Alabama A&M led by Mason, Lacey and offense

NORMAL, Alabama - Alabama A&M is hoping Deaunte Mason, Kaderius Lacey and an offense with every starter back can lead the Bulldogs back into the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game.

The Bulldogs, who have been known more for defense in recent years, have perhaps the league's top backfield returning. Mason is the preseason All-SWAC quarterback and Lacey earned the honors at running back.

Mason threw for 1,996 yards and rushed for 512 last season, finishing third in the SWAC in total offense.

"He's the veteran quarterback that's been through all the battles," Bulldogs coach Anthony Jones said. "Now, he has to live up to that expectation to be the best in the conference."

Lacey finished with a school-record 1,143 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

Alabama A&M lost to ...

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SWAC Releases 2012 Football Broadcast Schedule

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Southwestern Athletic Conference released its football broadcast schedule, including a 10-game slate on SWAC TV, the league’s internet broadcast site.

The schedule has eight games across ESPN networks, plus national and regional television dates with NBC, Versus, and SportSouth. Games shown on ESPNU will be tape-delayed and streamed live on ESPN3.

In all, 21 SWAC games are scheduled to be televised during the 2012 football season.

Sat., Sept. 1
Grambling State vs. Alcorn State - Shreveport, LA, 6:00 p.m. SWACTV
Jackson State at Mississippi State - Starkville, MS, 6:00 p.m. FoxSportsSouth

Sun. Sept 2
Bethune-Cookman vs. Alabama State - Orlando, FL, 11:00 a.m. ESPN-Live

Sat. Sept. 8
Jackson State vs. Tennessee State - Memphis, TN, 6:00 p.m. FoxSportsSouth
Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Alabama A&M - Pine Bluff, AR 6:00 p.m. SWAC-TV

Thu. Sept. 13
Southern vs. Mississippi Valley State - Baton Rouge, LA, 6:30 p.m. ESPNU-Tape Delay

Sat. Sept. 15
Grambling State vs. Alabama State - Grambling, LA, 4:00 p.m. SWACTV

Thu. Sept. 20
Alabama State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Montgomery, AL 6:30 p.m. ESPNU

Sat. Sept. 22
Texas Southern vs. Alabama A&M - Houston, TX 11:00 a.m. SWACTV

Sat. Sept. 29
Jackson State vs. Prairie View - Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. SWACTV
Alabama A&M vs. Grambling State - Huntsville, AL 6:00 p.m. ESPNU

Sat. Oct. 6
Prairie View vs. Grambling - Dallas, TX 6:00 p.m. ESPNU
Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Jackson State - Pine Bluff, AR 6:00 p.m. SWACTV

Sat. Oct. 13
Southern vs. Texas Southern - Baton Rouge, LA 5:30 p.m. SWACTV

Sat. Oct. 20
Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State - Jackson, MS 3:00 p.m. SWACTV

Sat. Oct. 27
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State - Birmingham, AL 2:30 p.m. ESPNU
Texas Southern vs. Grambling State - Houston, TX 4:00 p.m. SWACTV

Sat. Nov. 3
Alabama A&M vs. Southern - Huntsville, AL 1:00 p.m. SWACTV

Thu. Nov. 22
Alabama State vs. Tuskegee - Montgomery, AL 3:00 p.m. ESPNU

Sat, Nov 24
Southern vs. Grambling State - New Orleans, LA 1:30 p.m. NBC Sports

Sat, Dec 8
SWAC Championship Game - Birmingham, AL 1:00 p.m. ESPNU

COURTESY SWAC.ORG

1,000 show up for scrimmage, Fan Day at Savannah State

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -  Two Savannah State players who never saw the field last season made the biggest plays in the Tigers’ scrimmage Saturday night at T.A. Wright Stadium.

Wideout Angelo Cauley scored the team’s first touchdown of the 2012 preseason. Some of SSU’s defensive success can be attributed to the play of freshman lineman Andrew Gardner.

“We keep harping on it,” Tigers coach Steve Davenport said. “We’re really, really young. But we think the young guys we have are going to be really good.”

Playing with the second-string, Cauley completed an eight-play, 84-yard drive by catching a short out-pattern pass from quarterback Victorian Hardison and juking defenders before getting into the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown.

“It gives me a lot of confidence going into the season,” said Cauley, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound sophomore from Lakeside High School in Atlanta.

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It's a thinking man's game with Jackson State MLB Wilcher

JACKSON, Mississippi - As Jackson State's starting middle linebacker, senior Todd Wilcher has proven to be a big hitter. In fact, it's something the 6-foot-1, 230-pound redshirt junior from Atlanta prides himself in.

But that's not the aspect of the game that brings him the biggest sense of satisfaction.



No, for Wilcher, who last year led the Tigers with 76 tackles, it's his role as the brain trust of the JSU defense that most allows him to puff out his chest.

JSU defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes likes to joke that in his defense, "We only allow two people to think, that's the middle linebacker and the free safety.

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Jenkins, Riley hoping to lead ASU to SWAC title

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - The Alabama State Hornets didn't upgrade their ambitions after bringing former Georgia tailback Isaiah Crowell into the fold.

They might feel even better about their chances of winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference, though. Crowell joined an already experienced team led by quarterback Greg Jenkins and safety Kejuan Riley in early July, a few days after getting kicked off the Georgia team following his arrest on felony weapons charges.

"Obviously the young man has been blessed with some athletic ability," Hornets coach Reggie Barlow said. "He's an explosive running back. He has size and power.

"Our goals and our focus, our thought process, is ...

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Former MEAC star C.J. Reed joins Georgia Southern Men’s Basketball

STATESBORO, Georgia. – Former Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year C.J. Reed signed a scholarship agreement to attend Georgia Southern University and play basketball for the Eagles. Reed, a 6-3, 200-lb. point guard, sat out the 2011-12 season at UCF as per NCAA rules after transferring from Bethune-Cookman in June of 2011. The rising senior was permitted to transfer and can participate immediately following an NCAA ruling last month.

“C.J. Reed is just a great all-around player and he’s a coach’s son, so he plays the game the right way,” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Charlton “C.Y.” Young. “I first saw him play as a ninth-grader and I’ve been a fan of his work ethic and the way he respects the game since.  I’m honored he chose our program as the place for him to finish his career.”

The HBCU National Player of the Year for 2010-11, Reed averaged 18.8 points per game as a junior during 2010-11, scoring 20 points or more on 16 occasions. He finished his three-year career at Bethune-Cookman as the Tigers’ all-time assists leader and sixth on the all-time scoring list with 1,654 points.

Reed earned All-MEAC recognition each of his three years as a Wildcat.  He garnered Rookie of the Year and second-team honors after ...

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Miles College: Defending a title

FAIRFIELD, Alabama - In 2011, the Miles College Golden Bears won their first SIAC football title in 26 years and now they've set out to defend it under 2nd year head coach Reginald Ruffin.

With 18 players returning, the Golden Bears have a good chance for a repeat season but it all starts out on the practice field.



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CIAA trying to bounce back after a $500K deficit

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has a $500K deficit. Officials say between ticket sales, a decline in sponsorships, and unexpected legal fees have caused the organization to go into the red.

"We are trying to deal with legal issues and challenges," CIAA Board Chairman Dr. Mickey Burnim said. "Sometimes that involves payment and sometimes it involves legal fees for lawyers to work on things."

Burnim said to help with the budget gap, the board is requesting each CIAA school to give $25,000 to help the organization bounce back. This is the first time in recent history the CIAA had to lean on schools to fill the void.

"A solid majority of the board," Burnim said. "Felt that was the best approach to take in dealing with it."

The organization hopes other money it claims is due to them will help raise the rest of the money. "This economy is tough," Burnim said. "And so the board exercised its fiduciary responsibilities and see the conference through it."

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Morehouse and Howard to open 2012 seasons in Classic as longstanding rivalry continues

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Morehouse College and Howard University football programs will meet for the 35th time in the 2nd annual AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ at RFK Stadium on Saturday, September 1 in the season opener for both schools. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.

In the rematch, bragging rights are at stake for the two teams whose combined rosters include 12 preseason All-Conference selections.

The return of outstanding players such as Bison All-American linebacker Keith Pough and Maroon Tigers running back David Carter, coupled with the memories of last year’s inaugural Classic thriller in which Howard pulled out a nail-biting 30-27 win, promises to make this year’s rematch even more competitive.

The Bison hold a 22-10-2 advantage in the series including four straight wins.



“The sense of tradition between these two schools inspires a classic college football experience that we are happy to once again bring to our nation’s capital,” Erik A. Moses, managing director of Events DC’s Sports and Entertainment Division.

“Last year’s game was exciting for both schools and their fans. We expect the same determination and drive from both teams to come out victorious and register their first win of the season.”

Whereas last year’s inaugural game started a great sports tradition in our nation’s capital, the Bison victory set the stage for another enticing match-up this year. Howard Head Coach Gary “The Flea” Harrell will look to Pough for defensive leadership. Pough, who is included on most preseason football honors lists, was named a 2012 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Preseason All-American and the College Sports Madness Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Pough is also one of 20 finalists for the highly coveted Buck Buchanan Award presented annually to the best defensive player in the FCS. With a strong season, Pough could break the FCS record for both total tackles and tackles for a loss in a career.

Assisting Pough on the defensive side of the ball is red-shirt senior defensive back DeCarlos Knight. Knight, a 2012 preseason All-MEAC Second Team Selection, recorded 46 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a pair of blocked kicks in the 2011 Season.

Offensively for the Bison, quarterback Greg McGhee, last year’s MEAC Rookie of the Year, College Sports Networks “Inside the Huddle” 2011 Black College Freshman of the Year and inaugural Classic MVP, will be back under center for his sophomore season.

“Last year’s victory over Morehouse was a huge win for us and was a catalyst for a great season for us,” said Harrell. “With this year’s Classic being the season opener for both teams, the energy and level of play is going to be that much more intense.”

On the opposing sideline, the Maroon Tigers have reason to be confident as they were picked to win the East Division in the 2012 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Preseason Poll. Eight Maroon Tigers have been selected to the Preseason Football All-Conference Team including 2011 SIAC Player of the Year and AFCA All-American running back David Carter, who returns for his senior season.

Carter is just 150 rushing yards shy of setting the career rushing yards record at Morehouse currently held by John David Washington (son of actor Denzel Washington) with 3,669 total yards.



Last season, the Morehouse defense finished the season ranked second in total defense in the SIAC, and with three first team All-SIAC members they will aim to finish the 2012 season on top. They will look to build on a 2011-2012 season record of 8-2 as they seek redemption from last year’s Classic nail-biting loss.

“Last year was the kind of game that football fans love to see, especially in an inaugural HBCU classic,” said Morehouse Head Coach Rich Freeman. “While we didn’t come out on top, I know our team played hard until the very last snap. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for and
this rivalry inspires the best performances out of our young players. We are looking forward to traveling back to the nation’s capital, playing in this year’s Classic and bringing the trophy home to Atlanta.”

Individual tickets for the football game are priced $25 to $50 (plus applicable fees), and on sale at ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office located at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Group tickets, suites and premium tickets are available by calling the ATTNFC Hotline at 202-608-1135. Credit card payments accepted only (Mastercard and VISA).

The JW Marriott Washington, DC is the headquarters hotel and will serve as the hub for AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ activity during the weekend. Promotional rates for this hotel, and other participating Marriott properties, can be reserved at www.nationsfootballclassic.com or 800-266-9432 (use reference code: NFF).  For more information on the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™, please visit www.nationsfootballclassic.com.

ATTNFC website: www.NationsFootballClassic.com
ATTNFC Twitter: @nationsclassic
ATTNFC Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NationsFootballClassic
Howard University website: www.howard.edu
Morehouse College website: www.morehouse.edu

Contacts: Teri Washington, Events DC: (202) 494-5737
Courtney Eiland, Events DC: (202) 608-1140
Lisa Milner / Bryant Mortimer, Swanson Communications: (202) 783-5500



About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™

The AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ is a black college football game held annually at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. This year, the game features Howard University against Morehouse College. Organized by Events DC, the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience, recognize the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities, highlight the unity of African American culture, and honor the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions.

Tickets for the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced $25 to $50.

San Francisco 49ers Rookie wideout Tyms runs toward future

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- After he'd lived in four group homes, been kicked out of the house by his foster family and spent two months sleeping in a car, 49ers rookie wide receiver Brian Tyms finally found an oasis when he arrived at Florida A&M three years ago.

After living a nightmare, he was suddenly surrounded by people - professors and coaches - paid to help him realize his dreams.

On Wednesday, Florida A&M wide receivers coach Steven Jerry recalled driving by the football facility and seeing a solitary figure who seemingly never left campus. It would be Tyms lugging a sled, or running routes through cones - a young man with an NFL body and sprinter's speed determined to distance himself from his painful past.

"He was so happy to be a college student because the alternative was so bad," Jerry said. "You could tell there was a genuine appreciation for everything, every day. He ate, slept and breathed football and school for three years, and now it's paid off for him."

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Tennessee State Tiger Camp: Week Three Begins

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - With less than two weeks before the season opener, Tennessee State began another week of preparation on the practice field Monday morning.

"I thought that the tempo in practice was way down from what I expected," said head coach Rod Reed. "I thought we came out extremely flat today.

The Tigers started off practice with a goal line period hoping to set a good tempo from the opening whistle, but it had mixed results Reed said.

"The intensity came up for a little while and then it came back down. We did not practice at a high level today and I am very disappointed in my football team."

Practices and situations like this allow the coaches to turn it into a teaching moment for the players.

"What I am trying to implore to these kids is if you are going to be a dominating defense, you have to put games, you have to put practices together in back-to-back situations and we didn’t do that today," Reed said. "We are still young on that side of the ball. They have to understand that you have to bring their "A" game every day."

Watch an interview with Special Teams/Linebackers Coach Jerrell Cogmon :



Fan Day Set

TSU Fan Day will be Saturday, Aug. 25 at the indoor practice facility. Fans are invited to come out and collect autographs and photos with the 2012 football team.

Kick-Off Times Confirmed

TSU Athletics announced last week that kick-off times have been set for all home games. The John Merritt Classic against Florida A&M is slated for a 6pm contest on Sept. 1. All Hale Stadium games (Austin Peay - Sept. 15, Eastern Kentucky - Oct. 6 and Tennessee Tech - Oct. 27) are scheduled for a 1pm start time. TSU kicks off Homecoming against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 29 at 5pm.

2012 TSU FOOTBALL CAMP SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Aug. 21 - Scrimmage - 7:30-9:30am/Special Teams 5:45-7:45pm
Wednesday, Aug. 22 - Practice (full) - 9:15-11:30am
Thursday, Aug. 23 - Scrimmage - 7:30-9:30am/Special Teams 5:45-7:45pm
Friday, Aug. 24 - Practice (full) - 7:45-9:30am
Saturday, Aug. 25 - Practice (full) - 9:15-11:30am

Follow TSU Athletics on Facebook.com/TSUTigers and Twitter @TSU_Tigers.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Benedict football hopes to improve in 2012 with ‘brutal camp’ and Marcus Graham at QB

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Benedict struggled through a 2-8 season in 2011, a year in which the head coach was fired and the Tigers scored 14 points or fewer seven times. There is catching up to do.

“This is going to be a brutal camp and I want them to understand that,” head coach James Woody said as preseason practice began. “This is going to be a brutal camp from the physical aspect of it, as well as the mental aspect of it.”

A blend of work ethic and continuity might allow Benedict to finish better than fifth place in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference East Division, the official basement forecast from league headquarters.

Leading rusher Tyquan Bazemore (220 yards, 5.1 yards per carry) is back and challenged by impressive freshman Trent Miles. Leading receiver Emmanuel Houston (28 catches, 6 touchdowns) also returns.

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Southern longing to recapture SWAC swagger

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Although the Stump Mitchell era at Southern is off to a rocky start, there are signs of improvement.

After going 2-9 in Mitchell's first season, the Jaguars went 4-7 in 2011, with four of their losses coming by five or fewer points.

Now Southern has more experience at key spots and looks to recapture its traditional role as a Southwestern Athletic Conference contender.

Quarterbacks Dray Joseph and J.P. Douglas, who split time last season and combined for more than 2,800 yards passing, are both back to contest for the No. 1 job. Whoever starts the opener at New Mexico on Sept. 1 will have a slew of talented targets at their disposal including receiver Charles Hawkins and tight end Michael Berry.

Southern has to improve the worst rushing offense in the SWAC and hopes it can with a more experienced line blocking for Sylvester Nzekwe and Jerry Joseph.

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Grambling expects momentum to carry over from 2011

GRAMBLING, Louisiana - Grambling put together a late surge to win its 18th Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2011 and is hoping for a carry-over effect this season.

The Tigers return four all-conference players, three statistical leaders and 15 starters from last season's squad, which won its last seven games after losing four of the first five.

"Even with the slow start we had, our guys stayed confident and focused," said Doug Williams, entering the second year of his second stint as head coach. "They really stayed together and kept working hard and remaining confident that they could finish up the year in a good way. And they were able to do just that. Now, we have to start all over. It's a new season."

Returning All-SWAC players include 2011 league rushing leader Dawrence Roberts, as well as offensive linemen Sanford Banks and Clint Marsh and defensive lineman Jomarcus Savage.

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Florida A&M Rattlers get out the vote

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - It seemed like a game-planning meeting for the Florida A&M football team Sunday night inside the Galimore Fieldhouse. The attentiveness was that intense.

This gathering wasn’t about X’s and O’s, though. The players were there registering to vote. For some it was a first-time experience; others took the opportunity to make changes to their existing registration.

Invited by coach Joe Taylor, members of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church’s Steel-Brooks Institute guided the players through the registration process.

“Many of them voted in 2008 and they are very energetic about voting again,” said Rev. Richard Mashburn, who headed up the group. “We are here today to register people regardless of which (political) party they might be affiliated with; Republican, Democrat or independent.”

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Miles College, second-year coach Reginald Ruffin out to defend SIAC crown

FAIRFIELD, Alabama -- After going 26 years without a conference championship, the Miles Golden Bears are embracing the challenge of defending their 2011 SIAC crown.

"We've got a big 'X' on our backs," sophomore safety Tyrrell Kinder said Saturday during Miles' media day at Albert J. Sloan-Alumni Stadium. "Everybody will be trying to come at us strong, but it's time for Miles to begin a winning tradition."

Senior running back Jordan Lewis from Fairfield also acknowledged that the Bears will be tested each week, but said they are not backing down.

"Every week is going to be a dogfight," Lewis said. "But to get to a certain level as a team, as a unit, we've got show we're not the Miles of old."

The SIAC Football Coaches Association likes the Bears' chances of making it back to the league championship game, picking Miles to finish first in the SIAC West.



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FSU Welcomes the Class of 2016

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina - FSU Welcomes the Class of 2016. Common Cause North Carolina helps Fayetteville State University freshman register to vote for the 2012 elections.

Fayetteville State hopes to cut down on turnovers this season

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina - Fayetteville State has taken the field for its first football practice on a cool, overcast morning, and coach Kenny Phillips is already in midseason form.

Wearing sunglasses and a bucket hat with the front bill flipped up, Phillips stands with a laminated schedule dangling from the lanyard that's around his neck. A whistle is in his mouth, but it doesn't stay there for very long.

Not surprisingly, FSU's defensive players are learning how to properly force fumbles, and it's a work in progress. "Don't fall on it," Phillips says. "Scoop and score."



Another group arrives at his station, and the results are similar. A defender falls on a bouncing ball, and Phillips stops the drill.

"That's not how it works in Broncoland," he yells. "Out in the open field, please don't fall on that football."

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2012 CIAA football at a glance

Favorite: Winston-Salem State. Rams aim to surpass last year’s school-best 13-1 season and Division II semifinal berth.

Contender: Elizabeth City State. Vikings return CIAA’s offensive player of the year and school all-time rushing leader Daronte McNeil.

Sleeper: St. Augustine’s. Falcons return 18 starters, including record-setting quarterback Teddy Bacote.

5 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kameron Smith, RB, Winston-Salem State (Sr., 6-0, 180): Passed for school-record 2,706 yards and 33 touchdowns last year.

Robert Holland, WR, Chowan (Sr., 6-3, 190): Led the league in receptions (69) and yards (914) with 13 TDs.

Derrick Johnson, DE, J.C. Smith (Sr., 6-2, 265): Hopewell High grad produced breakout season with 11.5 sacks.

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QB Keahn Wallace wants to prove JCSU football critics wrong

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Keahn Wallace insists on being a better quarterback.

The J.C. Smith sophomore spent the offseason gaining a more thorough understanding of the Golden Bulls’ attack after accounting for 2,478 total yards and 24 touchdowns to earn the CIAA’s offensive rookie of the year award. The result is more comfort in reading and exploiting defenses.

“I’m looking for the matchup we want and go right at it,” he said.

Wallace made an immediate impact as a freshman by leading the Golden Bulls to a surprising 6-5 season and Pioneer Bowl win against Miles College (Ala.). He was especially adept in J.C. Smith’s spread offense, connecting on 167 of 300 passes for 2,005 yards and 16 scores, but bulked up to become a more effective runner.

“I need to get in the ...

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Cheyney, RB Jones Preparing for Lincoln

CHEYNEY, Pennsylvania -- Marcus Jones knows the start of football season is right around the corner. Jones, a brilliant running back for Cheyney University’s football team, is preparing for his season opener. And it’s a big one.

Cheyney University will visit arch rival Lincoln University on Sept. 1 in the “Battle of the Firsts.” The kickoff will be at 1 p.m.

Cheyney and Lincoln are two of the oldest Black colleges in the country. Both of these HBCUs (Historically Black College and University) will battle each other in what should be a real classic. It certainly was an exciting contest last year with Cheyney edging Lincoln, 21-19. Of course, this is a new year, and Jones is looking forward to the matchup.

“It’s a big game,” said Jones, a Washington, D.C. native. “We had a great attendance with the fans. We had a lot of people there. I was surprised with how many people were there. I’m glad we were able to come away with a win.”

Jones, a 5-foot-8, 225-pound junior, has been a real bright spot for the Wolves’ offense. He has consistently been one of the best running backs in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Jones has 275 rushing attempts in his first two seasons combining for more than 1,500 yards. He has been tackled for a loss of just 10 yards. He’s set on having another big season carrying the football.

“I’ve been working on my quickness,” Jones said. “I’m trying to build speed. Last year, I could have scored a lot of runs. I got tackled a few times from behind. This year I’m just trying to get faster. I’ve been running hills, sprints, hitting the weights and everything. I want to get stronger and faster.”

Ken Lockard, Cheyney head coach, has been very impressed with Jones. Lockard knows the Wolves have a running back who can pick up good yardage and move the chains.

“Everybody knows Marcus,” Lockard said. “He gained 1,500 plus yards in two seasons. We’re looking for some great things from him again. The thing I’m looking for the most is leadership. He’s not a vocal guy. But he does everything he’s asked to do. He does what he’s supposed to do. He’s a leader by example.”

The Wolves finished with a 1-10 record last year. Cheyney’s record is a little misleading. They had a chance to win at least two other games. They dropped a couple tough decisions to Millersville (10-7) and East Stroudsburg (10-6). The Wolves are hoping to be a lot more competitive in the PSAC.

“We’re getting better,” Jones said. “We had a lot of guys come out in the spring. We brought in a lot of recruits. We have some good players returning, too. Our roster looks a lot better than it did in previous years.”

COURTESY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
VISIT: CHEYNEYWOLVES.COM
VISIT: CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Far from USC, Garrett chases titles at Oklahoma's Langston U.

MICHAEL "MIKE" GARRETT
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
LANGSTON UNIVERSITY
(Photo Courtesy LU Athletics)

LANGSTON, Oklahoma - Mike Garrett's next stop after being forced out at Southern California might as well be an entirely different world.

Instead of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on his way to work leading the Hollywood of college athletic programs, his commute now includes a twisting drive past cow pastures and grazing areas for his new school's research on goats.

The 1965 Heisman Trophy-winning tailback who started bringing USC back to national prominence by hiring Pete Carroll to lead the football program is taking on another transformation project far away from the glitz and glamour.

His new job is to lead the athletic department at tiny Langston University, a historically black college in rural Oklahoma that competes in the NAIA. Just like at his old home, Garrett has set the same expectations: win national championships.

At his last stop, Garrett oversaw the creation of the "it" team of the last decade in college football. The Trojans won two national championships and three Heisman Trophies, with celebrities turning the L.A. Coliseum into a great place to see and be seen.

Garrett's tenure ended when the football and men's basketball teams were sanctioned for breaking NCAA rules - although the football team emerged from the penalties to grab the No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press' preseason poll Saturday.



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Texas A&M Aggies schedule breakdown: South Carolina State

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Game 4: South Carolina State

Texas A&M’s first cream puff opponent comes four weeks into the season when the Bulldogs from South Carolina State come to Kyle Field.

The Aggies and Bulldogs have never played each other with South Carolina State being an FCS school. The last time they played an SEC school they were handed a 38-14 loss by South Carolina in 2009.

South Carolina State returns quarterbacks Richard Cue and Derrick Wiley as well as a solid ground game. But nothing the Bulldogs throw at A&M can stop the advantage the Aggies will have offensively. Look for big games out of freshman running back Trey Williams and receiver Ryan Swope as starters are rested when A&M gets a comfortable lead behind the 12th Man.

The Aggie turnover margin gets a boost from the interception prone Bulldogs as A&M wins handily.

Prediction: W 35-7





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NOTE: Circle this game on your calendar. Texas A&M is in for a major surprise. Bad move by this journalist to characterize the SCSU Bulldogs as a cream puff opponent. The Bulldogs may be outnumbered in scholarship players, but they are not going to rollover and become a cream puff for any BCS program.  Aggies, get ready!  This will not be a easy win.

Marching 101 Band, just do it!  (beepbeep)

QB Smith sharp in WSSU scrimmage

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - Winston-Salem State's first football scrimmage went the way first scrimmages tend to go, and coach Connell Maynor saw about what he expected to see Saturday morning.

"Without looking at the film, it was just an average scrimmage," Maynor said. "It was our first one, and we had people watching, and we had officials. It was a little different pressure for the players, and some guys responded, and some guys didn't."



One of the largest WSSU teams in 20 years — about 110 players — took part in the controlled two-hour session.

Maynor saw some good, including sharp play from quarterback Kameron Smith. He threw for four touchdowns — all to senior receiver Jamal Williams — and ran for another score.

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2012 MEAC/SWAC Challenge - More Than Just A Game

ORLANDO, Florida - The eighth installment of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney – featuring Bethune-Cookman of the MEAC against Alabama State of the SWAC – will be Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012, at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla. (noon ET on ESPN). The yearly event features teams from two prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conferences.

The game marks the first time that one school, Bethune-Cookman, which beat Prairie View 63-14 in 2011, has appeared in back-to-back years. Alabama State returns having last played in the event in 2005, the first year of the annual game. At stake, as usual, is conference supremacy as the MEAC has won five of the previous seven games.

Alabama State finished with an 8-3 record in 2011, recording the most program wins since the 2004 season when the team went 10-2 and won the SWAC Championship. Bethune-Cookman also secured an 8-3 record last season and highlighting the team’s schedule was a 14-6 win over No. 24 Norfolk State on Oct. 20. Bethune-Cookman holds a 10-3 lead in the series against Alabama State.

Several events will take place around the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, including a high school career panel and the halftime Battle of the Bands.



“Disney has a long history of supporting the African-American community and we're proud to build on this legacy by supporting the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Mid-Eastern and Southwestern Athletic Conferences,” said Eugene Campbell, vice president of Domestic Minority Business Development for the Walt Disney Company. “The MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney showcases football but it celebrates so much more. Our sponsorship of the event is just one way Disney demonstrates its commitment to diversity and inclusion, which benefits everyone.”

“Our team is excited about the opportunity to play on national television and we hope they take away what a blessing it is to be chosen to represent the SWAC in a game that will be watched all over the country,” said Reggie Barlow, head coach at Alabama State. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we measure up against a great team like Bethune-Cookman, who has Division I transfers and great recruits. I'm also looking forward to our student-athletes traveling to a great city and experiencing a great venue.”

“The overall experience last year was great for the team because it was aired on a national level and put on in a special way; it caused our team to really have to focus. It helped our young men understand preparation and how to stay in the moment,” said Brian Jenkins Sr., head coach at Bethune-Cookman. “Everything was done in a first-class manner and being invited back for a second time and as the first team to appear in back-to-back years is great. We are very thankful for this opportunity and hope we have continued success with this event.”



Tickets for the 2012 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are $30 for reserved seating and $20 for general admission, plus applicable taxes and fees.

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), a subsidiary of ESPN. For more information about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, or to join the event’s following on Facebook and Twitter, please visit the event’s official Web site at www.meacswacchallenge.com or at www.espnplus.com/msc.php.



Travel options including discounted hotel accommodations, game tickets and specially-priced Theme Park Tickets are available through Anthony Travel, the official travel provider of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Please visit AnthonyTravel.com or call (888) 632-6951.