonald's Magic City Classic again went down to the final drive, and for the next 365 days, the Alabama State University football team has earned bragging rights with a hard-fought 21-16 victory over Alabama A&M Saturday night.

Alabama State (2-5, 2-2 SWAC), winners of back-to-back games, looked to have sewn the contest up when Darryl Pearson, Jr. found Chett LeVay in the back of the end zone for a 21-9 lead. However, Alabama A&M (3-6, 3-2 SWAC) returned the kickoff deep into Alabama State territory before trimming the lead to 21-16 on a two-yard.

However for the second consecutive game, the Hornets' defense stood firm after an onside kick recovery by Alabama A&M. After giving a first down, Alabama State held the Bulldogs and forced an incomplete pass on fourth down.

Alabama State went into the victory formation and the Hornet faithful were able to start the celebration.

"We will enjoy this win," Alabama State interim head coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "We will get back to the house and look at we did, and make some adjustments and move forward. It is great to win, and win for our fans. Our fans have been down all year while we have been trying to get things straight after starting off 0-5. Winning this game, it helps put life back into our program and back into our community, so it is a great feeling to carry a win back to Montgomery.

"Everything has meaning. We will take that 0-5 and learn from it, after you lose the first five games. And for the last two weeks to come out and win, it changed their mentality after winning two games and now they work because they know they can win."

The momentum swung to Alabama State early on as Ronnie Scott, the defensive Most Valuable Player, intercepted a pass on the Alabama A&M sideline.

"When he intercepted that pass it helped us out," Eley said. "It bought some time for the offense after we had been going three-and-out. It put them in a position where they had to adjust what they do being a running team. It took some things away that they wanted to do, which kept us in the ball game."

The senior then took off towards his own sideline, weaving through traffic and then turned up field to the end zone. He would run by two defenders near the goal line before diving in for a 59-yard interception return for the tournament. The return was his second of the season.

"I was exhausted," Scott said of the interception return. "It was nice, it was a good spark to pick it off and get into the end zone. I was just excited for the team, giving us a chance to get some points on the board. It got the crowd into and the rest of the team into it, and I think we took a little bit away from them at the same time."

Alabama A&M got on the board with a safety in the second quarter, and that is where the game stood at halftime with the Hornets leading 7-2.



After Alabama A&M took the lead on their first drive of the second half (10-9), the Hornets came right back down the field and lined up under center from the 12-yard line. Pearson turned and handed the ball off to Alex Anderson who went off the right side and dove for the end zone. He was upended, and the ball was dislodged as he hit the goal line upside down. However, after the replay, Anderson cross the plain of the goal line as he went airborne to give Alabama State a 14-9 lead with 6:10 to play in the third.

"I just had to make a play for my team," Anderson said. "My number was called and I did my job for my team, and that is all I could do. Tonight is a great feeling. Starting out 0-5, it was very frustrating but this team and these guys continued to fight and push through. They continue to work, they continue to grind each day. And continue to finish. This win is a great feeling, a great feeling."

That play set the stage for the fourth quarter heroics.

Pearson led Alabama State on the ground, on his way to offensive Most Valuable Player honors, as he finished the night with 85 yards on nine carries – including a long of 30. George Golden added 71 yards on 12 carries, while Anderson finished with 36 yards and a touchdown.

Pearson, the nephew of Alabama A&M defensive coordinator Travis Pearson, also finished with just 28 yards passing on the night, as the Hornets racked up 221 yards of rushing against the top-ranked defense of Alabama A&M.

"I just want to thank coach for giving the opportunity to play," Pearson said. "I wanted to do it for my parents, they both played sports here. This was more than just a game to me so I just had to play as hard as I could, and make every play that I could. I did this for the seniors, I think they deserve to go out with a bang. That is how we are going to go through the rest of the year, try to go out with a bang."

Willie White and Anderson each finished with a pair of receptions each for Alabama State.

Meanwhile, defensively, the Hornets held Alabama A&M to just 96 yards rushing and 125 yards passing on the night and recorded nine tackles for loss. Jarkeith Ruffin, Treyon Garnett, Malik Bridgers and Andre Wilson each recorded four tackles in the win. Ricky Haley finished with three tackles and a pair of sacks on the night.

"We have Jackson State that is sitting and waiting," Eley said. "We are going to enjoy tonight, but we will be right back at it in the weight room tomorrow morning working it out. Then we are going to get ready for Jackson State. But we are going to enjoy every minute tonight."

Alabama State returns to action next weekend on the road for the third consecutive time, facing Jackson State University for homecoming.

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Black College Football Hall Of Fame Class Of 2018 Unveiled

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced its Class of 2018 today. Seven inductees were selected from a list of 25 Finalists who had been determined earlier by the BCFHOF Selection Committee.

The Class of 2018 includes Harold Carmichael (Southern), Raymond Chester (Morgan State), Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson (Langston University), Leo “Lincoln Locomotive” Lewis (Lincoln), Greg Lloyd (Fort Valley State), Everson Walls (Grambling State) as player inductees and Coach Bill Hayes (Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T).

“This class represents three Super Bowl rings, 18 Pro Bowl selections and several Black College Football championships,” said BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee Doug Williams. “Take a look at what they’ve done off the field as well, and each has earned this incredible honor.”

Votes were tallied from the 12-member Selection Committee, comprised of prominent journalists, commentators and historians, as well as former NFL General Managers and executives, and from previous BCFHOF inductees to determine the 2018 Inductees.

The Class of 2018 will be honored at the Ninth Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons on February 10, 2018. The Induction Ceremony takes place at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Inductees will also be recognized on ESPN at the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta on December 16th. For more information please visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.

Class of 2018 

HAROLD CARMICHAEL (Player)
Wide Receiver … Southern University (1967-1970) … Began collegiate career as a walk-on … Member of the SWAC Hall of Fame … Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in 7th round of the 1971 NFL Draft … Eagles (1971-1983) … Dallas Cowboys (1984) … 14 seasons … Four-time Pro Bowl Selection … NFL receptions leader (1973) … NFL 1970s All-Decade Team … Retired as the Eagles' all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns (79) … Born on September 22, 1949 in Jacksonville, Florida.

RAYMOND CHESTER (Player)
Tight End … Morgan State University (1966-1969) … Member of Morgan State’s 1968 undefeated team, scoring the Bears’ only touchdown in their historic victory over Grambling at Yankee Stadium … Member of 1970 College All-Star team … Selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 24th overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft … Raiders (1970-1972; 1978-1981) … Baltimore Colts (1973-1977) … NFL Rookie of the Year (1970) … Four-time Pro Bowl Selection … Super Bowl Champion (1980) … Born on June 28, 1948 in Cambridge, Maryland.

THOMAS “HOLLYWOOD” HENDERSON (Player)
Linebacker … Langston University (1971-1974) … Started collegiate career as a walk-on … Led Langston to 11-2 record and NAIA playoff berth in 1973 … Two-time NAIA All-American … Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year (1974) … Selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 18th overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft … Cowboys (1975-1979) … Also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Oilers and Miami Dolphins … seven seasons … NFL Pro Bowl selection (1978) … Super Bowl Champion (1977) … Born on March 1, 1953 in Austin, Texas.

LEO 'LINCOLN LOCOMOTIVE' LEWIS (Player)
Running Back … Lincoln University (1951-1954) … Started every game and led the Blue Tigers to undefeated seasons in 1952 and 1953 … Still Lincoln’s all-time career leader in 4,457 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns … Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1955 NFL Draft, but elected to play in the Canadian Football League … Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1955-1966) … 12 seasons … Six-time All-Pro selection … Canadian Football Hall of Fame … College Football Hall of Fame … Born February 4, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa … Died August 30, 2013.

GREG LLOYD (Player)
Linebacker … Fort Valley State University (1984-1987) … Three-time All-SIAC selection … As a senior, was selected as the SIAC Player of the year … First Team SBN All-American … Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 6th Round of the 1988 NFL Draft) … Steelers (1988-1997) … Carolina Panthers (1998) … 11 seasons … Five Pro Bowl selections … Three-time All-Pro (1993-1995) … Two-time Steelers Team MVP … Member of the Steelers All-Time Team … Born May 26, 1965 in Miami, Florida.

EVERSON WALLS (Player)
Defensive Back … Grambling State University (1977-1980) … Named to Kodak 1-AA All-American Team and Black College All-American Team … Led nation with 11 interceptions as a senior … Signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1981 … Cowboys (1981-1989) … New York Giants (1990-1992) … Cleveland Browns (1992-1993) … 14 seasons … Four Pro Bowl selections … First Team All-Pro (1983) … Led the NFL in interceptions three seasons … Super Bowl Champion (1990) … SWAC Hall of Fame inductee … Born December 28, 1959 in Dallas, Texas.

BILL HAYES (Coach)
Winston-Salem State University (1976-1987), North Carolina A&T University (1988-2002) … Won four CIAA titles at Winston-Salem State … Ranked as the #1 team in Division II after consecutive undefeated regular seasons … As head coach of the Aggies, Hayes won three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles and made two Division I-AA playoff appearances … 1988 National Coach of the Year … Retired with a record of 195-104-2 … All-time winningest football coach at both schools … Born June 1, 1943 in Durham, North Carolina.

BLACK COLLEGE HALL OF FAME PRESS RELEASE

2017 Boombox Classic, Jackson State vs Southern

Surprise, surprise, another mobile QB for Southern to defend. Plus four downs and numbers to know

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Asked about the possibility of facing another mobile quarterback this weekend, Southern defensive end Aaron Tiller just laughed and pointed to teammate Austin Howard, who was sitting down a few feet away.

“Like I always say: The only (Southwestern Athletic Conference) quarterback that don’t scramble is sitting right there,” Tiller said. “It’s the same every week, just a different number.”

It’s a fact of life in the SWAC: If you play on the defensive side of the ball, you better keep an eye on all 11 players once the play starts, because if you lose track of the quarterback you’ll get burned by his legs.

For the most part this season, Southern has done a nice job containing the quarterback run.

Jackson State surprised the Jaguars last week by busting out an option attack for the first time all season. It took a short time for Southern to adjust, but once it did, it put the clamps on the JSU ground game.

Last month, Alcorn State quarterback Lenorris Footman, who had made a career out of terrorizing Southern’s defense with his legs, was limited to 70 yards on 18 carries.

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Game preview: Rivals Alabama A&M and Alabama State meet in Magic City Classic

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- You've heard the old adage that you can "throw the records out the window" when it comes to rivalry games.

But that seems to ring true when it comes to the annual matchup between rivals Alabama A&M and Alabama State in the Magic City Classic.

This year's Classic--kicking off Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Legion Field in Birmingham--finds two teams with very different records lining up across from each other on the field, but the history of the 76-year-old game provides plenty of evidence that the game will be a close one.



The Alabama A&M Bulldogs come into the game with the top defense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and they lead the East division with a 3-1 conference record. After starting the season with three tough out-of-conference losses to UAB, Vanderbilt and South Alabama, A&M has had impressive double-digit wins.

Alabama State lost five straight games to begin the season and fired head coach Brian Jenkins, but interim coach Donald Hill-Eley led the Hornets to its first win of the season two weeks ago, 23-16 over Texas Southern.

The recent outcomes of the Magic City Classic have belied any team records, however, and last years's come-from-behind 42-41 win by Alabama A&M in overtime was an instant classic.

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No sharing allowed; XULA drops SUNO to win GCAC title

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana eliminated the what-ifs from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference volleyball race Thursday with a 25-12, 25-19, 25-9 victory against SUNO at the Convocation Center.

The Gold Nuggets (19-2, 11-0) won the GCAC regular-season championship outright for the sixth time in seven years. Their streak of regular-season titles is seven — they shared in 2015 with SUNO.
Freshman Kayla Black hit .478 with 12 kills, eight digs and a career-best four blocks for XULA.

Adili Rikondja and Juliana Tomasoni had eight kills apiece, and Vivica Price-Spraggins had six kills and five blocks.

Tomasoni — honored with Kaelan Temple in a pre-match senior-day ceremony — also had 11 digs and two aces. Anna Dalla Vecchia had 12 digs. Eva Le Guillou (23 assists) and Tiffany Phillips (14) shared the setting duties.

Sonja Backovic had nine kills, and Tijana Milica had 13 digs for the Lady Knights (6-18, 5-6).

XULA outhit SUNO .376 to .053 and had advantages of 46-22 in kills, 6-1 in aces, 48-34 in digs and 10-2 in blocks. The block total was the Nuggets' best in a GCAC match since 2012.

Black was one of five Nuggets to hit .400 or higher. Price-Spraggins hit .600 in 10 attacks, Rikondja hit .538 in 13 attacks, Tomasoni hit .444 in 18 attacks, and Hasani Salaam hit .400 in five attacks.

XULA will close its regular season next week against city rivals. The Nuggets will visit Loyola in a non-conference match Tuesday, then visit GCAC runner-up Dillard Thursday. Both matches will start at 6 p.m. The GCAC Tournament will be Nov. 10-11, but no announcement has been made about the venue.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Gold Nuggets falter in 2017-18 opener at Loyola

NEW ORLEANS — Zoie Miller scored 23 points Thursday to lead hot-shooting Loyola to a 76-45 women's basketball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana at The Den.

It was the season opener for both city rivals. The Wolf Pack are ranked 20th in NAIA Division I. The Gold Nuggets received votes in that same preseason poll.

Miller was 10-of-14 for the floor. Loyola outshot XULA 51.8 to 17.9 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Nuggets 49-33.

Essence Wells scored a career-high 11 points for the Gold Nuggets. Jalyn Hodge and Taylor Jacob scored nine points apiece, and Hodge made three of the Nuggets' seven 3-pointers. Jacob is a freshman.

Megan Worry had 13 points and eight rebounds for Loyola, and Di'Mond Jackson scored 12.
The Wolf Pack led 39-18 at halftime. A Miller 3-pointer with 4:39 remaining — her final points of the game — gave Loyola its largest lead, 74-34. XULA then closed with an 11-2 run.

The Gold Nuggets' best feature was free-throw shooting. They made 14-of-15.

The losing margin was XULA's largest in an opener since an 84-48 defeat to Grambling in 1977. That was the Gold Nuggets' first season of the Title IX era.

XULA will play its home opener at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Convocation Center against Southeastern (Fla.), 28-1 last season and ranked fourth this season in NAIA Division II.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Gold Rush win at 20th-ranked St. Thomas in opener

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Three newcomers scored in double figures Friday, and Xavier University of Louisiana blocked its most shots in a game in at least 14 seasons in a 75-73 men's basketball victory against St. Thomas (Fla.)

It was the 2017-18 season opener for both teams. St. Thomas is ranked 20th in NAIA Division II. The Gold Rush will visit another ranked team from that division, No. 14 Florida Memorial, at 7 p.m. EDT Saturday.

Virgil Davison scored 14 points, Timothy Jordan 12 and Jeff Dixon 11 for the Gold Rush. It was the XULA debut of all three juniors. Dixon's a New Orleanian, with previous stops at McMain High School and Delgado Community College.

Jerry Gibson's 3-pointer with 7:31 remaining — his only long-range attempt — put the Gold Rush ahead to stay 63-60 and started a 9-2 run. But XULA was unable to exhale until St. Thomas missed a pair of 3-pointers on the final possession.

BOX SCORE

XULA blocked 10 shots, six in the final 9 1/2 minutes. Elex Carter blocked a career-best five shots and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.

Also contributing for XULA were Jalen David with eight points, six rebounds, three assists and a career-high-tying four steals and freshman Rayshawn Mart with nine rebounds and two blocks. Mart and Galen Smith both started, giving the Gold Rush two true freshmen in the opening-day lineup for the first time in at least 14 seasons.

Second-year XULA head coach Alfred Williams got points from all 11 players he used. Six newcomers accounted for 45 points.

St. Thomas had five scorers in double figures. Fotios Malelis and Kamil Brown scored 13 points apiece, Philip Saunders and Tim Sada scored 12 apiece, and Khalil Williams had 10. Malelis grabbed nine rebounds and had three steals.

XULA led 37-35 at halftime. The game had 17 lead changes.

The Gold Rush outshot the Bobcats 42.6 to 37.1 percent from the floor. St. Thomas had a 10-4 advantage in 3-pointers made.

XULA won its opener for the 22nd consecutive season, but this was the first time since 1992 that the Gold Rush opened on the road. The XULA men will play their first three on the road before playing Miles Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd: MEAC/SWAC: Coaches in the Hot Seat

DWIGHT FLOYD
GAME REPORT

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Last week the South Carolina State University Bulldogs and head coach Buddy Pough experienced an all-time low, losing to Delaware State and giving the Hornets their first win of the season. Buddy Pough is the elder of MEAC coaches and one of the winningest coaches in the MEAC. 

In 2017, he is facing one of the worst seasons he has ever had as a head coach with a 2-5 record overall, and 1-4 record in the conference. Pough entered this his 16th season with an 117-57 overall record and needs just 10 more wins to become the winningest head coach in South Carolina State history.

In his first news conference of the season he stated that he thought he had a good team, but would not know until the team plays. He made a point to say that high school and the NFL coaches have an advantage that college teams don’t because unlike college teams they get to scrimmage against other teams before the season starts. Suffice it to say that this is not the team he imagined. 

My guess is that after ...

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Morgan Bears look to get in win column against Florida A&M

 Morgan State Notes  |     Florida A&M Notes |    MEAC Notes |   Purchase Tickets |
 MEAC Teleconference Audio  |     GAMEDAYGuide | WEAA Pregame Show  
 Facebook.com/MorganStateBears   |    @MorganStBears

GAME TIME
• Morgan State will look to turn their fortunes around when they host the Florida A&M Rattlers this weekend at Hughes Stadium at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 28th. The game will be televised by SPORTSFever Television.

• The Bears enter the 2017 season under the leadership of Fred T. Farrier who had the interim tag removed and assumed the full-time position as MSU's head football coach.

• MSU fell to 1-6 with a 39-14 loss last weekend against Howard. Florida A&M was outlasted at Hampton 31-27 last Saturday and dropped to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the conference.

TELEVISION
SPORTSfever will be broadcasting the game live ... Phil Schoener will handle play-by-play duties with color analyst Emory Hunt and Danielle Podlaski will be the sideline reporter.

SPORTSfever TV CARRIAGE

LIVE
• ESPN 3 (Accessible on line to more than 88 million households at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One)

• ESPN College Extra (Live TV available to AT&T Uverse, DirecTV, Bright House Networks, Cox, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and select NCTC subscribers)

• WNUV CW 54 (54 over-the-air, Comcast 804, Verizon 514, Dish & DirecTV 54) Baltimore/Annapolis

• WPNT 22 (22 over-the-air, Comcast SD 10/HD 812, Comcast Clarion SD 12/HD 812, Armstrong SD 22/HD 105, Atlantic Broadband SD 8/HD 707, Citizens SD 12/HD 812, Time Warner SD 22/HD 1022, Verizon SD 10/ HD 510, Consolidated SD 10/HD 710, DirecTV 22, Dish Network 22) Pittsburgh

• WHP 21.2 (21.1 over-the-air, Comcast 19, Armstrong 15, Blue Ridge 133, Nittany 99, Verizon 21, DirecTV 22) Harrisburg/Lancaster/York/Carlisle/Lebanon

DELAY/REPLAY Sunday October 29 2 p.m.
• SPORTS TIME OHIO (Erie Time Warner 21-23/HD308-1308, Armstrong 47/HD177, Sharon Time Warner 76/HD 308-1308, DirecTV 662, Dish Network 431) Erie, Meadville, Sharon, Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, Toledo, Huntington, Charleston, Youngstown & Buffalo

LIVE STATS
www.morganstatebears.com



TICKETS
Season ticket plans—which include a ticket to all five home games, including homecoming start at only $95. Premium seats are now available for purchase by calling 443.885.1522 or visiting MSU Student Center Athletics Ticket Office during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or visit morganstatebears.com/tickets.

SOCIAL NETWORKS
Fans can keep up-to-date with all MSU Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/MorganStBears and @MorganStateFootball. You can also become a fan of the Bears on Facebook at Facebook.com/MorganStateBears.

RADIO
WEAA, 88.9 FM is the flagship station for the Morgan State Bears ... Lamont Germany will call the play-by-play with Kelvin Bridgers in the booth. The game will be broadcast live on 88.9 FM and streamed on WEAA.org.
THE SERIES
• Saturday's matchup marks the 28th meeting between the two schools.
• FAMU leads the overall series 20-7 since 1943.
• Morgan State posted a 21-7 victory in the last meeting in Baltimore in 2015.
• The Bears fell 22-21 in their last season's meeting against the Rattlers on Nov. 12, 2016 in Tallahassee, Fla.

A GLANCE AT THE RATTLERS
• Florida A&M finished 2016 with an overall mark of 4-7 and finished 4-4 in MEAC play under head coach Alex Woods... it was the most wins by the Rattlers since 2012.
• On 4th-and-3 from the Pirates' 16-yard line, Hampton's Bruce Perry stopped Florida A&M's Devin Bowers three feet short of the first-down marker. After squandering an 18-point lead, HU held on for a 31-27 homecoming win Saturday at Armstrong Stadium.. The Rattlers fell to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in conference play.
• Head coach Alex Wood's (Iowa, '79) offense is averaging 327.9 yards of total offense (133.6 rushing; 194.2 passing). They have scored 9 rushing TDs and 13 passing. The Rattlers average 5.2 yards per rush and 6.4 per pass, including 10.6 per catch.
• FAMU's offense is led by R-sophomore QB Ryan Stanley. The 6-3, 190-pound Pembroke Pines (Fla.) product has completed 130-of-204 passes (63.7%) for 1,451 yards, with 11 TDs (second most in MEAC) and 5 INTs. He also has 40 carries for 105 yards and a TD. He ranks No. 3 in the MEAC in passing average (207.3 avg) and No. 3 in total offense (222.3 avg).
• RB Devin Bowers is averaging 71.9 rushing yards with five TDs. The 6-0, 180 pound junior ranks No. 5 in the MEAC with 575 yards on 122 carries (4.7 avg). He also has nine receptions for 32 yards.
• Brandon Norwood (6-1, 190), Chad Hunter (6-0, 175) and Marcus Williams (5-11, 185) lead the Rattlers air attack. Norwood has 34 catches for 315 yards (9.3 avg) and 3 TDS, while Hunter has 24 catches for 397 yards and five TDs. Williams has 231 yards on 21 receptions, including a pair of TDs.
• FAMU is allowing 329.6 yards of total offense (rushing 169.1; passing 160.5). The Rattlers have also forced 11 turnovers (6 INTs; 5 FRs). Opponents are averaging 5.3 yards per play. The Rattlers have recorded 43 TFL.
• FAMU's D is led by senior linebacker Jakaris Wilson and senior safety Terry Jefferson. Wilson, (6-3, 220) ranks No. 6 in the league with 66 tackles (8.6 avg), while Jeffeson (5-9, 175) has 38 stops with two INTs.
• FAMU has one of the best kick return specialists in the league in Orlando McKiney. The Atlanta, Ga. native is ranked No. 2 in the league by averaging 24.5 yards on 16 returns.
FLORIDA CONNECTIONS
Saturday's contest features a few Bears on the roster from the state of Florida. Senior running back Eric Harrell (Orlando/Dr. Phillips HS), sophomore linebacker Rico Kennedy (Fort Lauderdale/Dillard HS), and redshirt sophomore wideout Dominick Trigg (Tampa/Strawberry Crest HS) call The Sunshine State their home.

NOTABLE NATIONAL NOTES
Here are a few 2017 FCS national statistics of note on offense, defense and special teams that pertained to the Bears:
• Malachi Washington currently ranks in the T-No. 9 in the FCS in tackles for loss (12.0), and T-31 in sacks (5.0). Tra' Revell is tied for No. 1 in the nation with 3 blocks.
• The Bears rank No. 2 in tackles for loss (68).
• The Bears rank T-No. 3 in blocked kicks (4).
• The Bears rank No. 16 in passing yards allowed (177.1).
• The Bears rank No. 20 in sacks (20).
• The Bears rank No. 46 in pass efficiency defense (123.92).
• The Bears rank T-No. 25 in sacks allowed (8).
• The Bears rank No. 42 in total defense (342.6)
• The Bears rank No. 48 in first down defense (131).

TWO-HEADED RUNNING ATTACK
Leading the Bears out of the backfield are Herb Walker Jr., who set the school's single season rushing record 1,408 yards, and Eric Harrell.
• Walker leads the Bears with 337 rushing yards (2 TDs) and ranks No. 9 in the MEAC. He recorded his 8th career 100-yard rushing game with a season-high 109 yards against Savannah State (Oct. 14).
• Harrell has rushed for 322 yards on 71 attempts (4.5 avg) with 3 TDs and ranks No. 10 in the MEAC. He posted a season-high 114 yards yards on 16 carries, including a TD versus Savannah State (Oct. 14).
• Morgan State currently ranks No. 8 in the MEAC in rushing yards per game (111.3).

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Men's Basketball Update - Two Weeks from the Opener

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State men's basketball team is nearly a month into official practices and exactly two weeks away from the season opener at Kansas on Nov. 10 on ESPNU.

Senior guard Darreon Reddick and Head Coach Dana Ford gave updates on practices leading up to the first game of the 2017-18 season.

Senior Guard Darreon Reddick
“Practice has been good. There’s been a lot of improvement since day one. People are learning the defense that Coach (Dana) Ford expects. The offense, we’re learning the motion, so we’re making big jumps.”

- On the progression of the team

“It was hard at first. I haven’t been vocal my whole life, but I think I’ve been doing a good job along with Mek (Christian Mekowulu) and Samson (Oyediran) leading vocally and with our actions. I think we’re doing a pretty good job so far.”

- On taking a leadership role on the team

“We have a lot of plays put in from last year. There’s a lot more learning to do, but I think we’re doing a good job learning the plays. We’ve been coming in extra time learning the plays with coach. Defensively, I’ve been here four years same with Sam and Mek, so we all know what he wants, so we’re just trying to do our best to help the new guys learn what Coach Ford wants. They’re locking in pretty well so far, so it’s all going good.”

- On how much has been implemented



Head Coach Dana Ford

“Recently, practice has been going pretty well in terms of getting better at some minor details that are very important as we get closer to the opening tip of the season. I think our leadership is getting better. I think that we’re starting to develop some depth, and now what we’re trying to work on is our consistency in our discipline and what type of habits we’re going to build. That’ll be something that’s all year long. I think we’re starting to get into a groove and I think once we get into that groove, now we can start to get better at what we do.”

- On how practices have been going

“It is what it is and it takes what it takes. We’ve got to practice every day. We can’t start playing people until we’re supposed to play people. I think some people use it as an excuse that they’re tired playing against each other, but I don’t know if that’s something that we do. Hopefully the leadership allows for them to continue to build the habits no matter who they’re playing against – no matter how they feel about what’s going on. If we can get that mindset, then we’ll continue to get better every day.”

- On keeping his team sharp during preseason

“I just like their competitiveness right now. I like their willingness to learn. I like that they give me minimal problems off the floor and I think that they enjoy playing with each other. In terms of more specific things on the floor, this group moves the basketball very well. This group is willing enough to play team defense consistently and not try to go out and do things that they’re not capable of individually.”

- On what he likes about his team so far

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

TSU Announces Track and Field Schedule

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State track and field teams will have plenty of chances to compete locally and regionally during the 2017-18 indoor and outdoor seasons. Including NCAA Regional and National Championships, the Tigerbelles and Flying Tigers will visit 10 states this season.

“This year, we’re excited about the direction we’re going with our schedule,” Tennessee State Director of Track and Field Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice said. “We have some new meets on the schedule this year, like our one in West Virginia. We’re going to Birmingham, which has an awesome facility. Vanderbilt has an awesome facility. We’re excited to give our student-athletes the experience of competing in various places.”

TSU unofficially opens the 2017-18 season with the Blue and White Meet at the Gentry Center on Nov. 15 with the official start to the year on Dec. 2 with the Vanderbilt Opener.

Tennessee State will also host the annual Ed Temple Classic on Jan. 7, 2018 at the Gentry Center during the indoor season.

This season’s Ohio Valley Conference Championship meets will be hosted by Eastern Illinois for indoors (March 9-10) and Tennessee Tech for outdoors (May 10-12).

2017-18 TSU TRACK AND FIELD SCHEDULE

BY THE NUMBERS

8 Indoor meets prior to the NCAA Indoor Championships
7 Outdoor meets prior to the NCAA East Preliminary Round
2 Home Meets (Including the Blue and White Meet)
10 States Visited (Including NCAA National Championships)
KEY DATES

Nov. 15, 2017 – Blue and White Meet – GENTRY CENTER
Jan. 7, 2018 – Ed Temple Classic – GENTRY CENTER
Feb. 23-24, 2018 – OVC Indoor Championship – CHARLESTON, ILL.
March 9-10, 2018 – NCAA Indoor Championships – COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
May 10-12, 2018 – OVC Outdoor Championship – COOKEVILLE, TENN.
May 24-26, 2018 – NCAA East Preliminary Round – TAMPA, FLA.
June 6-9, 2018 – NCAA Outdoor Championships – EUGENE, ORE.

HBCU Football Judgement Day Schedule - Week 9

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2017

OVC
Tennessee State at Tennessee Tech, 2:30 PM, TV: OVCDN

SWAC
Bacone College at Prairie View A&M, 3 PM
Texas Southern at Grambling State, 3 PM
Jackson State at Mississippi Valley State, 3 PM
Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M, 3:30 PM, Magic City Classic, ESPN3
Southern at Arkansas Pine Bluff, 5 PM

MEAC
Florida A&M at Morgan State, 1 PM, ESPN3
Howard at South Carolina State, 1:30 PM
Delaware State at North Carolina Central 2 PM
Savannah State at Norfolk State, 2 PM
Hampton at Bethune-Cookman, 4 PM

SIAC
Miles 38, Clark Atlanta 17, Thursday, Box Score
Central State (OH) at Tuskegee, 1 PM, Live Video
Morehouse at Fort Valley State, 2 PM, Homecoming,  Live Video
Kentucky State at Lane, 2 PM
Benedict at Albany State, 2 PM

CIAA
Lincoln (PA) at Bowie State, 1 PM
Johnson C. Smith at Saint Augustine's, 1 PM
Virginia State at Chowan, 1 PM
Elizabeth City State at Virginia Union, 1 PM
Fayetteville State at Livingstone, 1 PM
Shaw at Winston-Salem State, 1:30 PM

OTHER CONFERENCES
Cheyney at Millersville, 1 PM
Lincoln (MO) at McKendree, 2 PM
Langston at Panhandle State, 3 PM
West Virginia State at Fairmont State, 4 PM
Texas College at Arizona Christian, 8 PM

2017 Celebration Bowl tickets on sale now

ATLANTA, Georgia – With the college football postseason fast approaching, tickets are now on sale for the third annual Celebration Bowl. As the Bowl season’s opening game, the Celebration Bowl is a championship-style game between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champions. The game will be broadcast live on ABC at noon ET on Saturday, Dec. 16, from the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. SportsCenter on the Road will once again air live from the Stadium beginning at 10 a.m.

Establishing itself as a premier bowl game, the Celebration Bowl celebrates the heritage, legacy, pageantry, and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN. ESPN works with 100 Black Men of Atlanta to organize the game’s ancillary events which include a youth symposium, robotics showcase, fan experience and more. Each conference has claimed a victory in the event’s first two years, with MEAC Champion North Carolina A&T defeating Alcorn State 2015 and SWAC Champion Grambling State beating North Carolina Central in 2016. Two bowl champions were selected in the 2017 NFL Draft: 2015 Offensive MVP Tarik Cohen (Chicago Bears) and 2016 First Team All-SWAC member Chad Williams (Arizona Cardinals).

Fans can purchase tickets to the Celebration Bowl online at thecelebrationbowl.com or ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Prices range from $50 to $175. A full list of events surrounding the game are available on the event’s website.

For more information, visit www.TheCelebrationBowl.com, and follow the event on Twitter and Facebook.

About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a large portfolio of 31 collegiate sporting events worldwide. The roster includes three Labor Day weekend college football games; FCS opening-weekend game; 14 college bowl games, 11 college basketball events and two college award shows, which accounts for approximately 300-plus hours of programming, reaches almost 64 million viewers and attracts over 700,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boca Raton, Boise, Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Montgomery and St. Petersburg, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

ESPN Events also manages the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program.

SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

SWAC Announces Talent for Toyota Football Championship

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) revealed on Friday its star-studded talent line up for the 2017 Toyota SWAC Football Championship game.

Headlining the game in a post-game concert will be R&B soul sensations Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, TV/radio personalities Big Tigger and Traci Steele will serve as the official SWAC emcee hosts and prominent singer Tamar Davis, as seen on The Voice, will be performing “God Bless America” alongside Rotimi, as seen on Power, will be performing the national anthem, respectively.

The championship game, known as “Final Judgement” for being the final edition in the SWAC Football Championship game era, will be played on December 2, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CT and the game can be viewed on ESPNU.

The concert will begin immediately following the conclusion of the game. A ticket to the game grants fans free admission to the concert.

Tickets range from $15-$55 and may be purchased through www.SWACFootball.com. The eastern division champion will be seated on the east side of the stadium and the western division champion will be seated on the west side of the stadium. The eastern division champion band will be in section 135 and the western division on champion band will be in section 115.

Maze, who gained notoriety as an opening act for soul singing icon Marvin Gaye, produced hit singles including "Happy Feelin's", "While I'm Alone", and "Lady of Magic", ultimately giving them their first gold record and earning Maze a devoted following. They also had success with the albums Golden Time of Day (1978), Inspiration (1979) and Joy and Pain (1980).

Big Tigger has earned his place as one entertainment’s most distinctive broadcast talents. Currently the host of a show that bares his name, “The Big Tigger Show” on V-103 (WVEE-FM) in Atlanta, Tigger connects with millions of loyal fans Monday through Friday from 2pm-6pm. People may also know Tigger as the face of the longest running, nationally televised hip-hop show on BET; “Rap City: Tha Bassment” and hit show “106&Park.”

Steele found immense success as an On-Air Personality for Atlanta's Hottest Hip Hop Station 107.9FM. With a unique personality and a witty sense of humor, Steele's charisma transcended into numerous television appearances such as: Bounce TV's Show (Off The Chain); BET's Show (106 & Park); VH1's Show (Love & Hip Hop - Season 2), and ABC’s Good Morning America.

Davis, also known as the muse and favorite singer of her mentor Prince, gained notoriety for being the music legends "Protégé" while co-writing their Grammy-nominated duet "Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed." Along with her sophomore album release "I Am the Storm," (9/30/17) and with recent jaw-dropping performances on NBC’s “The Voice: Season X,” Tamar has been featured as Sarah Vaughn in "Sarah Sings a Love Story" (NYC, 2017) as well as making an off-Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical “A Night with Janis Joplin” (A.C.T. Theatre).

Rotimi, the singer-songwriter perhaps best known for his role as “Dre” on Starz Network’s critically-acclaimed series Power. Rotimi captured the spotlight by winning Apollo Theater’s “Amateur Night” twice at the young age of 15 and then landed his first acting role on Starz critically-acclaimed series “Boss” and had reoccurring roles in Betrayal on ABC and Battle Creek on CBS.

A full listing of the week-long ancillary events in the lead up to the big game will be announced at a later date.

The SWAC champion will earn an invitation to play in the Celebration Bowl at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on December 16, 2017. Established in 2015 and recognized as one of the premier events in HBCU college football, the Celebration Bowl features the champion of the SWAC versus the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champion.

SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Rush 6th in GCAC; David, Davison earn preseason honors

NEW ORLEANS — The men's basketball head coaches of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference have picked Xavier University of Louisiana to finish sixth in 2017-18, and they selected Jalen David and Virgil Davison of the Gold Rush to the preseason All-GCAC team.\

The conference announced the order of finish and preseason team Tuesday but did not reveal the teams' point totals or distribution of first-place votes — a departure from previous seasons.
     
XULA will open its 80th season at 2 p.m. EDT Friday at St. Thomas (Fla.) in Miami Gardens. The Gold Rush home opener will tip off at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 against Miles at the Convocation Center.
     
A year ago the XULA men placed fourth in the GCAC at 6-6 and were 10-20 overall to finish with their first sub-.500 record since 1989-90, when they were 14-21. Dillard, GCAC Tournament champion each of the past two seasons and GCAC regular-season champion a year ago, was the coaches' pick for first place, followed by Tougaloo, Talladega, Philander Smith, Edward Waters — the Panthers and Tigers tied for fourth — XULA and SUNO.
     
David — a 6-foot-4 senior guard/forward from Mount Vernon, N.Y., a graduate of Mount Vernon High School and a former Moberly Area (Mo.) Community College standout — led the Gold Rush last season with 11.5 points and 1.3 steals per game and was second-team All-GCAC.
     
Davison, a graduate of Hillcrest High School in Memphis, Tenn., is in his first XULA season after transferring from Dyersburg State Community College. A 5-8 junior guard, Davison averaged 23 points as a Dyersburg sophomore and 16.1 points as a freshman.
     
The NAIA announced Tuesday its preseason national coaches polls. XULA opponents making the top 25 were No. 2 LSU-Alexandria, No. 15 Dillard and No. 16 William Carey in Division I and No. 14 Florida Memorial and No. 20 St. Thomas (Fla.) in Division II.

GCAC Men's Basketball 2017-18 Coaches Poll
Rank	School
1	Dillard
2	Tougaloo
3	Talladega
4-tie	Philander Smith
4-tie	Edward Waters
6	XULA
7	SUNO

XULA in previous GCAC polls
2016-17 — 3rd 2015-16 — 3rd 2014-15 — 2nd 2013-14 — 2nd 2012-13 — 1st 2011-12 — 2nd 2010-11 — 1st 2009-10 — 8th 2008-09 — 2nd 2007-08 — 1st 2006-07 — 6th		2004-05 — 3rd 2003-04 — 4th 2002-03 — 5th 2001-02 — 1st 2000-01 — 2nd 1999-2000 — 3rd 1992-93 — 2nd 1991-92 — 1st 1989-90 — 6th 1988-89 — 4th 1987-88 — 2nd

2017-18 Preseason All-GCAC Men's Basketball
Player	School
Rick Cooper	Dillard
Jessie Ward	Dillard
Jalen David	XULA
Virgil Davison	XULA
Devonte Dixon	Talladega
Deangelo Anthony	Talladega
Christopher Journet	Philander Smith
JaCarre Crockett	Philander Smith
Tonzell Handy	Tougaloo
Anfernee Parker	Tougaloo
GCAC Preseason Player of the Year:  Jessie Ward, Dillard Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA  twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold

Gold Nuggets picked 2nd in GCAC, 30th nationally

NEW ORLEANS — Though it's just a preseason snapshot, Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball has gained ground in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and the NAIA compared to one year ago.
     
In preseason coaches polls announced Tuesday, the Gold Nuggets were picked to finish in a second-place tie in the GCAC, and they were 30th of the 31 NAIA Division I teams receiving votes for the national top 25.
     
A year ago XULA was picked third in the GCAC and 32nd nationally. The Gold Nuggets followed that by tying for third in the GCAC regular season, finishing second in the tournament and collecting zero points in the final four polls before the national tournament, which XULA missed for just the fourth time in its last 23 opportuntities and the second time in the last three seasons.
     
XULA returns 10 letterwomen from last season's 19-13 team, including four of its top five scorers. The Gold Nuggets will open at 6 p.m. Thursday at city rival Loyola, which is No. 20 nationally. The Gold Nuggets' home opener will start at 1 p.m. Sunday against Southeastern (Fla.) — No. 4 in the preseason in NAIA Division II — at the Convocation Center.
    
 Dillard, which hasn't won a GCAC regular-season or tournament championship since 2003-04 — the Gold Nuggets have won a combined 11 titles since then — was picked to win the league. XULA shared second with Philander Smith. Last year's regular-season and tournament champion, Talladega, was fourth, followed by Edward Waters, Tougaloo and SUNO.
    
Despite its No. 1 ranking in the GCAC, Dillard received zero points nationally. The only GCAC team in the top 25 is Talladega, which outpolled Pikeville by two points to grab the 25th position. Future XULA opponents in the top 25 are No. 8 Lindsey Wilson and No. 13 Our Lady of the Lake — both will visit the Gold Nuggets in December.
     
Also announced Tuesday was the preseason All-GCAC team, but the Gold Nuggets had no representatives.

GCAC Women's Basketball 2017-18 Coaches Poll
Rank	School
1	Dillard
2-tie	XULA
2-tie	Philander Smith
4	Talladega
5	Edward Waters
6	Tougaloo
7	SUNO

XULA in previous GCAC polls
2016-17 — 3rd 2015-16 — 1st 2014-15 — 1st 2013-14 — 1st 2012-13 — 1st 2011-12 — 1st 2010-11 — 1st 2009-10 — 2nd 2008-09 — 1st		2007-08 — 2nd 2006-07 — 3rd 2004-05 — 1st 2003-04 — 2nd 2002-03 — 2nd 2001-02 — 1st 1999-2000 — 1st 1993-94 — 1st

2017-18 Preseason All-GCAC Women's Basketball
Player	School
Shaelynn Moore	Dillard
Alyssa Washington	Dillard
Terralyn Dominick	Philander Smith
Jasmine Lee-Stackhouse	Talladega
Montoria Atkinson	Tougaloo
Jermisha Collins	Edward Waters
Brittany Rowell	Edward Waters
GCAC Preseason Player of the Year:  Shaelynn Moore, Dillard

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches'
Preseason Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records from 2016-17)

Rank	Team	Record	Points	Last
1	Oklahoma City (8)	34-2	219	tie-5
2	Lewis-Clark State	35-2	207	2
3	Freed-Hardeman	35-1	204	1
4	Vanguard	30-4	200	tie-5
5	Shawnee State (1)	31-3	196	3
6	Campbellsville	28-7	186	10
7	Westmont	29-5	174	7
8	Lindsey Wilson	32-3	170	4
9	Benedictine (Kan.)	25-9	167	13
10	Baker (Kan.)	30-5	150	8
11	Bethel (Tenn.)	24-11	142	18
12	John Brown	23-9	141	19
13	Our Lady of the Lake	24-9	133	16
14	Lyon	28-6	125	9
15	Central Methodist	24-10	117	20
16-tie	Montana Western	24-9	116	21
16-tie	Columbia (Mo.)	26-7	116	12
18	The Master's	23-9	111	17
19	MidAmerica Nazarene	18-14	86	RV
20	Loyola (N.O.)	26-7	81	22
21	Montana State-Northern	24-9	78	11
22	Cumberland	15-12	77	NR
23	Wayland Baptist	25-7	63	15
24	Loyola (N.O.)	22-10	55	25
25	Carroll (Mont.)	22-9	48	24
Dropped from previous rankings:  No. 14 Biola, No. 23 Pikeville     Others receiving votes:  Pikeville 46, Martin Methodist 41, LSU-Shreveport 31, Carroll (Mont.) 28, XULA 15, William Woods 12 Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA  twitter.com/xulagoldwww.facebook.com/xulagold