Bethune-Cookman KOs 2-time MEAC champ South Carolina State Bulldogs

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins said he compared Saturday's game against two-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion South Carolina State to a heavyweight boxing match.

If so, it was Cassius Clay versus Sonny Liston in 1964. And just as Clay (before he was known as Muhammad Ali) claimed he "shook up" the world in '64, the Wildcats shook up the MEAC world Saturday by beating the seemingly unbeatable Bulldogs 14-0 on their home field.

"We tabbed this game a heavyweight fight, and we said we're going to take it 15 rounds," Jenkins said. "And if it came down to the last round and we had to go toe-to-toe, we were willing to do that. It just so happened we were able to win 14 of the 15 rounds."

'Cats coach shares moment

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- How big was Bethune-Cookman's 14-0 upset of defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion South Carolina State on Saturday? Count the ways.

· No team has beaten the Bulldogs in conference play since 2007; B-CU's win snapped a 21-game conference win streak and a 13-game home wining streak for South Carolina State.

· It was B-CU's first road shutout in 10 years -- the last at Howard in 2000.

· It left B-CU as one of only two unbeaten teams in the MEAC. The Wildcats and Hampton are both 4-0, and the two teams will meet at Hampton on Nov. 6.



Shut down and out: Bethune-Cookman blanks Bulldogs, 14-0
The atmosphere at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Saturday in the closing seconds was like nothing seen at a South Carolina State football game in three seasons. Fans who were initially expressing their frustration with boos started quietly exiting the stands. On the sidelines, the Bulldog players were throwing their helmets down with confused looks on their faces.

Meanwhile, the opposing sidelines and visitors' section were a sight of uninhibited celebration as the Bethune-Cookman players showered head coach Brian Jenkins with Gatorade and carried him off the field like a conquering hero.

The 23rd-ranked Wildcats had defeated 9th-ranked South Carolina State 14-0 before a stunned 10,077 fans. The loss saw an end to the Bulldogs' Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record 21-game winning streak and 13-game home-winning streak, both dating back to a 17-16 defeat to Delaware State on Oct. 27, 2007.

Pough sees B-C coach as rising star

The announcement of the 2010 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year is still weeks away. As far as head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough of 10th-ranked South Carolina State is concerned, it's a foregone conclusion who will win this year's honor - Bethune-Cookman's Brian Jenkins.

"He is definitely the Coach of the Year in our league," said Pough during Monday's press conference. "They're the most improved team I've seen in this league and it's a good thing. It's good for the fact that it will help the strength of our league in the fact that he'll go out and beat some people outside of our league. ... So he'll be a force in this league for years to come."



READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Attendance: 10,077

FAMU shuts out Savannah State

Coach Joe Taylor has been hinting for more than a week that he would put the rest of the season in the hands of his running backs. On Saturday, senior Philip Sylvester and LaVante Page proved that Taylor might be on to something as they led a ground attack that carried Florida A&M to a 31-0 victory over Savannah State.

The victory was a prelude to a five-game stretch that the Rattlers must win to keep a meaningful place in the conversation about playing in the postseason.

FAMU blanks Savannah State, 31-0

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - For a time Saturday afternoon the Savannah State football team was living on the edge. The game against Florida A&M was in front of them if the Tigers could string together some first downs. But the Tigers (0-7) fell off the precipice following touchdowns on the Rattlers first two possessions of the third quarter. A manageable 10-point halftime deficit became insurmountable one as Savannah State fell 31-0.

Faithful fan keeps cheering through Rattlers' good times and bad

Right beneath the press box, where there is usually a lot of ruckus, it was eerily quiet for the first quarter. The shakers were near silent. No whistles blew like they usually do. Folks were wondering about their Florida A&M football team as former West Gadsden star quarterback Antonio Bostick got a nifty drive going before the Savannah State Tigers had to punt.

"I will cheer for you; hold that line," a lonely voice bellowed from the crowd just below the press box. "Hold that line."

FAMU's big plays make up for mistakes

Two possessions were all it took to wipe away a dissatisfying first half. Despite dominating in every statistical category Florida A&M led Savannah State just 10-0 at the half due to eight penalties, clock management issues and offensive ineffectiveness on third down.

The miscues even permeated to the officiating as an inadvertent whistle from the officials prevented FAMU from scoring what would have been a 90-yard punt return by T.J. Lawrence with two minutes remaining in the first half.

Coach Taylor predicts competitive MEAC season

As long as three months ago, coach Joe Taylor has been predicting that before the season is done, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference will turn out to be one of the most competitive among all Division I-AA.

Taylor was making his case again a few days before Saturday's matchup between Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State. Both teams went into the game with unbeaten records, but it's the Wildcats' 4-0 record that seems to validate Taylor's argument.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Attendance: 8834

Virginia Union 44, Johnson C. Smith 21

Virginia Union University's Cheston Hickman completed 10 of 18 passes for 175 yards and Tarian Donaldson and Jerell Washington rushed for two touchdowns apiece as VUU beat Johnson C. Smith 44-21 at Hovey Field. The win sent 7,650 fans home happy who took part in the 2003 Homecoming game.

Washington rushed for 91 yards on 12 carries and Donaldson had 69 yards on 15 carries. Joseph Jean-Pierre had seven receptions for 135 yards.

The Panthers (2-5) blocked two Golden Bull punts, and both resulted in touchdowns for VUU. In the first quarter, VUU's Damon Ramsey blocked a punt and Derek Parker recovered. Three plays later, VUU scored their first touchdown on a one-yard run by quarterback Ares McGlone-English.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.
Attendance: 7,650

Morehouse 38, Stillman 34: Late turnover costly for Stillman Tigers

TUSCALOOSA | Turnovers kept Stillman College in the game, but it was a costly turnover made by the Tigers’ offense that put the game out of reach and helped Morehouse College to a 38-24 win Saturday.

With just under four minutes left, Stillman got the ball back trailing by a touchdown. Quarterback Desmond Holloway fumbled the snap, and Olajawaun Gooch picked it up for Morehouse and ran it back 35 yards for a touchdown.

“That’s the nature of our football team,” Morehouse head coach Rich Freeman said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who are very capable of making big plays, explosive plays.”

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

JSU Tigers' Richardson scores with 2 seconds left to cap frenetic finish

Rico Richardson said it was a simple "go route."

With 9 seconds left in the game and Jackson State trailing Southern University by four points, the Tigers receiver raced straight down the field for what he hoped was a game-winning touchdown. Seven seconds later, Richardson fell head first across the goal line to cap one of the wildest finishes college football has ever seen and give JSU a history-making victory over its rival from Louisiana.

"This is destiny," linebacker Todd Wilcher said afterward. Said JSU coach Rick Comegy: "Unbelievable." Richardson's 28-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Casey Therriault with 2 seconds left lifted Jackson State over Southern 49-45, and capped a frantic fourth quarter that won't be forgotten around these parts for a long, long time.

Out-of-breath QB Therriault leads wild win

Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault nicely asked a reporter for a moment immediately following his team's wild win Saturday night. He was granted it. "You'll have to give me a few seconds," he said, "my heart is pounding." Rightly so.

Therriault didn't have his best game Saturday in Jackson State's 49-45 win over Southern University. He threw an interception - he only had two all season - and forced plenty of balls into blanketed coverage. But in the end, the transfer from a Michigan junior college helped the Tigers get a fourth win in five years over Southern.

Photo Gallery: JSU - Southern

JSU outlasts Southern

JACKSON, Miss. — When all the madness finally ended, when there were no more wild plays, no more magic tricks left to pull, most of Southern’s football players stood on the visitors’ sideline at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Actually, most of them rested on one knee. The game clock flashed three zeroes, but they didn’t move. In complete and utter disbelief, they stared straight ahead, slackjawed, exhausted and emotionally spent. The final score — Jackson State 49, Southern 45 — was like the final frantic minutes of Saturday night’s game itself: Amazing, stunning and completely unbelievable. But absolutely true.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLES.

Attendance: 42,053

No road woes for Rams as ASU breezes by Benedict

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Junior Stanley Jennings knows such a comment will end up on a bulletin board somewhere in Atlanta or Fort Valley. But the confident quarterback said it anyway after leading Albany State to a 27-10 victory at Benedict College on Saturday.

“We’re not losing,” Jennings said of the first-place Rams’ upcoming games against Morehouse and Fort Valley, the two teams chasing them in the SIAC standings. “You can quote that: We aren’t losing.”

Jennings had cause for such optimism. Against Benedict, he watched the Albany State defense play most of the first quarter in its territory but give up no points. The offense produced another big play: a 90-yard scoring strike from Jennings to Ronnie Childs early in the second quarter for the game’s first score.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

FVSU Beats Tuskegee 26-0 for 5th Straight 'W'

Two SIAC heavyweights did battle in the Valley Saturday. Fort Valley State and Tuskegee rolled in at 5-1, tied for 2nd in the conference behind undefeated Albany State.

The Wildcats scored on their opening drive, thanks to a six-yard TD run from Tony Reid to make it 6-0. In the second quarter Aaron Courtney punched it in, followed by a failed two-point conversion to make it a 12-0 game. FVSU QB Eugene Smith connected with Demario Barber before halftime to make it 19-0.

Wildcats dominate Golden Tigers in SIAC showdown

FORT VALLEY, GA – Back in August, there was talk about the old Fort Valley State “blue death” defense. That was talk. The live 2010 version showed up against Tuskegee. When FVSU’s offense actually let Tuskegee have the ball, FVSU’s defense made it pay.

Tuskegee was held to only 92 yards in total offense and blanked for the first time since 2003 as the Wildcats were dominant on both sides of the ball in pounding the 16th-ranked Golden Tigers 26-0 on Saturday night at Wildcat Stadium. FVSU improved to 6-1 overall and 5-1 in SIAC play on senior night while Tuskegee fell to 5-2 and 4-2.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLES.

PVAMU Panthers Roll Past Lincoln 45-12

K.J. Black passed for two touchdowns and Chris Adingupu recorded a 53-yard interception return as Prairie View A&M defeated Lincoln University 45-12 before an overflow homecoming crowd at Blackshear Field.

Prairie View’s Jarvis Wilson recorded the game’s first big play as he scooped up a fumble and raced 32 yards to Lincoln’s 8-yard line on their opening possession. Four plays later, Prairie View’s Brady Faggard connected on a 21-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. Prairie View moved ahead 10-0 on its second offensive possession as Black connected with wideout Brandon Bell for a 42-yard strike and upped its lead to 17-0 several minutes later in the first quarter following Donald Babers’ 13-yard touchdown run.

LU trimmed its deficit to 17-12 midway through the second quarter following a 75-yard touchdown run from Joseph Snell and a 15-yard return off a blocked punt from Demarkis Smith. Prairie View added another touchdown run from Babers with 8:08 left in the second stanza to move ahead 24-12 and put the game away in the third quarter as they exploded for 21 points.

Attendance: 12,000

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

A&T loses lead and 10th straight game

DOVER, DE -- Through a winless football season, Delaware State University could count on one offensive weapon from week to week: running back Jaashawn Jones.

On Saturday, Jones led the Hornets with 144 yards on 30 carries. More importantly, he drew enough attention from N.C. A&T's defense to open up big plays for the Hornets' other weapons. The result was a 31-26 homecoming win for the Hornets in front of 4,131 fans at Alumni Stadium. DSU (1-5, 1-3 MEAC) had seven plays of 20 yards or more, six of which came through the air.

DSU Earns First Win of the Season

Dover, Del. -- Delaware State is celebrating a victory for the first time this season after a 31-26 homecoming win over North Carolina A&T at Alumni Stadium this afternoon. The Hornets improved to 1-5 overall and 1-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), while the Aggies fell to 0-7 and 0-4.

Jaashawn Jones rushed for a career-high 144 yards and a touchdown to lead the Delaware State attack. The Hornets racked up 351 yards in the contest, including 195 passing.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

Alcorn State ready for Grambling‎

LORMAN, MS — After dropping their first conference game of the year last week against Texas Southern, the Alcorn State Braves are looking to get back on the winning track.

But it sure isn’t going to be easy as the Braves will head to Grambling, La., to face the only undefeated team in SWAC play, the Grambling State Tigers.

After losing their first game of the season to Football Bowl Subdivision team Louisiana Tech, the Tigers (4-1, 4-0 SWAC) have reeled off four victories in a row, including a 22-7 victory over Alabama State last week.

GSU key: Play smart

GRAMBLING, LA — The Grambling State football team aims to make some improvements in discipline and alignment when it hosts Alcorn State for a 2 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Robinson Stadium.

The Tigers are 4-1 overall and a perfect 4-0 in conference play, but they are also one of the most penalized teams in the conference. GSU ranks ninth out of 10 SWAC teams in yards penalized, averaging 85 penalty yards per game.

Mirror image: Frosh QBs on display in Alcorn State-Grambling matchup

Rod Broadway knows how Earnest Collins and Alcorn State feel right about now - that is, life with a true freshman quarterback. Collins and the Braves (3-2, 2-1 SWAC) travel to the conference's lone undefeated team Saturday, Broadway's Grambling Tigers (4-1, 4-0). They do so with QB Brandon Bridge, who graduated from high school about six months ago.

Broadway knows all about that. True freshman Anthony Carrothers leads the Tigers' offense. "We know a little bit about what they're going through," Grambling's fourth-year coach said.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLES.

Wells, Southern Jaguars relish role as underdog against Jackson State Tigers

Jackson State University head football coach Rick Comegy

His knee was at full strength again, but his hamstring still burned. It felt tight, and he couldn’t run like he wanted. Anthony Wells’ body kept betraying him. How was he supposed to make an impact like this?

He was missing from spring practice at Southern, and he missed summer workouts, too. There was, of course, a new coaching staff in town. As first impressions go, this one wasn’t much to brag about. This was not how Wells had envisioned his grand return.

QB makes most of his chance at Jackson State

Less than three years before Casey Therriault became Jackson State’s starting quarterback, he spent a night of his winter break hanging out with former Wyoming Park High football teammates in Grand Rapids, Mich.

On the way to their car, they were approached by a man who was inebriated. He traded insults with one of the guys. When Therriault laughed at something his friend said, the man turned his attention to him, striking Therriault, who, in turn, threw one punch and walked away.

Jackson State vs. Southern

When: Today, 6 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Television: None
Radio: JSU Network (WHLA-95.5 FM, Jackson)
Records
Jackson State: 4-1, 2-1 SWAC
Southern: 2-3, 1-2
History: Last meeting: Jackson State 22, Southern 14, 2009
All-time series: Southern leads 28-26-0

Touchdown issue getting to Richardson

Casey Therriault knows what comes with being the quarterback of a pass-happy, high-scoring offense like the one Jackson State runs. "Everybody wants to score," the Tigers star said.Add receiver Rico Richardson to the very top of that gradually shortening list.

Through five games, Richardson, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound sophomore from Natchez, has gained 256 yards - fourth on the team - on 15 catches and averages 17 yards a catch - tied for second on the team. He's among the six JSU receivers who have caught 15 passes or more this season.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Tuskegee, 5-1, at Fort Valley State today

For No. 16 Tuskegee (5-1, 4-1 SIAC), its brutal stretch of confer ence games concludes with Fort Valley State (5-1, 4-1). After a home throttling at the hands of conference- leading Albany State, the Golden Tigers have rebounded well with wins over FCS opponent Texas Southern and SIAC foes Miles and previously undefeated Morehouse.

The primary reason has been the play of Tuskegee's defense, which ranks seventh in Division II in total defense and first in passing yards allowed. Fort Valley State's defense, however, has been nearly as sturdy.

FVSU readies for key contest with Tuskegee

FORT VALLEY, GA — Donald Pittman looked like a man who needed a few administrative assistants, immediately. Two different phones rang, and his office was filled with boxes of blue T-shirts with his team’s midseason motto: Making Up For Last Year.

Fort Valley State’s head coach needed to order more small T-shirts, and it appeared they wouldn’t be delivered in time for Thursday night’s pep rally. And that wasn’t making him happy.

Then the conversation returned to Saturday night’s opponent, and Pittman’s attention immediately returned to football. “Seven long years,” he said. “It’s about time for that to change.”

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.


This is the funniest guy in Georgia.

NSU is rivalry win away from rebound

Hampton University coach Donovan Rose said records don't matter in rivalry games. Norfolk State hopes he's right. Entering the 48th Battle of the Bay between NSU and Hampton at 1 p.m. today, the 4-1 Pirates sit atop the MEAC with a 3-0 league record.

The Spartans (1-2, 2-3), meanwhile, have had all reasonable hopes for a conference title dashed and will be manufacturing motivation for the last half of the season. "We still got pride to win," senior lineman Calton Ford said. " The whole goal is to win. A couple games don't dictate the season or who you are. They don't tell who you are or what you're known for after you've done things. We still have pride in the season."

Hampton hosts Battle of the Bay



Hampton, VA (Sports Network) - Saturday's Bethune-Cookman at South Carolina State matchup in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is one of the more anticipated games of the season. It's offense versus defense. Bethune-Cookman's upstart team leads the FCS in both points and yards per game. Meanwhile, South Carolina State's MEAC power leads the nation in total defense.

What shouldn't be overlooked with this big matchup is that Hampton could hold first place all by itself come late Saturday afternoon.

Friendship takes backseat to Battle of the Bay when Hampton faces Norfolk State

Sherron Childress and Jacobi Fenner are friends — for 51 weeks of the year. The other week, they're football players trying to beat the living daylights out of each other in the annual showdown known as the Battle of the Bay.

"Phone calls are cut out," said Childress, Norfolk State's senior tight end who went to Hampton High with Fenner, Hampton University's senior linebacker. "We speak when we see each other, but as far as holding a real conversation — it's game week. We have to prepare. But after the game, we'll be friends. We'll go out and hang out with each other and talk about the game."

Hampton- Norfolk State Battle of the Bay preview and our prediction

HAMPTON (4-1, 3-0 MEAC) vs. NORFOLK STATE (2-3, 1-2 MEAC)
WHEN: 1 p.m.
WHERE: Armstrong Stadium.
TV/RADIO: 88.1 FM

THE BUZZ: The Pirates are hungry for revenge after being embarrassed 46-6 last year at Norfolk State, and they seem to have the balanced offense (198 rushing yards per game, 136 passing) to achieve it. The Spartans have lost two straight games to ranked MEAC teams, including...

On Campus: NSU coach Pete Adrian knows a thing or two about rivalries

Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian has been in involved in a rivalry or two in his playing and coaching careers. For his money, his team's annual showdown against nearby MEAC rival Hampton, known as the Battle of the Bay, is among the best in the business.

"These are great games. That’s one thing that college football is all about, is rivalries," Adrian said. "I can remember when I played at West Virginia, we had a team called Pitt. And that’s the Backyard Brawl, and that was really the beginning of it for me, to see the intensity.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLES.

N.C. Central Eagles not sure what to expect against Ga. State

DURHAM, N.C. -- Georgia State may be an upstart program, but it's football team isn't playing like one. The Panthers, who are playing their first season, are coached by Bill Curry and are on a three-game winning streak. NCCU coach Mose Rison said his team needs to be ready to play or it could be a long day against Georgia State (4-2).

"They're a good football team," Rison said. "They have played some pretty good football team in the first six weeks. "They don't look like a team that just got started. They've recruited well. They've got some transfers."

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

UMES: Thunderin' Hawks Pep Band debuts

PRINCESS ANNE, MD -- The dream of loyal members of the UMES family has come to fruition with the creation of the Thunderin’ Hawks Pep Band — a credit to a collaborative effort by alumni and campus partners.

“I want to see school spirit increased,” pep band director Simba Leonard said. “I’m envisioning that the pep band members will have fun, which will ... excite the community and create a lot of energy on campus.”

The idea started at the 2010 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference basketball tournament, where UMES was the lone university of 11 participating without a pep band. A steering committee of alumni and representatives of UMES' departments of athletics, student activities and alumni affairs was formed to guide discussions about starting a musical group to boost school spirit.

“Under the leadership and tenacity of alumni Delphine Lee, Class of ’70, and Jesse Williams, Class of ’62, approximately $75,000 has been raised ... toward the goal of $100,000 to re-establish a first-class pep band at UMES,” said Kimberly Dumpson, J.D., director of Alumni Affairs.

“For all of us, it is music to our ears,” Dumpson said with a smile.

The new 30-piece pep band debuts at the university’s Hawk Hysteria, Friday, Oct. 15. A night of activities begins at 6 p.m. in the Hytche Athletic Center.

For more information, or to contribute to the Thunderin’ Hawks Pep Band, contact Dumpson at 410-651-7686.

Wheeler Brown dismissed as A&T athletics director

GREENSBORO, N.C. — In his most high-profile move since a student collapsed and died in an unofficial track practice, N.C. A&T Chancellor Harold Martin fired athletics director Wheeler Brown on Friday.

“I commit to you that I will take constructive steps to move our athletics program in a different direction,” Martin said during a news conference at the school.

Brown’s dismissal comes nearly two months after sophomore Jospin “Andre” Milandu, 20, of Knightdale, died on Aug. 19 due to complications of sickle cell trait. He was one of several students participating in the tryout without medical paperwork required by the NCAA.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE ABOVE.



Chancellor Memo

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information
Release: 10/15/2010

TO: University Community
FROM: Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr.
DATE: October 15, 2010
RE: Milandu Internal Investigation Closed

On yesterday, the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released the autopsy report for our former student, Jospin "Andre" Milandu, showing that he died as a result of "complications of sickle cell trait." Andre, a sophomore from Knightdale, North Carolina, was described by his peers as a caring and kind-hearted young man. His presence has been and will continue to be missed at North Carolina A&T State University.

This continues to be a sad time for the University family, the Department of Athletics, and one beyond measure for the Milandu family. As a parent, my heart continues to ache for Andre's family and friends.

We deeply regret Andre's loss. Since my arrival at North Carolina A&T, I have consistently stressed the importance of adherence to University policies, practices and procedures with all University administrators. This has been reaffirmed throughout my tenure, and even more so since this tragic incident. I commit to you that I will take constructive steps to move our athletics program in a different direction.

Today, I have discontinued the employment of our Athletics Director, Wheeler Brown. I have asked Dr. Deborah Callaway, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, to assume administrative oversight for the immediate future until an interim Athletics Director is named within the next week. I will immediately launch an aggressive, national search for a new leader of our Athletics program.

This new leadership for Athletics will be expected to bring significant managerial and leadership skills, knowledge of Athletics, the ability to develop a high performing organization and the ability to manage the necessary cultural changes to ensure enhanced services, transparency and individual accountability.

Let us continue to pray for the Milandu family.

N.C. Central Eagles looking forward to MEAC membership

DURHAM, N.C. -- N.C. Central men's basketball coach Levelle Moton was welcomed into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Thursday when the league held its preseason coaches' teleconference.

Moton said he was glad the Eagles have found another home in the MEAC after three seasons of barnstorming the country playing games. NCCU still is in transition to full NCAA Division I membership and full participation in the MEAC, but the Eagles will be competing against more teams from the conference this season.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

S.C. State faces surprise unbeaten Bethune-Cookman

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina State on top of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is no surprise. But Saturday's opponent, Bethune-Cookman, wasn't expected to be anywhere near first place at this point in the season.

Picked to finish eighth in the MEAC, the Wildcats (5-0, 3-0) have won their first five games by an average of 34 points. Now they get a chance to knock off the big dogs in the league. The Bulldogs (4-1, 2-0) have won 21 games in a row in the conference.

"Any time you're playing a hot team, it's gonna be tough to get ready," Pough said. "They seem to be excited about what they're doing."



Top Video: Coach Mark Orlando brings the "Speedway O" to Bethune Cookman.

B-CU gets big chance to prove self vs. S.C. State

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Quarterback Matt Johnson was not exactly jumping for joy when Bethune-Cookman received a national football ranking Monday for the first time in his five years with the program. Neither were his teammates.

"No, there really wasn't a big reaction at all, because we're not happy at being (No.) 23," Johnson said. "There's nothing really to be happy about. I think everybody heard about it and went about their day." Rest assured, if the Wildcats win this week to stretch their record to 6-0...

READ MORE, CLICK TITLES.

Virginia State Trojans take over first in CIAA North

ETTRICK, VA -- Daronte McNeill took Elizabeth City as far as he could, but it was a balanced Virginia State attack that prevailed 15-10 last night. Playing on just five days rest, the Trojans went with a wildcat offense that spread the carries around, then let sophomore quarterback Jarred Battle finish the job.

The Vikings had McNeill, who nearly completed a second-half comeback, but his mud-stained jersey showed just how heavy the team rode its workhorse back. Unlike VSU, McNeill had no quarterback to lean on -- sophomore Namon Jones threw three interceptions in his first collegiate start.

Trojans hold off Vikings 15-10

ETTRICK, VA - The spotlight suits the Virginia State University football team. The Trojans played host to the CBS Division II game of the week and were seemingly unphased by the national audience. They jumped out to a first-half lead and held on to beat visiting Elizabeth City State University 15-10 on Thursday in a CIAA North Division game.

After fumbling on its first possession and punting on its second, Virginia State performed the football equivalent of batting for the cycle. The Trojans scored in every possible way - tallying a touchdown, two field goals and a safety en route to a 15-3 lead.

Virginia State defeats ECSU

Elizabeth City State’s football team’s motto this season is “Seal the Deal.” On Saturday, the Vikings had several chances to seal the game and ultimately had to turn to a handful of backups to secure a 17-14 win over Virginia Union.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLES.

TONIGHT: ECSU Vikings and VSU Trojans CBS College Sports Game of the Week

The Virginia State University Trojans and Elizabeth City State University Vikings football game on Thursday night, October 14 at 8:00 pm can be viewed live on CBS College Sports Network.

The network is available via satellite on DIRECTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Channel 152. For Time Warner digital customers the game is available on sports tier channel 537. Verizon Fios channel 94 and Comcast channel 732. In the Hampton Roads region on Cox Communications channel 216 and in HD on channel 816.

If you have none of the above -- watch via the Internet at: http://www.ncaa.com/allaccess/

Vikings in prime time; on TV, web tonight

Last year, Elizabeth City State was riding high atop the division standings when it took a trip to Ettrick, Va. where Virginia State stunned the Vikings 23-10 to begin a skid that cost ECSU a trip to the CIAA championship game.

The Vikings (4-2, 3-0) are in the same position and cannot afford a loss at Virginia State (4-2, 2-1) when the two teams meet tonight in a nationally televised contest.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

JSU Tigers aiming to feast on Southern Jags

For offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson and quarterback Casey Therriault, it can't get much better than this. Owner of the best passing offense in the Football Championship Subdivision, Jackson State (4-1, 2-1 SWAC) hosts a Southern team that struggles in defending the pass.

The Jaguars (2-3, 1-2) have a young secondary that has just four interceptions through five games this season - that's next to last in the conference. "We like to throw a little bit," coach Rick Comegy said when asked about Southern's struggling pass D.

Game site puts Jags AD in pickle

Greg LaFleur is in a tight spot. On one hand, the Southern University athletic director has to please the school's rabid fan base. On the other, he has to raise money for the university. When LaFleur moved Southern's home football game last year against Jackson State to 60,000-seat Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, it did two things:

It doubled the amount of money the school would have made had the game been played at the school's 24,000-seat A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge. And it ticked off many Jaguar fans.

Worth repeating: Stump Mitchell

His team stopped a three-game losing streak last week, dumping Mississippi Valley State to move to 2-3. Now comes the really fun part for Stump Mitchell & Co: stopping Jackson State. The Jaguars and Tigers tee it up at 6 p.m. Saturday in Veterans Memorial Stadium.

"It’s definitely good to be back here after a win. It’s been a tough three weeks for Southernites. It’s been a tough three weeks for the players and coaches as well. We’ve been preparing to get a victory...

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

Alcorn visits Grambling in East-West showdown

A preview of the SWAC championship game could take place this weekend at Eddie Robinson Stadium. Alcorn (3-2, 2-1 travels to Grambling (4-1, 3-0) on Saturday at 2 p.m. in a battle of East and West Division leaders. Both have a shot at reaching the league title game on Dec. 11 at Birmingham’s Legion Field. Alcorn is tied atop the Eastern Division with Jackson State.

The Tigers must stop Alcorn quarterback Brandon Bridge, who’s given the Braves stability at the position.

Young QBs guide Grambling, Alcorn

Halfway through an entertaining season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Alcorn State is tied for first place in the Eastern Division. Grambling sits atop the West. The two teams meet at 2 p.m. Saturday in what could be a doozy of a cross-divisional game.

It could also serve as a showcase for two young-but-dynamic quarterbacks: Grambling’s Anthony Carrothers and Alcorn’s Brandon Bridge. Of the SWAC’s 10 regular starting quarterbacks, Carrothers and Bridge are the only true freshmen.

This Week in the SWAC for Oct. 13

THE RATING GAME

1. GRAMBLING
Tigers are looking more and more like the class of the West.
2. TEXAS SOUTHERN
Besides Grambling, TSU is only team in control of its own fate.
3. JACKSON STATE
QB Therriault ranks 3rd in nation in passing with 1,772 yards.
4. ALCORN STATE
Braves can vault to top with win at Grambling this week.

Midseason progress report

Grambling State (4-1, 4-0 SWAC)

WHAT WENT RIGHT: The running game. Grambling ranks 13th in the country in rushing, with more than 232 yards per game. Senior Frank Warren has been a workhorse. He ranks second among FCS running backs with more than 146 yards per game — less than 6 yards behind nation's leader Preston Brown (Tennessee State). Defensively, the Tigers are very impressive considering the unexpected loss of Christian Anthony, the reigning SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. The team's only loss came to FBS member Louisiana Tech.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

FAMU's Hollinghead making an impact on the defensive line

Saturday: Oct. 16 - Florida A&M Rattlers vs. Savannah State Tigers
Where: Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Time: 3:00 p.m.
3 PM Game Broadcast - Internet TV: http://www.famu.edu/famcast/

For awhile last season, defensive line coach George Small wondered about nose guard Nicolas Hollinghead's desire. Small wanted to see a little more energy from the 6-foot-4, 284-pound redshirt junior. "I don't know how much he was committed to it," Small said. "I don't know if it was because of those older guys who were in front of him, but he just didn't really press it like I thought he would."

This past spring, the light came on for Hollinghead, who played just two seasons at Cocoa High School before coming for FAMU. He recommitted to putting in the hours in the weight room and worked on his technique to the point that he was unbeatable for the starting nose guard position coming out of spring camp.

FAMU volleyball rolls past North Carolina Central

Near the end of the match, Belinda Hehncke-Biney reminded her North Carolina Central teammates that they have to "watch 35 coming in." That was Lorrin Rucker, who was punishing on the front line for Florida A&M to help the Rattlers defeat the Eagles 3-0 Sunday afternoon at the Lawson Center. It was FAMU's fourth straight win.

Rocker had 10 of her 13 kills through the first two sets. She watched most of the third set from the sideline, but as soon as she returned to the floor she delivered a kill to put FAMU within four points of completing the sweep.

FAMU scaling back on passing

When coach Joe Taylor adjusts the offense of his Florida A&M football team with a two-back set in an attempt to jump start the Rattlers' offense, the receiving corps can expect to see fewer opportunities for catches while they'll have to do more blocking.

The change is coming at a time when FAMU's receivers are already shorter on the number of catches they had through the first five games last season. They'd like to have more chances for catches, the team's two leading receivers said, but they're prepared to make the adjustment.

READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
FAMU looking to build on last year
FAMU wins at home to continue MEAC surge
FAMU's Ojo making a positive impact at safety »
Nervous energy a good sign for FAMU volleyball going into MEAC schedule
Harris adds Sheals to FAMU basketball coaching staff

WSSU: A Little Big Man

Tehvyn Brantley of Winston-Salem State is short for a college wide receiver, and he carries a big chip on his shoulder. Brantley, a 5-7, 175-pound freshman, says he could have played at a Division I school, possibly using his outstanding speed as a kick returner, but that the conditions weren’t what he wanted. Instead, he’s making an impact for WSSU.

“I had offers from N.C. State, North Carolina and South Carolina,” said Brantley, who is originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Durham with his mother three years ago to attend Mount Zion Christian Academy. “I had a couple of offers from mid-majors, and North Carolina was actually going to give me a chance if I went to Hargrave Military, but I didn’t want to do that.”

Fans can ride around the Bowman Gray track

Motorcycle enthusiasts will get a chance to ride around the Bowman Gray Stadium track Saturday during pregame festivities for Winston-Salem State’s game against Livingstone, and Athletics Director Bill Hayes, an avid rider, will lead a parade of motorcycles.

The ride will be at 4 p.m., and kickoff will be at 6 p.m. The cost to ride in the parade is $35, including a ticket to the game, and there will also be a special motorcycle tailgate spot. Money raised from the ride will go to the athletics department. Anyone interested in more information can contact Trent Rawley (rawleyjt@wssu.edu or call 309-4249).

READ MORE, CLICK TITLES.