A&T's new QB is man with a plan

Photo: Shelton Morgan waited patiently to start for N.C. A&T. He also ran in the heat, studied film and took biology in summer school.

By Rob Daniels, Greensboro News-Record

GREENSBORO -- The Wheel of Misfortune that has defined N.C. A&T's quarterback situation has stopped on Shelton Morgan, a guy who seemingly never stops. With defending MEAC champion Hampton coming to Aggie Stadium for a national TV game tonight, this would be no time to get tentative, and there doesn't seem to be much threat of that happening.

"It's exciting, because out of high school I had been waiting for this moment," said Morgan, a redshirt freshman from Elizabeth City. "It's finally here, and I'm ready for it."

When he replaced injured and perpetually star-crossed Herb Miller last week at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Morgan became the eighth man to play quarterback for A&T during its 18-game losing streak. Injuries, academics and position changes have accounted for the bulk of the turnover. The Aggies are just hoping for some stability.

As far as his routine is concerned, Morgan appears to embody the planning, permanence and professionalism that will give him a shot.

Having come from a high school where he threw an average of 25 times a game and set school passing records, Morgan waited patiently as a true freshman in 2006. He also decided to work ahead academically, which is why he attended both summer sessions this year and developed a daily schedule.

The morning was for film study, the afternoon for weightlifting and running in the heat of the day.

At 5:30 p.m. every Monday through Thursday, Morgan attended a biology class, which involved a bit more than you might imagine. Summer sessions cram a regular semester's worth of work into six weeks, and science classes come with lab work as well as classroom study. Nobody got out until 9:30, at which time it was often necessary to study.

Now A&T hopes the ability to adhere to such a plan carries over to the field.

"In August," Morgan said, "my mind-set was to be ready in case anything happened. Don't let the situation sneak up on you. The most challenging thing was taking it from paper to the field. Last week was actually slower than I expected, but I know the speed of the game this week is going to be a lot different."

That's a safe bet. Hampton, which has established itself as the class of the MEAC, offers up a defense that features Page High graduate Henti Baird, a hybrid linebacker and defensive back who had a sack and six other tackles in a season-opening victory over Howard two weeks ago.

The Aggies don't really expect their quarterback to win the game for them. They have a promising collection of running backs, and they mainly need to avoid turnovers and other breakdowns. Last week, they beat Prairie View A&M in total offense and first downs, but were outscored 22-7.

After replacing Miller, Morgan completed three of eight passes for 55 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions.

The beauty of the incomplete pass or the never-tossed option pitch is often underappreciated. Asked to describe his best asset, Morgan said, "Make good decisions. If it's not there, throw it away."

Not to the opponent. Maybe not even in the general direction of an Aggie. Having played wide receiver -- he had two snaps at that position against Prairie View before Miller's injury -- Morgan said he understands the importance of accuracy.

"I realize the receiver's job is harder than what people might think," he said. "When you're put in a bad situation by a quarterback, you don't appreciate it much."

Coach Lee Fobbs presumably is tired of training a new guy all the time to run the offense, but he can't look back now. Morgan is the captain of this ship until further notice.

"He's a young kid who is talented and who will play hard," Fobbs said. "He'll take care of the ball. He's ready to play. He has shown that in practice with his leadership."

BCU Wildcats eager to get back on track

Photo: BCU QB Jimmy Russell

By BRENT WORONOFF, Daytona Beach News-Journal

In a way, today's football game at Savannah State is bigger for Bethune-Cookman than last week's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference battle with South Carolina State.

With seven more conference games on tap, the Wildcats can get back into the league race. But a loss to the Tigers could provide a psychological setback that would be difficult to bounce back from.

In last week's 24-13 home loss to the Bulldogs, B-CU (1-1) came away with just two field goals from three drives that penetrated S.C. State's 10-yard line. The Wildcats also fumbled away two option pitches that led to Bulldog touchdowns.

"Turnovers really hurt us," B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt said. "(And) I've never seen our team get down there so many times and not come away with at least one touchdown. We just stalled there. But if we linger on that game -- take South Carolina State to this game -- then we'll see the same result."

A B-CU loss to Savannah State would be an upset on the level of Michigan's loss to Appalachian State two weeks ago. Since moving up to Division I-AA in 2002, the Tigers are 1-40 against I-AA teams. The Wildcats have won seven straight against the Tigers by a combined score of 275-76.

This year, Savannah State opened with a 47-7 loss to MEAC member Morgan State before defeating Division II Johnson C. Smith 24-10 last week.

"There is no one on our schedule who can't beat us," Wyatt said. "I know (the Tigers are) fired up to play us."

Like last year, the S.C. State-B-CU game took a toll on both teams. Several Wildcats are questionable for today's game, including quarterback Jimmie Russell (knee) and offensive tackles De'Juan Guillory (thigh) and Reubin Mordecai (ankle).

If Russell can't play, junior transfer McKinson Souverain would take his place. As for the O-line, Wyatt said three defensive linemen (Wayne Byers, Mike London and Fred Brown) got prepped on offense this week in case they will be needed. Byers is likely to play both ways.

This was the second straight year that Russell, who wore a knee brace this week, was "beaten up" in the Bulldogs game, Wyatt said.

"That first play, (in which Bulldogs nose guard James Simmons was called for roughing the passer) kind of shook Jimmie up, and I don't think he was right after that lick, because Jimmie never really makes bad pitches like he did in that game."

But Russell said that was not the play in which he hurt his knee.

"I actually hurt it twice," he said. "The first time I was ripped down by my facemask and I fell on my knee. I said, 'Man, that's a sharp pain.' The next time I was hit, I started grabbing my knee, I thought I was done."

OF NOTE: Wyatt said highly touted freshman running back Brian Sumlar, who did not get in on any offensive plays last week, will "definitely" see action today. "He's going to be very productive in the scheme we have set aside for him," Wyatt said. "Being a freshman it has taken him a while to pick up our scheme. We've got something for him that will fit his talent."

B-CU at Savannah State

WHERE: Municipal Stadium, Savannah, Ga.

KICKOFF: 1 p.m.

RADIO: 1380-AM (WELE)

RECORDS: Bethne-Cookman 1-1, Savannah State 1-1

SERIES: B-CU leads 27-8-2. B-CU won 55-6 last year.

PLAYMAKERS: B-CU -- QB Jimmie Russell, Sr., has rushed for 171 yards (5.2 ypc) and 3 TDs and passed for 160; RB Justin Brannon, Sr., has rushed for 126 yards (6.0 ypc); FS Bobbie Williams, Sr., is second on the team in tackles (15) and has one interception. Savannah State -- QB Jacorey Kilcrease has passed for 158 yards with one TD and one interception; RB Antwan Edwards has rushed for 116 yards with one TD; SS Antwan Allen has 15 tackles, including three for losses, and an interception.

STORY LINE: Both teams like to run the ball. Savannah State rushed for 328 yards in its victory over Johnson C. Smith last week. B-CU will try to iron out its problems in the option offense. But if Russell can't play because of a knee injury, look for the Wildcats to pass more with McKinson Souverain (7-for-9, 85 yards) at QB. The game was moved to Municipal Stadium and pushed back to 1 p.m. because of upgrades to the Tigers' stadium press box.

DID YOU KNOW: The last time the Tigers beat a Division I-AA team was in 2004 when they outlasted Norfolk State, B-CU's opponent next week, 41-34 in double overtime.

MVSU Devils in details, not stats

By REGGIE BENSON, Huntsville Times

A&M knows MVSU tougher than its numbers

On paper, tonight's Alabama A&M-Mississippi Valley State game appears to be a mismatch.

The Bulldogs (2-0) are averaging 45 points and 529 yards per game. The Delta Devils (1-1) are averaging 11 points and 172.5 yards per game.

But Bulldogs coach Anthony Jones knows numbers don't win football games and that MVSU has historically played tough against A&M.

"I expect this game to be no different than the other ones we've played against them," said Jones, who is 4-1 against MVSU. "We better be ready because they're going to come in here firing their best shot and if we're not ready to fire our best shot, we won't like the outcome."

Kickoff is at 6:30 at Louis Crews Stadium.

Despite its paltry numbers, MVSU owns a win over defending Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division champion Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Delta Devils played another league foe last week and lost 23-6 to Southern.Tonight's game is the SWAC opener for A&M.

"They haven't had a great explosion offensively, but they've been in both games," Jones said. "Their offense is going to come around. I'm just hoping it doesn't come around (tonight)."

A&M's offense has already come around.

The Bulldogs were unstoppable in whipping Tennessee State 49-23 and Clark Atlanta 41-10. A&M had 450 yards against the Tigers and 608 against the Panthers. Quarterback Kelcy Luke threw for 301 yards with four touchdowns against Clark Atlanta, and running back Ulysses Banks rushed for a school-record 211 yards on 19 carries.

"We're going against the best team in our conference in the Eastern Division," said MVSU coach Willie Totten, whose team is giving up 16 points, but is allowing more than 360 yards per game. "They are doing a lot of exciting things offensively and they're always good on defense. This is the best I've seen A&M look this early."

Jones said A&M won't likely be able to maintain its scoring pace as it enters conference play - even against an MVSU defense that gave up almost 500 yards against Southern.

"They've given up some plays, but stats are misleading," he said. "They shut down Arkansas-Pine Bluff and then they played a statistically bad game against Southern, but they were still in the game midway through the fourth quarter.

"They have a bend-but-don't-break mentality. We have to do our best to take advantage of whatever opportunities that present themselves."

SWAC previews - Today's Games 9/15/2007

Huntsville Times

Prairie View (2-0, 1-0 SWAC) at Southern (2-0, 1-0); Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, La., 6 p.m.

The Panthers are seeking to start 3-0 for the first time since 1964 when they won the SWAC and were crowned national black college champions. Prairie View started 2-0 last season before losing seven straight. The Panthers downed the Jaguars 26-23 last season for the first time since 1971. Despite giving up more than 380 yards per game, Prairie View has allowed only 21 points in two games.

Coach Pete Richardson's team has found a running game - the Jaguars are averaging a league-high 265.5 yards rushing - to go along with its solid passing game, engineered by new starting quarterback Bryant Lee, who is averaging 210 yards per game.

Prediction: Southern 28, Prairie View 14

Alabama State (2-0, 1-0) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-1, 1-0); Golden Lion Stadium, Pine Bluff, Ark., 6 p.m.

The Hornets could be a team to be reckoned with if they can knock off the Golden Lions. Alabama State came from behind to beat Jacksonville State in its season opener and scored two late touchdowns last week to beat Texas Southern on the road. RBs Jay Peck and Rahmod Traylor have combined to average almost 200 yards per game and QB Chris Mitchell has given the Hornets a solid passing game, averaging 155 yards through the air.

UAPB, the defending West Division champ, has struggled. The Golden Lions are averaging just 15 points per game. QB Jonathan Moore will replace Chris Wallace in the starting lineup this week. Wallace, the preseason SWAC Player of the Year, has thrown for just 221 yards in two games. RB Martell Mallett, who led the league in rushing a year ago, has just 93 yards in two games. UAPB's offensive line, which includes four new starters, has allowed 14 sacks.

Prediction: Alabama State 17, UAPB 10

Alcorn State (0-2) at UAB (0-2); Legion Field, Birmingham, 6 p.m.

Alcorn State's three QBs - Chris Walker, Tony Hobson and Tim Buckley - have all struggled. The Braves are averaging 6.5 points per game and have allowed 27.5.

UAB will give Neil Callaway his first win as a head coach.

Alcorn State is slated to make $150,000 to $200,000.

Prediction: UAB 42, Alcorn State 7


Mississippi Valley State (1-1, 1-1) at Alabama A&M (2-0, 0-0); Louis Crews Stadium, Huntsville, 6:30 p.m.

Alabama A&M is off to a 2-0 start because of its high-flying offense. The Bulldogs are averaging 45 points and 529 yards in total offense. The defense has bent, but not broken.

MVSU has struggled offensively, averaging just 11 points and 172.5 yards per game. The Delta Devils' defense will likely keep them in the game, but the Bulldogs' offense has too many weapons.

Prediction: Alabama A&M 28, Mississippi Valley State 10

Last week's predictions: 6-0

Season: 7-6

Reggie Benson

SU Jaguars take advantage of Landry’s size and strength

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Prairie View at Southern
WHEN: 6 p.m. today.
WHERE: A.W. Mumford Stadium (25,500).
TV: Tape-delay (4 p.m. Sunday, CST).
RADIO: KQXL-FM, 106.5.
RECORDS: Southern 2-0 (1-0 SWAC), Prairie View 2-0 (1-0 SWAC).
LAST MEETING: Prairie View 26, Southern 23, OT.
SERIES: SU leads, 48-19-2.

What does it feel like to be 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds and simply run through players, just mashing defensive backs?

“Like I say, I’m in the weight room, so I’m not even feeling the licks happen,” Southern senior wide receiver Gerard Landry said.

Landry certainly knows.

Two weeks ago, on a 46-yard touchdown against Florida A&M, Landry ran through two sets of two guys. One guy got the treatment twice. That defensive back bounced off the initial hit and tried to chase Landry down and team with another defensive back before the end zone, only to have Landry crash through.

“It’s not normal,” quarterback Bryant Lee said. “I really didn’t see it until I got in the film room, and I was amazed by it. I didn’t think he did all that to score the touchdown.”

A week ago, Landry shoved away Mississippi Valley State’s Jean-Pierre Marshall, one of the better cornerbacks in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, en route to a 54-yard touchdown.

“It just happens in the heat of the moment,” Landry said. “When I catch the rock, I’m trying to make something happen. If somebody’s in my path, I just do what I can to shake them off. The running over part, it just happens.”

As SU (2-0, 1-0 SWAC) hosts Prairie View (2-0, 1-0) at 6 p.m. today in A.W. Mumford Stadium, Landry, with 1,604 yards and 13 TDs, is sixth on the program’s all-time receiving ledger (having passed former Philadelphia Eagles great Harold Carmichael at 1,601). He needs 370 yards to move past Calvin Magee (at 1,973), the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator at West Virginia and a former SU All-American, into second place behind Michael Hayes (3,056 yards and 30 TDs).

Landry has caught a pass in 27 consecutive games. He was a second-team All-SWAC selection last season (727 yards and five TDs on 55 catches).

“He’s a big athlete,” SU head coach Pete Richardson said. “A lot of defensive backs don’t want to see him coming. If they try to arm-tackle him, he’s going to go through that.”

Here’s where things get really bad for defensive backs.

Southern coaches emphasized downfield blocking from receivers as part of the improvements from the season opener to the second game.

So Landry, one of two team captains, took one guy into the bench area after a pass to Del Roberts. Another had to plea for mercy — “Man, lay off,” SU offensive coordinator Mark Orlando relayed.

“He responded to coaching,” Orlando said. “Gerard is a kid who wants to get to the next level. He knows scouts will be looking at tape to see if he’s loafing on the blocks.”

To provide positive reinforcement after SU totaled 293 rushing yards (the most in one game since September 2003), coaches wanted to reward the blocks. So SU baseball coach Roger Cador donated a bat for what will be the “Big Hit” award. Landry was to get the first one Friday night.

“I felt like I left something out there (against FAMU). I didn’t block as well as I could’ve blocked,” Landry said. “I remembered coach Orlando talking about a pancake award. So I started going out there trying to kill all the little DBs. Every time I went to the sideline (a week ago), I told coach to give me that pancake award.”

Here’s where things get even worse for defensive backs.

Landry wasn’t even 100 percent for the first two games and rated himself as only 85 percent earlier in the week. Despite getting himself in tremendous condition (and cutting his weight from 240 pounds in the spring), he missed two weeks of preseason camp after having oral surgery. He had one full practice day, a Tuesday, before the season opener (because he has class and misses most Wednesday practices and the team traveled Thursday).

“It really hurt me,” Landry said of the time off. “I was just in my prime. I could feel myself getting better and better every day as camp was going. Now, I’m working my way back into shape and feeling more comfortable.”

Even so, Landry still leads SU with 10 catches for 139 yards and the two TDs this season.

“He’s coming out just as I expected him to play,” wide receivers coach Eric Dooley said. “He worked hard over the summer on strength and conditioning as well as speed and he’s just ready to take over.”

The comparisons to Hayes (1999-2002), the school’s top receiver, are there because they are so similar physically and similarly physical.

Hayes was a little leaner, a tad taller and slightly faster. And what he excelled at was in going up to win jumpballs on fade routes. Don’t sleep on Landry’s speed, though. He’s run away from defensive backs in the past and is faster now after improving his speed in the offseason.

Said Richardson, “Both of them could go and body up on a guy. If you throw it up there, they could jump and catch the football.”

Said Orlando, “Mike could out-physical, do some things against defensive backs similar to what Gerard does. Gerard is a more physical receiver. I don’t remember guys bouncing off Hayes like they do (so regularly) off Gerard.”

Maybe this is just perception, but the defensive backs Hayes jousted with seemed bigger. Maybe Landry just seems so tank-like.

“Everybody looks like they’re 5-9, 5-10,” Richardson said. “They’re scuffling with him. It’s going to be interesting to see how they’re going to continue to play him.”

Southern U--PVAMU Matchups

SU Video: http://media.swagit.com/s/wbrz/The_Advocate_Sports/09142007-25.high.flash8.html

SU Video: http://media.swagit.com/s/wbrz/The_Advocate_Sports/09062007-10.high.flash8.html

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Southern LB Johnathan Malveaux

19 tackles, 1 pass breakup

Other than DT Joseph Selders, the junior is the most experienced defender among the Jaguars’ front seven. And like Selders, Malveaux is getting the job done. Malveaux leads SU with 19 tackles. His career has been held back by a series of minor injuries, but Malveaux seems to be at his healthiest and strongest these days. That’s a huge plus, because he’s always been a relentless, ferocious tackler and has plenty of speed.

PVU QB Chris Gibson

26-for-49, 248 yards, 2 INTs; 199 yards, 2 TDs on 24 carries

Gibson, a senior, is charged with both improving a horrendous passing game and shoring up the running game. Though suffering from a shoulder injury, Gibson came off the bench in the fourth quarter to help the Panthers to a stunning 26-23 overtime win over Southern. He scored on a 1-yard run and then marched PV to the tying and winning touchdowns.

WHO HAS THE EDGE?

Quarterbacks: SU

Running backs: SU

Offensive line: SU

Wide receivers: SU

Tight ends: SU

Defensive line: PVU

Linebackers: SU

Defensive backs: SU

Kickers: PVU

Kick returners: PVU

Intangibles: SU

Coaching: SU

PREDICTION

Southern has to prove to itself after the debacle that unfolded last season. SU’s offense — balanced and diversified — will get a test from a defense that was the best in the SWAC last season. PV’s offense begins and ends with QB Chris Gibson. The Panthers have also been getting contributions from special teams, a factor they didn’t have last year. Both teams, losers a year ago, bring a lot of confidence tonight.

Southern 34, Prairie View 9

-- Joseph Schiefelbein

SCSU vs. South Carolina

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (1-1, 1-0) at 17th-ranked UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (2-0 1-0)

AT STAKE: It's the first-ever meeting between the Bulldogs and Gamecocks. Both schools have played football for over 100 years and look to build on conference road victories from the previous week.

LAST OUTING: SCSU def. Bethune-Cookman 24-13 on Sept. 8 in Daytona Beach, Fla,. USC def. Georgia 16-12 on Sept. 8 in Athens, Ga.

LAST YEAR'S RECORDS: SCSU (7-4, 6-2 in the MEAC); Bethune-Cookman (8-5, 3-5 in the SEC)

ALL-TIME RECORDS: SCSU (371-240-28); USC (517-517-44)

FIRST SEASONS OF FOOTBALL: SCSU (1907): USC (1892)

HEAD COACHES & CAREER RECORDS: SCSU's Oliver "Buddy" Pough (41-18 overall, 30-10) 6th season; USC's Steve Spurrier (159-50-2 overall; 17-10 with the Gamecocks) 18 seasons overall, 3rd at USC

DID YOU KNOW: Oliver "Buddy" Pough led Fairfield-Central to a Class 3-A title in 1996. Steve Spurrier led the University of Florida to a national championship in 2000 and has won 7 SEC championships and one ACC championship...SCSU has three former players (Deacon Jones, Marion Motley and Harry Carson) inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, more than all the Palmetto State's Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Division and Division II programs combined. USC has the Palmetto State's lone Heisman Trophy winner in running back George Rogers (1980) and head coach won the award in 1966 as a quarterback at Florida...USC currently has 18 former players in the NFL, while Seattle Seahawks nose tackle Chartric Darby is the lone SCSU representative...Pough spent five seasons as a running backs coach at USC under both Brad Scott and Lou Holtz before returning to SCSU in 2001...Spurrier is 16-4 against schools from South Carolina...The last time USC lost to a Football Championship Subdivision School was 1992 against The Citadel...This is the second game in school history for SCSU against a Football Bowl Subdivision team, having opened the season against Air Force...SCSU offensive lineman Raymond Harrison and USC linebacker Rodney Paulk were teammates at Richland Northeast, while USC twin linebackers Jasper and Casper Brinkley and free safety Brandon Isaac of Blackville-Hilda played with SCSU reserve wide receiver Phillip Morris at Georgia Military...Lineman Xavier Littleberry (Clemson) and James Lee are the only SCSU players with previous playing experience against USC...Under Pough, the Bulldogs are 37-5 when leading or tied at halftime and 4-13 when trailing. In MEAC play, the record is 28-1 when ahead, 1-9 when trailing...

SHERIDAN BROADCASTING NETWORK

BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL TOP 10

1. Hampton

2. Alabama A&M

3. Delaware State

4. Tuskegee

5. Southern

6. South Carolina State

-Times and Democrat

SCSU All-MEAC selection injured for game

By BRIAN LINDER, T&D Sports Editor

McFadden missing 'my chance'All-MEAC selection injured for game
against USC friends

Marshall McFadden strolled into Oliver C. Dawson with the rest of the first-team defense Tuesday afternoon, but unlike the rest of his South Carolina State Bulldog teammates, he wasn't padded up.

Instead, the preseason All-MEAC first-team selection wore a white Under Armour shirt and shorts. On his right arm, a tightly wrapped bandage secured the elbow that he hyperextended in the second quarter of his team's 24-13 win over Bethune-Cookman. He hasn't quit hurting since, not so much because of the injury but because he won't be able to step onto the field today when his team takes on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

"It hurts me a lot," McFadden said. "I have a lot of friends that play for USC, guys like Mike Davis and Cory Boyd, and all those guys have been bragging for a while. All of us went to Clemson camp together, and this was our chance to meet up and play against each other. I'm real disappointed that I won't be able to do that with Markee (Hamlin) and LaQuinn (Ellerbe)."

McFadden is closest to Davis; he met him as a senior year in high school.

"We were at that Clemson camp together, and they treated him like a God," he said. "I was Marshall. But we became friends and kept in contact."

So what does Davis think about McFadden's injury?

"He called me up and told me I was scared," McFadden said. "He was just kidding, but it's disappointing knowing that he is going to be playing and I'm not."

The most disappointing part of it all, McFadden said, is missing out on the opportunity to play in front of the crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium.

"The atmosphere ... I've never played in an atmosphere where you have 80,000 people watching you," he said. "This was my chance."

Thursday -- the day before the Bulldogs were scheduled to leave Orangeburg for Columbia -- McFadden was out on the field again, without pads and looking on as his teammates ran through their final walk-through in Orangeburg.

"Coach (Buddy Pough) came up to me, and he was like, 'Marshall, I know you are hurt and upset.' And I told coach that I couldn't sleep at night. He just told me that I have to live through these guys like he does sometimes. That's the only thing that I can do is give these guys energy."

And so, McFadden has resigned himself to enjoying the moment. When the Bulldogs and Gamecocks kickoff tonight, he said he will be ready -- even if he isn't playing.

"I am going to be excited to be in front of the lights," he said. "I'm going to have a good time. I'm going to be out there just like I'm playing in the game anyway. I want those guys to feel comfortable, and if I am walking around with my head down they are going to be walking around with their heads down.

"We are trying to go down and shock the world," he said. "This is David vs. Goliath."

SCSU football sees wisdom in taking on Carolina

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

‘Ollie would be excited’ - 91-year-old queen of SCSU football
sees wisdom in taking on Carolina

Gracia Dawson thinks of herself as a “living historical marker” for South Carolina State University -- and with good reason.

The 91-year-old widow of Bulldog coaching legend Oliver Cromwell Dawson has meticulously maintained her husband’s memoirs, trophies and plaques at the Orangeburg residence they shared for 49 years. A self-professed “campus brat” who was born where now Bethea Hall stands, Dawson is also the oldest living Miss South Carolina State winner (1937) and has spent most of her life cheering on the Bulldogs’ football team.

“We’re celebrating 100 years of football, and I’ve almost celebrated that 100 with them,” she said.

Yet even Dawson could not envision this particular day coming when her alma mater would head to Williams-Brice Stadium to play 17th-ranked University of South Carolina. At 7:05 tonight, Dawson will be in attendance to witness the latest keepsake chapter in SCSU football history.

“Oh, he would be quite excited as I am,” Dawson said. “I’m very excited. We’re making history. As I say, I am a historical marker so ... I plan to be right there. And I’m hoping that we might win it and if we don’t, I hope that we play very well and do their best. That’s all we can demand of them.”

Such a game taking place was very much unthinkable during the early part of Dawson’s 41-year tenure in which he coached five sports, served as athletics director and initiated the school’s Health and Physical Education program. With segregation the law of the land in South Carolina, Dawson said even the thought of scheduling USC could have made her husband’s stay in Orangeburg a short one.

“In those days, no, that was unheard of,” she said. “No, No. You’re talking about the ‘30s now, 1935. That was a no, no. That wouldn’t have come about in that era. This is a new day.

“But in 1935, playing the University of South Carolina, I was afraid somebody might have run him out of Orangeburg for even thinking that, let alone try to do that.”

Through what she called the “lean years,” her late husband more than managed to make a thriving athletics environment at SCSU. Not only did Dawson coach football, basketball, track, tennis and golf, he helped bring several high-profile tournaments in those sports to Orangeburg for the town’s black youth.

“We were living on Goff Avenue at the time ... and we lived across the railroad tracks from Claflin,” Dawson said. “He would come home from the football field, grab a bite and go to the gym to start basketball practice.”

The Thomaston, Ga., native, who was also a boxing champion in Cleveland, Ohio, even taught Sunday school, which may have caught by surprise those student-athletes who sometimes were on the receiving end of his verbal admonishments.

“Somebody use to always say ‘Lord, we’ve never seen a person that cusses so much during the week and prays so good on Sunday,” she said. “But Ollie could get up and give an exemplary speech.”

Dawson’s efforts to help young people receive an education lasted right up until the night before his death on the morning of Feb 9, 1989, when he convinced then-head coach Willie Jeffries to give his nephew, Dyrek Dawson, a football scholarship.

“It was ironic that the last act he did before he died was to get a scholarship, something he had done for other people’s children over all those years, and he was getting help for one of his relatives,” Dawson said. “He never spoke another word after that, but he got that scholarship.”

Dawson did have one lasting message to impart to his nephew over the telephone following his final meeting with Jeffries.

“He told them ‘I had paved the way for you’,” he said. “‘But the truth is, I’m going to tell you. If you’re not interested in an education, don’t come down here because I don’t want no Dawson tramp athlete!’ People thought he was rough, but once you knew him, he had a heart of gold.”

Dawson’s legacy lives on in the form of the stadium that bears his name, through his widow who continues to financially support the university and the coaches who have followed in his footsteps and shown the same commitment to helping young people.

Gracia Dawson sees those similar traits in the Bulldogs’ current head coach who, ironically, shares the same first name as her late husband and was a former neighbor.

“I think he’d be proud of (Oliver) “Buddy” Pough,” Dawson said. “I think ‘Buddy’ Pough has done real well and is such a fine representative.”

Dawson is especially happy to see Pough schedule games against the Football Bowl Subdivision teams, as she believes they will help the Bulldogs in the long run.

“I’ve heard a lot of people complain, ‘Oh why in the world did they put schools like Air Force Academy and USC (on the schedule)?,’” she said. “But to me, that’s the only way you’re going to grow. I tell you one thing, I feel that playing Air Force helped us win our first conference game (last week against Bethune-Cookman). I mean that’s my thinking. And they’ll do better when you have better competition.

“But a lot of people are saying ‘Why in the world are they putting those schools on the schedule? They know they’re out of our league.’ What’s wrong with trying to reach up into another league or whatever. I’m glad to see them play them.”

While still very spry, Dawson now attends few road games, content to follow the action on the radio at home decked out in her SCSU paraphernalia. For this special occasion, however, Dawson plans to make the trip to Columbia with her late husband in spirit.

“I just hope that they play some ball,” she said.

SCSU must believe anything can happen

By T&D Sports Writer Travis Boland

When Appalachian State knocked off Michigan in the first week of the college football season, it gave other Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) teams the thought that they could beat anybody. It also struck fear in the hearts of all Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) teams, hoping they weren't going to be the next major upset to be splashed all over SportsCenter.

Now, South Carolina State gets its chance to pull its own major upset over an FBS team, but it's going to take a monumental effort, seeing as you can't sneak up on anyone this season.

The Bulldogs will have to play the perfect game to get the win. Here are a few things they can do to make it happen:

1. South Carolina State will have to spread the USC defense.

The Gamecocks struggled in their first game of the season against Louisiana-Lafayette because of the Ragin' Cajuns' spread-option attack and no-huddle offense. UL-L rushed for 252 yards and was able to control the clock against the defense.

Cleve McCoy and the Bulldogs will have to use the spread attack to their advantage, McCoy is quick enough to be able to run the misdirection plays that can confuse the Gamecocks. Gettting USC to over-commit will be the key.

The offensive line will have to protect against a defensive line that gave Georgia fits last week. Cleve needs to be able to run but not spend all night running for his life.

2. Score early, score often.

Appalachian State was able to beat Michigan by scoring early. They took the lead and were able to hold off a comeback. If the Gamecocks score the first points,

it could be a long night for the Bulldogs. But if State is able to open the game with a touchdown drive, it could set the tone. SCSU is not going to win a defensive struggle the likes of Carolina's win over Georgia, so the Bulldogs will have to put the ball in the end zone as often as possible. The longer SCSU hangs around, the better the chances of pulling the upset.

3. Empty the playbook.

If the Bulldogs can hang tough, then expect to see some razzle-dazzle from Buddy Pough. Why hold on to trick plays if they can lead to a win. Don't hold anything back in this game. Anything you're going to use will be good practice for later in the season. Fake punts, reverses, flea-flickers, whatever ... just use them.

I'm not saying the Bulldogs will beat the Gamecocks, but like we've already seen this season, anything can happen.

UAB vs. Alcorn State University

STEVE IRVINE, The Birmingham News

Callaway on familiar turf with new team

UAB head football coach Neil Callaway could take a stroll down memory lane today when he arrives at Legion Field.

His Legion Field memories began as a player at the University of Alabama and stretched over coaching stops at Alabama and Auburn. He acknowledged earlier this week that he has plenty of good and bad Legion Field memories but added that today is no time to dive into those memories.

In other words, for Callaway, it's all about business today when the Blazers (0-2) play host to Alcorn State (0-2) in a non-conference game scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m.

"It's our first home ball game, it's our home field, it's our house,"

Callaway said. "We need to represent ourselves well there. It's a lot of tradition there, which is great, but all I'm worried about right now is UAB."

Look at today's game on paper and it appears that Callaway has an excellent chance to get his first win as a head coach in his team's first home game. However, listen to Callaway's scouting report and Alcorn State doesn't sound like a team that has been outscored 52-13 by Grambling State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

"They are very multiple offensive and defensive schemes," Callaway said.

"It's going to create some problems for you with all the stuff that they do on both sides of the ball," Callaway said. "They have eight starters on both sides of the ball. I'm very impressed even though they have not won a ball game, I was very impressed on how they play on both sides of the ball and how well they are coached and how well they do the things they do."

Alcorn State hasn't necessarily looked like an experienced team thus far.

Part of that comes from an unsettled feeling at quarterback because of injuries. Senior Chris Walker started against Grambling before leaving with a thigh bruise. Junior Tony Hobson Jr. was the scheduled starter against Arkansas-Pine Bluff but he hurt his hand in practice last week. Sophomore Tim Buckley got the start at quarterback in the second game but was replaced quickly by Walker.

Put all that together and it's tough to find some offensive consistency.

UAB's difficulty in finding offensive consistency in the season-opening loss to Michigan State came largely because an offensive line that was breaking in three new starters and had little experienced depth. The offensive line played much better in the loss to Florida State last week.

Now the Blazers need to find more offensive playmakers to go with quarterback Sam Hunt and wide receiver Joseph Webb. Hunt has thrown for 440 yards and two touchdowns and his 31-yard run last week is the only double-digit rush the Blazers have thus far. Webb, who is still slated to play quarterback at some point, has a team-high 12 catches for 187 yards and the only two receiving touchdowns.

Running back Rashaud Slaughter is averaging just 3.3 yards per touch - rushing and receiving - and no other running back has more than four carries. Fullback/H-back David Sigler is averaging 15 yards per catch but has only four catches.

Norfolk State at Rutgers Today

by Philadelphia Inquirer

Norfolk State at Rutgers Today at 3:30 p.m., Rutgers Stadium

TV/Radio: MSG-ESPN Regional; WENJ-AM (1450), WOR-AM (710).

Records: Norfolk State, 1-0; Rutgers, 2-0.

The buzz: Norfolk State of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) is playing its first Division I-A opponent since starting football 10 years ago, and coach Pete Adrian raised some eyebrows by commenting that he would rather be playing Michigan than Rutgers. . . . As many eyes may be on the stands today as on the field. In last week's win over Navy, a handful of Rutgers fans booed and shouted vulgarities at the Mids, forcing athletic director Bob Mulcahy and president Richard McCormick to issue public apologies to the Naval Academy.

Last week: No. 13 Rutgers continued its balanced attack, rushing for 210 yards and passing for 266 in a 41-24 win over Navy. Tailback Ray Rice set the school's career rushing record. The Scarlet Knights committed 11 penalties for 100 yards.

While Rutgers, No. 13 in the Associated Press poll, figures to dispatch Norfolk State today, ticket demand remains at an unprecedented level. Even a game against a Norfolk State team that plays in a level of football one division below Rutgers, will produce another sellout, of about 43,000.

This week a block of tickets, typically set aside for the visiting team to Rutgers Stadium, were returned by Norfolk State and were made available to members of the Rutgers Alumni.
The block of tickets sold out in less than half an hour, according to athletics department officials, who in prior years had tens of thousands of tickets available for some games.

"Gone are the old days of being able to pick up game-day tickets," said Brian Crockett, head of the Rutgers Foundation, which oversees the alumni programs.

"Everywhere I go in the state it's so much easier to bring Rutgers football into the conversation. When you mention Rutgers you get a new sparkle," said Crockett.

Next week: Rutgers has a bye before hosting Maryland.

After two-game suspension, DSU Rouse returns to lead defense

By KRISTIAN POPE, The News Journal

Senior apologizes, prepares to face I-A Kent State

DOVER -- It may have been a private affair, but Kelly Rouse made an important public gesture at the start of this week.

He stood up and apologized to his football team.

Rouse, a senior defensive lineman at Delaware State, said he let his teammates and coaches down while serving a two-game suspension for violating school policy. Rouse was told by the coaching staff to decline from publicly saying what he did to get pulled from the season's first two games. However, he said the issue wasn't academics.

"For me, as a senior, not to be out there, I disappointed myself but mostly I disappointed my team and coaches and my family," Rouse said. "I wanted to make an apology to the alumni and students and my family. All I want to do now is make a tackle."

After missing DSU's victories over Coastal Carolina and Florida A&M, Rouse returned to practice this week heading into perhaps the program's biggest game of the season.

The Hornets will play against their first NCAA Division I-A opponent since 1987 when they visit Kent State of the Mid-American Conference today at 4 p.m.

Rouse is considered a leader for the Hornets defense.

"When I was on the sidelines for the first two games, I felt like I was killing my team," Rouse said. "You just get that feeling. When I saw these guys playing hard in the fourth quarter and I couldn't get in there, it felt like they were saying, 'You're killing us.' "

Rouse had been alerted before the season opener that he'd broken a new school rule. But he said he wasn't told that new athletic director Rick Costello had suspended him until a day before the Sept. 1 game.

"I don't know if they wanted to make an example of me," Rouse said. "When one guy does it, you have to do something. But they're more strict now."

If DSU has any chance to beat Kent State, coach Al Lavan, who was comfortable with suspending Rouse for two games, said it could happen only with Rouse, arguably his best defensive player, on the field.

Last season, Rouse, from Newark, N.J., made 47 tackles and 3.5 sacks in nine games.

The Golden Flashes (1-1) run a spread offense, but they have the 15th-best rushing offense in Division I-A, averaging 263 yards per game.

"We can't afford to lose his type of speed on the field," Lavan said. "But we have procedures and policies that have to be adhered to. That didn't happen with Kelly."

Rouse, who moved from linebacker to the defensive line in the spring under new defensive coordinator Ray Petty, will line up on the left side against Kent State. Rouse said he believes this game is his chance to prove himself as a player who can compete at the highest level of college football.

Though the Golden Flashes are a mid-major school, Rouse and his DSU teammates are viewing this as a rare opportunity for a I-AA program.

"They haven't seen me play at all," Rouse said. "They have no idea if I'm even coming. What I want to do is create an unfamiliar atmosphere around their quarterback [Julian Edelman]. I'm not the kind of player looking for stats, but I have some catching up to do."

Photo Show: Jackson State University vs. Texas Southern University

Valley first SWAC foe for league defending champ Alabama A&M

ITTA BENA, Miss. -- Alabama A&M hosts Mississippi Valley State in a Southwestern Athletic Conference clash on Saturday and is hoping for a happier ending than last year.

MVSU (1-1, 1-1 SWAC) won that game 23-20 on a 48-yard field goal with only seconds left.

"A&M is always good, but this year they're scoring a lot more points," MVSU head coach Willie Totten said.

A&M (2-0, 0-0) is averaging 529 yards of total offense compared to MVSU's 173.

A&M quarterback Kelcy Luke passed for 301 yards and four touchdowns against Clark Atlanta last week.

The Delta Devils lost 23-6 last Saturday to Southern and Totten wants his players to put that game behind them before the kickoff in Normal, Ala.

"We knew Southern would be a tough opponent, and we'll face an even tougher opponent in Alabama A&M," Totten said.

Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones said the Bulldogs can't be satisfied being 2-0.

"I don't want our guys to think we're great because we're not," Jones said. "We've played two good football games, and now we're ready to get into conference play. We have to continue to get better. If we don't, everything we've done will be for naught."

In other games Saturday involving Mississippi's smaller colleges, Alcorn State goes to Alabama-Birmingham; Delta State hosts Henderson State; Mississippi College hosts Texas Lutheran; Belhaven hosts Texas College; and Millsaps plays Austin College in Sherman, Texas.

Alcorn (0-2, 0-2 SWAC) has scored just 13 points in losses to Grambling State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Alcorn goes up against the Division I-A opponent in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday. UAB (0-2) has not won since a 35-29 win over Memphis last Oct. 7. This season, UAB has lost to Florida State and Michigan State.

"We're up beat and we know what we have to do," said Alcorn head coach Johnny Thomas. "Our main thing is that we've got to be more consistent on offense and improve. Our defense has to continue to be aggressive."

UAB head coach Neil Callaway said Alcorn has a cadre of veteran players and that experience is important to any team.

"They do a lot of multiple things on both sides of the ball. From a defensive standpoint, we have to recognize what's going on. The same goes for offense because they bring a lot of types and forms blitzes and they will create problems if we're not sharp," Callaway said.

WSSU Notebook: Levine, Adams may get more playing time

COMPILED BY JOHN DELL , Winston Salem Journal

■ Winston-Salem State could have a change on its offensive line this week - the possible promotion of freshman Nazir Levine to the starting lineup.

Offensive coordinator Nick Calcutta said that Levine played well last week after entering the game against Coastal Carolina in the second half.

“More than likely we are going to start Nazir Levine at left guard,” Calcutta said. “We’re hoping we can get the same kind of production out of him this weekend.”

Calcutta said that Bo Adams probably will get more playing time as well. Adams, a redshirt sophomore, has had some nagging injuries this season.

“It’s been a difficult task finding the right five guys to be a unit, but we are slowly getting there,” Calcutta said.

■ Roderick Fluellen, a running back last season, has played primarily receiver this season, and he’s slowly adjusting to his new role.

“Right now I’m getting used to it,” he said. “When camp first started, it was different on how I ran routes and other things. I feel like I’m starting to learn it a lot better at this point.”

One reason that Fluellen was moved was the return of Jed Bines. Brandon McRae and Bines are the main ball-carriers.

“We need to execute better,” Fluellen said of the offense. “I felt like we played hard last week but we didn’t execute like we should have. This week we are more focused. We had a hard loss last week, and we didn’t like that feeling, so hopefully we’ll never have that feeling the rest of the year.”

■ WSSU will play Morgan State for the first time Saturday, with kickoff at 4 p.m. in Baltimore. But coaches Donald Hill-Eley of Morgan State and Kermit Blount of WSSU know each other well.
“Donald and I go back a long ways,” Blount said. “He was actually the offensive coordinator at Hampton for a while when we played against Hampton a few years ago. But this will be the first time we’ll get to do battle against each other as head coaches.”

Hill-Eley, a 1991 graduate of Virginia Union, was on some of the great Virginia Union teams of the late 1980s that battled WSSU every year in the CIAA.

“I know all about the Rams and their history,” Hill-Eley said.

Blount said that the teams have exchanged game films.

“He thinks that we have a pretty good football team, and we are thinking they have a pretty good football team as we look at them on film,” Blount said. “So it should be a good ballgame. The team that has the least turnovers will win the ballgame.”

■ Jed Bines, who is No. 4 on WSSU’s all-time rushing list, needs 77 yards to reach 3,000 for his career. He also is sixth in school history with 28 career touchdowns…. Punter Jermaine Mack is averaging 34.3 yards a punt. Mack, a junior defensive back, won the job in preseason camp…. Place-kicker Matt Mitchell, a freshman, has yet to attempt a field goal through two games but is 5 for 5 on point-after attempts…. WSSU’s offensive line did not allow a sack in the opener against N.C. A&T but gave up five sacks in Saturday’s loss to Coastal Carolina.

Football Championship Subdivision report

Beck Cross, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

UAPB Moore to start Junior quarterback Johnathan Moore, who came on in relief of senior starter Chris Wallace and threw two touchdown passes in last week’s 21-3 victory at Alcorn State, will start Saturday against Alabama State at Golden Lion Stadium. Wallace, the preseason Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, has not practiced this week and likely will not play Saturday because of a bout with the flu. “He [Wallace ] has been sick all week and I didn’t let him practice this week and he’s not going to play this week,” UAPB Coach Mo Forte said. “He’s had the flu and has been coughing... It’s exhaustion and his body is just run down.”

Saturday will mark Moore’s third career start. He started last year’s SWAC championship game against Alabama A&M and led the Golden Lions to a 7-6 halftime advantage before Wallace entered the game in the second half. UAPB lost 22-13.

“I feel good with Johnathan,” Forte said. “He’s been waiting for his opportunity and he has talent and skills. I’m looking forward to seeing him manage this football team.” Defense shines

UAPB’s offense has struggled in its first two games, but there’s no complaining about the defense’s play under coordinator Monte Coleman.

UAPB’s defense leads the SWAC, yielding only 190. 5 yards per game and also boasts the top run defense, which is giving up 23 yards per game.

Junior end Ledarious Anthony, who was named the SWAC’s defensive player of the week, has 19 total tackles and leads the conference with 1 3 / 2 sacks. Mental block ?

Alabama State remains the only team in the SWAC that UAPB has yet to beat in three seasons under Coach Mo Forte.

In fact, the Hornets have beaten the Golden Lions in four consecutive matchups and six out of the past seven, capped by last year’s 31-13 victory in Montgomery, Ala. It marked the most lopsided loss of the season for UAPB, which went on to win the West Division title.

Alabama State, which was picked in preseason to finish third in the East Division, could be the surprise team of the conference. The Hornets are 2-0 with victories against perennial power Jacksonville State (24-19 ) and at Texas Southern (21-10 ). UAPB to honor 10

UAPB will add 10 members to its sports hall of fame at its annual banquet tonight at the Junior League Building in Little Rock.

Those being inducted former football and basketball Coach Charles “Pop” Spearman, football standout Allie Freeman, former Little Rock Hall Coach Oliver Elders, former NFL player Caesar Belser, track standout Aaron Harris, All-SWAC basketball player Jesse Mason, Jr., former Little Rock Hall football Coach Roy Wade, women’s basketball players Helen Hughes-Smith and Susan Weaver-Vasser and 1996 Olympic trials participant Demetrica Hayes-Thomas.

UAPB Golden Lions AD sets goals high

BY BECK CROSS, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

PINE BLUFF — Louis “Skip” Perkins has been on the job for just over a month as Arkansas-Pine Bluff ’s athletic director, but there’s little doubt he has the program moving in the right direction.

Perkins, 35, who is one of the youngest athletic directors in NCAA Division I, is engaging and infectious when he talks about his goals for the UAPB athletic program.

Perkins took over for Craig Curry, whose three-year contract was not renewed in June by UAPB Chancellor Lawrence Davis.

“My immediate goals are fundraising and bringing all sports on campus,” said Perkins, who signed a three-year contract with UAPB. “But one of my major goals is to win a SWAC [Southwestern Athletic Conference ] championship. It’s been over 30 years since we’ve won a SWAC title in any sport and that’s going to change. We’ve been ninth and 10 th, respectively, in a lot of sports and that’s not good enough. We’re going to install a winning attitude here.”

Perkins’ first order of business was making the football schedule more fan accessible. He was aghast when he learned the defending West Division champion Golden Lions were playing only three games in Pine Bluff and one in Little Rock.

Lewis, who vowed the Golden Lions will play no fewer than five in-state games a year in his tenure, immediately went to work to put Central Arkansas and Arkansas-Monticello on next year’s schedule. UAPB has a two-year deal to play UCA at War Memorial Stadium and a three-year deal to play UAM at Golden Lion Stadium.

This year, UAPB plays its two nonconference opponents — Southern Illinois and New Mexico State — on the road.

“This was an easy fix for me,” Perkins said. “I know what a paid game is and what a classic is, and the games on this [2007 ] schedule wouldn’t be considered either of those two. Southern Illinois is a home-and-home agreement and by the time we pay all of the bills from going to New Mexico State, we’re coming home with nothing. We’re better off playing at home and we’ve added two in-state rivals that everybody’s going to love to be a part of.”

Perkins also fits the bill as a strong fundraiser. Before taking the UAPB job, he was an assistant athletic director at his alma mater, North Carolina Central, and spearheaded a drive that raised more than $ 1. 8 million in a fiscal year.

“The reason that’s so special is because we have so much competition,” Perkins said. “There’s Duke, there’s North Carolina, there’s North Carolina State and everybody is going after the same person [for fundraising ].

“ Some of it was not taking no for an answer but a lot of it was asking. We just didn’t ask before. It’s simple as that. Raising funds is my No. 1 priority at UAPB and we’re the only shop in town. Some progress has been made but I’m ready to take it to the next level.”

Perkins heard about the UAPB vacancy in July and was immediately interested.

“I heard that they were looking for someone who could raise some funds and someone who had energy,” Perkins said. “I thought I had what they needed so I immediately applied.”

Davis agreed after bringing Perkins in for an interview.

“We brought him down and let him meet the appropriate people and his background in fundraising, his contacts and his energy made him very attractive to us,” Davis said. “We have great anticipation and we’re very optimistic about our future under his leadership.”

Perkins also has the endorsement of head football Coach Mo Forte, who has done his part to bring excitement to the athletic program by leading the Golden Lions to their first SWAC West Division title in 2006.

“The time I’ve been around him he is enthusiastic and he has a lot of energy,” Forte said. “I think he’s going to be able to go out and raise money, which is what they brought him in here to do. He’s got a good personality and I think he’s going to do a good job.”

Perkins insisted the UAPB job isn’t a stepping stone.

“This community is wonderful and my wife and I can’t go anywhere without someone stopping us and telling us how glad they are we’re here and that we can do it,” Perkins said. “I don’t know how much higher I can go because I’m an athletic director in the SWAC conference. I’m embedded in this community and I’m here for the long run. I want to win a SWAC championship and then I want to compete for the all-SWAC trophy, and that’s going to take time. We’re going to have continuity.”

Southern LB Baugh has PVU ties

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Southern sophomore linebacker Allan Baugh’s mother, Judy, graduated from the University of Texas and his brother, Kenny, was a star pitcher at Rice.

But his father, Kenneth, and his sister, Erika, both went to Prairie View.

Southern (2-0, 1-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) hosts PV (2-0, 1-0) at 6 p.m. Saturday in A.W. Mumford Stadium in the Jaguars’ home opener.

After Southern’s shocking 26-23 overtime loss to PV a year ago, Allan said his dad, an electrical engineering major at PV who is now an attorney in Houston, didn’t tease him about the loss – My dad was rooting for Southern,” he said.

Big sister, also an electrical engineering major who now works for American Airlines in Dallas, may have had something to say, however.

“She probably gave me a little bit,” Baugh said. “She probably wasn’t used to them winning though.”

Baugh had been recruited by Rice and other schools, but chose Southern.

“They didn’t put any pressure on me to go to a (historically black college); whatever decision I made, they were fine with,” said Baugh, a civil engineering major.


Passing notice
Last season, Prairie View was 112th of 116 Division I-AA teams in passing (100.6 ypg), though a respectable 33rd in rushing (189.9 ypg).

So, shoring up the passing attack (13 interceptions to nine TDs) was a priority.

How’s it going? The Panthers are averaging 146.5 ypg on the ground — despite losing its top rushing tandem of last season, Arnell Fontenot and Kerry Wilson, and are averaging 143.0 ypg in the air.

“We’ve made a concerted effort to improve our passing game,” PV coach Henry Frazier III said. “That’s the last piece of the puzzle. We know we can run the ball. We’re going to see what happens. If you see us handing it over to the other team, you’ll see me grind it out.”

Senior quarterback Chris Gibson is 26-for-49 (53.1 percent) for 248 yards, two interceptions and no touchdowns. He is a career 42.0-percent passer for 2,143 yards, 16 interceptions and eight touchdowns.

Gibson has been PV’s top rusher, with 199 yards — averaging 8.3 yards per carry and third best in the SWAC — and two TDs on 24 carries. He’s run for 678 yards and 12 TDs in his career.

“Our mission is to try to control him,” Richardson said. “He likes to run the football. He’s an exceptional athlete and he makes a lot of big plays once he gets to the flank. We have to apply pressure selectively. And also we have to do a great job of man-to-man coverage.”

Gibson, who is 4-for-16 for 41 yards and an interception in his career against Southern, had an injured shoulder but came off the bench in the final few minutes to help the Panthers to their stunning comeback.

Roberts can run, catch

SU junior wide receiver Del Roberts has been the ‘X’ factor coaches envisioned. Roberts has 10 catches, tied for the team lead with Gerard Landry, for 99 yards and has four rushes for 37 yards (9.9 yards per carry).

Saturday, in a 23-6 win over Mississippi Valley State, Roberts had 33 rushing yards (three carries) and a team-best 74 receiving yards (seven catches) for 107 total yards.

“They double-teamed (Gerard) Landry on the other side after (a 54-yard touchdown), and we had to go someplace else,” Richardson said.

Notes
PV’s top pass catcher is 5-foot-5 Anthony Weeden, with 10 grabs for 98 yards. SU QB Bryant Lee’s pass efficiency is 151.87, 19th best in the nation. Prairie View has been undefeated entering the Southern game all four seasons under Frazier – 2-0 in 2004 (losing 42-12), 1-0 in 2005 (losing 38-0 and 1-0 last season (winning 26-23 in overtime). Frazier is 13-21 in three-plus seasons at PV. That’s the best record of any coach since Hoover Wright went 17-53-1 from 1973-79. There were 10 different coaches from 1980-2003. Two had no wins, three had one win, one had two wins, one had three wins and Larry Dorsey was 5-27 from 2000-02.

TSU at Austin Peay matchup nears sellout

By MIKE ORGAN, the Tennessean

Ticket sales for the Tennessee State-Austin Peay football game Saturday in Clarksville have been brisk and a sellout is possible, according to APSU athletic spokesman Cody Bush.

The 6 p.m. game at Governors Stadium (capacity 10,000) marks the return for Austin Peay to the Ohio Valley Conference after dropping to non-scholarship football in 1996.

APSU's 1977 OVC championship team, which was coached by Boots Donnelly, has been invited back and will be recognized during a halftime ceremony.

Ticket prices are $7 for seniors/students and $12 for adults. Special rates are available for groups of 25 or more.

No hate in these rivals: Runager, Staley won't let allegiance hinder friendship

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

Frank Staley Jr. and Geb Runager have nothing but love for their college alma maters.

Runager earned his masters’ degree in education from the University of South Carolina and sent four of his five children there, including the school’s first-ever female trainer and NFL All-Pro punter Max Runager. Staley is a proud second-generation graduate of South Carolina State University whose father has a building named on campus in his honor and remains a fixture around the football team as one of its biggest fans.

Given Staley and Runager’s devout allegiances to USC and SCSU, Saturday’s first-ever meeting between the two in-state schools would seem like the time to put aside their longtime friendship. Instead of exchanging trash talk and ugly stares, however, it was all smiles between the two men at Thursday’s Orangeburg Touchdown Club meeting.

"I think it’s great," Runager said. "I think it’s long overdue and you can tell just from the Touchdown Club meeting today the excitement it’s been generating not only in this room, but the community and the entire state. So it’s long overdue as far as a football game is concerned and Coach Pough is not looking up so high to South Carolina, he’s looking at an equal level playing field and he’s anxious to find out how his players are going to go. So I think it’s long overdue."

"It’s long overdue and we’re going to be representative," Staley said. "We at South Carolina State with the Bulldogs, we go into a game and go in to win and hopefully, we can win this one."

Runager acknowledged most Gamecock fans see the game with the Bulldogs as a ‘breather’ before next week’s matchup against second-ranked LSU. At the same time, Runager’s personal ties to SCSU, dating back to Willie Jeffries, in working with the Bulldog kickers makes it difficult to develop a healthy ‘hatred’ entering Saturday’s game.

"(Punter and Saturday’s place-kicker) Aaron Haire is doing quite well as a punter and holder," Runager said. "He and I have been working together since he was in middle school. How am I going to pull against him. I cannot do anything but wish him the best."

The two men are also linked by their years of community service. From Runager’s work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to Staley’s 30-plus years as a teacher at SCSU, their strong commitment to helping young people serves as a common bond between them.

"I think both of our backgrounds have involved working with kids," Staley said. "We’ve done that all of our lives and I guess we’re going to do that until we pass on to the Good Father.

"And that will transition itself into the game on Saturday due to the total respect we have for what the coaches do and how well they’re working with those kids and what it means to them to work with those kids because we’ve worked with kids all our professional lives and the kids are the same," Runager said. "That’s who it’s all about. It’s not about us. It’s about the kids.

"And these football players when they graduate from college, the majority of them aren’t going to be pros because there’s nothing but good players up there. What we’re doing is preparing them for life and what it is," Staley said.

Runager sees Saturday’s game as a chance to bring together two groups of fans who have more in common than they realize and will give fans statewide an unprecedented opportunity to see what SCSU is all about.

"The word is respect," Runager said. "That’s what it’s all about. That’s what this club is all about and I think our community has grown exponentially in that regard and in terms of respect for each other, no matter what your background or anything else and I think that’s what the game is going to do. It’s going to offer an opportunity to build respect because they’re going to look at a class program in South Carolina State University, which is coming in well-closed, well-played, the players are just really truly student-athletes and gentlemen and that level of respect just can’t help but increase remarkably in my view."

Staley holds Runager in equally high regard, stating he’s been someone who’s been a ‘father image’ for him for a long time. Regardless of the outcome, the two insists their friendship will endure.

"We’re going to be friends even after the game is over," Staley said. "We know he’s going to be rooting for Carolina because that’s where he’s had all his backing and I’m going to be rooting for the Bulldogs. I’ve been going around with Carolina because as a Boy Scout leader, I ushered up there for years. But Saturday, I’m a Bulldog!"

"No hate over here," Runager said. "We can’t work up a hate."

Four SCSU Bulldogs suspended for Saturday's game

Already down one starter on defense, the South Carolina State football team will be missing two on offense for Saturday’s in-state clash with the University of South Carolina.

In a press release, Bulldog head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough announced one-game suspensions to place-kicker Stephen Grantham, wide receivers Terrance Smith and Phillip Brooks and defensive lineman Patrick Brooks for team rule violations. When contacted by telephone, Pough declined to elaborate on the reasons behind the suspensions save for what was stated in the release.

Grantham, who missed all of last season for academic reasons, will be replaced by punter and Orangeburg native Aaron Haire.

Also slated to miss Saturday’s contest is defensive back Marshall McFadden, who suffered a hyperextended right elbow in SCSU’s 24-13 win at Bethune-Cookman last Saturday. McFadden, a 6-2, 195 junior of Lamar who had started all 24 Bulldog games during his career, will miss 2-3 weeks due to the injury.

SCSU Pough on facing Carolina: 'It's not a life-or-death thing'

By Charles Bennett, The Post and Courier

S.C. State coach downplays schools' first meeting

The historical significance of the first-ever football game against South Carolina isn't lost on South Carolina State's players and coaches, but they say they're a little more focused on the game itself than their place in history.

"It means a lot to our university and to our community, and we feel like we're the standard bearers for that," said South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough. "As far as the game is concerned, it's a game. What we'd like to do is go out and relax and play well. Whether that will happen, who knows? I can tell you that it's not a life-or-death thing for us. We'd like to go out and put on a good show and make a good accounting for ourselves."

Saturday's game, which is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at South Carolina's Williams-Brice Stadium, may mean more to South Carolina State's alumni. The Bulldogs easily sold their allotment of 4,300 tickets.

As one of the few remaining S.C. State alumni still in the NFL, Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Chartric "Chuck" Darby said he was shocked to learn that the Bulldogs and Gamecocks had never played.

"I always figured they'd played a long time ago," said Darby, who grew up in North, S.C.

"It's a game I wish I could have played in when I was at S.C. State. I know we would have loved to have gone up to Columbia and played them. I grew up a South Carolina fan, it's where I wanted to go, so it means a lot to me that they're finally playing."

Darby said he and Seattle linebacker Lance Laury, a former South Carolina standout have been talking trash to each other all week.

"You've got to take up for your school," Darby said laughing. "I'm not going to let Lance talk to me about my school. We've been giving each other a hard time all week. We've got a little lunch bet on the game. The loser has to take the winner out to lunch."

South Carolina has been playing football for 116 years, while the Bulldogs are celebrating their 100th year of football.

Even though the two schools are approximately 40 miles apart, Saturday's game between the Football Championship Subdivision Bulldogs and the 17th-ranked Gamecocks has been a long time coming.

Since South Carolina State is an historically black school, the segregation practices that gripped the country for the better part of the 20th century explains much about why the two schools have never played.

Over the last 40 years, there has been no real reason why the schools shouldn't have played — other than USC really made no effort to schedule the game.

"This game is long overdue. It's something that should have happened a long time ago if you ask me," Darby said. "Why we had to wait until 2007 to play this game is something I don't understand. This is a game they need to play every year."

The Gamecocks have played nearly every other football-playing school in the state, including other subdivision schools like Wofford, The Citadel, and Furman.

Current South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman finally got the game on the schedule as part of an effort to schedule more in-state schools, a move that coach Steve Spurrier favors.

"They asked me, 'Do you want to play South Carolina State?' and I said, 'Sure, why not?' " Spurrier said. "I didn't realize at the time that they'd never played before. I didn't realize it was that big a deal. If I had been here, 10, 12 years ago, I certainly would have wanted to schedule the game.

"I think it's a good game. Instead of bringing Louisiana-Lafayette or one of those teams in, bring South Carolina State, Wofford, and Furman. If they beat us, they beat us."

Pough, who served as the Gamecocks running backs coach from 1999-2001 under former head coach Lou Holtz, said he has been working on scheduling South Carolina since he left USC to take over the South Carolina State program in 2002.

"There was nothing in writing when I left," Pough said. "We had kind of a gentleman's agreement. We'd tried to do it a couple of years ago, but it didn't work out. This was the first season we were able to get it done."

South Carolina State quarterback Cleve McCoy, who played at Baptist Hill High in Hollywood, says the game likely means more to the Bulldogs than the Gamecocks.

"It means a lot," McCoy said. "It might not be important to the players at South Carolina, but it's almost everything to us. We played ball with these guys, we talk to them all the time. We've always said, 'We wish we could play ya'll. Matter of fact, we're going to beat ya'll.' That's just talk, but it's a great opportunity."

The two teams will meet again in 2011, and Pough would like to see the game eventually contested on a semi-regular basis.

"I'd like to see it every other year, something of that nature," Pough said. "But you do what you can at the beginning and as you do, as the relationship develops, you get more of them. What is probably best is that we get South Carolina one year, we get Clemson one year eventually. We've got Georgia Tech down the road. Just kind of mix it in."

But there can be only one first meeting.

The current Bulldogs are excited to be a part of it — with one reservation.

"Well, it will be something to be proud of, but not if we go in there and lose 66-7," McCoy said. "Then I won't want to talk about it."

S.C. State-USC matchup about more than football

By Ken Burger, The Post and Courier

ORANGEBURG - This Saturday night, South Carolina State and South Carolina will play a football game for the ages. That's because the way you look at this game depends upon your age.
If you're young, like the group of students I talked to on campus Thursday, you no doubt see it as a big football game, a chance for the underdog Bulldogs to play the nationally ranked Gamecocks.

Few, however, understand the true significance of this first-ever meeting between the Palmetto State's flagship school and the predominantly black university just down the road.

"I personally hope that South Carolina State wins the game," said Donovan McDaniel, a James Island High School graduate "But I think South Carolina has upper hand."

Corey Frasier, a Military Magnet graduate who attends S.C. State, said, "I think it's going to be a great game with a former NFL coach like Steve Spurrier coaching in it. It'll be a challenge for the Bulldogs, but it will boost our ratings up if we do a good job."

Jamal Watkins, of Goose Creek, said, "USC is coming off a win over Georgia and State just beat Bethune-Cookman. So I think it's a game about who runs South Carolina. It's all about bragging rights."

That's pretty much the sentiment of most 19-year-olds. For some reason, they think it's about football.

100 years later

That these two state-supported schools have been playing college football 40 miles from each other for more than 100 years and never played each other is a remnant of our state's unresolved racial history.

Grace Beahm
The Post and Courier

Mary Jones, a South Carolina State University professor for more than 30 years, buys T-shirts at Orrick Dixon's stand Thursday outside the SCSU stadium as she and Veronica Mervin prepare for Saturday's football game against the University of South Carolina. 'Saturday is blue-and-white day,' Jones said as she picked out shirts.

Without delving too deep into the history books, suffice it to say it wasn't pretty, it wasn't fair and we all look back with regret.

"The game means nothing to these students as far as history is concerned," said S.C. State head coach Buddy Pough, who played for the Bulldogs in the bad old days. "I've had to educate them some. I even brought in coach Willie Jeffries who coached here before me, to give them a chance to understand some of the significance of it. But they don't know anything about segregation. All that kind of stuff was way behind them.

"But this is a big deal for all the South Carolina State constituency. All the friends and family and the community, it's big to them."

One of those people is Mary Jordan, an English professor who has been teaching at S.C. State for more than 30 years.

"I'm very excited to know that we are establishing a relationship," Jordan said as she purchased an S.C. State T-shirt for the weekend celebration. "I'm not so much concerned about who wins or who loses, but just to say that we have established a relationship with the university and that we can play sports and compete with each other."

A native of Orangeburg, Jordan said she has been encouraged to see S.C. State play The Citadel in recent years and for the Bulldogs to play their Palmetto Classic (against other black schools) in USC's stadium.

"But to actually play Carolina, that's historical," she said. "We need to get to be cooperative partners, because we're all working for the same goal."

Long overdue

As I walked around S.C. State Thursday it occurred to me how few of my white friends have ever set foot on this campus.

It might come as a surprise to many that these Bulldogs have been playing football for a century and sent more than their fair share of players to the pro ranks.

Names like Harry Carson (San Diego), Deacon Jones (L.A., San Diego, Washington) Donnie Shell (Pittsburgh), Barney Chavous (Denver), Jumpy Geathers (Buffalo), Chartric Darby (Baltimore, Tampa, Seattle), John Gilliam (New Orleans, St. Louis, Minnesota, Atlanta) and Robert Porcher (Detroit) to name only a handful of more than a hundred former Bulldogs who have played in the pros.

For decades this was where all the good, black players played. That was before the white-only colleges welcomed their talent with open arms and stole them away.

Now, the Bulldogs still attract some good players, but they play before home crowds of 20,000 or less, in the second-tier league formerly known as 1-AA, in places where television satellite trucks seldom show up.

That's part of the reason that this game with the Gamecocks is so important to S.C. State alums. It's a chance to bask underneath the bright lights of big-time football they seldom get to see.

The Bulldogs were given 600 complimentary tickets for staff members and 2,000 tickets to sell for this game. When those sold out so quickly, USC, to its credit, came up with another 1,700.

Still, S.C. State fans will be far outnumbered at Williams-Brice Saturday night, where 80,000 Gamecock fans will be in the majority. But that's OK. They're used to being outnumbered. They just want to be respected.

For State fans who can't get a ticket, the game will be televised on pay-per-view for $24.95. A small price to pay for a game so long overdue.

"There are a lot of things that need to be done to bridge the gap between these two schools and this game is a good start," said Laura Waters-Brown, a junior on the S.C. State volleyball team. "I think there may be some racial overtones to it, but I think that getting out on the football field where it will be a level playing field will help unite the state of South Carolina for the better."

Alabama A&M notebook

Huntsville Times

MVSU to challenge Bulldogs' offense

Anthony Jones says Alabama A&M's high-powered offense will be challenged Saturday night when Mississippi Valley State comes to town. Kickoff is at 6:30 at Louis Crews Stadium.

The Bulldogs are averaging 45 points and 529 yards in total offense through their first two games. The Delta Devils, while they are next-to-last in the league in total defense, allowing more than 360 yards per game, but coach Willie Totten's team has given up just 16 points per game.

"Their defense is playing solid," Jones said. "They've changed their scheme a little bit and they're going to present some problems for us. They're not giving up a lot of points. Southern had a good day against them, but they shut Arkansas-Pine Bluff down. They've done a good job defensively and we've got to be ready for them."

MVSU has been led by defensive lineman Ronald Green, a 6-foot, 320-pound junior. A first-team, preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference selection, Green has 23 tackles through two games. In fact, the Delta Devils' defensive line has been very productive.

Delta Devils strugglingwithout Nelson:Life after Aries Nelson hasn't been too kind to MVSU coach Willie Totten.

Nelson, MVSU's do-it-all quarterback, guided the Delta Devils to back-to-back winning seasons the last two years. Now that he's gone, the Delta Devils offense hasn't run nearly as smooth. Through two games, MVSU is ninth in the SWAC in scoring (11.0) and passing (137.0) and last in rushing (35.5) and total offense (172.5).

Paul Roberts moved into the starting lineup after Nelson left and has completed 55 percent of his passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns, but MVSU hasn't been able to get much going offensively.

"Our quarterback has to grow up," Totten said. "We have to be patient with him. We may be doing a little too much with him right now and that's something we've got to look at. He has the potential to be good."

Towns not fooled by MVSU's offense:A&M defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns says he won't be fooled by MVSU's paltry numbers on offense.

Running back Johey Hargrett, who rushed for 104 yards on 22 carries and scored a touchdown against the Bulldogs last season, is back along with Roberts and wide receiver Clarence Cotton.

Roberts started against A&M last season and was 4-of-6 for 72 yards as MVSU won 23-20. Cotton had two catches for 17 yards.

"Cotton is a good wide receiver and he's an excellent return man," Towns said. "Hargrett is a good running back and Roberts is very agile. We've got to contain those three guys if we expect to have a chance to win."

Reggie Benson