Sunday, October 3, 2010
SU Jaguars cannot hold off UAPB Golden Lions in SWAC rout
Waving their hands toward the sky, running toward the west sideline at A.W. Mumford Stadium after halftime Saturday night, Southern football players felt the way they wanted to feel.
At the time, they were tied with visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff. In the first half, they had showed passion, emotion and a stronger game plan, and they felt confident that their first Southwestern Athletic Conference win in the Stump Mitchell era was a mere 30 minutes away.
They were wrong. The Golden Lions used a dominant third quarter to pull away for a 41-23 victory, burning the beleaguered SU defense for big play after big play.
Too many mistakes hold Jaguars back
Saturday night in A.W. Mumford Stadium, for the second consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference game, the Southern football team was left to lament all the times it turned the football over, all the times it committed a game-changing penalty, all the little things it failed to do.
Saturday night, all those mistakes helped Arkansas-Pine Bluff leave town with a 41-23 victory, handing SU its third straight loss in the process. The Jaguars had four turnovers, nine penalties and a handful of hiccups on special teams.
Jaguars see glimpses of hope
Receiver Curry Allen sat down at a table after Saturday night’s 41-23 loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff, trying to put in words what went wrong and even more importantly, how the Southern offense can recover. His answer was simple: stop trying so hard.
“We’ve been playing uptight, not really playing our game,” said Curry, a redshirt senior. “We have to relax and go out there and have fun.
Making the Fixes
There were plenty of mistakes to go around during Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s 41-23 SWAC win over Southern University Saturday night, but most came in the first half for the Golden Lions.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff helped set up an early Southern field goal with a punt interference penalty. Another Southern field goal was set up when wide receiver Raymond Webber lost a fumble deep in UAPB territory, and quarterback Josh Boudreaux later tossed an interception.
But it all came together in the second half as Boudreaux and Webber led the UAPB rally that saw it outscore the Jaguars 28-10 after a halftime tie.
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WSSU cruises past Johnson C. Smith
Charlotte, N.C. -- Make it six in a row for Winston-Salem State. The Rams crushed CIAA rival Johnson C. Smith 49-3 at Memorial Stadium last night to improve their record to 6-0, 4-0 in league play.
The defense sparkled early, turning back two early Golden Bulls drives in the shadow of the Rams’ end zone. The offense then kicked into gear, scoring 21 second-quarter points to take a 28-0 halftime lead that put the game out of reach.
“They got off on a good start,” said defensive lineman Juan Corders, who led WSSU with 11 tackles, including 3½ for losses, and a sack. “They played us quite well, but the defense stuck in there and got adjusted to fight them off.”
Bulls fail to convert while Rams pile it on
Winston-Salem State's return to Division II and the CIAA still is perfect.
The Rams ripped off a 21-point second quarter on their way to a 49-3 league win against Johnson C. Smith at Memorial Stadium, their sixth to start the season. Winston-Salem State (6-0, 4-0), which rejoined the CIAA after four years in Division I, shook off an early challenge by J.C. Smith (1-4, 0-2 CIAA) to pull away by halftime.
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The defense sparkled early, turning back two early Golden Bulls drives in the shadow of the Rams’ end zone. The offense then kicked into gear, scoring 21 second-quarter points to take a 28-0 halftime lead that put the game out of reach.
“They got off on a good start,” said defensive lineman Juan Corders, who led WSSU with 11 tackles, including 3½ for losses, and a sack. “They played us quite well, but the defense stuck in there and got adjusted to fight them off.”
Bulls fail to convert while Rams pile it on
Winston-Salem State's return to Division II and the CIAA still is perfect.
The Rams ripped off a 21-point second quarter on their way to a 49-3 league win against Johnson C. Smith at Memorial Stadium, their sixth to start the season. Winston-Salem State (6-0, 4-0), which rejoined the CIAA after four years in Division I, shook off an early challenge by J.C. Smith (1-4, 0-2 CIAA) to pull away by halftime.
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Albany State Rams slay Lane Dragons, 43-13
It wasn’t as easy as the Rams had hoped, however, as the Dragons (0-5, 0-4) used a blitz all game long that stumped ASU and quarterback Stanley Jennings until the final frame.
“We actually went into the game thinking we could run the ball a lot better than we did,” head coach Mike White said. “The passing game (ended up being) there, (because) they were throwing a lot of people down (at us). So we were able to get them for some big plays.”
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FVSU Wildcats gain their homecoming revenge
FORT VALLEY, GA — About two-thirds of the way through the third quarter, running back Aaron Courtney was stopped at the line, but he disposed of the two Benedict tacklers who had him wrapped up and raced 22 yards for a touchdown.
That gave Fort Valley State a two-touchdown lead, and the Wildcats could breathe a little bit. Homecoming appeared to be saved, and the weekend would be a good one for FVSU. FVSU’s defense surrendered only a few big plays and the Wildcats blocked two punts and rolled past Benedict 41-13 on Saturday afternoon at Wildcat Stadium.
The crowd was announced at 12,455 watched FVSU improve to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in SIAC play. Benedict fell to 1-5 and 1-4.
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That gave Fort Valley State a two-touchdown lead, and the Wildcats could breathe a little bit. Homecoming appeared to be saved, and the weekend would be a good one for FVSU. FVSU’s defense surrendered only a few big plays and the Wildcats blocked two punts and rolled past Benedict 41-13 on Saturday afternoon at Wildcat Stadium.
The crowd was announced at 12,455 watched FVSU improve to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in SIAC play. Benedict fell to 1-5 and 1-4.
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Morgan State routed by Bethune-Cookman, 69-32
Morgan State didn't need long Saturday to come to the realization it was in for a long day against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference power Bethune-Cookman. Sixteen seconds, to be exact.
That's how long it took for the Florida school to complete a 70-yard touchdown pass on its first play from scrimmage. It was only the beginning of a game to forget for the host Bears, who committed seven turnovers and allowed 640 yards of offense in a 69-32 loss.
"There wasn't an effort on either side of the ball — offensively or defensively," Morgan head coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "Anytime you turn the ball over seven, almost eight times, you can't beat a little league team like that. We have to do a better job of protecting the football, and we have to make some changes in some areas that we're making some crazy decisions."
'Cats offense runs wild in win
BALTIMORE, MD -- Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins admitted he's not a numbers guy. "We're not into stats or records," Jenkins said. "We're just focused on running our offense." Following Saturday's 69-32 win over host Morgan State, however, the numbers were difficult to ignore.
The Wildcats racked up 640 yards of total offense, including 366 on the ground, and forced seven turnovers to improve to 4-0 for the first time since 2003, as well as 2-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for the first time since 2006.
What's more, B-CU scored its most points on the road since 1950, starting on the game's first offensive play, when quarterback Matt Johnson found wide receiver Eddie Poole wide open down the left sideline -- the result of badly blown coverage by Morgan State -- for a 70-yard touchdown.
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That's how long it took for the Florida school to complete a 70-yard touchdown pass on its first play from scrimmage. It was only the beginning of a game to forget for the host Bears, who committed seven turnovers and allowed 640 yards of offense in a 69-32 loss.
"There wasn't an effort on either side of the ball — offensively or defensively," Morgan head coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "Anytime you turn the ball over seven, almost eight times, you can't beat a little league team like that. We have to do a better job of protecting the football, and we have to make some changes in some areas that we're making some crazy decisions."
'Cats offense runs wild in win
BALTIMORE, MD -- Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins admitted he's not a numbers guy. "We're not into stats or records," Jenkins said. "We're just focused on running our offense." Following Saturday's 69-32 win over host Morgan State, however, the numbers were difficult to ignore.
The Wildcats racked up 640 yards of total offense, including 366 on the ground, and forced seven turnovers to improve to 4-0 for the first time since 2003, as well as 2-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for the first time since 2006.
What's more, B-CU scored its most points on the road since 1950, starting on the game's first offensive play, when quarterback Matt Johnson found wide receiver Eddie Poole wide open down the left sideline -- the result of badly blown coverage by Morgan State -- for a 70-yard touchdown.
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Former S.C. State Bulldogs to get their rightful recognition
CHARLIE BROWN PLAYED in a couple of Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins and has a pair of rings to show for it. He also had a 1,000-yard receiving season in the NFL during his six-year career.
Still, the one-time South Carolina State standout carries a couple of beefs with him. He believes his beloved Bulldogs were slighted in 1980 when they were not invited to play in the Division I-AA playoffs, and two of his fingers have never been fitted for the pair of national black college championships S.C. State won while he was there.
Brown can never rectify the 1980 NCAA ruling, but he will right the latter wrong Friday night when members of the 1976 and 1980 coaching staffs and players will be presented with national championship rings.
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Still, the one-time South Carolina State standout carries a couple of beefs with him. He believes his beloved Bulldogs were slighted in 1980 when they were not invited to play in the Division I-AA playoffs, and two of his fingers have never been fitted for the pair of national black college championships S.C. State won while he was there.
Brown can never rectify the 1980 NCAA ruling, but he will right the latter wrong Friday night when members of the 1976 and 1980 coaching staffs and players will be presented with national championship rings.
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FAMU falls to South Carolina State
Almost every time that camera operators panned the Florida A&M sideline, head football coach Joe Taylor had one arm locked under his chest and the other under his chin.
It seemed like he was trying to find answers on how to ignite the Rattlers' anemic offense that struggled to get first downs and couldn't put a single point on the scoreboard. Not even a field goal to give a near-capacity crowd something to feel good about.
Quarterback Martin Ukpai wasn't getting it done and was benched after a half in favor of Eddie Battle. He couldn't get the offense moving either and as a result FAMU was beaten 19-0 for a loss that might just wreck its MEAC title hopes.
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Tailgate Cam - FAMU vs. S.C. State
It seemed like he was trying to find answers on how to ignite the Rattlers' anemic offense that struggled to get first downs and couldn't put a single point on the scoreboard. Not even a field goal to give a near-capacity crowd something to feel good about.
Quarterback Martin Ukpai wasn't getting it done and was benched after a half in favor of Eddie Battle. He couldn't get the offense moving either and as a result FAMU was beaten 19-0 for a loss that might just wreck its MEAC title hopes.
Photo Galleries:
Tailgate Cam - FAMU vs. S.C. State
A dam can only hold water, or hold back the South Carolina State offense, for so long.
After watching the Florida A&M offense constantly cede field position, time of possession and turnovers to their opponent the Rattlers' defense was worn down by an extended drive by the visitors early in the fourth quarter.
TALLAHASSE , Fla. - South Carolina State had a back to rush for the century mark as well a receiver to finish over the century mark as the Bulldogs extended their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win streak to 20 as they defeated the Florida A&M University, 19-0 here Saturday evening at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Blake Erickson scored the Bulldogs first nine points as he connected on a pair of 39-yard field goal, the first with 10:35 to in the first and the second with six seconds to in the first half, giving SCSU a 6-0 lead into the break.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - It was a 'Blackout' Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium and not just in the stands. For the first time since 1934, the Bulldogs shut out Florida A&M on the scoreboard to post their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference-record 20th consecutive victory. It's also the eight straight win over the Rattlers, the Bulldogs' 11th straight road conference win and 26th consecutive win over a historically black college.
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After watching the Florida A&M offense constantly cede field position, time of possession and turnovers to their opponent the Rattlers' defense was worn down by an extended drive by the visitors early in the fourth quarter.
Bulldogs Blank Rattlers 19-0
TALLAHASSE , Fla. - South Carolina State had a back to rush for the century mark as well a receiver to finish over the century mark as the Bulldogs extended their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win streak to 20 as they defeated the Florida A&M University, 19-0 here Saturday evening at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Blake Erickson scored the Bulldogs first nine points as he connected on a pair of 39-yard field goal, the first with 10:35 to in the first and the second with six seconds to in the first half, giving SCSU a 6-0 lead into the break.
SC State 19, Florida A&M 0 Final
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - It was a 'Blackout' Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium and not just in the stands. For the first time since 1934, the Bulldogs shut out Florida A&M on the scoreboard to post their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference-record 20th consecutive victory. It's also the eight straight win over the Rattlers, the Bulldogs' 11th straight road conference win and 26th consecutive win over a historically black college.
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Alabama State struggles under center in loss to Texas Sourthern
Alabama State's game Saturday against Texas Southern looked a lot like August practices at Hornet Stadium. Three quarterbacks shuffled duties. No one appeared to want the job. When the musical chairs ended, it was Texas Southern who left Cramton Bowl singing, claiming a 21-7 victory over the Hornets.Devin Dominguez, Demetric Price and Rashard Burkette took snaps for the Hornets and each struggled to find any rhythm in an offense that generated just 149 total yards.
Alabama State University Athletics - Turnovers, Bad Field Position ...
MONTGOMERY, AL — Curtis Thomas’ 59 yard interception return for a score put the final touches on a Texas Southern 21-7 win over Alabama State University in a Southwestern Athletic Conference game.
For the second game in a row, the Hornets’ offense struggled with five turnovers and continually had bad field position.
TSU’s defense was stellar the whole game and after forcing ASU to punt on their first possession, William Osbourne returned the punt 39 yards to set up TSU’s first offensive possession from the ASU 19 yard line. From there it only took two plays for Martin Gilbert to cover the 19 yards, with the scoring run coming from 12 yards out as TSU took a 7-0 lead a little over two minutes into the game.
Johnnie Cole wants to beat Alabama State today. That much, the Texas Southern head coach doesn't hide. Calling it a game of "personal" importance in several interviews, Cole has made no secret of the fact that today's meeting between his Tigers and ASU carries more than just SWAC ramifications for him.
How personal, and how important the game is though, is something Cole's trying to keep to himself. And he's used all the right words, saying he'd be happy with a 3-0 win and reminding everyone of the great friends he still has in Montgomery.
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Attendance: 12,182
Alcorn State plays to full capability in falling to Mississippi State 49-16
Dogs think they should have played better
STARKVILLE, MS -- The scoreboard at Davis Wade Stadium showed Mississippi State beat Alcorn State 49-16 Saturday, but coaches and players feel like they should have performed better.
MSU (3-2) turned the ball over twice and didn't force any from Alcorn State. And after entering Saturday's game as the least penalized team in the Southeastern Conference, the Bulldogs committed a season-high nine penalties for 75 yards.
The Bulldogs also got a scare from the Braves, who pulled to within eight points near the end of the second quarter. But for every big play quarterback Brandon Bridge and Alcorn State made, Mississippi State was there to answer with a score.
STARKVILLE — Even with a win, Dan Mullen was frustrated with the way his team performed and his coaches prepared.
MSU Notebook
Alcorn State quarterback Brandon Bridge shocked the Mississippi State faithful with one quick move to the sideline. The true freshman from Canada, who Braves coach Earnest Collins calls "the young fella," burned State's defense for a 78-yard run to cut MSU's lead to 14-7 early in the second quarter. It was the longest run the Bulldogs have allowed this season.
Wake-up call for Bulldogs
STARKVILLE — Even with a win, Dan Mullen was frustrated with the way his team performed and his coaches prepared.
Mississippi State (3-2) made its fair share of mistakes at Scott Field on Saturday morning but also had more than enough big plays on offense and defense for a 49-16 win over Alcorn State.
"We came out a little flat," Mullen said. "We didn't play with the emotion and the passion we played with last week.
MSU Notebook
Alcorn State quarterback Brandon Bridge shocked the Mississippi State faithful with one quick move to the sideline. The true freshman from Canada, who Braves coach Earnest Collins calls "the young fella," burned State's defense for a 78-yard run to cut MSU's lead to 14-7 early in the second quarter. It was the longest run the Bulldogs have allowed this season.
"We'd like to not be out-athleted that badly, to be honest with you, but that's the way it looked," MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said. "He made a heck of a play. In a game where playmakers decide things, he made a play and we couldn't stop him."
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Attendance: 50,439
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Attendance: 50,439
Positive changes continue for FAMU athletics
Those paying attention Saturday evening as nearly 23,000 fans packed into Bragg Memorial Stadium — most of them wearing the same black T-shirts — understand exactly what is happening on the highest of Tallahassee's seven hills.
Andre Dawson Returns to FAMU |
Andre Dawson, who is a Major League Baseball Hall of fame inductee and self proclaimed 'rattler forever' returned to his stopping grounds to give those being inducted to the FAMU Sports Hall of fame a pat on the back. Dawson, a Rattler baseball great in the 70s, was a member of the 81 FAMU sports hall of fame.
After a knee injury out of high school-- He says his time on the Rattler Diamond is what made his child hood dream work itself out. Andre Dawson says, "I got a full scholarship because ...
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Week 5: Pretenders vs. Contenders
CIAA
Winston Salem State 49, Johnson C. Smith 3
Saint Augustine's 42, Fayetteville State 36
Shaw 34, Livingstone 0
Chowan 35, Virginia Union 34
Elizabeth City State 30, Saint Paul's 12
Virginia State 16, Bowie State 15
SIAC
Albany State 43, Lane 13
Tuskegee 51, Miles 0
E. Kentucky 58, Kentucky State 7
Fort Valley State 41, Benedict 13
Clark Atlanta 19, Stillman 14
SWAC
Mississippi State 49, Alcorn State 16
Texas Southern 21, Alabama State 7
Arkansas Pine Bluff 41, Southern 23
Grambling State 25, Alabama A&M 22
Prairie View A&M 34, Mississippi Valley 13
Jackson State (Bye)
MEAC
South Carolina State 19, Florida A&M 0
Bethune Cookaman 69, Morgan State 32
Howard 28, Lincoln (Pa.) 14
Tennessee State 37, North Carolina A&T 7 (Circle City Classic)
Liberty 52, Savannah State 14
Hampton 20, Delaware State 14 (Thursday)
Norfolk State, North Carolina Central (Bye)
South Carolina State University's Marching 101 will take on Norfolk State University's Spartan Legion in the "Man vs. Beast: Brawl in the Burg" band battle. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on the campus of S.C. State.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information or tickets, call 803-536-8579, 1-800-298-9157 or 803-533-3691.
Winston Salem State 49, Johnson C. Smith 3
Saint Augustine's 42, Fayetteville State 36
Shaw 34, Livingstone 0
Chowan 35, Virginia Union 34
Elizabeth City State 30, Saint Paul's 12
Virginia State 16, Bowie State 15
SIAC
Albany State 43, Lane 13
Tuskegee 51, Miles 0
E. Kentucky 58, Kentucky State 7
Fort Valley State 41, Benedict 13
Clark Atlanta 19, Stillman 14
SWAC
Mississippi State 49, Alcorn State 16
Texas Southern 21, Alabama State 7
Arkansas Pine Bluff 41, Southern 23
Grambling State 25, Alabama A&M 22
Prairie View A&M 34, Mississippi Valley 13
Jackson State (Bye)
MEAC
South Carolina State 19, Florida A&M 0
Bethune Cookaman 69, Morgan State 32
Howard 28, Lincoln (Pa.) 14
Tennessee State 37, North Carolina A&T 7 (Circle City Classic)
Liberty 52, Savannah State 14
Hampton 20, Delaware State 14 (Thursday)
Norfolk State, North Carolina Central (Bye)
South Carolina State University's Marching 101 will take on Norfolk State University's Spartan Legion in the "Man vs. Beast: Brawl in the Burg" band battle. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on the campus of S.C. State.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information or tickets, call 803-536-8579, 1-800-298-9157 or 803-533-3691.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Circle City Classic: Tennessee State vs. North Carolina A&T
Thousands to attend Circle City Classic
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - It's classic weekend again in Indy.
A pep rally is set to begin at White River State Park at 4 p.m. featuring marching bands from North Carolina A&T State and Tennessee State. Following the rally fans can head to Lucas Oil Stadium to watch the Circle City Classic High School game. Warren Central will take on Carmel High School at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a gospel explosion at the Madame Walker Theatre and a comedy jam at Old National Centre.
On Saturday, thousands of fans will make their way downtown to watch the electric Circle City Classic Parade.
Footballs will be flying and pads will be poppin' this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in front of thousands of screaming fans.
No, Peyton Manning will not be in town. The Indianapolis Colts play Sunday in Jacksonville. Instead, what is on the docket is the 27th annual Circle City Classic. “We're ready for a breakout,” North Carolina A&T coach Alonzo Lee said. “This should be an exciting game.”
Lee's Aggies (0-4) will face Tennessee State (2-2) at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Circle City Classic organizers look to boost 27-year-old event
Indiana Black Expo officials are fighting to breathe new life into the Circle City Classic, but they have a steep hill to climb to assure the 27-year-old event maintains long-term financial viability in Indianapolis.
Coming off a year in which ticket revenue declined 19 percent, sponsorship revenue fell 12 percent and overall revenue dropped 15 percent, IBE officials hope a series of new attractions and events will stir up more interest in the annual football game and festival.
“Things are going quite well,” said IBE spokeswoman Elizabeth Hart. “Ticket sales are trending well; we think better than last year. We expect a big draw this year from followers of the out-of-town schools involved as well as local residents. We think we have some attractions that are really going to bring people to the event this year.”
This year’s game, to be played Saturday in Lucas Oil Stadium, features North Carolina A&T State University against Tennessee State University.
13 WTHRCircle City Classic has new twist
Indianapolis - The Circle City Classic has a new twist this year. Two local high schools will kick off the classic weekend with a game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Carmel plays Warren Central Friday night at 7:30 pm. The Carmel Greyhounds are hoping to avenge a loss to the Warren Central Warriors during last year's state championship game.
"We've been around for 27 years. We really wanted to add a new aspect to the Circle City Classic - keep it fresh, and so we wanted to incorporate the high school students and high school athletes into the Circle City Classic weekend. We are hoping for a great success and great crowds this year so we can continue it for years to come," said Elizabeth Hart, Indiana Black Expo.
TSU running back gains national attention
Tennessee State running back Preston Brown knew he had rushed for a lot of yards this season, but wasn't sure exactly how many. He also wasn't aware of where he ranked in the Football Championship Subdivision.
When told he had climbed to second nationally, averaging 153.8 yards, and that he has more rushing yards (615) than any other player, Brown was glad to hear it. Grambling's Frank Warren leads the FCS, averaging 162.7 yards.
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The two coaches who will lead their football teams in today's Circle City Classic came up through the same career path.
Tennessee State's Rod Reed and North Carolina A&T's Alonzo Lee were assistant coaches and then coordinators at historically black colleges and universities before getting a chance at the top job. It's a key development, both say, to have the opportunity for that kind of advancement instead of seeing assistants from big-name schools swoop in and be named head coaches.
The only thing Tennessee State Coach Rod Reed enjoys watching as much as Preston Brown making long runs is the Tigers' defense stopping the run. "Being an old defensive coach that's what really makes me happy because when you stop the run, you stop a lot of the things most offenses are going to try to do," said Reed, who was elevated from defensive coordinator to head coach after James Webster resigned last season.
Brown's running, combined with TSU's ability to stop North Carolina A&T running back Mike Mayhew, will be a key for the Tigers (2-2) in today's Circle City Classic against the Aggies (0-4) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
It's yet to be seen if a high school football game will become a permanent part of the Circle City Classic weekend, but event officials said Friday night's showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium between Class 5A second-ranked and defending state champion Warren Central (5-1) and top-ranked Carmel (6-0) will provide a boost in exposure and enthusiasm to the festivities.
The Circle City Classic, a joint collaboration between Indiana Black Expo Inc. and the Indiana Sports Corp., has been played as a college game every year since 1984; this year's game pits North Carolina A&T against Tennessee State at 4 p.m. Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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A pep rally is set to begin at White River State Park at 4 p.m. featuring marching bands from North Carolina A&T State and Tennessee State. Following the rally fans can head to Lucas Oil Stadium to watch the Circle City Classic High School game. Warren Central will take on Carmel High School at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a gospel explosion at the Madame Walker Theatre and a comedy jam at Old National Centre.
On Saturday, thousands of fans will make their way downtown to watch the electric Circle City Classic Parade.
College game on Colts' turf |
Footballs will be flying and pads will be poppin' this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in front of thousands of screaming fans.
No, Peyton Manning will not be in town. The Indianapolis Colts play Sunday in Jacksonville. Instead, what is on the docket is the 27th annual Circle City Classic. “We're ready for a breakout,” North Carolina A&T coach Alonzo Lee said. “This should be an exciting game.”
Lee's Aggies (0-4) will face Tennessee State (2-2) at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Circle City Classic organizers look to boost 27-year-old event
Indiana Black Expo officials are fighting to breathe new life into the Circle City Classic, but they have a steep hill to climb to assure the 27-year-old event maintains long-term financial viability in Indianapolis.
Coming off a year in which ticket revenue declined 19 percent, sponsorship revenue fell 12 percent and overall revenue dropped 15 percent, IBE officials hope a series of new attractions and events will stir up more interest in the annual football game and festival.
“Things are going quite well,” said IBE spokeswoman Elizabeth Hart. “Ticket sales are trending well; we think better than last year. We expect a big draw this year from followers of the out-of-town schools involved as well as local residents. We think we have some attractions that are really going to bring people to the event this year.”
This year’s game, to be played Saturday in Lucas Oil Stadium, features North Carolina A&T State University against Tennessee State University.
13 WTHRCircle City Classic has new twist
Indianapolis - The Circle City Classic has a new twist this year. Two local high schools will kick off the classic weekend with a game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Carmel plays Warren Central Friday night at 7:30 pm. The Carmel Greyhounds are hoping to avenge a loss to the Warren Central Warriors during last year's state championship game.
"We've been around for 27 years. We really wanted to add a new aspect to the Circle City Classic - keep it fresh, and so we wanted to incorporate the high school students and high school athletes into the Circle City Classic weekend. We are hoping for a great success and great crowds this year so we can continue it for years to come," said Elizabeth Hart, Indiana Black Expo.
TSU running back gains national attention
Tennessee State running back Preston Brown knew he had rushed for a lot of yards this season, but wasn't sure exactly how many. He also wasn't aware of where he ranked in the Football Championship Subdivision.
When told he had climbed to second nationally, averaging 153.8 yards, and that he has more rushing yards (615) than any other player, Brown was glad to hear it. Grambling's Frank Warren leads the FCS, averaging 162.7 yards.
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Circle City Classic coaches share career path |
The two coaches who will lead their football teams in today's Circle City Classic came up through the same career path.
Tennessee State's Rod Reed and North Carolina A&T's Alonzo Lee were assistant coaches and then coordinators at historically black colleges and universities before getting a chance at the top job. It's a key development, both say, to have the opportunity for that kind of advancement instead of seeing assistants from big-name schools swoop in and be named head coaches.
Run game will make or break TSU |
The only thing Tennessee State Coach Rod Reed enjoys watching as much as Preston Brown making long runs is the Tigers' defense stopping the run. "Being an old defensive coach that's what really makes me happy because when you stop the run, you stop a lot of the things most offenses are going to try to do," said Reed, who was elevated from defensive coordinator to head coach after James Webster resigned last season.
Brown's running, combined with TSU's ability to stop North Carolina A&T running back Mike Mayhew, will be a key for the Tigers (2-2) in today's Circle City Classic against the Aggies (0-4) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Indiana Black Expo all for this game |
It's yet to be seen if a high school football game will become a permanent part of the Circle City Classic weekend, but event officials said Friday night's showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium between Class 5A second-ranked and defending state champion Warren Central (5-1) and top-ranked Carmel (6-0) will provide a boost in exposure and enthusiasm to the festivities.
The Circle City Classic, a joint collaboration between Indiana Black Expo Inc. and the Indiana Sports Corp., has been played as a college game every year since 1984; this year's game pits North Carolina A&T against Tennessee State at 4 p.m. Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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Mississippi State Bulldogs Host Alcorn State Saturday In SEC-SWAC Showdown
STARKVILLE, Miss. - After last week’s 24-12 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs, Mississippi State seeks to carry its momentum into this Saturday’s game against the Alcorn State Braves. Kick time between the instate opponents is set for 11 a.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium . The game will be televised by Fox Sports Net.Last week, MSU quarterback Chris Relf had a career high 257 total offensive yards and two touchdowns through the air. The Bulldogs were able to compile 314 yards of total offense while Vick Ballard rushed for 65 yards and crossed the goal line for his fifth touchdown of the season.
Avoiding Ole Miss-type trap, Dawgs prep for Alcorn
Mississippi State will face Alcorn State this week in an in-state showdown that features the first ever pairing of these two schools but the second matchup between an SEC and a SWAC team - the first being MSU and Jackson State last season.
That contest ended in a 45-7 dismantling of the Tigers of Jackson State, and fans should expect some of the same out of this game. However, the Bulldogs feel they must stay focused and avoid a letdown like ...
Bulldogs know not to overlook unsung Braves
STARKVILLE — Coach Dan Mullen and Mississippi State are not underestimating or overlooking Alcorn State.
The warning shots have been fired and not necessarily from Lorman, the home of the Braves. Mullen and the players at MSU (2-2) have seen all the upsets inside and outside the state this year and realize nothing can be taken for granted.
TV: 11 AM CT/12:00 ET, Fox Sports Net
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Lincoln vs. Howard: A Rivalry Revisited
WASHINGTON, DC - This is a non-conference game between the Lions of Lincoln University from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA) against the Bison of Howard University from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
The Lions (1-3 overall, 0-2 in) are coming off a 52-21 home loss to Saint Augustine's this past Saturday while the Bison (0-4, 0-3 in the MEAC) dropped a 20-3 decision to Morgan State University this past Saturday in the New York Urban League Football Classic at the Meadowlands.
CLICK HERE for complete game notes
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UAPB's Harris ready to rumble
True freshman Jerryan Harris plans to introduce himself to Southern’s offense Saturday night at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
So far, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff outside linebacker has made similar introductions during his first season of college football. Harris leads the Southwestern Athletic Conference in tackles with 31 through three games, a product of his solid tackling and ability to get to the action. He also has one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Not bad for a newbie.
Stump: O-line must produce
Brutally honest about the recent shortcomings of his offense, Southern coach Stump Mitchell said it matters little who plays quarterback, who carries the ball or who runs routes for his suddenly troubled football team. What matters most, he said, is what happens up front.
“The offensive line — those guys don’t get a whole lot of credit. You only know when things are going bad,” he said. “But if we’re going to have any success, trust me: It’s not going to be because of (quarterback) Jeremiah McGinty or (tailback) Gary Hollimon, it’s going to be because the offensive line is being unsung but getting the job done.”
KEYS: SU wide outs catch on; Who's next?
Before we begin, let’s get something as clear as a wide-open sky. At Southern University, this first month of football season has been grim. The offense has three touchdowns in its past eight quarters. The defense has allowed 18 plays of 20 or more yards.
And to play off of something coach Stump Mitchell said the other day, the special teams are 3-for-3. First, they allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown. Then they allowed a punt return for a touchdown. Last week, when they really, really needed the football, they fumbled a punt.
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Prairie View A&M Panthers and Southern University Jaguars Fight it Out in the 2010 Shreveport Classic
Kickoff between these two Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Western Division powers is set for 4 p.m.
This year’s matchup promises to be an exciting one as the Prairie View A&M Panthers are fresh off a SWAC Football Championship while Southern features a new head coach in Stump Mitchell. This will mark the second-ever meeting in the city between both teams as they played in Shreveport during the 2003 campaign.
From 1989 to 2005, Southern dominated the series with 16 consecutive wins. However, the tide has turned in Prairie View’s favor as head coach Henry Frazier III has a two-game winning streak over the Jaguars and wins in three of the past four meetings.
The Classic will take place on the site of the annual State Fair of Louisiana and will provide tons of entertainment on and off the field. This also marks the first of two games in Shreveport for the Panthers as they’re slated to take on Jackson State in the 2011 edition of the Shreveport Classic.
Tickets can be purchased at the following venues:
Southern University-Shreveport
3050 MLK Jr. Drive
318-670-6305
Prairie View Ticket Office
936-261-9100
Online
www.shreveportclassic.com
Southern University • Baton Rouge Ticket Office
225-359-9328
Independence Bowl Office
401 Market Street, Suite 120
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-221-0712
Ticket Prices:
Club Level: $52
General Admission: $25
Game ticket entitles you to enjoy the game, State Fair of Louisiana, and a FREE concert after the game.
Game day info is available at www.ShreveportClassic.com. Hotel and tourist information is available from the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, www.shreveport-bossier.org or by calling 888-45-VISIT.
Broadway, Grambling decide to get physical
Following last season, Rod Broadway knew he had to change something. Losing five games isn't quite the Grambling way. And, if it continued, Broadway, the school's fourth-year coach, might be looking for another job.So, he instituted a more physical approach to practice. No more light practices with little or no tackling. Broadway made his players hit. "We are trying to change the way we play," he said. "I thought we were soft in some spots in the past." Through the first quarter of the 2010 season, Broadway has certainly proven one thing: his team isn't soft.
A&M hosts SWAC power for homecoming
Alabama A&M is not having the traditional cupcake for homecoming. Far from it. Instead of putting a lightweight opponent on the plate to ensure that the alums go home happy, A&M is facing the traditional power of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Grambling State.
When the Bulldogs take on Grambling at 3 p.m. Saturday in Huntsville, they will be playing a program that has won five of the past 10 SWAC championships and has a 13-3 all-time record against A&M.
HUNTSVILLE, Al. - Under defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns, Alabama A&M has prided itself on stopping the run. Annually, the Bulldogs have been among the better teams against the run, not only in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, but in the nation and this season is no different.
Through four games, A&M is allowing just 76.5 yards rushing per game.
"We've played the run pretty well the whole season," Towns said. While the Bulldogs have been stingy against the run this season, they have yet to run across a team with...
Grambling game was 'start' for A&M's Mason
Alabama A&M quarterback Deaunte Mason got the most extensive playing time of his young career last season against Grambling and that performance propelled him into the starting lineup two weeks later.
Mason accounted for 229 yards in total offense and two touchdowns in A&M's 41-20 loss. He rushed for 122 yards on 11 carries, including a 66-yard touchdown jaunt in the first quarter that gave the Bulldogs an early 10-7 lead. Mason was 10-of-20 passing for 107 yards and a touchdown.
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Through four games, A&M is allowing just 76.5 yards rushing per game.
"We've played the run pretty well the whole season," Towns said. While the Bulldogs have been stingy against the run this season, they have yet to run across a team with...
Grambling game was 'start' for A&M's Mason
Alabama A&M quarterback Deaunte Mason got the most extensive playing time of his young career last season against Grambling and that performance propelled him into the starting lineup two weeks later.
Mason accounted for 229 yards in total offense and two touchdowns in A&M's 41-20 loss. He rushed for 122 yards on 11 carries, including a 66-yard touchdown jaunt in the first quarter that gave the Bulldogs an early 10-7 lead. Mason was 10-of-20 passing for 107 yards and a touchdown.
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Lane Dragons looking for first win in Burroughs era
The Lane football team received much-needed rest this past week with a bye, but the Dragons will likely need every day of their two-week preparation for No. 18 Albany State. The Dragons (0-4, 0-3) are winless in the first four games of the Derrick Burroughs era, and Burroughs hoped the bye week allowed the team to regain its early-season form."A bye week is great to heal some injuries, and we've had our fair share of those," Burroughs said. "The team was ahead of my expectations in the first two games ... but we've regressed in our last two games. "The bye week was about rediscovering our running game, verifying our blocking scheme and staying in our gaps on defense."
ASU FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: ASU WR coach Conner 'pleased' with Rams
ALBANY, GA — Receivers and special teams coach Kenyan Conner is also an assistant baseball coach at Albany State, but he’s been more concerned with pigskin flying through the air than baseballs these days, despite the fact the baseball team is already prepping for the upcoming season.
But he hasn’t had to worry about the receivers too much this year; they’ve already racked up a combined 760 receiving yards and eight touchdowns through four games.
“I’m pleased with some of the things we worked on this summer, like catching the ball at its highest point,” Conner said. “We’ve dropped a (couple) touchdowns (in the end zone the other day), but the same guy caught one later. So we’re trying to work on a level of consistency and get better from where we are now.”
RADIO: 98.1 FM. (Albany)
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Friday, October 1, 2010
Albany native Wilson headed to FAMU Hall of Fame
He was there before Dawson or Coleman or McRae, an original FAMU Rattler who stung the ball all over the field, a smart hitter who made teams pay with his bat, his glove and his feet — the consummate No. 2 slugger who knew how to get on base and wreak havoc once he was there.
Tonight, they’ll honor Wilson at Florida A&M University, where he will be inducted into FAMU’s Sports Hall of Fame. Dawson will be there to speak and...
Hill to be enshrined into FAMU Hall of Fame »
A lot of what Florida A&M accomplished while Amos Hill was defensive line coach has been pushed into his rearview mirror in 30 years. Of course, he'll always remember major achievements such as winning a national championship and the 1979 upset of Miami.
But Hill found a reason to look back and bring into view some of the things that he hadn't been thinking about much. Back in the summer he received notice he would be among the five inductees who will be enshrined in the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame tonight at the Lawson Center.
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NSU report: Defense too eager, not too slow, coach says
After the loss Saturday to Bethune-Cookman, Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian said the Spartans looked slow. After watching film, he thinks he knows why. Rather than coming out flat, Adrian said NSU actually was overeager. The Spartans lacked discipline."We weren't any slower than they were," Adrian said. "It wasn't about speed. A couple times, from a linebacker standpoint, they thought it was going left, took two steps that way and the quarterback kept it and went the other way. If you're two steps behind, you look two steps too slow."
Adrian said the coaches were surprised the struggles came in the fourth game rather than earlier.
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Hampton rises to top of MEAC
Dover, Del. - Hampton moved into sole possession of first place in the MEAC on Thursday night with a 20-14 victory over Delaware State.It took more than a half for Hampton to get its offense untracked, but the Pirates kicked into high gear. Antwon Chisholm ran for 157 yards on 15 carries, including a 57-yard touchdown that eventually provided the winning points. Quarterback David Legree scored on a 1-yard run and hooked up with Javaris Brown on a 37-yard touchdown pass.
Hampton handles soggy Hornets
DOVER, DE -- The torrential rain that pelted the region Thursday kept Delaware State and Hampton off the scoreboard -- at least until the third and fourth quarters.
Hampton's Javaris Brown and Antwon Chisholm struck for touchdowns in the fourth to help propel the Pirates to a 20-14 victory over the Hornets in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game in front of a couple of hundred hardy, rain-soaked fans at Alumni Stadium.
It is the first time DSU has started the season 0-4 since head coach Al Lavan's first season in 2004.
Hampton U. moves into sole possession of MEAC lead with soggy 20-14 ESPNU win ...
Hampton University moved into sole possession of first place and got nationwide ESPNU exposure Thursday night in its 20-14 football victory against Delaware State. But it wasn't easy to see the teams' uniforms through the driving rain in Dover, Del.
It took plenty of time for HU to get its offense untracked, but the Pirates got their Floridian speed in high gear in the second half. Antonio McCloude of Belle Glade, Fla., made key runs that set up HU's first touchdown, and Antwon Chisholm raced to another score.
ESPN3 Replay:
Hampton vs. Delaware State
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Thursday night's ESPNU game marked the eighth time the Hornets had been featured on an ESPNtelevision network. The Hornets previously had gone 4-3 in games on ESPN, including a season-opening loss to Southern in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge this season.
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S.C. State extends contracts of Carter, Robertson
South Carolina State Bulldogs at Florida A&M RattlersSaturday, 6 p.m., LIVE: ESPN3 (Internet); Delayed TV Tape: 10:30 p.m. ESPNU.
Last March, South Carolina State came two wins shy of sending both its mens and womens basketball teams to the NCAA Tournament. With hopes of creating more "March Madness" the next three seasons, the school Board of Trustees approved contract extensions for both head coaches Tim Carter for the men and Doug Robertson for the women.
The three-year extensions would keep both men, whose contracts were due to expire after this season, on the Orangeburg sidelines through the 2013-14 school year.
Taylor, FAMU hope to get ground game going against SCSU
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - If Florida A&M was seeking a "model" to follow for Saturday's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference showdown against South Carolina State, it found one the hard way in Tennessee State.
Motivated by eight consecutive losses to the Rattlers, the Tigers roared to a 29-18 victory last Saturday at the Atlanta Football Classic. Now FAMU looks to emulate Tennessee State by attempting to end eight years of frustration by snapping a seven-game losing streak to the ninth-ranked Bulldogs.
"The last eight years, Florida A&M has not had a victory," Rattlers' head coach Joe Taylor said Tuesday. "There's no reason to deny it."
Ukpai stunned by slow start »
Motivated by eight consecutive losses to the Rattlers, the Tigers roared to a 29-18 victory last Saturday at the Atlanta Football Classic. Now FAMU looks to emulate Tennessee State by attempting to end eight years of frustration by snapping a seven-game losing streak to the ninth-ranked Bulldogs.
"The last eight years, Florida A&M has not had a victory," Rattlers' head coach Joe Taylor said Tuesday. "There's no reason to deny it."
Ukpai stunned by slow start »
When Martin Ukpai made his first collegiate start in the Florida Classic last season and was named MVP of the annual season finale, the Florida A&M faithful raved over knowing that they had a solid quarterback for the future.
Four games into this season, Ukpai's rating in the poll of public opinion is questionable at best. Concerns mounted even more after the Rattlers suffered their first loss to a Division I-AA team when they fell 29-18 to Tennessee State University.
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