'Growing pains' plague Alcorn Braves in loss

By Matt Burrowes, The Natchez Democrat

LORMAN — Offensive woes and key defensive break-downs were the culprit in the Alcorn State University Braves 21-3 lost to University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.

“We played inconsistently tonight,” ASU head coach Johnny Thomas said. “The inconsistency was the result of our quarterback position.”

Thomas said Tony Hobson Jr. was the planned starter, after Chris Walker suffered a severe thigh bruise in the Grambling game last week. But Hobson injured his throwing hand in practice earlier this week.

Thomas went to plan C and started an inexperienced Tim Buckley, but soon replaced him with the injured Walker.

“We weren’t expecting Chris to play at all this week,” Thomas said. “After a visit to the hospital Wednesday and Chris not feeling much pain, we knew he would be able to take some reps, we didn’t know how much.”

Alcorn’s first scoring opportunity came on their second drive of the game. On a second down play from the 4-yard line, Walker hit Nate Hughes for a 52-yard gain. The Braves worked the ball down inside the red zone only to get stopped. Alexander Oelfke’s 41-yard field goal attempt sailed left.

The Braves wouldn’t get another scoring attempt in the first half.

UAPB capitalized on the excellent field position from their own 40 that resulted from a short ASU punt late in the second quarter.

It only took UAPB four plays to put the ball in the end zone from a 21-yard pass to Jason Heflin from quarterback Chris Wallace.

“The defense played well tonight,” Thomas said. “We just gave up some big plays at the wrong times.”

The second half didn’t fair much better for the Braves. Their best drive of the night came in the third quarter.

They sustained a 41-yard drive that stalled on the 2-yard line and the Braves were only able to get three points, from Oelfke.

“Every time we got in scoring position, we got bogged down,” Thomas said. “We are still having growing pains on the offensive line and it’s going to take time to get there.”

A UAPB touchdown pass from Johnathan Moore to Demetrice Beverly with 4:14 left in the third quarter took the wind out of the Braves for good.

“Our defense gave us the chances to score,” UAPB head coach Maurice Forte said. “We are still a long way from where we need to be but the win tonight was good for us.”

The Golden Lions wore the Braves down in the fourth quarter tacking on a final touchdown off a 5-yard run from Martell Mallett.

“Not being able to control the ball hurt us tonight,” Thomas said. “Our defense was on the field way too long. They wore us down.”

Thomas said he was disappointed in the way things were going so far this season.

“We need to be 50 percent and we aren’t there,” Thomas said. “I’m frustrated and disappointed. It’s my job to keep the players and coaches up. We have to come out next week and work on the things that are killing us.”

Alcorn travels to University of Alabama-Birmingham on Sept. 15. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Jackson State Tigers AD open to DSU rematch

- David Brandt

Jackson State athletic director Bob Braddy said he would "absolutely consider" playing Delta State again next season, despite a 27-15 loss to the Division II team on Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

On top of the loss, Jackson State also paid Delta State $25,000 to make the short trip to Jackson for the game.

"We think it's a really good game, but we'll have to sit down with Delta State's athletic director (Jeremy McClain) and see what we want to do," Braddy said. "We were disappointed, but not embarrassed to lose to Delta State because we know they've got a quality football program."


Braddy said the only drawback on Saturday had nothing to do with the product on the field. Instead, it was a small Delta State crowd following that appeared to be less than 1,000 people.

The announced attendance for the game was 12,667.

McClain said he thought the Statesmen fans would travel better in the future.

"I think some of our fans kind of had a 'wait and see' approach," McClain said. "But I think once this builds into a bigger rivalry, it'll be a great game for both teams."

SPEAKS A BRIGHT SPOT

In his first game in a Jackson State uniform, middle linebacker Marcellus Speaks finished with a team-high 10 tackles.

But the junior transfer from Delta State wasn't pleased with the loss or his performance.

"It hurt to lose to my old team, plus I missed way too many tackles," Speaks said. "I may have had 10, but I should have had 20 if I had wrapped up a little better."

SEASON TICKETS ARE UP

Braddy said about 6,000 football season tickets were sold for the season, a marked increase from the approximately 2,500 sold last season.

MEAC turning to coaches with experience at I-A, NFL levels

By KRISTIAN POPE, The News Journal

Recent hiring trends add to depth, variety of conference's staffs

DOVER -- Joe Taylor flipped through a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football guide, and with each page his eyes grew more weary.

"We have coaches from the SEC and Big Ten," said Taylor, football coach at Hampton University, as he recently discussed his league counterparts. "We've grown tremendously. You really have to be ready to play nowadays."

Now, Taylor is the ultimate homer for the MEAC. But his point was not exaggerated. The MEAC, long a conference known for hiring coaches with prior league experience, has been busy the past five years catching up to the rest of college football.

And, in turn, coaches from nonhistorically black colleges have eyed the MEAC as a legitimate conference in which to build a program.

Five of the past six head coaches hired in the MEAC gained a major part of their experience in the NFL or NCAA Division I-A ranks. The two most recent -- Howard's Carey Bailey and North Carolina A&T's Lee Fobbs -- have resumes nearly devoid of HBCU or Division I-AA experience.

"In the very short period that I've been here, the level of teaching has improved," DSU coach Al Lavan said. "Teams are much better prepared than when I first got here."

Lavan spent more than 30 years in the NFL and Division I-A. His experience outside the MEAC was pinpointed by the school's search committee as a reason for hiring Lavan.

Photo: Coach Al Lavan, DSU

The head coach of Lavan's next opponent has a similar background. Florida A&M coach Rubin Carter, now in his third season, played 12 years with the NFL's Denver Broncos (1975-1986) and appeared in two Super Bowls (1978, 1987). He arrived in 2004 from Temple University, where he was the defensive line coach after working as an assistant with the NFL's Jets, Broncos and Redskins.

Carter took the job, once considered the plum of MEAC coaching assignments, despite the loss of 14 scholarships following an NCAA investigation in 2005 into the program under former coach Billy Joe.

DSU (1-0) heads to Tallahassee, Fla., for its MEAC opener against FAMU (0-1) on Saturday. Kickoff at Bragg Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.

"It's been tough; we were in a transitional period prior to my arrival," Carter said. "You deal with the loss of scholarships but you still have to find a way to win."

The recent coaching trend began in 2002 at South Carolina State. Buddy Pough spent three seasons coaching running backs for Lou Holtz at the University of South Carolina. He took over in 2002 for longtime coach Willie Jeffries. In five seasons, Pough has gone 29-10 in the MEAC.

The league's most recent hires extended the trend. Fobbs at A&T spent eight seasons at I-A schools, most recently at Texas A&M, before being hired by A&T in 2006.

And last winter, former Minnesota defensive assistant Bailey was hired by Howard University. Before that, Bailey was at Oklahoma State.

Bailey said his experience has put added pressure to win on the program. That's why he also hired assistants with working knowledge of the MEAC, including former DSU defensive coordinator Andre Creamer.

"I've followed the league and compare it to the Pac-10 in that you don't know who you're playing week to week," Bailey said. "You always want to put more pressure on yourself; that's how you get a successful program."

Lavan said he believes the newcomers are helping change the conference's reputation.

"It's the variety of experience that's important," Lavan said. "We all bring something different. It's a shared experience."

Defense tough for MVSU

Photo: SU Head Football Coach Pete Richardson

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Getting game tape on Mississippi Valley State was an absolute must for Southern’s coaching staff this week.

Why?

Because Valley has a new defensive coordinator in Dennis “Dirt” Winston and a host of junior-college transfers infused into that unit.

And that defense just shut down Arkansas-Pine Bluff, which is loaded with offensive talent (although rebuilding its offensive line), Saturday in Valley’s 16-9 victory.

“(The film) helped out a great deal, as far as personnel,” Southern coach Pete Richardson said.

UAPB coach Mo Forte said Tuesday he wished he’d have had the benefit of some film for his team’s preparation.

Martel Mallett (23 yards on five carries) went out with a strained quad. Mickey Dean (19 carries on nine yards) was ineffective. Quarterback Chris Wallace, the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, was 14-for-27 for 154 yards, getting sacked four times. And Valley recovered two fumbles.

“More than anything else, defensively, they really closed down Arkansas-Pine Bluff,” Richardson said. “They’re putting a lot of pressure on the quarterback. They’re bringing pressure from all over.

“I thought Valley did an outstanding job of scheming them. They played a lot of man-to-man coverage on the outside, put eight-man fronts on them and really dared them to throw the football.”

Valley’s defense held UAPB to a field goal in the second quarter and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Delta Devils stopped Dean for no gain on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line late in the third quarter and Jeremy Fisher for a 1-yard loss on fourth-and-goal at the 4 early in the fourth quarter.

“Our defense rose to the occasion,” Valley head coach Willie Totten said. “That’s what we have to have, until our young offense matures.”

In December, in the wake of a disappointing 6-5 season, Totten let go defensive coordinator Sam Washington and linebackers coach Arthur Moore (along with offensive coordinator Roger Totten, who had volunteered in that role). That move came despite the Delta Devils finishing second in the SWAC in total defense (270.5 yards per game), third against both the run and the pass.

Totten now calls most of the offensive plays, with Winston running the defense.

Winston, a former great at linebacker for the University of Arkansas, won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the New Orleans Saints (and later rejoining the Steelers).

Winston came to Valley after working as the assistant coach/linebackers coach with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL in 2005-06.

Before that, he spent four seasons at Toledo and was the defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at Kentucky State in 2000. He also had stops at Arkansas (1997-98), Grambling (1992-94, ’95-97), Norfolk State (1994-95), Arkansas State (1989-92), Slippery Rock (1988-89) and Grove City College (1987-88).

“We’re more aggressive on defense now,” Totten said. “We’ve got guys who get after it.”

That’s how Richardson saw Valley on tape.

“They can run on defense,” Richardson said. “Their down linemen aren’t real big, but they stay after it, a lot of pressure, a lot of blitzing.”

Valley had been known for superb linebackers in the last few seasons, like 2005 Defensive Player of the Year and 2006 All-SWAC first-teamer Tyler Knight.

Knight finished last season, and the Delta Devils had to replace him among six to seven starters on defense.

“This is the first year we went the junior-college route,” Totten said. “We knew we had a lot of holes to fill.”

Valley, in particular, strengthened the line with end Fred Poole, tackle Robert Austin and end Issac Jones.

Junior nose tackle Ronald Green, a first-team All-SWAC selection last season and on The Sports Network’s preseason All-American third team this season, and senior cornerback Pierre Marshall, a preseason All-SWAC selection, are back.

“We really got in the Pine Bluff backfield a lot,” Totten said.

It's Final! Former MEAC QB highest paid player in CFL

Photo: Quarter-back Casey Printers as former member of Kansas City Chiefs

Congratulations are in order for former Florida A&M University and MEAC quarterback Casey Printers. The former NFL quarterback returned to the CFL and inked a three year deal today, worth roughly $500,000 a season, with a fourth option year with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

"I'm well-compensated," Printers said at a news conference. "I don't know if I'm the highest-paid, but I am happy and that's the most important thing."

Casey Printers Joins Ti-Cats, Becomes CFL's Highest-Paid Player.

After assuming their perennial position at the bottom of the CFL's East Division for yet another year, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will try just about anything, and on Thursday that anything was throwing a whole bunch of money at Casey Printers.

The hard-luck club inked the former NFLer Thursday, with the two agreeing to terms on a three-year deal worth roughly $500,000 a season.

In U.S. football terms that might not be a lot of dough, but the deal makes Printers the highest-paid player in the CFL, surpassing Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray, who earns about $460,000.

Printers became a viable option for CFL clubs after the 26-year-old was released by the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the start of the NFL season. But in Canada Casey is still mighty, and there was no shortage of interest north of the border for the league's outstanding player in 2004.

Printers put up monster numbers that season, throwing for 5,088 yards and 35 touchdowns with the B.C. Lions.

Five CFL teams reportedly were interested in securing Printers, with Hamilton, Montreal and the Toronto Argonauts believed to be the frontrunners. Printers was reportedly ready to fly to Montreal and join the Als, but that was before the Ticats made him an offer he couldn't refuse, especially after spending last season on the Chiefs practice roster.

Coincidentally, Printers is the second ex-Chief to rejoin the CFL in the last week, after lanky slotback Marc Boerigter joined the Argos.

Printers said he thinks Hamilton was the best fit for him.

"The people here are hard-working, and that's the way I am," Printers said.

At first glance, the B.C. Lions seemed to be the most logical landing spot for Printers. However, he did ruffle the organization's feathers in '05 when there was a constant quarterback controversy regarding whether Printers or veteran Dave Dickenson would play. Also, Printers turned down a three-year, $1-million contract extension from the B.C. club before the start of the 2005 season, opting instead of leaving Vancouver in the off-season to sign a three-year deal with the Chiefs.

However, Printers never made an impact with the Chiefs, spending most of last year on the club's practice roster.

--Canadian Press, CityNews, ca and beepbeep

Norfolk State University 2007-08 Men's basketball schedule released

Photo: 6-4/220 G Tony Murphy, Jr., Paterson Eastside H.S., Paterson, NJ

NSU Sports Information

NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University interim men’s basketball coach Anthony Evans released his team’s 2007-08 schedule on Thursday. The non-conference slate includes schools from nine different conferences and two in-state opponents.

“We’ve put together a good schedule with some very tough teams on it,” Evans said. “But I feel that as long as we play hard every game, we have a chance to be competitive with everyone we play.”

The Spartans tip off their 29-game regular season at the University of Richmond on Saturday, Nov. 10. The schools last met in the Spider Invitational championship game in 2002-03, with Richmond prevailing.

Next, NSU travels to Farmville, Va., to face Longwood on Nov. 13. The Lancers won the teams’ meeting last season, 65-54 in Echols Hall.

The Spartans close November with three more road games: at Central Florida on Nov. 16, at Nebraska on Nov. 20 and at Prairie View A&M on Nov. 26. The Spartans are 0-1 all-time vs. UCF, having lost to the Golden Knights in 2005-06. NSU has never faced Nebraska, but played two Big 12 opponents last season in Iowa State and Oklahoma. The matchup with Prairie View A&M will be the first-ever between the schools and NSU’s first game against a SWAC opponent since facing Alabama A&M in the 1995 Division II Elite Eight.

The Spartans open December with their first home game and the first MEAC contest of the year, against North Carolina A&T on Dec. 1. It will be NSU’s last home game until Jan. 7. The remainder of the December slate consists of road contests at Fairleigh Dickinson (Dec. 10), Air Force (Dec. 13), Campbell (Dec. 18), Evansville (Dec. 22) and Jacksonville State (Dec. 29).

The Spartans tip off the New Year with three straight home games, beginning with a matchup with North Carolina Central – in its first year of reclassifying to Division I – on Jan. 7. The final 17 games of the year are against MEAC opponents, beginning with home games vs. Coppin State (Jan. 12) and Morgan State (Jan. 14) and ending with a three-game road stretch at Howard (March 1), Hampton (March 3) and N.C. A&T (March 6).

Only 16 games against MEAC teams count in the conference standings. The two games against Winston-Salem State do not count in the conference standings because the Rams are not eligible for the MEAC Tournament. In the league’s unbalanced schedule, NSU will face Coppin State, Morgan State, Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman once each. The Spartans will play every other MEAC school twice.

The 2008 MEAC Tournament is March 11-15 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C.

November
Sat. 10 at Richmond, 7:30 p.m.
Tues. 13 at Longwood, 7 p.m.
Fri. 16 at Central Florida, 7 p.m.
Tues. 20 at Nebraska, 8 p.m.
Mon. 26 at Prairie View A&M, 8 p.m.

December
Sat. 1 vs. North Carolina A&T *, 6 p.m.
Mon. 10 at Fairleigh Dickinson, 7 p.m.
Thurs. 13 at Air Force, 10 p.m.
Tues. 18 at Campbell, 7 p.m.
Sat. 22 at Evansville, TBA
Sat. 29 at Jacksonville State, 5 p.m.

January
Mon. 7 vs. North Carolina Central^, 7 p.m.
Sat. 12 vs. Coppin State*, 6 p.m.
Mon. 14 vs. Morgan State*, 8 p.m.
Sat. 19 at Delaware State*, 4 p.m.
Mon. 21 at Maryland Eastern Shore*, 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 26 vs. South Carolina State*, 6 p.m.
Mon. 28 vs. Winston-Salem State, 8 p.m.

February
Sat. 2 vs. Hampton*, 6 p.m.
Mon. 4 vs. Howard*, 8 p.m.
Sat. 9 at Bethune-Cookman*, 4 p.m.
Mon. 11 at Florida A&M*, 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 16 Delaware State*, 6 p.m.
Mon. 18 Maryland Eastern Shore*, 8 p.m.
Sat. 23 at South Carolina State*, 4 p.m.
Mon. 25 at Winston-Salem State, 7:30 p.m.

March
Sat. 1 at Hampton*, 6 p.m.
Mon. 3 at Howard*, 8 p.m.
Thurs. 6 at North Carolina A&T*, 7:30 p.m.
Tues.-Sat. 11-15 MEAC Tournament (Raleigh, N.C.)

All times are Eastern and are subject to change
Home games in BOLD played at Joseph Echols Hall
^ Home game played separate from the women’s team
* Denotes MEAC game

Former FAMU QB Casey Printers now highest paid player in CFL

The report coming out of Canada this afternoon indicates that former Florida A&M University and MEAC quarterback Casey Printers has returned to the Canadian Football League to continue his pro football career. Printers had signed in February 2006 with the NFL Kansas City Chiefs and had remained on the practice squad. He was cut this past Saturday and was offered an opportunity to resign with the Chiefs as a practice squad player for the current season at about $200,000 annually. He was only activated for one game at the number three QB spot for the Chiefs during last season.

Printers gave the Chiefs a kindly good bye and was being courted by five of the seven CFL teams. It is reported that Printers has signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at about $500,000 per season, making him the highest paid player in the CFL. Hamilton out-bid both Montreal and Toronto for the services of the 26-year veteran quarterback.

Printers player previously for the British Columbia Lions from 2003 to 2005 and was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 2004. He is considered a franchise player in both skills and the ability to put butts in seats in the CFL.

For more information on this developing story, please check back later.

-beepbeep

Grambling vs. University of Pittsburgh

Grambling State Sports Information

After an impressive season-opening win against Alcorn State last week in Mississippi, the Grambling State Tigers return to the drawing board for a huge test against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and BIG EAST member Pittsburgh.

Saturday’s game will mark the first time in nearly 40 years that Grambling State will return to the steel city. The Tigers will square off against the Panthers in Heinz Field, which is also the home of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

LAST WEEK’S RESULT: GSU 31, ALCORN STATE 10, SEPT. 1, 2007

In a debut that couldn’t have been scripted any better, the Grambling State Tigers dominated all three facets of the game as the Tigers rolled past Alcorn State 31-10 in the debut of GSU head coach Rod Broadway on Saturday night in Jack Spinks Stadium on the campus of Alcorn State University.

After two possessions, GSU wasted no time on its third series of the first quarter as junior quarterback Brandon Landers hit a streaking Reginald Jackson for 44 yards to score the first touchdown in the Broadway era. In the second quarter, Landers connected with Clyde Edwards on a 4-yard score. The PAT by Tim Manuel was good and GSU upped its lead to 14-0. After a fumble recovery late in the half, GSU moved ahead 17-0 after a 22-yard field goal by Manuel with 24 seconds left in the half.

Ahead 17-0 entering the second half, the Tigers picked up where they left off of Jackson’s 69-yard touchdown pass for a 24-0 lead. ASU added a field goal with 5:41 left in the third quarter to find the scoreboard but the Tigers once again responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Landers to Edwards. ASU added a late touchdown in the final quarter but it was too little too late.

Offensively, GSU netted 479 yards (303 P, 176 R) of total offense while ASU finished with 255 (155 P, 100 R). Freshman Frank Warren rushed for 143 yards on 30 carries while Landers was 19-of-36 for 303 yards and four TDs. Jackson had a career-high 198 yards on six receptions and two touchdowns.

ABOUT THE TIGERS

Grambling State opened a lot of eyes last weekend after dismantling the Alcorn State Braves 31-10 before more than 16,000 spectators in Alcorn State, Miss. In addition, the Tigers also debuted new offensive and defensive schemes and had plenty of success on both sides of the ball en route to capturing their first season opener since 2005.

After one week of play, the offensive stars for Grambling State were senior wideout Reginald Jackson, freshman running back Frank Warren and quarterback Brandon Landers. Defensively, linebacker John Carter led the way with six tackles while defensive end John Scroggins and defensive back Brandon Logan posted four each.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Rod Broadway, the Tigers feature an abundance of youth on the roster in addition to 33 letterwinners and 13 starters.
Despite finishing 3-8 in 2006, the Tigers were picked to finish second in the SWAC West during the annual preseason poll in addition to four preseason All-SWAC selections.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS

Pittsburgh opened the 2007 season with a 27-3 victory over Eastern Michigan in non-conference action last Saturday at Heinz Field. Although the Panthers walked away with the win, they suffered a huge loss on the field as starting quarterback Bill Stull suffered a thumb injury that required surgery.

As a result, the Panthers will rely on a green quarterback but whomever assumes the position will have an experienced offensive lineup to work with as the Panthers return eight starters from the 2006 campaign. Defensively, six Panther starters are back from last season.
Under the guidance of former NFL head coach Dave Wannstedt, Pittsburgh was picked to finish sixth in the BIG EAST this season after finishing sixth with a 6-6 record in 2006.

BIG EAST Ties

Saturday’s contest marks GSU’s first-ever match-up against an opponent who’s a current member of the BIG EAST conference. However, it won’t mark the first time GSU has played a team with BIG EAST ties as they’ve battled current member Louisville and former member Temple in the past.

While a member of Conference USA in 2000, GSU traveled to the state of Kentucky to meet Louisville in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. The Cardinals won 52-0 against former head coach Doug Williams.

Grambling State holds a 1-1 record against former BIG EAST member Temple. GSU lost the inaugural match-up 31-30 in 1976 in Philadelphia before winning the rematch 35-32 in 1977 during the Mirage Bowl in Tokyo, Japan.

PLAYING UP

This marks the fourth time in five years that Grambling State will face an opponent from the Football Bowl Subdivision ranks. Last year, GSU played eventual Conference USA champion the University of Houston and fell 42-22. In 2005, GSU ventured to Seattle, Wash. and took on Washington State at Qwest Field en route to a 48-7 defeat. During the 2003 campaign, GSU opened the season on national television (ESPN2) against San Jose State in the Literacy Classic. The Tigers lost 29-0 on the road.

Pitt won’t be the only FBS program GSU will face in 2007 as they’ll battle in-state foe and Sun Belt Conference member Louisiana at Monroe on Nov. 10.

GSU vs. FBS OPPONENTS

While the world buzzed about fellow FCS member Appalachian State’s win over FBS power Michigan last weekend, GSU has also had success playing larger opponents in the past. GSU defeated Temple in 1977 and holds a 2-0 record versus Oregon State of the Pac-10 Conference.
However, Pittsburgh has done its part when it comes to FCS opponents. The Panthers sport a 6-0 all-time record against FCS teams and average 45.2 points in those six games along with two shutouts. Only Villanova in 1998 (48-41) and Furman (41-38 OT) in 2004 have come close to beating the Panthers.

RETURN TO THE STEEL CITY

Thirty-six years have elapsed since Grambling State played in the city of Pittsburgh. On Sept. 12, 1970, the Tigers battled Morgan State University in Three Rivers Stadium in the Renaissance Football Classic. GSU was successful as they won 38-12.

ALMOST LIKE HOME

While some teams get caught up in the hoopla of playing in an NFL Facility, it’s almost second nature to Grambling State as the Tigers are guaranteed of playing in at least one NFL venue per year.

Annually, GSU plays in the Louisiana Superdome in the State Farm Bayou Classic against rival Southern University on Thanksgiving weekend. In 2005, GSU played at Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash. against Washington State in addition to Reliant Stadium in Houston versus Southern.

HISTORY NOT WORTH REPEATING

Grambling State’s 3-8 finish in 2006 marked its worst record since the 1997 season when the Tigers finished the season 3-8.

Losing seasons are rare as Grambling State hasn’t loss more than six games in a season since identical 3-8 seasons in 1996 and 1997. GSU has only posted nine seasons since 1950 with a losing record.

BROADWAY IN SEPTEMBER

The month of September has been generous to head coach Rod Broadway as he’s 15-2 in the month.

Broadway posted back-to-back 3-1 September records in 2003 and 2004 before netting consecutive 4-0 campaigns in 2005 and 2006.

GATOR REUNION

Tiger head coach Rod Broadway and current Pitt receivers coach Aubrey Hill were on the same staff at the University of Florida from 1996-98.

Broadway served as the Gators’ defensive line coach while Hill was a graduate assistant. Together, they were apart of a staff headed by Steve Spurrier that helped Florida win the 1996 national championship.

In addition, both coaches also made stops in the Atlantic Coast Conference at Duke. Broadway was at Duke from 1981 to 1994 while Hill coached at Duke from 1999 to 2003.

CLYDE’S TIME TO GLIDE

Senior wide receiver Clyde Edwards is quietly closing in on several marks as he closes out his career at Grambling State.

The senior from Houston, Texas is tied for 11th among SWAC All-Time receiving leaders with an 11-touchdown performance last season and currently ranks 13th among the SWAC’s career receiving leaders with 2,412 yards. In addition, he has caught at least one pass in 27 consecutive games dating back to his freshman season and enters the 2007 season ranked as the 7th best receiver in the Football Championship Subdivision by The Sports Network.

An honor student in the classroom (3.9 GPA), here are the records Edwards is within reach of:

Needs 739 yards to surpass Scotty Anderson (3,182) as Grambling State’s all-time leader in receiving yards.

Needs 9 touchdowns to surpass Anderson (35) as the Tigers’ all-time leader for career receiving touchdowns.

Needs 51 receptions to become GSU’s all-time leader in receptions. Tramon Douglas leads with 193.

Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band

WSSU Rams face Coastal Carolina next

WSSU Sports Information

WINSTON-SALEM, NC -

Game Details...The Winston-Salem State University Rams (1-0) versus the Coastal Carolina University Chanticleers (0-1) at James C. Benton Field at Brooks Stadium (7,322) in Conway, South Carolina on September 8, 2007 at 7:00 pm.

The Event....The second game of the season for both teams. The Rams enter into the contest sporting a 1-0 record overall as they defeated the North Carolina A&T State University "Aggies" on September 1, 2007 by the score of 28-7 at Bowman Gray Stadium. The Chanticleers, a team who entered into the 2007 ranked in all four national polls, dropped a close 23-18 decision to the Hornets of Delaware State University on Saturday afternoon in Dover, Delaware. The Rams look to try to win back-to-back games to open the season for the first time since 2000 while the Chanticleers look to prevent posting a pair of losses to open the season for the first time in the program's history.

The Series...The series between the two teams is a new one as WSSU and Coastal Carolina have met only one other time prior to this Saturday's contest. The Chanticleers and Rams met last season in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at Bowman Gray Stadium where Coastal Carolina earned a 31-12 win over WSSU. The Chants own the 1-0 series advantage all-time and Saturday's contest will mark WSSU's first trip to Brooks Stadium in Conway, SC.

Series Reloaded...Last season's meeting between the two teams marked the first time in history that the two teams had ever met. The Rams enter into Saturday's contest with a 65-year record of 335-245-21 overall while Coastal Carolina, a program in its relative infancy, enters the contest with a four-year record of 34-11 overall. Despite the program's relative youth, the Chanticleers captured back-to-back-to-back Big South Conference football titles in 2003, 2004, and 2005.

Television Coverage...There is no national television coverage for this contest.


Radio Coverage...This weekend's contest will be available to listeners in the greater Winston-Salem, NC area live on WSNC, 90.5 FM with Maurice "Big Mo" Stanfield calling all the play-by-play action and Ted Fichialos providing the color commentary, as well as live nationally on the internet at www.WSSU.edu by clicking on the link: "Listen to WSNC." The Chanticleers will air the game on 93.9 FM "The Fan." Fans can also listen to the game on both Coastal Carolina (www.GOCCUSPORTS.com) and WSSU's (www.WSSURAMS.com) Athletic Websites. For the Chanticleers Layne Harris will provide the color commentary with Matt Hogue calling all the play-by-play as Joe Cashion covers the sidelines and mans the pre-game action.

Live Statistical Broadcast Online...A live statistical broadcast of the game, utilizing CSTV's "Gametracker" statistical software will be available on the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com. Fans may access the live stats by visiting the WSSU Football schedule page and clicking on the "Gametracker" link. As well, Coastal Carolina will broadcast live statistics via the CCU Athletic Website at www.GOCCUSPORTS.com.

Weather Forecast...Saturday's contest is set to be played in good weather as the forecast calls for high temperatures of 83 degrees with a low of 73 degrees and only a 10% chance of precipitation under partly cloudy skies. Humidity is slated to be 77% with winds out of the Northeast at 12 miles per hour with a UV index of seven (high). Sunrise will take place at 6:54 am Eastern and will set at 7:33 pm Eastern.

Setting The Scene...The match up between the Rams and Chanticleers is very important for both teams. The Rams are looking to avenge last season's loss to Coastal Carolina and WSSU is searching for a win over a seasoned NCAA-playoff participant. Coastal Carolina is looking to earn its first win of the season as they try to prevent from starting a season at 0-2 for the first time in the program's history. The Rams and Chants are both storied football programs that have captured multiple conference titles yet have met only one other time prior to Saturday's contest.

The Coaches...The Rams are coached by 15th-year man Kermit Blount. Blount has posted an impressive 82-64-3 record at WSSU and has led the Rams to two CIAA titles (1999 and 2000). He has posted an 0-1 record versus Coastal Carolina since taking over as head of the WSSU football program in 1993 but has never beaten David Bennett, the Chanticleer's head coach. The Chanticleers are led by David Bennett, a 1984 graduate of Presbyterian who has been at the helm of the Coastal Carolina football program since its inception four years ago. Bennett has led Coastal Carolina to a 34-12 overall record and three consecutive Big South Conference Championships. He is 1-0 versus WSSU and 1-0 versus current WSSU head coach Kermit Blount.

Next Up...The Rams bid a fond farewell to the friendly confines of Bowman Gray Stadium as they will embark on a six-game, seven-week road swing that will see them return to Winston-Salem, NC for a home contest on October 27, 2007 as they play host to the nationally-ranked Pirates of Hampton University. First up for the Rams will be another nationally-ranked team as WSSU heads out of conference to face the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. The two teams have met only one other time (2006) and CCU leads the all-time series 1-0. Following the game versus the Chanticleers, the Rams will head to Baltimore, Maryland to face a team that they have never lined up against in the Bears of Morgan State University.

2006 Results...The Rams are coming off of a 2006 season in which they made their first foray into competition at the Division I-Football Championship Subdivision level. WSSU posted an impressive 4-7 overall record and recorded wins over MEAC opponents NC A&T and Howard while narrowly losing to fellow MEAC members Hampton, Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M.

Rankings...Neither team is ranked in any of the four major Division I-FCS national football polls although Coastal Carolina is receiving votes. The Chanticleers started the season ranked in the Top-25 in three major polls but have since dropped out after falling in defeat to the Hornets of Delaware State University last weekend (31-28 in Dover, DE).

The Last Meeting...The last meeting between the two teams came during the 2006 season as the Rams fell in defeat to the nationally-ranked Chanticleers by the score of 31-12 in Winston-Salem, NC. CCU's Tyler Thigpen recorded four touchdown passes to three different receivers as the Chanticleers cruised to the win. The Rams struck first in the contest as Brandon McRae capped a six-play 80-yard touchdown drive with a 46-yard touchdown run yet the Rams could not hang on as Thigpen and All-American wide receiver Jerome Simpson gave Coastal Carolina a 1-0 lead in the all-time series.

A Win This Week Would...

...give the Rams their second win of the 2007 season and move Winston-Salem State to 2-0 overall.

...give WSSU head coach Kermit Blount his 83rd win at WSSU putting him two wins ahead of Thomas "Tank" Conrad in sole possession of second place on the WSSU all-time win list (behind only Bill Hayes with an all-time best 89 wins).

...earn the Rams their sixth win over a Division I opponent since making the move to Division I-FCS in 2006.

...earn the Rams their seventh win as an NCAA Division I-FCS program.

...drop the Chanticleers to 0-2 this season and move them to 0-2 for the first time in school history.

...pull current WSSU head coach Kermit Blount's overall record versus Coastal Carolina to 1-1 overall.

...give the Rams their first victory in the State of South Carolina since a 2000 victory over South Carolina State (39-28)

On The Plus Side Again...Dating back to the Rams' first game in recorded history (which came in 1941), WSSU had posted an overall record of 31-31-4 in season openers until last weekend's season-opening victory moved WSSU to 32-31-4 in "first games" of the season. The win was important to the Rams because as of late history had not been kind to the Rams as they had dropped five consecutive season-openers dating back to the 2001 season before last Saturday's win over the Aggies.

Sibling Rivalry...WSSU freshman quarterback Tienne Jefferson (Washington, D.C./Fork Union Military Academy) is no stranger to the competition that he will face this season in the MEAC as his brother Theo is a safety for the Delaware State University Hornets.

Ram Family...WSSU freshman linebacker Colby Morris (Elizabeth City, NC/Northeastern) won't be homesick during his freshman season with the Rams as he brought a little piece of home with him. In fact Colby brought a big piece of home with him as he brought his brother Corey to WSSU. The 6'10", 255-pound Corey Morris will play basketball for the Rams this season and is one of WSSU's most highly recruited players.

The Ties That Bind...WSSU and Coastal Carolina are no strangers to one another, despite playing for only the second time in history on Saturday as Keith James, the Chanticleer's running backs coach and academic advisor is both a graduate of, and former coach at, Winston-Salem State University. James is a 1989 graduate of WSSU and helped to lead the Rams to the 1988 CIAA Championship game where he was named the game's MVP. Not only was he a player at WSSU but James was also a coach as he spent six years on the Rams' football staff under Kermit Blount before moving on to Coastal Carolina.

In, But Not Completely...Though the Rams are considered a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference they are unable to compete for a championship until the 2009 season (per NCAA mandates). The Rams will play a full slate of MEAC games but will be ineligible for a conference title, ineligible for postseason awards and will not be listed in the MEAC statistics at seasons' end.

Getting There...The Rams will officially open the brand new, state-of-the-art WSSU Athletic Fieldhouse on Friday, November 2, 2007, one day prior to WSSU's Homecoming game versus Delaware State. The new 12,000 square foot building, which is projected to cost 5.1 million dollars will house many of the WSSU Athletic Department's Administrative Offices, the Football staff and the Sports Medicine and Strength and Conditioning Offices.

Back For The Last Time...WSSU fifth-year senior running back Jed Bines (Winston-Salem, NC/Parkland) has rejoined the team for his final year of eligibility in 2007 after sitting out 2006 to focus on academics. Bines is a welcome addition to the Rams' backfield as he recorded 964 yards on 166 carries in 2005 and led the team with nine touchdowns. Bines sits fourth in all-time rushing yards at WSSU with 2,800 yards on 332 carries. He also ranks sixth in rushing touchdowns with 28.

Climbing The Record Books...Fifth-year senior running back Jed Bines moved up two places on the Rams' all-time rushing yardage chart last weekend as he moved from sixth place (2,675 yards on 316 carries) to fourth place (2,800 yards on 332 carries) with a 125-yard performance against North Carolina A&T. Bines vaulted past Marvin Morrison and Broderick Graves following his 100-p;us yard output versus the Aggies.

100-Yard Games In Bunches...Running back Jed Bines recorded the 16th 100-yard rushing game of his career last Saturday when he tallied 125 yards rushing against the Aggies. Bines had five 100-yard games in 2005, six 100-yard games in 2004 and four 100-yard games in 2003. Jed sat out last season to focus on academics.

Homecooking...The Rams like to recruit local talent. Winston-Salem State University has 59 players on the roster from the State of North Carolina as more than half of the team is playing in the state in which they reside. WSSU has 10 players from South Carolina, four from the District of Columbia, four from Virginia, two from Georgia, and one each from the states of Florida and Pennsylvania.

Injury Update...Players who are listed as OUT for Saturday's game are: Montez Ham, a 5'11", 180-pound wide receiver who is out with a right ankle injury; Edward Jordan, a 6'0", 330-pound offensive lineman who is out with a right knee injury; Jared Mitchell, a 6'3", 185-pound free safety who is out with a left knee injury; and Murrell Streeter, Jr., a 5'10", 220-pound linebacker who is still recovering from having his appendix out. Players who are listed as QUESTIONABLE are: Corei Plummer, a 5'11", 262-pound offensive lineman who is questionable with a right knee injury. Players who are PROBABLE for Saturday's game are: Julian Gray, a 6'4", 275-pound offensive lineman who is probable with a left knee injury.

Understanding The Injury Chart...The Rams use the National Football League's injury chart model which separates injuries into four categories: (1) "Out" which indicates that a player will not play in the upcoming game and will not be dressed for the contest. (2) "Doubtful" which indicates that a player will have only a 25% chance of playing. (3) "Questionable" which indicates that a player will have a 50% chance of playing, and (4) "Probable" which indicates that the player has a 75% chance of playing.

2007 Circle City Classic...The Rams have accepted an invitation to participate in the 2007 Circle City Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana the weekend of October 5-6, 2007. The Rams will face the Rattlers of Florida A&M University in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis as WSSU looks to avenge last season's loss to FAMU, a contest in which the Rattlers rallied from a late fourth-quarter deficit to sneak out a 35-21 win.

Coastal's Offense Comes In Bunches...Whether this year's Coastal Carolina team is similar to last year's offensive juggernaut remains to be seen, however, the Chanticleers racked up 411 points last season while giving up less than 300 (297). The Chants averaged 34.2 points per game last season en route to another NCAA Division I-FCS playoff appearance.

Able To Break For The Long One...Headed into the Coastal Carolina game the Rams have broken out for five big plays (which the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations defines as plays 20 yards or longer in length). WSSU has four rushing plays of 20 yards or longer and one interception return for 20 yards or longer.

Touchdowns Come Fast...The Rams have four offensive touchdowns this season and have amassed a total scoring drive time of 10:59 (659 seconds) over those four scoring drives. WSSU is averaging only 3:14 per scoring drive with the longest touchdown drive of the season taking 4:30 (a 92-yard, eight-play drive against North Carolina A&T) and the shortest TD drive taking only 1:38 (an 80-yard, five-lay scoring drive versus North Carolina A&T).

Haven't Broken For The Home Run Ball...The Rams have yet to record a big play (20 yards or more) via air this season. However, the Rams have recorded scoring catches of 19 and 16 yards and had a 70 yard pass reception by Michael Scarbrough nullified by a holding penalty.

Hanging On To It More...The Rams are averaging 4.76 play per drive this season and have scored three of their four touchdowns on drives of six plays or more. Despite the low number of plays that it has taken for WSSU to find the endzone, the Rams are still averaging almost half a play more than their opponents (4.53 plays per drive).

Hasn't Happened Yet, But Almost...Since the Rams' transition to NCAA Division I-FCS, WSSU has not had a game in which they have recorded two 100-yard rushers in the same contest. That streak of 12 games was almost snapped last weekend versus the Aggies of North Carolina A&T State University when Jed Bines recorded 125 net yards rushing and Brandon McRae tallied 85 net yards rushing.

Not Bad For A Defensive Back...The Rams' punter, junior defensive back Jamaine Mack, is turning in quite a punting average as he fills in as the Rams punter. Mack has recorded seven punts for 250 yards for an average of 35.7 yards per punt.

Doubling-Up Opponents...Thus far this season the Rams have doubled-up their opponents in terms of rushing yardage. WSSU has tallied 286 yards rushing while yielding only 143 yards of ground yardage to their opponents.

Next Opponent On Top...The Rams' next opponent, the Morgan State University Bears, currently sit atop of the MEAC standings with a 1-0 record and 47 points scored with seven points allowed.

WSSU Head Coach Kermit Blount

What are your general thoughts on the team coming off last week's win and heading into Saturday's game at Coastal Carolina?

Well I think coming off of last week's game, the spirits are good, the work habits haven't changed. We're not going to let them change as coaches. One of the things that we told the football team after the game was that we have to play two times better going to Coastal Carolina than we did last week at Bowman Gray. I think that our kids have bought into our commitment to be the best that we can possibly be when we play and we're looking forward to the challenge this weekend.

What do you know about the Chanticleers other than that they beat you at home last season?

That's a pretty good football team in Conway right now. [Coastal Carolina ] Coach [David] Bennett and I had a conversation the other day and of course he's saying that he's struggling a little bit with his loss to Delaware State. But I know what that's all about. This is going to be a good football team. They're going to be well coached. They're not going to turn the ball over and we're going to have to compete for four quarters to get a win.

SU Coates bursts onto national TV

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Teammates kept gently chiming the ESPN SportsCenter theme music as they walked by.

It’s nice to be Southern’s Darren Coates these days. It’s real nice to be Southern’s Darren Coates after going 90 yards for a touchdown on the first offensive play in his first start.

The burst, up the middle of the line and down the right sideline, made ESPN’s nightly top 10 as well as a college football recap top 10 later.

The telephone calls started coming as the Jaguars rode home Saturday night after their 33-27 victory over Florida A&M in Birmingham, Ala.

“The coaches came to the back of the bus where I was and told me about it,” Coates said. “It was a very exciting moment for me.”

The play — as well as the SportsCenter recognition — was reminiscent of the way Southern started its magical 2003 season, with Ezra Landry taking the opening kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown in a 29-0 romp over Mississippi Valley State.

Sophomore quarterback Bryant Lee, in his third start, told Coates to score before the offense took the field.

“I guess he knew what the play was going to be,” Coates said. “He told me from jump, ‘I’m going to hand you the ball, and it’s up to you to take it to the house.’ We got good blocks by our offensive linemen. The hole was open, so I just had to make a move and take it to the house.”

SU coach Pete Richardson said the TD run for a young team coming off two losing seasons “kind of psyched them up.”

Coates, a senior, had totaled 119 yards and one touchdown last season. Those were his only career stats, and 52 of those yards and his only touchdown came in the season-ending Bayou Classic.

Saturday, Coates had 142 yards and two touchdowns, adding a 3-yard plunge for the go-ahead score midway through the third quarter, on just 10 rushes — 14.2 yards per carry. That one-game performance already bettered the best from last season, Kendall Addison’s 133 yards against Texas Southern.

Coates’ day confirmed the difference made by the combination of his offseason work, the jolt of confidence from the end of last season and the addition of first-year running backs coach Elvis Joseph.

Coates looked like a different back — in body type and in running style — in preseason camp, and the improvements showed Saturday.

“Only good things can happen for him if our offensive line can hold up without any major injuries,” Richardson said.

Powered by Coates, Southern totaled 238 rushing yards. That total is better than the season-best 236 in the win over Texas Southern last season.

What’s more, in the season opener a year ago, SU had 1 yard on 20 carries in a 30-29 victory over Bethune-Cookman College (and the Jaguars totaled 226 yards on 113 carries, never breaking 100 yards, in their first four games).

Ahead comes a big challenge.

Valley clamped down on two of the conference’s best running backs, Martel Mallett (23 yards on five carries) and Mickey Dean (19 yards on nine carries) in a 16-9 win Saturday.

The Delta Devils also made four sacks and recovered two fumbles.

Southern (1-0) faces Valley (1-0, 1-0 SWAC) at 4 p.m. Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago.

“They look to put everybody in the box (the area near the line of scrimmage), really like FAMU, with fast linebackers, bring it, push everybody to the ball,” Coates said. “So we have to bring the same intensity.”

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.