Magic City Classic: Alabama State wins when lights go out for team and come on for Pitts

The lights went out on Alabama State Tuesday, in the middle of a nighttime practice. Just a few days later, the lights went on for talented, but fumble-prone running back Andrew Pitts.

The combination led to an easy 31-10 Magic City Classic victory against rival Alabama A&M Saturday afternoon at Legion Field before a reported crowd of 61,879 fans.

First the blackout: The campus-wide power outage hit in the midst of Tuesday drills, the most physical, routinely, of a game week. "Guys were out there in pitch dark and they still kept running drills," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "That's when I knew the game was won."

Magic City Classic at Legion Field Gallery

Hornets whip Bulldogs to snap losing streak

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Korey Morrison walked off the field wondering what had happened. So did Frank Kearse. In fact, a number of Alabama A&M's seniors, who had never lost to Alabama State in the Magic City Classic, did the same thing.

The Bulldogs, who had beaten the Hornets five straight times, saw their winning streak come to an end Saturday in the 69th edition of the largest black college football classic at Legion Field.




Alabama A&M fails to energize things in Magic City Classic

BIRMINGHAM, AL -- And once again they came by the thousands, for the football and the food, the music and the socializing, blessed by gorgeous weather and fueled by million-watt energy.

The Magic City Classic isn't a football game. It's an event. Sixty-nine editions of it now, between a pair of universities with so much in common -- and so much common disdain.

ALABAMA STATE 31, ALABAMA A&M 10: Hornets snap five-game Magic City Classic slide

BIRMINGHAM, AL -- Somebody turned out the lights on Alabama State Tuesday night. The Hornets responded with their best performance of the season on Saturday afternoon, bashing Alabama A&M 31-10 in front of 61,879 fans at Legion Field in the 69th Magic City Classic.

The Hornet defense forced four turnovers, and the offense rolled up a season-high 212 yards on the ground as Alabama State dominated the Bulldogs in surprisingly easy fashion to snap a five-game losing streak in the series.

Grading the Bulldogs

Offense: F - The Bulldogs turned the ball over four times [- one fumble and three interceptions [- and managed only 210 yards in total offense.

Defense: F - Alabama A&M tackle Frank Kearse and company, which had allowed just 95 yards rushing per game, gave up 212 against an Alabama State team that averaged just 88 yards on the ground coming into the game.

Magic City Classic Parade gets celebration on track in Birmingham

It was the "band"-standing, not the grandstanding that drew the crowds to the Magic City Classic parade in downtown Birmingham this morning.

With elections just three days away, the parade had its share of candidates running for local and statewide offices. There were even elected officials not currently running that will likely be looking for votes in the future.

The 69th Magic City Classic Parade Gallery


Attendance: 61,879
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Late defensive stand ends Alcorn's four-game slide

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State accomplished what it needed to Saturday against Southern University by snapping a four-game losing skid. But the game ended up being much closer than Alcorn would have liked.With just one touchdown in the second half, the Braves survived a late Jaguars surge with a last-minute defensive stop to escape with a 27-20 win.

“A win is a win is a win, and I’ll take it any way I can, but (we still made) mistakes,” Braves head coach Earnest Collins said. “Today, the difference in the mistakes we made the last few weeks is, we had a better defense out there to make up for it.”

Jags just short again

LORMAN, Miss. — Four yards.

On a beautiful sun-drenched afternoon in the Mississippi woods, after Southern had made so many mistakes, fallen asleep and fallen 24 points behind Alcorn State in the second half of yet another college football game to remember, the late-arriving, late-thriving Jaguars found themselves 4 yards away from a game-tying touchdown.

With less than a minute remaining in the Braves’ 27-20 thriller of a victory, both teams lined up for the most crucial play of all.Southern, still searching for its first big win under a new coaching staff, faced a fourth-and-goal at the 4.

Joseph comes alive in second half

LORMAN, Miss. — In the first half, he hurried throws, scrambled away from trouble, and watched as his receivers dropped a handful of on-the-money passes.

This was not how Southern quarterback Dray Joseph envisioned his first college start. Early on, in a heartbreaking, down-to-the-wire 27-20 loss at Alcorn State on Saturday, Joseph looked exactly like what he was: A true freshman who wanted to win it all by himself.

“He just had to calm down,” SU quarterbacks coach Ted White said. “He’s played in a couple games, but he still hasn’t had a lot of snaps. Until you get in there, in real live action, that’s when your experience starts to gather.”

Revitalized running game

LORMAN, Miss. — A renewed focus on the rushing game, and contributions from untapped sources played key roles for Alcorn State on Saturday afternoon at Jack Spinks Stadium.

Terrance Lewis and Jaquez Caldwell each scored touchdowns as Alcorn State held off a late Southern rally en route to a 27-20 win.

Before this week, Lewis had primarily played wide receiver while Caldwell had seen most of his action at running back, but those things changed against Southern.

Alcorn holds off late Southern rally, wins 27-20

Alcorn State jumped to a 24-point third quarter lead, then held off a frantic Southern comeback for a 27-20 Southwestern Athletic Conference win Saturay at Lorman, Mississippi.A fourth-and-goal pass by Southern's Dray Joseph got the Jaguars down to the Alcorn 1-yard line in the game's last minute, but fullback Lee Mitchell was tackled just short of tying the game.

Alcorn (4-4, 3-3 in the SWAC) led 27-3 after Terrance Lewis' 1-yard touchdown run with 10:26 left in the third quarter. But the Jaguars (2-6, 1-5) stormed back with a 5-yard touchdown run by Sylvester Nzekwe, a 22-yard field goal by William Griswold, who also kicked a 49-yarder in the first quarter, and a 54-yard run by Corey Cushingberry.

Attendance: 18,075

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Jackson State handles Prairie View A&M 30-13

Casey Therriault threw for 291 yards and a touchdown as Jackson State beat Prairie View A&M 30-13 in a Southwestern Athletic Conference game Saturday night. Therriault, who leads Football Championship Subdivision passers with 335 yards per game, gave the Tigers (6-2, 4-2) a 7-0 lead with a 10-yard pass to Marcellos Wilder. He completed 27 of 39.

With Jackson State leading 14-3 at halftime, Kyle Mathews kicked his second field goal for the Panthers (5-4, 4-3), a 25-yarder, after Michael Benson returned the second-half kickoff 63 yards. A Tigers safety made it 16-6 when Milton Patterson stopped Donald Babers in the end zone.



JSU's much-criticized Darkside Defense returns to old form

Forget those plentiful passing yards, those tantalizing touchdown tosses and those crazy, sometimes comical catches. Jackson State's Air Raid offense might be well and good, but the program's once-vaunted defense has returned. The Darkside Defense - as they say - is back.

"It feels great," defensive end Donavan Robinson said. "Finally got our title back."
Behind its best defensive performance in 20 games, Jackson State denied Prairie View A&M an offensive touchdown and crushed the Panthers 30-13 on Saturday.

Attendance: 23,701

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Big plays move Grambling past UAPB

Monte Coleman expresses almost weekly his fondness for wide receiver Raymond Webber. On Saturday, his chosen adjective was “special.” Arkansas-Pine Bluff ’s breakout star nearly brought the team back from a four touchdown deficit in an eventual 35-25 loss to Grambling State in front of an announced crowd of 29,373 at War Memorial Stadium.

The senior caught 9 passes for 243 yards with 1 touchdown, and his 71 receptions for the season set a new UAPB record. But it wasn’t enough to cancel out a second-quarter flurry that saw Grambling State score three times in just over four minutes and erase UAPB’s 10-point lead.

“[Webber] has been very special for us this year,” Coleman said. “He’s definitely ...

Webber Becomes UAPB All-Time Receiving Leader In Loss To GSU

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Josh Boudreaux completed 24 of 41 passes for 438 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Arkansas-Pine Bluff (4-4, 3-3) setting a new school record for passing yards in a game and wide receiver Raymond Webber had nine receptions for 243 yards and a TD but it wasn’t enough as Grambling State defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 35-25 on Saturday in the Delta Classic 4 Literacy.

Attendance: 29,373

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FAMU Rattlers hit home run with 31-17 victory

Big plays, local stars helps FAMU top Morgan State on homecoming

It wasn’t so much about Homecoming or even coming home for the Florida A&M football team. Nope, Saturday’s 31-17 victory over Morgan State was more about who stayed home for the Rattlers.

From an unlikely star who simply held his ground and made the game’s biggest play to a homegrown Rattler who ignited the crowd with another electric ...

Late Turnover, Seals Bears Fate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Morgan State rallied from 14 points down, and was driving for the go ahead score but the Bears made a costly mistake.

With the ballgame knotted at 17-17, Delonte Williams had his pass intercepted by Jerrell Stewart who returned it 37 yards for a touchdown with 7:17 left in the game. Philip Sylvester added the dagger in the form of an 89 yard touchdown run, and now the Bears Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title shot hopes seem dim.

Attendance: 30,459

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Stewart, FAMU defense do part for win

Defensive back Jerral Stewart knew he had blown the coverage the moment that Chuka Okakpu went airborne. Okakpu landed in the end zone with a touchdown that put Morgan State back into the game against Florida A&M.

The Bragg Stadium crowd of 30,459 fans went quiet. Stewart went back to the sidelines with a burning desire. He felt he had to have some redemption — not just for himself but for the FAMU seniors who will not play another homecoming game.

Sylvester again breaks 100 yards on ground for Rattlers »

It's hard to talk about the talents of Philip Sylvester without mentioning his speed. That was trademark when the Florida A&M running back burst onto the scene in 2007. It was also on full display Saturday afternoon as the senior used his trademark to average 10.1 yards per carry.

His 88-yard touchdown run up the far sideline, blowing past the Morgan State secondary, with 3:04 remaining in the fourth quarter capped off an afternoon where he ran for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

Ukpai remains calm despite different field positions

No matter where Florida A&M got a drive started Saturday afternoon, quarterback Martin Ukpai refused to flinch. Twice during the Rattlers' 31-17 victory over Morgan State, Ukpai had to get the offense started from inside its own 5-yard line.

"You always want to have the same attitude no matter where," Ukpai said. "You always want to maintain composure and run big plays. The only thing I thought about was making sure we got the play off."

Homecoming carries strong sentiment for FAMU's Sands

Chris Sands' mind was made up this past summer. He just wasn't sure exactly when he'd get the tattoo. Not just any tattoo, mind you. It had to have some significance. He settled on a rattlesnake, imprinting it in his skin on his huge right shoulder.

Call it baptism as a Rattler, but please don't call it a fad. Not this tattoo because this one has huge sentimental value for Florida A&M's 6-foot-8, 315-pound offensive lineman. He wanted it because it stood for ....

FAMU homecoming a celebration of 'the people, the band, the heritage'

Pamela Tolson, director of media relations at Florida A&M University, said this year's homecoming was one of the most memorable. "It's truly been a great week," she said during Saturday's game. "Just look at the stadium — it's filled to capacity and there are people still walking around outside."
"Everyone knows there is no homecoming like a Rattler homecoming — and...

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Kirk Franklin and the FAMU Gospel Choir 10/30/10, "How Great is our God."

DSU fizzles after fast start against S.C. State

QB Malcolm Long

DOVER — Delaware State’s football team got off to a strong start Saturday afternoon, but things went south quickly. Two-time reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion South Carolina State put up 24 unanswered points between the second and third quarters and went on to defeat the Hornets 38-21 before a crowd of 2,130 at Alumni Stadium.

Antwanne Kerr pulled down a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Malcolm Long for South Carolina State (6-2 overall, 4-1 MEAC) to tie the game at 7-7 with 5:09 remaining in the second quarter.

DSU quick hits

A quick look at Delaware State's loss to South Carolina State on Saturday at Alumni Stadium in Dover:

Mr. Jones and me
outh Carolina State's defense limited DSU running back Jaashawn Jones to 19 yards on nine carries on Saturday. As a team, DSU only mustered 43 rushing yards against the Bulldogs. DSU entered Saturday's game ranked last in the MEAC in rushing offense at 105.3 yards per game. Jones had topped 100 yards rushing in each of the team's last two games.

S.C. STATE 38, DELAWARE STATE 21

At Dover, Del., Chris Merrill scored two touchdowns and ran for 160 yards to help S.C. State.
The Bulldogs (6-2, 4-1 MEAC) trailed 7-0 before scoring 24 straight. Malcolm Long started the spurt on a 50-yard pass to Antwanne Kerr with 5:09 left in the second quarter for the only offensive touchdown during the Bulldogs’ streak.

Attendance: 2,130

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TSU Offense clicks; defense allows just 109 yards

Texas Southern has a message for the rest of the Southwestern Athletic Conference: We’re here to stay. Mississippi Valley State got that message loud and clear Saturday.

The Tigers ran circles around the winless Delta Devils before a homecoming crowd of 7,016 at Delmar Stadium, rolling to a dominant 38-7 victory that keeps them squarely in the thick of the race for the SWAC Western Division title.

TSU (5-3, 5-1) won its fourth straight game with strong contributions on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Arvell Nelson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, and running back Marcus Wright rushed for 131 yards and ...

Texas Southern defense dominates in 38-7 Homecoming victory

HOUSTON—Texas Southern held Mississippi Valley State to 109 yards of total offense Saturday en route to a 38-7 victory. Arvell Nelson threw two touchdowns and ran for another for the Tigers (5-3, 5-1 Southwestern Athletic), who have won four straight.

MVSU (0-8, 0-7) came up with an interception on Texas Southern’s opening possession, then scored on its first play from scrimmage when Oliver Hughes hit Paul Cox for a 37-yard touchdown pass. But that was it for the Delta Devils, who had only 38 yards rushing in the game. Hughes completed 6 of 22 passes for 71 yards and was sacked four times.

Attendance: 7,016

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Albany State: Nine down, one to go

ALBANY, GA — Rams fans, it’s officially time to start thinking about a 14th conference championship. Albany State cruised to a 44-5 win against Stillman on Saturday to remain undefeated at 9-0 overall and 8-0 in the SIAC on the season, and set up a Fountain City Classic against Fort Valley State (8-1 overall, 7-1 in the SIAC) with a bit more on the line than bragging rights.

“This is championship week,” said senior receiver Ronnie Childs, who finished with four catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. “We’re going to work hard every day, lift weights two or three times a week and let (offensive coordinator Steve) Smith put us in a position to make plays and let our defense carry us. All we have to do is put up some points.”

It didn’t take many points Saturday as the Rams held the Tigers (1-8, 1-7) to just 5 — the lowest of any ASU opponent this season.

ASU-STILLMAN NOTEBOOK: ASU win bittersweet for players, fans

ALBANY, GA — Ronnie Childs Sr. has been to every single one of his son’s football games.

From little league to college, the star wideout’s father did whatever he had to do to give him his support, even if it meant missing work. So it’s no surprise Childs Sr., along with his wife Patissia, were there for the senior’s last regular-season home game, waiting outside the locker room to congratulate him on yet another productive game Saturday following ASU’s 44-5 win vs. Stillman.

“It’s (possibly) the last time I’m gonna see him (here) and I know Ronnie’s gonna miss it,” Childs Sr. said. “(The stadium) seemed like part of us, so I don’t know how to take it. It’s the last one, unless we come back for the playoffs.”

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K-State's comeback falls short; Tuskegee 45, KSU 21

Kentucky State entered the fourth quarter within a touchdown of SIAC power Tuskegee Saturday at Cleve L. Abbott Stadium in Tuskegee, Ala. Then the Golden Tigers shut the door. Seventeen unanswered points by Tuskegee crushed the Thorobreds’ hopes for an upset as the Golden Tigers pulled away for a 45-21 win.

With the score 27-21, KSU had possession of the ball with a chance to tie the game late in the third quarter after Daeron Williams forced a Tuskegee fumble and Grandson Brown recovered the ball at the KSU 5. The Breds went three-and-out, however, giving Tuskegee prime field position after Chris Spalding’s 43-yard punt.

The Golden Tigers capitalized with...

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NCCU Eagles earn first win for Bullock

DURHAM -- N.C. Central broke a three-game losing streak and celebrated a 20-7 homecoming victory over Edward Waters on Saturday at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. "It was very important to win and I think it will provide great momentum going into next week," interim NCCU coach Darryl Bullock said. "We got off to a quick start, but [Edward Waters] kept fighting and it will be a real good lesson for us."

The Eagles grabbed the early lead on their second possession when they drove 46 yards in three plays for a touchdown on a 22-yard run by Tim Shankle. NCCU later added a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter to build a 20-0 lead thanks to a 47-yard pass from quarterback Michael Johnson to Geovonie Irvine and a 1-yard run by fullback Justin Manning.

Keys to the game: NCCU

Player of the Game
NCCU wide receiver Geovonnie Irvine caught six passes for a career-best 153 yards, including a career-long 59-yard reception on the game's first play from scrimmage. He also had a 47-yard touchdown catch.

Play of the Game
NCCU quarterback Michael Johnson set the tone of the game with his first throw to Irvine who sprinted down the right side to haul in a 59-yard pass. The Eagles weren't able to score on the drive but it gave them the confidence to come back the next time they had the ball to score.

Attendance: 13,562

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FVSU rallies to knock off Lane

The Fort Valley State Wildcats improved to 8-1 overall and 7-1 in the SIAC with a 31-18 win over Lane on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats entered the fourth quarter trailing 18-14, but they dominated the final quarter, scoring the final 17 points against the winless Dragons.

With his team trailing in the final quarter, Tony Reid took over. He scored from 1 yard out with 14:15 left and added a 6-yarder with 12:03 left to give the Wildcats control of the game. FVSU’s Justin Rosenbaum made a 47-yard field goal with less than six minutes remaining to close the scoring.

Lane falls to Fort Valley

For three quarters, it was difficult to tell which team entered Saturday's game at Lane Field No. 3 in the nation and which team was winless. Looking for its first win of the season, Lane College (0-9, 0-8) took an 18-14 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Wildcats (No. 3, NCAA Division II, HBCUDigest.com poll) responded with 17 unanswered points, pulling out a 31-18 win.

The Wildcats' Tony Reid scored on a one-yard run on the second play of the fourth quarter after racing 53 yards in the wildcat formation that gave Fort Valley the lead for keeps in Lane's final home game of the season.

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Virginia State Trojans turn the table on Virginia Union Panthers

RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia State University football team tallied three touchdowns on offense and two on defense en route to a 35-7 drubbing of Virginia Union in a CIAA game on Saturday. The matchup, which was the 101st between the two teams, came 380 days after VUU hung a school-record 490 rushing yards on VSU in a 31-3 blowout.

The Trojans counted those days, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to turn the table on their cross-town rivals. "I definitely marked in on my calendar," said VSU running back Antwain Lyde. "This was a time when we had to get our revenge from last year."

And that's exactly what the visitors did on a beautiful afternoon at Hovey field in Richmond.

Panthers Fall to Trojans 35-7

Virginia Union University's Jerell Washington rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown, but Virginia State University downed VUU 35-7 in the Panthers' home finale of the 2010 season.

Washington's yards came on 27 carries and accounted for VUU's only score on the day. VUU's Antonio Harris had eight tackles on the day while Fletcher Redd had two sacks. The loss dropped VUU to 3-6 overall on the season and 3-4 in CIAA play. Virginia State raised it's record to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in CIAA play.

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Old Dominion Monarchs plunder Hampton Pirates

Hampton, VA - The Monarch special teams unit blocked two punts and rushed Pirate punter Jordan Stoval to start a drive on Hampton's own one-yard line all by halftime in ODU's 28-14 win in its 15-mile road trip to Hampton Saturday afternoon. The win ups ODU's overall mark to 5-3 overall and 6-1 all-time on the road. The Pirates meanwhile drop to 5-3 on the season.

Quarterback Thomas DeMarco (Palm Desert, Calif.) passed for 182 yards and ran for a pair of touchdowns, while Prentice Gill (Los Angles, Calif.) led the receiving corps with 67 yards, seven receptions, and a score.

ODU wins Round 1 of start-up rivalry with Hampton

Hampton's offense had just put together its first cohesive drive to pull within two scores with an entire fourth quarter to play, and Ricardo Silva's interception gave it the ball right back for what could be a game-changing possession. "I thought so," Silva said. "But it didn't happen."

Three straight incompletions forced the Pirates' ninth punt and personified their continuing offensive struggles in a 28-14 loss to Old Dominion in the first meeting of a home-and-away series between the nearby rivals on Saturday in front of 8,605 fans at Armstrong Stadium.

ODU victory will help it win recruiting battles

HAMPTON, VA - Old Dominion won a football game Saturday afternoon at Hampton University. But in addition to prevailing over its cross-the-water neighbors, the Monarchs also won a recruiting battle. That's one of the reasons Bobby Wilder characterized his team's 28-14 victory as "a very big win for our program." For now and the immediate future.

Winning the favor of impressionable, fickle high school athletes is how a successful football program is established and maintained. Now, when dealing with recruits from the Peninsula who are on the radar of both ODU and Hampton, the Monarchs should have a leg up.

Attendance: 8,605

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Morehouse defeats Clark Atlanta

Morehouse had just enough grit and talent to gut out an ugly 17-7 win over Clark Atlanta on Saturday. With the win, Morehouse (7-2, 5-2 SIAC) kept alive its slim chances of playing in the postseason. Clark (4-5, 3-4) will play Benedict on Saturday for a shot at a .500 season.

Morehouse kicker Ian Mullen kicked a 42-yard field goal in the third quarter to put Morehouse ahead, 10-7, a lead they would not relinquish. Saturday was the culmination of a rough week for the kicker, who missed two key extra points last week in a 13-12 loss to Albany State.

“I was happy for him,” Morehouse coach Rich Freeman said. “I think it did a lot for him because he was really down.”

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WSSU Rams end season with loss to Shaw Bears

Durham, N.C. - Winston-Salem State’s dream season ended with a Shaw nightmare.

The Bears rallied in the second half to come away with a 31-27 victory on Saturday afternoon in front of around 7,000 at Durham County Stadium. The win sets up a showdown on Saturday with St. Augustine’s with the winner of that game getting a berth into the CIAA Championship Game.

For the 18th-ranked Rams, their season of such high hopes comes to an end as they finish 8-2 and 5-2 in the CIAA. All season long Coach Connell Maynor of the Rams hasn’t made excuses, and he wasn’t about to start. The Rams led the whole way until a costly interception by Kameron Smith late in the game gave the Bears (7-2, 6-0) the final jolt of momentum they would need.

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Attendance: 7,000
Shaw University Platinum Sound Marching Band

On homecoming, Howard Bison falls to Norfolk State, 10-9

The Bison are now 2-27 in MEAC games under Coach Carey Bailey, who is in his fourth season.

One word sums up Howard's season - injuries. The Bison are banged up at just about every position, but their wounds are most noticeable on offense. The ever-rotating cast of quarterbacks, running backs and offensive linemen may be the biggest reason why Howard has been offensively challenged this season.

The Bison went into Saturday's 10-9 homecoming loss to Norfolk State without all-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference wide receiver Willie Carter, who injured his ankle in last week's loss at North Carolina A&T. Running back Justin Duncan came back after missing four weeks because of a lower back and hip injury, but running back Charles Brice, who had led Howard in rushing the past four weeks, went out in the second quarter with a shoulder injury.

Howard Drops Hard-Fought Battle to Norfolk State

Washington, DC—October 30---The Howard University football team battled Norfolk State for four quarters, but it came down to a case of too many key injuries on offense for the Bison as the Spartans, prevailed 10-9 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game before an overflow homecoming crowd of 7,086 at Greene Stadium.

Howard (1-7 overall, 0-5 in the MEAC) came into the game with injuries to six starters, including all-MEAC performer, junior wide receiver Wille Carter. Carter, who injured an ankle in the loss to North Carolina A&T last week, is the team's top playmaker and his absence definitely had an impact on the game.

Attendance: 7,086

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Howard University Showtime Marching Band, Pre-game Performance 10/30/10

DSU Hornets say they're up for challenge against S.C. State Bulldogs

DOVER, DE -- A tough season will not become any easier today when Delaware State's football team hosts South Carolina State, the two-time reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions who are ranked 17th nationally in Division I-AA. DSU (1-6 overall, 1-4 MEAC) hosts the Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1) at Alumni Stadium at 1 this afternoon. The Hornets say they will not be intimidated.

"They're one of the best teams in the MEAC, so we've had to prepare hard this week for a very competitive match," said Andre Caroll, a redshirt senior defensive lineman for DSU.

The Hornets are hoping to follow the same blueprint as last season, when they won two out of their last three games to finish 4-7 despite struggling to a 1-5 start, which included a forfeit loss because of a scheduling conflict.

Hornets Gameday

South Carolina State (5-2, 3-1 MEAC) at Delaware State (1-6, 1-4)
1:00 p.m. today, Alumni Stadium, Dover, DE
Radio: WWTX-1290, WDOV-1410

Bulldogs on offense: QB Malcolm Long (6-3, 250, sr.) has completed 102 of 177 passes (57.6 percent) for 948 yards with a pair of touchdowns and six interceptions. RB Chris Massey (5-11, 220, sr.) has rushed for 639 yards on 124 carries and has scored six TDs. RB Asheton Jordan (6-0, 205, so.) has gained 396 yards on 61 carries with four TDs. WR Lennell Elmore (5-11, 170, r-so.) leads the team with 38 catches for 445 yards.

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Jackson State vs. Prairie View A&M

When: Today, 4 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Television: None
Radio: JSU Network (WHLA-95.5 FM, Jackson)
Records: Jackson State: 5-2, 3-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference; Prairie View A&M: 5-3, 4-2 SWAC
History: Last meeting: Prairie View 30, Jackson State 27, 2007
All-time series: Jackson State leads 34-14-2

What a way to begin a critical season-ending four-game stretch than welcoming the defending SWAC champions into Memorial Stadium for homecoming. Already strapped with two SWAC losses, the Panthers likely won't catch Grambling in the SWAC West. Their motivation? A possible at-large bid into the Football Championship Subdivision's expanded playoffs, and, maybe more importantly, ruining JSU's homecoming and hampering the Tigers' path to the SWAC Championship Game.

Injuries exact toll on Tigers' defense

These days, a simple glance around the Jackson State practice field reveals plenty about the team's crippled defense. Linebacker Milton Patterson's left forearm is covered in a dark cast, protecting the broken bones in his wrist.

Cornerback Jeremy Keys wears a different shoe than everyone else because he's playing with a fractured foot. Defensive end Sam Washington spends some of his time watching from the sideline because of a sore lower back.



Boom warned about violations

JSU's marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South, was publicly reprimanded this week by the Southwestern Athletic Conference for playing during game action. The Boom could be suspended or fined for more offenses. Conference rules state that "once the offensive team breaks the huddle and approaches the line of scrimmage, the band shall cease playing."

This particular offense, the league said in a statement, occurred during JSU's game against Alabama A&M on Oct. 9, but the Boom has been told by the head referee to stop playing during several other games this season.

Panthers loaded with motivation for clash with Tigers

When Eric "Shorty" Greene thinks of Prairie View A&M, he can't help but remember his playing days at Jackson State. Back then, in the early 1990s, Prairie View was on what would be an 80-game losing streak. The program gave few or no football scholarships. And, frankly, didn't give programs like JSU much trouble.

"When they got off the bus," Greene said, "we knew we were going to whip them."

Nowadays, Prairie View is anything but the Southwestern Athletic Conference's dog. In fact, the school won the conference last season. It was the first SWAC championship for the program in 45 years.

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Chowan arrives as a spoiler

While the door remains cracked, Elizabeth City State feels like it was slammed in its face last week. The Vikings rolled up 507 yards of offense, yet managed just two touchdowns in a 20-12 loss at Bowie State to all but end their hopes of a trip to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship game.

It was ECSU’s second loss in a row, leaving the Vikings a game down in the loss column to both Virginia State and Bowie State with two games remaining.

Follow Chowan at Elizabeth City State on Saturday

ELIZABETH CITY, NC - Chowan University football fans can follow Saturday's game at Elizabeth City State University by logging onto GAME DAY CENTRAL on the Hawks' athletic website. Play-by-play man Gattis Hodges will be bringing the gridiron action to fans via live audio webcast. CU's women's basketball coach, Patrick Mashuda, will join him this week as the color commentator. Fans can also get live Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/cuhawks.

Currently the Hawks and Vikings are tied for third in the CIAA Northern Division at 3-2. Bowie State and Virginia State are tied at the top of the division. (Log onto www.theciaa.com for complete listing of standings)



Powell back at quarterback for ECSU

Elizabeth City State got some good new this week when starting quarterback Creven Powell was given medical clearance to play. The Vikings will need him and a little luck as they chase a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship, beginning with today’s game at Bowie State.

Elizabeth City State’s Air Viking I arrives

Elizabeth City State University’s aviation program was flying high Friday, as university and local officials celebrated the arrival of the program’s newest airplane.

ECSU linemen many miles from home

Homecoming means different things to different people, but for at least three Elizabeth City State football players, this weekend’s homecoming festivities will be spent about as far away from home as you can get.

Baron Coffin, Sanerivi Reupena and Kahawaiolaa Soon share a background that is a far cry from northeast North Carolina. All three are junior offensive linemen from California junior colleges, which is how they arrived in Elizabeth City. But their Polynesian heritage sets them apart. Coffin hails from American Samoa, Soon is from Hawaii and Reupena was born in California, but his parents are native Samoans.

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Morgan State opportunistic on both sides of ball

One thing that Morgan State football coach Donald Hill-Eley found out about his team last weekend was his players are a very opportunistic bunch.

The Bears had to rally in the fourth quarter to get a 10-point victory over struggling Delaware State to remain a contender in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship race. Sheldon Jacques returned a fumble 2 yards for the final touchdown, adding to an already tough performance by the MSU defense.

Morgan State at Florida A&M Matchup

When Morgan State has the ball... Florida A&M has feasted on teams like Morgan State who statistically are one of the worst offenses in Division I-AA. The Bears are averaging just 3.57 yards per play and 214.1 total yards per game, which is 116th out of 117 teams. The only other team worse than 100th in that category with a winning record is Florida A&M, whose total offense is 107th.

Morgan State may have a plodding offense, but it takes advantage of scoring opportunities when they arise. In Mid-Eastern Conference play Morgan State is averaging 28.3 points per game, primarily through running the football.

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Eliminating turnovers key to ASU Braves' success

LORMAN, MS — If the Alcorn State Braves are going to end a four-game losing streak, they are going to have to kick the bugaboo that has haunted them the entire season — turnovers. The Braves have turned the ball over a total of eight times in their last three games, all conference losses which dropped their record to 2-3 in the SWAC.

And Alcorn head coach Earnest Collins knows eliminating the mistakes will be a big key as his team hosts Southern University (2-5, 1-4 SWAC) at 2 p.m. Saturday. “We have got to cut down on our turnovers if we want to beat our old nemesis,” Collins said. “We’ve turned the ball over way too much.”

JSU, Alabama State, Alcorn all chasing East championship

What a messy East. The Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division is more jumbled than its counterpart in the Southeastern Conference. OK, maybe not quite that bad. But with about a month left in the season, three Eastern teams have a legitimate shot at winning the division and going to Birmingham for the conference title game.

The East became so muddled last week when Jackson State missed a chance to grab a two-game lead in the division. Couple that with Alcorn State's third straight conference loss last week and the East has turned into one unpredictable mess, where Alcorn (3-4, 2-3), Jackson State (5-2, 3-2) and, now, Alabama State (4-3, 3-3) have a legit shot to take the crown.



SU’s struggles, improvement no surprise to Alcorn’s Collins

Earnest Collins said he wasn’t surprised to see Southern struggle early on this season. But he also said the Jaguars are getting better each week in their first year under Stump Mitchell, and he’s not surprised at that, either.

“With Southern, you knew they were going to have to get it on track,” said Collins, who, as the second-year coach at Alcorn State, knows about every pothole and speed bump a new football program is sure to hit.

Canadians playing well for Alcorn State

True freshman Brandon Bridge has already earned a nickname fitting of a young passer full of talent and promise, a subtle reference to a former Alcorn State legend: Air Canada. Problem is, Bridge’s defensive countryman has yet to earn such a permanent moniker. Some folks call inside linebacker Herve’ Tonye-Tonye by his last name, while others prefer “The Canadian Barbarian.”

“They call him a bunch of different stuff, but he doesn’t have one nickname like Brandon,” said his older brother, Raymond, who is also his roommate.

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Already battling for recruits, ODU-HU set to battle on the field

Hampton University was first. But Old Dominion was shinier. Colby Goodwyn rushed for 1,869 yards and 29 touchdowns in a senior season at Phoebus High that culminated in the 2009 Group AAA Division 5 state title. The Pirates took notice early on, making Goodwyn his first scholarship offer during the season.

The Monarchs, in their second season of FCS play, came later, with a phone call during a celebratory post-championship dinner. Goodwyn excused the tardiness. “I was thinking, ‘I want to see what else might come open,’ ” he said. “The facilities are real nice (at ODU), and the teaching and all that stuff. Everything’s brand-new here. I like it a lot.”

Hampton, Old Dominion launch new rivalry Saturday

Just down the road at Hampton University's Armstrong Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they'll stage a football game that doubles as a socially competitive exercise. Or vice versa. Hampton U. and Old Dominion meet at 1 p.m. in a game with no tradition and little bearing on the big-picture aspirations of both programs, yet is widely anticipated in both camps.

In the football offices at Hampton U. and on Norfolk's Powhatan Avenue, they're calling this a big game. Not in the "Every game is a big game" or "It's a big game because it's the next game on our schedule" coaches' mantra that provokes reflexive eye-rolls among non-believers.

Hampton-Old Dominion: The preview, our prediction

HAMPTON (5-2, 4-1 MEAC) vs. OLD DOMINION (4-3)
WHEN: 1 p.m.
WHERE: Armstrong Stadium
TV/RADIO: 88.1 FM

THE BUZZ: The Pirates play host to ODU in the first game of a home-and-away series with the second-year Monarchs. Hampton's defense ranks 13th in the country, allowing opponents less than 290 yards per game, but its offense has scored just 14 points in its last two games. ODU averages 29.4 points, but gives up 23.9.

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Wildcats blackout Aggies: Bethune-Cookman 67, N. Carolina A&T 17

B-CU game delayed by power outage

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- The game was billed this week as a "black-out."

Bethune-Cookman marketers had no idea how prophetic that label would be. As the Wildcats were setting up for a 2-point conversion with 3:37 left in the first quarter Thursday night, power went out at Municipal Stadium. Because of a blown transformer and lightning in the area, B-CU's nationally televised game with North Carolina A&T was delayed for one hour and 42 minutes with the Wildcats leading 19-0.

B-CU (8-0, 5-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) went on to defeat N.C. A&T 67-17 as the Wildcats racked up 621 yards of total offense.

NC A&T's primetime game goes awry

The bus left Greensboro early Tuesday morning for the long ride to Daytona Beach, Fla., where N.C. A&T would get its one shot at a nationally televised game this season. This wasn’t what the Aggies (1-8, 1-5 MEAC) had in mind.

Not a 50-point loss. And certainly not a game that started Thursday night and ended in the wee small hours of Friday morning. A&T’s primetime showcase game on ESPNU at undefeated Bethune-Cookman (8-0, 5-0) got off to a rough start. The host Wildcats scored on their first three possessions to take a 19-0 lead. Then the lights went out.



Power outage darkens B-CU spotlight

DAYTONA BEACH -- The spotlight on Bethune-Cookman University's football program went dark Thursday night when a distant piece of power equipment -- a lightning protector about a mile-and-a-half from Municipal Stadium -- sent the game into an hourlong blackout.

B-CU, playing in front of a national TV audience on ESPN's college-dedicated ESPNU channel, was leading 19-0 late in the first quarter when, at 8:16 p.m., the stadium went dark. Moments later, a thunderstorm moved over the stadium.

Mayhew Reaches 1000, Aggies Fall To Wildcats

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., -- Junior running back Mike Mayhew was the bright spot in what otherwise was a very dim night for the North Carolina A&T football team. His historic season continued on Thursday as he rushed for 211 yards on 31 carries. He is the first Aggie to rush for more than 200 yards in a game since Brandon Sweeney rushed for 205 yards on Oct. 8, 2005 against Morgan State at FedEx Field.

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Shaw holds keys to CIAA championship

Kienus Boulware doesn’t get too excited too often. As the coordinator of Winston-Salem State’s defense, he has used his steady hand and quiet nature to help make an already talented unit even better.

On Saturday, Boulware will face his old boss, Coach Darrell Asberry of Shaw. Boulware spent the previous four seasons as Shaw’s defensive coordinator, and his players sense something different this week. “When you are playing a school you used to coach, there’s a different feeling,” defensive lineman Juan Corders of WSSU said. “Of course Coach Boulware wants us to be successful on Saturday.”



Stakes sky high for WSSU, Shaw

Coach Darrell Asberry of Shaw is well aware of what his team will have at stake the next two Saturdays. First, his Bears will take on the 18th-ranked Winston-Salem State Rams at 1 p.m. Saturday at Durham County Stadium. The next weekend, on Nov. 6, they will play No. 23 St. Augustine’s.

“When you get down to this point in the season, they are all big,” said Asberry, who is in his fifth season. With Shaw (6-2, 5-0 CIAA), WSSU (8-1, 5-1) and St. Aug’s (7-1, 5-0) all chasing the CIAA’s Southern Division title, there’s late-season drama, but Asberry said that’s not a bad thing.

Maynor: Playoffs begin now for Rams

Coach Connell Maynor of Winston-Salem State has done a good job keeping his players from worrying about whether one game is more important than another. He doesn’t have that luxury this week. The 18th-ranked Rams (8-1, 5-1 CIAA) will play the Shaw Bears (6-2, 5-0) in their regular-season finale Saturday. For WSSU, it might as well be a championship game.

“It doesn’t get any bigger,” Maynor said. “We have to win it.”

The game will help settle who wins the CIAA’s Southern Division title. A loss most likely would end the season for the Rams, eliminating them from the Southern Division race and a shot at the Division II playoffs.

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