Preview: Delaware State Hornets at Cincinnati Bearcats

Delaware State (1-1, 0-0 MEAC) at Cincinnati (1-0, 1-0 Big East)

Kickoff: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN3)

Spread: No line

Watchability: The Hornets were blown out last week by Delaware. Choose wisely.

Shining stars: Delaware State: QB Nick Elko. A redshirt senior, Elko is in line to hold almost every school passing record. He chucked it 50 times last week against Delaware. Cincinnati: DE Walter Stewart. The speed rusher off the edge had a big opener against Pittsburgh, and he will have plenty of chances to get after the quarterback Saturday. Chances are the Hornets will put it up around 50 times again, and they likely haven't seen a player the caliber of Stewart in a while.

Who could steal the show: Delaware State: WR Justin Wilson. With 17 catches in the Hornets' first two games, Wilson has emerged as Elko's favorite target. He entered last season as the preseason MEAC player of the year but missed three games with an ankle injury. Cincinnati: RB Ralph David Abernathy IV. Abernathy showed flashes of his dynamic talent last week against Pittsburgh, and he's certain to have plenty of chances Saturday. He's almost impossible to stop in the open field, and he will likely get several opportunities to show off his speed against Delaware State.

You going? Ranking the road trip: Night games are usually fun -- but probably not this one.

Magic number for Delaware State: 353. Even though the Hornets were smoked by in-state rival Delaware, they posted 353 yards of total offense.

Magic number for Cincinnati: 117. Quarterback Munchie Legaux had 117 yards rushing last week to supplement the 205 yards he accumulated through the air. For the Cincy offense to be successful, Legaux will have to be a true dual-threat QB.

This game comes down to: Talent. The Bearcats have more, and should win easily.

Prediction: Cincinnati 45, Delaware State 6

Howard, Norfolk State Open MEAC Play on ESPNU

WASHINGTON, D.C. (www.howard-bison.com) - The stakes will be high when the Howard University Bison football team travels to Norfolk, VA to take on the Spartans of Norfolk State University at 4 pm in Dick Price Stadium. It is the conference opener for both teams and it will be televised on ESPN on a tape delayed basis at 10 pm. Joe Davis will handle the play by play and Howard alum and former All American quarterback Jay "Sky" Walker will provide color commentary.

Howard (1-1, 0-0 in the MEAC) is coming off a 26-0 loss to Rutgers of the Big East in which they were surprisingly competitive. The Spartans (2-0, 0-0 in the MEAC), who are ranked in some of the FCS national polls and is ranked Number 1 in several black college polls, posted an impressive 31-24 come-from-behind win over a tough Liberty University team on the road.

READ COACH GARY HARRELL BLOG: Week 3 "Fearless" (Click Here)

When the two teams last met in Washington, DC in what was then the conference opener for both teams, it was tough battle despite the final 23-9 advantage to Norfolk State, which went on to capture its first MEAC title since entering the conference. Following the game, Norfolk State head coach Pete Adrian had nothing but praise for the Bison in their first year under Gary Harrell. It proved to be almost prophetic as Howard went on have its best season in almost a decade.

"This league has become so competitive that there are no days off," said Coach Adrian, the 2011 MEAC Coach of the Year. "This game is no different. We know that Howard is a very physical team that is well coached and they play hard as we saw in the Rutgers game. Last week's win over Liberty is in the past. We have to focus on Howard because if we don't we will lose. We understand that."

Harrell had similar thoughts.

"They do a great job in all phases of the game," said Harrell. "Coach Adrian makes sure that the teams disciplined and fundamentally sound in their approach. This is going to be like a championship game for us. In this conference, if you lose a game this early in the season, it is very difficult to win a championship."

Much of the Bison game on offense is predicated on the run game that sets up the play action in the passing game. In sophomore Aquanius Freeman, freshman William Parker, junior Andra Williams and senior Jarren Brown, Howard has a lot of options. The rushing attack could improve exponentially with the return of senior Terrence Leffall, last season's leading rusher with almost 900 yards, who returns after missing the first two games.

Rutgers was able to neutralize the Bison rushing attack and it resulted in pressure on freshman quarterback Jamie Cunningham, who had problems with rhythm.

"Because we were not able to run the ball effectively against Rutgers, it created problems in the passing game because we could not go play action. Jamie had problems recognizing some of their fronts and it caused problems. In Norfolk State, you have a similar challenge. They have a very defensive line and are very solid in their secondary."

The Spartans rank Number 1 in several MEAC defensive statistical categories. The mainstays on defense are red-shirt senior linebacker Jamal Giddens, and red-shirt sophomore linebacker Lynden Trail and sophomore defensive back Keenan Lambert.

Defensively, the Bison have had problems stopping the run. Both Morehouse and Rutgers had measured success, especially on third down conversions. The Spartans will be sure to test the Bison rush defense by relying on their workhorse, red-shirt freshman running back Brendon Riddick, who rushed for 150 yards in the win over Liberty en route to being named the MEAC Rookie of the Week.

"Brendon was the player of the year in Richmond as a quarterback where they ran the spread offense," said Adrian. "We red shirted him and in the spring, he asked to be moved to the running back position. He is about 5-11, 200 pounds and is a strong runner who can also pass. He gives us a lot of options." Riddick is averaging almost eight years per carry.

It will be the task of Bison defense to try to slow down the Spartan attack. The unit should be much improved with the return of All American linebacker Keith Pough, who made his season debut last week. Howard has also gotten fine play from junior safety Julien David, junior middle linebacker Tabrian Resby and junior defensive end Toavan Sheats.

Pough, the team leader, was a bit rusty early on but he turned in another of his signature performances, finishing with two more tackles for losses, which puts him at 61 in his career, four shoy of the FCS career record.

"There is a reason he is the pre-season Player of the Year," said Adrian. "He is a great player and you have to account for him."

Added Harrell, "There is no question he is our team leader on and off the field. With him in the lineup, it adds a different dimension to our defense. We are happy to have him back out there."

For more information on Howard University Football, visit the official HU Athletics website at www.howard-bison.com.

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Ram Ramblings: Marketing effort underway for next week's game

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - There were more than a few eyebrows raised when WSSU decided to take the offer and run to Cleveland to play in Saturday’s Cleveland Classic against Morehouse.

With a guarantee of $25,000 plus all expenses paid it was a no-brainer for Bill Hayes, the athletics director, to take the Rams show on the road.

The Rams were slated to have a home game on Saturday but it was too difficult to find a quality opponent that also had an open date so going to Cleveland was the best option.



The Rams will return home next week to open CIAA play against Virginia Union for a 6 p.m. game at Bowman Gray Stadium.

WSSU officials are already marketing the game as “Community Day” to attract large groups to the game. The school is offering cut-rate group tickets if they are purchased before Wednesday. The deals are very reasonable.

For groups of 20 or more tickets are $3 for children ages 6 to 17 and children under 5 get in free. For adults ages 18 and up tickets are $8 each.

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The CI: Livingstone freshman QB Drew Powell off to strong start

SALIBURY, North Carolina - The best football team in the CIAA has the country’s attention, too.

Winston-Salem State is ranked fith in the Division II coaches’ poll after a 30-22 win at Concord (W.Va.) last week. The Rams are 2-0 going into Saturday’s Cleveland Football Classic against Morehouse (1-1). WSSU isn’t blowing out nonconference opponents, but winning is winning in any language – no translation needed.

• Livingstone football is off to a slow start, but freshman Drew Powell has been named CIAA Rookie of the Week for the second week in a row. Powell (Upper Marlboro, Md.) threw for 305 yards and a touchdown in a 49-17 loss to Catawba last week. He hit 30-of-45 passes and led the Blue Bears with 65 yards rushing.

Livingstone (0-2) has moved the ball with Powell under center – the Blue Bears piled up 396 yards to Catawba’s 399. Livingstone plays Edward Waters (Fla.) Sept. 15 in Salisbury. Kick-off is 1 p.m.



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NSU quarterback rotation will continue

NORFOLK, Virginia - Nico Flores will start. Jake Basmagian will play. The quarterback rotation Norfolk State employed during its win over Liberty last Saturday will be used again this week, according to offensive coordinator Howard Feggins.

Head coach Pete Adrian said the first-half split was planned heading into the Liberty game, not a product of Flores' slow start. Feggins said he envisions things playing out similarly Saturday against Howard.



"We'll play both," Feggins said. "Jake's going to continue to get more reps. They'll probably both play in the first half, like they did, and then we'll probably try to get Jake out there in the second half, which we didn't do."

Feggins also said Norfolk State will use the "hot hand" if one quarterback is having success.

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Attendance for Southern home games decreasing; SU looks to draw huge crowd for home opener

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - When Southern takes on Mississippi Valley State on Thursday night, there’s really no telling how many fans will show up to A.W. Mumford Stadium.

As the Jaguars’ home and Southwestern Athletic Conference opener in a make-or-break season for the coaching staff, it’s certainly a big game. Then again, it’s on a weeknight, it’s on television, and the Delta Devils aren’t exactly a buzzworthy opponent with a huge following.

“I have not spoken with a single person — and these are people who have been affiliated with the school for 20 or 30 years — who has said, ‘Look, here’s about how many you can expect,’ ” Athletic Director William Broussard said. “We’re going to open the doors, tailgate and let folks in.”

While no one can say what the turnout will be this week or this season, it’s a safe bet that it won’t be what it used to be. As Southern’s reputation as a football power has slipped, attendance has slid with it.

According to the NCAA’s online database ...

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Southern looks to draw huge crowd for home opener

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Southern University is getting ready for its home opener football game against Mississippi Valley State Thursday.

The game will be nationally-televised on ESPNU. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. It is also the SWAC opener for the Jaguars.

The team is looking to bounce back from its 66-21 loss to New Mexico.

Head coach Stump Mitchell hopes running back Sylvester Nzekwe can get on the field for 20 plays or so, while also working fellow rusher Jerry Joseph back into the fold as well.

However, Darius Coleman and Terrance Clayton are expected to get most of the carries.

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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)

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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