Norfolk, Virginia -- Norfolk State didn't have much time to celebrate last weekend's 34-24 win over Hampton in the annual Battle of the Bay or the program's first FCS ranking (No. 25) since 2007.
The Spartans (6-1, 4-0 MEAC) meet visiting Bethune-Cookman (3-3, 1-2) on Thursday night at 7:30 in a game that will be televised by ESPNU. With the condensed week, NSU coach Pete Adrian said he began preparations Saturday night, shortly after the win over HU.
"It does make it very interesting, and for some extremely long hours," he said. "But that's what you've got to do." The Spartans haven't been ranked since a two-week stay in the poll four years ago.
"It's nice to see one of our conference teams get some national recognition, but it really doesn't mean a whole lot," Adrian said of the ranking. "You've got to just keep on playing and trying to win. If you keep winning, it will take care of itself."
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Spartans, 'Cats still rivals
Daytona Beach, Florida -- If you want to know what's become of the recent Norfolk State-Bethune-Cookman rivalry, listen to Wildcats second-year coach Brian Jenkins' appraisal of the Spartans' program. "Norfolk State has always been a good football team," Jenkins said. "They were a good football team last year, and they're a good football team this year."
And that's just it. Jenkins' history with Norfolk State goes back just two years. His Wildcats (3-3, 1-2 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) will try to hand the Spartans (6-1, 4-0) their first conference loss of the season Thursday night in Norfolk, Va., in a game nationally televised by ESPNU.
Norfolk State has not always been a good football team. When head coach Pete Adrian arrived in 2005, the Spartans were coming off two successive one-win seasons. Just two years later, Adrian's team finished 8-3 and came within one game (an overtime loss to eventual champ Delaware State) of winning its first MEAC title.
Adrian again has the Spartans in position to win the conference. So there's plenty of incentive for Norfolk State to be fired up Thursday night when it meets the high-scoring Wildcats. But just a couple of years ago, just the mention of the other school would fire up the teams.
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GAME TIME: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
INTERNET: ESPN3
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
XU celebrates Midnight Madness on Friday at The Barn
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Xavier University of Louisiana will celebrate the 2011-12 basketball season with Midnight Madness at The Barn.The free event will run from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 21), followed by a block party with free food and soft drinks from 10:30 p.m. to midnight in the parking lot in front of The Barn. Midnight Madness and the block party will be open to all.
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| The 2011-12 Xavier Gold Nuggets basketball team Last season: 27-7, GCAC Tournament champion, ranked 20th in NAIA (click photo to enlarge) |
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| The 2011-12 Xavier Gold Rush basketball team Last season: 27-6, GCAC Tournament runner-up, ranked 17th in NAIA (click photo to enlarge) |
Fans can participate by entering a costume contest — the person whose costume best demonstrates Xavier spirit will win $100 — and more prizes will be awarded during a 3-point shooting contest.
The Rush and Nuggets, both 27-game winners and NAIA Division I National Championship participants this past season, will conduct 15-minute intrasquad scrimmages. Xavier's three spirit groups — the cheerleaders, the Gold Star Dancers and the Golden Girls pom squad — also will perform.
"You can expect a few surprises too," said Bo Browder, in his 13th season as coach of XU's women. "Our fans will have fun and be entertained at Midnight Madness."
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
Florida A&M Rattlers Preps For South Carolina State Bulldogs
Tallahassee, Florida - FAMU was able to avoid a letdown after its homecoming loss to Howard and responded by thrashing the Tigers of Savannah State 47-7. "We measure greatness by how you respond to adversity and in my mind we really passed a major test," says Joe Taylor.
One exam to be followed by another. FAMU travels to South Carolina State this weekend in a game which the losers championship dreams will practically be erased. Taylor adds, "The bottom line is it's still a conference ballgame. We're on the road but from the way we play I'm really not concerned with the opponent anymore because seemingly we have our act together."
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LOCATION: OLIVER C. DAWSON STADIUM, ORANGEBURG, S.C.
GAME TIME: 1:30 PM
WATCH GAME LIVE ON INTERNET FREE: ESPN3
DELAYED TV BROADCAST: ESPNU @ 10:30 PM ET
FAMU's offense getting job done
The chase for the MEAC title might look a little bleak right now for Florida A&M but the Rattlers are proving that they have the offensive power that might land them in the thick of the race when it's all said and done.
Seven games into the season with a 4-3 overall record and 2-2 in conference play, FAMU is leading the league in scoring offense among the teams that have played as many games. Its 28 touchdowns is the most in the conference, three more than Bethune-Cookman University, which has played six games, and one more than South Carolina State, which has also played seven games.
FAMU has scored 209 points and is averaging 312 yards per game. FAMU also leads the league in the red zone, scoring on 26 of 28 chances.
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FAMU zoned in on chasing the MEAC title
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Through its seven games, Florida A&M has had enough ups and downs and that should help to get the Rattlers zoned in on their next game. At least that's the feeling expressed by coach Joe Taylor, whose team has left him with a few head-scratching moments.
FAMU plays a season-defining game with South Carolina State, a team that has also been having its struggles this season. But even so, a victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday is pivotal to FAMU remaining in the chase for a shot at the MEAC championship.
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Taylor, FAMU hoping to end S.C. State’s streak
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A question brought a brief chuckle from Florida A&M head football coach Joe Taylor during Tuesday's weekly teleconference.
It regarded the Rattlers' eight-game losing streak to South Carolina State dating back to Buddy Pough's arrival in 2002. Taylor was prompted to laugh after pointing out he's been at the helm for only three of those losses, although he has a five-game losing streak to the Bulldogs counting his final two seasons at Hampton.
"South Carolina State has just built a tremendous talent base over the years there and that's what is going to make a difference if that's ever going to end," Taylor said. "It's going to be because you had a chance to recruit and get your talent base up to a level where you can compete legitimately."
Entering Saturday's matchup at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium ...
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One exam to be followed by another. FAMU travels to South Carolina State this weekend in a game which the losers championship dreams will practically be erased. Taylor adds, "The bottom line is it's still a conference ballgame. We're on the road but from the way we play I'm really not concerned with the opponent anymore because seemingly we have our act together."
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LOCATION: OLIVER C. DAWSON STADIUM, ORANGEBURG, S.C.
GAME TIME: 1:30 PM
WATCH GAME LIVE ON INTERNET FREE: ESPN3
DELAYED TV BROADCAST: ESPNU @ 10:30 PM ET
FAMU's offense getting job done
The chase for the MEAC title might look a little bleak right now for Florida A&M but the Rattlers are proving that they have the offensive power that might land them in the thick of the race when it's all said and done.
Seven games into the season with a 4-3 overall record and 2-2 in conference play, FAMU is leading the league in scoring offense among the teams that have played as many games. Its 28 touchdowns is the most in the conference, three more than Bethune-Cookman University, which has played six games, and one more than South Carolina State, which has also played seven games.
FAMU has scored 209 points and is averaging 312 yards per game. FAMU also leads the league in the red zone, scoring on 26 of 28 chances.
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FAMU zoned in on chasing the MEAC title
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Through its seven games, Florida A&M has had enough ups and downs and that should help to get the Rattlers zoned in on their next game. At least that's the feeling expressed by coach Joe Taylor, whose team has left him with a few head-scratching moments.
FAMU plays a season-defining game with South Carolina State, a team that has also been having its struggles this season. But even so, a victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday is pivotal to FAMU remaining in the chase for a shot at the MEAC championship.
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Taylor, FAMU hoping to end S.C. State’s streak
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A question brought a brief chuckle from Florida A&M head football coach Joe Taylor during Tuesday's weekly teleconference.
It regarded the Rattlers' eight-game losing streak to South Carolina State dating back to Buddy Pough's arrival in 2002. Taylor was prompted to laugh after pointing out he's been at the helm for only three of those losses, although he has a five-game losing streak to the Bulldogs counting his final two seasons at Hampton.
"South Carolina State has just built a tremendous talent base over the years there and that's what is going to make a difference if that's ever going to end," Taylor said. "It's going to be because you had a chance to recruit and get your talent base up to a level where you can compete legitimately."
Entering Saturday's matchup at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium ...
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Billups is solid at Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi -- Jonathan Billups has become a solid part to one of the toughest defenses in college football. Billups, a former all-state player at Picayune High, is in his second season as a starting defensive lineman for Jackson State. The Tigers are 6-1 after Saturday’s win over in-state rival Mississippi Valley, and the JSU defense is the tops in Division I-AA against the run.“I think I’ve been playing pretty well, but I am always trying to get better every day,” Billups, who lines up at both nose and tackle, said. “I think I have gotten better each year I have been here, and I just plan on continuing to work hard and improve each time out.”
So far this season, Billups has started every game and has recorded 31 total tackles, including 13 solo stops. He has one sack, and five tackles for loss, and he has one fumble recovery, one pass break up and one quarterback hurry.
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Bishop's Jessica Johnson commits to Norfolk State
Land O' Lakes, Florida -- Bishop McLaughlin senior volleyball player Jessica Johnson has verbally committed to Norfolk State, Hurricanes coach Douglas Chinchar said Tuesday.
Johnson visited the MEAC school in Virginia over the weekend. She plans to sign in the early signing period next month, when she would become the first volleyball player in Bishop history to sign with a Division I program, Chinchar said. She also made an official visit to Maryland Eastern Shore.
Johnson, an outside hitter, is among the North Suncoast’s leaders in aces (1.4 per game) and kills (5.1 per game). She has 995 kills in her high school career and will likely record her 1,000th this week.
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Johnson visited the MEAC school in Virginia over the weekend. She plans to sign in the early signing period next month, when she would become the first volleyball player in Bishop history to sign with a Division I program, Chinchar said. She also made an official visit to Maryland Eastern Shore.
Johnson, an outside hitter, is among the North Suncoast’s leaders in aces (1.4 per game) and kills (5.1 per game). She has 995 kills in her high school career and will likely record her 1,000th this week.
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SCSU Bulldogs, FAMU Rattlers alike, Pough says
Orangeburg, South Carolina -- Winning two straight games and climbing over the .500 mark for the first time all season is a positive in South Carolina State head football coach Buddy Pough's book.
It does not necessary mean in his eyes, however, the Bulldogs have "turned a corner" into becoming a complete Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship contender. On Monday, Pough said the team remains a work in progress although he believes a home win Saturday over Florida A&M would bring them a step closer towards becoming what he envisioned in the preseason.
"I think the jury is probably still out," he said. "We don't necessarily have the confidence to really say that we've got it pretty much on track. I can tell you though is that I think I see that happening. We need another win or two as this week will go big in that direction of trying to make that determination."
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It does not necessary mean in his eyes, however, the Bulldogs have "turned a corner" into becoming a complete Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship contender. On Monday, Pough said the team remains a work in progress although he believes a home win Saturday over Florida A&M would bring them a step closer towards becoming what he envisioned in the preseason.
"I think the jury is probably still out," he said. "We don't necessarily have the confidence to really say that we've got it pretty much on track. I can tell you though is that I think I see that happening. We need another win or two as this week will go big in that direction of trying to make that determination."
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Streaking Xavier Gold Nuggets picked to win another GCAC title
NEW ORLEANS — No surprise here. Xavier University of Louisiana, winner of its past 29 games against Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponents, was picked first again in the preseason coaches poll.The Gold Nuggets received seven first-place votes and 49 points. SUNO received the other first-place vote and tied with Tougaloo for second place with 37 points.
It's the ninth time in 10 seasons that the Nuggets finished in the top two of the coaches poll.
Xavier hasn't lost to a GCAC team since a 59-56 decision at LSU-Shreveport in the semifinals of the conference tournament on March 6, 2009. The Gold Nuggets went 18-0 in the GCAC regular season and 3-0 in the tournament in 2009-10, then 6-0 in the regular season and 2-0 in the tournament this past year.LSUS no longer is in the GCAC, but the conference expanded from six to eight teams during the summer by adding Philander Smith and Talladega. All teams will play a double round-robin schedule of 14 games.
Keldra Hall, Jazmoné Kelly and Brandi Young, all seniors, are returning starters for Xavier, which will travel to SEC member LSU for a 7 p.m. exhibition on Nov. 2, then open the regular season at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 against Florida Memorial at The Barn. Hall and Kelly were All-GCAC this past season, and Young was All-GCAC Tournament. Hall was GCAC Newcomer of the Year.
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By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
Bulldogs’ basketball team full of excitement as practice begins
Orangeburg, South Carolina - The first official practice for men's basketball Saturday morning at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center marked an end and a beginning for South Carolina State.As far as the players and head coach Tim Carter are concerned, the book on last year's 10-22 season was officially closed and they're determined to focus on producing a more successful account.
"Don't talk about it," Carter said. "I mean, that's a word we don't even say ‘last year' because it doesn't matter what happened last year other than you don't want it to happen again." "We've got that bad taste in our mouth from last year," point guard Khalif Toombs said. "We're ready to get that out and have a good season."
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Grambling breathing easier after win
Grambling, Louisiana - Monday provided Grambling its first chance since early September to start a new week of meetings and practice on a positive note."It's cured the cold so far," Doug Williams said Monday about beating Concordia, 44-0. "I think not only for the players, but for the coaches. In meetings (Monday) morning, you could feel in the room that it's a better atmosphere when you win, no matter who you play, and hopefully it's contagious not only from the coaches' standpoint but all the way down to the players and the fans."
But much of the coach's comments about his team and its status midway through the season remained similar to those that had followed four consecutive losses.
"You've got a chance to smile a little more because you've got a 'W' up under your belt," he said...
XU's Gold Rush picked for second in GCAC preseason poll
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana, which returns nine of 11 lettermen and four starters from its 27-6 men's basketball team of this past season, is picked to finish second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference in 2011-12.
The Gold Rush received one first-place vote and 43 points in a poll of the GCAC's head coaches, who were not allowed to vote for their own team. Tougaloo topped the poll with 49 points and received the other seven first-place votes.
Four points separated the third- through seventh-place teams.
The GCAC expanded during the summer from six to eight teams with the addition of Philander Smith and Talladega. Unlike last season, all GCAC teams will play a double round-robin schedule, with the conference awarding regular-season and tournament championships. Tougaloo defeated Xavier 93-80 in overtime to win the GCAC Tournament in March.
Xavier's returning starters are guards Chris Iles and Kevin Miller and forwards Anthony Simmons and Denzell Erves. Simmons was All-GCAC this past season, and Iles led the conference in assists per game. They helped Xavier win its first 13 games for the first time since 1940-41 and record a school-record-tying 11th consecutive winning season.
The XU men will open their 74th season at 7 p.m. on Nov. 2 at The Barn against Carver College of Atlanta.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
The Gold Rush received one first-place vote and 43 points in a poll of the GCAC's head coaches, who were not allowed to vote for their own team. Tougaloo topped the poll with 49 points and received the other seven first-place votes.
Four points separated the third- through seventh-place teams.
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The GCAC expanded during the summer from six to eight teams with the addition of Philander Smith and Talladega. Unlike last season, all GCAC teams will play a double round-robin schedule, with the conference awarding regular-season and tournament championships. Tougaloo defeated Xavier 93-80 in overtime to win the GCAC Tournament in March.
Xavier's returning starters are guards Chris Iles and Kevin Miller and forwards Anthony Simmons and Denzell Erves. Simmons was All-GCAC this past season, and Iles led the conference in assists per game. They helped Xavier win its first 13 games for the first time since 1940-41 and record a school-record-tying 11th consecutive winning season.The XU men will open their 74th season at 7 p.m. on Nov. 2 at The Barn against Carver College of Atlanta.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorVISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
Mitchell 1-for-2 on late choices
Baton Rouge, Lousiana - In the final moments of Saturday’s 22-21 loss at Arkansas-Pine Bluff last week, Southern coach Stump Mitchell had to make two crucial decisions. One of them was right on the money. One wasn’t.With 2 seconds left, the Jaguars were down by seven points and had the ball at the UAPB 11-yard line. Southern lined up for a play, and UAPB took a timeout - ostensibly to take a longer look at the Jaguars’ offensive formation.
Mitchell then called for a throwback screen to Sylvester Nzekwe, which gave the Jaguars the touchdown they needed. The call, and the players’ execution of it, fooled the defense enough for Nzekwe to beat a lone defender and sneak inside the left pylon.
That, in turn, left Mitchell with another tough decision: Should he go for an all-or-nothing two-point conversion? Or try for the extra point and overtime?
Norfolk State cracks Top 25 for first time since 2007
Norfolk, Virginia -- No. 24 is not enough.
That's where the Norfolk State football team sits in The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 poll released Monday. It's the first national ranking for NSU since 2007.
That didn't satisfy linebacker Corwin Hammond.
"My dad and I were talking about it today," Hammond said. "We're No. 24. I'm not going to name names, but there are teams ahead of us with three losses. If we're unbeaten in the MEAC, we should at least be ahead of teams with three losses. But those things have never respected us. It's why we always play with a chip on our shoulder."
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That's where the Norfolk State football team sits in The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 poll released Monday. It's the first national ranking for NSU since 2007.
FCS/FATHEAD.COM TOP 25
| Team (No. 1 votes) | Record | Points | Pvs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ga. Southern (125) | 6-0 | 3,871 | 1 |
| 2. Northern Iowa (18) | 5-1 | 3,732 | 2 |
| 3. N. Dakota State (9) | 6-0 | 3,509 | 4 |
| 4. Montana State (2) | 6-1 | 3,502 | 3 |
| 5. Wofford (3) | 5-1 | 3,354 | 5 |
| 6. Appalachian State | 4-2 | 2,957 | 6 |
| 7. Sam Houston State | 6-0 | 2,808 | 10 |
| 8. Lehigh | 6-1 | 2,795 | 8 |
| 9. Maine | 5-1 | 2,481 | 12 |
| 10. Jacksonville State | 5-1 | 2,480 | 11 |
| 11. James Madison | 5-2 | 2,275 | 13 |
| 12. Montana | 5-2 | 2,083 | 14 |
| 13. New Hampshire | 4-2 | 2,062 | 6 |
| 14. William and Mary | 4-3 | 1,882 | 16 |
| 15. Towson | 5-1 | 1,795 | 17 |
| 16. Delaware | 4-3 | 1,371 | 9 |
| 17. Indiana State | 5-2 | 1,235 | 21 |
| 18. Richmond | 3-3 | 843 | 20 |
| 19. Alabama State | 6-1 | 768 | 24 |
| 20. North Dakota | 4-2 | 747 | 23 |
| 21. Old Dominion | 5-2 | 671 | 18 |
| 22. Massachusetts | 4-2 | 668 | NR |
| 23. Jackson State | 6-1 | 529 | 25 |
| 24. Norfolk State | 6-1 | 511 | NR |
| 25. South Dakota | 4-3 | 477 | 15 |
That didn't satisfy linebacker Corwin Hammond.
"My dad and I were talking about it today," Hammond said. "We're No. 24. I'm not going to name names, but there are teams ahead of us with three losses. If we're unbeaten in the MEAC, we should at least be ahead of teams with three losses. But those things have never respected us. It's why we always play with a chip on our shoulder."
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Monday, October 17, 2011
Prairie View misses chances against Alabama State
Prairie View, Texas - Prairie View A&M came back to earth a bit with Saturday's 20-7 loss to conference rival Alabama State.
The Panthers (4-3, 4-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) saw their three-game winning streak end under a mountain of missed opportunities. They outgained Alabama State 456-296 in total yards but committed three turnovers and missed three field goals. Prairie View also came up empty on four fourth-down attempts, including three inside the red zone.
However, there were some bright spots. The Panthers moved the ball consistently on offense, and the defense had a solid performance. Freshman running back Fred Anderson rushed for 101 yards on 20 carries, becoming the first PV player to top the century mark this year.
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The Panthers (4-3, 4-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) saw their three-game winning streak end under a mountain of missed opportunities. They outgained Alabama State 456-296 in total yards but committed three turnovers and missed three field goals. Prairie View also came up empty on four fourth-down attempts, including three inside the red zone.
However, there were some bright spots. The Panthers moved the ball consistently on offense, and the defense had a solid performance. Freshman running back Fred Anderson rushed for 101 yards on 20 carries, becoming the first PV player to top the century mark this year.
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Walker stressing short-term goals for loaded ECSU Vikings
Camden, North Carolina - The surroundings may not have been familiar, but when Elizabeth City State men’s basketball coach Shawn Walker looked around the Camden High gym Sunday, there were plenty of familiar faces.The Vikings, conducting their second day of preseason practice at Camden because homecoming festivities had the RL Vaughan Center booked, return 12 players from the team that went 18-10 last season, including most of the starters.
Two other known quantities — former CIAA Rookie of the Year Angelo Sharpless and Winston-Salem State transfer Michael Bonner — are also on the roster.
Sharpless sat out the 2010-11 season while mending a broken leg and then dealing with a few undisclosed issues while Bonner was a regular at practice last year, but couldn’t play when he got caught up in an unexpected interpretation of a CIAA transfer rule.
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Johnson C. Smith basketball seeks consistency, avoiding tailspin
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| Head Coach Steve Joyner Sr. |
"That's not going to cut it," junior point guard Trevin Parks said Sunday at Golden Bulls Frenzy at Brayboy Gym. "We need to win over 20 games, and I'm willing to take on the task of leading this team on and off the court to make sure my guys are doing what they need to do for us to win."
"We're aware of our season last year, what did do and what we didn't do," coach Steve Joyner said. "We want to better that this year."
Parks, a Division II All-American who averaged 21.2 points per game last season, will have experienced help as the Golden Bulls look to become a quicker, transition-oriented team. Phillip Wood, a 6-foot2 transfer from Talladega (Ala.) College, is expected to ...
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VISIT: JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY
VISIT: GOLDENBULLSSPORTS
Sunday, October 16, 2011
ASU 20, Prairie View 7: Hornets take rival by swarm
Montgomery, Alabama -- It's a formula that continues to work for 24th-ranked Alabama State.
Nick Andrews hauled in a touchdown pass from Greg Jenkins and the defense forced three turnovers to help ASU remain unbeaten in conference play with a 20-7 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday at Cramton Bowl.
Saturday's game pitted the top teams in each division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference in what could be a preview of the SWAC Championship Game on Dec. 10.
"It's a championship-caliber game, the best team in the West and the best team in the East clashing," Jenkins said. "Both teams have great defenses, so you can't really expect a high-scoring game."
Jenkins completed 12 of 31 passes for 215 yards, throwing one touchdown pass and running for another as the Hornets (6-1) improved to 6-0 in SWAC play.
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Nick Andrews hauled in a touchdown pass from Greg Jenkins and the defense forced three turnovers to help ASU remain unbeaten in conference play with a 20-7 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday at Cramton Bowl.
Saturday's game pitted the top teams in each division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference in what could be a preview of the SWAC Championship Game on Dec. 10.
"It's a championship-caliber game, the best team in the West and the best team in the East clashing," Jenkins said. "Both teams have great defenses, so you can't really expect a high-scoring game."
Jenkins completed 12 of 31 passes for 215 yards, throwing one touchdown pass and running for another as the Hornets (6-1) improved to 6-0 in SWAC play.
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Norfolk State wins Battle of the Bay, beats Hampton U. 34-24
Norfolk, Virginia -- Norfolk State's first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship is now a little closer to reality, while Hampton's first league title since 2006 slipped further out of reach.
The Spartans jumped out to a 20-point lead, then held off a second-half rally to beat the Pirates 34-24 on Saturday at Dick Price Stadium in the 49th annual Battle of the Bay. Norfolk State improved to 6-1 for the second time since joining the Division I ranks in 1997 and 4-0 in the MEAC for the first time since 2007, while Hampton fell to 3-3 and 1-2.
"We preached to our guys all week: This is why you play the game, to be in a position like this and kind of control your destiny," third-year HU coach Donovan Rose said. " … It's real tough. You can't allow a team to get 27 points in the first half."
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Norfolk State loving its spread, thriving in Walley World
NORFOLK, Virginia — With Saturday's 34-24 win over Hampton University, Norfolk State is 6-1 for only the second time since becoming moving up to Division I in 1997. But to trace the Spartans' success, go back to a four-game stretch last fall in which they went 0-4 and scored only two offensive touchdowns.
No coach relishes changing his offensive scheme with four weeks left in the season, but that's what NSU's Pete Adrian felt compelled to do. And ever they ditched the power game and went with the no-huddle spread, the Spartans are 10-1 and averaging 29 points a game.
Norfolk State raced out to a 17-0 first-quarter lead thanks to premium field position. Hampton won the opening coin toss and elected to receive, leaving the Pirates playing into a stiff wind that played a role in punts of 23 and 28 yards on their first two possessions. Those kicks gave the Spartans the ball at the Hampton 39 and 29, and Norfolk State scored touchdowns on both abbreviated drives.
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Big plays at right time put Walley, NSU in rarefied air
NORFOLK, Virginia - A few minutes before kickoff Saturday, the Norfolk State band played its team onto the field to "We Are the Champions." The Spartans, who remain undefeated in the MEAC, like the sound of that, but for the time being, they'd be happy to be included in the FCS top 25. They will be now.
"Hard to keep us out at six and one," coach Pete Adrian said after his team defeated Hampton 34-24 at Dick Price Stadium.
Norfolk State knocked on the door last week, finishing 26th in the vote. The door started to come off its hinges when the Spartans jumped to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter. By then, Chris Walley had already thrown two of his three first-half touchdown passes en route to racking up 265 yards through the air.
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The Spartans jumped out to a 20-point lead, then held off a second-half rally to beat the Pirates 34-24 on Saturday at Dick Price Stadium in the 49th annual Battle of the Bay. Norfolk State improved to 6-1 for the second time since joining the Division I ranks in 1997 and 4-0 in the MEAC for the first time since 2007, while Hampton fell to 3-3 and 1-2.
"We preached to our guys all week: This is why you play the game, to be in a position like this and kind of control your destiny," third-year HU coach Donovan Rose said. " … It's real tough. You can't allow a team to get 27 points in the first half."
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Norfolk State loving its spread, thriving in Walley World
NORFOLK, Virginia — With Saturday's 34-24 win over Hampton University, Norfolk State is 6-1 for only the second time since becoming moving up to Division I in 1997. But to trace the Spartans' success, go back to a four-game stretch last fall in which they went 0-4 and scored only two offensive touchdowns.
No coach relishes changing his offensive scheme with four weeks left in the season, but that's what NSU's Pete Adrian felt compelled to do. And ever they ditched the power game and went with the no-huddle spread, the Spartans are 10-1 and averaging 29 points a game.
Norfolk State raced out to a 17-0 first-quarter lead thanks to premium field position. Hampton won the opening coin toss and elected to receive, leaving the Pirates playing into a stiff wind that played a role in punts of 23 and 28 yards on their first two possessions. Those kicks gave the Spartans the ball at the Hampton 39 and 29, and Norfolk State scored touchdowns on both abbreviated drives.
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Big plays at right time put Walley, NSU in rarefied air
NORFOLK, Virginia - A few minutes before kickoff Saturday, the Norfolk State band played its team onto the field to "We Are the Champions." The Spartans, who remain undefeated in the MEAC, like the sound of that, but for the time being, they'd be happy to be included in the FCS top 25. They will be now.
"Hard to keep us out at six and one," coach Pete Adrian said after his team defeated Hampton 34-24 at Dick Price Stadium.
Norfolk State knocked on the door last week, finishing 26th in the vote. The door started to come off its hinges when the Spartans jumped to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter. By then, Chris Walley had already thrown two of his three first-half touchdown passes en route to racking up 265 yards through the air.
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JCSU victorious on homecoming 26-19 over Virginia Union
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Johnson C. Smith University football team defeated Virginia Union University 26-19 on Saturday afternoon inside the Irwin Belk Complex during their homecoming contest. JCSU improves to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in the CIAA; while the Panthers drop to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the conference.The Golden Bulls continue to make new history this season. Head coach Steven Aycock has already picked up four wins just seven games into the year. JCSU had not produced a plus three-win season since 2006; they finished 7-4 in the standings. That season was also marked the last time Johnson C. Smith had been 3-1 in the CIAA.
Aycock earns his first career victory against Virginia Union and their head coach Michael Bailey in his third season (1-2). This is also the first homecoming win for Aycock. Johnson C. Smith is 3-0 at home this year.
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N.C. A&T ends years of frustration with a homecoming victory
Greensboro, North Carolina -- "Now this is how a homecoming game should be," said an N.C. A&T fan after the Aggies scored an early touchdown during their game against Delaware State.
That was one of four scores in the first half as A&T rolled to a 42-24 win over the Hornets. It was the first homecoming win for A&T at Aggie Stadium since 2003.
"I'm excited for our players, for them to have had an opportunity to taste some success, win the first homecoming they've won since they've been here and mostly for playing the way they are playing," said N.C. A&T coach Rod Broadway. "We still have a lot of work to do before we develop into the type of football team we are capable of having here. Like any win, it's a good win."
The Aggies improved to 4-2 on the season and, more importantly, 3-0 in the MEAC, and Broadway said his team is beginning to understand that success in one game doesn't always equal success in the next. A&T faces four consecutive conference road games starting with Howard next Saturday.
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