SU Jaguars look for fast start in SWAC

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

After a 33-27 victory over Florida A&M on Saturday which Southern coach Pete Richardson called a “great shot in the arm,” the Jaguars are set to start Southwestern Athletic Conference play.

SU (1-0) plays Mississippi Valley State (1-0, 1-0 SWAC) at 4 p.m. Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago.

“It’s a conference game. It means more to us than last week, because we can’t afford to fall a game behind in our conference and expect to get back on top.

“Last year, we dug a hole and just couldn’t get out.”
Southern won its SWAC opener last season, 31-14 over Valley, but then lost four of its next five conference games. SU, picked as the preseason favorite in the Western Division, finished second to surprising Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Richardson’s point is well-taken, though. The Jaguars are 11-3 in conference openers under Richardson and have never won the SWAC after losing an opener (1996, 2000 and ’05).

The Jaguars have won five SWAC titles after winning 11 conference openers. Plus, though they did not win the SWAC while going 6-1 in conference play 1995, the Jaguars won the black college national title.























“The (intensity level) has to go all the way up, because now every game counts,” senior strong safety Glenn Bell said. “The FAMU game was significant for getting a good start, but now we’re talking about conference play. In this conference, if you lose one or two games, you’re basically out. We have to get off to a good start so we can be in the hunt.”

Valley, picked fourth in the Eastern Division, is coming off a 16-9 stunner over UAPB, the preseason pick to win the Western Division.

“I’m sure Mississippi Valley is going to be sky high after beating Arkansas-Pine Bluff,” said Richardson, whose team was picked third in the Western Division. “They’re excited. It’ll be a challenge for us.”

ESPNU adds GulfCoast
The Gulf Coast Classic, with Southern playing Alabama State at Ladd-Peebles Stadium Sept. 29 in Mobile, Ala., will be televised on ESPNU, the conference announced Wednesday.

The game remains scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.
Duran Duran
What Southern saw in preseason camp played out in the season opener as true freshman kicker Josh Duran boomed kickoffs and punts.

Duran, a Class 4A All-State selection, averaged 42.3 yards per punt, 13th (of 116 teams) nationally. SU is also 12th nationally in net punting, at 39.2 yards per punt.

“When we had seen him, primarily we were after a field-goal kicker,” Richardson said. “That’s a plus for him. He can do both. He’s got good hang time now, and that gives our coverage an opportunity to get down and cover those punts and kickoffs. And that helps you out on defense.”

Duran made the transition from Division I-AA All-American Breck Ackley, who led the nation at 45.2 yards per punt last season, seem seamless.

“He did an outstanding job for his first start in college,” Richardson said.

What’s more, kickoffs have been moved back 5 yards, to the 30, so helping the coverage team is a must.

A big test comes Saturday.
Valley’s Clarence Cotton is third nationally in punt returns (19.3 yards per return) and tied for 10th in kickoff returns (29.3 yards per return).

“Cotton is a return guy who, any time he gets his hands on the ball, he can make things happen,” Richardson said. “When you look at Mississippi Valley, historically, they always have good special teams, especially return people who can make big plays. That has to be a concern, keeping them out of the end zone.”

Coach’s honors
Richardson named senior RB Darren Coates (142 yards and two TDs in his first career start), junior DE Vince Lands (four tackles, two pass breakups) — “he was relentless, we expected that,” Richardson said. and Duran (also 3-for-4 on PATs) as his players of the game for the FAMU victory.

Notes
SU senior WR Gerard Landry has caught a pass in 27 straight games. &hellip Richardson said sophomore Ronald Wade and senior Chad Harris likely will remain as punt returners. Wade fumbled and Harris muffed a return.

Who's in, who's out at Jackson State

Jackson State's running game will get a little help this weekend after a minus 29-yard rushing effort against Delta State in the season opener.

Erik Haw sat out the DSU game with a sprained ankle, but has returned to the practice field this week and said the injury feels better each day. He's on the travel list for this week's Tennessee State game and plans on playing.

He had nine rushing touchdowns and 371 rushing yards last season.

But the news isn't as good for running back Cody Hull, the senior transfer from Southern Miss. Hull continues to practice, but is still waiting on the NCAA for game clearence.

Jackson State assistant coach Greg Ruffin said the hold-up is over the interpretation of a transfer rule that was changed during the past year.

"It's very frustrating," he said. "Especially because it's only hurting Cody, who's done nothing wrong."

Hull graduated in four years from USM and said he is enrolled in graduate courses at Jackson State.

- David Brandt

Hampton's Langford presents huge challenge for Howard

By Donald Hunt, The Philadelphia Tribune

HBCU football on ESPNU:

• Arkansas Pine-Bluff at Alcorn State
Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET

When Carey Bailey saw Hampton's massive defensive end Kendall Langford this summer, a certain NFL Hall of Famer came to mind.

"He's Reggie White," said Bailey, Howard's first-year head coach. "He's a big, powerful individual. He plays with a great motor. He's tenacious from the point of attack. He moves like a linebacker. He's a very active player. He has long arms. He can overpower you. He can run around you. He's what you want in a defensive lineman. He's going to be a real challenge for us throughout the game."

Howard will play host to Hampton, the three-time defending MEAC champion this Saturday in the season opener at William H. Greene Stadium in Washington, D.C. The Bison hope to contain Langford, the preseason conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Langford isn't Reggie White, but he is a load at 6 feet, 6 inches and 294 pounds. A year ago, he had 55 total tackles, 32 solo, 23 assisted, 15½ tackles for loss and eight sacks. Joe Taylor, Hampton's head coach, knows a little something about developing outstanding defensive players. Taylor had Justin Durant, a three-time conference Defensive Player of the Year, who is now a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"Justin did a great job for us," Taylor said. "He's playing well in Jacksonville. We're going to really miss him. He was a real valuable cog in what we were able to do the last four years. "We're fortunate to have a guy like Kendall. He's the full package. He's a great character guy. He's soft-spoken, well liked and always has a smile on his face. He works hard in the weight room and on the practice field. He's strong and athletic. We're going to put the team on his back. He's going to be our leader."

Photo: Kendall Langford sacks UNH quarterback Ricky Santos during the 2006 Division I FCS Playoffs.

The Pirates senior plays the game with power and speed. He has that combination, which makes him a difficult matchup for most teams in the league. Langford has the attributes that most NFL coaches like in defensive ends. In addition, Taylor believes the Pirates' success certainly has helped him.

"We've only been in practice a couple weeks and we've already had 10 scouts to come in to look at Kendall," Taylor said. "I think a lot of things are going to help Kendall. We've able to win a lot of games over the last three years. We had a good showing at the NFL combine last year. We've been able to gain some good exposure from all these things.

"The other thing [is] Kendall has played some good football. He moves very well for a big guy. He's a guy who can stop, change direction and get to the quarterback. That's really something for a guy his size."

Langford has the experience of playing some great teams, and Taylor has high expectations for him. "So goes Kendall, so goes Hampton," Taylor said. "We're going to need a big year from him. There's no question about it." Based up what Langford's recent history, he should be on his way to having another stellar season.

HBCU notes

• Grambling State quarterback Brandon Landers was named SWAC Offensive Player of the Week. Landers completed 19-of-36 passes for 303 yards, including four touchdown passes in the Tigers' 31-10 victory over Alcorn State.

• Grambling State will face Pittsburgh from the Big East conference in a nonconference game on the road this Saturday (ESPN 360, noon ET).

• Prairie View A&M linebacker Zach East was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Week. East had 13 tackles (nine solo) along with one sack, two-and-a-half tackles for loss and a fumble in a 34-14 win over Texas Southern.

• Bethune-Cookman senior quarterback Jimmie Russell and Delaware State's Russell Reeves were selected as the MEAC offensive and defensive players of the week respectively. Russell connected on 7-of-19 passes for 103 yards and rushed for 114 yards on 16 attempts with three TDs to lead the Wildcats to a 31-17 win over Jacksonville. Reeves had 12 total tackles, seven solo and five assists including three for a loss of 16 yards in the Hornets' 23-18 win over No. 23 Coastal Carolina. In addition to the double-figure tackle performance, Reeves provided a balanced defensive outing with a sack for 13 yards, two pass break ups and a forced fumble in the win.

• Bethune-Cookman free safety Bobbie Williams picked off his 14th career pass in the win over Jacksonville. Williams is a candidate for the Buchanan Award, given to the nation's best defensive player.

• In recognition of Grambling State coaching legend Eddie Robinson, all SWAC teams will wear stickers in his honor. The stickers have his initials EGR over 408, which happened to be Robinson's career win total.

• Norfolk State will visit nationally-ranked Rutgers on Sept. 15. It will be the Spartans' first-ever game against a Division I-A team.

• Florida A&M's Philip Sylvester earned MEAC Rookie of the Week honors. Sylvester rushed for 101 yards on 14 carries with two TDs in his first collegiate start. He averaged 7.2 yards per carry and recorded four kickoff returns for 84 yards.

Howard University "ShowTime" Marching Band (2006)

Injuries strike B-CU defense

By BRENT WORONOFF, Staff Writer Daytona News-Journal

DAYTONA BEACH -- Going into spring practice, Bethune-Cookman coach Alvin Wyatt thought he'd have to replace two starters on defense. It hasn't been that easy.

Since then, five projected defensive starters have been scratched from the lineup. The result is a young defense that will have to grow up in a hurry Saturday when Mid-Eastern Athletic conference power South Carolina State comes to town.

"Losing players goes with the territory," Wyatt said. "The backups have to step up. That's why we have practices -- to get them ready."

But that hasn't made it any easier for Wyatt, who was hit with twin gut punches at the beginning of spring practice and the end of preseason training camp.

In the spring, strong safety Travis Roland underwent shoulder surgery. He plans to sit out the season and return next year.

"We didn't expect to lose Roland with the impact he had last year," Wyatt said.

Three other starters fell like dominoes during preseason camp. Linebacker Ronnie McCullough (hamstring) and defensive backs Michael Williams (Achilles tendon) and James Monds (hamstring) all will miss their second straight game Saturday.

But perhaps the worst blow of all ocurred a week before the opener when middle linebacker Rodney Hughes underwent surgery to repair a fractured bone in his hand.

"He went through all of camp, hitting every single day," Wyatt said of the senior leader. "We knew there was something there, but he would wrap it up and make the hits. All of a sudden, he said he had to have surgery and it blew my mind."

Hughes is a versatile player with size and speed who could man any of the defensive line and linebacker spots, Wyatt said.

"He impacted everything we wanted to do," Wyatt said. "He was like the steering wheel of our defense."

Hughes said he will miss 4-6 weeks, and is targeting the Morgan State game on homecoming weekend for his return. But Wyatt said he could be out longer and is not counting on his return.

Hughes' backup, Marquis Alexander, will also miss 6-7 weeks with a knee injury, Wyatt said.

Sophomore Brendan Odom played middle linebacker Saturday and led the Wildcats with 10 tackles. He is one of several young players who had impressive games, said Wyatt, who was also pleased with the performances of sophomore transfer Antwane Cox at corner and Cedric Mason and freshman Arkee Smith at strong safety.

AAMU Towns disappointed with Tucker's decision

Reggie Benson, Huntsville Times

Defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns was pleased for the most part with how Alabama A&M's secondary played against Tennessee State.

The Bulldogs gave up 176 yards, but they intercepted TSU quarterback Antonio Heffner three times.

Despite the solid effort, one of the Tigers' TDs came after a gamble by cornerback Stephan Tucker.

Midway through the first quarter, Tucker went for an interception and came up empty, allowing Chris Johnson to scamper 66 yards down to the A&M 2-yard line. The Tigers scored two plays later to take an early lead.

"I had a problem with that," Towns said. "We've got a fifth-year senior back there. He has to understand it's not about getting the ball, but making the tackle. I look for a rookie to make that mistake, not a vet."

Tucker did have an interception at the end of the first half.

Jackson to enroll at Lawson State: Offensive lineman Anquez Jackson, who was ruled academically ineligible last week, is expected to enroll at Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, offensive coordinator Cedric Pearl said.

Luke snubbed: Despite accounting for 298 yards in total offense and four TDs, quarterback Kelcy Luke was snubbed in voting for SWAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Grambling quarterback Brandon Landers picked up the honor after completing 19-of-36 passes for 303 yards and four TDs in the Tigers' 31-10 win over Alcorn State.

Luke was 18-of-29 for 261 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 37 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown. Unlike Landers, Luke was pulled with more than nine minutes to go in the game.

"Once again Kelcy was overlooked for conference player of the week because he didn't pass for 300 yards," Jones said. "All I would have had to do was let him throw the ball five or six more times, but we're not in it to run up numbers."

Luke and wide receiver Thomas Harris, who caught four passes for 100 yards and a TD, were honorable mention.

Landers also edged Luke last year for second-team All-SWAC honors and also on the league's preseason second team.

Second unit gets playing time: A&M's second-team offensive line, which consisted of tight end Todd Leichtfuss, left tackle David Dawkins, center Darrius Martin, right guard Charles Meade and right tackle Emmett Williams, played well during the fourth quarter against Tennessee State, Pearl said.

The group helped lead to two scoring drives.

SCSU regrouping heading into Bethune-Cookman

By THOMAS GRANT JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer

There are no second thoughts going through South Carolina State head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough’s mind about opening the season against a Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) team.

Even with the lopsided nature of the 31-point loss to Air Force, Pough still believes the trip to Colorado Springs, Colo. was a great experience. In fact, Pough said the game provided a valuable lesson for his team which he hopes pays dividends in preparation for Saturday’s Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener at Bethune-Cookman.

"You learn the one big lesson and that is you’ve got to handle your business," he said. "You can’t go out there and think it’s just going to happen because you’re talking a win. You actually go out and do the things that give you an opportunity to actually win. So, I think that’s the lesson."

Overall, the Bulldog players were in good spirits during Wednesday’s practice at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. With the memory of last year’s 45-21 rout at the hands of the Wildcats still burning vividly in the team’s memory, Pough expects the Bulldogs to come out hungry for redemption.

"I think we’re in a good frame of mind," Pough said. "I think our guys understand that we’ve got a tough game ahead of us and we’re prepared to get after it."

Two areas the Bulldogs hope to get improved play from is at offensive line and the secondary. After opening holes early for running backs Will Ford and Jonathan Woods, the reshuffled offensive line was unable to protect quarterback Cleveland McCoy, who was sacked five times, from the blitzing Falcon defense.

Pough would not be surprised if Wildcats’ head coach Alvin Wyatt employs a similar strategy.

"We expect to see some of the same kind of stuff," he said. "We’re a zone-blocking team. If we do it right, we’ll be okay."

As for the secondary, after making great strides following the Bethune-Cookman debacle in which quarterback Jarrod Rucker threw for 367 yards and five touchdowns, the group could not contain Air Force’s Shaun Carney, particularly on third-and-long situations.

"I hope (we do) a lot better," Pough said. "Hopefully, we can put them in better situations than we put them in last year so that they can perform better."

SCSU defensive backs coach Mike Adams said the Bulldogs’ secondary will be much more ready this time around should the Wildcats decide to get away from their "Wyatt-bone" option attack.

"This year, I think the biggest thing is we’ve got to understand that we have experience and we know where they want to attack us," Adams said. "So our guys have been preparing all week for things we think their offense can do to us against our scheme and some of the things that we were able to do last year. And so, I think our guys are much more prepared and really, the biggest factor is having experience for some of our guys back there."

If last year’s game was not enough to motivate SCSU, several players during the preseason expressed umbrage with what they saw as slighting comments made by Wyatt during the MEAC preseason luncheon. When asked, Pough said words will have little to do with the outcome.

"You’ve got to block and tackle," he said. "You talk all you want to talk, but then what happens is after we get started is you actually don’t have much of an opportunity to say much. You’ve got to go out and actually do. It’s neat motivation leading up to the game. But after we get to the game, it’s a football game."

Morgan Bears ready for shot at Towson Tigers in cross-town matchup

MSU Sports Information

TOWSON “TIGERS” (1-0, 0-0 CAA)
MORGAN STATE “BEARS” (1-0, 0-0 MEAC)
GAME #2
Saturday, September 8, 2007 • 4:00 p.m.
Hughes Stadium (Capacity 10,000) • Baltimore, Md.
RADIO: Morgan State Radio Network WEAA - 88.9 FM:
Rob Long (play-by-play) & Kelvin Bridgers (color).
INTERNET: www.MorganStateBears.com ; www.Towsontigers.com
INTERNET COVERAGE: Live Audio and Live Stats

Setting the Scene

• Fresh off its 47-7 victory over Savannah State last Thursday, the Bears will have their first big test of the season when they host the Towson Tigers on Sept. 8. Towson will be looking for its second win of the season after it stunned Central Connecticut 20-10 last week at Johnny Unitas Stadium. Meanwhile the Bears are looking to start a season 2-0 for the first time in 14 years.

• Towson is coming off a season-opening victory over Central Connecticut at last Thursday night. Sean Schaefer led the Tigers by throwing for 300 yards and he got a lot of help from Tommy Breaux (109 yds) and Rasheed McClaude (111 yds). Saturday night’s contest will mark the 20th meeting between the school’s with the Tigers holding a 14-5 advantage in the series.

• Coach Gordy Combs is one of 19 NCAA FCS coaches who is the head coach at his alma mater, he is one of only three head coaches who have never coached anywhere else. Alvin Wyatt of Bethune-Cookman and Bobby Lamb of Furman are the others. Of those 19 coaches, he has the second-longest tenure at his alma mater, trailing only Jimmy Laycock of William & Mary.

• QB Sean Schaefer will be one to watch as the Tigers prepare for the 2007 campaign. Schaefer returns as one of the top passers in the country and completed the 2006 season with 3,033 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. Schaefer looked sharp in the Tigers first game of the season as he completed 30-of-40 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown.

• MSU ballcarriers need to account for Towson inside linebacker Brian Bradford. Bradford (6-0, 285) led Towson’s defense last week by finishing with a total of 17 tackles (5 solo), a tackle for loss and a forced fumble and was selected CAA Defensive Player of the Week.

SUPER MARIO BROTHERS
QB Mario Melton will have his choice of talented targets when the Bears line-up for the 2007 season. WR Roderick Wolfe returns as one of the league’s top receivers, along with speedster Aaron Moore and dependable receivers Robert Surratt and Terrell White. Returning WR Jai Wilson is expected to wreak havoc as a slot receiver and MEAC preseason selection Rohnie Sykes will cause match-up problems from his tight end position. Melton looked sharp Last Thursday against Savannah State, the junior completed 10-of-17 passes for 112 yards and connected with Wolfe for a touchdown.

Osborne makes immediate impact for SSU

By Noell Barnidge, Savannah Morning News

Isaiah Osborne came to Savannah State to make an impact, and he made a difference in the Tigers' first football game.

Osborne, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound wide receiver, was SSU's leading receiver in a 47-7 loss at Morgan State last Thursday. The junior transfer from Vermilion Community College in Ely, Minn., made three catches for 60 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown from quarterback JaCorey Kilcrease with 8 minutes, 37 seconds to play.
Osborne's touchdown grab helped the Tigers avoid being shut out in a season opener for the first time since 1984.

When SSU (0-1) plays host to NCAA Division II Johnson C. Smith (1-0) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium in the Joe Turner Classic, Osborne expects to continue producing.

The Detroit native also wants to help SSU avenge last season's 27-6 loss to the Golden Bulls, who beat NAIA school Edward Waters 24-0 in this season's opener.
"I just want to win," Osborne said. "It doesn't matter what I do as long as the team wins. It felt good (to score a touchdown), but it's no consolation. We lost the game as a team.

"Me doing what I was doing, it wasn't good enough for the team. We play as a team and we want to win, not just get good stats."

Michigan native
Osborne is accustomed to helping to rebuild football programs like SSU, which finished 2-9 last season and 0-11 in 2005.

During his junior season at Southfield-Lathrup High School in Lathrup Village, Mich., the Chargers finished 2-7. As a senior, he helped Southfield-Lathrup finish 7-3 and advance to the state playoffs.

During Osborne's freshman season at Vermilion CC, the Ironmen finished 6-4. As a sophomore, he helped Vermilion finish 10-2 and win the Minnesota Community College Conference championship. The Ironmen were 11th in the National Junior College Athletic Association's final poll.

"It's always time to rebuild and get better," he said. "This would be the time, right now."

Last season at Vermilion, Osborne made 28 catches for 761 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games. He was named first-team All-Minnesota Community College Conference and an honorable-mention NJCAA All-American.

"He's a guy who's been under the lights and brings college experience," SSU second-year coach Theo Lemon said. "We've lost a couple of guys, so we're counting on him to come in and make an impact, and he's done that."

Lemon expects Osborne to emerge as a playmaker for SSU, which lost its top four receivers from last season. Lemon dismissed leading receiver Mark Williams, third-leading receiver Anthony Huntley and fourth-leading receiver Del Ben for violating unspecified team rules. Second-leading receiver Chad Cone was a senior last season.
"Isaiah has got the ability to get open and he's got great hands," Lemon said. "What I like about him the most is he's got game speed. He's actually faster in games than he is in practice."

Osborne never made a recruiting visit to SSU. He was discovered while SSU coaches were recruiting his Vermilion teammate, defensive back Javorris Jackson. The duo also played at Southfield-Lathrup.

"Savannah State wasn't recruiting me, but he was telling them about me," Osborne said of Jackson, his roommate at SSU. "They wanted me to come in and be a leader and show the guys how it is."

THE OSBORNE FILE

Hometown: Detroit

Position: Wide receiver

Year: Junior

Specs: 5-foot-11, 185 pounds

2006 statistics: Osborne had 28 receptions for 761 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games at Vermilion Community College in Ely, Minn.

Johnson C. Smith (1-0)

at Savannah State (0-1)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Memorial Stadium (T.A. Wright Stadium is being renovated during SSU's first three home games)

Radio: WHCJ 90.3 FM (Savannah)

Basketball recruiting report

-Matt Bracken, Baltimore Sun

Which of the local DI programs have impressed you lately in recruiting?

Todd Bozeman and the Morgan State Bears have been impressing lately with their recruiting. They landed three of the top 100 prospects in the Mid-Atlantic areas from the class of 2007. He brought some respect and stability back to the program, which the program had been missing for a long time.

UAPB running back Mallett expected to play

— Jeffrey Slatton, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Arkansas-Pine Bluff expects to have junior running back Martell Mallett available for tonight’s game at Alcorn State.

Mallett strained his quadriceps muscle in the first half of Saturday’s 16-9 loss at Mississippi Valley State.

“We feel that he’s going to be able to play,” UAPB Coach Maurice “Mo” Forte said. “He’s a little sore, but you have to play with soreness at times. Martell has been getting treatment and hopefully is going to be well enough that he can participate in the game.”

Mallett rushed for 229 yards in last season’s 42-14 victory over Alcorn State at Golden Lion Stadium. He gained 24 yards before his injury Saturday.

Quick turnaround gives UAPB Forte little time for answers

BY JEFFREY SLATTON, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

The calendar says five days. But when you factor in a rest day and a travel day, it’s seems much less.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Coach Maurice “Mo” Forte said it doesn’t matter how many days, his Golden Lions (0-1, 0-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference ) will be ready when they take on Alcorn State (0-1, 0-1 ) at 6: 30 tonight in Lorman, Miss., on ESPNU.

“You always would like to have a little more time to prepare. We’ve only had actually two days of preparation. We feel that we’re going to be ready to play,” Forte said.

UAPB opened the season with a 16-9 loss at Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, a game in which the Golden Lions’ offense sputtered to 70 rushing yards.

Is it better to come right back and play again, or would a bye week suit Forte more going into the second game ?

“We’d like to have more time, but we don’t have more time so that’s not going to change,” Forte said. “We always have a basic offense and a basic defense and everything else is just some offshoots of those things that you try to get ready for.”

Forte said UAPB had one of its longest practices of the season Tuesday before a walk-through Wednesday morning. Eliminating unforced errors was a focus. The Golden Lions fumbled four center-quarterback exchanges, losing two, in the loss to Mississippi Valley State. As a result, junior center Jonathan Porchia is expected to start at center over Patrick Kapuniai, who will move to another offensive line position.

“It is an area that we need to improve on. We didn’t play very well offensively, in particular on the offensive line. That’s one of the things we worked on this week. We’ve been working on it constantly,” Forte said. “We’ve got a lot of young kids that are playing up front. They’re good football players and one day they’ll be ready to play. Hopefully that day will be [tonight ].”

UAPB rushed 37 times for 70 yards, an average of 1. 9 yards per carry, against Mississippi Valley State. Quarterback Chris Wallace was the leading rusher with 38 yards. Martell Mallett gained 24 yards on five carries before straining a quadriceps muscle in the first half. Wallace completed 14 of 27 passes for 154 yards.

“We were very inconsistent in the things that we did. We had a couple of good runs, but not what we’re used to,” Forte said. “When you have a young offensive line you’re going to struggle at the beginning until they get the system down and understand what you’re trying to teach them as far as technique.”

Except for travel, Alcorn State is in a similar position after losing 31-10 at home to Grambling State on Saturday. The Braves had three turnovers and allowed a blocked punt.

“It was a struggle last week. We hope we’re getting better,” Forte said. “It’s a tough game every time we play Alcorn. We have to go out and fight and take it to them.”

UAPB vs. Alcorn State WHEN 6:30 tonight
WHERE Jack Spinks Stadium, Lorman, Miss.
RECORDS UAPB 0-1; Alcorn State 0-1
COACHES Maurice “ Mo’’ Forte (17-16 in fourth season at UAPB, 65-84-1 in 14th season overall ); Johnny Thomas (46-54 in 10th season at Alcorn State and overall)
LAST MEETING UAPB defeated Alcorn State 42-14 last season TV ESPNU RADIO KUAP-FM, 88.7,in Pine Bluff.

Alcorn may play No. 3 QB tonight

The Clarion-Ledger

THE ASU GAME
What: Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-1, 0-1 SWAC) at Alcorn State (0-1, 0-1)
When: Today, 6:30 p.m.
TV: ESPNU

It's a good thing Alcorn State's roster is deep in quarterbacks, because it sure looks like the Braves may need all of them this season.

Sophomore Tim Buckley, the third-string quarterback, is in line to start in tonight's game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff because of injuries to senior starter Chris Walker and junior backup Tony Hobson, Jr.

The game is at 6:30 p.m. at Jack Spinks Stadium. It will be nationally televised on ESPNU.

Buckley has never thrown a collegiate pass, but was Alcorn State's starting punter last season. He was a two-time Clarion-Ledger All-Metro selection as a quarterback during his junior and senior seasons at Madison Central.

"We know Buckley's going to be a good quarterback for us someday," Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas said. "We just hope he's ready to show that talent tomorrow in case we need him."

Walker suffered a deep quadriceps contusion in last Saturday's season-opening 31-10 loss to Grambling. He's tried to practice this week, but Thomas said progress has been slow and he'll be a game time decision today.

Hobson injured his throwing hand after hitting it on a defender's helmet Tuesday while trying to make a pass. The former Jim Hill standout was having X-rays taken late Wednesday to see if any bones were broken.

Hobson's availability today will depend on that news.

"It's unfortunate because quarterback's a spot where you'd like to have continuity," Thomas said. "But every team is dealing with injuries in football."

The Braves have had a lot of injuries already this season. Wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux (shoulder), defensive end Trentis Allen (knee) and offensive lineman Matt Hooper (hand) will all miss tonight's game.

Tight end Channin Pugh is out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

UAPB (0-1) lost to Mississippi Valley State 16-9 last Saturday. The Golden Lions are the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference West champions.

"(UAPB) will have a balanced attack that we have to deal with and match up with," Thomas said. "If we don't, it could be a very long night for us."

- David Brandt

20 years ago, Florida A&M pulled off a I-AA stunner; here's how it felt

We had no chance. None.

And then we won.

Sometimes upsets that just can't happen do and nobody is more surprised than the winner.

My role in helping Florida A&M stun Division I-AA top-ranked Georgia Southern 17-14 back in 1987 won't be remembered outside of a few hardcore fans in North Florida and South Georgia, but trust me, 20 years later, I know how good it feels to be Appalachian State this week.

You need a little perspective to appreciate this. When we won, we knocked Georgia Southern from No. 1 to nowheresville, all the way out of the Top 20.

Going in, the Eagles were the two-time defending national champs. They ran the vaunted "ham-bone" offense and their coach was the baldheaded tough guy Erk Russell, an icon of Southern football.

To us, Georgia Southern might as well have been Michigan. And we weren't close to being anybody's Appalachian State even.

We had lost our season-opener 23-0 to Division II Tuskegee and the Dunkel Index computer rating had us as 41-point underdogs. Even Appalachian State was given better odds last week when Michigan was favored by a mere 27 by Dunkel.

As huge underdogs, you practice hard and talk about how you're just as talented, but the big talk is really just pretend.

Maybe your dad gives you a "You can win!" pep talk. Meanwhile, your girlfriend just doesn't want you to get hurt and you just want to survive. I wanted to kick my first college field goal and get on the local news highlights.

But weird things seemed to be happening that night and it wasn't long until we realized the potential for a shocker.

Georgia Southern committed six turnovers and we trailed by seven instead of 30 in the third quarter. But the fact we could win and I could play a part didn't hit me until I trotted on the field with a chance to cut the score to 14-10.

I had been thinking it would be nice if we kept it close. Now my knees were shaking. Heck, I was even intimidated by Georgia Southern's kicker, Tim Foley, who could kick it farther than anybody I had ever seen in my life. He still owns the I-AA record with a 63-yarder.

But he missed twice that night. My knuckleballer -- even uglier than Appalachian State's game winner against Michigan -- just managed to drop over the crossbar. It was a 37-yarder that wouldn't have been good from 38.

One of the local papers later credited me with this nifty quote:

"First I kicked, then there was no sound. I looked up and my heart kind of sank, then I started praying. The record book won't say what it looked like, it will just say that I made it," I said.

Hey, that's how upsets happen. Some kid who had never been on the field makes a play.

Another turnover set up our second touchdown and a 17-14 lead early in the fourth. It was time to hold on. Every second on the scoreboard felt like an hour.

The Eagles were desperately trying to avoid being embarrassed. We were clinging to our moment of glory for dear life and our band, the famous "Marching 100" was pounding its drums and blasting its horns during timeouts. To be honest, I probably still thought we'd lose.

We had our own Appalachian State moment when Georgia Southern drove for what would've been the tying field goal, but Foley's 50-yarder with 8 seconds left missed

That's when our sideline broke loose. You would have thought we beat Michigan, too. I jumped on the back of Nick Maroulis, an offensive lineman and my roommate, as we mugged for the cameras.

Georgia Southern was stunned. I remember some of the Eagles were so mad they didn't want to shake our hands, although that may have been because we were running around the end zone like a bunch of 10-year-olds on the playground.

So you want to talk about an upset? I like the story about a 41-point underdog that knocked the top-ranked team in the country clear out of the polls. And I helped them do it.

Who cares if Georgia Southern pounded us by something like 30 points the next year? I've walked in Appalachian State's shoes. It still feels good.

By Jim Vertuno, Sports Writer

Showdown in Windy City for Jaguars and Delta Devils

By Troy Treasure, Delta Democrat Times

Delta Devils, Jaguars both 1-0 prior to meeting at Soldier Field in Chicago

ITTA BENA - Two Southwestern Athletic Conference teams fresh off season-opening wins are headed for a showdown Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Mississippi Valley State (1-0, 1-0) and Southern (1-0, 0-0) meet in a 4 p.m. kickoff.

This marks the third straight year for Valley to play in the Chicago Football Classic.

The Delta Devils are 2-0 in their first two appearances, beating Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Chicago the past two years.

MVSU coach Willie Totten believes that gives his team an edge over Southern.

“There are some distractions with a trip like this, but we know what goes into it. Our guys know it's all business when we get to Chicago,” Totten said.

It appears Valley's defense will get another test.

In MVSU's 16-9 Week 1 victory against UAPB, the Delta Devils' defense held the Golden Lions to 70 yards on 37 carries, a meager 1.9 yards per rush.

Photo: Mississippi Valley State's Ronald Brewer tries to avoid a tackle from Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Anton Williams in last week's season opener in Itta Bena. The Delta Devils won 16-9.

In Southern's 33-27 win against Florida A&M, the Jaguars pounded out 238 rushing yards, 5.5 per carry and four touchdowns. However, 90 of the total came on a 90-yard touchdown run by Darren Coates.

However, Southern's defense was not exactly the Great Wall of China against Florida A&M. The Jaguars yielded 434 total yards, 194 on the ground and 244 via the air.

In Valley's win against UAPB, Delta Devils' sophomore quarterback Paul Roberts was 15-of-27 passing for 153 yards and a touchdown.

MVSU will have to get its running game going against Southern, but Totten is optimistic.

“We think we match up well with Southern. I think we can run the ball on them,” Totten said.

The Delta Devils gained 30 yards on 35 carries against the Golden Lions. That number is slightly misleading because Valley lost 45 yards on four sacks. The output on the ground was the poorest by a SWAC team in Week 1 other than Jackson State being held to -29 yards rushing against Delta State.

“Most of our problems were mental mistakes in the second

half,” said Totten, whose team mustered just 45 yards and three first downs after halftime. “We had some penalties that we weren't able to overcome and we had a couple of freshmen fullbacks blow assignments and our young quarterback made some bad reads. The good news is that all of that is correctable.

“We've got a lot of work to do, but we scored when had to. Our defense will have to carry us early while our offense puts it all together.”

Valley's total of 183 yards offense against UAPB was also the lowest in the conference other than JSU's output of 122.

The SWAC's Week 2 slate of games gets underway Thursday as UAPB travels to Lorman and a contest with Alcorn State. The Braves were ripped by Grambling State 31-10 in their opener as Tigers' quarterback Brandon Landers threw for 303 yards, 198 to receiver Reginal Jackson.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Jackson State will try to bounce back from its 25-17 loss at home to Delta State with a date against Tennessee State of the Ohio Valley Conference at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis.

Others games have Alabama A&M hosting Clark, Alabama State at Texas Southern while Prairie View A&M meets North Carolina A&T in Los Angeles.

FAMU Rattlers fans fired up for home opener with DSU

THIS IS OUR HOUSE!

Howard drops home opener to Georgetown

Photo: Monique McCoy, Fr. 5-7, DS/L, Las Vegas Durango HS, NV

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Monique McCoy had a match-high 12 digs but it was not enough as Georgetown downed Howard 3-0 (30-27, 30-23, 30-27) in the women's volleyball home opener Tuesday night at Burr Gymnasium.

The Lady Bison (0-7) got a team-high eight kills from Gazelle d'Artois. Elyssa Lee and Janel James added four kills each while Morgan Maxwell chipped in with 20 set-assists. Lee and James also picked up nine kills on the defensive end.

Photo: Kimberly Watson, So. 6-2, MB, Archbishop Carroll HS, Glendale, MD



The Hoyas (1-6) were paced by Jessica Hardy's 15 kills. Allison Kern led the squad in digs with nine.

Howard held Georgetown to a .037 hitting percentage in the second game and picked up 16 blocked shots compared to nine by the Hoyas.

HU is off for a week, next returning to action on Tuesday, Sept. 11 with a non-conference match against UMBC at Baltimore, Md.

Black College Football Videogame BCFx

Nerjyzed Entertainment Announces Black College Football Videogame BCFx. Videogame to Showcase Classic HBCU Rivalries, Interactive Halftime Shows, Original Music and High Intensity Game Play.

Nerjyzed Launched a Multi-Market Road Show Labor Day Weekend To Give Fans a Hands-on Experience with the Game

BATON ROUGE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nerjyzed Entertainment, Inc., a privately held, African American owned digital entertainment company, announced today the launch of its new sports videogame, Black College Football Experience. An authentic, action-packed football game created using the Unreal 3.0 engine, BCFx is a cultural experience that puts players and fans into the heart of black college football. The game will be supported by a 12-week promotional road tour to HBCU campuses, Classics and homecoming games. BCFx will be available for the PC this November 2007.

“Nerjyzed Entertainment was founded by a veteran team whose mission is to create positive interactive products for the urban market,” said Jacqueline Beauchamp, chief executive officer of Nerjyzed Entertainment, Inc. “As HBCU alumni and black college football enthusiasts, we’re proud that BCFx honors our rich tradition and provides an incredibly fun football game for the whole family to play.”

BCFx is a sports game that captures the unique culture of the black college football experience, fusing advanced videogame design with music, and entertainment. Nerjyzed has secured an exclusive 5-year licensing agreement with three HBCU conferences including the SWAC, SIAC, and CIAA, several schools within the MEAC as well as independent HBCUs. The game features more than 40 teams, bands and mascots; interactive halftime shows; realistic stadiums; play-by-play commentary; and ten authentic Classics. For more information about BCFx, the latest game trailers, fight song ring-tones, behind-the-scenes video footage and the BCFx Road Show schedule, go to www.nerjyzed.com.

About Nerjyzed Entertainment

Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Nerjyzed Entertainment, Inc. is a privately held, African American owned digital entertainment media development and publishing company. Founded in 2003 by a team of professional entrepreneurs sharing the passion to create positive interactive products for the underserved urban market, the company is the first videogame company to be certified as a participant in Louisiana’s highly successful digital media tax incentive program. Nerjyzed’s executive team has decades of experience in technology, interactive entertainment and mainstream media, holding top-level positions at companies such as Microsoft, Sony, Motorola, IBM, Electronic Arts, Nickelodeon, ABC Radio Networks, DNA Productions, Mythic Entertainment, and Bethesda Softworks. The team also holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from esteemed HBCUs including Southern University, Howard University, Florida A&M University as well as from other top universities throughout the country.

WSSU's game vs. North Carolina A&T made tidy profit

The Journal and The Sun News

■ Exact figures won’t be available until later this week, but Winston-Salem State’s game against N.C. A&T on Saturday appears as if it will be a major windfall for WSSU. Athletics Director Chico Caldwell said he’s hoping for a profit of at least $200,000.

“I feel real good about the turnout and about the atmosphere around the game,” Caldwell said.

The game, a 28-7 WSSU victory, drew one of the biggest crowds in Bowman Gray Stadium history, about 22,000 according to Caldwell. Caldwell said that some fans had to be turned away during the fourth quarter because of traffic jams around the stadium.

“We just couldn’t let anymore people in,” Caldwell said.

“It was a nice problem to have.”

The Rams have three home games left, against Hampton (Oct. 27), Delaware State (Nov. 3) and N.C. Central (Nov. 10).

“I heard even some of the naysayers who questioned our move from Division II talk about what a great atmosphere it was,” Caldwell said. “This is the first year we ever charged for parking, so that helped as well.”

■CONWAY, S.C. When asked about quarterback Ren McKinnon on Tuesday, the initial reaction from Coastal Carolina head coach David Bennett and quarterbacks coach Kevin Brown was quiet and somber; downcast eyes and slight shakes of their heads.

McKinnon, who missed last season due to an injury, had battled his way back this summer to put himself in contention for the starting quarterback job only to suffer another season-ending injury Saturday at Delaware State University.

Bennett said during his teleconference Tuesday that the hip fracture McKinnon sustained will sideline him for the season.

"You're not going to find a better kid," Bennett said.

McKinnon was not at practice Tuesday, and Bennett did not say if the redshirt senior would apply for a sixth year of eligibility.

McKinnon's injury is rarely seen on the football field. The force of the hit Saturday produced a concussive impact between his right femur and right hip socket.

"It's not as bad as Bo Jackson's injury," said Bennett over the former NFL star. "But it is similar."

■ With McKinnon out of the picture for Coastal Carolina, redshirt junior Will Richardson will start the home opener against Winston-Salem State at 7 p.m. Saturday. Richardson also started Saturday's game, rotating series with McKinnon until the injury.

The blow could also have a trickle down effect on freshman Jamie Childers, who shared second-string snaps with Sean Fortson at practice Tuesday and might lose his redshirt status later this season depending on circumstance.

■ Next game: Winston-Salem State Rams at Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

When 7 p.m. Saturday

Where Brooks Stadium, Conway, S.C.

TV None

Radio WJXY-FM, 93.9; WIQB-AM, 1050

5th Quarter: WSSU Rams vs NCAT Aggies Band

SWAC Team Notes

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Grambling
First-year Grambling coach Rod Broadway didn’t sound impressed with his team before a 31-10 victory at Alcorn State and he wasn’t impressed after.

“We’ve got to get much better. &hellip The way we played Saturday isn’t good enough to compete in this league,” said Broadway, who counted 14 points his team didn’t score. “I don’t know if we’re good enough right now.”

Quarterback Brandon Landers (303 yards, four TDs) was the SWAC Offensive Player of the Week, and true freshman running back Frank Warren (143 yards on 30 carries), the son of the late New Orleans Saints defensive end of the same name, was the SWAC Newcomer of the Week.

Broadway said Warren should have had 200 yards.

“We expect more out of him,” Broadway said. “We get him one-on-one on a safety, and he has to win some of those.”

Broadway did at least say his team had a “chance to be good.”

Grambling had 37 passes, with 11 first downs through the air, and 37 rushes, with nine first downs rushing, Saturday. &hellip Senior WR Reginald Jackson had six catches for a career-high 198 yards and two TDs. He had 12 catches and two TDs all last season. &hellip Senior Clyde Edwards had three catches, two for TDs. Edwards has a TD grab in his last four games and 10 of his last 12. He has 25 in his career.

Jackson State
Jackson State coach Rick Comegy said he was upset Ron Roberts, a first-year coach at Division II power Delta State, told him the Statesmen had tapes of JSU, even though the two schools did not exchange tapes. Comegy said he had no film on Delta State, which won 27-15.

Comegy said he was worried the same would happen this week, with Tennessee State.

“It hurts me to know our conference (teams) are sending film on us,” Comegy said. “I just think (SWAC Interim Commissioner) Duer Sharp has to have a handle on our conference teams sending film to other people.”

Sharp said, “That’s something we’ll look into.”
JSU may replace QB Jimmy Oliver (7-for-20, 93 yards, one TD, one INT) with Tray Rutland (4-for-14, 58 yards, two INTs), a Mississippi State transfer. &hellip RB Erik Haw, sprained ankle, and Cordy Hull, a Southern Miss transfer who was ineligible, did not play Saturday, but Comegy said he expected both to play against TSU. &hellip The offense totaled 122 yards Saturday.

Alabama State
Chris Mitchell, a junior-college transfer who was 10-for-11 for 206 yards and two TDs off the bench in a 24-19 win over Jacksonville State, has surpassed incumbent Alex Engram, a 43.1-percent passer last season who was 3-for-6 for 44 yards and an INT.

“He gave us a spark,” said first-year Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow, quarterbacks coach the last two years. “He has all the measurables, and he has a calm presence about him. He gives us the opportunity to get some things done downfield. We just weren’t sure how well he knew the system.”

Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Marquee RBs Martell Mallett (23 yards on five carries) and Mickey Dean (19 yards on nine carries) fizzled and UAPB suffered four sacks Saturday in a 16-9 loss at Valley. The opener confirmed the concern of rebuilding the offensive line, with three to four new starters. Mallett was knocked out with a hip injury.

“We knew we were going to have some problems with our offensive line,” UAPB coach Mo Forte said. “We have to get that fixed. In order to get your running game going, you have to get your offensive line going.”

Notes
Saturday, SWAC teams will play in Chicago (Southern vs. Valley), Pittsburgh (Grambling at Pitt), Memphis (Jackson State vs. Tennessee State) and Los Angeles (PVAM vs. North Carolina A&T). Alcorn QB Chris Walker will be out after getting injured Saturday. The Braves will go with Tony Hobson or Tim Buckley.

Alabama A&M turns to big play

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Alabama A&M has carved a solid defensive reputation for itself.

So what were the Bulldogs — after losing so many offensive players from last season’s team — doing Saturday night when they put up 49 points?

“In the second half, our kids made some big plays,” said Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones as the Bulldogs beat Tennessee State 49-23. “We kept going and kept going.”

A&M had four touchdowns of 25 yards or more. Plus, after Tennessee State closed to 14-13 three minutes into the second half, the Bulldogs pulled away with three TDs in a 5-minute span.

A&M, with 147 rushing yards and 303 passing yards, had its best scoring output since a 52-6 decision over Jackson State in November 2005.

“Everything we saw Saturday, we saw at one point during training camp,” Jones said.

A&M had lost running backs Nic Luke and Ta’Mar Scott, three of its top four receivers and three senior offensive linemen, with three linemen making their first starts. Only one player, fullback Kevin McCants, had a collegiate carry until Saturday — and McCants didn’t get a touch anyway.

The Bulldogs still have senior quarterback Kelcy Luke.
“Kelcy Luke played very good football, and our offense just exploded on them,” Jones said. “And our defense, in the last three quarters, played excellent football.”

Luke was 18-for-29 for 261 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception. He ran for 37 yards and another touchdown.

“He’s going to use what he has. He makes very few mistakes,” Jones said. “He helped some guys grow up. He let them get their first catch, their first run. Guys responded well. Our team speed has improved.”

The former Auburn transfer has been A&M’s No. 1 quarterback for the last two seasons (after alternating in 2004).

“He’s the leader of this team. He’s the team captain, again,” Jones said.

Sophomore wide receiver Thomas Harris had 100 yards and one TD, a 44-yarder. Last season, he totaled 327 yards and two TDs.

Freshman Anthony Green, not listed on the team’s two-deep chart, had the most carries among the running backs, getting 41 yards on 10 touches. He scored from 25 yards and 1 yard.

Two-time All-SWAC tight end Charles Moody, a senior, also had three catches for 43 yards.

“To be able to score 49 points, the defense gave us short field to work with (including free safety Al Donaldson’s 45-yard interception return),” Jones said.

The sticking point, to A&M, is Luke has never been All-Southwestern Athletic Conference despite leading the Bulldogs to the SWAC title game each of the last two seasons.

“I don’t know how well (Luke is known in the conference), because he can’t get any honors,” Jones said.

As for the defense, which had eight starters back but also had to replace linebacker Johnny Baldwin, strong safety Marcus Black and defensive lineman Kevin Lockhart, Jones said he liked the improvement as the game progressed.

“They had to get used to the game speed,” Jones said. “We made mistakes in the early going, bent but not broke.”

Southern OL handles pressure

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

So far, so good.

That’s the assessment of Southern’s offensive line after one game, a 33-27 win over Florida A&M.

The line lost five veterans to academic issues since the spring, and sophomore center Ramon Chinyoung still has yet to be cleared. Yet the Jaguars were still able to have a balanced outing, running for 238 yards and passing for 215.

SU allowed two sacks, with one of those coming as quarterback Bryant Lee took too much time checking through his progression of receivers, what’s known as a “coverage sack.”

SU (1-0) plays Mississippi Valley State (1-0, 1-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) at 4 p.m. Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago.

“What we’re going to need is to develop the chemistry, and that will bring confidence,” Southern coach Pete Richardson said. “But that’s going to take time.

“They held up well at times. We did some things, offensive scheme-wise, and that helped them out a great deal. The more reps they get, the better they’ll be. They’ll just have to be fortunate to stay away from any type of injuries.”

The Jaguars went with a mix-and-match line.

Senior tight end Trent Thomas moved inside to left tackle. &hellip Junior Rafael Louis moved from tackle to left guard. &hellip Junior Reuben Oliver, who has mainly been a tackle, started at right guard Saturday, with redshirt freshman Rodrell Stewart spelled him. &hellip And senior Demarcus Stewart worked at center, where he started last season, but taking him away from guard, necessitating the move of Oliver.

The only lineman who stayed put was junior right tackle Myles Williams.

The line cleared the way for a 90-yard touchdown run on the Jaguars’ first offensive play, helped SU overcome an eight-point halftime deficit with 21 unanswered points and stood its ground for a game that lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes.

“They did real well,” Lee said. “They had a couple of missed assignments here and there. I told the receivers before the game, they say the offensive line is real thin and weak, but we have to ride with them and roll with them until the wheels fall off.”

Roberts does OK
Valley sophomore quarterback Paul Roberts was 15-for-27 for 153 yards and one touchdown, a pretty 15-yard toss to Abner Brown along the left side of the end zone, in Saturday’s 16-9 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

He was also sacked four times.

“My biggest concern was at quarterback,” Valley coach Willie Totten said. “He made some mistakes early, but he held his composure. We knew Pine Bluff would be a very physical team. We tried to stay base and let the quarterback get his feet wet.”

Roberts was 17-for-33 for 233 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions last season. He started twice, though once (against Alabama A&M) just for a quarter as Aries Nelson was being disciplined. Nelson, the SWAC’s preseason offensive player of the year, had started the previous three seasons.

“It’s different being a backup and now being a starter,” Totten said. “&hellip Our quarterback has to grow up fast.”

Midwestern ties
Southern has one player from Chicago: true freshman LB Sir Edward Staten from Homewood-Flossmoore. The Jaguars also have other Midwesterners in injured WR Corderious Gregory (Cleveland) and true freshman DE Ted Jones (Akron).

Valley has three players from Chicago: starting RB Johey Hargrett, second-team All-SWAC OL Thaddeaus Coleman and OL Taylor Bryant. The Delta Devils have seven others from the Midwest: FB Markeef McBride (Milwaukee), DE Fred Poole (Cleveland), DB James Harris (Cleveland), DT Austin Robert (Columbus, Ohio), LB Kevin Golden (University Heights, Ohio), DL Issac Jones (Grand Rapid, Mich.) and OL Tilden Trotter (Grandview, Mo.).

Notes
Richardson is 11-3 in SWAC openers in his 14 seasons (losing in 1996, 2000 and 2005). He’s also 88-27 (76.5 percent) against members currently in the SWAC — even after going 8-10 the last two seasons. Valley’s two kickers are from Hawaii (Zack Gilarski) and England (Jamie Witworth). SU’s total of four rushing TDs Saturday was its most since notching four against Lincoln in 2003. Valley DT Ronald Green was on The Sports Network’s preseason football championship subdivision All-American third team, with SU FS Jarmaul George on the second team.

Southern University Human Jukebox Band

JSU Football: Tigers' QB battle rekindled

By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

'Now we've got to find the one that fits best'

THE JSU GAME
What: Jackson State (0-1) vs. Tennessee State (0-1), at Memphis
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
TV: FSN South

Senior Jimmy Oliver's got the proven track record and magical elusiveness in the pocket. Sophomore Tray Rutland possesses the golden left arm and willingness to study game film until he's kicked out of the coaches' offices.

Blend them together and you'd have the ideal quarterback. But that isn't a realistic option for Jackson State coach Rick Comegy.

Instead, he has to make a choice that's been harder than expected. What started as a preseason quarterback competition has now spilled over into September.

"We like them both, but they have very different styles," Comegy said. "Now we've got to find the one that fits with this team and gives us the best chance to win."

And the competition between the two is basically wide-open once again after a dismal offensive showing in last Saturday's season-opening 27-15 loss to Delta State.

Against the Statesmen, both quarterbacks struggled mightily, though part of that was due to a shaky offensive line and non-existent running game.

Oliver started and was 7-of-20 passing for 93 yards, a touchdown and an interception. In relief, Rutland was 4-of-14 passing with two interceptions.

After looking at Saturday's game tape, Comegy weighed moving Rutland into the starting role, but reconsidered after realizing the DSU game was not a good barometer for either quarterback.

"Both boys were really under extreme heat (from Delta State's defense)," Comegy said. "I've got a lot of confidence in those guys that they can get the job done. I wouldn't want to be unfair to Jimmy. I think it's going to take a week to try and see which guy comes out of the pack."

Oliver, who threw for more than 1,900 yards last season as a junior, says he's fine with uncertainty.

"It really doesn't affect me," Oliver said. "I'll go out and work hard, just like I have the past two years. Then coach will make a decision and I'll deal with it."

The first day of competition on Tuesday was anticlimactic because Oliver has an afternoon class, so he wasn't on the field. In his absence, Rutland took almost all the snaps.

Rutland says he has a strong relationship with offensive coordinator James Woody, and that's served him well in his first season at JSU.

"You've got to be eye-to-eye with the offensive coordinator because he's your leader," Rutland said. "Then it's my job to take what he gives me and make things click."

Rutland's downside is a lack of experience that includes just five career college games last season with Mississippi State as a redshirt freshman. He completed just 41.7 percent of his passes at MSU, for 151 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions.

Though Rutland's more traditional quarterback qualities and studious nature are attractive, Comegy said he won't discount Oliver's knack for getting results despite an aversion to the film room.

Last season, Oliver was first in the SWAC in total offense (222.9 yards per game), second in pass efficiency (144.9 rating) and third in passing yards per game (173.3).

But Oliver's sometimes aloof personality has been maddening for the coaching staff.

"Sometimes it's 'Is Jimmy coming to play or is he not?'" Comegy said. "I do believe he comes to play (physically) every week, but mentally (we're worried) about him being with everything we're trying to get into the offense."

Legendary Jackson State WR Smith honored

By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

Cruising around Jackson State’s football practice last week, former Tiger great Jimmy Smith said he’s impressed by the direction of the program under second-year coach Rick Comegy.

“I think the combination of Comegy, (athletic director) Bob Braddy and (president) Dr. Ronald Mason is perfect for growth of this school and this program,” Smith said. “I was thrilled they reached out to me and wanted me to be more involved with the school and the team.”

Smith, who played at JSU from 1988 to 1991, was also one of the NFL’s premier receivers during a 14-year career spent mostly with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He retired in 2005 with 862 career receptions for 12,287 yards and 67 touchdowns. Both his career catches and career yards rank in the Top 11 in NFL history.

Smith attended JSU’s game against Delta State on Saturday and was honored at halftime. He received a framed replica of his game jersey engraved with his name and career stats.

In four seasons at JSU, he caught 110 passes for 2,073 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Smith has a house in Madison, but spends much of his time living in Jacksonville.

“We’re trying to set up some things in Jacksonville to work with young kids to give them some direction,” Smith said. “When I was a kid I never had that. I’d like to eventually get something going in Jackson as well.”

INJURY REPORT

Senior tight end Marcel Frost (leg) continues to work into game shape and has been cleared for full contact. He could be ready for Saturday’s game against Tennessee State, though the Sept. 13 game against Texas Southern is a more likely goal ... Running back L.D. Briscoe (toe) missed part of practice, but should be back tomorrow ... Running back Erik Haw (ankle), who didn’t play in the 27-15 loss to Delta State, was back in full pads and should play on Saturday vs. TSU.

Running Back reinforcements on the way for FAMU

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Florida A&M head football coach Rubin Carter is hoping to get some reinforcements in time for Saturday's home opener against MEAC opponent Delaware State.

Senior running back Anthony Edwards is expected to be among those reinforcements Friday. Edwards, FAMU's leading rusher in 2006, missed most of preseason camp with arthritis in his foot and did not travel with the team to Birmingham, Ala., for Saturday's season opener against Southern.

FAMU statistically did well rushing the ball (194 yards, 3 touchdowns), particularly freshman Philip Sylvester out of Marianna High School, who rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns against Southern.

There were several short-yardage and goal-line situations, however where FAMU's running game faltered. Edwards at 5-11, 230 pounds thrived in those type of situations last season.

"With his ability to run the ball, he should be able to complement Philip Sylvester," Carter said about Edwards. "We're looking forward to getting him back in the fold.

"Anthony understands his role in goal-line situations and third- and fourth-and-one situations. There were places within the game where we could have placed him in a position to help us execute and sustain drives."

Edwards, a 2007 preseason All-MEAC Second Team selection, looked strong in practice Tuesday and said he is ready to play against Delaware State.

"I feel like there were places where I could have helped the team a lot," Edwards said. "At the same time, I feel that the team was good enough to be able to do it without me. It's been three years, and I haven't beaten Delaware State yet. We got to take it to them."

Sophomore running back Demitric Henry is also expected to play Saturday after traveling to Birmingham but not playing Saturday. Henry, the team's second leading rusher last season, has been recovering from a pulled hamstring suffered in preseason camp.

FAMU Marching 100: Song--SOS

DSU Hornets seek to shake FAMU Rattlers

Photo: DSU Head Coach Al Lavan

By Chris Gasiewski, Delaware State News

DOVER — The rush of victory has already dissipated. Delaware State’s 23-18 win over then-No. 23 ranked Coastal Carolina Saturday brought a celebration and then immediate focus on the next foe.

And that opponent — Florida A&M — presents a number of challenges for DSU. When the Hornets walk into Bragg Memorial Stadium, which seats 25,500, 6 p.m. Saturday, the quest for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title begins.

“They have such a great tradition over the years,” DSU coach Al Lavan said. “The band is playing all over the place. It’s just an atmosphere you have to prepare your team for.”

The game is both teams’ MEAC openers as it has been for the past two seasons.

Back in 2005, Lavan trooped the Hornets to Tallahassee, Fla. for a game in which a very green, red-shirt quarterback Vashon Winton helped DSU escape with a 21-17 win in his first start.

Last season, the Hornets forfeited a home game to face FAMU in the Ford Football Classic in Detroit. DSU overpowered the Rattlers 34-14 in that game.

“I expect Coach Lavan and DSU to be as good as they have been the last two years,” FAMU coach Rubin Carter said. “They have been the thorn in our side. They have key players that we have to stop.

“Winton is very active. Then, Kareem Jones, he is a pretty good player. He has cutback abilty. And of course with (Shaheer) McBride, they have a triple threat.”

That trio keyed the offense against Coastal Carolina.

Winton, a former MEAC Rookie of the Year, was his former self after breaking his leg last season. He tossed two touchdown passes to McBride. Jones, a transfer from Syracuse, rushed for 171 yards on 24 carries.

But Florida A&M also has talent in the skill positions.

Quarterback Albert Chester II heads the charge, returning after tossing for a MEAC-high 198.6 yards per game last season. He was also tops in the conference in total offense (230.6 yards per game).

Saturday, in the Rattlers’ 33-27 loss to Southern in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, Chester again proved his ability, producing a 106.96 passer rating.

“It’s much of the same anytime you go against Florida A&M,” Lavan said. “They’ve got good players with tremendous speed. Our challenge is to go into the Rattlers’ nest and come out alive.

“Anytime you play a Florida A&M you have to be ready for skill people.”

Reeves honored

Maybe it was the beard he grew during summer camp, but linebacker Russell Reeves played perhaps his best game as a Hornet Saturday.

The Mechanicsville, Md., native had 12 tackles, including seven solo, a sack and two pass breakups. He also dropped a potential interception in the second quarter.

It earned Reeves the MEAC’s Defensive Player of the Week award.

Lavan pleased

Lavan said he wasn’t surprised but pleased with the performance of several players from Saturday. Mostly, it was with Jones and his endurance and free safety Reggie McCoy, who had three tackles and blanketed receivers.

He also gave recognition to Jackie Watkins, who made his first start at outside linebacker, and Laronne Moore, who took a reverse for long yardage deep into Coastal territory that set up McBride’s second touchdown catch.

Also, Lavan acknowledged defensive back Frances Adjei for blocking an extra point in the fourth quarter.

“That was a turning point,” Lavan said. “That was his play. He did the same thing in practice.

“I can go on and on and pick out instances where guys have improved.”

New goal for line

Last year, the offensive line prided itself on giving Emmanuel Marc enough room to reach the 1,000-yard mark. He was DSU’s first running back to reach the milestone since 2001.

Now, with Jones behind them, the unit has a new goal to reach.

“We’re trying to get Kareem 1,500 (yards) this year,” sophomore center Nick Richmond said. “We also want to rush for about 2,200 (as a team).”

Jones and the line certainly took a big step toward that mark on Saturday.

Not ranked yet

Saturday’s win still wasn’t enough for DSU to crack into the Sports Network’s Top 25 poll. DSU received 192 points, which equates to a No. 27 ranking.