After blasting Jackson State, Mississippi State ready for SEC opener

STARKVILLE — Now, the fun starts. Mississippi State obliterated Jackson State 56-9 Saturday to open coach Dan Mullen's fourth season - a tune-up game for the Bulldogs, who now turn their attention to a big showdown against Auburn next Saturday.

"Next week is the real deal," MSU running back LaDarius Perkins said.

The Bulldogs showed off their speed with Tyler Russell as the centerpiece in his first game as the full-time starter at quarterback.

State attacked the edges with screen passes, and plowed the road with the run game in front of an announced sellout crowd of 55,082 at Davis Wade Stadium. It was a typical game featuring the hallmarks of Mullen's spread offense.

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Loss is a building block for Jackson State

STARKVILLE — One game does not make a season, and Jackson State senior quarterback Dedric McDonald couldn't be happier about that.

McDonald's final line in Saturday's 56-9 blowout loss at Mississippi State was not great: 14-of-27, 136 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

"A C-minus or a D," McDonald said when asked what grade he would give himself. "Just because of the interceptions. I feel like there's some things I could have done to move the ball."


Still, this season won't be measured against how JSU fared in its opener inside an SEC venue. It will be judged on how the Tigers fare once they enter SWAC play Sept. 15 at Texas Southern.

JSU coach Rick Comegy said McDonald's debut, as rocky as it might have been, doesn't change the way he views the senior. He's still the starter.

Deception pays off for DSU Hornets in 17-10 win over VMI

DOVER, Delaware - — Nick Elko was the only player on Delaware State’s football team who truly knew what was going to happen prior to the most pivotal play in the Hornets’ season-opening game against Virginia Military Institute. That, Hornets head coach Kermit Blount said, was by design.

Just like the two discussed, Elko faked an inside handoff before scrambling into the clear on the right side of the field. VMI’s defense bit on the fake and Elko found an unobstructed 4-yard path into the end zone, which paved the way for Delaware State’s 17-10 win over the Keydets in a nonconference nailbiter.

The second-and-goal score was the first touchdown run of Elko’s career.

“It was like a thief in the night,” said Blount, who evened his career coaching record at 95-95-3 with the win. “You don’t let anybody know you’re going to break in somewhere, you just get it done.

“Certainly all day [VMI] had been pinching on our power run and inside game and we felt that they would pinch again on that [second]-and-short. It was just a good run for [Elko].”

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TSU downs rival Prairie View in nailbiter

HOUSTON, Texas - It came down to the last few seconds — time Texas Southern shouldn't have had.

Tied 41-41 with Prairie View A&M, the Tigers benefited from a late-starting clock on their final drive, giving them just enough time to set up a 47-yard field goal attempt for senior Robert Hersh.

The kick sailed through the uprights with no time left, lifting the Tigers to their first win over the rival Panthers in six years, 44-41 in the Labor Day Classic on Saturday night in front of 21,562 fans at Reliant Stadium.




"It's incredible," TSU quarterback Riko Smalls said. "It's a long time overdue, but we've got to enjoy this win and then focus on our next opponent."

The win was big for TSU coach Darrell Asberry, who made his debut.

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Bowie State earns dramatic win in season opener

BOWIE, Maryland - The Bowie State University football team erased an early two-touchdown deficit and survived a wild final minute to earn a 24-20 victory against Assumption College in its season opener on Saturday in Bowie.

The Bulldogs drove 65 yards in the final seconds and scored the game-winning touchdown with 5 seconds remaining after Assumption had scored to take the lead in the final minute of play.

Assumption drove 75 yards in four plays for a touchdown and a 20-17 lead with 33 seconds to go. The Bulldogs then took over at their own 35 with 29 seconds left. Quarterback Jared Johnston connected with wide receiver Douglas McNeil for a 16-yard gain to start the game-winning drive. A roughing the passer call on Assumption gave Bowie State another 15 yards. Johnston found McNeil again for 19 yards, putting the Bulldogs 15 yards away from the winning touchdown.



After Johnston carried and lost a yard, he hit McNeil on a 16-yard touchdown pass with 5 seconds to go, and kicker Mario Diaz-Aviles added the extra point.

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St. Aug downs Wingate in opener

DURHAM, North Carolina — Saint Augustine’s University’s first football game under a new name got off to a rousing start on Saturday, Sept 1, 2012, at Durham County Stadium.

Led by three touchdown passes from Teddy Bacote (Jr./Hampton, Va.), the Falcons thumped Wingate University 28-10 in the season opener for both teams. The victory was the most impressive in an opening game under Head Coach Michael Costa, the Falcons’ head coach since 2002.

“This is a good way to begin the new era as a university,” Costa said.

All three phases – offense, defense and special teams – were clicking against the Bulldogs, picked third in the highly regarded South Atlantic Conference. The Bulldogs never lost to a CIAA team before Saturday, but were no match for the high-flying Falcons.

The offense, behind the passing of Bacote, gained 323 total yards. Bacote threw touchdown passes to three different receivers and finished with 187 yards on 15-for-26 passing including one interception. The defense allowed 318 yards but held firm in the red zone, limiting the Bulldogs to one touchdown in the fourth quarter with the outcome already decided. Chaz Robinson (Jr./Hampton, Va.) led the defense with a game-high 14 tackles. On special teams, Alexander Tucker (Jr./Union, S.C.) booted five out of six kickoffs for touchbacks

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Alcorn States edges GSU in final minutes

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Arnold Walker rushed off the right tackle for a 4-yard touchdown run with 1:33 remaining and crossed the goal line with his both arms raised as Alcorn State erased a 21-9 deficit and climbed ahead, 22-21.

Grambling pushed the ball down field for one final shot at victory, but a 42-yard field goal attempt by Fabian Carter from the right hash mark fell well short of its intended destination as time expired.

A swarm of purple jerseys rushed the field in elation with the 22-21 season-opening victory, and the Tigers eventually filed to the locker room without a single smile among the bunch.

"There ain't no good thing in losing," Grambling coach Doug Williams said. "When you lose, you can't pick out the good things because they don't resonate. I think if anybody in that room feels like they did well in that loss, they're in the wrong room. No matter how well you've done, you didn't do well enough to win."


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Alabama A&M survives Tuskegee scare

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- One touchdown. One point. One huge, collective sigh of relief. Alabama A&M needed, and experienced, all of the above Saturday night against Tuskegee before an announced crowd of 21,400 at Legion Field.

The Bulldogs trailed for the better part of three quarters, put together a monster drive at just the right time and then sweated out a last-second 52-yard field goal attempt to escape with a 7-6 season-opening victory over the Golden Tigers.



"A win is a win is a win," said A&M coach Anthony Jones, whose team beat Tuskegee for the third straight year. "The first game out, you just want to get a win any way you can."

The last time out, on this same field but under much more important circumstances, the Bulldogs didn't come through, frittering away a 15-point halftime lead and losing by a point to Grambling in the SWAC championship game.

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DSU Statesmen let lead slip away against Fort Valley State

CLEVELAND, Mississippi – The Delta State University football team kicked off the Jamey Chadwell era against Fort Valley State Saturday at Parker Field at McCool Stadium. The joy the Statesmen felt when they held the lead at halftime turned to dismay, as the Wildcats rallied to a 31-23 victory.

The Statesmen (0-1) got on the board first on their first drive of the game. Avery Horn recovered his own fumble and ran 14 yards for the Touchdown. A missed extra point had the Statesmen up 6-0 early.

After a missed field goal by the Wildcats, the Statesmen put up three points of their own on their next drive. D.J. Jarrin kicked a 30-yard field goal through the uprights to put the Statesmen up 9-0.

Fort Valley (1-0) then got back into the game thanks to a Statesmen miscue. Lavon Downs mishandled a punt, and tried to recover. However, Downs was called for illegal batting out of the end zone, which resulted in a safety for Fort Valley State.

The Statesmen made sure the Wildcats did not score on the ensuing drive. Eric Williams picked off his first pass of the game, and returned it 41 yards into FVSU territory.

The Statesmen had to settle for a punt, but would make a big special teams play of their own on the next Wildcat drive. Rondreas Truesdale broke through the FVSU line, and blocked the attempted Fort Valley punt. A Wildcat penalty put the ball on the 16-yard line.

Statesmen quarterback Trevor Wooden then extended the Statesmen lead when he hooked up with receiver Kevin Jackson for a 19-yard touchdown pass. The score put the Statesmen up 16-2.

The Wildcats answered the Statesmen touchdown on their next drive. Fort Valley running back Seth Hill broke through the Statesmen defense and ran for a 64-yard touchdown. The extra point cut the Statesmen lead to 16-9.

The two teams once again traded punts before the Statesmen offense extended their lead. Wooden connected for his second passing touchdown of the day, this time he found tight end Reed Falkner for a 17-yard touchdown.

The Statesmen ended a Fort Valley rally just before halftime when Williams intercepted his second pass of the game, as he took the ball away from the Wildcats in the end zone. The turnover sent the Statesmen into the locker room at halftime with a 23-9 lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Wildcats made the most of a Statesmen penalty, and cut in the Statesmen lead. After driving down the field, Antonio Henton threw the ball to Hill for a 28-yard touchdown. Henton then found Chris Slaughter in the end zone for a two-point conversion, which made a six-point game, 23-17 with 12 minutes to go.

With momentum on their side, the Fort Valley defense made a play, as Jabioas Glenn picked off a Wooden pass in Statesmen territory. The Wildcats marched down the field, and inside the Statesmen 10-yard line. The Statesmen defense held their ground, as Fort Valley went three-and-out, and missed a field goal.

After the Statesmen were forced to punt from their end zone, the Wildcats once again took over in Statesmen territory. This time they made the Statesmen pay, as Henton hooked up with Slaughter for a 13-yard touchdown. The extra point gave Fort Valley their first lead of the game 24-23 with seven minutes to go.

After the Statesmen offense was again forced to punt, the squad had their second special teams miscue of the day. Downs muffed a punt, and Fort Valley jumped on it at the Delta State 26. Hill then scampered for a touchdown to put the Wildcats up 31-23.

Down eight with 3 minutes to go, the Statesmen offense needed to find the end zone. That need however would go unfulfilled, as the Wildcat defense held to take over on downs. The stop allowed the Wildcats the run the clock out for the 31-23 victory.

Wooden finished the game 13-of-25 for 167 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Wooden also led the team in rushing with 58 yards on 12 carries. Henton finished 19-of-42 for 234 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks. Seth Hill ran 17 times for 154 yards and two touchdowns for the Wildcats.

The Statesmen finished with 306 yards of total offense compared to 353 for Fort Valley. The Statesmen were penalized 10 times for 78 yards. Fort Valley was flagged seven times for 68 yards.

The Statesmen will look to rebound next Saturday as they travel to face the Vikings of Elizabeth City State. Kick off is set for 6 p.m. Eastern, 5 p.m. Central time in Elizabeth City, N.C., and pregame on the Statesmen Sports Network will begin at 4 p.m. Central time.

COURTESY DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Lane Dragons takes over in fourth quarter, Edward Waters falls to 1-1

JACKSON, Tennessee - Now in his third year as the head football coach at Lane College, Derrick Burroughs witnessed something he has been hoping to see since day one. But he also bemoaned a few bad habits the Dragons have been unable to shake as Lane defeated Edward Waters College, 45-28, at Lane Field Saturday.

“My first year, we could not get over the hump,” Burroughs said. “And that’s the biggest thing we are trying to get away from. “We kept fighting, but our defense is too soft, not aggressive.”

The defense answered Burroughs’ call in the fourth quarter and pitched a shutout after Lane took a 31-28 lead for good on the final play from scrimmage in the third quarter when Evan Yabu took a five-yard pass from Chris Rini.

“It was pretty much meant for any of the slot receivers,” Yabu said. “But our quarterback (Rini) actually made the play when he scrambled, and that bought him some extra time.”
Rini, who split time with Dyron Speight behind center, completed 10 of his 14 passes for 107 yards and three touchdowns – two to Yabu.

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CIAA Football: Chowan 70, Livingstone 35

SALISBURY, North Carolina — Livingstone wants to get the ball in the hands of gifted returner Terry Anderson as often as possible, although returning 10 kickoffs in the same night isn’t what head coach Elvin James had in mind. Anderson’s 199 return yards were just one of the wild stats in Livingstone’s 70-35 loss to Chowan at Alumni Stadium on Saturday night.

Livingstone hadn’t scored as many as 35 in a game since it beat J.C. Smith 37-19 in 2002. That was the good news. The bad news was the Blue Bears hadn’t allowed 70 since they took it on the chin from J.C. Smith 83-6 in 1964.

“I was impressed with what our new offense coordinator (Darryl Williams) is doing,” James said. “But our defense was disappointing. We had some people missing in the secondary, but I thought we’d be more ready.”

Livingstone’s freshman QB Drew Powell was 22-for-35 passing for 343 yards and four scores, while Anthony Holland had 10 catches for 195 yards. Holland explained that the offense has adopted the nickname — the HOBOS — as in High Octane Big Offense.

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TSU has facilities to recruit in Florida

NASHVILLE, TENN. — Maybe if Tennessee State had the kind of digs that it has now, Damien Fleming might have been the Tigers’ quarterback instead of FAMU’s.

But the Tigers continue to gain a little more edge in the recruiting battle for Florida football players as they kicked off against FAMU in the John Merritt Classic at LP Field on Saturday.

The Tigers won’t have the Tennessee Titans’ stadium to brag about as their home field much longer, though. They will play one more game at LP Field before moving back to their old digs at Hale Field to round out the season.


The Tigers athletic department is putting the finishing touches on renovations at Hale Stadium, their home field. Hale Stadium has not been used for a regular-season game since 1998 and has been undergoing a $1 million-upgrade that includes a new paint job, a renovated press box and rest rooms.

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Tennessee State holds on to win Merritt Classic

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Coach Rod Reed wanted Tennessee State to have the opportunity to overcome some adversity in its season-opening game Saturday night. He wanted to test the Tigers’ toughness and resolve to play as well at the end of the game as it did at the start.

Reed got his wish in the 14th annual John Merritt Classic, where TSU put up a goal-line stand in the final minute and held on to beat Florida A&M 17-14.
A crowd of 15,652 at LP Field went silent after Rattlers quarterback Damien Fleming ran a second sneak from just inches away from the goal line.

The crowd finally erupted in a roar after the referees signaled Fleming had been stopped short and gave the ball to TSU with 42 seconds remaining.

The Tigers allowed leads to slip away in three losses last year on the way to posting a 5-6 record.

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FAMU Rattlers stopped inches short

NASHVILLE, TENN. — The ending was so dramatic that it would be easy to forget how lethargic the effort was from FAMU for three quarters Saturday at LP Field.

Of all the drama that unfolded in the final six minutes, none was as stunning as the last-ditch scramble for the end zone by quarterback Damien Fleming in the closing seconds. A wild scrum formed after he dashed for the end zone with 42 seconds remaining for a touchdown that would have given the Rattlers the victory.

When it cleared the referees ruled that Fleming hadn’t crossed into the end zone, assuring the Rattlers of a 17-14 loss.

“I don’t know how you take that touchdown away,” coach Joe Taylor said, his voice choking up. “They just stole that. He was in the end zone.”

It wouldn’t have come down to that if the Rattlers didn’t make it an evening of squandered opportunities as both the offense and defense lost huge chances to a penalty plagued Tennessee State team. In the end, the Rattlers fell for the second consecutive time to the Tigers, their first time losing in Nashville since 1997.



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New Mexico routs Southern football, 66-21

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - Southern’s Human Jukebox came out and dazzled during the halftime show, earning an ovation and reducing their counterparts in New Mexico’s marching band to an afterthought.

But on a toasty afternoon at University Stadium, that was the only area where SU could claim superiority over UNM.

The host Lobos laid a rout on the Jaguars, romping to a 66-21 victory that opened a new chapter in their history and renewed fears that this season will mean more disappointment for Southern.

Not much was expected from SU in a matchup against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent — against which it is now 0-6 all time — and not much was provided. When the Jukebox began playing and dancing its way through Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the Jaguars were already down 45-6.

While the damage was limited from then on, the point had been made.

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Southern quarterback job still firmly Dray Joseph’s

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It just wouldn’t feel right if both Southern quarterbacks didn’t play.

As was the case throughout last season, Dray Joseph and J.P. Douglas took snaps for the Jaguars in a 66-21 loss at New Mexico. But unlike 2011, this isn’t a two-quarterback system.

As coach Stump Mitchell said throughout the offseason, the backup played only because of injury.

In the third quarter, both of Joseph’s calf muscles cramped up, and he had to be carried off the field.

“I couldn’t bend my feet,” Joseph said. “Both of my toes were pointing down to the ground, so I couldn’t walk.”

Joseph’s exit meant more than a quarter of playing time for Douglas.

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Turnovers catalyst for New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — While New Mexico was piling up a 3-33 record over the past three seasons, coughing up the ball was one of its many issues.

But in Saturday’s debut under new Lobos coach and former ESPN sportscaster Bob Davie, UNM had an about-face against Southern, creating turnovers on three consecutive second-quarter possessions and turning them all into touchdowns.

That helped New Mexico roll to a 66-21 victory over the Jaguars in Davie’s first game in more than a decade.

“The first half of football, our whole goal was no self-inflicted mistakes,” Davie said. “That’s a pretty good first half of football. I don’t care who you’re playing. Because the first game of the year, you’re really playing yourself.”

When the first half was over, the Lobos had a 45-6 lead and had totaled more points than it had in its final seven games last season.

BOX SCORE

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2012 AT&T Nation's Football Classic: Howard "Showtime" Marching Band vs. Morehouse "House of Funk" Marching Band

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Despite the 95+ degree heat and humidity (in the shade), I had a great time at the Nation's Football Classic yesterday. These videos don't do justice to the performance of both bands ... you got to be there to appreciate the performances of both programs. It was hot!!
Videographer: rzxviper07's

Morgan State wins, 30-27, over Sacred Heart in 4th OT

BALTIMORE, Maryland - Standing on the Morgan State sideline, running back Travis Davidson couldn't bring himself to watch Sacred Heart's Chris Rogers attempt the game-winning field goal in the third overtime of Saturday's season opener.

"I'm very superstitious," Davidson said. "I feel like when I watch the game, bad stuff happens, so I had my head down."

It didn't take long for the senior to snap back to attention, as teammate Lamar Bynum broke through the line to block the low kick. Minutes later, the Bears' Ervin Gonzalez lined up on the left hash mark and nailed a 20-yarder of his own, giving host Morgan State a 30-27 win in four overtimes, marking the longest game in school history.

The sequence was an appropriate end for a game that saw seven lead changes and enough emotional swings to last the better part of a season.

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Howard football looks to Cunningham, pulls out comeback win over Morehouse

WASHINGTON, D.C. - When Howard football Coach Gary Harrell arrived at RFK Stadium for Saturday’s Nation’s Football Classic against Morehouse College, he still harbored thoughts of redshirting true freshman quarterback Jamie Cunningham.

When Harrell stepped up to the dais for his news conference following an improbable 30-29 victory over the Maroon Tigers, he named the youngster his starter next week against Rutgers.

With sophomore starter Greg McGhee ineligible and backup Randy Liggins Jr. struggling, Harrell trusted the last signal-caller left on the roster to lead the Bison in his first college game. Cunningham responded with a pair of fourth-quarter scoring drives, finishing his debut by connecting with junior tight end David Wilson on a 13-yard fade pass for the go-ahead touchdown with 22 seconds left.

“My coaches always tell me, ‘Stay calm, stay cool, there’s no pressure,’ ” said Cunningham, who finished 10 of 11 for 79 yards with one touchdown. “We all get first team reps, so it’s nothing new, and when the opportunity came, I was ready for it.”

BOX SCORE

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Howard, Morehouse keep trash talk at a minimum for this year’s Nation’s Football Classic

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Howard University and Morehouse College will face off this weekend during the second annual AT&T Nation’s Football Classic, and the stakes are high.

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

The 2011 Nation’s Football Classic – the first meeting between Morehouse and Howard in 14 years – left Morehouse’s Maroon Tigers with something to prove. Howard defeated Morehouse on the field and at the podium. They won the football game, 30-27, and crushed Morehouse in the inaugural Mordecai Wyatt Johnson – Benjamin E. Mays Student Debate, or “The Game Before the Game”

“Every win gives us a little more confidence,” said Rodney Hill, a senior defensive lineman from Reading, Pa. This is his fourth year playing for Howard.


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Morgan State looking forward to Year 2 of Seth Higgins era

September 1, 2012
Sacred Heart at Morgan State
Time: 1:00 PM
Hughes Stadium, Baltimore
Radio: WEAA, 88.9 FM

Game Notes

 

BALTIMORE, Maryland - Sophomore Seth Higgins likes to think of himself as a student of the game. This offseason, Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley found out first-hand just how intent his starting quarterback is on becoming a football scholar.

"Seth was always in the office. It was almost like he was employed," Hill-Eley said. "I mean, seeing the copier machine was just like seeing Seth. He was going to be there, and he was going to put the time into watching film and learning what's expected."

It's that kind of commitment that has Morgan football fans buzzing about the former Edgewood standout, who started the team's final seven games as a true freshman, throwing for 1,116 yards and nine touchdowns. Twice he was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week.

At 6 feet 5, 225 pounds, Higgins has all the requisite physical tools to become a star, unafraid to show off his strong, accurate arm and ability to outrun defenders. But taking the next step, he knows, is also about mastering the game mentally.

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The skinny on the CIAA

RICHMOND, Virigina - The skinny

What's new: Founded in 1912, the CIAA will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, maintaining its claim as the oldest predominantly black conference in the nation. On Aug. 1, Saint Augustine's College officially became Saint Augustine's University, right on time to commemorate the school's 145th anniversary.

Who's new: Just two seasons removed from winning the CIAA championship, Shaw will have a new head coach in Robert Massey. Massey was promoted from the defensive coordinator post he served the past two seasons under former Bears head coach Darrell Asberry, who is now the head man at Texas Southern.

Top five players: Elizabeth City State RB Daronte McNeil, Elizabeth City State DE Brad Davis, Lincoln DE Tim Green, Saint Augustine's WR Tyrone Laughinghouse, Winston-Salem State QB Kameron Smith.

Preseason offensive player of the year: Elizabeth City State RB Daronte McNeil

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Clark Atlanta University marching band suspended for possibility of hazing

ATLANTA, Georgia - Clark Atlanta University has suspended performances of the "Mighty Marching Panthers" to investigate a hazing allegation. University leaders made the decision on Friday.

The University's Official Statement is as follows:


“Mighty Marching Panthers” Band Performances Temporarily Suspended

August 30, 2012--Clark Atlanta University today suspended performances of its “Mighty Marching Panthers” Marching Band in light of an allegation regarding the possibility of hazing within its ranks. While there is no immediate evidence of hazing or any other foul play, the University of its own volition chooses to takea thorough, comprehensive look into this serious matter.

Even the possibility of hazing is unacceptable under any circumstance. Therefore, an investigation will commence immediately. The University aims to be thorough, comprehensive and aggressive in its review.

Ideally, the allegations will prove untrue and the band can return to its planned schedule of performances as quickly as possible. However, regardless of the findings, Clark Atlanta is prepared to take whatever actions are necessary to ensure a safe, healthy, non-threatening experience for our student musicians. The integrity of our University, our band program and the honor of the musicians therein warrants no less.!

The Mighty Panthers Marching Band was a participant in the 2011 Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase at the Georgia Dome.

The Mays High School band will substitute during CAU's first football game of the season on Saturday. CAU will play the University of West Alabama at Panther Stadium in Atlanta.



CAU Press Release, August 30, 2012

FAMU's Joe Taylor climbs higher in record books

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Joe Taylor was attending a press conference in Nashville a few weeks ago to promote Saturday’s game between FAMU and Tennessee State when John Merritt’s name came up in a conversation that Taylor wasn’t expecting.

The game is a classic named in Merritt’s honor, but until he was informed, Taylor didn’t know that he could surpass the legendary black college coach with just six victories this season. Such a milestone would make Taylor the second-winningest HBCU coach.

“I didn’t start this thing off by saying let’s see how many championships I could win or how many records I could set,” Taylor said. “I went with the idea of how much I can give back because somebody helped me.

“You can’t lose sight. You have to be concerned about these young men because when they grow the program grows.”

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FAMU will overcome its challenges

MIAMI, Florida - Before Florida A&M University accepted me in 2006, I’d heard rumors and stories about FAMU — that it was nothing but a party school, that it did not offer a serious education and that the bar for success was set pretty low.

When I enrolled, I planned on tolerating the school for two years, getting my associate’s degree and transferring to the more well-regarded Florida State University.

Over the next four years, however, my perspective was turned completely on its head, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice to remain a Rattler.

Now as the school is stuck in a difficult moment, I can’t help but think back to the tough stories I once heard about the college from those who did not really know it — and about how wrong they were.

Yes, students party and some of the friends I met freshman year didn’t make it to graduation, but those who base reputations on rumors rarely think of the thousands of other students each year, and the hundreds of thousands throughout the years, who have become successful adults because of their education and experiences at FAMU.

Bits of negativity sometimes create an aura that envelops an institution, and it simply isn’t fair.

In no way am I ignoring reckless acts of some members of our beloved Marching 100 band, but they made up only a small fraction of our student body, faculty, staff and other organizations who are passionate and loyal Rattlers. Their acts, which are undeniably unfortunate, do not reflect the ideals of the university as a whole. We are so much more than that ugly fragment.

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TSU faces rival in John Merritt Classic

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - The Tennessee State-Florida A&M rivalry dates to 1944, but tonight marks the first time the two have met in the John Merritt Classic. Coach Rod Reed makes all his players aware of the significance of the rivalry by putting them through a required class — History of TSU Football.

“We’re young and not as battle-tested as we have been some of the last few years,” Reed said. “That’s why the first thing we do when these guys get on campus is have them take that class. We show them the Richard Dents, the Ed “Too Tall” Joneses, the Leon Moores and then we get into the rivalries. After it’s over they get it. They know this is a really, really big game. Plus, we have more than 20 guys on our team who are from Florida, and that helps them to understand the rivalry.”

TSU tied the series 25-25 by winning the last game in 2010, Reed’s first season as coach, 29-18.



Last season marked the first time since 1982 that TSU and FAMU didn’t play. They had met in the Atlanta Football Classic 13 consecutive years, but organizers did not invite TSU back after 2010.

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Prairie View, TSU eye trophy, bragging rights

HOUSTON, Texas - Prairie View A&M coach Heishma Northern was taking his son, Adam, to his first day of kindergarten Monday when Adam noticed the Labor Day Classic trophy nestled in the back of the truck.

Adam, who is used to seeing the trophy in his father's office, inquired why it wasn't in its usual location.

Northern explained that he had to take the trophy to a joint Prairie View-Texas Southern news conference that afternoon and that the winner of Saturday night's game at Reliant Stadium would get to keep it.

"Well, you might as well as leave it in the office," Adam said.

Given recent history, Adam's intuition could prove to be true.

The Durley-Nicks Traveling Trophy, as it is officially named, has been in Prairie View's possession for the last five years and seven of the previous eight. TSU last retained the trophy in 2006 when it slipped away with a 17-14 victory at Reliant Stadium.



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Alabama A&M football: Mason craves one step more

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Faith. Fire. Focus. Those three words are printed on a wrist band that Alabama A&M football players wore last season when they reached the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game.

Quarterback Deaunte Mason wants to add one more word to the band before Saturday's season opener against Tuskegee.  Finish.

"One of the main things we focused on this summer is finishing," Mason said. "We've got all the elements together."



While the entire team would like to finish and win a championship, the onus is likely on Mason, who has led the Bulldogs to the SWAC championship game two of the last three years, but hasn't come away with a title. A&M blew a 15-3 halftime lead to Grambling last year before falling 16-15.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself," said Mason, a 6-foot-3, 233-pound redshirt senior from Nashville. "I feel like it's my duty to the team to win it. It's that simple."

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