Florida A&M Rattlers at Morgan State Bears

Photo: r-freshman Eddie Battle (6-2/215, Titusville, FL Astronaunt H.S. ) should get his first start at Morgan State University on Saturday.

Florida A&M University Rattlers (2-5, 1-3) are scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. football contest with the Morgan State University Bears (4-4, 3-2) on Saturday. FAMU will be there in force with East Coast Rattlers' fans. However, the question is will Morgan State come ready to play?

It appears that Morgan State heads may still be mentally stuck on the game that got away last week in Dover, Delaware at conference co-leader, Delaware State University. The DSU Hornets are currently ranked #12 in the Football Championship Subdivision, tied with a 5-0 conference record with FCS #23 ranked, Norfolk State University Spartans.

Reports have been published today by both the Baltimore Sun and The Baltimore Examiner, respectively, that MSU athletic director Floyd Kerr and head football coach Donald Hill-Eley have asked Dennis Thomas, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) commissioner to declare the MSU versus DSU game a "no contest."

Kerr also has asked university president Dr. Earl S. Richardson to become "involved" in the appeal process. Morgan State loss to Delaware State 25-17 in the televised homecoming game for the Hornets.

The MEAC admits that its officials did make two incorrect calls in the game. One call denied the Bears a touchdown, that was ruled on the field as a MSU fumble at the goal line, with a DSU recovery that was run back 100 yards for a Hornet touchdown. The other call was on the recovery of a block DSU punt, that was recovered by MSU, fumbled by MSU and recovered by DSU. Delaware State scored a field goal two plays later.

For crying out loud--this is the worst whining we have ever seen in the MEAC or SWAC. Before the MEAC commissioner attempts to initiate instant replays whereas, 99 percent of the conference games are not televised nor audio/video streamed over the Internet, that we first invest in getting the latter item accomplished for the conference fans. Currently, the MEAC and SWAC only televises a few games a season on ESPNU or ESPN Classic that does not reach all cable systems within the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions.

Head football coaches Donald Hill-Eley, Morgan State (MEAC) and Henry Frazier III, Prairie View A&M (SWAC) names are becoming synonymous with the word, "whining." No conference is perfect and every coach deals with bad or incorrect official calls at one point or another.

It appears that the Rattlers are facing the Bears at the right time with their minds mentally tuned in to the DSU Hornets and the MEAC commissioner's office.

Expect FAMU to start red shirt-freshman quarterback Eddie Battle, who has completed 60 percent of his passes in the last two games against Norfolk State and South Carolina State in very limited action. Battle does not have to win this game himself as he has available a stable of good running backs lead by freshman Philip Sylvester who has rushed for 696 yards on 119 carries in seven games.

Sylvester is the fourth leading rusher in the MEAC and first in all-purpose yards averaging 182.1 yards per contest.

FAMU will need to play a mistake free game, which is expected to be played on a wet field turf surface with 90 percent chance of rain. The Baltimore/Washington region has been in a drenching rain pattern since Wednesday with temperatures in the mid-50's at night and 62-67 during the day. More of the same is expected by game time.

FAMU's thin defense will have to step up to contain senior running back Chad Simpson. He is averaging 124.1 yards per game and runs with tremendous power and speed. Simpson leads the MEAC in rushing with 993 yards in eight games, ahead of Norfolk State's Daryl Jones, who burst loose for 256 yards against the Rattlers last week.

Morgan State junior starting quarterback Mario Melton has completed 47.4 percent of his passes (55 of 116, 3 TD, 7 INT) for 666 yards. Senior quarterback Byron Selby has completed 52.1 percent of his passes (38 of 73, 3TD, 2 INT) for 530 yards, and serves as the other half of Coach Hill-Eley two quarterback system.

Photo: Morgan State University Head Coach Donald Hill-Eley will try to get the Bears back on the winning track as the Bears host FAMU Saturday.

Here is what we can expect:

Morgan State Offense vs. FAMU Defense

Morgan State averages 26.2 points per game on offense (4th in MEAC), 149.6 yards per game in passing (5th in MEAC) and 233.8 in rushing yards (2nd in MEAC). The Bears strength is the Rattlers primary weakness-- inability to stop the run. Morgan has only scored 6 touchdowns by the pass and 17 by the run. More importantly, the Bears lead the league in Red Zone Offense converting 85.3 percent of their opportunities into scores.

FAMU defense gives up an average of 28 points per game, 169.3 yards passing (6th in MEAC), 228.7 rushing (9th in MEAC) and 398.0 yards per game in total defense (9th in MEAC). MEAC offenses have averaged 5.9 yards per play and 26 TD which gives FAMU the rank as the MEAC worst defense.

ADVANTAGE: MSU

FAMU Offense vs. Morgan State Defense

FAMU has been inconsistent in the quarterback position for the entire season. The Rattlers are scoring at an average of 20.9 points per game (#7 MEAC) and completing 47.8 percent of their passes for a 149.6 yard average (#4 MEAC). The FAMU ground game is averaging 156.0 yards per game (#5 MEAC). However, turnovers have plagued the Rattlers with seven fumbles and ten interceptions (#6 MEAC) for a turnover margin of -0.43 per game.

FAMU special teams play has been very good and the Rattlers lead the conference in punt returns averaging 17.5 (#1 MEAC). But the Rattlers are at the bottom of the conference in both Red Zone Offense (#7 MEAC) 66.7 percent and last in Red Zone Defense (#9 MEAC) 89.7 percent.

Morgan State is #1 MEAC in Red Zone Offense (85.3 percent) and #5 MEAC in Red Zone Defense (74.1 percent). Translation: Morgan State will run the ball down FAMU's throat in scoring position and FAMU will be unable to stop them. In other words, watch Chad Simpson run and watch James Meade kick field goals.

ADVANTAGE: Morgan State

Special Teams

FAMU Wesley Taylor will need a breakout game in order for FAMU to have a chance to pull out a victory. The old Wesley Taylor needs to show up and control field position on punts and kickoffs. Taylor must also make every PAT and field goal attempt. Morgan State is a team with 16-18 Floridians that would love to knock off FAMU. Expect Philip Sylvester and company to produce and set up the FAMU offense in scoring position.

ADVANTAGE: FAMU

Outlook

The Rattlers must play mistake free football for four quarters and tackle the ball carriers on the first hit. Morgan State is a solid defensive team that FAMU should be able to beat with team speed, special teams and their running game. FAMU has seen bad MEAC officiating forever, so that should not distract from the mission at hand. Expect Morgan State to continue to pile up drive stopping penalties. The pressure is on Carter to find a way to get the Rattlers back on the winning track. The FAMU offensive line will be the key to the Rattlers success in Baltimore. Expect the FAMU defense to show some Rattlers pride and stop Chad Simpson for under 100 yards rushing.

Expect the MEAC officials to stay consistent and make three bad calls. Coach Hill-Eley can continue his silly path of trying to overturn conference games by filing formal protests with the league office, but it will not change the game day outcome of getting beat. Bad calls are just a part of the college football landscape and no one should be surprised by a human error.

Final Score Prediction: FAMU 24, Morgan State 20

-beepbeep

Norfolk State University 33, FAMU Rattlers 27

Photo: Norfolk State University Head Football Coach Pete Adrian has made winners of the Spartans in his third season, fulfilling his promise to the NSU administration.

by beepbeep

The Florida A&M University Rattlers learned first hand Thursday evening that the Spartans of Norfolk State University are for real and will be a major player in determining the MEAC championship for this season. What's more amazing is this team has knocked off Hampton, South Carolina State, Bethune Cookman and FAMU in the same season. These teams may have better overall talent that NSU, but the Spartans execute their plays with superior passion and precision.

With the upset of FBS #2 ranked South Florida by Rutgers, who blanked NSU 59-0 last month, the Spartans have proven that they are a very good football team with a powerful running game. Daryl Jones, soon to become MEAC player of the week, rumbled for 256 yards on 38 carries with one 9 yard touchdown run.

The Rattlers could not tackle Jones and when they did, he always pushed the pile of bodies forward for an extra 2-3 yards. I have not witness this type of bull running since Earl Campbell played at Texas. Jones is around 5-10/250 pounds but can turn the corner on you quickly and get into the secondary which he did repeatedly to FAMU.

Never mind that game conditions included a major downpour of rain, standing water on spot areas of the football field and 12,287 faithful Rattlers' fans in attendance. Norfolk State came to play and win, showed determination on overcoming every miscue. Quarterback Casey Hansen had a sub par game completing 8 of 21 passes for 133 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT, making for an interesting last 2 minutes of the game.

FAMU had a chance to overtake the Spartans when NSU could not run out the clock on their next to last possession. An interception of a FAMU pass in the final minute by NSU defense preserved the victory for the Spartans. This victory ends the 9-0 win streak that FAMU had over Norfolk State.

The only teams that are now standing in the way of NSU for its first MEAC championship is Morgan State and Delaware State. Howard and Winston Salem State may not be able to match the strength of the NSU defense, but you cannot count out any MEAC team with the parity of the league, today.

Photo: RB Daryl Jones is a surprise leader in MEAC rushing yards (#2, 818 yards/7 games) as he runs away from Hampton University's top NFL draft prospect, All-American/All-MEAC DE Kendall Langford in last week's game.

Morgan has a better running back in conference rushing leader Chad Simpson who leads the MEAC with 994 rushing yards, 10 TDs and a 4.9 yard average. Daryl Jones is second in the conference at 818 rushing yards, 10 TDs, and a 4.7 yard average.

Norfolk State will get the opportunity to face Morgan State's Chad Simpson on November 3rd and Delaware State's Kareen Jones on November 10th. Both are stronger than FAMU and NSU will have to play better on the road in order to win the MEAC title.

Norfolk State's coach Pete Adrian deserves MEAC Coach of the Year honors for moving his perennial cellar dwellers from the bottom of the conference to the very top in less than three years. Daryl Jones is a serious contender for MEAC offensive player of the year honors, as I have not watched a more determined runner in football this season.

Jones rushed for 256 or the total 272 yards achieved by Norfolk State on the ground and helped the Spartans control the clock for about 10 minutes more in time of possession. Without out his hard running and production, this game would have been won by FAMU.

For a team that was fore casted to finish near the bottom of the MEAC standings, Norfolk State is the surprise team of the season in the MEAC that will have their first winning season in Division I, since their move up ten years ago.

The Spartans are now 6-1 overall with a 5-0 record in the MEAC. Way to go Norfolk State!
Behold, the Green and Gold.

Today's Game: Grambling State at Jackson State

Photo: Member of GSU band performs at Half-time.

by beepbeep

Today's rivalry game with the only two undefeated conference teams in the SWAC has created a championship buzz and excitement second only to the final SWAC championship game itself. Grambling State University with a 5-1 overall record (5-0 SWAC), will face Jackson State Tigers, 4-2 overall, 4-0 SWAC in a celebration that will commemorate the 40th year of Grambling and JSU playing at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

This game will also honor the late Grambling coach Eddie Robinson. Members of Coach Rob's family (wife, Doris Robinson and son Eddie Robinson Jr.) are expected to attend the game to receive honors on his behalf. Members of the 1967 JSU football team and former JSU coach Rod Paige, who later served the country as a political appointee and Secretary, over the U.S. Department of Education will also be honored.

But best of all, this rivalry game will be a classic with the Tigers band of Grambling State University and the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band doing non-stop battle in the stands, on the field and in the 5th Quarter. All the SWAC bands are great, but these two schools takes it to the highest level when they face off at half-time, and you don't want to miss these memorable performances that will be talked about by fans for the next 40 years.

Photo: JSU Sonic Boom of the South band is ready for the world famous GSU Tigers Band.

Yes, this game will be televised today at 12:00 p.m. Central Time, (1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time) on ESPN Classic and via the Internet online at ESPN 360.

Expect the football to be great also, with Rod Broadway's Grambling Tigers and Rick Comegy's Jackson State Tigers fighting for bragging rights to the SWAC championship.

This one is too close to call and you just have to watch it or be there to see who will become the favorite for the SWAC Championship.

However, to get you in the spirit here are a few excepts for your enjoyment from the bands of GSU and JSU. Enjoy!

Grambling State University Tigers Marching Band (10/13/07)



Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band (10/13/2007)

Mike Gillespie hired as head coach Jacksonville Jam, PBL

Photo: Mike Gillespie makes final cuts on the nets after FAMU Rattlers won 2007 MEAC Tournament Championship and the conference automatic bid to NCAA Tournament.

from Jacksonville Jam Press Release

Premier Basketball League (PBL) Jacksonville Jam

Jacksonville, Fla., - The Jacksonville JAM, Jacksonville's professional basketball team announced that former Florida A&M head coach Mike Gillespie will be joining the JAM coaching staff as Head Coach for the upcoming 2007-2008 Premier Basketball League season.

"Mike Gillespie is one of the most outstanding basketball minds in the country and his presence here with the Jam will help elevate an already impressive roster that we are forming for the upcoming season." stated Jam GM Felix Krupczynski. "It is a rare opportunity to bring in the experience, drive and knowledge that someone like Coach Gillespie brings to an organization."

The Joliet, Illinois native began his impressive coaching career on the high school level in his home state, winning 223 games from 1974 through 1987. Then he moved south to Florida, beginning his college coaching career at St. Leo College (now University) in St. Leo, Florida (just north of Tampa). There, he won 26 games in two seasons (1988-89 to 1989-90), including a 15-12 mark his first year. Gillespie then moved to Tallahassee, where he built the now nationally-renowned Tallahassee Community College program from scratch. From 1991-92 to 2000-01, Gillespie spun gold in Tallahassee, guiding the Eagles to 258 wins in 10 seasons. He compiled back-to-back 30-plus win seasons in 1995-96 (30-2) and 1996-97 (35-2), and his teams were annually ranked among the nation's best junior college programs.

He then moved down the road to Division I Florida A&M, where over the last six seasons, he compiled a record of 60-64, won two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championships, and made two NCAA tournament appearances in 2004 and 2007. This past season he led the Rattlers to their first 20-win season since 1989-1990.

Photo: Mike Gillespie coaching the FAMU Rattlers during timeout with Delaware State Hornets at 2007 MEAC Championship game. Gillespie took the Rattlers to two automatic bids to the NCAA Championship Tournament.

"I am extremely excited about having Coach Gillespie join our organization" stated associate head coach Scott Cooper. "I have known Coach G for over 15 years and he has been a mentor to me throughout my basketball career". "His guidance and savvy will certainly be a tremendous asset in our drive to attain a championship for the City of Jacksonville."

The Jacksonville JAM successfully launched its inaugural season in the 2006-2007 American Basketball Association. The JAM emerged on the scene as a premier sports and entertainment organization entertaining and delighting their fans throughout Jacksonville and beyond. The Jam will now tip-off their second season at the University of North Florida as a member of the Premier Basketball League.

WJXE TV-15 will now broadcast all of the JAM games throughout the season for both home and road games. The team's pre-season and regular season schedule will be released later this month. For information on season tickets, log on to www.jaxjam.com/contact/tickets.html or call 904-302-5323. For more information on the excitement and buzz being created by your Jacksonville JAM, visit us at www.jaxjam.com.

FAMU Notebook: FAMU Rattlers vs. Norfolk State Spartans tonight

Compiled by BEEPBEEP, MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street

Photo: The "Welcome" signs are out for MEAC foe Norfolk State University and the Spartans maybe just what the doctor ordered to get the FAMU Rattlers healthy and back on the winning track. The Rattlers are 9-0 lifetime against the NSU Spartans.

The stormy weather that is coming into the Tallahassee area this evening, shifts the game favorite from Norfolk State University to our FAMU Rattlers. Let it rain, let it rain--to stop that MEAC #2 ranked passer in QB Casey Hansen and the NSU #3 ranked offense. Not that we don't have faith in the Rattlers, but every element from God helps.

The Rattlers received good and bad news yesterday as follows:

• WR Willie Hayward may be back from grieving the passing of this grandmother. If so, what kind of mental shape is he in for playing the game tonight? If he is in fact back and plays, don't count on Hayward to be a factor this evening (period).


• Robert Love, r-freshman QB has been officially ruled academically ineligible to play this season. Love is the message board coaching experts favorite to lead the Rattlers to the championship promise land, but that plan was derailed by a preseason suspension which carried over to the first three games. Love may become the best quarterback in Rattler- lore that never plays a down of football for FAMU, unless he is able to get on track.


• Freshman QB Gregory Tobias Lee will be unavailable for tonight's game. Coach Rubin Carter was quoted as stating, "Lee has a university-related issue that he needs to get taken care of." "This will keep him from participating in all activities of the team," as was stated in an article from the Tallahassee Democrat. There is more accuracy of the FAMU situation coming from the TDO message board than from our beat writers. The "MB coaches" indicates that Lee will be red shirted as he has not played in any games this season. We all like the size and strength of Lee and he needs time to develop.


• Who says Coach Rubin Carter does not accept tranfers? FAMU has a new name to get accustomed to in Football Bowl Subdivision (1-A) Troy University transfer QB Jeb Tyre from Class 1A Vernon High School. Tyre was on the 1A All-State second team in 2004. He is a walked-on FAMU player and will be activated as the third string QB for tonight's game. Who? What? That theory is now dead regarding 1-A transfers coming to FAMU.


• Four starters will be back for NSU game: DE Tyrone McGriff, DE Carlos Rolle, SS Ernest Williams and LB Victoriano Arboleda.

Photo: Norfolk State University QB Casey Hansen, #3 is a marked man in tonights game. Hansen has completed 96 of 180 passes for 1255 yards and 4 TDs on the season.

The MB coaches says Albert Chester II wants to return to the Rattlers. As a supporter of Chester, I say, depart from us--we never knew you! I rather the Rattlers fail with class as a team than let that selfish AC2 come back and make a greater mess of the present situation.

The greater question is how will all of this impact the Rattlers tonight? Our guess is the Rattlers will play their best game tonight to regain respect by knocking off FCS #25 ranked Norfolk State University. Just run the damn ball down NSU throat! NSU can't stop the run and FAMU can control the clock. If FAMU plays conservative and Norfolk State will crack like they did last year in that 36-33 OT loss to the Rattlers. QB Casey Hansen is a load, but he can be stopped if pressure is put on him from the defensive line. We expect FAMU to sack Hansen like a 235 pound bag of sugar.

This all should make for an exciting Thursday night game, but remember--NOT on ESPNU so you have to go to this game.

THE GAME WILL BE ON FAMCAST ON THE INTERNET LIVE AT 7:00 P.M. TONIGHT AT: http://www.famu.edu/?a=famcast

Florida A&M University Incomparable Marching 100 --(Playing: All we do is think of you (Rattlers))

Gallery: ALL MEAC DE Kendall Langford, Hampton University Pirates

Photo Gallery: Kendall Langford, All-American/All-MEAC Defensive Player of the Year (preseason), #98, 6-6/294 DE, Sr. Petersburg, VA, Petersburg H.S.

What are they saying about this big guy....

• Hampton's top tackler, 39 in six games.
• Plays with passion of a "big cat" that will not be denied at 6-6/294 and runs with speed and power.
• Made 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks against rival Norfolk State in the Battle of the Bay game last week.
• Enough speed to run down running backs from behind.
• Consistent performer and leader of Hampton's defense; can beat double and triple team and impossible to stop one-on-one without illegal holding.
• NFL Pro scouts have discovered him and projects a possible 3rd or 4th round draft position.
• Solid student, outstanding player, excellent All-MEAC performer that is taking care of business in the classroom and on the football field.
  
  Definitely a division I level talent that selected Hampton University for academics first, and football. Kendall Langford may surprise all of us and get drafted higher by a smart NFL general manager. He is traveling the same path as last year's 3-Time All-MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, Jacksonville Jaguars ILB, Justin Durant (Hampton University), who was drafted #48, NFL second round pick.
  
  --beepbeep

Grambling State Band: How are they this season?

If you have not heard the famous band from the deep, deep South--here is a clip for your listening pleasure. We all know Grambling football team is headed for the SWAC Championship but is the band up to their usual championship quality? Holla back and let me know your opinions....

Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band (@ UAPB 10/13/07)

SSU undecided about Kilcrease's playing status

Photo: QB JaCorey Kilcrease

By Noell Barnidge, Savannah Morning News

Savannah State starting quarterback JaCorey Kilcrease practiced Tuesday but he will have his left (non-throwing) shoulder re-evaluated by the team's physician today, SSU sports information director Opio Mashariki said.

Kilcrease re-aggravated his shoulder while being hit after a 20-yard scramble with 4 minutes remaining in the first half of SSU's 32-14 loss at Morehouse last Saturday night.

It was Kilcrease's first time playing in a game since Sept. 15, when he separated the shoulder against Bethune-Cookman. The sophomore was sidelined against Fort Valley State (Sept. 29) and Charleston Southern (Oct. 6).

Kilcrease's status for the Tigers' game Saturday against North Carolina Central is undetermined. SSU (1-5) will play host to NCCU (5-2) at 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
NCCU defeated North Greenville, 17-14, last Saturday. The Eagles are competing in their first season in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).
The Durham school is the defending Black College Football national champion and won the NCAA Division II Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship last season.

McCrary developing at QB

If Kilcrease can't play Saturday, freshman Greg McCrary will start at quarterback. McCrary produced the best performance of his career against Morehouse, leading SSU's offense with 112 total yards.

He ran 10 times for 40 yards, and was 5-for-11 passing for 72 yards and two touchdowns. He was intercepted once, did not fumble and was not sacked.

"We were happy with the way (McCrary) played," SSU second-year coach Theo Lemon said. "He did some things where we had a chance to score some points. We haven't done a lot of that in the last three weeks."

After the Charleston Southern game, McCrary said he was having trouble adjusting to the speed of the college game, something that Lemon said only experience can alleviate.

Against Morehouse, McCrary took over for Kilcrease and led SSU to its first scoring drive in 10 quarters when he connected with freshman running back Justin Babb for a 34-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.

McCrary found wide receiver Deleon Hollinger for a 21-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Hollinger, a sophomore from Miami, caught two passes for a team-high 25 yards.

Johnson still punter; Justiniano out for season

After the Charleston Southern game, Lemon said the starting job at punter was up for grabs between senior Jeremy Johnson and freshman Brandon Webster, a McIntosh County Academy graduate.

Lemon said the starter for the Morehouse game would be determined by how Johnson and Webster performed during practice last week.

Johnson kept the starting job and executed all five of the Tigers' punts against the Maroon Tigers for a 31.8-yard average, including two attempts inside Morehouse's 20-yard line. His longest punt traveled 36 yards.

Johnson also made an extra point and kicked off once while filling in for sophomore kicker Luis Justiniano, who was injured against Morehouse.

Justiniano is out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in one of his knees, Mashariki said.

Justiniano, a walk-on from Bluffton (S.C.) High School and Armstrong Atlantic State, was 1-for-5 on field goals and 6-for-7 on extra points this season.
SSU senior defensive end Dominique Clark (ankle sprain) will not play against NCCU, Mashariki said.

Beach High grad led all receivers

Morehouse wide receiver James Steadman, a Beach High School graduate, made five catches for 58 yards, both game highs, against SSU.

Steadman, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior, is the Maroon Tigers' leading receiver with 26 receptions for 402 yards and two touchdowns. He has played in six of seven games for Morehouse (5-2).

Defensive standouts

SSU junior middle linebacker Calvin Leonard made a game-high 12 tackles against Morehouse.

Sophomore strong safety Antwan Allen and junior weakside linebacker Chris Herans made 10 tackles apiece.

Allen and junior free safety Javorris Jackson each intercepted passes. Jackson has a team-high four of the Tigers' nine interceptions.

EKU rout of Tennessee State Tigers lights fire for coach

Photo: TSU Head Football Coach James Webster

By MIKE ORGAN, Tennessean

Webster uses lopsided loss to spur his team

Tennessee State Coach James Webster won't say he's bitter.

He won't say he's out for revenge.

But he won't deny that he vividly remembers Eastern Kentucky continuing to try to pile on points late in the game during Webster's first season at TSU.

The Tigers (3-3, 2-0 OVC) play at Eastern Kentucky (5-2, 4-0) Saturday in a match-up that pits the only Ohio Valley Conference teams with unbeaten conference records.

"I remember when it was 49 to nothing and they were still trying to score at the end of the game,'' Webster said Tuesday. "I remember it. There's no bitterness. I just remember it."

In 2005, Eastern Kentucky, comfortably ahead 35-0 after three quarters, tacked on two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The last was an 11-yard pass from the starting quarterback to a starting wide receiver with 6:23 left to play.

The 49-0 loss stands as TSU's worst under Webster.

Not only does Webster remember the rout, but he's also making sure his players do as well. He's reminded them not only of the lopsided loss in 2005, but also of last year's 20-3 loss in Richmond, a game that TSU went into still clinging to hopes of sharing the OVC championship.

"The last two times we lost to them are a factor in my mind,'' Webster said. "Those are games our players need to think about and realize that this football team needs to take a step. Eastern Kentucky obviously has been, and is one of the top teams in the OVC. That's the level we're trying to get to."

Webster is not surprised that EKU stands between his team and the primary goal it set at the start of the season, to win the OVC title.

"Obviously, in order to get into the position to win the OVC we've got to beat Eastern Kentucky,'' Webster said. "This is a very important game for us. And I would like to think that we've learned something from the first two games when we played them since I've been here."

Injury updates: Starting defensive nose tackle Lamar Divens likely will miss Saturday's game with a sprained foot and high ankle sprain, which limited his action last week against Tennessee Tech.

Starting wide receiver Troy Smith (quadriceps muscle), who didn't play against Tech, also is doubtful along with defensive back Brandon Blackmon (knee), and defensive tackle Harold Ayodele (ankle).

Webster also said the chances of tight end Antonio Graham (broken hand) returning this season are not good.

Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands (@ SU 2007)

No early rest for the N.C. Central women

Photo: NCCU Head Women's Basketball Coach Joli D. Robinson

By MIKE POTTER, The Herald-Sun

Joli Robinson couldn't get practice started quite early enough for her N.C. Central women's basketball team.

McLendon-McDougald Gym wasn't available over the weekend because of homecoming festivities, so the Eagles couldn't get started preparing for their first season of Division I competition on Friday when most teams did.

But they were ready to go at 5:15 on Monday. That's 5:15 a.m., and players were required to be on site by 4:45. That pattern will be the pattern for four weeks.

"I never get that much sleep during the season anyway," said Robinson, who will enter her 13th season with a 181-135 record that includes four 20-win seasons including a 26-6 mark and a CIAA title last season.

She may be getting even less sleep this season. The Eagles will be facing 14 Division I foes in 26 games, with all of those games on the road. The biggest challenges are in their season opener, Nov. 9 at UNC (34-4 last season), and their Jan. 3 game at Duke (32-2).

"Those are games we need to play," Robinson said of the local challenges. "They should be good experiences for our student-athletes."

The measuring-stick game may be on Nov. 20 when NCCU travels to traditional MEAC power Coppin State (25-8 last season) in a battle of Eagles. The two shared the Black College National championship.

NCCU lost some major firepower from last season, as all-time leading scorer Cassie King (16.5 points per game, 7.9 rebounds) finished her career and had her jersey retired. Additionally, both sophomore LaQuanda Williams (14.2, 5.6) and classmate Jasmine Newkirk (11.2, 3.2) will miss this season because of separate violations of team policy.

But Robinson is most concerned about the road, where NCCU will play all but six games including the first 10.

"We'll just have to get used to it," the coach said.

And they'll be going as far away as Tallahassee, Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; Pittsburgh; and Wilberforce, Ohio by bus.

"I'd rather go by bus than fly," Robinson said. "That way you have more control over when you leave."

The Eagles return six of their top nine scorers, led by sophomore center Jori Nwachukwu (11.7, 9.3). Guards Jennifer Hukill (5.9, 1.1) and Jordan High alumna Casey Daniel (4.6, 1.8) are the only seniors. Guards LaVonna Hailey (5.7, 5.6 assists) and Northern alumna Tonia Roundtree (4.2, 2.4 rebs.) are juniors and post player Latoya Bennett (4.0, 3.3 rebs) a sophomore.

"We're all going to have to score more," Hukill said. "I know I have to step up my game and show I can do things other than shoot 3-pointers."

Robinson said 6-0 center Losamo Osby from Richmond, Va., and 5-9 guard Shanice Blanks of Wilmington New Hanover have been the most impressive of the current freshmen.

"They're all looking pretty good," Roundtree said of the newcomers. "I'm looking forward to the challenge of this season. Some people are expecting us to get blown out, so we don't have anything to lose."

NOTES -- The Eagles will have two exhibition games -- at home against Virginia State on Nov. 3 and at Wake Forest on Nov. 7 -- before taking on the Blue Devils. ... Daniel is in her fourth season with the Eagles. If NCCU wins at least 14 games, she will become the first player in school history to participate in four straight winning seasons.

2007-08 NCCU Women's Basketball Schedule

Day Date Opponent Location Time/Result Record

SAT. NOV. 03 VIRGINIA STATE (EXHIBITION) DURHAM, NC 2:00 PM
Wed. Nov. 7 at Wake Forest (Exhibition) Winston-Salem, NC 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 9 at North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC 8:30 pm
Mon. Nov. 12 at Elon Elon, NC 7:00 pm
Wed. Nov. 14 at Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, MD 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 16 at Appalachian State Boone, NC 7:00 pm
Tues. Nov. 20 at Coppin State Baltimore, MD 7:00 pm
Wed. Nov. 21 at Morgan State Baltimore, MD 5:30 pm
Fri. Nov. 23 vs Lenoir-Rhyne (Catawba Classic) Salisbury, NC 6:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 24 at Catawba (Catawba Classic) Salisbury, NC 4:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 29 at Tennessee State Nashville, TN 7:00 pm
Wed. Dec. 5 at Armstrong Atlantic Savannah, GA 7:00 pm
FRI. DEC. 7 ELIZABETH CITY STATE
(Lady Eagle Classic)
Fayetteville State vs. Barton - 7:30 pm DURHAM, NC 5:30 PM
SAT. DEC. 8 FAYETTEVILLE STATE
(Lady Eagle Classic)
Barton vs. Elizabeth City State - 2:00 pm DURHAM, NC 4:00 PM
Sat. Dec. 15 at Florida A&M Tallahassee, FL 2:00 pm
Mon. Dec.17 at Bethune-Cookman Daytona Beach, FL 5:30 pm
Sat. Dec. 22 at Towson Towson, MD 2:00 pm
SUN. DEC. 30 MERCY COLLEGE DURHAM, NC 2:00 PM
Thurs. Jan. 3 at Duke Durham, NC 7:00 pm
Sat. Jan. 5 at High Point High Point, NC 7:00 pm
Mon. Jan. 7 at Duquesne Pittsburgh, PA 7:00 pm
WED. JAN. 9 NORFOLK STATE DURHAM, NC 6:30 PM
Sat. Jan. 12 at West Virginia Tech Montgomery, WV 6:00 pm
SAT. JAN. 19 WEST VIRGINIA TECH DURHAM, NC 2:00 PM
Mon. Feb. 4 at Fayetteville State Fayetteville, NC 7:00 pm
Wed. Feb. 6 at Central State Wilberforce,OH 7:00 pm
Fri. Feb. 8 at Lincoln Lincoln, PA 5:30 pm
SAT. FEB. 16 LIVINGSTONE DURHAM, NC 2:00 PM

Home Games at McLendon-McDougald Gym in CAPS

NCCU relishes playing on the road

By MIKE POTTER, The Herald-Sun

With the odd schedule the Eagles are having to play in their first season in the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision, N.C. Central has already played its last home football game of the year.

But first-year head coach Mose Rison said he isn't worried about it.

The Eagles relish the chance to play on the road.

"We talk about it all the time," said Rison, whose 5-2 Eagles will travel to Savannah State (1-5) on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the first of three road games to finish the campaign. "Our kids for some reason like to play on the road and like hostile environments."

"That was something [senior nose guard] Courtney Coard said to me once, and I've found it to be true."

The Eagles are 2-1 this season away from home, winning at North Carolina A&T and beating Elizabeth City State on a neutral site while losing to Presbyterian in the season opener.

This year's NCCU senior class has three chances to become the school's first football team since 1984 to put together four straight years of winning records. And since the beginning of the 2004 season, they're 15-3 away from O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

"I don't know if it's history or what it is, but I've found it to be true," Rison said of the road-warrior mentality during his weekly press conference on Tuesday at The Chicken Hut.

This season, the Eagles have been very good at winning close games. Only their 17-0 romp over Fayetteville State was decided by more than seven points. St. Augustine's, A T and most recent victim North Greenville have all had the ball with a chance for victory in the closing seconds, but all have come up empty.

"After looking at the film from Saturday's game, we played well on both sides of the ball," Rison said. "We didn't want to give up any big plays, and we were successful at that. And our offense played a really good football game -- I was extremely pleased with that."

One thing that has made him particularly happy is the continued progress of sophomore quarterback Stadford Brown, who last year was named the Black College offensive player of the year.

Brown may not have the stats to repeat, having completed 98 of 195 passes for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns with five interceptions, but with a less experienced group of skilled players around him, Brown has continued to direct a winner.

"Stadford isn't big on stats," Rison said. "He just likes to win football games. He's done a very good job of knowing when to just throw the ball away and live to fight another day.

"We're proud of our [+12] turnover ratio. We trust our defense to get the ball back for us."

NCCU is 1-0-1 all-time against the Tigers, having played back-to-back in 1974 and '75. Savannah State, currently the only other Historically Black College playing as a Division I independent, is in its first season under head coach Theo Lemon.

Rison and Lemon were on the same sideline for one season, when Rison was wide receivers/tight ends coach and Lemon linebackers coach at Rutgers in 1994.

"I know what kind of coach Theo is, and he'll have his team ready to play," Rison said. "They would like to have a better record, but they're a Division I football team with Division I talent."

NOTES -- Savannah State has lost four straight games, with its only victory so far a 24-10 win over visiting CIAA member Johnson C. Smith. ... NCCU has no reported injuries except for the two players - kicker Brandon Gilbert and running back Jeff Tolliver - who were reported out for the season in September. ... NCCU is 34-7 since the beginning of the 2004 season; the previous best four-year run was 30-10-2 for the class of 1974.

Tough road ahead for NCCU Eagles men's hoops

By MIKE POTTER, The Herald-Sun

N.C. Central opened men's basketball practice Monday night at McLendon-McDougald Gym, and Coach Henry Dickerson's Eagles are going to have to learn quickly.

NCCU's move up to the Division I level has made fund-raising a major consideration, and men's basketball is one of few sports that can get much done in that department. So Dickerson's team will play a tougher schedule than any other team at the school.

The Eagles open the season at Duke on Nov. 9, and after going to Rutgers on Nov. 12, they visit two-time reigning national champion Florida on Nov. 14.

That's the toughest part of a slate that doesn't let up much until after Christmas -- 15 of the Eagles' first 16 games are on the road, broken only by the home opener against Tennessee Tech on Nov. 21.

NCCU has just seven home games, although the Eagles will play seven other games around North Carolina including visits to N.C. State, Wake Forest and Davidson. Along the way, they'll play games in 12 other states, with Nebraska the biggest out-of-state name on the schedule after the Gators.

Dickerson (39-45) has been through a little of this before, going on the road against big-time powers several times a season when he was head coach at Chattanooga (72-73 in five seasons). But he never had to play 22 road games and never had to do it with a team boasting a total of 37 minutes experience in an official game against a Division I opponent.

Bryan Ayala played 36 minutes and Joshua Worthy one in last year's 68-47 defeat at East Carolina. Last season's losses at Duke and Wake Forest were exhibition games.

The best news Dickerson got this spring is that forward Charles Futrell, who missed last season with a shoulder injury from football, is back for a senior season after attending a pair of NFL preseason camps. Futrell averaged 10 points and 6.4 rebounds two seasons ago.

The only other NCCU player who has proven himself in four-year college ball is Ayala, who averaged 9.9 points and 4.0 rebounds last season.

Worthy, junior guard J'Mell Walters and sophomore forward Tremain Holloway have worn the Eagles' uniform before, but everyone else is new. Freshman Marius Vaskys (6-9, 220), a Lithuanian who finished his high school career at Cape Fear Christian, is the biggest recruit.

"We've got seven home games, and if we win more than seven games it's going to be a pretty good accomplishment," Dickerson said. "We've got a lot of guys who are going to be playing who have never been in a college basketball game, and they won't know what to expect. Maybe we can turn that into a positive.

"One thing we've done is recruit good people. I don't want our fans cheering for somebody just because he's wearing the school colors. I want them to be cheering for young men they might hire in a few years."

Ayala couldn't help but smile when he talked about the challenge of the schedule.

"Who wouldn't want to play teams like Duke and Florida?" he said. "If you don't want to play games like that, I don't know why you'd want to play basketball."

Added Worthy: "Of course we're excited. We want people to see how hard we play every game. I know we're going to be in condition."

NOTES -- NCCU's early season visits to Rutgers, Florida and North Dakota State (Nov. 17) plus the home game with Tennessee Tech are a part of the Blue Ribbon Classic. ... ECU is the only opponent returning from last season's schedule.

Carter wants FAMU to tackle better against Norfolk State

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

The past two weeks have been like deja vu for Florida A&M football coach Rubin Carter.

Just when it looked like the defense had turned the corner against the run this season, the Rattlers give up a combined 701 rushing yards in their past two games.

After watching his defense look helpless in giving up 405 total rushing yards Saturday against South Carolina State, Carter said he would personally try to help figure out the problem.

“I said that prior to evaluating the tape itself,” Carter said after Monday's practice. “We have to be able to make plays on defense, swarm and get to the ball.

“We had too many missed tackles. We had people in position to make plays and we have to be able to make those plays. That was the thing that was most glaring about our defensive performance.”

In two games, the Rattlers (2-4, 1-2 in the MEAC) went from being among the leaders in the conference in rushing defense to dead last, giving up 221.5 yards a game.

Carter and the Rattlers have little time to get things fixed with Norfolk State, (5-1, 4-0) coming to play on Thursday.

The Spartans rank last in rushing offense, averaging 115.5 yards a game. But senior running back Daryl Jones is among the conference leaders in rushing, averaging 93.7 yards a game.

“We're trying to make sure players understand we have to leverage the ball better,” Carter said. “We can't overrun ball carriers and all those things.”

The defense is expected to get a big boost from the return of senior defensive ends Tyrone McGriff and Carlos Rolle, who did not play Saturday because of injuries.

“It made a difference quite a bit,” Carter said about not having McGriff and Rolle on the field Saturday. “Anytime you don't have a Tyrone McGriff, who is a big-time tackler, you are losing a playmaker on the defensive line.

“You also lose another senior in Carlos Rolle on the line. The people playing in their spaces have had limited time in games.”

Carter said he was not as sure about whether junior outside linebacker Victoriano Arboleda, who has a sprained knee, would be healthy enough to play Thursday.

“It was more difficult (without those players), but we can't use that as an excuse,” Carter said. “I think they will both be ready to go Thursday night. Being off for a week helped them out immensely for the type of injuries they had.”

Outlook for FAMU vs. Norfolk State game from former FAMU President Fred Humphries...

FAMU QB Battle shines in debut

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Florida A&M's present may not look too bright after Saturday's 49-14 loss at South Carolina State, but a glimpse at a brighter future may have appeared in Orangeburg, S.C.

Redshirt-freshman quarterback Eddie Battle saw his first action as a Rattler on Saturday, playing the entire fourth quarter. He led the offense on three drives, generating a touchdown on the second drive.

“Eddie got a chance to go in, execute the offense and show his leadership at the quarterback position,” FAMU coach Rubin Carter said. “I was really pleased with his performance.

“He was one of the bright spots on a dismal day for us as a football team.”

Battle was one of three quarterbacks signed to FAMU's 2006 class, joining Eugene Smith and Robert Love. Smith did not qualify.

Smith and Love were both redshirted last season and began competing for a place on the totem pole this past spring. It was generally thought that Love came out of the spring ahead of Battle.

But Love was suspended before the start of fall practices for three games. Love also had academic issues that he was unable to clear up once his suspension was over and he has yet to rejoin the team.

With Love's status uncertain, it is a strong possibility the 6-foot-1, 220-pound quarterback from Titusville's Astronaut High will enter the 2008 season as the Rattlers' starting quarterback. Saturday was the first major step toward that process.

Photo: #8, QB 6-2/215, Eddie Battle, Titusville FL/Astronaunt H.S., is ready to do battle with Norfolk State.

“I learned a lot,” Battle said. “I got my first collegiate snap in this game. The speed of the game, the connection with the receivers and the O-line - it was a lot to take in.

“The circumstance was terrible to come into, but everybody kept me positive. If I ever have to come in again, I feel I will be alright.”

Battle's first drive under center wasn't anything to write home about. A rush for a three-yard loss, a rush for a six-yard gain, an incomplete pass to Isaac West and it was over.

Battle's second drive, however, was something for him to write home about. It included his first complete pass - a 23-yarder to Derek Williams that was also his first completion for a first down.
Battle also completed his first touchdown pass to sophomore fullback Mykel Benson.

“I got to throw to one of my great friends,” Battle said. “I played against him a lot in high school. Mykel Benson is a great receiver and it was a terrific feeling.”

Battle finished the quarter completing 5 of 7 passes for 54 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

While his play was insignificant as far as the outcome of Saturday's game was concerned, it may have had a great impact on the future of FAMU's football program.

“It was like going from an infant to a grown man,” Battle said. “I took my first hit in the first series. It was the first time I received a signal from Leon and it actually meant something.”

MSU Bears face #15 Delaware State in a showdown for first place in the MEAC

Photo: Head Football Coach Donald Hill-Eley

MSU Sports Information

The Bears travel to Dover to square-off with Delaware State during the Hornets' Homecoming on Saturday.

MORGAN STATE “BEARS” (4-3, 2-1 MEAC)
#15 DELAWARE STATE “HORNETS” (5-1, 4-0 MEAC)
GAME #8
Saturday, October 20, 2007 • 3:30 p.m.
Alumni Stadium (Capacity 6,828) • Dover, Del.
TELEVISION: Will be televised live regionally on the Comcast Network, CN8
RADIO: Morgan State Radio Network WEAA - 88.9 FM:
Rob Long (play-by-play) & Kelvin Bridgers (color).
INTERNET: www.MorganStateBears.com; www.dsuhornets.com
INTERNET COVERAGE: Live Audio and Live Stats

Setting the Scene

• Devan James ran for 19 of his team-high 73 yards in overtime to help setup a 23-yard game-winning field goal by James Meade as the Bears held off Howard 36-33 Saturday at Hughes Stadium before a record crowd of 14,987. MSU QB was Byron Selby was productive and completed 11-of-20 passes for 216 yards. MSU’s defensive unit held Howard air attack to 103 yards and was led by LB Lamar West who recorded a team-high 9 tackles. MSU will attempt to extend its winning streak to four when they face the Hornets for a battle for 1st place in the MEAC.



• #15 Delaware State is coming off a bye week and the last time they were on the gridiron was when they pitched a 27-0 shutout against N.C. A&T in Greensboro (NC). The Hornets, who are currently tied with Norfolk State for first place in the MEAC standings, were outgained by the Aggies 182 to 156 in total offense. Hornet RB Chris Strothers led DSU’s ground game by rushing for 63 yard, while QB Vashon Winton completed 3-of-9 for 31 yards and ran for a 1 yard touchdown. Defensively, DB Akeem Green scored on an 86-yard interception return and on special teams Brandon Hudson took the opening kick-off back for an 84-yard touchdown. With the win the Hornets improved to 5-1 overall and will enter Saturday’s Homecoming contest with a 4-0 conference record and will attempt to extend their winning streak to four games. Saturday’s contest will mark the 50th meeting between Morgan State and Delaware State since 1945.

• The Hornets have one of the top quartebacks in the conference. Vashon Winton (Jr./6-2/195/Chicago, IL/Simeon HS) has completed 53-of-89 passes for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns and ranks 4th in the MEAC in passing. Winton connected on 3-of-9 passes and ran for a touchdown during DSU’s 27-0 victory against N.C. A&T.

• The Hornets have one of the top quartebacks in the conference. Vashon Winton (Jr./6-2/195/Chicago, IL/Simeon HS) has completed 53-of-89 passes for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns and ranks 4th in the MEAC in passing. Winton connected on 3-of-9 passes and ran for a touchdown during DSU’s 27-0 victory against N.C. A&T.

• SEE CHAD RUN … INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS - Chad Simpson entered the Towson game just needing 63 yards to reach 1,000 yards in his Morgan State career…he ended up rushing for 195 yards! The All-MEAC running back rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opener vs. Savannah State and has increased his career total to 1,774 yards following a game-high 181 yards versus North Carolina A&T ... he now sits 259 yards behind Lloyd McCleave (1975-78) who ranks #5 in the Bears rushing annals. As a result of his career-high 221 yard output against the Winston-Salem State Rams in Week 3, Simpson was selected as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week.

• LAST TIME vs. THE HORNETS - (Oct. 14, 2006) Morgan State’s Homecoming matchup with Delaware State was riddled with Bear mistakes. The Hornets capitalized on fumbles and two blocked punts as they pulled out a 29-7 victory in front of 13,557 fans.

ESPN focuses on UD, DSU

By KRISTIAN POPE and KEVIN TRESOLINI, The News Journal

Failure to meet in football examined

The ESPN show "Outside the Lines" will feature an upcoming segment on the lack of a Delaware-Delaware State football rivalry.

Producers from the show were in Dover on Tuesday to tape interviews with representatives from DSU. They are scheduled to meet with University of Delaware officials in Newark today.

A telecast date has not been announced.

Delaware and Delaware State, two NCAA Division I-AA programs, have never met in a football game. But, as of now, both teams are in contention for a I-AA playoff berth and, under NCAA guidelines, the two could meet in a first-round game Nov. 24 at Delaware Stadium.

Hornets coach Al Lavan said Tuesday he was to be interviewed for the ESPN show with DSU athletic director Rick Costello and senior linebacker Russell Reeves. The network also is planning to tape footage of DSU's game Saturday against Morgan State at Alumni Stadium. Crews shot footage of Delaware's win over Northeastern last Saturday.

"It's good exposure for us," Lavan said. "It is what it is. They are just doing some followup to the recent stories."

The story received national attention when Delaware graduate and former Sports Illustrated reporter Jeff Pearlman wrote a column for ESPN.com that lambasted UD for not scheduling a game with DSU.

DSU (5-1, 4-0) shares the lead in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference; the champion earns an automatic NCAA bid.

Delaware (6-1, 4-1) is second in the CAA's South Division, but in the running for an at-large bid. The overall conference winner earns the CAA's automatic bid.

The 16-team I-AA field will be announced Nov. 18.

The NCAA handbook reads as follows:

1. The teams awarded the top four seeds are placed in the appropriate positions in the bracket (Nos. 1 and 4 in the upper half, and Nos. 2 and 3 in the lower half), and will be paired with teams that are in closest geographic proximity;

2. The remaining teams will be paired according to geographic proximity and placed in the bracket according to geographic proximity of the four pairings previously placed in the bracket.

The four seeded teams are given a chance to host a game if they can meet the I-AA tournament's minimum financial guarantee requirements: $30,000 for the first round, $40,000 for quarterfinals and $50,000 for semifinals. After that, the NCAA's first three criteria for selecting a host site are "quality of facility," "revenue potential" and "attendance history and potential."

While 22,000-seat Delaware Stadium routinely is filled to capacity during the regular season, playoff crowds always are smaller, in part because students have to pay for tickets and most aren't on campus Thanksgiving weekend.

Delaware's State's 6,800-seat Alumni Stadium would not, therefore, be considered for a Hens-Hornets playoff game.

DSU Hornets see a shift in power

Photo: DSU Hornets Head Football Coach Al Lavan

By KRISTIAN POPE, The News Journal

Delaware State suddenly part of MEAC's new elite

DOVER -- In about a month, there could be a first in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

None of the league's current top teams -- Delaware State (4-0 in conference play), Norfolk State (4-0) and Morgan State (3-1) -- has ever qualified for the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.

The trio's midseason success indicates a power shift in the MEAC.

"I would think so," said Hampton coach Joe Taylor, whose team won the past three conference titles but is 3-2 in the MEAC this year. "It will be interesting to see how they match up against one another."

The MEAC is among eight conferences whose regular-season champion gets an automatic bid to the I-AA playoffs. DSU has never made the playoffs and has not won the league championship since sharing it with North Carolina A&T in 1991.

Hornets coach Al Lavan has seen extra attention placed on his team, which is 5-1 overall heading into Saturday's homecoming game against Morgan State. The game will televised live on CN8.

"I'm not unaware more people are aware of the program, and that's good," Lavan said. "The incentive for me is to keep being successful."

It only gets more interesting for the Hornets, who rose to No. 15 in The Sports Network's Top 25 poll this week.

Photo: Hampton University Pirates Head Football Coach Joe Taylor.

In the MEAC's preseason poll, coaches and sports information directors picked Delaware State, Morgan State and Norfolk State to place third, sixth and seventh, respectively. Norfolk State earned its first national ranking this week when it debuted at No. 25.

Hampton was able to squeak by Morgan State, 24-17 in overtime, on Sept. 20. Had the Bears won, they would be in a three-way tie for first place with DSU and Norfolk State.

Morgan State is at or near the top of virtually every statistical category in the conference, including total defense (No. 1) and total offense (No. 2).

"The MEAC has year-to-year been a competitive conference," Bears coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "The teams at the top now have gained the edge by last-play performances, field goals and things of that nature. It's a swing in the luck or whatever goes with it. The ones up front are the ones that have normally fallen short in the last seconds, and now they've found ways to win it in the last seconds."

While the Hornets figured Hampton (whom DSU beat 24-17 on Sept. 29) would serve as the biggest barrier to their first playoff spot, the success of Morgan State and Norfolk State has put a new emphasis on the games still to come. DSU plays host to Norfolk State on Nov. 10, the next-to-last game of the regular season.

"It's always good when you have new teams winning," Lavan said. "It's an example of the coaching. These coaches have their teams put together. I think it leads to a stronger and more competitive conference."

Hampton in 'Do or Die' situation

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

HAMPTON, Va. - Playing a "do or die" game on Homecoming is something Hampton University has not faced during its three-year run as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion.

Having already lost as many conference games this season as they have the previous three seasons combined, this is where the Pirates (4-2, 3-2) find themselves entering Saturday's showdown with South Carolina State (3-3, 2-1). Another loss would all but end Hampton's chances of a fourth straight MEAC title and their shot at an at-large Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth.

"As a champion, your back is always against the wall because everybody is always coming after you," Pirates head coach Joe Taylor said.

Among the winningest active FCS head coaches, Taylor foresaw a challenging season ahead for his Pirates. With 17 new starters and seeing an increase in conference parity with programs like Delaware State, Morgan State and Bay rival Norfolk State, who defeated the Pirates 20-19 last Saturday, emerging as title contenders, Taylor is still pleased to see how his team has fared in losing two games by a total of eight points.

Nevertheless, Taylor sees his young squad progressing fast but is waiting for them to compete for all four quarters.

"I think we're still on the right track," he said. "Each week, after we gameplan, I look at the personnel we're going against, and when I see most of these teams who have 15-20 starters who are juniors and seniors. We're not going to go away. I still think we're doing the right kind of things. I'm proud of what we're doing and there's a lot of football left."

Hampton owns an 11-2 edge over SCSU in the series and Taylor's winning record against the Bulldogs (11-4-1) dates back to his days at Virginia Union. The Pirates have also never lost to SCSU at Armstrong Stadium, including a 14-10 victory in 2005 in which they rallied from a 10-0 deficit with two, second-quarter touchdowns.

Last year's 13-6 win by SCSU which snapped the Pirates 24-game regular-season and 17-game conference winning streaks, played out the same way in turning into a second half defensive struggle. In fact, the two teams have combined to score three second-half points in the last two meetings.

Photo: #20, Gerard Griffin, RB 5-11/R-freshman, Charlotte, N.C./West Charlotte H.S.

With SCSU coming off a 611-yard, 49-point effort against Florida A&M, Taylor said the Pirates must figure out a way to slow its offense down with a relatively new cast.

"They do what they do," he said. "They're going to run the football. That's their m.o. Defensively, they're going to flock to the football. They have a very sound special teams."

Offensively, Taylor is concerned about quarterback Cleveland McCoy, who earned MEAC Offensive Player of the Week honors after amassing 314 yards against FAMU and the double threat he presents.

"You've got to keep our eyes on him," he said. "He'll run draw plays, then he'll fake the run and back up and throw it. He's probably one of the better quarterbacks in this conference. The bottom line is you can't go to sleep on him. You better know where he is at all times."

Other than hoping that the SCSU bus "does not show up," Taylor joked, the key to containing McCoy and the Bulldogs' running game will be winning the battle upfront. Even with the presence of Preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Kendall Langford (39 tackles, two sacks) and Marcus Dixon (25 tackles, five sacks) on the defensive line, Hampton is allowing 168.8 yards per game on the ground against MEAC teams and faces an experienced SCSU offensive line with two All-MEAC first-team selections in right tackle James Lee and center Raymond "Duck" Harrison.

"When you look at the outcome of ballgames, it's really all about who controls the trenches," Taylor said. "If you look back at last year, it was such a close ball game. Both teams really played tough in the trenches. Defensively, we feel pretty good about the experience that we have this year. But I tell you, that whole offensive line, especially on the right side, and that center is probably one of the better centers if not in the conference, in this country on this level because he's a scrapper. He gets after you. So that's going to be very important. We're going to have our hands full with their o-line. Hopefully, we can make a few plays in there. That's going to be a key matchup."

When McCoy looks to the air, he will have to contend with University of South Carolina transfer cornerback Sam Pope. The former Gamecock is tied with SCSU's Markee Hamlin for the MEAC lead with four interceptions and Taylor said he has "tremendously" helped his young Pirate secondary.

"The reason he transferred was because (USC) wanted him to move inside and play safety and he felt like he's a true corner and I'm glad he had that belief because he's really made a difference for us," Taylor said. "When you lose all four starters in the secondary, certainly you're looking for some help, and he's come in and not only is he a good cover guy, he's very physical as well."

Offensively, the Pirates are ranked next to last in rushing, but counter with the MEAC's leading passer and total yards producer in quarterback T.J. Mitchell (1,542 yards, 11 Tds, 5 ints; 72 rushing yards.). His favorite targets are Jeremy Gilchrist (39 receptions for 648 yards and five Tds), Justin Brown (18 catches, 350 yards, two Tds) and Kevin Teel (18 catches, 275 yards, two Tds).

Prior to Taylor's teleconference, SCSU head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough discussed he's all but decided to redshirt BANDIT Marshall McFadden. He said the junior is still hobbled by an elbow injury suffered in Week Two against Bethune-Cookman, but it made more sense to sit him the rest of the way and have him available for a full season next year.

McFadden was a preseason MEAC first-team selection and had 12 tackles in two games.

QB play keeping Alcorn down

By Kareem Copeland, Clarion Ledger

Photo: Alcorn has gotten some big plays from the likes of Oliver Bozeman, intercepting a pass against UAB, but its D has been left on the field too much.

The quarterback position continues to cause sleepless nights for Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas.

The Braves (0-5, 0-4 SWAC) rank last in the league in scoring offense (9.0 ppg) and first downs (13.2 per game) and No. 9 in third-down percentage (23.9).

"We're still having personnel letdowns," Thomas said. "Every time we get something going offensively, we fumble the ball, throw an interception, drop the ball, overthrow the receiver.

"We cannot keep our defense on the field and expect (it to play well)."

Senior Chris Walker has been battling a high ankle sprain, opening the door for junior Tony Hobson.

However, Hobson has been less than spectacular, completing 2 of 8 passes for 23 yards with two interceptions in a 17-7 loss to Prairie View A&M last week.

Walker did play, connecting on 9 of 19 attempts for 117 yards.

"We started Tony and he has not come out and performed like we thought," Thomas said. "Chris is a tenacious young man. I've never seen a guy who's been able to bounce back (from injuries like he has).

"We're hoping he'll be ready to go against Texas Southern."

The Tigers (0-5, 0-4) host the Braves at Alex Durley Stadium at 3 p.m. Saturday.

MORE QB ISSUES

Mississippi Valley State may rotate quarterbacks during Saturday's home game against North Dakota State.

Sophomore Paul Roberts is likely out with a mild concussion, leaving junior Semaj Williams and sophomore Ryan Barciaga to split duties.

Williams has completed 13 of 29 passes for 101 yards with three interceptions and no touchdowns in three games this season.

Barciaga is 0-for-2 with an interception in two appearances.

BAD CALLS?

Prairie View A&M has put together a tape detailing questionable calls against the Panthers for the SWAC office.

Coach Henry Frazier insists that the officiating has been consistently lopsided against his team throughout the season.

"It's one of two things: They're either cheating or incompetent," Frazier said. "I know I'm going to get in trouble. It's frustrating because it's on film.

"That loses you ballgames. That's the kind of thing that loses people their jobs."

Prairie View is tied with Jackson State for the most penalties in league with 53. Its 499 penalty yards are second behind JSU's 578.

"We've gotten flagged 64 times," Frazier said. "Referees have to get coached up, too."

TAKE-A-KID

Children between the ages of 5-12 will be admitted free with a ticket-bearing adult to Valley's game Saturday against North Dakota State. Kickoff in Itta Bena is 2 p.m.

Take-A-Kid-To-The-Game Day pregame tickets are available for $15 at the MVSU cashiers window and remote locations. Game day tickets will be available for $18.

Contact the MVSU department of athletics for more information at (662) 254-3011.

LAST WEEK'S STANDOUTS


Corey Clark (JSU) - six tackles, three sacks


Ben Boyd (Prairie View) - six carries, 124 yards, one touchdown


Zach East (Prairie View) - 11 tackles


Sam Irons (MVSU) - 11 tackles, pass breakup


Zach Gilarski (MVSU) - eight punts, 37.8 average


Ronald Brewer (MVSU) - 14 carries, 50 yards; four receptions, 28 yards


Tim Manuel (Grambling) - two field goals; four PATs; five punts, 40.4 average

UAPB vs. AAMU: Father, son on opposite sidelines

By REGGIE BENSON, Huntsville Times

A&M tackle's father coaches for Ark.-Pine Bluff

Alabama A&M and Arkansas-Pine Bluff will get together Thursday night at Louis Crews Stadium in a rematch of last year's Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game.

The game will also feature another rematch of smaller proportions.

A&M defensive tackle Justin Harper will be opposing his father, UAPB defensive line coach Gary Harper, when the two teams collide. Kickoff is 6:30 and the game will be televised live on ESPNU.

Gary Harper took bragging rights last year during the regular season as UAPB turned back A&M 23-21, but Justin Harper got the last laugh as the Bulldogs won the SWAC championship with a 22-13 win last December.

"I was so mad I didn't want to talk to anybody," said Justin Harper, recalling the loss last season. "My family was there and my dad wanted to take pictures, but I didn't feel like taking pictures with him."

Six weeks later, Justin Harper couldn't stop smiling.

"When we won, I took a picture with him," he said. "I know, since he couldn't win (the SWAC championship), he was happy that I won it."

Win or lose, Gary Harper was just thrilled to see his son.

"It was a good experience," said Gary Harper, who has coached at Tuskegee, Morris Brown, Savannah State and UAPB. "It gave me an opportunity to watch Justin on film and play in person. It was great because I seldom get to an opportunity to see him play. He played well. I enjoyed that."

Gary Harper plans to enjoy himself Thursday night. This time, however, he hopes to be celebrating.

"Knowing that Justin is on the other side, I want him to do well, but I want us to win," he said.

Gary and Lori Harper, Justin's mother, got divorced when he was 6 years old. As a result, Justin and Gary Harper have lived apart for most of their lives.

Even so, Justin Harper heavily considered playing college football at Savannah State four years ago. His father was an assistant coach there at the time.

However, A&M, Alcorn State and Nichols State also recruited Harper. In the end, he chose A&M.

"I came up here and had a good time on my visit," said Harper, a 6-foot-2, 252-pound redshirt junior. "I saw the highlight tape and A&M's defense was one of the dominant defenses in the nation and they were winning. I wanted to be a part of that."

Unfortunately, Harper had to call his father and give him the news.

"Initially, he sounded kind of sad ... a little hurt," he said. "But, he was proud I was going to a good school."

A&M offensive coordinator Cedric Pearl, who handles the Bulldogs' offensive line, and Gary Harper coached together at Morris Brown. Harper turned Pearl on to his son.

"Coach Pearl was fired up about Justin and he fell in love with Huntsville," Gary Harper said. "It was disappointing at first, but he needed to be happy where he went. He wanted to win a championship and he did that. A&M has been good for him and he's been good for A&M."

Despite being separated, father and son are close.

"I spent Christmas break, spring breaks and summers with him growing up," Justin said. "We haven't been living together, but we are close. We talk once or twice a week. We talk about football, school and other things."

In fact, they talked some Tuesday.

"He didn't want to talk too much," Gary Harper said. "Hopefully, I'll get to see him and get a chance to talk to him before the game."

Justin Harper has come on the last few weeks.

He broke his left thumb during preseason practice and had to undergo surgery. Initially, he was told he would miss the first four games of the season, but he only missed the season opener against Tennessee State. He moved into the starting lineup against Texas Southern and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since.

"I have a lot of admiration for that kid," A&M coach Anthony Jones said. "He could have stayed out a few more weeks, but he wanted to play. He worked with our trainers to get back and since he's been back he's been our best defensive lineman."

Justin Harper has put a little extra into Thursday night's game. He wants to show out in front of his father.

"I want to have the bragging rights again," he said. "I've been watching a little more film and paying attention a little more to the scouting report ... the small details so I can get better."

Gary Harper couldn't be more proud.

"I'm excited about seeing him," he said. "I haven't seen him since Christmas with me being in Arkansas and him being in school all the time. It's tough, but it's a good thing. He's grown up and he'll be graduating soon.

"As a parent, I'm really proud of him for coming back so soon (from injury). He's just a chip off the old block. He has good work habits and doesn't want to sit out and be lazy. He's got a few more goals he wants to conquer and I'm sure he'll reach them."