Alcorn Braves set for home opener

ALCORN STATE, Mississippi - First-year Alcorn State coach Jay Hopson will make his home debut Saturday when the Braves (1-1, 1-0 SWAC) host Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-1, 0-1).  Hopson was asked during Monday's SWAC teleconference about what type of home-field advantage he hoped to have inside Jack Spinks Stadium.

"I hope we have a big one," Hopson said. "We want to play as many games at The Reservation that we can."

Alcorn opened the season with a surprising win over Grambling State in the Port City Classic in Shreveport.

Last week they bused 17 hours to James Madison University where they suffered a 42-3 defeat. "It's a learning lesson for us," Hopson said.

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Cleveland Classic: WSSU Rams excited about Classic

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - Winston-Salem State's decision to bypass playing a home game this week will benefit the athletics department, according to athletics director Bill Hayes.

The fifth-ranked Rams (2-0) will play Morehouse (1-1) in the Cleveland Classic at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Saturday at noon. It's the second year of the classic and it's billed as a football game to celebrate historically black universities.



"This is something that will really get our name out there and it will give coach (Connell) Maynor a chance to showcase his team a little bit," Hayes said.

WSSU is getting $25,000 plus all expenses to travel for the band, cheerleaders and, of course, the team and coaches. Getting a chance at a guarantee as a Division II school is a bonus.

"These opportunities for guarantees ...

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NCCU's Sound Machine faces hazing allegations

DURHAM, North Carolina - N.C. Central University has suspended the drum line of its Marching Sound Machine band while it investigates hazing allegations.

The suspension went into effect on Monday, and it means members of the drum line are not allowed to participate in any band-related activities until further notice.

Drum lines in marching bands at historically black colleges and universities such as NCCU are known for their crowd-pleasing stick work and rhythmic antics.

NCCU's football team will drop in on Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday when it plays Duke in the Bull City Gridiron Classic. Sound Machine is scheduled to perform, but the band will be without its drum line.

"NCCU has a zero-tolerance policy on hazing," according to a statement from NCCU. "Hazing is a criminal behavior, as well as a direct violation of the university’s Student Code of Conduct and North Carolina General Statutes."



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Jackson State sticking with McDonald at QB

JACKSON, Mississippi - One day after hinting that a change could be coming at quarterback, Jackson State football coach Rick Comegy changed his tune on Tuesday. Senior Dedric McDonald is still the Tigers' starter.

"We decided that going into Saturday's game he's going to be our man," Comegy said. "We all let him know that we still have confidence in him. "He's the guy."
As JSU (0-2) readies for its SWAC opener Saturday at Texas Southern (1-1, 1-0 SWAC), it does so still trying to find answers for an offense that has sputtered and stalled. In two games JSU has managed just two offensive touchdowns

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NCCU vs. DUKE Preview: Bull City Classic

Duke vs. N.C. Central (ESPN3)
September 15, 2012
Wallace Wade Stadium (Durham, N.C.)
ESPN3
Blue Devil IMG Sports Network

Duke vs. N.C. Central Game Notes
• Duke plays game three of its 100th season of football by hosting N.C. Central in the Bull City Gridiron Classic on Saturday at 7 p.m. ... The game will be broadcast live by ESPN3 with Dave Weekley (play-by-play), Stan Lewter (analyst) & Beth McDade (sideline) calling the action

• The Blue Devils stand at 1-1 on the year following a 50-13 loss at then 25th-ranked Stanford while N.C. Central is 1-1 after dropping a 34-14 road decision to Elon last week

• The Blue Devils and Eagles have met just once on the gridiron with Duke posting a 49-14 victory on September 26, 2009 behind Desmond Scott’s 100-yard rushing night
• The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce is the official sponsor of the Duke-N.C. Central game ... This week also marks Youth Day and Junior Blue Devil Club Day

• Duke’s defensive captains — S Walt Canty & CB Ross Cockrell — are off to solid starts to the 2012 season ... Canty leads Duke and ranks second in the ACC in tackles per game (11.00) while Cockrell paces the league in total pass defended (5; 4 PBUs & 1 INT)

• Overall under head coach David Cutcliffe, the Blue Devils have won 16 games in four-plus seasons (2008-12) — six more wins than the program’s total in the previous eight campaigns (2000-07)
• Duke utilizes a pair of rookies to handle its kicking and punting chores ... True freshman K Ross Martin leads the Blue Devils in scoring with 15 points (3-4 FG; 6-6 PAT) while redshirt freshman P Will Monday paces the ACC and ranks 10th nationally in punting (46.33)

• Duke boasts three of the top six pass receivers in the ACC with WRs Jamison Crowder, Desmond Scott & Conner Vernon ... Crowder & Vernon rank tied for third with 8.0 catches per game while Scott is sixth at 6.5 receptions per contest

• Crowder has registered one pass reception of 50+ yards in each of the first two games this season

By the Numbers
100+ — WR Jamison Crowder is just the third Blue Devil to have 100+ receiving yards in the first two weeks of a season, joining Clarkston Hines (1988) & Richmond Flowers (1998)

19 — Pass receptions needed by senior WR Conner Vernon to set the ACC’s all-time record ... Vernon has 214 career catches and trails only Wake Forest’s Desmond Clark (216) and Clemson’s Aaron Kelly (232)

10+ — Last week in the loss at Stanford, two Blue Devils registered 10 or more pass receptions in a game for just the second time in school history as WRs Desmond Scott (11) and Jamison Crowder (10) turned the trick ... The only other time Duke has accomplished the feat came on October 19, 1995 against Virginia in Charlottesville when both Corey Thomas (13) and Marc Wilson (10) reached double figures in the reception column during the 44-30 Cavalier victory

46.33 — Punting average for P Will Monday, who leads the ACC and ranks 10th nationally

63 — Pass attempts by the Blue Devils last week at Stanford to match the school single-game record set in 1980 against Wake Forest ... The total also marks the highest single-game total in David.

COURTESY DUKE SPORTS INFORMATION AND NCCU SPORTS INFORMATION

UMES AND CBS Interactive launch new UMESHAWKS.COM

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore welcomes everyone to the brand new UMESHawks.com web site, launched today in conjunction with CBS Interactive.

The UMES media relations staff has worked with CBS Interactive to bring Hawk fans and supporters a more convenient way to follow all 15 athletic programs. Along with a sharper look, the new site include quicker and easier ways to follow the Hawks on social media and live broadcasts, as well accessing as the numerous fan-friendly options, including photo galleries, the Hawk Club and more. Users will be able to do more with the front page, including checking out upcoming UMES athletic contests and social media, while still being able to reading up on Hawk athletics, check out the sponsors and much, much more. All 15 sports pages will remain on the left sidebar for easy access with fan services, including tickets and the online store, will stay on the header. Some specialty pages, including the Hall of Fame, are still under construction and will be updated soon.
"UMES Athletics is thrilled to present this new site to our fans, students, faculty, staff and alumni, said Associate Athletic Director G. Stan Bradley, "We always try to stay on top of technology and to be among the best in our conference and area with fresh ideas and new experiences. Updating UMESHawks.com is just one example of our commitment not only to our student-athletes, but to everyone who bleeds maroon and gray."

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern enjoys extra preparation time

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - After dealing with all kinds of weather and travel issues before their season opener, Southern couldn’t ask for a much better situation heading into Thursday’s game against Mississippi Valley State.

While the Delta Devils spent last week preparing for Alabama State — the predicted top team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference — the Jaguars were enjoying a bye week that allowed them to start getting ready for Mississippi Valley State early.

And when Valley was finally able to turn its attention to SU on Sunday, it faced a short turnaround before having to make the trip to Baton Rouge on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Southern had adjusted its schedule, treating Saturday like a Monday practice in order to have a normal game week.

“To be able to practice up until the game on Thursday is awesome, because our last practice before the first game was on Tuesday (because of Hurricane Isaac),” SU coach Stump Mitchell said.

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Deep Threat

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina - In an effort to reduce the number of concussions for football players, the NCAA moved kickoffs up five yards this season so that there might be more touchbacks and fewer collisions.

Not that Brett Symonds needed any help getting the ball into the end zone.

The Elizabeth City State placekicker, a junior transfer from the College of the Desert and a former University of Hawaii recruit, may have the strongest leg in the CIAA.

Symonds showed it off in Saturday’s home opener, booting the second-half kickoff nearly 10 yards beyond the end zone. His other kickoff went about seven yards into the end zone. No danger of any concussions on either of those unreturnable kicks.

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UAB transfer plugs the middle for ASU Hornets: Jackson named SWAC Newcomer of the Week

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Defensive tackle Micky Jackson has a different set of priorities in his first season at Alabama State.

“I’m trying to make A’s and B’s,” he said, “because at UAB I really never did anything like that. I really focus more on school because football’s going to come (naturally).”

Athletics came naturally for the all-state lineman from Piedmont High, who recorded 17 tackles in 11 games for the Blazers as a true freshman in 2011. Academics, on the other hand, were “too tough.”

A losing season and a decision to fire head coach Neil Callaway and his staff were probably factors in Jackson’s decision to leave as well.

“I just wanted to play,” he said of his decision to sign with the Blazers out of high school. “It wasn’t my best option but I felt ...

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FVSU Poole, Kutuztown (Pa.) Mobley lead 2012 NCAA Division II Hall of Fame induction class

DECATUR, Alabama - Tyrone Poole figured his football career was over when he was kicked off his high school football team during his senior season.

But that proved to be just a small roadblock for Poole. He eventually went on to play football at Fort Valley State, where he became an All-American cornerback. After college, Poole was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft and went on to play 14 years in the league, winning two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.

Poole will receive another honor when he is inducted into the Division II Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 14 at the 27th Harlon Hill Trophy and Division II Football Hall of Fame Banquet at 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Shoals Conference Center in Florence (Alabama).



“It’s an honor to be a part of a growing number of great players that have been successful on and off the field,” Poole said. “The players and coaches that are included in the Division II Hall of Fame have contributed in a high manner to Division II athletics and it’s just a great honor and privilege to be seen as one of those players.”

Poole will be joined in the 2012 induction class by former Kutuztown (Pa.) University linebacker John Mobley, who went on to a win two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos.  Mobley and Poole were teammates on the Broncos during the 2002 season.

Poole wrote a book, “Ultimate Success in the Game of Life,” about his long journey to NFL stardom. He said the opportunity to play college football almost passed him by.

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FVSU Looks to Rebond in SIAC Opener

FORT VALLEY, Georgia - The Fort Valley State Wildcats experienced a disappointing loss last weekend at the hands of Valdosta State 62-14. But today's a new day in the valley and their first conference game is now on the horizon.

Coach Don Pittman and the Cats are 1-1 on the young season on the cusp of conference play in the SIAC. Last year the blue and gold finished 2-6 when it counted, landing them near the bottom of the standings. This season, injuries are few and anticipation is higher as they work toward the goal of a conference championship.

Clark Atlanta comes to town Saturday night at ...



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In the FCS Huddle: Struggling teams understand it's a process

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania - Let the season begin ...

That may seem to be what the Savannah State Tigers are saying following their season-opening losses to Oklahoma State and Florida State by a combined 139-0.

The truth is, the Tigers have been echoing those words at almost any point of their recent seasons. A program with 15 straight losing seasons (13 with two or less wins), they are among the worst in all of Division I.

While they were hopelessly overmatched in their two losses - as a 66 1/2-point underdog to Oklahoma State and a 70 1/2-point underdog to Florida State - the MEAC university deemed the games valuable because they totaled $860,000 in guarantees, which reportedly represents about 17 percent of Savannah State's athletic budget.

The Tigers are in a bye week. Then they hope to get on track with more- manageable opponents such as North Carolina Central (whom they beat last season to go 1-10), Howard, Morgan State and one remaining non- conference game against Edward Waters.

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Ramon Harewood Makes An Unlikely Journey From Barbados To The NFL

Ramon Harewood, Guard #70
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 340
Age: 25
Hometown: St. Michael, Barbados
College: Morehouse
Experience: 3 years

BALTIMORE, Maryland  - The Baltimore Ravens were set to play the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football in their season opener. Many expected the Ravens to field Bobbie Williams as the starter at left guard. Instead, the Ravens shocked everyone when they decided to start Ramon Harewood. Fans haven’t seen much of the third year player due to injuries throughout his career, but he played exceptionally well against Cincinnati. For the time being, Harewood will be a fixture in a Ravens’ offensive line that appears to be solid. Based on how Harewood started his journey, the fact that he is playing at all is a major accomplishment in itself.



Ramon Harewood didn’t play football in high school. That’s because his high school didn’t have a football team. Harewood grew up in the Barbados, a small Caribbean island known more for its beautiful beaches and less for producing NFL prospects. That’s probably because football isn’t really considered a sport in Barbados. Most of the residents of the island barely know what it is.

“I didn’t really know too much about football,” said Harewood during an interview with CNN hours before the NFL Draft. “I played volleyball for my country. I played rugby for my country and track and field. So, I was always into sports.”

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Gene Wojciechowski (ESPN.com) Commentary: Savannah State -- the carnage

SAVANNAH, Georgia - If it were up to Savannah State athletic director Sterling Steward Jr., he'd schedule the New England Patriots, provided they offered a big enough guarantee. Steward is all about the money, which is how he justified the preposterous pair of consecutive slaughterhouse road games that SSU lost by a combined score of 139-0.

Sept. 1: Oklahoma State 84, Savannah State 0.

Sept. 8: Florida State 55, Savannah State 0.

The loss at FSU would have been a lot worse had lightning storms not caused officials to call the game with 24 minutes still remaining in the second half. As it was, they were using a running clock for parts of the game.

In short, they imposed the mercy rule.

Anyway, whatever SSU is paying second-year coach Steve Davenport, it's not enough. And the next time Steward schedules one of these laughers, he ought to have to play in it.

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No. 24 Arizona plays host to FCS foe South Carolina State

TUCSON, Arizona – One of the real surprise teams of the early season closes out a three-game homestand to start the year, as the 24th-ranked Arizona Wildcats play host to the South Carolina State Bulldogs.

Rich Rodriguez was brought to Tucson to reverse the fortunes of a football program in need of a change. Well, he has accomplished it in a short amount of time, opening up 2-0 on the year, including an impressive 59-38 upset of nationally-ranked Oklahoma State last weekend in a game where the two teams combined for an eye-popping 1,137 yards of offense.

Oliver Pough has built an FCS powerhouse at South Carolina State. The Bulldogs have won or shared four MEAC titles under Pough with the last one coming in 2010. South Carolina State went 7-4 last year, finishing second in its league. This year has started with mixed reviews, as the Bulldogs opened 2012 with a 33-6 pasting of Georgia State, followed by last weekend's 27-14 loss to Bethune-Cookman.

Rodriguez knows the Wildcats can't overlook anyone, even the Bulldogs.


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Spring Hill sweeps Xavier after lengthy first set

NEW ORLEANS — Sha Sha Buchanan's 12 kills and Meredith Donald's 21 digs Tuesday led Spring Hill to a 35-33, 25-18, 25-14 women's volleyball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana at The Barn.

The Badgers (9-3) are 12-0 all-time against the Gold Nuggets (5-3). They swept Xavier for the eighth consecutive time.

Taylor Reuther had 10 kills and Chinedu Echebelem nine for Xavier, whose five-match win streak ended. This was the Nuggets' home opener.

Xavier saved seven set points and Spring Hill five in the opening set. The Badgers scored the final two points on a Reuther service error and a Taryn Nash kill. The Nuggets trailed 21-15 and 24-21 and never led until Moira Kirk's ace made it 27-26. That was the first of four lead changes in the final 16 rallies.

The first set was the fourth highest scoring for Xavier and an opponent and the highest since the Nuggets' 37-35 first-set victory against Georgia Southwestern on Oct. 29, 2004. The highest scoring set in XU history was a 40-38 first-set victory against Loyola at The Barn on Oct. 26, 2004. During Xavier's first two seasons of intercollegiate competition, 2003 and 2004, teams needed 30 points to win sets.

Spring Hill rolled to leads of 8-1 in the second set and 15-5 in the third.
Xavier will play Mobile at 7 p.m. next Tuesday at The Barn.

Box score

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Nuggets open season with victory at Wolf Pack Invitational

From left: Zahri Jackson, Hannah Finnegan, Donyé Coleman, Catherine Fakler, Briana Simms, Paige Rochelle and Hali Yarmush pose after winning the women's team championship of the season-opening Loyola Wolf Pack Invitational.

METAIRIE, Louisiana — Xavier Univerity of Louisiana got a 2-4-9 finish from Zahri Jackson, Catherine Fakler and Briana Simms to win the women's team championship of the season-opening Loyola Wolf Pack Invitational cross country meet at Lafreniere Park on Saturday.

The Gold Nuggets scored 33 points to beat eight teams and finish 21 points ahead of runner-up Mississippi College. It's the first time in six years that the XU women won their opener, and it's the 13th time the Nuggets won a meet in Joseph Moses' eight seasons as coach.

It was the third team title in four meets for the XU women, dating to the University of Dallas Invitational 11 months ago.

MC's Jennifer Cooper won the 5,000-meter women's race in 19 minutes, 57.23 seconds. Jackson, a sophomore, was next in 20:08.05 and earned her fifth top-5 finish in nine collegiate meets. Fakler's time was 20:39.45, and Simms, a freshman in her collegiate debut, finished in 21:06.85.

Also scoring for the Gold Nuggets were Hali Yarmush in 12th place (21:30.24) and Hannah Finnegan in 13th (21:32.50). Finnegan, a freshman, also made her XU debut.

Jackson set a Xavier women's sophomore record for fastest 5K; she beat Ebony Harding's 2007 mark by nearly 11 seconds. She also posted the highest finish of the past 12 seasons by a Xavier female in a season opener.

In the 5K men's race, Xavier's Kwame Jackson, Zahri's brother, was second (16:36.40), and Matt Pieri was fourth (16:49.08). Pieri placed in the top four of this event for the third time in four years.

Gold Rush freshman David Holobowicz (18:14.28) was 16th in his collegiate debut. Charles Shaw was 35th in 19:34.33, and Emmanuel Detiege was 40th in 19:46.41.

William Carey's Joash Osoro won in 15:33.85 and led the Crusaders to the men's team title wisth 51 points, 10 fewer than runner-up Mississippi College. Xavier placed third with 87 points.

Both XU teams will compete next Saturday in the Azalea City Classic at Mobile, Ala.

Results: Men Women


By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Tennessee State returns to Hale Stadium

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State hosts Austin Peay for the first conference matchup in the OVC of the 2012 season and the first game held at Hale Stadium since 1998. TSU improved to 2-0 on the young season last week with an impressive 38-12 victory vs. Jackson State at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis at the 23rd annual Southern Heritage Classic.

The Tigers were led by junior running back Trabis Ward, who was named adidas® Ohio Valley Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week.

Ward carried the ball 22 times for 114 yards and a career-best three touchdowns

 

Tennessee State Game Notes OVC Weekly Notes

TSU Head Coach Rod Reed Weekly Teleconference

The junior became just the sixth TSU player to rush for three or more touchdowns in a game and the first since the 2008 season (Javarris Williams). All of Ward’s touchdowns came in the second quarter, the last coming on a 47-yard scamper to put the Tigers up, 21-6, heading into halftime.

For his efforts Ward was named Southern Heritage Classic MVP. Ward currently ranks 10th nationally in rushing (119.0 yards/game) and sixth nationally in scoring (12.0 points/game).

For Austin Peay, they dropped to 0-2 on the season with a 42-7 defeat against Virginia Tech.

The Governors forced two Hokie punts, forced a turnover and stopped Virginia Tech on a fourth-and-one deep in APSU territory, in the first half.

A late first-half score gave Virginia Tech a 21-0 lead going into halftime .The Hokies took advantage of a blocked punt in the second quarter to score their second TD. The Hokies benefitted from a Govs turnover midway through the third quarter to break open the game 28-0.

However, the Governors responded with their season’s most impressive drive, going 78 yards on six plays, the bulk coming on Wesley Kitts runs. He accounted for 49 yards, including a 32-yard run. Kitts got the Govs to the 10 and Terrence Oliver scored his career’s first TD, a 10-yard up-the-middle run as APSU cut the deficit to 28-7.

Kitts finished with a career-best 110 yards on 22 carries. In his first two career starts, both against Football Bowl Subdivision schools, Kitts has rushed for more than 100 yards.

But the most improved play came up front defensively. The Govs held Virginia Tech to 187 yards rushing, many coming late in the contest when APSU began to tire.

Defensively, safety Johnathan Shuler led the way with nine stops, including 1.5 for loss while linebacker Craig Salley, defensive end Earnest Smith and safety Steven Rich each had nine. Salley and Smith had sacks of Thomas.

Tennessee State holds an 8-6 advantage in the all-time series dating back to 1988. Since the series was renewed in 2007 after a 10-year break (when APSU was playing non-scholarship football), Austin Peay has won the last three meetings over the last three seasons, each game being decided by three points.

TSU last defeated the Govs in 2008, a 37-34 Tigers victory. In 2007, the Tigers won by the slimmest of margins, a 33-32 overtime win.

In last year’s meeting Tennessee State pulled ahead 34-20 with 7:32 to play in the third quarter before Austin Peay scored the final 17 points of the game, including touchdown runs by Ryan White and Wesley Kitts and a game-winning 35-yard field goal by Stephen Stansell with 11 seconds to play. Trabis Ward led the Tigers with 101 yards rushing while TSU quarterback Michael German passed for 304 yards and two touchdowns. Jake Ryan led the APSU attack with 314 passing yards and two scores.
This is the first game in the sixth annual Sgt. York Trophy series, which is played between the four OVC schools from the state of Tennessee. Tennessee State is the defending Sgt. York Champion, winning the title for the third time a year ago (TSU also won in 2007 and 2008).

TSU and APSU last played against each other in Hale Stadium (also known as “The Hole”) in 1996, when TSU captured a 38-14 victory. Saturday’s game also features a pair of head coaches coaching at their alma maters.

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

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Game 3: Morgan State (1-1) at Akron (0-2)

Gamenotes

ESPN3 Game Link

GAME TIMEThe Bears (1-1) are set for the second of four consecutive road tests when they travel west to face the Akron Zips on Saturday (Sept. 15). The Zips enter the 2012 season under the leadership of first-year head coach Terry Bowden. Akron (0-2) is coming off a 41-38 overtime loss at FIU. Morgan State fell 56-34 at Buffalo in a game that was decided in UB Stadium. Game time at InfoCision Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast by ESPN3. The game will also be carried live by WEAA 88.9 FM.

THE BEARS-ZIPS MATCHUP
• The Bears and Zips will meet for the second time in history. Akron leads the series1-0 following a 41-0 shutout victory of the Bears on Sept. 12, 2009 during the grand opening of InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field.

QUICK HITS
• Morgan State will enter the 2012 season with plenty of veterans ... the Bears' roster includes 22 seniors.
• Seth Higgins returns as the Bears starting QB ... He completed 97-of-186 passes for 1,116 yards, including 9 TDs as a true freshman. He was sacked three times before being replaced in the 2nd quarter by backup QB Robert Council.
• Morgan State returns three of its top rushers from last season: Travis Davidson (792 yards), Tracy Martin (317 yards) and Brian Mann (101 yards).
• Travis Davidson currently leads the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in rushing and ranks No. 8 in the FCS with 243 yards (121.5 avg/g). He also leads the MEAC in scoring (12 Pts/G).
• Robert Council checked into the ballgame against Buffalo toward the end of the first quarter and provided a spark for the Bears ... Council completed 12-of-16 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 23 yards.
• Kenneth Ridley emerged as a shutdown cornerback in 2011 and ranked T-No. 2 in the MEAC with four interceptions...he collected his first pick of the season vs. Sacred Heart in Week 1.
• RB Brian Mann posted a career-high 74 yards on 17 carries and posted a 5 yard TD run in the 3rd quarter at Buffalo.
• DE Richard Ndubueze was selected to the 2012 Preseason All-MEAC First Team ... he has missed the first two games due in unspecified issues.
• Chris Flowers leads the MEAC in kick returns and currently ranks No. 4 in the country by averaging 33.8 yards per return.
• LB Elandon Roberts recorded his first career interception and added 7 tackles and was selected MEAC Rookie of the Week by the league.
• Statistically, the Bears posted a season-high 366 yards of total offense (78 plays) against Buffalo, while the Bulls finished with 571 yards on just 56 plays.

AKRON THUMBNAILS
• Jawon Chisholm broke the program's freshman rushing record with 961 yards and five touchdowns last season. He finished the 2011 campaign with 84 yards receiving and added one passing touchdown in four passing attempts. He enters the season as an All-MAC candidate.

• Through two games, the UA defense has recorded five sacks (three against FIU last Saturday), which ties for fourth most in the league. The Zips recorded 11 sacks over 12 total games in 2011.



NEXT UP:
Morgan State will travel to take on the Aggies of North Carolina A&T on Sept. 29th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm. at Aggies Stadium and the game will be televised by ESPNU.

By Leonard Haynes - MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Norfolk State-ODU football series made official

NORFOLK, Virginia - Norfolk State athletic director Marty Miller stepped forward, holding a green-and-gold jersey, thinking briefly that he was posing for an individual picture.

He looked back toward ODU athletic director Wood Selig and paused, waiting for Selig to join him, the two combining to figure out the best way to hold two jerseys and a football among four hands. After all, the schools are officially in this together now.



The athletic directors from ODU and NSU announced a new two-game football contract on Tuesday during a press conference at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside.

The Monarchs will play at NSU on Oct. 26, 2013, a game that fills a vacancy in a difficult-to-fill schedule for Old Dominion and promises to fill Dick Price Stadium. In return, the Spartans will visit Old Dominion two years later on Sept. 12, 2015.

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Darryl Jacobs Appointed to the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Committee

PETERSBURG, Virginia - Trojans head men’s basketball coach Darryl Jacobs has been appointed to serve as a member of the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee, effectively immediately.

Coach Jacobs is in his second season as head coach of the VSU men’s basketball team. “This is indeed a great honor to serve on such a distinguish committee and I am very humble by my selection. I am looking forward to working with the other committee members on issues and recommendations that will come before us” states Jacobs. Prior to his arrival to Virginia State University, Jacobs served as Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Facility Coordinator and Co-Chairperson for the Health and Wellness program at Clark Atlanta University. He also served on the NCAA Men’s Division II Basketball South Regional committee from 2008-2009 and as vice president for the SIAC Men’s Basketball Coaches Committee from 2009-2011. He has attended numerous NCAA Rules and Compliance conferences during his career.

As a coach, he has won numerous coaches of the year awards as well as leading his programs to numerous conference, tournament championships and NCAA tournament appearances. He is member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the Black Coaches Association (BCA). He is native of Paterson, NJ.



COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Virginia State University Trojans add basketball recruits

PETERSBURG, Virginia  - Virginia State University’s men’s basketball coaching staff has added their last recruit to their 2012-13 recruiting class for the upcoming season. Division I transfer guard from Charleston Southern University, Chris Grier (junior/Stone Mountain, GA) will join the Trojans basketball team.

Chris Grier 6’3 JR Charleston Southern University/Stone Mountain, GAGrier is a tremendously athletic combo guard who can play the 1,2,3 positions on the court. He handles the ball well, is a good defender and is also an excellent 3 pt shooter. Chris shot 42% from three-point land and averaged 6.1ppg last season at D-I Charleston Southern. He scored a season high 13 points at NCAA 2012 tournament against Florida State last season

Jeremy Canty 6’2 SO Morgan State University/Portsmouth, VACanty transfers from Division I Morgan State University, where he was a tremendous shooter and athlete. He can create off the bounce and has unlimited range on his jump-shot. He Played at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA where he won back-to-back state Championships and helped lead his team to their final ranking of 5th in the nation during his senior year.

Allen Harris 6’6 JR St. Anselm’s College/Boston, MAHarris is a transfer from St. Anselm’s College. He is an athletic guard/small forward who can shoot and pass the basketball. Harris was voted Northeast 10 conference Freshman of the Year in 2010-2011, when he averaged 17.1 ppg with 5.1 rpg. He comes to VSU with a college-career scoring average of 15.1 ppg while playing at St. Anselm’s College.

John Holleman 6’9 SR Carson Newman/Petersburg, VAHolleman is a local Petersburg High School graduate who comes to VSU after averaging 11.1 ppg and 7.1 rpg at Carson Newman College during the 2010-2011 season. He is a very skilled, athletic versatile forward/center who can shoot the trey, pass the ball, attack of the dribble, and also post up. He is a traffic rebounder and is a great finisher around the basket.

Alex Jackson 6’5 JR Quinnipiac University /Baltimore, MDJackson transfers from Division I Quinnipiac University. He is an athletic guard/forward who can post up and attack off of the dribble. He is an excellent rebounder and mid-range shooter; tremendous competitor. Jackson is a former JUCO All-American that averaged 19.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.5 apg.

Lamar Kearse 6’2 JR NJIT/Syracuse, NYKearse is a heady combo guard that averaged 8.7 ppg while at Division I NJIT. He was born in Petersburg, VA and his mother is an alumnus of Virginia State University.

Michael Mann 6’3 JR Saulk Valley CC/Chicago, ILMann is an athletic shooting guard who was a two year starter at Saulk Valley Junior College. He averaged 12.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, and 3.5 stls. Mann also led his team in three point percentage and makes with 63 nailed treys. He was recruited by Tennessee- Martin, Chicago State, Illinois-Chicago and numerous others.

Jacolby Wells 6’8 Grad Mount St. Mary’s University/Emporia, VAWells is a recent graduate of Division I Mount St. Mary’s University. He is an athletic power forward/center with great size that comes to Virginia State University with a reputation of finishing well around the basket with some additional rebounding.

Jhamir White 6’0 FR The Robinson School/Paterson, NJ

White is the Trojans’ lone freshman of their 2012-13 class. He is a smart, heady point guard known for his leadership and calmness under pressure. White has a high basketball IQ and passing ability. He can get into the lane and finish well while being a good shooter. He was recruited by Manhattan, Siena, Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. Peters, UMBC.

COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Miami Hosts Bethune-Cookman in Home Opener

University of Miami Hurricanes vs. Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats

 

GAME INFORMATION
Date / Time: Sat., Sept. 15, 2012 / 12:04 p.m. EDT
Site: Miami Gardens, Fla. / Sun Life Stadium (74,916)
TV: ESPN3
Play-by-Play: Drew Fellios; Analyst: Doug Graber; Sideline: Tiffany Greene
Local Radio: 560 WQAM
Play-by-Play: Joe Zagacki; Analyst: Don Bailey Jr.; Sideline: Josh Darrow
Spanish Radio: Caracol 1260 AM
Play-by-Play: Roly Martin; Analysts: Pepe Campos and Joe Martinez
Student Radio: 90.5 FM WVUM
Talent: Chris Wittyngham, Nick Greenberg and Chip Brierre
Satellite Radio: Sirius 136, XM 192 (UM broadcast)
Live Stats: HurricaneSports.com
Twitter Updates: @HurricaneSports
Series: Miami leads, 1-0
Miami: Miami leads, 1-0
First Meeting: 2011 — W, 45-14
Last Meeting: Same
Streak: Miami, 1 win

 

Game Notes

 

STORY LINES
* Miami will face Bethune-Cookman in the Canes' 2012 home opener at Sun Life Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. EDT on ESPN3. It will be the second all-time meeting between the programs after they met for the first time at Sun Life Stadium in Miami's 45-14 win in 2011.
* Under Al Golden, the Hurricanes are a perfect 6-0 after a loss, including this season’s opener in which Miami avenged a loss at home to Boston College.
* The Hurricanes are a perfect 4-0 in home openers at Sun Life Stadium. Miami has defeated Charleston Southern (2008), Georgia Tech (2009), Florida A&M (2010) and Ohio State (2011) since it left the Orange Bowl following the 2007 season.
* After racking up 214 all-purpose yards in his collegiate debut against Boston College, RB Duke Johnson added 178 more to his season total. His total was bolstered by a 77-yard fourth-quarter kickoff return that set up Miami's only touchdown against Kansas State. Johnson ranks 1st in the ACC this season with 198.5 all-purpose yards per game.
* Redshirt sophomore TE Clive Walford had three catches for 61 yards and a touchdown against K-State, including a career-best 56-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter. Walford's TD grab in the fourth quarter was the first of the season and second of his career.
* The Canes are undefeated at home against MEAC opponents, outscoring them 400-49. Miami’s only other MEAC opponent is Florida A&M, posting an 8-1 record against the Rattlers and winning the last eight meetings.
* Nearly 70 of Miami's 2012 roster hails from Florida (67 players), including 21 that hail from Miami-Dade County.
* Four Miami Hurricanes are among 312 seniors named to the 2013 Senior Bowl Watch List, the nation's premier all-star game announced August 23. Senior RB Mike James, DB Brandon McGee, DT Darius Smith and S Vaughn Telemaque represent the Hurricanes on the Senior Bowl's inaugural watch list.
 

 

NATIONAL TELEVISION COVERAGE
* Saturday's meeting with Bethune-Cookman will be streamed nationally exclusively on ESPN3. WatchESPN/ESPN3 is currently available for Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Verizon FiOS TV and Comcast Xfinity TV subscribers.
* Miami's Oct. 6 game against Notre Dame in Chicago will be televised nationally at 7:30 p.m. EDT on NBC.
 

BETHUNE-COOKMAN SERIES HISTORY
* Saturday will mark the second series meeting with Miami winning the first meeting, 45-14, in 2011.
* In last season's meeting, then-freshman DE Anthony Chickillo made his first career start against the Wildcats. He recorded 1.5 sacks and ended the game with four tackles, 1.5 of which were for five lost yards.
* LB Kelvin Cain picked up his only career interception against B-CU in 2011 and returned it 59 yards for a touchdown for the Canes.
 

 A WIN BY MIAMI WOULD... * Give Miami a 65-21 record in home openers.
* Improve its record to 5-0 in home-openers at Sun Life Stadium.
* Improve its record to 5-2 over non-conference opponents under Al Golden.
* Improve its record to 9-1 all-time over MEAC teams.

 

#ROOKIECANES * In Miami's second game of the season, 13 freshmen including 11 true freshman played at Kansas State.
* True freshman OL Ereck Flowers made his second consecutive start at right tackle. On the defensive side of the ball, redshirt freshman LB Eddie Johnson made his career-first start, notching a career-best seven tackles.
* S Deon Bush also recorded seven tackles in the contest. DB Tracy Howard, DB Rayshawn Jenkins and DL Earl Moore each tallied a tackle each.
* For the second consecutive game, true freshman RB Duke Johnson has led the Canes in all-purpose yards. After totaling 214 total yards at Boston College, Johnson added 178 more at Kansas State, bolstered by a 77-yard fourth quarter kick-off return.

 

A GAME OF FIRSTS * Miami's visit to Kansas State's Bill Snyder Family Stadium was the first in program history.
* DB Brandon McGee intercepted his first pass of the season, when he picked-off KSU's Collin Klein in the third quarter. It was his first interception since facing USF in 2011.
* Redshirt sophomore QB Ryan Williams made his Hurricane debut in the four quarter. He connected on both of his pass attempts, including his first touchdown pass, a 2-yard strike to TE Clive Walford.

 

PLENTY OF OPTIONS
* Miami has 12 different players that have at least one reception in the first two games of the season.
* Allen Hurns, Rayshawn Scott, Phillip Dorsett, Clive Walford, Malcolm Lewis, Duke Johnson, Devon Johnson, Mike James, Asante Cleveland, Kendal Thompkins, Eduardo Clements and Herb Waters each have at least one grab through two games.
* Junior Allen Hurns leads all receivers with 10 catches and 113 receiving yards on the season.

 

TWO-MINUTE OFFENSE
* Five of Miami's nine scoring drives this season have needed less than two minutes.

MIAMI SCORING DRIVES UNDER TWO MINUTESat Boston College - Du. Johnson 54-yard run (1:51)
at Boston College - Du. Johnson 56-yard run (1:17)
at Boston College - Wieclaw 24-yard FG (0:46)
at Kansas State - Wieclaw 27-yard FG (1:42)
at Kansas State - Walford 2-yard pass from Williams (1:39)

 

HURRICANE HOME-OPENER SUCCESS * Saturday's home opener against Bethune-Cookman marks Miami's fifth season at Sun Life Stadium.
* The Hurricanes are 4-0 in home openers at Sun Life Stadium, defeating Charleston Southern (2008), Georgia Tech (2009), Florida A&M (2010) and Ohio State (2011) since it left the Orange Bowl following the 2007 season.
* Miami is 64-21 all-time in home openers and has won five consecutive home openers.
* Miami has won 13 of its last 14 home openers; its last home-opening loss came in a 13-10 defeat to No. 11 Florida State in 2006 at the Orange Bowl.

 

#DUUUKE ADDING ON
* True freshman RB Duke Johnson leads the Atlantic Coast Conference in all-purpose yards after the second week of the season. The Norland High product is currently averaging 198.5 yards per game, 51.5 yards more per game than second-ranked Michael Campanaro of Wake Forest (147.0).
* Johnson's 392 all-purpose yards on the season account for 39 percent of the Canes’ 997 total all-purpose yardage.
* Against Boston College in the season-opener, Johnson became the first UM freshman RB to rush for 100 or more yards in first college game since Clinton Portis in 1999.

 

CAREER DAY * Four different Hurricanes set career highs in tackles against Kansas State. Deon Bush (6 tackles, 1 FF), Shayon Green (8 tackles, 1.0 TFL), Olsen Pierre (7 tackles, 1.0 TFL, 1 FF) and Eddie Johnson (7 tackles, 1.0 TFL) each set career bests in stops.

 

COURTESY HURRICANESPORTS.COM

FAMU blames hazing victim for his own death: Heartless or prudent?

ATLANTA, Georgia  -  Florida A&M University said Tuesday that senior drum major Robert Champion's decision to take part in a violent hazing ritual, even after signing a university pledge that he would not participate in hazing, absolves the university and Florida taxpayers from liability for his death.

FAMU’s assertion goes to the core of a still-evolving area of liability law: Are institutions proxy parents for their students, or do they have no duty to act as custodians? The civil lawsuit brought by Mr. Champion's parents against FAMU argues that adult students are not at fault for their own deaths if they take part in hazing, and a Florida state law seems to back that viewpoint, legal experts say. But FAMU's rejection of the claim sets up a potential test case for the law.

“In many states, you can’t recover [in civil court] if you are the cause of your own harm, but states that have enacted hazing legislation [including Florida] recognize that this act involves a unique type of coercion which removes that defense,” says Doug Fierberg, a hazing law attorney at Bode & Grenier in Washington, D.C. 

Read: DEFENDANT FAMU’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT (.pdf)

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Southern Jags Know Thursday Night is Big

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -  Roughly a week and a half has passed since the Southern Jaguars began their season with a disappointing 66-21 thrashing at the hands of New Mexico. Now the Jaguars look forward to not only playing an opponent more on their level, but also hosting their first home game at Mumford Stadium this season. Southern plays host to Mississippi Valley State in a rare Thursday night affair, with the contest being televised nationally by ESPNU at 6:30 pm.

"This serves as a recruiting function for us, an audition for Southern University," says athletic director William Broussard III, "For a lot of people who aren't familiar with the university as an entity. This is an opportunity for us to share that story outside the city of Baton Rouge, outside of this region to the entire nation. To show what brand of Southern University is…every element. From our robust fan base, to the quality of the football team, to the excitement of the band. This is an opportunity to sell Southern University to the local community and the nation at large."



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