Florida Classic: BCU coach changing football records and culture

No current college football coach in Florida has accomplished more in a rookie season than Bethune Cookman's Brian Jenkins. And that's saying a lot in an area that boasts respected football minds like Urban Meyer, George O'Leary and Skip Holtz.

Jenkins, 39, has the No. 7 Wildcats off to a historic 10-0 start, clinching at least a share of the school's first conference title in eight years. And, after Bethune Cookman's embarrassing loss to Florida A&M in last year's Florida Classic, he's looking to turn Saturday's rematch at The Citrus Bowl into a signature accomplishment.

More impressive than the team's record is how it's winning. In one season, B-CU has gone from "shine" to chic, chic, from disheveled to disciplined. And, interestingly enough, it's done it with...


Videographer: doublea198505 (BCU Florida Classic Battle of Bands - 11/19/2010)

Playoffs, milestone at stake for Wildcats

Picked in the preseason to finish eighth in its conference, Bethune-Cookman is one win away from an 11-0 record and a berth in the FCS playoffs.

ORLANDO -- Digging for reasons on how Bethune-Cookman has gone undefeated in its first year under coach Brian Jenkins can be as futile as trying to nail JELL-O to the wall.

No running back has rushed for as many as 500 yards. No receiver has as much as 500 yards in receptions. The Wildcats defense, although undeniably strong, hasn't posted shutout after shutout. And the kicking game has been a weakness all season long.

Still, a victory Saturday over archrival Florida A&M in the annual Florida Classic will allow Bethune-Cookman to finish off a regular season 11-0 for the first time in school history and clinch a spot in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

B-CU, FAMU fans united, divided by loyalty

DAYTONA BEACH -- Kevin James Jr.'s decision to go to Bethune-Cookman University was "a no-brainer." The need to wear maroon and gold was ingrained in the sophomore's brain since he was a child by his father, a Wildcats graduate.

Kevin James Sr., 49, had to balance the playing field since his wife and daughter are graduates of Florida A&M University (FAMU).

Counting the rest of the extended family, both father and son are outnumbered yearly and will be today at the Florida Classic football game at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando at 2:30 p.m. where both universities face off. The Jameses have more than 50 family and friends who attend the game and gather beforehand for a tailgate party -- the majority for FAMU.



Videographer: doublea198505 (FAMU Florida Classic Battle Of The Bands 2010, 11/19/2010)

Wildcats coach: no superstars going against Florida A&M

As if his football team hasn't turned enough heads with its 10 straight wins, Brian Jenkins had one more surprise about Bethune-Cookman University during his weekly conference call.

There are no super stars on the Wildcats' team, Jenkins said, and he makes sure that none of his players ever start believing they're above the rest. He makes no secret of the fact that the remarkable season that the Wildcats are enjoying is because they think and act like a family.

"Everybody has their role (and) everybody is required to do their role at a high level," said Jenkins, who in his first season is a leading candidate for coach of the year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. "The same demands are placed on a guy that's taking 50 reps and a guy that's taking 10 reps. There is no difference in requirements."

Florida Classic: Famu vs. Bethune-Cookman, 2:30, at orlando, ESPN Classic

The equation is the simplest in sports: win and you're in.

That's what's facing Bethune-Cookman today when it faces Florida A&M at the Florida Citrus Bowl. A win over the rival Rattlers and B-CU moves on to the Division I-AA playoffs; lose and it's forced to rely on fate to get into the postseason. The Wildcats already clinched a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title last week when they defeated Howard 35-20. Bethune-Cookman (10-0, 7-0 MEAC) is I-AA's only unbeaten team that could receive the automatic bid for the playoffs if it beats FAMU (7-3, 6-1) or if South Carolina State (8-2, 6-1) loses to North Carolina A&T (1-9, 1-6).

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Videographer: kissinqueen2 (FAMU Florida Classic Battle Of The Bands in HD, 11/19/2010)

Howard vs. Delaware State

1 p.m. at Greene Stadium. Records: Bison 1-9, 0-7 MEAC; Hornets 2-8, 1-6.

Offensive explosion: Terry Bradden was named MEAC rookie of the week after his impressive performance against Bethune-Cookman. Bradden threw for 299 yards on 15-of-31 passing. He had three touchdown passes and one interception. Willie Carter caught four passes for 117 yards and a touchdown, while Daley Gunter had four catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. It was the first time in 10 years that Howard had two receivers with more than 100 yards in the same game.

Turning it over: No MEAC team has more difficulty holding on to the ball this season than Howard.

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Videographer: 8to5pros 25 videos

FAMU 'D' in for a tough test

The onus will squarely be placed on the defensive unit when Florida A&M tries to complete its run for a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship in the Florida Classic.

That the Rattlers (7-3, 6-1) would be playing Saturday for a title, much less an outside shot at making the postseason, seemed improbably a month ago. But here they are going against a Bethune-Cookman (10-0, 7-0) with all that at stake.

FAMU's defense has had four takeaways for touchdowns this season, but ...

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Glory Days of FAMU Football

Videographer: MrCrownRoyle

Branche in striking distance of NSU's rushing crown

DeAngelo Branche racked his brain, but struggled to come up with a childhood friend who could talk about him. Two are in prison. One is dead. The best bet is running from police.

Football, the Norfolk State senior running back says, is the biggest reason he never joined them. "They knew we were on different paths," Branche said. Instead, at 23, the Maury High graduate is married with a child on the way. He's close to his parents, who attend every game and whose house he retreats to every weekend.

Branche hopes that path includes the school's all-time career rushing mark. Currently 16th in the country with 1,097 yards, he needs a career-high 215 against Savannah State on Saturday to break LaRue Harrington's record of 3,659 yards.

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Videographer: 8to5pros

Albany State players, coaches using extra time off wisely

ALBANY, GA — It’s rare that a football team gets almost three weeks off between games, but that’s what happens when your team is a No. 1 seed in the Division II football playoffs and has a bye in the first round.

Albany State earned a much-needed break after defeating Fort Valley, 12-7, in the Fountain City Classic and winning the SIAC championship on Nov. 6, and the Rams are using it wisely.

“It’s just good to have a good break and concentrate on yourself and try to get healthy,” head coach Mike White said. “(We’re going to) concentrate on some of those things that we did not do well coming off that Fort Valley game.” After a couple days off following that game, the team went no pads for the rest of their practices that week.


RAMS NOTEBOOK: ASU punter relives last moments of Classic

ALBANY,GA — Talk about an emotional roller coaster.  Albany State’s 12-7 win against Fort Valley State in the Fountain City Classic on Nov. 6 ended well, but the last part of the game was up-and-down for Rams punter Herndon Burns.

With 46 seconds left in the game and the Rams up 12-7, they had to punt the ball from their own 15-yard line on fourth and 10. Burns sent it 31 yards, but was clobbered after he kicked it.  He was slow to get up and limped off the field trying to milk a penalty from the referees, but started running, jumping and shouting with joy along the sidelines after he saw the flag for running into the kicker. Only ... it wasn’t enough for a first down.

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Injuries will affect ECSU Vikings' start

Elizabeth City State’s men’s basketball team is in late-season form, but not in a good way. The Vikings are suffering from a multitude of nagging injuries, have lost one player for the year and another will miss at least half the season, if he comes back at all.

“The health of our team right now is not good,” said ECSU coach Shawn Walker, whose team opens the season tonight against Barton.

Barton teams face road tests this weekend

Health issues continue to be a major concern for the men's and women's basketball teams of Barton College as they head into play this weekend on the road. The Bulldogs take on host Elizabeth City State tonight at 8 in the first day of the ECSU Basketball Tip-Off Classic, and then face St. Augustine's at 5 p.m. Saturday. The Lady Bulldogs visit Fayetteville State on Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Barton men opened their season with a hard-fought 90-80 win at Chowan University on Tuesday night and now the Conference Carolinas Bulldogs will face two more Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association teams. The ECSU Vikings, who will be playing their season opener, were picked to win the CIAA Northern Division while the Falcons (1-0) edged ECSU for the CIAA crown last February.

Injuries hit Vikings hard

Elizabeth City State’s men’s basketball team’s 74-41 exhibition loss by to Old Dominion on Saturday may have been more notable for those Vikings not on the court.

Missing in action were senior guard Trent Bivens, junior forward C.J. Wright and sophomore guard Michael Bonner. Wright has an ACL tear and could miss the season, while Bivens and Bonner are expected to be ready for the season opener on Nov. 19. Camden native Ricky Krainiak, who transferred to ECSU after one season at Campbell, will also be redshirt...

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B-CU Change of offense, change of outlook

Familiar playbook transforms Johnson into 10-0 QB

Matt Johnson said he simply smiled when he heard the words. It had to be more than that, though – certainly enough to catch the attention of his new offensive coordinator. Out with the triple option. In with the spread offense. Just like that, Johnson perked up.

"Oh yeah," coordinator Brian Orlando said, recalling last spring's introductory meeting with the offense. "He was very excited about that."

Before long, Orlando and Wildcats head coach Brian Jenkins could see why the Fort Lauderdale High product was so jazzed. And with the Wildcats now on the brink of the first unbeaten regular season in school history, all of B-CU is catching on.

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JSU's Wilson Excels in the "Air Raid"

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - 43 points, 49 points and most recently 52 points, the Jackson State Air Raid offense is opening eyes in the SWAC this season. Do Tiger fans know the high powered O brought in by offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson is complements of this man? Coach Hal Mumme.

The former Kentucky head coach and current McMurry University head man is considered the architect of the Air Raid offense and a mentor of Earnest Wilson.

JSU sees Bridge as special threat

Jackson State fans will finally see the guy everyone in the conference has been talking about all season long. Alcorn State quarterback Brandon Bridge, a true freshman from Canada, comes to Jackson on Saturday for the Capital City Classic. He enters with quite a reputation and a list of sparkling stats - especially for a teenager.

Bridge has accounted for more than 70 percent of Alcorn's offense this season. He's thrown for more than 2,000 yards and has run for nearly 600. He's scored 18 touchdowns. His long, lanky, 6-foot-5, 205-pound frame and surprising speed have made Bridge a bugaboo for opposing defenses to contain.

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FAMU Rattlers have no doubts about competitiveness

While coaches around the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference think Saturday's Florida Classic is too close to call, there isn't a man associated with the Florida A&M football team that believes it can't end Bethune-Cookman's unbeaten streak.

Coach Joe Taylor especially took exception to his team is being label as potential spoilers. "We are in to win and I don't see it (as) being a spoiler," Taylor said during his weekly press conference. "The bottom line is whoever wins, wins the championship. I'm sure because of their record (10-0) we would probably be considered underdogs but that's for the media."

Freshmen confident going into Classic

Freshman tight end Michael Ethridge always gets a little hyper on the eve of a football game just because of the anxiety to get on the field. But this Friday night he might have be even more difficult for him to sleep.

The following day, Ethridge's Florida A&M team will face off with Bethune-Cookman University in the Florida Classic. It isn't just another game and with all that will be at stake Ethridge knows sleep won't come easy on the day before his first appearance in the Classic.

B-CU football could help Florida Classic produce sellout crowd

There is a bigger reward on the line than “bragging rights” for the 31st annual Florida Classic Saturday. Bethune Cookman, ranked No. 7 among Division I-AA by the Sports Network, needs a win against Florida A&M to get an automatic bid to the Football Championship Series. Should the team lose, and South Carolina State lose Saturday, then Florida A&M would earn the automatic bid to the playoffs.

With so much on the line, a stellar season, an intense rivalry and, of course, solid halftime entertainment, the Florida Classic could be looking at its first sellout crowd since 2006.

So far, over 50,000 tickets have been sold and Florida Citrus Sports executives say the sales are on pace to have 59,418 sold by Saturday, not including the walk-ups. A sellout crowd for this year’s game is 65,438 fans.

Former 'Dawg hopes to end career with title

Former Marianna Bulldogs star running back Philip Sylvester will have a chance Saturday to make a special ending for a special career, when his FAMU Rattlers take on Bethune-Cookman in the annual Florida Classic in Orlando. Sylvester, who starred for the Bulldogs from 2004 to 2006, has carried over his success to the college level, and will have a chance to reach a pair of significant milestones Saturday.

The 5-foot, 10-inch, 185-pound running back is 178 yards away from the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career, and is 148 yards from passing the 3,000-yard mark for his Rattlers career.

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B-CU's biggest Classics

Lloyd "Tank" Johnson has never missed a Florida Classic. Each game in recent years has required more and more planning and resolve for the former Bethune-Cookman athletics director and defensive coordinator, who has been undergoing dialysis treatments for several years.

But this year's game, perhaps the most important for B-CU in the long history of its rivalry with Florida A&M, is not to be missed.

"I can't do no climbing, but I make it to the elevator and fight through the crowd," said Johnson, 77, who created the neutral-site Classic with the late FAMU athletics director Hansel Tookes in 1978. "I can't see myself not going, walking into that ballpark, seeing 70,000 people having a good time, watching those two bands."


Videographer: MaryJaneProductions

Small details carry Bethune-Cookman to big results heading into Florida Classic

On a collision course
Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M enter the Florida Classic on Saturday with a combined 17-3 record, the seventh time the teams have had three or fewer losses at the time they played since 1967. The Rattlers have won all of those games. Results of the previous six:

Year - Combined record - Outcome
2000 - 17-3 - FAMU 31, B-CU 28
1998 - 17-2 - FAMU 50, B-CU 14
1978 - 15-3-2 - FAMU 27, B-CU 17
1977 - 16-3 - FAMU 14, B-CU 7
1975 - 16-2 - FAMU 17, B-CU 7
1967 - 11-2 - FAMU 30, B-CU 6

Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Citrus Bowl, Orlando.
TV: ESPN Classic.
Internet Video: ESPN3.com
Records: B-CU is 10-0, 7-0 in the MEAC; FAMU is 7-3, 6-1.

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Videographer: ramband09 (B-CU -- Florida Classic Half-Time 2009)

Florida Classic: FAMU, Bethune-Cookman band alumni recall music, pageantry

At many other football games, the halftime entertainment isn't enough to keep the fans in their seats. But not at the Classic, where they don't budge when the two bands face off in one of the most meticulously choreographed and musically powerful halftime shows anywhere.

The performance is so spectacular that alumni from both sides jokingly describe it as a show interrupted by a football game.

For Wilson and many band alumni, though, the Classic is much, much bigger than a game and a great halftime show. It's part of a rich, tumultuous history during which the two bands became a symbol of pride and accomplishment for millions of African-Americans.


Florida Classic's marching band rivalry decided at halftime

James "Chief" Wilson will put a little extra effort into planning his snack breaks and bathroom trips Saturday at the Citrus Bowl. That's because Wilson, like many of the 50,000 people expected at the Florida Classic, won't want to miss any of the halftime show between the rival Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman university bands.

It's a show that has evolved into an annual extravaganza since Wilson, 83, first performed with the FAMU marching band in the late 1940s.

At many other football games, the halftime entertainment isn't enough to keep the fans in their seats. But not at the Classic, where they don't budge when the two bands face off in one of the most meticulously choreographed and musically powerful halftime shows anywhere.

The performance is so spectacular that alumni...

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Undefeated Bethune-Cookman, behind QB Matt Johnson, ready to take on Florida A&M

The improvement that Bethune-Cookman quarterback Matt Johnson has made in just one season is remarkable. The Fort Lauderdale native completed 53.8 percent of his passes for 823 yards as a junior in 2009, throwing just one touchdown pass and seven interceptions.

This year, Johnson has completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 1,844 yards, 13 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He also has 670 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He is without question the top quarterback in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, a player who can beat teams with his arm or his legs.

"When we came in, we felt like this young man had the qualities if we could hone the skills the right way," first-year Bethune coach Brian Jenkins said.

Ex-Colonial receiver Kevin Elliott out to spoil B-CU's run

Kevin Elliott and the rest of the Florida A&M Rattlers have been rooting for their arch rival recently. With every game the Rattlers have won in their current five-game winning streak, they have been hoping to see Bethune-Cookman University continue its own winning streak en route to this weekend's big showdown in the Florida Classic at the Citrus Bowl.

And so Elliott and the Rattlers have gotten their wish. The stage is set. Undefeated, 10-0 Bethune-Cookman will take on the equally hot Florida A&M Rattlers (7-3) in one of the most important games this series has seen. "We want to make history," said Elliott, a 2006 graduate of Orlando Colonial High.

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

Shaw Bears beating the odds

Videographer: ShawUBears

The rules for NCAA Division II football competition allow teams to have 36 full scholarships. Shaw coach Darrell Asberry is getting by with 26. The Bears don't have a home stadium, and their new practice field is roughly 50 yards long. Without access to an indoor facility, Tuesday's rains forced the staff to cancel practice.

And yet, Asberry is one happy coach these days.

With a 14-7 win over Virginia State last Saturday in the CIAA title game at Durham, the 9-2 Bears are off to the Division II championship playoffs for the third time in four seasons. "It says a lot about these guys, and the assistant coaches we have been able to get here, it really does," Asberry said.

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Alcorn vs. JSU is battle for pride

The Capital City Classic no longer has SWAC championship implications. When Jackson State (7-3, 5-3) and Alcorn State (5-5, 4-4) clash on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Jackson’s Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, only bragging rights are at stake.

Alabama State (7-3, 6-3) has clinched the Eastern Division title and berth in the SWAC championship game. Jackson State can tie for the crown with a victory, but the Hornets beat the Tigers 32-30 two weeks ago.

Therriault, a transfer from Grand Rapids Community College, has thrown for a SWAC-leading 3,272 yards and 29 touchdowns. Bridge, a freshman from Canada, is considered the Braves’ top quarterback since Steve McNair. Bridge has thrown for 2,016 yards, while rushing for 570 yards and accounting for 26 TDs.

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SSU's Johnson finds positives in everything

This is not at all what Dan Johnson envisioned when he graduated from Augusta's Glenn Hills High School and enrolled at Savannah State University. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound offensive lineman has played for three head coaches in four losing seasons.

He won't get to play a game on campus this season, his senior season, because of construction to T.A. Wright Stadium. And he will miss out on competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference by one year.

No, this is not at all what Johnson envisioned. And yet, he insists he would not change a thing.

Miss SSU to be crowned at ‘Royal Sunset by the Sea’

Savannah native Jordan M. Riles will be crowned Miss Savannah State University 2010-11 at the “Royal Sunset by the Sea,” the annual queen’s coronation.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday at Tiger Arena as part of Savannah State’s Homecoming 2010 festivities. Riles’ court and queens representing about 50 campus organizations will also be presented.

The event is free and open to the public.

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Fort Valley & St. Augustine's to Tangle in Pioneer Bowl

Fort Valley State and St. Augustine's will tangle in the 12th annual Pioneer Bowl, the CIAA and SIAC announced. The Wildcats (8-2), ranked no. 22 in the latest AFCA Division II Coaches Poll, and the Falcons (8-2) will meet Dec. 4 at A.J. McClung Stadium in Columbus, Georgia at 1 p.m.

This will be the first appearance for both schools in the Pioneer Bowl, which pits the CIAA and SIAC against each other in the only sanctioned bowl game between HBCU conferences.

Saint Augustine's will play in Pioneer Bowl

St. Augustine’s will represent the CIAA in the Pioneer Bowl in Columbus, Ga. on Dec. 4, conference commissioner Leon Kerry said Tuesday.

“I went right down the rankings and after Shaw was in the playoffs the invitation went to St. Aug’s and if they turned it down then it was going to be Winston-Salem State,” Kerry said by telephone.

St. Aug’s went 8-2 overall and 6-1 in the CIAA, with its only loss to Shaw, the eventual CIAA champion. Shaw (9-2) will represent the CIAA in the Division II playoffs and will open Saturday at Shepherd (W.Va.).

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GSU's Broadway: Southern’s 2-8 record deceiving

It is as routine and predictable as a punt on fourth-and-long: Coaches, whenever they face an underdog in a rivalry game, tend to heap truckloads of praise on the other team, hoping to keep their own players focused.

That, indeed, was the routine Monday for Grambling fourth-year coach Rod Broadway, who said Southern’s 2-8 record is deceiving. “I’m telling you: When you look at Southern on tape, they’re a better football team than what their record indicates. They really are, and I’m not blowing...

Southern limits penalties

How did Southern coach Stump Mitchell measure his team’s progress after the Jaguars lost to Alabama State last weekend? Inch by microscopic inch, and flag by flag. Yet again, penalties were his topic du jour Monday. In a 21-19 loss at A.W. Mumford Stadium, Southern committed two crucial penalties in the final 16 seconds.

The first was a personal foul after the Jaguars scored their last touchdown, bringing them to within two points. Their two-point conversion attempt started at the 18-yard line, and SU failed to score.

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Videographer: Realwidit5


Videographer: gridiron111

Grambling State Fight Song

Fight for dear ole Grambling
Fight, we're gonna win
Light The Torch of Victory
We will win this game, RAH RAH RAH

FIGHT for dear ole Grambling
Fight, we're gonna win
There's no doubt that we are
The Pride of the USA!!

B-CU, FAMU clash brings needed business to the ailing Citrus Bowl

The game brings in an estimated $25 million to $30 million economic impact for the city every year.

There is a view from inside the luxurious Amway Center that stares across a row of broccoli-topped trees and ends at the dilapidated Citrus Bowl. It is a bittersweet sight of unfulfilled promises for a promising venue. Talks of the " Triple Crown for Downtown" have long since cooled off after Amway Center was completed.

The fledgling economy all but depleted funding for the performing arts center and Citrus Bowl renovations. And with each passing day, the Citrus Bowl is losing multi-million dollar opportunities for the city. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, let's give thanks for the Florida Classic this weekend.

Q & A: Talking with the presidents of FAMU and B-CU before the 31st annual Florida Classic

On the heels of the 31st annual Florida Classic, the Orlando Sentinel caught up with Florida A&M President Dr. James H. Ammons and Bethune Cookman University President Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed for their insights on the game and their schools.

Orlando Sentinel: Historically black colleges and universities don't usually get the benefit of major television exposure. What's the biggest way you promote your teams?

Ammons: Well, actually, FAMU as well as other members of the MEAC have had TV exposure through ESPN2, ESPN Classic and ESPNU. What we are working toward is for one of our games, maybe the Florida Classic, to be televised on ESPN, the major stations for ESPN or on ABC.

Reed: Well, I think that it's important to know that we're a part of the MEAC and our commissioner along with the other institutions renegotiated the contract with ESPN to have more of our games televised and there is this SWAC-MEAC blend that gets more of our games on ESPNU and Classic. So that has been a really healthy start and I think last classic was the first time we were televised by ESPN so there is a movement of change, although it is slow.

Videographer:FAMUTube1887

Videographer: Gentleman1911

Florida Classic events schedule

One of the state of Florida's most historic football games, The Florida Classic between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman is this weekend at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. This year's game has added significance, as Bethune Cookman enters 10-0 for the first time in school history, having already clinched a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title at 7-0 in the league.

The Wildcats have a chance to finish the regular-season unbeaten for the first time. Bethune-Cookman would also earn an automatic berth in the FCS playoffs if they win. It would also earn that honor even if it loses if South Carolina State beats North Carolina A&T next week. One of the teams that is still in the hunt to tie B-C for the league title is Florida A&M, which enters 7-3 overall but 6-1 in the league.

The Rattlers have won five straight games...

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B-CU's bid for perfection: FAMU next

Videographer: lyhsia (FAMU Marching 100 - Tallahassee, FL Veterans Day Parade 11/11/2010)

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Fans lingering at Municipal Stadium on Saturday -- relieved after late touchdown returns by Reggie Sandilands and Eddie Poole saved Bethune-Cookman's undefeated season -- might have gasped in horror when they caught sight of No. 15.

Star linebacker Ryan Lewis was hobbling on the field with crutches and a bag of ice strapped to his left ankle. "I'm OK. I'm going to play next week," Lewis assured. "I'll be at practice (today)."  Lewis, who had another monster game in the Wildcats' 35-20 victory over Howard, sprained his ankle late in the third quarter. He landed awkwardly while hurdling a running back who was attempting a cut block on him.

FAMU is now ready for Florida Classic

Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor no longer has to plea with his players about not letting the Florida Classic become a distraction. Finally, it is the attraction.  "Now that it's here," Taylor said, "we can put all of our attention on it."

In fact, the game will have the attention of the nation because of what will be riding on it when Florida A&M (7-3, 6-1) takes on Bethune-Cookman University (10-0, 7-0) on Saturday in Orlando. B-CU has locked up a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title. FAMU hopes to earn its sixth consecutive MEAC win and claim a share of the league title.

Marching 100 to debut FAMU fight song

With the annual Florida Classic looming, James Ammons made a request of Julian White. Florida A&M's president wanted the director of the Marching 100 to come up with a signature fight song that's catchier than arch-rival Bethune-Cookman University's "Let's Go Wildcats."

Mission accomplished — provided everyone in Rattlerville can commit the words to memory.

FAMU Marching 100 introduce Convocation crowd to new fight song...

Videographer: atomicdog 1983

2010 FAMU Rattlers Fight Song

We came to have some fun; the party has just begun
(Ladies: Just Begun)
And you know we're number one; gotta get up now.
This is the Rattler Show, Around and Around we go
(Ladies: Round We Go)
And we'bout to strike you know, Gotta Get Up Now.
Gotta Get Up, Get Up, For the Rattlers!

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Videographer: oldskarisa -- This webcast is a student produced show which showcases majority of the festivities for FAMU Homecoming 2010 with host Lenneia Batiste and Paul Delva. Produced by Karisa Olds and Rachel Moore. Editied by Brianna Spires and Karisa Olds.

VSU's good footing

ETTRICK, VA - The Virginia State football team's improbable run to the CIAA championship game is going to be a tough act to follow. But the men's basketball team is not shying away from the challenge. Like the football team, the Trojans were picked to finish fourth in the Northern Division and are looking to duplicate that success.

"They raised the bar for us," said senior Brandon Plummer. "Since they went to the championship, we knew we have to come in and set the tone, just like they did." So far, so good. VSU defeated visiting Pfeiffer 65-52 in the season opener at Daniel Gymnasium Monday.

 Image Gallery for VSU's good footing

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Kentucky State, Chowan Set to Face #1 Seeds in Volleyball Tourney

Kentucky State and Chowan found out their opponents in the NCAA Division II volleyball tournament Monday. Both teams will face the top-seeded teams in their respective regions.

Kentucky State (26-10) will take on Southern regional host and top seed Tampa (26-3) Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The winner of the game will face the Lynn/Barry winner Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Led by junior outside hitter Mercedes Parker and junior setter Brittany Stewart, head coach Kyetta Mays' Thorobrettes got to the tournament by stopping Albany State's nine-year run of SIAC conference championships. KSU won its first conference title since 1997 in Friday's victory against ASU.

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Videographer: MrTshabazz

Doyle’s 30 points Not Enough In Howard's 80-55 Loss to Vanderbilt

Coach Niki Reid Geckeler

Howard will host Radford on Thurs. Nov. 18 beginning at 7 p.m. at Burr Gymnasium

NASHVILLE, TN – Saadia Doyle scored a game-high 30 points as the Howard University women’s basketball team fell to Vanderbilt (1-0), 80-55 in Nashville, Tenn. With the loss, the Lady Bison drop to 0-2 on the season. HU is back in action on Nov. 18 when it hosts Radford beginning at 7 p.m.

“I am pleased with Doyle’s overall performance this weekend,” said head coach Niki Geckeler.

Along with Doyle’s game high, she also pulled down a team-best 10 rebounds for her second-straight double-double of the season. The team was outrebounded 44-32, however. Cheyenne Curley-Payne pulled down five off the glass and dished out four assists.

Tamoria Holmes chipped in with nine points and a team-best five steals. HU outscored the Commodores 6-2 in fast-break points and had 12 points off 16 Vanderbilt turnovers.

“There is a lot of promise for the future,” said Geckeler. “We played with a lot of confidence in the second half.”

The Lady Bison dug themselves an early hole and trailed 49-22 heading into intermission. Howard came out strong in the second half with intesity and outscored VU 33-31, but could not break the Commodores double-digit advantage.

HU held Vanderbilt to just a 25 percent shooting clip (7-for-28), while hitting 13-of-32 for a 40.6 percentage from the floor.

The Lady Bison started the second stint with a 15-5 run over a five-plus span – capped by a Holmes triple – to make it 55-34 at the 14:23 mark. Unfortunately Howard would not get any closer than that as the Commodores pushed the spread to as many as 30 (74-44) with just over five minutes remaining in regulation.

For the game, HU hit 22-for-63 (34.9 percent) from the field, while Vandy finished 23-for-53 (43.4 percent).

The Commodores had four players reach double-figures with Stephanie Holzer leading the team with 20 points and 11 boards off the bench. Vandy’s bench outscored Howard’s bench 35-9. Christina Foggie had 14 points while Jasmine Lister and Angela Puleo finished with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” said Geckeler. “We have to focus on defense and rebounding.”

Press Release
Jamilah Corbitt
Assistant Director of Sports Information
Howard University
howard-bison.com

Albany State, Morehouse, Shaw Enter D-II Playoff Picture

For the first time in SIAC history, two schools will play in the NCAA Division II playoffs in the same year. Albany State and Morehouse were selected to Region II for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Shaw, which defeated Virginia State Saturday for its third CIAA championship in four years, is the lone conference representative. Both St. Augustine's and Winston-Salem State, which had hoped for at-large bids, were left out.



D-II PLAYOFFS: ASU retains No. 1 seed, will face Morehouse-Wingate winner Nov. 27 in Albany

ATLANTA — The NCAA Division II football playoff pairings were announced Sunday and two SIAC teams, Albany State and Morehouse — for the first time in conference history — both earned berths to the postseason.

For the first time since 2004, Albany State finished a perfect 10-0 in the regular season and No. 1 in the region. The Rams, who won their first SIAC title since 2006, will have a bye in the first-round of the playoffs and host the winner of Wingate/Morehouse on Nov. 27 at noon.

Morehouse, which finished 8-2 in the regular season...

Fort Valley State Wildcats left out of playoffs

Donald Pittman wanted two things the past few days. He got one of them. Two teams ahead of Pittman and Fort Valley State in the NCAA Division II Super Region 2 lost in their regular-season finales.

Region No. 2 Valdosta State lost 24-21 on Thursday to West Alabama, but the Blazers were highly unlikely to drop out of the top six in the region. Then on Saturday, region No. 4 North Alabama fell 29-28 to Harding in Gulf South Conference play. "They lost, and we said, ‘We have a chance,’ ” Pittman said. “But it didn’t happen.”

Upon further review, Morehouse in playoffs for first time

The Morehouse football team showed some brashness in holding another party on a playoff selection Sunday after last year’s collective kick in the groin. However, this year's festive gathering didn’t end with a thud when the last playoff team was picked: Morehouse (8-2) will play at Wingate (8-2) on Saturday. Albany State, No. 1 seed in Super Region 2, awaits the winner.

The Maroon Tigers, left out of the postseason last year, had to wait until mid-afternoon to find out if this season would continue.

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WEEK-TWELVE HSRN NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK FAN POLL NOMINEES

Hartly, DE – Each week, HSRN will announce a national player of the week from both the top DI-FCS and Division II action and fan voting will make the pick. The Fan Poll winner will be announced Wednesday afternoon. There were only two Division II teams in action last weekend so there are only two nominees.

The top performances each week will be selected and the fans across the country will get a chance to cast their vote for who they think had the best game. The Fan Poll is designed to get fans involved with the excitement of the HBCU college football action. Fans are asked to log on to HSRN.com and cast their vote for the top performance. Fans can vote on the poll today (Monday, Nov. 15) thru (Wednesday, Nov. 17) until 2pm ET. The nominees are:

Div. I FCS
KJ Black – Prairie View – QB – 6’4, 225 – SR/Louisville, KY
Black completed 18 of 23 passes with no interceptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns, including the winning 35 yard TD pass with four seconds on the clock. The Panthers defeated Alcorn St. 35-27.

DeAngelo Branche – Norfolk St. – QB – 5’11, 200 – SR/Norfolk, VA
Branche picked up 212 yards and three touchdowns to lead NSU to its third straight win 31-21 over Delaware State. Branche topped the 1,000 yard mark for the year and tallied the Spartans first 200 yard rushing game in three years.

Casey Therriault – Jackson St. – QB – 6’3, 205 – JR/Wyoming Park, MI
Therriault completed 22 of 30 passes with no interceptions for 331 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns, finishing the game with 422 total offensive yards. The Tigers defeated Arkansas Pine Bluff 52-30.

Arvell Nelson – Texas Southern – QB – 6’5, 225 – SR/Cleveland, OH
Nelson completed 14 of 23 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winning 10 yard TD run, leading the Tigers to a 41-34 win over Grambling State.

Div. II
Kevin Atkins – Shaw – QB – 6’2, 216 – SR/Durham, NC
Atkins completed 16 of 28 passes for 183 yards and rushed for 60 yards on 10 carries, finishing the game with 243 total offensive yards. He led the Bears to a 14-7 win over Virginia St. in the CIAA Championship game.

Thomas Logan – Stillman – TE – 6’3, 220 – JR/Pass Christian, MS
Logan finished the game with five (5) receptions for 98 yards and three touchdowns. He had TD catches for nine (9), 11 and 27 yards. Stillman defeated Central St. 44-13.

by LeCounte Conaway
Dir. of Communications
HSRN.com

Shaw Edges Virginia State 14-7 to Claim CIAA Championship

The Central Interscholastic Athletic Association (CIAA) football championship game was a tale of two stories Saturday, Nov. 14 at Durham County Stadium.

You would think the Shaw University Bears completely toppled the Virginia State University Trojans (VSU) by looking at the box score. Shaw out gained VSU with 412 total yards compared to the Trojans’ 136. Yet Shaw only barely edged the Trojans, 14-7, to claim the CIAA crown.

VSU was able to keep the score tight despite being blasted by Shaw’s potent running game. Bears’ star tailback Raymond Williams was named Shaw's Most Valuable Player after rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries.



Videographer: hbcusportsonline - (Virginia State University Trojan Explosion 11/13/10)

Trojans fall to the Bears

DURHAM, N.C. - Brian Berry had a step on his defender, it seemed, but the ball sailed just beyond his outstretched arms, thus ending the Virginia State University football team's storybook season. The CIAA Northern Division champions lost to Shaw 14-7, winners of the Southern Division, in the conference championship game at Durham County Stadium on Saturday.

The Bears dominated at times, posting a 412-136 advantage in offensive yards, but the Trojans lingered thanks to an ability to play timely defense and propensity to make big plays when they needed them most. In the end, however, Shaw's senior duo of running back Raymond Williams and quarterback Kevin Atkins did enough to secure the Bears' third conference title in four years.

VSU comes up short in title game

DURHAM, N.C. -- The Virginia State Trojans tried to make the most out of the least yesterday in the CIAA football championship game. And it almost worked. But the Trojans were unable to score when they needed a touchdown most and lost to Shaw University 14-7 in Durham County Stadium.

Shaw will find out today if it advances to the Division II playoffs. The Trojans' postseason hopes rest with the chance of an invitation to the Pioneer Bowl in Columbus, Ga.

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Videographer: hbcusportsonline