Buddy Pough is living his dream. Growing up in Orangeburg, all Pough wanted to do was be part of his hometown team at South Carolina State. And for the majority of his life, he has done just that whether it has been as a fan, player or a coach. N-3n his seventh season as head coach, Pough gets to lead the Bulldogs into their first playoff game in 26 years when S.C. State faces three-time defending FCS champion Appalachian State on Saturday.
“It’s been an interesting journey,” Pough said. “To get the program back on our feet when other state universities are having problems has been a positive note.” From his coaching style his emotional pregame speeches, Pough’s passion and love for his university are evident. “He lives and breathes S.C. State football,” said Bulldogs receiver Phillip Morris, a Timmonsville native. “He is a great guy all around and great for the university.”
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
ASU can’t forget
SCSU’s Pough a finalist for Eddie Robinson Award
SCSU’s hands will be full with App. State QB Edwards
ASU a first-round favorite
SC State aims to take it from the top
No. 2 Seed ASU to Host SC State in First Round of NCAA Championship
Robinson Award candidates announced
ppalachian State will spend the playoffs where they have done ...
The "unofficial" meeting place for intelligent discussions of Divisions I and II Sports of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC). America's #1 blog source for minority sports articles and videos. The MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC and HBCUAC colleges are building America's leaders, scholars and athletes.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Hampton coach says changes are coming after 6-5 season
Jerry Holmes eyes changes, possibly in the assistant ranks, after his first season at the helm.
Jerry Holmes isn't satisfied. Not with Hampton's 6-5 record in his first season as head coach. Not with a team that was 5-1 before losing four straight games and its focus. And not with some of his assistant coaches, many of them holdovers from former Pirates coach Joe Taylor's staff. "If I had to do it again, I still would give those guys an opportunity to try to prove themselves, but now, Year 2 is gonna be what I want," Holmes said. "I'm not a 6-5 kind of guy."
Holmes wouldn't specify any planned coaching changes, but clearly was unhappy with the Pirates' offensive imbalance. Hampton averaged 247 passing yards per game but just 106 on the ground. That changed in Saturday's season finale, when the Pirates snapped a four-game losing streak with a 17-13 win at Morgan State. The Pirates attempted just seven passes but ran for 124 yards against a defense that had been giving up only 92 per game.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Jerry Holmes isn't satisfied. Not with Hampton's 6-5 record in his first season as head coach. Not with a team that was 5-1 before losing four straight games and its focus. And not with some of his assistant coaches, many of them holdovers from former Pirates coach Joe Taylor's staff. "If I had to do it again, I still would give those guys an opportunity to try to prove themselves, but now, Year 2 is gonna be what I want," Holmes said. "I'm not a 6-5 kind of guy."
Holmes wouldn't specify any planned coaching changes, but clearly was unhappy with the Pirates' offensive imbalance. Hampton averaged 247 passing yards per game but just 106 on the ground. That changed in Saturday's season finale, when the Pirates snapped a four-game losing streak with a 17-13 win at Morgan State. The Pirates attempted just seven passes but ran for 124 yards against a defense that had been giving up only 92 per game.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Appalachian State set to open FCS playoffs against South Carolina State
INDIANAPOLIS - Three-time defending national champion Appalachian State will open the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs Saturday at home against South Carolina State, while top-seeded James Madison will face Wofford.
Second-seeded Appalachian State (10-2) earned the Southern Conference's automatic berth for its 16th playoff appearance. James Madison (10-1), the Colonial Athletic Association champion, won the 2004 national title.
South Carolina State and Wofford are both 9-2.
Also Saturday, third-seeded Northern Iowa will play Maine (8-4), and fourth-seeded Montana (11-1) will open against Texas State (8-4). Montana, the 1995 and 2001 national champions, is making its 16th straight appearance and 19th overall.
In the other pairings announced Sunday, it will be: Colgate (9-2) at Villanova (9-2); Weber State (9-3) at Cal Poly (8-2); Eastern Kentucky (8-3) at Richmond (9-3); and New Hampshire (9-2) at Southern Illinois (9-2).
Pairings:
Wofford (9-2) at No. 1 James Madison (10-1)
South Carolina State (10-2) at No. 2 Appalachian State (10-2)
Maine (8-4) at No. 3 Northern Iowa (10-2)
Texas State (8-4) at No. 4 Montana (11-1)
Eastern Kentucky (8-3) at Richmond (9-3)
Colgate (9-2) at Villanova (9-2)
Weber State (9-3) at Cal Poly (8-2)
New Hampshire (9-2) at Southern Illinois (9-2)
Second-seeded Appalachian State (10-2) earned the Southern Conference's automatic berth for its 16th playoff appearance. James Madison (10-1), the Colonial Athletic Association champion, won the 2004 national title.
South Carolina State and Wofford are both 9-2.
Also Saturday, third-seeded Northern Iowa will play Maine (8-4), and fourth-seeded Montana (11-1) will open against Texas State (8-4). Montana, the 1995 and 2001 national champions, is making its 16th straight appearance and 19th overall.
In the other pairings announced Sunday, it will be: Colgate (9-2) at Villanova (9-2); Weber State (9-3) at Cal Poly (8-2); Eastern Kentucky (8-3) at Richmond (9-3); and New Hampshire (9-2) at Southern Illinois (9-2).
Pairings:
Wofford (9-2) at No. 1 James Madison (10-1)
South Carolina State (10-2) at No. 2 Appalachian State (10-2)
Maine (8-4) at No. 3 Northern Iowa (10-2)
Texas State (8-4) at No. 4 Montana (11-1)
Eastern Kentucky (8-3) at Richmond (9-3)
Colgate (9-2) at Villanova (9-2)
Weber State (9-3) at Cal Poly (8-2)
New Hampshire (9-2) at Southern Illinois (9-2)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Souverain exits B-CU as MVP
ORLANDO -- McKinson Souverain was named Bethune-Cookman's Most Valuable Player of the Florida Classic after Saturday's 58-35 loss to rival Florida A&M. But the award did little to soothe Souverain, who was hurting from the physical pain inflicted by a hard-hitting Rattler defense and the emotional agony that came along with a lopsided season-ending loss to FAMU.
"I'd trade that (award) for a victory," Souverain said softly as the Florida A&M band played loudly in celebration at the Florida Citrus Bowl. "I'd trade that for a playoff shot." Souverain, a senior, was hoping to go out with a bang -- a win over arch-rival FAMU that might have catapulted the Wildcats into a Top 25 ranking and an at-large berth in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
"Our part was just to win," Souverain said. "Everything else, whatever happens after that happens." B-CU won't have to worry about watching tonight's announcement concerning the FCS playoffs. FAMU (9-3, 5-3 MEAC) has a chance of getting an at-large bid, but B-CU (8-3, 5-3) can start planning for next season.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Pulley, FAMU crush Bethune-Cookman in Florida Classic
Giveaway Day
Classic Rattlers
Votes are in: Still a Classic
FAMU tops Bethune, hopes for playoff berth
Record Season For Vann
FAMU Continues Dominance In Florida Classic
Florida Classic: Rapid fire scoring as Bethune gets on board ...
Game has grown into big event
Classic Rivals Clash
Florida A&M's Joe Taylor finally gets to coach in the Florida Classic
FAMU's Pulley taking advantage of second chance
FAMU hunts for playoff spot
Which will give way?
FAMU Rattles 'Cats
FAMU Rattlers eye playoffs after easy win over Bethune-Cookman ...
FAMU defeats B-CU, looks ahead to future
FAMU offensive line doesn't mind QB scrambles
Vann makes his mark in the finale
Murraine column: Pulley savors his MVP honor
Florida Classic Game Blog - FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman: FAMU takes away a win from Orlando
Photo Gallaries: Florida Classic: First-half photos FAMU Pregame Florida Classic Coaches Luncheon
Florida A&M tops Morehead State 79-74
Eagle Men Lose to FAMU Despite Monster Game From Faried
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Sophomore center Kenneth Faried had career high totals of 27 points and 24 rebounds, but it wasn't enough, as the Morehead State Eagles lost 79-74 to Florida A&M in the consolation game of the Billy Minardi Classic at Freedom Hall on Sunday (Nov. 23) afternoon. Faried earned all-tournament honors. "We're very disappointed with our loss today," said MSU Coach Donnie Tyndall. "We're still making way to many turnovers, and our assist-to-turnover ratio is not good. And, we've got to do a better job guarding the basketball.
"Kenneth (Faried) was outstanding. He played with great energy. There were some positive aspects that we can take from the game and build upon." MSU fell to 0-5 on the season, with four road losses and Sunday's neutral site loss. FAMU won its first game in five decisions. Faried hit nine-of-11 from the field, but only nine-of-18 from the free throw line. He also blocked two shots. As a team, the Eagles hit only 59.6 percent (28-of-47) from the charity stripe. In addition to Faried, MSU got 15 points from Leon Buchanan and 10 points in a reserve role from Terrance Hill.
The Rattlers were led by Lamar Twitty who scored 18 points. Dale Hughes had 12 points, Joe Ballard 11 points and David Buchanon 10 points. MSU out-rebound FAMU 42-to-35, but had 18 turnovers to only 11 for the Rattlers. Next up for the Eagles is a trip to Mexico for two more games in the Cancun Challenge. MSU will play Grambling at 3 p.m. EST on Nov. 29 and Central Florida at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30.
Click here to listen to the archived broadcast.
Box Score
FAMU - BCU Bands battle in show like no other
ORLANDO, FL -- Legend says the ancient Scots marched into battle to the sound of Highland bagpipes within their ranks. The eerie, menacing sound of the pipes would pummel the enemy from as much as 10 miles away, instilling dread in foes long before the first clash of swords. But those Scotsmen might be quaking in their boots and kilts if they were here Saturday afternoon on the turf of the Citrus Bowl. It's halftime at the annual Florida Classic football game, and the Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats are taking the field.
Sure, the Marching Wildcats will play a hip-hop hit -- Plies' "Who Hotter Than Me." But the song by the Tampa rapper boasts a defiant, martial beat, propelled by the brontosaurus stomp of the 'Cats tuba section and the Roman centurion blasts of the trumpets in the 275-member band. Forget the Scots. This is battle music that Orcs -- those monster dudes in "Lord of the Rings" -- would love.
Indeed, the Wildcat band is marching into battle. The foe: the Florida A&M University Marching 100. At the Florida Classic, the competition isn't just between the football teams of Bethune-Cookman and FAMU. "Come halftime, it's on," Marching Wildcat trumpeter Fletcher Harley said in rehearsals days earlier, a slight grin creeping into his game face. "You either put out or get put off the field."
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
FAMU Marching 100 - BOTB, Florida Classic 2008
Please Dont Stop the Music
If I Ever Fall in Love Again
FAMU Dance Routine
Mrs. Officer
Who Can I Run To
FAMU Percussion feature TUVOK
Florida Classic 2008 5th Quater
Bethune Cookman University Marching Wildcats - I love the Lord
Bethune Cookman Sudden Impact Percussion Feature
Bethune Cookman - Show Me What Ya Got
Sure, the Marching Wildcats will play a hip-hop hit -- Plies' "Who Hotter Than Me." But the song by the Tampa rapper boasts a defiant, martial beat, propelled by the brontosaurus stomp of the 'Cats tuba section and the Roman centurion blasts of the trumpets in the 275-member band. Forget the Scots. This is battle music that Orcs -- those monster dudes in "Lord of the Rings" -- would love.
Indeed, the Wildcat band is marching into battle. The foe: the Florida A&M University Marching 100. At the Florida Classic, the competition isn't just between the football teams of Bethune-Cookman and FAMU. "Come halftime, it's on," Marching Wildcat trumpeter Fletcher Harley said in rehearsals days earlier, a slight grin creeping into his game face. "You either put out or get put off the field."
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
FAMU Marching 100 - BOTB, Florida Classic 2008
Please Dont Stop the Music
If I Ever Fall in Love Again
FAMU Dance Routine
Mrs. Officer
Who Can I Run To
FAMU Percussion feature TUVOK
Florida Classic 2008 5th Quater
Bethune Cookman University Marching Wildcats - I love the Lord
Bethune Cookman Sudden Impact Percussion Feature
Bethune Cookman - Show Me What Ya Got
Vann does it all for FAMU
Rattlers junior LeRoy Vann runs another kickoff back for 84 yard TD against B-CU in the 29th Florida Classic.
ORLANDO, FL -- Fortunately for Florida A&M, LeRoy Vann isn't as erratic at the Dow Jones Industrial Average -- at least he wasn't Saturday in the Florida Classic. There were few lows and a lot of highs out of the Tampa junior, who was instrumental in the Rattlers' 58-35 victory over B-CU. Vann intercepted a pass, returned a kickoff for a touchdown, forced two fumbles, covered an onside kick and even had an 11-yard carry on offense on fourth-and-1.
"He's a real talent and a real competitor," FAMU coach Joe Taylor said. "Special teams, he does a great job there. He's an outstanding young man." The junior is known mostly for his returns on special teams, but he was so active Saturday one might have thought he never came off the field. "I like big plays. I'm a big-play special teams player. That's just in me," said Vann.
After a quiet first quarter, Vann got active on the sixth play of the second quarter when he intercepted a Matthew Johnson pass and returned it 16 yards to the B-CU 27.
Six plays later, Phillip Sylvester ran in a 7-yard score, staking the Rattlers to a 24-0 cushion.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
ORLANDO, FL -- Fortunately for Florida A&M, LeRoy Vann isn't as erratic at the Dow Jones Industrial Average -- at least he wasn't Saturday in the Florida Classic. There were few lows and a lot of highs out of the Tampa junior, who was instrumental in the Rattlers' 58-35 victory over B-CU. Vann intercepted a pass, returned a kickoff for a touchdown, forced two fumbles, covered an onside kick and even had an 11-yard carry on offense on fourth-and-1.
"He's a real talent and a real competitor," FAMU coach Joe Taylor said. "Special teams, he does a great job there. He's an outstanding young man." The junior is known mostly for his returns on special teams, but he was so active Saturday one might have thought he never came off the field. "I like big plays. I'm a big-play special teams player. That's just in me," said Vann.
After a quiet first quarter, Vann got active on the sixth play of the second quarter when he intercepted a Matthew Johnson pass and returned it 16 yards to the B-CU 27.
Six plays later, Phillip Sylvester ran in a 7-yard score, staking the Rattlers to a 24-0 cushion.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 60,712 at Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida
FAMU wins 29th Florida Classic 58-35 over Bethune-Cookman
Florida A&M capped a resurgent 2008 season in style, throttling rival Bethune-Cookman 58-35 to win its third Florida Classic in four years. Just a year removed from a disastrous 3-8 finish and lopsided 34-7 loss in the 2007 Classic, the Rattlers punctuated new coach Joe Taylor first season with a quick striking offensive attack and stifling defense that took advantage of six Wildcats' turnovers Saturday.
FAMU got its biggest boost junior quarterback and University of Kentucky transfer Curtis Pulley, who accounted the four touchdowns (two rushing, two passing) as the Rattlers skated out to an early 31-0 lead and never really looked back. The Rattlers led 38-21 lead at the half, surviving what wound up being a very sloppy half of football as both teams combined for seven turnovers. But there were also plenty of early fireworks.
Pulley had both of his rushing scores in the opening 30 minutes, including a 51-yard scamper on his way to 153 yards in the half on just 10 carries. Running back Phillip Sylvester also added a pair of short touchdown runs and teammate Leroy Vahn also ignited the crowd with an 83-yard kickoff return for a score.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
FAMU got its biggest boost junior quarterback and University of Kentucky transfer Curtis Pulley, who accounted the four touchdowns (two rushing, two passing) as the Rattlers skated out to an early 31-0 lead and never really looked back. The Rattlers led 38-21 lead at the half, surviving what wound up being a very sloppy half of football as both teams combined for seven turnovers. But there were also plenty of early fireworks.
Pulley had both of his rushing scores in the opening 30 minutes, including a 51-yard scamper on his way to 153 yards in the half on just 10 carries. Running back Phillip Sylvester also added a pair of short touchdown runs and teammate Leroy Vahn also ignited the crowd with an 83-yard kickoff return for a score.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
JSU gets scare, but holds off feisty Alcorn
Ernest Jones, the first-year Alcorn coach, promised a program-defining victory over Jackson State. He missed on the noun, but he just might have been correct on the adjective. Alcorn didn't get the victory, but the Braves might have defined their program before an announced crowd of 33,005 on an absolutely pristine day for football at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Trailing 26-0 with five minutes to go in the third quarter, Alcorn scared the stripes off the JSU Tigers, losing 26-21 and throwing into the end zone for the potential winning score in the last minute.
"Thank God," JSU coach Rick Comegy said with a heavy sigh afterward. "That was way too close at the end." Give Alcorn credit. The Braves came into the game at 2-9 and having lost four straight. JSU came in, as SWAC East champions, having won five straight and headed to play an undetermined opponent for the league championship in three weeks.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 33,005 - Capital City Classic @ Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, MS
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Alcorn State's season defined by close games
Steady Rutland gets offense going early
Tigers' kicking game needs work before trip to Birmingham
Rich nabs 2 picks to spark JSU's D
Braves make noise while Tigers chill
Braves attempt at last-minute comeback fails for 26-21 loss to Tigers
Alcorn looks to relocate 2010 Classic
Capital City Classic To Bring $6M To Jackson
Classic finish
Braves make noise while Tigers chill
Underdog Alcorn ready for archrival Jackson State
Capital City Classic Pep Rally
Wasted chances costly for Morgan Bears
Morgan State leading rusher Devan James
Morgan State's dream of capturing a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship ended with last week's loss to South Carolina State, but the Bears still had much at stake in yesterday's season finale against visiting Hampton. The Bears, nonetheless, squandered another huge defensive effort and fell to Hampton, 17-13, despite giving up only 167 total yards. Morgan State blew opportunities to finish with a winning conference record for the first time since 2003 and to have its third winning season in almost 30 years.
"We contribute to our losses. We contribute to our demise," Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "Everything they got, we gave them. We have got to get to the point where players make plays. As a team, after you work all week, you have to look out for each other." Bears running back Devan James, who leads the MEAC with 111.4 rushing yards per game, finished with 112 on 25 carries. Morgan State (6-6, 4-4 MEAC) had 279 total yards and led the time of possession 35:11 to 24:29.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 2,145 at Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, MD
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
HU 17, Morgan State 13 Season
Towson rolls past Hampton men
‘Tiny’ has big role in Morgan State’s best start in 25 years
Morgan State 72, Marshall 67
Morgan State beats UMBC 67-60
Morgan State's dream of capturing a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship ended with last week's loss to South Carolina State, but the Bears still had much at stake in yesterday's season finale against visiting Hampton. The Bears, nonetheless, squandered another huge defensive effort and fell to Hampton, 17-13, despite giving up only 167 total yards. Morgan State blew opportunities to finish with a winning conference record for the first time since 2003 and to have its third winning season in almost 30 years.
"We contribute to our losses. We contribute to our demise," Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "Everything they got, we gave them. We have got to get to the point where players make plays. As a team, after you work all week, you have to look out for each other." Bears running back Devan James, who leads the MEAC with 111.4 rushing yards per game, finished with 112 on 25 carries. Morgan State (6-6, 4-4 MEAC) had 279 total yards and led the time of possession 35:11 to 24:29.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 2,145 at Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, MD
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
HU 17, Morgan State 13 Season
Towson rolls past Hampton men
‘Tiny’ has big role in Morgan State’s best start in 25 years
Morgan State 72, Marshall 67
Morgan State beats UMBC 67-60
Backup QB helps Hornets win finale
DSU Hornets ends disappointing season as Coach Al Lavan look towards next year.
Glaud rallies DSU in second half
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- If it's November and you play on a losing football team, many players want to see their team's season come to a merciful end. Do not, however, count Anthony Glaud among them. Delaware State's sophomore backup quarterback wanted to prove Saturday that he represents the Hornets' future. A Bowling Green transfer who played behind four-year starter Vashon Winton all year, Glaud was DSU's offensive catalyst in a 10-6 victory over Howard before 2,161 fans on a bitterly cold afternoon at Greene Stadium.
"This wasn't the last game for me," Glaud said.
With Winton, who was starting his final game, the Hornets had just 69 yards of total offense. Glaud came in and completed 9 of 18 passes for 86 yards and DSU's only touchdown, a 15-yard pass to Erick Jones in the third quarter. Winton, who last week directed the Hornets to a come-from-behind win over Norfolk State, completed 7 of 12 passes for 49 yards. But with Winton not himself in his 44th career start, DSU coach Al Lavan made a change.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 2,161 at Greene Stadium, Washington, D.C.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Win-starved Wildcats feast on sloppy Hornets
Hornets game notes
Hornets hope to build off comeback
Delaware State no match for Ohio State in Buckeyes' opener
Dayton men pull away from DSU
No upset this time for DSU women
Turnovers, Second Chance Opportunities the Difference in Howard Loss
Glaud rallies DSU in second half
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- If it's November and you play on a losing football team, many players want to see their team's season come to a merciful end. Do not, however, count Anthony Glaud among them. Delaware State's sophomore backup quarterback wanted to prove Saturday that he represents the Hornets' future. A Bowling Green transfer who played behind four-year starter Vashon Winton all year, Glaud was DSU's offensive catalyst in a 10-6 victory over Howard before 2,161 fans on a bitterly cold afternoon at Greene Stadium.
"This wasn't the last game for me," Glaud said.
With Winton, who was starting his final game, the Hornets had just 69 yards of total offense. Glaud came in and completed 9 of 18 passes for 86 yards and DSU's only touchdown, a 15-yard pass to Erick Jones in the third quarter. Winton, who last week directed the Hornets to a come-from-behind win over Norfolk State, completed 7 of 12 passes for 49 yards. But with Winton not himself in his 44th career start, DSU coach Al Lavan made a change.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 2,161 at Greene Stadium, Washington, D.C.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Win-starved Wildcats feast on sloppy Hornets
Hornets game notes
Hornets hope to build off comeback
Delaware State no match for Ohio State in Buckeyes' opener
Dayton men pull away from DSU
No upset this time for DSU women
Turnovers, Second Chance Opportunities the Difference in Howard Loss
Branche's late score rallies Spartans in season finale
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - It's basketball season, and Norfolk State football won Saturday thanks to an assist from DeAngelo Branche. The running back out of Maury High School rumbled his way to a career-high 181 yards, lifting the Spartans to a 17-14 victory over Winston-Salem State at Bowman-Gray Stadium in the season finale for both teams. Branche, who eclipsed his previous career-high by one yard, finished the season with 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound back barreled for 154 of those in a second half that saw NSU rally twice to get past a team that beat Hampton and Delaware State in the last three weeks.
"My offensive line gave me the blocks I needed," Branche said. "We're going into the offseason with a win. That's better than a loss." The Spartans (5-7) ended the season by winning three of their final four. Saturday's nonconference match-up with the Rams (3-8) wasn't without some anxious moments for NSU, particularly when a turnover on their fifth play from scrimmage resulted in a Winston-Salem touchdown.
Nigel McGowen's 10-yard catch was good for an NSU first down, but the sophomore fumbled after a blistering hit by Alton Keaton. Alex Chandler scooped up the loose ball for a 52-yard return to the end zone. The Spartans, 1 of 6 on third-down conversions in the first half, got their lone points of the period from Justin Castellat's 36-yard field goal.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 1,428 at Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, N.C.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Norfolk State gets an 'E' for effort, eventually
William & Mary defeats Norfolk State 74-58
Ram fan ready to binge on crow and humble pie
WSSU loses on Senior Day
"My offensive line gave me the blocks I needed," Branche said. "We're going into the offseason with a win. That's better than a loss." The Spartans (5-7) ended the season by winning three of their final four. Saturday's nonconference match-up with the Rams (3-8) wasn't without some anxious moments for NSU, particularly when a turnover on their fifth play from scrimmage resulted in a Winston-Salem touchdown.
Nigel McGowen's 10-yard catch was good for an NSU first down, but the sophomore fumbled after a blistering hit by Alton Keaton. Alex Chandler scooped up the loose ball for a 52-yard return to the end zone. The Spartans, 1 of 6 on third-down conversions in the first half, got their lone points of the period from Justin Castellat's 36-yard field goal.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 1,428 at Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, N.C.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Norfolk State gets an 'E' for effort, eventually
William & Mary defeats Norfolk State 74-58
Ram fan ready to binge on crow and humble pie
WSSU loses on Senior Day
Valley ends miserable season with another lopsided loss
Should this be it for Totten?
A season filled with lopsided losses for Mississippi Valley State ended with one of its worst thrashings of the year. Valley's disappointing season ended with a a miserable 58-23 loss to Alabama A&M Saturday at Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena. Bulldog quarterback Kevin Atkins had a career outing as he carved up the Delta Devil defense for 357 yards and five touchdowns on 24-of-35 passing.
Valley ends the season at 3-8 overall and 1-6 in the Eastern Division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference - leaving the Delta Devils in last place in the division for the second straight year. If this was it for beleaguered MVSU head coach Willie Totten, it's not the way he would've hoped to go out as the Delta Devils allowed the most points to a SWAC team in Totten's seven-year tenure.
Totten, who is 28-44 at the helm of his alma mater, has one year left on his contract that pays him $92,928 a year. But there has been wide speculation that he will be fired after his fifth losing season in seven years. After Saturday's game, a frustrated Totten refused to discuss whether this was his last game at Valley."We've just got to put this behind us and go out and recruit some better players," he said.
With an announced crowd of just 789 - which looked much slimmer than that - not many Delta Devil fans showed up. The ones who did saw a familiar sight: a pitiful showing by the defense. It was the fifth loss of the season by 34 or more points. This marked the third straight game missed by second-year defensive coordinator Dennis Winston. Totten refused to comment on Winston's status.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 789 at Rice -Totten Stadium, Itta Bena, MS (Capacity: 10,000).
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Could this be it for Totten?
Bulldogs end tough season on high note
Jones second on Bulldogs' win list
A&M's Hilton eager to hit court
A season filled with lopsided losses for Mississippi Valley State ended with one of its worst thrashings of the year. Valley's disappointing season ended with a a miserable 58-23 loss to Alabama A&M Saturday at Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena. Bulldog quarterback Kevin Atkins had a career outing as he carved up the Delta Devil defense for 357 yards and five touchdowns on 24-of-35 passing.
Valley ends the season at 3-8 overall and 1-6 in the Eastern Division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference - leaving the Delta Devils in last place in the division for the second straight year. If this was it for beleaguered MVSU head coach Willie Totten, it's not the way he would've hoped to go out as the Delta Devils allowed the most points to a SWAC team in Totten's seven-year tenure.
Totten, who is 28-44 at the helm of his alma mater, has one year left on his contract that pays him $92,928 a year. But there has been wide speculation that he will be fired after his fifth losing season in seven years. After Saturday's game, a frustrated Totten refused to discuss whether this was his last game at Valley."We've just got to put this behind us and go out and recruit some better players," he said.
With an announced crowd of just 789 - which looked much slimmer than that - not many Delta Devil fans showed up. The ones who did saw a familiar sight: a pitiful showing by the defense. It was the fifth loss of the season by 34 or more points. This marked the third straight game missed by second-year defensive coordinator Dennis Winston. Totten refused to comment on Winston's status.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 789 at Rice -Totten Stadium, Itta Bena, MS (Capacity: 10,000).
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Could this be it for Totten?
Bulldogs end tough season on high note
Jones second on Bulldogs' win list
A&M's Hilton eager to hit court
TSU's playoff hopes dashed with road loss
Heffner's heroic effort not enough at Murray State
MURRAY, Ky. — Antonio Heffner came to Murray State on Saturday with no intention of playing. By the fourth quarter, Heffner was on the field with no intention of letting Tennessee State lose. After playing sparingly in the first half, the senior quarterback, who was nursing a shoulder and foot injury, volunteered to go back into into the game for starter Dominic Grooms, who broke the thumb on his throwing hand.
Three times in the fourth quarter, Heffner, who threw a touchdown in the second quarter, got TSU in scoring range with a chance to either tie the score or send it to overtime. But, unlike so many times before, he was unable to get the Tigers into the end zone and Murray State held on for a 24-17 victory.
"I didn't think there was any way, coming into the game, that I could play. But basically, when they needed me, I had to try to go in and do my best,'' Heffner said. "After I went in, every time I threw, my shoulder hurt and my foot gave me problems too." The loss took No. 25-ranked TSU (8-4, 5-3 Ohio Valley Conference) from being a long shot for the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs to having no shot at all. The Tigers, who spent most of the season in first place in the OVC, wound up in fourth.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 2,292 at Stewart Stadium, Murray, KY
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Tigers' pass defense doesn't perform well
TSU must win to get in playoffs
Playoffs look pretty grim for 8-3 TSU
Herd Women Lose to Tennessee State
MURRAY, Ky. — Antonio Heffner came to Murray State on Saturday with no intention of playing. By the fourth quarter, Heffner was on the field with no intention of letting Tennessee State lose. After playing sparingly in the first half, the senior quarterback, who was nursing a shoulder and foot injury, volunteered to go back into into the game for starter Dominic Grooms, who broke the thumb on his throwing hand.
Three times in the fourth quarter, Heffner, who threw a touchdown in the second quarter, got TSU in scoring range with a chance to either tie the score or send it to overtime. But, unlike so many times before, he was unable to get the Tigers into the end zone and Murray State held on for a 24-17 victory.
"I didn't think there was any way, coming into the game, that I could play. But basically, when they needed me, I had to try to go in and do my best,'' Heffner said. "After I went in, every time I threw, my shoulder hurt and my foot gave me problems too." The loss took No. 25-ranked TSU (8-4, 5-3 Ohio Valley Conference) from being a long shot for the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs to having no shot at all. The Tigers, who spent most of the season in first place in the OVC, wound up in fourth.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 2,292 at Stewart Stadium, Murray, KY
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Tigers' pass defense doesn't perform well
TSU must win to get in playoffs
Playoffs look pretty grim for 8-3 TSU
Herd Women Lose to Tennessee State
NCCU Beats Savannah State On Senior Day
DURHAM, N. C. - North Carolina Central University scored 10 first half points and the Eagles' defense held Savannah State University to just 122 total yards as NCCU defeated the visiting Tigers 10-7 on Senior Day at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, N.C. on Saturday. Nine NCCU seniors closed out their college careers in style, winning three of their last four games to finish the school's second Division I (FCS) season with a 4-7 record.
NCCU amassed 330 yards of total offense, including a career-high 216 passing yards by red-shirt freshman quarterback Keon Williams, who completed 15-of-20 attempts through the air. Sophomore running backs Tim Shankle and Tony McCord combined for 155 rushing yards, with Shankle recording a team-best 88 ground yards, including a 5-yard touchdown run at the beginning of the second quarter which proved to be the game-winner.
Junior Will Scott topped the Eagles receiving corps with five catches for 83 yards, while senior Wayne Blackwell collected four receptions for 49 yards in his final college game. Blackwell finishes his career as the eighth leading receiver in NCCU history with 117 catches for 1,462 yards.
A stifling NCCU defense held Savannah State to only 23 yards rushing on the afternoon, including negative-4 yards on the ground in the first half. The Eagles recorded six tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including four sacks, while forcing two turnovers. In the critical fourth quarter, the NCCU defense held the Tigers to just one first down, 33 yards passing and zero yards rushing. NCCU sophomore lineman Teryl White had a fumble recovery to go along with six tackles, including a sack. Red-shirt freshman David Ingram collected his team-best fourth interception of the season.
Among the school's all-time career leaders, senior quarterback Stadford Brown (#2) ranks third in pass completions (399), third in passing touchdowns (46), fourth in passing yards (5,202) and fourth in total offense (5,207). Brown's college career was cut short when his collarbone was broken during the second quarter of the Eagles' win over rival North Carolina A&T on Oct. 4, 2008.
NCCU senior linebacker Troy McConico amassed a team-high 10 tackles, including a sack and two forced fumbles, while senior lineman Eric Smalls accounted for six tackles, including 2.5 hits for a loss with a sack. Senior defensive back Derek Harvey finished his Eagle tenure with a career-high six tackles.
NCCU senior kicker Brandon Gilbert hit a 42-yard field goal to give the Eagles a 3-0 lead at 3:44 of the first quarter, then made his 104th consecutive extra-point kick at 13:42 of the second quarter. Gilbert ends his college career as the school's all-time leading scorer with 279 points, and also tops the Eagles career lists for field goals (44) and extra-point kicks (147).
Savannah State (5-7) was topped by senior defensive back Javorris Jackson with 16 tackles, while senior linebacker Calvin Leonard added 11 stops, including two hits for a loss. The Tigers were led offensively by freshman quarterback Kurvin Curry, who completed 8-of-18 passes for 99 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown to Isaiah Osborne with 3:49 left in the third quarter.
The other NCCU seniors that ended their careers Saturday were offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye, offensive lineman Greg Greene, quarterback Stadford Brown and running back Jeff Toliver.
Attendance: 4,027 at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, Durham, N.C.
NCCU amassed 330 yards of total offense, including a career-high 216 passing yards by red-shirt freshman quarterback Keon Williams, who completed 15-of-20 attempts through the air. Sophomore running backs Tim Shankle and Tony McCord combined for 155 rushing yards, with Shankle recording a team-best 88 ground yards, including a 5-yard touchdown run at the beginning of the second quarter which proved to be the game-winner.
Junior Will Scott topped the Eagles receiving corps with five catches for 83 yards, while senior Wayne Blackwell collected four receptions for 49 yards in his final college game. Blackwell finishes his career as the eighth leading receiver in NCCU history with 117 catches for 1,462 yards.
A stifling NCCU defense held Savannah State to only 23 yards rushing on the afternoon, including negative-4 yards on the ground in the first half. The Eagles recorded six tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including four sacks, while forcing two turnovers. In the critical fourth quarter, the NCCU defense held the Tigers to just one first down, 33 yards passing and zero yards rushing. NCCU sophomore lineman Teryl White had a fumble recovery to go along with six tackles, including a sack. Red-shirt freshman David Ingram collected his team-best fourth interception of the season.
Among the school's all-time career leaders, senior quarterback Stadford Brown (#2) ranks third in pass completions (399), third in passing touchdowns (46), fourth in passing yards (5,202) and fourth in total offense (5,207). Brown's college career was cut short when his collarbone was broken during the second quarter of the Eagles' win over rival North Carolina A&T on Oct. 4, 2008.
NCCU senior linebacker Troy McConico amassed a team-high 10 tackles, including a sack and two forced fumbles, while senior lineman Eric Smalls accounted for six tackles, including 2.5 hits for a loss with a sack. Senior defensive back Derek Harvey finished his Eagle tenure with a career-high six tackles.
NCCU senior kicker Brandon Gilbert hit a 42-yard field goal to give the Eagles a 3-0 lead at 3:44 of the first quarter, then made his 104th consecutive extra-point kick at 13:42 of the second quarter. Gilbert ends his college career as the school's all-time leading scorer with 279 points, and also tops the Eagles career lists for field goals (44) and extra-point kicks (147).
Savannah State (5-7) was topped by senior defensive back Javorris Jackson with 16 tackles, while senior linebacker Calvin Leonard added 11 stops, including two hits for a loss. The Tigers were led offensively by freshman quarterback Kurvin Curry, who completed 8-of-18 passes for 99 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown to Isaiah Osborne with 3:49 left in the third quarter.
The other NCCU seniors that ended their careers Saturday were offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye, offensive lineman Greg Greene, quarterback Stadford Brown and running back Jeff Toliver.
Attendance: 4,027 at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, Durham, N.C.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Bulldogs shut out Aggies, 55-0, get ready for playoff announcement
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- “Where and who?” It was the question most on S.C. State head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough’s mind after Saturday’s 55-0 rout over North Carolina A&T at Aggie Stadium. Having wrapped up a perfect run to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, the 15th-ranked Bulldogs (10-2, 8-0) could now turn their full attention toward the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs and their first-round opponent.
“We wanted to kind of get in here and just get through this game and win the football game,” Pough said. “Our big thought has been since last Saturday has been doing something in the playoffs. So, it was great getting in here and getting this win and we’re excited about the win. But, we really have to get something done in the playoffs.”
S.C. State will learn today whether its eight-game winning streak and fifth double-digit victory season in school history will be enough to convince the NCAA Selection Committee to award it an opening-round home game. The Bulldogs more than made their case for a higher seeding by posting a third consecutive shutout for the first time since 1971.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
“We wanted to kind of get in here and just get through this game and win the football game,” Pough said. “Our big thought has been since last Saturday has been doing something in the playoffs. So, it was great getting in here and getting this win and we’re excited about the win. But, we really have to get something done in the playoffs.”
S.C. State will learn today whether its eight-game winning streak and fifth double-digit victory season in school history will be enough to convince the NCAA Selection Committee to award it an opening-round home game. The Bulldogs more than made their case for a higher seeding by posting a third consecutive shutout for the first time since 1971.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICES:
S. Carolina St. rolls past N. Carolina A&T
Attendance: 7,343 at Aggie Stadium, Greensboro, N.C. (Capacity: 22,000)
Attendance: 7,343 at Aggie Stadium, Greensboro, N.C. (Capacity: 22,000)
Tough times sack Grambling band: School notified TSU weeks ago about no-show
Houston, TX - To all those disappointed college football fans who were expecting a battle of the bands at Thursday's game between Texas Southern University and Grambling State, Grambling sends its apology for being a no-show. Challenging financial times forced the Grambling Tiger Band to stay home, school officials said Friday. "We have to be fiscally responsible to make our dollars go as far as they can," said Grambling spokesman Byron McCauley. "It does not mean that we don't love Houston. I really want people to know that we're hopeful there will be more opportunities for the band to be in Houston to perform."
Grambling has a big Thanksgiving weekend game, the Bayou Classic, in New Orleans on Nov. 29. It's the premiere game of black college football. TSU spokeswoman Eva Pickens said Grambling notified TSU several weeks in advance that its band would not attend the game. Mississippi Valley State University's band did not attend TSU's Nov. 8 homecoming game for the same reason, Pickens said. "We're thinking it's a sign of the times" Pickens said.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
College Basketball Roundup: Tech beats Grambling in OT
Grambling's final 2 games could trigger West coin flip
Lamar Women Win Season Opener 58-49 Over Grambling State
Men's basketball: Lobos rout Grambling for 600th win
Grambling tops Texas Southern
Grambling has a big Thanksgiving weekend game, the Bayou Classic, in New Orleans on Nov. 29. It's the premiere game of black college football. TSU spokeswoman Eva Pickens said Grambling notified TSU several weeks in advance that its band would not attend the game. Mississippi Valley State University's band did not attend TSU's Nov. 8 homecoming game for the same reason, Pickens said. "We're thinking it's a sign of the times" Pickens said.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
College Basketball Roundup: Tech beats Grambling in OT
Grambling's final 2 games could trigger West coin flip
Lamar Women Win Season Opener 58-49 Over Grambling State
Men's basketball: Lobos rout Grambling for 600th win
Grambling tops Texas Southern
FAMU hunts for playoff spot
TALLAHASSEE, FL — This is Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor's first experience with the Florida Classic, the rivalry game between the Rattlers and Bethune-Cookman University. He's heard about the atmosphere and the revelry. "The Classic is the fanfare," he said. "It's for people to come and party. But that's not why we're there."
The Rattlers (8-3, 4-3 MEAC) are there to earn at least a share of second place in the conference and line themselves up for a possible Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth, which they can do with a win over the Wildcats (8-2, 5-2 MEAC). Few thought FAMU would get to this point so quickly. The Rattlers lost six of their last seven in 2007 to finish 3-8. That led to the dismissal of coach Rubin Carter and the hiring of Taylor, who spent 16 years coaching Hampton University.
The Rattlers lead the MEAC in scoring offense and are third in passing offense and total offense. They've won five of their last six games, and linebacker Vernon Wilder said it's a different feeling around the program. "It's exciting," Wilder said. "The Classic is already exciting, but all this stuff on the table makes it even more exciting. "Winning cures a lot of stuff. A lot of things go smoother," Wilder said. "We're having fun."
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
'Wyatt Bone' offense is a B-CU classic
Florida Classic game capsule
Classic Rivals Clash
Grandson of BCU founder sheds light on FAMU/BCU history
Enthusiam dismal for classic
FAMU, Bethune share common history
At last, the Florida Classic game is a big deal, too
Keys to the game: Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman
Chester's place in FAMU history secure
FAMU opponent B-CU back in playoff hunt
Wildcats' sure to keep FAMU on the run
B-CU offense has FAMU defenders ready for a run
Pulley guiding Rattlers
FAMU football update: Rattlers 2-0 with Pulley running the show
College students reframe Orlando family's future
Bethune chasing ninth win of season
2008 Florida Classic - Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M University
The Rattlers (8-3, 4-3 MEAC) are there to earn at least a share of second place in the conference and line themselves up for a possible Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth, which they can do with a win over the Wildcats (8-2, 5-2 MEAC). Few thought FAMU would get to this point so quickly. The Rattlers lost six of their last seven in 2007 to finish 3-8. That led to the dismissal of coach Rubin Carter and the hiring of Taylor, who spent 16 years coaching Hampton University.
The Rattlers lead the MEAC in scoring offense and are third in passing offense and total offense. They've won five of their last six games, and linebacker Vernon Wilder said it's a different feeling around the program. "It's exciting," Wilder said. "The Classic is already exciting, but all this stuff on the table makes it even more exciting. "Winning cures a lot of stuff. A lot of things go smoother," Wilder said. "We're having fun."
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
'Wyatt Bone' offense is a B-CU classic
Florida Classic game capsule
Classic Rivals Clash
Grandson of BCU founder sheds light on FAMU/BCU history
Enthusiam dismal for classic
FAMU, Bethune share common history
At last, the Florida Classic game is a big deal, too
Keys to the game: Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman
Chester's place in FAMU history secure
FAMU opponent B-CU back in playoff hunt
Wildcats' sure to keep FAMU on the run
B-CU offense has FAMU defenders ready for a run
Pulley guiding Rattlers
FAMU football update: Rattlers 2-0 with Pulley running the show
College students reframe Orlando family's future
Bethune chasing ninth win of season
2008 Florida Classic - Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M University
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Keys: SU gets win, but still searching for answers
Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Southern pounded out a frosty 15-0 win over Alabama State at the Gulf Coast Classic, the campus back home at SU was almost empty. Only two or three students stood on the bluff near the Mississippi River, taking in the scenery on a cool-but-beautiful day. Classrooms were silent. The nearby sandwich shop was closed.
Just outside Jesse Owens Hall, the parking lot was vacant — except for one car.
It belonged to Pete Richardson. Inside, his thumbs were in overdrive, working two remote controls. Pause, rewind, play. Pause, rewind, play. Over and over, on a modern-style projector, he watched videotape — first of his own team, then of other Southwestern Athletic Conference opponents. Then of his own team again. Richardson had given his players a rare Sunday off, and while some members of his coaching staff shuttled in and out, only the head coach stayed inside all day.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 25,387 Gulf Coast Classic, Ladd Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Richardson hits another milestone
How They Scored: Southern-Alabama State
Duran stars for Jaguars
Jackson State claims East with win over A&M
Defense does it for SU
SU women cruise to win over SUNO
Southern stumbles down stretch, falls to Tougaloo
UAPB coach suspends 10 players for today’s game
Selders a big part of Southern defense
Overcoming adversity key for Alabama St.
Southern men, women open season today
Classic benefits SU athletic department coffers
Catholic pitcher Moore signs with Jaguars
Keys: Time for Southern to rock, roll
It’s thumbs up for Jaguars quarterback Lee
SU men hold off Xavier
Donaldsonville star signs with Southern
Struggling Alabama State shakes up coaching staff
Alabama State University Marching Hornets
Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band
Just outside Jesse Owens Hall, the parking lot was vacant — except for one car.
It belonged to Pete Richardson. Inside, his thumbs were in overdrive, working two remote controls. Pause, rewind, play. Pause, rewind, play. Over and over, on a modern-style projector, he watched videotape — first of his own team, then of other Southwestern Athletic Conference opponents. Then of his own team again. Richardson had given his players a rare Sunday off, and while some members of his coaching staff shuttled in and out, only the head coach stayed inside all day.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Attendance: 25,387 Gulf Coast Classic, Ladd Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Richardson hits another milestone
How They Scored: Southern-Alabama State
Duran stars for Jaguars
Jackson State claims East with win over A&M
Defense does it for SU
SU women cruise to win over SUNO
Southern stumbles down stretch, falls to Tougaloo
UAPB coach suspends 10 players for today’s game
Selders a big part of Southern defense
Overcoming adversity key for Alabama St.
Southern men, women open season today
Classic benefits SU athletic department coffers
Catholic pitcher Moore signs with Jaguars
Keys: Time for Southern to rock, roll
It’s thumbs up for Jaguars quarterback Lee
SU men hold off Xavier
Donaldsonville star signs with Southern
Struggling Alabama State shakes up coaching staff
Alabama State University Marching Hornets
Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)