NORMAN, Oklahoma — There wasn’t a single head hanging as FAMU’s football team trotted back to its locker room after losing by eight touchdowns to the No. 5 team in the country Saturday night.
“This game gave us plenty of confidence,” quarterback Damien Fleming said, following the Rattlers’ 69-13 loss to Oklahoma. “I was able to complete passes without the key guy (Lenworth Lennon) in the game, and I feel with those guys coming back we’re gong to step our game up. If we can complete passes against those guys, we can do it against anybody.”
Lennon and three other players who were suspended by coach Joe Taylor for a violation of team rules will return this week. The Rattlers will need every hand on board if they want to get through the first month of the season without another loss.
The remaining games this month begin Saturday against Hampton in the home opener at Bragg Stadium. That will be followed by a trip to Delaware State, and they’ll round out the month in Atlanta against Southern.
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Monday, September 10, 2012
Attitude adjustment: Pough knows SCSU Bulldogs have to rebound quick
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina - Optimism is one of Buddy Pough’s biggest character attributes during his 11 seasons as South Carolina State head football coach.
Even after crushing setbacks, Pough has kept upbeat about the Bulldogs’ prospects and turned those moments of negativity into positives.
Over the next two weeks, those motivational skills will be put to the test. With Saturday’s 27-14 loss to Bethune-Cookman, the Bulldogs not only find themselves behind the proverbial 8-ball in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title race, but face the prospect of experiencing Pough’s worst nightmare — a three-game losing streak.
“That was a big issue that I was really concerned about during the entire offseason,” Pough said. “The fact that we could lose one of these two games and the worst of the two is ...
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Even after crushing setbacks, Pough has kept upbeat about the Bulldogs’ prospects and turned those moments of negativity into positives.
Over the next two weeks, those motivational skills will be put to the test. With Saturday’s 27-14 loss to Bethune-Cookman, the Bulldogs not only find themselves behind the proverbial 8-ball in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title race, but face the prospect of experiencing Pough’s worst nightmare — a three-game losing streak.
“That was a big issue that I was really concerned about during the entire offseason,” Pough said. “The fact that we could lose one of these two games and the worst of the two is ...
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FAMU was in right place for OU game
NORMAN, Oklahoma — When conference alignment caused the University of Oklahoma to scramble to fill a void on its schedule, FAMU just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Thus, the deal was done to bring the Rattlers to face the Sooners on Saturday. OU got its game and FAMU filled the date with a payday of $650,000 that it desperately needs.
But even more than that, FAMU came into the game hoping it would put on a showing good enough to have some weight in the postseason. It’s just what MEAC commissioner Dennis Thomas has been pleading with teams in the league to do figuring such a move would help the league in its push to get at least one at-large bid in the NCAA playoffs.
During the next few weeks, a few other MEAC programs will step out of their league as well. Savannah State was at FSU on Saturday and South Carolina State, which is running its athletic program in a $6 million deficit and faces the same need for cash as FAMU, will play Texas A&M in two weeks.
FAMU coach Joe Taylor came away from Saturday’s game feeling that he will see something on the game film that shows his team’s progress.
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OU runs away from Rattlers
NORMAN, OKLA. — It ended like this at Memorial Stadium: Oklahoma 69, FAMU 13.
No surprise there, but if anyone is looking to find positives about the expected beating that the Rattlers took, just look at the points they scored. None of the four FCS (formerly Division I-AA) programs that OU played in the last four seasons had scored more than a safety against the home team.
There were also some bright spots defensively for the Rattlers. Twice they silenced the crowd of 84,852 that came out for the Sooners’ first home game — once with an interception and again with a fumble recovery.
Then, there was Travis Harvey’s 75-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter. That cut the lead to 28-10 after Chase Varnadore tacked on the extra point to keep the Sooners from making it a blowout in the first half.
The difference in class gradually became obvious in the second half, though, and FAMU was left with its first 0-2 start to a season since 2007.
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Thus, the deal was done to bring the Rattlers to face the Sooners on Saturday. OU got its game and FAMU filled the date with a payday of $650,000 that it desperately needs.
But even more than that, FAMU came into the game hoping it would put on a showing good enough to have some weight in the postseason. It’s just what MEAC commissioner Dennis Thomas has been pleading with teams in the league to do figuring such a move would help the league in its push to get at least one at-large bid in the NCAA playoffs.
During the next few weeks, a few other MEAC programs will step out of their league as well. Savannah State was at FSU on Saturday and South Carolina State, which is running its athletic program in a $6 million deficit and faces the same need for cash as FAMU, will play Texas A&M in two weeks.
FAMU coach Joe Taylor came away from Saturday’s game feeling that he will see something on the game film that shows his team’s progress.
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OU runs away from Rattlers
NORMAN, OKLA. — It ended like this at Memorial Stadium: Oklahoma 69, FAMU 13.
No surprise there, but if anyone is looking to find positives about the expected beating that the Rattlers took, just look at the points they scored. None of the four FCS (formerly Division I-AA) programs that OU played in the last four seasons had scored more than a safety against the home team.
There were also some bright spots defensively for the Rattlers. Twice they silenced the crowd of 84,852 that came out for the Sooners’ first home game — once with an interception and again with a fumble recovery.
Then, there was Travis Harvey’s 75-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter. That cut the lead to 28-10 after Chase Varnadore tacked on the extra point to keep the Sooners from making it a blowout in the first half.
The difference in class gradually became obvious in the second half, though, and FAMU was left with its first 0-2 start to a season since 2007.
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Lamar 31, PVAMU 0: Win was Lamar's 'best,' coach says
BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar football Saturday played what coach Ray Woodard called "probably the best game we played since I've been here."On offense, the Cardinals scored touchdowns the first three times they had the ball. Running backs combined for more than 200 rushing yards, and quarterback Ryan Mossakowski completed 21 passes to nine different receivers.
On defense, Lamar never let Prairie View A&M beyond the Lamar 28, and that was on the opening drive of the game. That drive ended when linebackers Ronnie Jones and Jestin White stuffed the visiting Panthers on a fourth-and-1 run. The 249 total yards allowed were the fewest against an NCAA Division I team since the revived football program returned in 2010.
The result - a 31-0 victory - boosted spirits after the 40-0 loss at Louisiana-Lafayette opened the season a week earlier.
"I needed it, the coaches needed it, players needed it, fans needed it," Woodard said. "A good step. I thought we really improved as a team from getting off the bus at Lafayette to (Saturday night)."
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Catawba 49, Livingstone 17
SALISBURY, North Carolina - Catawba's record against Livinstone stayed unblemished, but the Indians' 49-17 victory on Saturday night had a different look. Catawba won its 13th straight in the series, but this wasn't one of those over-before-halftime, play-everyone-with-a-uniform, hide-the women-and children Mayor's Cup massacres that fans have gotten accustomed to.
"This was a football game," agreed Catawba's L.J. McCray, who made an interception and returned three kickoffs for 133 yards. "The truth is Livingstone came over here and played like they believed they would win it."
Both young quarterbacks - Catawba redshirt freshman B.J. Sherrill and Livingstone true freshmen Drew Powell - were sensational. Sherrill threw for 317 yards and three TDs. Powell accounted for two scores, threw for 305 yards and was the Blue Bears' leading rusher with 65 yards.
"Livingstone's passing scheme was great, and the quarterback was very good," McCray said. "Every time they got a man open over the middle, he completed a pass."
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"This was a football game," agreed Catawba's L.J. McCray, who made an interception and returned three kickoffs for 133 yards. "The truth is Livingstone came over here and played like they believed they would win it."
Both young quarterbacks - Catawba redshirt freshman B.J. Sherrill and Livingstone true freshmen Drew Powell - were sensational. Sherrill threw for 317 yards and three TDs. Powell accounted for two scores, threw for 305 yards and was the Blue Bears' leading rusher with 65 yards.
"Livingstone's passing scheme was great, and the quarterback was very good," McCray said. "Every time they got a man open over the middle, he completed a pass."
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Sunday, September 9, 2012
JCSU falls to Tuskegee 35-17 in the inaugural Inner City Classic
JCSU jumped out to a 10-0 first quarter against Tuskegee. Following a made 23 yard field goal by junior place kicker Alfred Ntiamoah (Los Angeles, CA), the Golden Bulls defense forced a fumble on the next possession. Senior defensive end Derrick Johnson II (Charlotte, NC) forced the fumble and it was recovered by senior Dylan Steele (Orlando, FL) and returned to the Tuskegee 30 yard line.
Sophomore quarterback Keahn Wallace (Homestead, FL) eventually connected with Terrell Hutchison (Chester, SC) for an eight yard touchdown reception. JCSU forced the Golden Tigers to punt and had an opportunity to really gain some momentum. Unfortunately, freshman returner Fred Scott (Stone Mountain, GA) bobbled the punt and Tuskegee recovered on the JCSU two yard line.
Derrick Washington crossed the goal line on a two yard run to draw the Golden Tigers within three (10-7). JCSU relinquished the lead in the second quarter after a nine yard touchdown by Desmond Reece. Tuskegee missed the extra point to account for a 13-10 advantage.
The Golden Bulls responded with a nine play, 76 yard drive for a TD. The drive was capped by a 35 yard touchdown toss from Wallace to senior receiver Matthew Jeffries. Jeffries juggled in the reception over a defender for JCSU to move ahead 17-13 against the Golden Tigers.
The score remained the same heading into the second half. Wallace suffered a significant injury to his lower leg and did not play at all after halftime.
Tuskegee produced 22 unanswered points in the second half of the contest. Golden Tiger running back Derrick Washington ended the game with 155 yards off 17 carries and two touchdowns to earn MVP honors.
Senior running back Dedrick Anderson (Winston-Salem, NC) picked the Offensive Player of the Game award with 82 yards rushing and 38 yards receiving. Quavon Taylor was named Defensive Player of the Game with 12 tackles (10 solo).
JCSU returns to Charlotte, NC to host Concordia College of Selma for the home opener on Saturday, September 15th. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. inside the Irwin Belk Complex. The Golden Bulls will celebrate the first home game with the Eddie McGirt Classic.
COURTESY JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Tennessee State cruises to win over Jackson State in Southern Heritage Classic
MEMPHIS, Tennessee - Chief organizer of the Southern Heritage Classic, Fred Jones, predicted Friday afternoon that there would be somewhere between 40,000 and 45,000 fans in attendance for Saturday's game between Jackson State and Tennessee State.He was right on target with 42,257 people filing into the Liberty Bowl. Jones also predicted another close game in the heated annual rivalry, but Tennessee State kept that prediction from coming true.
TSU got superstar performances from junior running back Trabis Ward and redshirt freshman Telvin Hooks and stormed past struggling Jackson State, 38-12, in one of the more lopsided Southern Heritage Classic games in years.
Tennessee State improved to 2-0 on the young season while Jackson State fell to 0-2 and has now been outscored 97-21 in eight quarters of play.
"We are still very young on defense — not one senior starting for us," Tennessee State coach Rod Reed said. "Our offense is having to kind of carry the defense along a little bit. It took us a while to get into a rhythm. But once we found it, we did a very nice job."
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TSU runs by Jackson State
MEMPHIS, Tennessee - Trabis Ward, who was injured last season against Jackson State, inflicted plenty of pain Saturday night while leading Tennessee State to a 38-12 win in the 23rd annual Southern Heritage Classic.
The junior running back scored a career-high three touchdowns, all in the second quarter, and helped TSU get off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2008.
A Liberty Bowl crowd of 42,257 watched TSU snap its two-game losing streak against JSU (0-2). TSU has won eight of the past 10 games in the Southern Heritage Classic.
“Trabis came to me before the game and said, ‘Coach, I don’t think you know what kind of team we have,’” coach Rod Reed said. “They’re starting to show me more and more each week.”
Ward, who ran for 114 yards on 22 carries and had two catches for 23 yards, was named the game’s most valuable player.
Last year against Jackson State, he injured his ankle on a TD run that tied the score at 14 in the first quarter. With Ward limited the rest of the way (35 yards on 13 carries), JSU overcame a 24-21 halftime deficit to claim a 35-29 victory.
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Alabama State Hornets 29, Mississippi Valley State 7: Hornets slug way past Delta Devils
MONTGOMERY, Alabama - In some ways, Saturday night’s home opener by Alabama State resembled the Hornets’ season opener with Bethune-Cookman a week earlier.
The Hornets jumped out to a three-touchdown lead in the first quarter while their opponent struggled to keep up on defense with Alabama State’s fast-paced offense and couldn’t get in synch offensively against the Hornet defense. That’s where the similarities ended.
Alabama State got sloppy at times in the last three quarters of Saturday’s game, just as they did in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, but Mississippi Valley wasn’t up to the challenge of making the Hornets pay in the Hornets’ 29-7 win over the Delta Devils at Cramton Bowl.
“It was kind of like déjà vu,” ASU quarterback Greg Jenkins said. “We started fast, then we had some struggles in the second half. We just have to go back to the drawing board and learn how to finish.”
Jenkins and Isaiah Crowell each scored twice and the Hornet defense survived a second-half rushing challenge to win the conference opener.
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The Hornets jumped out to a three-touchdown lead in the first quarter while their opponent struggled to keep up on defense with Alabama State’s fast-paced offense and couldn’t get in synch offensively against the Hornet defense. That’s where the similarities ended.
Alabama State got sloppy at times in the last three quarters of Saturday’s game, just as they did in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, but Mississippi Valley wasn’t up to the challenge of making the Hornets pay in the Hornets’ 29-7 win over the Delta Devils at Cramton Bowl.
“It was kind of like déjà vu,” ASU quarterback Greg Jenkins said. “We started fast, then we had some struggles in the second half. We just have to go back to the drawing board and learn how to finish.”
Jenkins and Isaiah Crowell each scored twice and the Hornet defense survived a second-half rushing challenge to win the conference opener.
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Shaw Bears Struggles on the Ground; Falls 28-15 to Miles College
DURHAM, North Carolina - Shaw University struggled on the ground and with penalties, losing 28-15 to Miles despite a decided advantage in time of possession in a game played at Durham County Memorial Stadium Saturday afternoon.
With the loss, Shaw drops to 0-2, while Miles improves to 1-1 on the season.
"We have to put an end to this fast," said Shaw head coach Robert Massey of the losing streak. "Losing is contagious and losing can become a habit. We can't have that. At the end of the day, it's a non-conference game and doesn't hurt us that way, but we want to win them all."
Shaw had possession of the ball for 36:13 - compared to Miles' 23:47 - but were only four of 18 in third down conversions and suffered from 14 penalties for a loss of 153 yards.
"We had some dumb penalties," said Massey. "We looked undisciplined and uncoached, which is not acceptable. We have to be smarter."
The Bears could not generate a ground game, amassing only 34 net yards rushing. Shaw quarterback James Stallons spent much of the game scrambling - losing 39 yards on the ground.
"Last week we struggled with defense." Massey said. "This week was the offense. We moved the ball, but we couldn't punch it in. It's pride. We have got to find a way to finish drives."
The Bears moved the ball within the Miles 10-yard line six times, coming away with only a field goal and two touchdowns. The special teams unit struggled as well - especially in the kicking game. Shaw missed two of three field goal attempts and an extra point try.
The punting game struggled as well, with the Bears finally resorting to using Stallons as the punter after the first two kicks went eight and 16 yards. Stallons averaged 38.7 yards on three punts.
The game started slowly for both teams, with each missing a field goal. Shaw made it inside the Miles' 20 once in the first quarter, but the Golden Bears never cracked the Shaw 20.
Shaw opened the second quarter with a field goal, giving them a 3-0 lead. On the next drive, Miles drove to the Shaw eight-yard line and fumbled the ball. Chris Ellerbe recovered and returned it 81 yards, but being brought down at the 14-yard line. The Bears went only six yards before trying a field goal that went wide right.
With 28 seconds remaining in the first half, Miles' David Thomas hit Antonio Pitts on a three-yard slant that gave the Golden Bears a 7-3 going into the locker room.
After driving Shaw backwards 12 yards on the opening drive of the second half, Miles wound up with the ball on the Shaw 34 after a Shaw penalty on a Stallons' 41-yard punt. Five plays later, Thomas scrambled out of the backfield for 24 yards and a Miles touchdown, giving them a 14-3 lead.
With less than four minutes left in the third quarter, the Bears drove to the Miles three-yard line, but could not cross the goal line, giving up the ball on downs. In the shadow of their own goal posts, Miles was the beneficiary of a Shaw personal foul that moved them to the 17-yard line, then Thomas hit Jerommy Mardis for 83 yards and a 21-3 lead.
Shaw opened the fourth quarter at the Miles' 15-yard line, but turned the ball over on downs. The Bear defense held, though, then Chris Ellerbe blocked the Golden Bear punt, giving Shaw back the ball inside the 20. Three plays later, the Bears finally crossed the goal line on an Antonio Dunn three-yard dash. The extra point attempt failed, making the score 21-9 in favor of Miles.
Midway through the fourth, Miles was again the beneficiary of Shaw penalties - this time a pass interference call followed immediately by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty - giving the Golden Bears the ball on the Shaw eight. Denzell Veale got the ball on the option and ran left, gaining the eight yard and giving the Golden Bears a 28-9 lead.
Shaw then went on their longest drive of the game - starting on their own 13. Stallons hit six straight passes, moving the Bears down to the one-yard line, and Marquise Grizzle leapt over the pile for the second Shaw touchdown. The two-point attempt failed, setting the final score at 28-15.
Stallons finished the game going 20 for 39 for 277 yards with no interceptions. He was sacked four times. Dunn finished the game with 53 yards on the ground and the one touchdown. Grizzle had 24 yards rushing and one touchdown.
Ta'Juan Brown had 71 yards receiving with only two catches - one for 44 yards and the other for 27. Derek Grant had five catches for a total of 65 yards while Nick Jones pulled in three receptions for 64 yards.
Defensively, the Bears were led by Evan Strange who had eight tackles, including two sacks and three tackles for a loss. He also recovered a fumble for Shaw. Derrick Washington and Chris Martin had six tackles apiece, with Martin having a tackle and a half for a loss and adding one quarterback hurry to his tally. Frank Marin picked off a Thomas pass and had one sack while collecting three tackles.
Thomas finished the game 12 for 21 with one interception and two touchdowns and 190 yards through the air. The Golden Bears had only 72 yards rushing, led by Devonta Parker-Johnson who had 50 yards on 15 rushes. Mardis collected 119 receiving yards with four catches and had the one touchdown.
Defensively, Reginal Virges and James Gaines, III had seven tackles apiece. Virges recovered a fumble and Gaines had a sack for a loss of 12 yards.
The Bears continue their three-game homestand next Saturday when they host Stillman in a 1:00 p.m. contest at Durham County Memorial Stadium.
Box Score
COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
With the loss, Shaw drops to 0-2, while Miles improves to 1-1 on the season.
"We have to put an end to this fast," said Shaw head coach Robert Massey of the losing streak. "Losing is contagious and losing can become a habit. We can't have that. At the end of the day, it's a non-conference game and doesn't hurt us that way, but we want to win them all."
Shaw had possession of the ball for 36:13 - compared to Miles' 23:47 - but were only four of 18 in third down conversions and suffered from 14 penalties for a loss of 153 yards.
"We had some dumb penalties," said Massey. "We looked undisciplined and uncoached, which is not acceptable. We have to be smarter."
The Bears could not generate a ground game, amassing only 34 net yards rushing. Shaw quarterback James Stallons spent much of the game scrambling - losing 39 yards on the ground.
"Last week we struggled with defense." Massey said. "This week was the offense. We moved the ball, but we couldn't punch it in. It's pride. We have got to find a way to finish drives."
The Bears moved the ball within the Miles 10-yard line six times, coming away with only a field goal and two touchdowns. The special teams unit struggled as well - especially in the kicking game. Shaw missed two of three field goal attempts and an extra point try.
The punting game struggled as well, with the Bears finally resorting to using Stallons as the punter after the first two kicks went eight and 16 yards. Stallons averaged 38.7 yards on three punts.
The game started slowly for both teams, with each missing a field goal. Shaw made it inside the Miles' 20 once in the first quarter, but the Golden Bears never cracked the Shaw 20.
Shaw opened the second quarter with a field goal, giving them a 3-0 lead. On the next drive, Miles drove to the Shaw eight-yard line and fumbled the ball. Chris Ellerbe recovered and returned it 81 yards, but being brought down at the 14-yard line. The Bears went only six yards before trying a field goal that went wide right.
With 28 seconds remaining in the first half, Miles' David Thomas hit Antonio Pitts on a three-yard slant that gave the Golden Bears a 7-3 going into the locker room.
After driving Shaw backwards 12 yards on the opening drive of the second half, Miles wound up with the ball on the Shaw 34 after a Shaw penalty on a Stallons' 41-yard punt. Five plays later, Thomas scrambled out of the backfield for 24 yards and a Miles touchdown, giving them a 14-3 lead.
With less than four minutes left in the third quarter, the Bears drove to the Miles three-yard line, but could not cross the goal line, giving up the ball on downs. In the shadow of their own goal posts, Miles was the beneficiary of a Shaw personal foul that moved them to the 17-yard line, then Thomas hit Jerommy Mardis for 83 yards and a 21-3 lead.
Shaw opened the fourth quarter at the Miles' 15-yard line, but turned the ball over on downs. The Bear defense held, though, then Chris Ellerbe blocked the Golden Bear punt, giving Shaw back the ball inside the 20. Three plays later, the Bears finally crossed the goal line on an Antonio Dunn three-yard dash. The extra point attempt failed, making the score 21-9 in favor of Miles.
Midway through the fourth, Miles was again the beneficiary of Shaw penalties - this time a pass interference call followed immediately by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty - giving the Golden Bears the ball on the Shaw eight. Denzell Veale got the ball on the option and ran left, gaining the eight yard and giving the Golden Bears a 28-9 lead.
Shaw then went on their longest drive of the game - starting on their own 13. Stallons hit six straight passes, moving the Bears down to the one-yard line, and Marquise Grizzle leapt over the pile for the second Shaw touchdown. The two-point attempt failed, setting the final score at 28-15.
Stallons finished the game going 20 for 39 for 277 yards with no interceptions. He was sacked four times. Dunn finished the game with 53 yards on the ground and the one touchdown. Grizzle had 24 yards rushing and one touchdown.
Ta'Juan Brown had 71 yards receiving with only two catches - one for 44 yards and the other for 27. Derek Grant had five catches for a total of 65 yards while Nick Jones pulled in three receptions for 64 yards.
Defensively, the Bears were led by Evan Strange who had eight tackles, including two sacks and three tackles for a loss. He also recovered a fumble for Shaw. Derrick Washington and Chris Martin had six tackles apiece, with Martin having a tackle and a half for a loss and adding one quarterback hurry to his tally. Frank Marin picked off a Thomas pass and had one sack while collecting three tackles.
Thomas finished the game 12 for 21 with one interception and two touchdowns and 190 yards through the air. The Golden Bears had only 72 yards rushing, led by Devonta Parker-Johnson who had 50 yards on 15 rushes. Mardis collected 119 receiving yards with four catches and had the one touchdown.
Defensively, Reginal Virges and James Gaines, III had seven tackles apiece. Virges recovered a fumble and Gaines had a sack for a loss of 12 yards.
The Bears continue their three-game homestand next Saturday when they host Stillman in a 1:00 p.m. contest at Durham County Memorial Stadium.
Box Score
Morehouse Wins; Carter Sets Career Rushing Mark
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| ALL-AMERICAN DAVID CARTER MOREHOUSE COLLEGE (COURTESY MOREHOUSE COLLEGE ATHLETICS) |
Carter, now with 3,848 yards, surpassed the previous career rushing record of 3,669 yards by John David Washington (2002-2005), in the second quarter.
In a game, marred by driving rain and two long lightning delays, the Maroon Tigers kept the ball on the ground, punishing the EWC defense with six rushing touchdowns. Of Morehouse's 444 yard, 414 came on the ground.
Sophomore running back Shelton Hamilton had a career day, rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Donnay Ragland also got into the running game, scoring two one-yard touchdowns. His back-to-back quarterback sneaks, at the start of the second quarter, put Morehouse ahead, 27-7.
Richard Sanders and Latavius Watts paced the Morehouse defense with eight tackles apiece.
Antoine Easterling and Justin Oliver each picked off a pass. Oliver returned his interception for 50 yards.
The Maroon Tigers moved to 1-1 and will bus it to Ohio, next week, to meet Winston-Salem State, in the Cleveland Classic, at Browns Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CDT.
COURTESY MOREHOUSE COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION
VUU's Jerrell Washington Rushes for Four TDs in 31-14 Win
BREVARD, North Carolina - Virginia Union University's Jerrell Washington became the first VUU player to rush for four touchdowns in a single game since Andre Braxton turned the trick in 2000 as VUU downed Brevard College 31-14 on Saturday, September 8, in Brevard, N.C.Washington had 179 yards on 20 carries, including an 81-yard scamper. As a team, VUU rushed for 354 yards.
VUU's Andre Kates started the game with a bang as he returned the opening kickoff 87 yards, taking the ball from his own three-yard line to the Brevard 10. Washington scored the first of his four touchdowns three plays later.
Brevard pulled to within 7-6 on a 10-yard run by Jerome Ollis, but the Ben Noboa's extra point sailed wide right.
VUU increased the lead to 14-6 when Washington ran 81 yards for another touchdown.
Virginia Union's Stephen Velasquez scored the eventual winning points when he hit a 37-yard field goal with 2:06 left in the first half.
VUU led 17-14 at the half.
Virginia Union owned the second half against Brevard, scoring 14 unanswered points and holding the Brevard offense 0-for-4 in third down situations.
The win raised VUU's record to 2-0 on the season. Brevard dropped to 0-2.
Virginia Union travels to Fayetteville, N.C., to meet Fayetteville State University at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 15. The game will be broadcast live on WFTH (1590 AM) in Richmond, Va., and live on the internet at www.vuusports.com.
Box Score
COURTESY VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
North Texas Mean Green Crushes Texas Southern 34-7
DENTON, Texas - Last week the University of North Texas Mean Green football team opened their season up in Baton Rouge against the #3 ranked LSU Tigers. The 41-14 final score in favor of LSU was not indicative of the hard-fought game the Mean Green played (particularly on defense), but it also wasn’t surprising given the difference in expectations for the teams. The Mean Green came into the game against Texas Southern looking to exact revenge on some Tigers and earn their first win in a home opener since 2006. Luckily for the raucous crowd at Apogee Stadium, that’s exactly what they did.
The first thing that stood out about the 34-7 shellacking the Mean Green laid down was that the defense came here to play and shut down the Texas Southern Tigers. UNT’s defense allowed just 16 yards of total offense in the first half with most of that coming on a 9 yard catch late in the second. For most of the first half ,the Tigers were hovering in the -5 to -10 yard range for total offense and had only 3 first downs to UNT’s 12.
Texas Southern wanted to pass the ball, but didn’t have the time or open receivers to do so, as they averaged only 4 yards per catch in the game. The Mean Green defense sacked the Tigers QBs 4 times and held their ball carriers to 1.2 yards per rush.
Linebacker Aaron Bellazin and safety Marcus Trice were two of the many instrumental players on defense, with each making plays big plays when they were needed the most. Trice, a transfer from the University of Oklahoma, was playing in his first game in 20 months. He had 4 tackles, a pick and was consistently causing the Tigers trouble all over the field.
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James Madison Dukes rolls over Alcorn State 42-3
HARRISONBURG, Virginia - Wet turf led to a sloppy, yet dominating, performance for the Dukes. Despite a final score of 42-3, the football team looked uncoordinated in a game that was high on penalties as well as points.
Heavy rain early in the afternoon delayed the game to around 7:05 p.m., an hour later than scheduled. Redshirt senior quarterback Justin Thorpe led the Dukes to the endzone in about two minutes, only to throw an interception right into the hands of an Alcorn State University defensive back Brandon Thompson.
Although the Braves didn’t capitalize on the Dukes’ mistake, Thorpe readjusted on the next drive, rushing for 22 yards to bring JMU to the four-yard line. Redshirt junior Dae’Quan Scott rushed the ball into the endzone for his first of two touchdowns.
Scott, who was on his way to a career-high game with eight carries for 107 yards didn’t return for the second half. Instead, redshirt junior Jordan Anderson took over and rushed for 12 yards, enough to break 1,000 rushing yards total in his career.
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Storms end game early, but Old Dominion Monarchs roll over Hampton Pirates
HAMPTON, Virginia - The only thing that could stop Old Dominion’s football team Saturday night was a bolt of lightning. Looking every bit the part of the nation’s fifth-ranked Football Championship Subdivision team, ODU crushed Hampton University 45-7 in a game called because of weather with 9:23 to play.
Game officials halted the contest after lightning struck close to Armstrong Stadium around 9 p.m. Both teams were sent to their locker rooms and the stadium was cleared of fans.
Initially, the plan was to resume play an hour or so later. But Hampton officials approached ODU coach Bobby Wilder about 9:30 and asked, for the safety of the fans and players, if he would agree to call the game.
“I thought it was a good decision,” Wilder said.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke completed 20 of 32 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed 11 times for 55 yards to lead the Monarchs, No. 5 in the FCS Coaches’ Poll.
It was its second offensive onslaught in as many games for ODU, which opened last Saturday with a 57-23 victory over Duquesne.
The Monarchs didn’t match the 723 offensive yards they amassed against the Dukes – they had 350 yards. But the lopsided nature of the game, and the thunderstorms, had as much to do with slowing down ODU’s offense as did the Pirates.
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Game officials halted the contest after lightning struck close to Armstrong Stadium around 9 p.m. Both teams were sent to their locker rooms and the stadium was cleared of fans.
Initially, the plan was to resume play an hour or so later. But Hampton officials approached ODU coach Bobby Wilder about 9:30 and asked, for the safety of the fans and players, if he would agree to call the game.
“I thought it was a good decision,” Wilder said.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke completed 20 of 32 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed 11 times for 55 yards to lead the Monarchs, No. 5 in the FCS Coaches’ Poll.
It was its second offensive onslaught in as many games for ODU, which opened last Saturday with a 57-23 victory over Duquesne.
The Monarchs didn’t match the 723 offensive yards they amassed against the Dukes – they had 350 yards. But the lopsided nature of the game, and the thunderstorms, had as much to do with slowing down ODU’s offense as did the Pirates.
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Delaware Hens outgained, but come up with victory vs. DSU
NEWARK, Delaware – The University of Delaware continued its dominance of Delaware State, grabbing an early 21-point lead and prevailing 38-14 in a nonconference football game interrupted by thunderstorms at Delaware Stadium today.
Ricky Tunstall got the 15th-ranked Blue Hens (2-0) started with a 91-yard interception return for a touchdown to open the scoring.
Blue Hen senior linebacker Paul Worrilow had a career-high 18 tackles and earned the Nate Beasley Award as the game’s outstanding player. Worrilow was the only starter for either team from a Delaware high school. He is a Concord High graduate.
The late Beasley started his college career at Delaware State before transferring to Delaware and becoming one of the Blue Hens’ leading all-time rushers. He also long championed the need for a UD-DSU game.
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Ricky Tunstall got the 15th-ranked Blue Hens (2-0) started with a 91-yard interception return for a touchdown to open the scoring.
Blue Hen senior linebacker Paul Worrilow had a career-high 18 tackles and earned the Nate Beasley Award as the game’s outstanding player. Worrilow was the only starter for either team from a Delaware high school. He is a Concord High graduate.
The late Beasley started his college career at Delaware State before transferring to Delaware and becoming one of the Blue Hens’ leading all-time rushers. He also long championed the need for a UD-DSU game.
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Rutgers defense dominates in 26-0 win over Howard
PISCATAWAY, New Jersey - Howard had one chance to put some pressure on Rutgers and threw it away. The Bison of the Howard (1-1) of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference dropped a 26-0 decision to their Big East Conference foe Saturday, but they left High Point Solutions Stadium wondering what might have been had they cashed in early on a Scarlet Knights' mistake.
Cornerback Julien David intercepted a Gary Nova pass on the opening series, giving Howard a first down at the Rutgers 30. A facemask penalty and a pass interference call eventually gave the Bison a first and goal at the 2.
That's when things went south. After William Parker carried for a yard, Justin Duncan was dropped for a 2-yard loss on a run and then Parker fumbled a third-down pitch and defensive tackle Scott Vallone recovered.
:"We got no points at all," Howard coach Gary Harrell said. "They get on the scoreboard first (the next series) and then they come back in the second quarter and scored on a blocked punt for a touchdown. We had some breakdowns in all phases of the game."
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Rutgers takes care of business with 26-0 win over Howard
PISCATAWAY, New Jersey - There was a lot more nit-picking to be done than there was praise to be handed out over Rutgers’ less-than-inspiring victory Saturday, but that was fine with Scott Vallone.
The way the senior defensive tackle figures it, why not play your best game when it matters most?
For now, that’s Thursday’s Big East opener at South Florida.
It wasn’t Saturday against Howard — clearly — when Rutgers (2-0) recorded a methodical and mistake-strewn 26-0 victory before a crowd of 50,855 at High Point Solutions Stadium.
“I don’t think we played our best football or close to what we’re capable of,” Vallone said. “So what better time to do that than Thursday night on ESPN against South Florida?”
That’s one way to look at what happened Saturday, when Rutgers’ defense dominated again, the offense struggled again and penalties continued to be an issue.
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Liberty Denied Win Against Norfolk State
LYNCHBURG, Virginia - For the second week in a row, the outcome of Liberty's game was decided in the closing seconds. This time, the Flames fell just a yard short of extending their game against No. 24 Norfolk State.
With just over three minutes left to play in the game, the Flames were able to drive to the Norfolk State one-yard line. However, the Spartans' Keenan Lambert was able to keep fullback Nicky Fualaau from catching a ball in the end zone, thus securing a 31-24 win for the visitors in Liberty's 2012 home opener.
For the first time since the 2003 season, the Flames open a season with an 0-2 record after the loss, Saturday night, at Williams Stadium. The win ups Norfolk State's season mark to 2-0.
WSET.com - ABC13
Norfolk State outscored the Flames, 24-7, in the second half and outgained Liberty, 212-93, during the final 30 minutes. The decisive second half also saw two special teams touchdowns and a fumble recovery for a score.
Norfolk State's defense held strong on the game's opening drive, forcing the Flames to punt after a three-and-out series. However, it was a mishap by the Spartans' special teams that gave the Flames the ball right back.
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Liberty-Norfolk State Sunday wrap
The degree of difficulty on reporting last night’s Liberty-Norfolk State game was about a 9.4. The only thing that could have made it harder was overtime, which would have occurred had it not been for a heady defensive play by Norfolk State defensive back Keenan Lambert, who knocked a potential game-tying pass away from Flames fullback Nicky Fualaau.
There was a lot going on and a lot to process in a very short amount of time. I left the interview room at 10:55 and had to crank out a ton of copy in about 40 minutes, so it probably wasn’t my best work. After a night to sleep on it, here are some random thoughts and musings:
* I love that most of Liberty’s games are on ESPN3.com so I can go back and watch replays of key plays from the night before. When All-American guard Malcolm Boyd went down in a heap in the first quarter, it was impossible to see from the press box. All you saw was the end of the play and Boyd not getting up. Checked out the ESPN3 replay of the FSN telecast from last night and they showed the critical angle of the injury. Boyd was blocking Norfolk State linebacker Terrence Pugh when Deon King got rolled into Boyd from behind, snapping his right leg. The video replay isn’t for the squeamish. The key angle showed Boyd’s lower leg at a 90-degree ankle from the rest of his body. We’ll get an official word on Tuesday at the press conference on Boyd’s injury, but I can’t imagine the prognosis will be good.
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With just over three minutes left to play in the game, the Flames were able to drive to the Norfolk State one-yard line. However, the Spartans' Keenan Lambert was able to keep fullback Nicky Fualaau from catching a ball in the end zone, thus securing a 31-24 win for the visitors in Liberty's 2012 home opener.
For the first time since the 2003 season, the Flames open a season with an 0-2 record after the loss, Saturday night, at Williams Stadium. The win ups Norfolk State's season mark to 2-0.
WSET.com - ABC13
Norfolk State outscored the Flames, 24-7, in the second half and outgained Liberty, 212-93, during the final 30 minutes. The decisive second half also saw two special teams touchdowns and a fumble recovery for a score.
Norfolk State's defense held strong on the game's opening drive, forcing the Flames to punt after a three-and-out series. However, it was a mishap by the Spartans' special teams that gave the Flames the ball right back.
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Liberty-Norfolk State Sunday wrap
The degree of difficulty on reporting last night’s Liberty-Norfolk State game was about a 9.4. The only thing that could have made it harder was overtime, which would have occurred had it not been for a heady defensive play by Norfolk State defensive back Keenan Lambert, who knocked a potential game-tying pass away from Flames fullback Nicky Fualaau.
There was a lot going on and a lot to process in a very short amount of time. I left the interview room at 10:55 and had to crank out a ton of copy in about 40 minutes, so it probably wasn’t my best work. After a night to sleep on it, here are some random thoughts and musings:
* I love that most of Liberty’s games are on ESPN3.com so I can go back and watch replays of key plays from the night before. When All-American guard Malcolm Boyd went down in a heap in the first quarter, it was impossible to see from the press box. All you saw was the end of the play and Boyd not getting up. Checked out the ESPN3 replay of the FSN telecast from last night and they showed the critical angle of the injury. Boyd was blocking Norfolk State linebacker Terrence Pugh when Deon King got rolled into Boyd from behind, snapping his right leg. The video replay isn’t for the squeamish. The key angle showed Boyd’s lower leg at a 90-degree ankle from the rest of his body. We’ll get an official word on Tuesday at the press conference on Boyd’s injury, but I can’t imagine the prognosis will be good.
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No. 20 TCU routs Grambling State
FORT WORTH, Texas - Casey Pachall threw for 201 yards and three scores on a perfect 9-for-9 passing as No. 20 TCU opened its season with a 56-0 pasting of Grambling State on Saturday at Amon Carter Stadium.
Backup quarterback Trevone Boykin went 8-for-8 through the air for 75 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for 57 yards and a touchdown on five carries for TCU (1-0), which played its inaugural game as a member of the Big 12 Conference.
Waymon James rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown on five carries, while Josh Boyce led the receiving corps with four catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon Carter contributed a touchdown catch.
David Bush added a receiving score and Deante' Gray returned five punts for 160 yards and a touchdown in his first college game. TCU head coach Gary Patterson earned his 110th victory, becoming the program's all-time winningest coach.
"I guess if you were going to script a first ball game, this is the way we would do it." Patterson said. "We got a chance to play a lot of players. The one thing we have to work on is organization, especially with the No. 2 offense. We had to call some timeouts, but other than that it was what you wanted to start off with."
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FSU Rolls on wet, wild night over Savannah State
TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Now the season can really begin. With the 55-0 demolition of the helpless Savannah State Tigers on Saturday night, the No. 6 Florida State football team can officially turn its attention, for real, to the 2012 schedule.
It was so bad on Saturday night that most FSU starters were pulled after a 35-0 first quarter and the second half featured a running clock – which is typically is only used in high school football blowouts – right up until the game was called due to lightning with 8:59 left in the third quarter.
“Well, that’s a first,” Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said. “I’ve never had that occur in my career.” Not many college coaches have experienced anything like what happened at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night.
The Seminoles came into the game as 70-point favorites, the highest known line in the history of college football. And while they didn’t get to that number – thanks to the final 24 minutes being canceled – they proved early and often that this was every bit the mismatch experts expected it to be.
“I don’t want to ever disrespect anybody,” Fisher said. “I thought Savannah played extremely hard … I think we tried to manage it. We threw it, controlled throw it. Put them in situations, ran the football. We wanted to run it anyway, and let the quarterbacks manage third downs and second-and-longs.
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It was so bad on Saturday night that most FSU starters were pulled after a 35-0 first quarter and the second half featured a running clock – which is typically is only used in high school football blowouts – right up until the game was called due to lightning with 8:59 left in the third quarter.
“Well, that’s a first,” Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said. “I’ve never had that occur in my career.” Not many college coaches have experienced anything like what happened at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night.
The Seminoles came into the game as 70-point favorites, the highest known line in the history of college football. And while they didn’t get to that number – thanks to the final 24 minutes being canceled – they proved early and often that this was every bit the mismatch experts expected it to be.
“I don’t want to ever disrespect anybody,” Fisher said. “I thought Savannah played extremely hard … I think we tried to manage it. We threw it, controlled throw it. Put them in situations, ran the football. We wanted to run it anyway, and let the quarterbacks manage third downs and second-and-longs.
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Week 2: HBCU Scorecard
SWAC
Texas Christian 56, Grambling State 0
North Texas 34, Texas Southern 7
James Madison 42, Alcorn State 3
Alabama State 29, Mississippi Valley State 7
Alabama A&M 14, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 10
Tennessee State 38, Jackson State 12 (Southern Heritage Classic)
Lamar 31, Prairie View A&M 0
Southern (Open)
MEAC
Rutgers 26, Howard 0
Delaware 38, Delaware State 14
Buffalo 56, Morgan State 34
#6Florida State 55, Savannah State 0
#5Oklahoma 69, Florida A&M 13
North Carolina A&T 77, West Virginia State 0
Bethune-Cookman 27, South Carolina State 14
Elon 34, North Carolina Central 14
Norfolk State 31, Liberty 24
Old Dominion 45, Hampton 7
SIAC
Bowie State 28, Benedict 14 (Thursday)
Tuskegee 35, Johnson C. Smith 17 at Atlanta, GA
Valdosta State 62, Fort Valley State 14
Kentucky Wesleyan 13, Kentucky State 6
Ouachita Baptist 31, Stillman 0
Morehouse 38, Edward Waters 19
Wingate 37, Albany State 9
Miles 28, Shaw 15
Clark-Atlanta 20, Lane 17
CIAA
Catawba 49, Livingstone 17
New Haven 24, Saint Augustine's 21
Virginia Military 24, Chowan 17
Delta State 26, Elizabeth City State 7
Virginia Union 31, Brevard 14
North Carolina-Pembroke 31, Fayetteville State 21
West Liberty State 14, Virgina State 13
Winston Salem State 30, Concord 22
Wofford 82, Lincoln (Pa.) 0
OTHERS
Northern Iowa 59, Central State (Ohio) 0
Truman State 42, Lincoln (Mo.) 12
Indiana (Pa.) 56, Cheyney 0
Southern Arkansas 56, Texas College 0
PVAMU Marching Storm performance at Lamar University 9/8/12.
Texas Christian 56, Grambling State 0
North Texas 34, Texas Southern 7
James Madison 42, Alcorn State 3
Alabama State 29, Mississippi Valley State 7
Alabama A&M 14, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 10
Tennessee State 38, Jackson State 12 (Southern Heritage Classic)
Lamar 31, Prairie View A&M 0
Southern (Open)
MEAC
Rutgers 26, Howard 0
Delaware 38, Delaware State 14
Buffalo 56, Morgan State 34
#6Florida State 55, Savannah State 0
#5Oklahoma 69, Florida A&M 13
North Carolina A&T 77, West Virginia State 0
Bethune-Cookman 27, South Carolina State 14
Elon 34, North Carolina Central 14
Norfolk State 31, Liberty 24
Old Dominion 45, Hampton 7
SIAC
Bowie State 28, Benedict 14 (Thursday)
Tuskegee 35, Johnson C. Smith 17 at Atlanta, GA
Valdosta State 62, Fort Valley State 14
Kentucky Wesleyan 13, Kentucky State 6
Ouachita Baptist 31, Stillman 0
Morehouse 38, Edward Waters 19
Wingate 37, Albany State 9
Miles 28, Shaw 15
Clark-Atlanta 20, Lane 17
CIAA
Catawba 49, Livingstone 17
New Haven 24, Saint Augustine's 21
Virginia Military 24, Chowan 17
Delta State 26, Elizabeth City State 7
Virginia Union 31, Brevard 14
North Carolina-Pembroke 31, Fayetteville State 21
West Liberty State 14, Virgina State 13
Winston Salem State 30, Concord 22
Wofford 82, Lincoln (Pa.) 0
OTHERS
Northern Iowa 59, Central State (Ohio) 0
Truman State 42, Lincoln (Mo.) 12
Indiana (Pa.) 56, Cheyney 0
Southern Arkansas 56, Texas College 0
PVAMU Marching Storm performance at Lamar University 9/8/12.
Alabama A&M football: Defense turns back UAPB in SWAC opener
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas - Alabama A&M's defense turned back Arkansas-Pine Bluff at virtually every turn, while its offense scored just enough to help the Bulldogs eke out their second win in as many games Saturday night.Brawnski Towns' defensive unit held the Golden Lions to three points despite five trips inside their 16-yard line and Kaderius Lacey scored a pair of touchdowns as A&M hung on for a 14-10 victory before an announced crowd of 9,500 at Golden Lions Stadium in the Southwestern Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
"Our defense played huge and kept them out of the end zone time after time after time," A&M coach Anthony Jones said. "We had some success on offense when we needed to and then was able to run out the clock at the end. It was a great team win for us."
A&M improved to 2-0 for the first since 2009. The Bulldogs are 1-0 in league play. UAPB fell to 1-1 and 0-1.
Things didn't look good for A&M early on. The Golden Lions got on the board first on their first possession of the game when C.J. Branch scored on a 1-yard run and Tyler Strickland kicked the extra point to give UAPB a 7-0 lead less than six minutes into the game.
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Buffalo Bulls blow past Morgan State Bears
BUFFALO, New York - For the fourth time in four seasons the feel-good game on the University at Buffalo football schedule sent positive vibes surging throughout UB Stadium.
Running back Bo Oliver plowed through the defense like he had commandeered a John Deere tractor. You know, one of the really big ones.
Quarterback Alex Zordich and top wideout Alex Neutz made like Montana and Rice or, if you prefer, Willy and Roosevelt.
Backup QB Joe Licata, the former Williamsville South star, threw a TD pass on his first collegiate attempt.
Backup running back James Potts rolled 49 yards to a TD on his second collegiate carry (and then injured himself in the celebration).
And UB rolled up the most points in its FBS history to tantalize a crowd of 15,570 with a 56-34 stroll over Morgan State, which had plenty of ammo but couldn't guard the fort.
"It's been 295 days since the Akron win," said coach Jeff Quinn, referencing UB's last victory. "I told these guys that we wanted to really head out of there tonight feeling good about all three phases of our team. There are some things offensively that were just tremendous accomplishments. ... (But) we got to get better at stopping the run."
UB records fell like the rains that drenched Western New York earlier Saturday. Oliver went for 238 yards and two touchdowns to break the single-game FBS mark of 235 he set last year. And he also had about 70 yards worth of runs negated by penalties.
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Running back Bo Oliver plowed through the defense like he had commandeered a John Deere tractor. You know, one of the really big ones.
Quarterback Alex Zordich and top wideout Alex Neutz made like Montana and Rice or, if you prefer, Willy and Roosevelt.
Backup QB Joe Licata, the former Williamsville South star, threw a TD pass on his first collegiate attempt.
Backup running back James Potts rolled 49 yards to a TD on his second collegiate carry (and then injured himself in the celebration).
And UB rolled up the most points in its FBS history to tantalize a crowd of 15,570 with a 56-34 stroll over Morgan State, which had plenty of ammo but couldn't guard the fort.
"It's been 295 days since the Akron win," said coach Jeff Quinn, referencing UB's last victory. "I told these guys that we wanted to really head out of there tonight feeling good about all three phases of our team. There are some things offensively that were just tremendous accomplishments. ... (But) we got to get better at stopping the run."
UB records fell like the rains that drenched Western New York earlier Saturday. Oliver went for 238 yards and two touchdowns to break the single-game FBS mark of 235 he set last year. And he also had about 70 yards worth of runs negated by penalties.
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ELON 34, NCCU 14: Rising Phoenix leave Eagles in ashes
ELON, North Carolina — N.C. Central on Saturday night looked like it switched places with the Division II team it handled in its season opener. The Eagles just couldn’t get going and fell to Elon 34-14.The score wasn’t necessarily indicative of the way Elon dominated the game.
“We stunk it up,” NCCU coach Henry Frazier III said. Frazier in particular was talking about the way NCCU’s offense performed, gaining a grand total of 27 rushing yards and 83 passing yards. But the Eagles as a unit just didn’t bring it, either, Frazier said.
“There were a lot of opportunities out here to make plays out here tonight, and we just didn’t,” Frazier said. “Elon seemed to be a step faster than us to all the loose balls, to just the intensity-level plays, and they made those plays.”
Elon in Week 1 got clobbered 62-0 by North Carolina, a Football Bowl Subdivision team. NCCU started the season with a 54-31 win over Fayetteville State, a Division II program.
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Bethune-Cookman rallies past South Carolina State for big MEAC win
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina - In its first game, Bethune-Cookman overcame a 21-0 deficit to defeat Alabama State 38-28. On Saturday, The Wildcats followed the same formula to upend Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference power South Carolina State 27-14 in Orangeburg, S.C.After falling behind 14-0 early, B-CU (2-0, 1-0) scored 27 unanswered points, shutting down the Bulldogs (1-1, 0-1) in the final three quarters.
It was B-CU coach Brian Jenkins' second straight win in Orangeburg. In his first season at B-CU two years ago, the Wildcats ended the Bulldogs' 21-game MEAC winning streak with a 14-0 victory.
B-CU quarterback Brock Waters provided a spark off the bench for the second consecutive week. But this time starter Jackie Wilson returned late in the third quarter and led the Wildcats to their final score.
Dion Hanks had two interceptions, including a pick in the Wildcats' end zone with 1:55 left to all but clinch the victory. South Carolina State turned the ball over four times.
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