UAPB Golden Lions Turn Attention to McNeese State

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- With the season opener in the rearview mirror, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff football team is hoping to rebound in their next game on Saturday on the road against McNeese State (Sports Network poll at No. 18 and the FCS Coaches poll at No. 20) in Lake Charles, La. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Cowboy Stadium.

The Golden Lions played Saturday without a handful of starters, but Coach Monte Coleman said that wasn't the reason for the loss. "We didn't execute like we should have," he said. "The thing we have to do is go back and rebuild. The thing we have to do is go back and play hard and practice hard getting for McNeese State."

The good news is that some if not all of the missing players from Saturday are expected to be in the lineup against McNeese. In addition, several young players got a chance to get on the field against Arkansas State. They gave the coaching staff some pleasant surprises.

"We actually had some guys that actually played well. It didn't look like it, but we actually had some guys that played well," Coleman pointed out Saturday. "There were several guys that normally wouldn't have played a certain position played and played well."

Julian Morgan, a 6'2, 200 lb true freshmen, was one of those young players who was placed into lineup as a utility player and did a good job. "Julian Morgan stepped up & played big for us," said Coleman. "He was our long snapper for punt and special teams. Though undersized, Morgan also saw action at defense end and held his own. He forced a fumble and had four tackles.

Another positive from Saturday's game is the fact that the Lions came out healthy overall. "One thing to point out is that we had major injuries, so that's a plus," Coleman pointed out.

On Labor Day, the Golden Lions went back to work preparing for a very good McNeese State team, fresh off a season-opening 53-21 win over South Florida on Saturday.

"Practice was pretty good today," said Coleman. "My focus is the staff gathering the players together making sure the players are physically & mentally ready."

With some of the younger guys with one game under their belt, this opportunity gives them a chance to step up and play to see the speed of the game."

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

Mississippi Valley hosts Delta State in Home Opener

GAME WEEK VIDEOS: Monday Tuesday

GAME ONE NOTES: Delta State University (0-0, 0-0 GSC) at Mississippi Valley State (0-0, 0-0 SWAC)Complete weekly release with notes, rankings, stats and more in PDF

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Change is inevitable and the Delta State University football team is ready to leave behind the disappointments of 2012, as first-year head coach Todd Cooley begins his tenure with the Statesmen on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Rice-Totten Stadium. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network beginning at noon with the DSU Alumni Association Statesmen Game Day. Matt Jones, Mark Williams and Lane Quinton will have the call.

STATESMEN GAME DAY INFORMATION
Date/Location: Sept. 7, 2013 | Rice-Totten Stadium
Kickoff Time: 1 p.m. CST
Radio: Statesmen Sports Network | Matt Jones (PxP), Mark Williams (Color), Lane Quinton (Sidelines)
Rankings: Delta State (NR - D2Football.com / NR - AFCA Top 25)
Mississippi Valley State (NR - Black College FB / NR - AFCA Top 25)
Series History: Delta State leads series 3-1; 1-1 at Rice-Totten Stadium
Live Audio: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/dsu.portal#
Live Stats: Not available
Television: None

A Series Renewed: The Statesmen and Delta Devils are rekindling a series that saw record crowds for both institutions from 2000-2003. DSU owns a 3-1 edge in the series standings, including a 45-0 victory in the last matchup between the two schools during the 2003. However, DSU's lone series loss came in 2002, as the Delta Devils claimed a 28-26 victory in Itta Bena in former head coach Rick Rhoades debut with the Statesmen. The Statesmen have out-scored the Delta Devils 131-54 in the previous four meetings for an average score of 33-14.

Cooley Begins Delta State Tenure: The Statesmen (0-0, 0-0 GSC) of Delta State University open the 2013 season Saturday, Sept. 7 at Mississippi Valley State University against the Delta Devils (0-0, 0-0 SWAC). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Rice-Totten Stadium. Saturday's "Delta Clash" will be the first in Todd Cooley's career as a head coach and the 81st season-opener in school history. DSU is 41-35-4 all-time to open a season.

Unfamiliar Territory: Delta State begins the 2013 campaign in unfamiliar territory, as the Gulf South Conference league coaches picked the Statesmen to finish fourth this season. Valdosta State, defending NCAA DII National Champions, and defending GSC champion West Alabama both received 23 points in the annual preseason poll. The Statesmen received 12 points, tying with West Georgia for fourth, and were picked to finish behind North Alabama (14). Florida Tech (6), which is in their first season competitively with the GSC and is picked to finish last.

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Williams putting in work in Chowan

NEW BERN, North Carolina -- J.R. Williams is still the same, quick running back that New Bern fans came to know when he was a senior in high school in 2009.

But off-the-field, mentally, he's matured, and physically, he's gotten tougher.

Williams had a breakthrough with Chowan University last season, hauling in 32 passes for 412 yards, while rushing for 251 yards.

Now, with last season's starter Elliott Smalls gone, Williams is ready to assume a larger role in the Hawks' offense.

“Mentally, I am anxious, but ready,” Williams said. “I'm taking it day-by-day. I've been putting in the work, so I feel fit and ready for the season.”

Williams, entering his junior year, scored four touchdowns last season, and was a dynamic kick returner (20 yards/return). He had his best receiving game against Virginia State on Oct. 27 when he caught for 111 yards and a touchdown.

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Former Alabama State OL Terren Jones comments on making Atlanta Falcons' final roster

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Turns out if you're a 6-foot-7, 320-pounder with quick feet, smarts and aggression, it doesn't matter what school you went to.

Former Alabama State left tackle Terren Jones made the Atlanta Falcons official 53-man roster after signing with the club as a free agent shortly after the conclusion of the 2013 NFL Draft this past April.

"I went in with a small chip on my shoulder," Jones said in a release from the university. "I'm not a chump; I'm as tough as anybody else out there. That's what playing in the SWAC and at Alabama State does for you."

Former Alabama State veteran quarterback Tarvaris Jackson made the Seahawks' roster and wide receiver Greg Jenkins will remain with the Raiders as a member of the team's practice squad.

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University of North Alabama hosts Miles College --THURSDAY!

GAME TIME: 7:30 PM ET; INTERNET: ESPN3 LIVE; TV: CSS TV 

FLORENCE, Alabama -- Just a year ago, Bobby Wallace carried a team loaded with freshmen newcomers to Birmingham for the first game of his second term as North Alabama's head football coach and escaped Legion Field with a 31-30 win over a talented Miles College team that would go on to make it's first-ever NCAA playoff appearance.

 

Fast-forward a year and Wallace and UNA will open the 2013 season Thursday at 6:30 at Braly Stadium against another talented Miles team that returns 15 starters and is primed for another run at the post-season. The difference for UNA is that the Lions are more talented and more experienced than they were in 2012 and have their own dreams of reaching the post-season.

 

North Alabama returns 16 starters from last season, including six All-Gulf South Conference performers and All-Americans in defensive back Caleb Massey and linebacker Tavarius Wilson.

 

While UNA was picked to finish third in the 2013 Gulf South Conference race in a pre-season poll of league coaches, the Lions had the most players selected for pre-season all-conference honors with 10.

 

On offense, UNA returns quarterback Luke Wingo, running backs Lamonte Thompson, Chris Coffey and Lamar Smith and receivers Jason Smith and Lee Mayhall. The offensive line is also big and talented.

 

On defense, UNA's linebacker corp should be as good as any Division II program in the country and the Lions are solid on the defensive front and in the secondary.

 

The kicking game is also strong with returning All-GSC punter Michael Schuster, who will also handle all place-kicking duties this fall.

 

The biggest challenge for the Lions will be an extremely demanding schedule that begins with Miles, has UNA playing at FCS member Jacksonville State in week two,  hosting DII power Texas A&M-Kingsville on Oct. 19 and then closing the season with three long road trips over the final four weeks.  

 

This game officially opens UNA's 65th season of football and the Lions have won their last 10 straight season-openers and haven't lost a season-opener at home since 1999.

 

The season-opener for both UNA and Miles is also a Homecoming of sorts for three members of Miles' coaching staff as head coach Reginald Ruffin, offensive coordinator Travis Carswell and linebacker coach Ronald McKinnon all played at North Alabama in the 1990s. In just two seasons at Miles, Ruffin has taken the program to new heights as the Bears won their first Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship in school history in 2012 and made their first-ever playoff appearance in 2013.

 

On the flip side, UNA is 7-0 all-time against Miles and the Lions have a remarkable 36-5-1 record all-time against teams from the SIAC.

 

UNA vs. Miles Game Notes

 

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA SPORTS INFORMATION

GameDay 2013: Winston-Salem State Rams at North Carolina Pembroke Braves

GAME DAY INFORMATION
WHEN: Thursday, September 5 - 8 p.m. ET
WHERE: Pembroke, N.C.
FACILITY: Grace P. Johnson Stadium
VISITORS INFO: Directions l Hotels l Visitors Guide
TICKETS: Single game general admission tickets are $10. Standing-Room Only tickets ($10) will be available on game day at the ticket tent. Lawn chairs are permitted inside Grace P. Johnson Stadium. Advance tickets for all 2013 UNCP home games can be purchased Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Givens Performing Arts Center (GPAC) or by calling (910) 521-6361. It is strongly recommended that fans purchase their tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday in advance of gameday.

PARKING: Parking Lot 14 located in front of the English E. Jones Center will open 3-1/2 hours prior to kickoff of UNCP Football home games. The cost per parking space is $10. The Caring Touch Parking Lot 24 (located in front of Grace P. Johnson Stadium) requires a pre-distributed parking pass. Disabled parking is available in Caring Touch Parking Lot 24 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fans must display a valid North Carolina State Issued Disabled Parking tag or license plate at all times while parked in disabled space. Parking attendants in the Caring Touch Parking Lot 24 will provide a UNCP Football parking pass to guests with a valid disabled parking tag upon entry to the parking lot. Parking is available in all other campus parking lots at no charge, however, NO tailgating or alcohol consumption can take place in these parking lots.

TAILGATING POLICY: Tailgating rules and regulations can be found by following THIS LINK. ALL FANS OF LEGAL DRINKING AGE MUST VISIT THE 'AGE IDENTIFICATION TABLE' LOCATED IN PARKING LOT 14 TO OBTAIN A WRISTBAND IN ORDER TO CONSUME ALCOHOL.

THE TEAMS
UNCP (0-0): Roster l Schedule/Results l Statistics
WINSTON-SALEM STATE (0-0): Roster l Schedule/Results l Statistics
THE COACHES: Winston-Salem State head coach Connell Maynor is 35-4 (.897) heading into his fourth season at the helm of the Rams. UNCP head coach Pete Shinnick is 41-22 (.651) heading into his seventh season with the Braves.
THE SERIES: Winston-Salem State leads the all-time series, 3-0, including last season's thrilling 28-23 win over the Braves in Winston-Salem.
LAST TIME OUT: Thursday evening's contest will mark the season opener for both teams.

BROADCAST COVERAGE

LIVE TELEVISION: The game will be broadcast live by the CBS Sports Network. Check this link for availability in your area.
LIVE STATISTICS: Follow the game action FREE live via a live stats link provided by the UNCP athletic department. CLICK HERE
LIVE VIDEO STREAMING: Follow the game action via FREE live audio/video streaming through a link provided by the UNCPC athletic department. CLICK HERE

 

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA PEMBROKE MEDIA RELATIONS

Charlotte 49ers wary of letdown against CIAA's Chowan Hawks

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  --  When Texas-San Antonio played its first football game in school history in 2011, the Roadrunners beat Northeastern (Okla.) State 31-3 in front of a crowd of 56,743 at the Alamodome.

The following week, UTSA played Division III McMurry (Tex.).

The result of that game, a 24-21 McMurry victory, hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Charlotte 49ers.

It’s been four days since Charlotte beat Campbell 52-7 in the 49ers’ first-ever game. The outcome was the product of nearly two years of focusing on one game by Charlotte’s coaches and players.

Now, however, the 49ers have another team for which to get ready, and they have inside of a week to do so: the CIAA’s Chowan Hawks, a Division II team coming to Richardson Stadium on Saturday.

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GAME NOTES: NCCU Football Hosts Saint Augustine's (Sept. 7)

Complete Game Notes (PDF)   

THE GAME
Saint Augustine's University "Falcons" vs. North Carolina Central University "Eagles"

THE KICKOFF
Saturday, September 7, 2013 – Kickoff at 2:00 p.m.

THE SITE
O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium (10,000 capacity/Mondoturf) - Durham, N.C.

THE RECORDS
Saint Augustine's (0-0 overall, 0-0 CIAA); N.C. Central (0-1 overall, 0-0 MEAC)

MEDIA COVERAGE
Audio: NCCU Sports Network mobile app (iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Kindle Fire HD); "GameCentral" at NCCUEaglePride.com (audio internet stream). Broadcast starts at 1:30 p.m. (Chris Hooks, play-by-play; Joe Simmons, color analyst; Anthony Sharp, sideline reporter)
Video: "GameCentral" at NCCUEaglePride.com - $8.95 pay-per-view video stream

QUICK HITS
• Saturday will be the 30th meeting between NCCU and Saint Augustine's.
• The Eagles and Falcons last met on the gridiron in 2007, a 6-0 NCCU win.
• Saint Augustine's is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the conference NCCU left to move to NCAA Division I (FCS) and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
• NCCU senior linebacker Tazmon Foster is tied for the MEAC lead with 13 tackles.
• NCCU posted a 3-1 record at home in 2012.

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Xavier's Jackson, Fakler are GCAC Runners of the Week

Catherine Fakler Kwame Jackson NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Kwame Jackson and Catherine Fakler are the first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Runners of the Week of the 2013 cross country season. Both were honored for Aug. 26-Sept. 1 after their standout performances Friday in the Mississippi College Opener at Clinton, Mississippi.      Jackson, a junior from Kingwood, Texas, and a graduate of Kingwood Park High School, was the men's individual champion after running 5,000 meters in 16 minutes, 34 seconds. Jackson won by 10 seconds and led the Gold to the team championship over other schools.      Fakler, a junior from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of  Xavier College Preparatory High School, ran 4,000 meters in 15:34 to break the women's school record by nearly 54 seconds. She finished third and led the Gold Nuggets to third place in the team standings.      This is the fifth time for Jackson and the third time for Fakler to win a GCAC weekly award.      Both XU teams will compete Saturday in the Loyola Wolf Pack Invitational at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, La., a New Orleans suburb. Both collegiate races will be 5,000 meters, with the women starting at 7:50 a.m. and the men at 8:25. It will be the second of five regular-season meets for Xavier and its only local appearance of 2013. By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAATHLETICS XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Tennessee State Tigers Finish Second in Opening Tournament

Courtesy TSU Athletics

Prattville, Alabama – The Tigers cut five strokes off of their first day score and finished with a second place finish at the Alabama State Fall Classic. The Par-72, 7,477-yard Senator Course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Prattville, Ala. was played under mostly sunny skies, a slight breeze and 88 degree conditions. TSU (305-300=605) shot a 12-over, 300, but were unable to track down Alabama State who shot a 2-under as a team on Monday.  

Andrew Warner paced the Tigers with an even par 72 and was followed by James Stepp who scored his second consecutive 2-over, 74. Codie Welborn and Dallas Hill each carded a 5-over, 77 over the final 18-holes. Shane Sampair was a stroke back, with a 6-over, non-scoring 78.

Warner (75-72=147) notched birdies on seven, 11, 15 and 18. On the par-3, 7th, Warner used an 8-iron off the box from 170-yards out to within 3-feet to set up a tap in birdie. The senior was able to hit 10 of 14 fairways, 11 greens and used just 25 putts today. 

Stepp (74-74=148) found nine fairways and 10 greens on Monday as he repeated his score from day one. Stepp reached the green in two on the par-5, 8th giving himself a long-putt opportunity for eagle. He was able to two-putt for his first birdie in round two. The junior nearly chipped in for eagle on 17, but just missed and settled for a tap in birdie. Stepp picked up a birdie on 12 as he used an 8-iron to within 6-feet of the hole to set up the makeable putt. 

Wellborn (79-77=156) marked his lone birdie on eight. The senior hit his second shot into the green side bunker and blasted out to four feet to set up the birdie putt. Welborn hit nine fairways and seven greens, while using just 28 putts. 

Hill (81-77=158) rebounded from yesterday’s play despite hitting just half of his fairways. Hill picked up a pair of birdies via the long putt. The junior sank a 20-footer on eight and a 35-footer on 11 to get himself pack into a comfortable position. On his second to last hole of the day, the par-4, 3rd, Hill stuck an 8-iron to about 5-feet away to set up his third birdie of the final round.

Sampair (77-78=155) dropped birdies on the 8th, 11th and 15th. The junior was 4-of-10 in up-and-down opportunities and used 31 putts as he found 10 fairways and eight greens. 

TSU will take a couple weeks off before playing in the National Black College Hall of Fame Tournament in Atlanta, Ga. on Sept. 28-29.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Oakland Raiders Signs Marshall McFadden (SCSU) and Greg Jenkins (ASU) to Practice Squad

OAKLAND, California  --  The Oakland Raiders signed the following players to their practice squad on Monday.

Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Exp.	College
Chance Casey	CB	5-11	190	R	Baylor
Greg Jenkins	WR	6-1	208	R	Alabama State
Shelton Johnson	S	6-0	197	R	Wisconsin
Brian Leonhardt	TE	6-5	255	R	Bemidji St
Lamar Mady	G	6-2	315	R	Youngstown St
Matt McCants	T	6-5	309	1	Alabama Birmingham
Marshall McFadden	LB	6-1	233	1	South Carolina State

Marshall McFadden: McFadden was originally signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason roster in Jan. 2012. Following being waived on Aug. 31, 2012, he was signed to the Steelers’ practice squad, where he spent most of the season. McFadden was signed to Pittsburgh’s active roster for the Nov. 18 game vs. Baltimore, seeing action on special teams and recording his first career special teams tackle. He was not on an NFL roster in 2011.

McFadden started 49 games over ...

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Virginia State football staff heavy with FCS experience

Scott notes quality of his players and coaches

ETTRICK, Virginia --  Virginia State University has committed to football in a way that allowed new head coach Latrell Scott to form a staff heavy with experience at the Football Championship Subdivision level.

Scott, the former University of Richmond coach hired by Division II VSU on Jan. 14, will be the Trojans’ offensive coordinator.

“It’s exciting to be back in a situation to run a program again, and to be able to do it with quality coaches and quality kids,” said Scott, a Richmond native and Lee-Davis High graduate. “The kids have embraced the structure, and we’re running this just like we did at Richmond.”

Chris Malone, who’s from Emporia and was a four-year starter at guard for Virginia Tech, will coordinate VSU’s running game and coach the Trojans’ offensive linemen. Malone spent the past seven seasons on James Madison’s staff, on which Scott worked last season.

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Upsets show FCS label can be deceiving

CHENEY, Washington  -- Labels can be deceiving.

 

The labels on North Dakota State and Eastern Washington say FCS for Football Championship Subdivision, Division I's second-tier. The reality is there are 123 programs and the range of quality is as great as the difference between the best teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (aka tier 1) and the worst.

 

"With all due respect there are plenty of FBS teams that you can't lump with the Alabamas and the Oregons of the world," Eastern Washington coach Beau Baldwin said Sunday. "The same way you can't lump all the FCS schools together."

 

The FCS has won eight games against FBS opponents during the opening weekend of college football, twice as many as it did during last season's opening weekend. The most notable victories were by two-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State, which beat Kansas State on Friday night, and perennial FCS playoff team Eastern Washington, which knocked off No. 25 Oregon State on Saturday.

 

North Dakota State coach Craig Bohl said ...

 

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West Alabama presses on after the death of freshman cornerback Anthony Robinson

The Tigers open the season on Saturday at home against Clark-Atlanta Panthers.  The game will be televised by GSC-TV and on radio at ESPN 104.9.

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Tragedy hit the West Alabama family on Sunday when freshman cornerback Anthony Robinson Jr. was killed in a car accident.

Robinson, 19, a three-time all-state standout at Linden High School, had signed with West Alabama in February. The Tigers open the season on Saturday against Clark-Atlanta University.

"Anthony was a tremendous young man, always happy," West Alabama head coach Will Hall said in a statement. "He had that rare "it" factor that is ...

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AT&T Nations Football Classic --Sept. 5-8, 2013

One play away: Pough, SCSU Bulldogs must regroup quickly to meet Clemson

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  When the Buddy Pough era finally ends at South Carolina State, even the most diehard critics would begrudgingly give him well-deserved kudos.  From bringing the Bulldogs’ program into the 21st century, to introducing a more Football Bowl

Subdivision-approach to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, to achieving 11 straight winning seasons, four conference titles and three Football Championship Subdivision appearances, Pough has enjoyed a successful tenure.

There’s just one factor that keeps Pough from claiming the “Top Dog” coaching mantle and it can be summed up in three words – one play away. Saturday’s 27-20 loss to number 21/25 Coastal Carolina was another instance when finishing a play or more cost the Bulldogs an opportunity to claim that elusive victory over a nationally ranked FCS opponent.

The missed PAT in 2002 and unsuccessful game-tying, two-point conversion attempt in 2004 against Wofford.

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JSU LaMontiez Ivy to miss remainder of season; WR McKenzie to serve suspension against ASU

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  Jackson State announced today that quarterback LaMontiez Ivy will miss the remainder of the 2013 season due to an injury he sustained from  Thursday’s 34-7 loss to Tulane.  Details on his injury were not disclosed by JSU.

Sophomore wide receiver DeSean McKenzie will serve a half-game suspension in the home opener against Alabama State on Sept. 7. The suspension will occur  because McKenzie was ejected for a personal foul in the fourth quarter of the Tulane game. He will be eligible to play in the second half against ASU.

Ivy started over senior Clayton Moore in JSU’s opener against the Green Wave.  The redshirt freshman, was sacked on a 3rd and 10 play in the opening minutes of the second half and stayed down for a while. He eventually was carted out of the stadium with his lower right leg wrapped.

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Grambling defense improves despite loss

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -- With virtually an entire new front seven and a new defensive coordinator, Grambling’s defense had plenty of questions going into Saturday’s season opener against Alabama A&M.

For the most part, the Tigers swarmed to the ball and held up under crushing field position circumstances in a 23-9 loss.

Six of the Bulldogs’ possessions started either in GSU territory or, at worst, the A&M 45-yard line. The Bulldogs scored two first-half touchdowns from those circumstances before starting the second half with a 78-yard touchdown drive.

“I’m pleased with the way the ...

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Albany State Lockette signs to NFL Chicago Bears practice squad

CHICAGO, Illinois  -- The Chicago Bears agreed to terms Sunday with seven practice-squad players, including former Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson, who worked out last week for the team at Halas Hall.

The club also claimed defensive end David Bass off waivers from the Oakland Raiders, sources confirmed.

The team released five of the seven players signed to the practice squad on Saturday, a group that includes linebacker Jerry Franklin, cornerback Demontre Hurst, tight end Fendi Onobun, fullback Harvey Unga and defensive end Aston Whiteside. Johnson and former Fort Valley State receiver Ricardo Lockette complete the group. But there’s still one spot remaining on the practice squad.



The addition of Bass means the club needs to make room on the roster, which might jeopardize the status of reserve defensive ends Cheta Ozougwu and rookie sixth-round pick Cornelius Washington. There’s a possibility the Bears could release Washington and later re-sign him to fill their final spot on the practice squad.

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2013 John Merritt Classic Battle of the Bands: B-CU vs. TSU

Murphy’s touchdown gives B-CU win over TSU

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Kicker Jamin Godfrey had already scored all of Tennessee State’s points in the game. With one second left on the clock, the Tigers needed Godfrey to boot one more field goal to send the game to overtime.

 

But the senior’s kick was wide right on a 49-yard attempt and Bethune-Cookman hung on for a 12-9 victory in a defensive battle Sunday night in the John Merritt Classic at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn.

 

“I’m proud of this football team and this coaching staff,’’ B-CU coach Brian Jenkins said. “To fight a juggernaut like Tennessee State and come out with a victory is tremendous for us.’’

 

Tight end Jordan Murphy caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Jackie Wilson with 5:01 left to put the Wildcats up 12-9. It was the only touchdown of the game. Antonio Harper blocked B-CU’s extra-point attempt.

 

Freshman quarterback Ronald Butler kept TSU’s final drive alive with a 25-yard pass to Lavatiae Kelly to the B-CU 35 on third and 24. The Wildcats thought Butler fumbled on the next play, but he was ruled down with about five seconds left.

 

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TSU can't find end zone against Bethune-Cookman

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  With an offense that sputtered along without its starting quarterback, Tennessee State was left to rely on kicker Jamin Godfrey for all of its points Sunday night in the John Merritt Classic vs. No. 23 Bethune-Cookman.

The talented senior connected on his first three field-goal attempts, which gave TSU a three-point lead late, but he missed a 49-yarder as time ran out, allowing Bethune-Cookman to claim a 12-9 victory.

An LP Field crowd of 16,108 watched the Tigers lose their season opener for the first time under coach Rod Reed, who is in his fourth season.




“Although they’re a good football team, I think we gave one away tonight,” Reed said.

TSU (0-1) was without two-year starting quarterback Mike German, who is suspended for the first two games. That left the offense in the hands of redshirt freshman Ronald Butler.

Under those circumstances, TSU failed to score a touchdown for the first time since losing to UT Martin 37-0 in Reed’s first season in 2010.

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Week 1 -- HBCU ScoreCard Finals (w/Video Highlight Links)

Week 1 FCS Upsets of FBS Teams (Click Here for Related Story)
Eastern Washington (Big Sky) 49, #25 Oregon State 46
McNeese State (Southland) 53, South Florida 21
Northern Iowa (MVC) 28, Iowa State 20
Southern Utah (Big Sky) 22, South Alabama 21
Samford (Southern) 31, Georgia State 21
North Dakota State (MVC) 24, Kansas State 21
Towson (CAA) 33, Connecticut 18
Eastern Illinois (OVC) 40, San Diego State 19

A: Game Attendance

SWAC
Tulane 34, Jackson State 7  Video Post-Game  A: 20,992
Houston 62, Southern 13  Watch Replay    Highlights  » A: 26,205
Alcorn State 63, Edward Waters 12   A: 3,100
Jacksonville State 24, Alabama State 22  Video Highlights    A: 1,580 (Rain Delays)
Arkansas State 62, Arkansas Pine Bluff 11 Watch Replay    Highlights  »  A: 30,451
Alabama A&M 23, Grambling State 9   A: 7,648
Prairie View A&M 37, Texas Southern 13   A: 18,361
Florida A&M 27, Mississippi Valley 10  Highlights  »  A: 24,376

MEAC
Western Illinois 42, Hampton 6   A: 6,437
Army 28, Morgan State 12  Photo Gallery   A: 24,245
Duke 45, North Carolina Central 0  Watch Replay   Highlights  » A: 22,521
Maine 23, Norfolk State 6  Video Highlights    A: 8,881
Eastern Michigan 34, Howard 24  Watch Replay    Highlights  »  A: 7,668
Coastal Carolina 27, South Carolina State 20   A: 10,048
Georgia Southern 77, Savannah State 9    A: 16,528
Florida A&M 27, Mississippi Valley 10   Highlights  »   A: 24,376

Bethune-Cookman 12,Tennessee State 9  Watch Replay   Highlights  »  A: 16,108

OTHERS
N. Colorado 31, Langston U. 10  Video Post-Game  A: 4,211
Abilene Christian 84, Concordia-Selma 6   On Demand Replay  A: 6,031
Belhaven 36, Texas College 26  Video Highlights  A: 4,117

MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Orlando, FL
Florida A&M 27, Mississippi Valley 10  Highlights  »  A: 24,376

 
John Merritt Classic at Nashville, TN
Bethune-Cookman 12, Tennessee State  9 Watch Replay   Highlights  »  A: 16,108



Marching 100 is Back! WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

In the FCS Huddle: First impressions

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Sports Network) --The Big Ten may want to cancel the order to cancel games against FCS programs.

The opening weekend of the college football season sure showed the FCS has a lot to offer against FBS competition.

As if we didn't know that already.

North Dakota State can play some serious ball as the two-time defending FCS champion. Ditto for fellow national powers Eastern Washington, Northern Iowa and Towson.

Even McNeese State isn't just there to collect a paycheck when it lines up against an FBS opponent - earning a win for the second consecutive season on Saturday.

The first weekend left a few jaws wide open as a stunning eight FCS teams beat FBS opponents. Two of the wins were against transitioning FBS programs, but they are meaningful nonetheless.

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Belhaven Blazers Kickoff 2013 Season with 36-26 Win over Texas College Steers

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Belhaven football team opened up the 2013 season on Saturday night with a 36-26 win over Texas College at H.T. Newell Field. The Blazers, ranked 21st in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Coaches' Poll, had their hands full with an athletic Texas College team that stayed with them the whole night.

Texas College (0-1) jumped out to a 6-0 lead after one quarter thanks to a 15 yard touchdown run by quarterback Vincent McNeil. The Steers defense also chipped in and stymied the Blazers high powered offense until late in the half.

Late in the second quarter, the Belhaven (1-0) offense began to find its rhythm and put some points on the board. On a nine play 80 yard drive, freshman kicker Alonso Acosta broke the scoring drought with his first collegiate field goal from 24 yards out. Acosta would add another trey from 42 yards away with 14 second to play in the half.

Sandwiched in between the two field goals was a two yard touchdown run by senior Rashad Wynes that gave Belhaven a 10-6 lead. The defense helped setup the score when senior Darrius Wren picked up a Steers fumble to give the offense prime real estate at the five yard line.



Earlier in the half, the defense slammed the door on Texas College by keeping the Steers out of the end zone. At that point, the Blazers trailed 6-3 and Texas College had the ball first and goal on the one. However, Belhaven pushed the Steers backwards on four straight plays with the result being a turnover on downs. That sequence was arguably the turning point in the game. Had Texas College scored, the contest could have taken on an entirely different complexion.

With a 13-6 lead, Belhaven's offensive momentum carried over into the third quarter on a pair of touchdowns and another Acosta field goal. The defense had a hand in the first TD when junior Brennan Dunklin picked off a McNeil pass and returned it to the Texas College six yard line. On the very next play Wynes was stripped of the football, but full back Patrick Wilson was in the right place at the right time to pick up the loose ball at the one and carry it in.

Another fumble by Texas College on the ensuing kickoff setup an Acosta 27 yard field goal with 12:00 minutes left in the third quarter followed by a 50 yard touchdown pass by Brian Ensminger to Jesse Gibson, Jr. to make it 29-6. Ensminger caught the Steers defense in an all out blitz and put the ball perfectly into Gibson's hands without him breaking his stride.

However, Texas College would not go quietly and began to mount a comeback of its own by reeling off the next 20 points. McNeil carried the Steers on his shoulders by firing two touchdown passes while running for another. A 22 yard pass to Jamaal Johnson with 7:04 to play cut the Blazers lead to 29-26 and at that point things got really interesting at H.T. Newell Field.

All teams face adversity during the course of the season and the Blazers certainly responded well late in the game Saturday. Junior running back Laderick Turner answered the Texas College touchdown with a 49 yard kickoff return that set Belhaven up at the Steers 23 yard line. Eventually Turner finished what he started by carrying the ball four yards to the house for a touchdown. The scoring burst capped a four play 23 yard drive that sealed the game at 36-26.

"Coach told me mainly just focus, you know the plays and you know what to do," Turner said. "Our line is outstanding and I came in with no worries. We really needed that (touchdown) and our offensive line was big for us tonight."

Belhaven Head Coach Joe Thrasher was pleased with how his team persevered for the win. "I told the team earlier a win is a win and I'm proud of those guys," Thrasher said. "Our defense came through when we needed them and at the end of the day it's about winning football games. Obviously there are things we are going to correct, but I'm proud of these guys because they fought and won the football game."

Turner led the offense with 53 yards and a touchdown on seven carries while quarterback Brian Ensminger completed 14 passes for 197 yards and a TD. The scoring strike landed in the hands of Gibson, Jr. with 8:03 to go on the clock in the third quarter. Senior Justin Kenyon caught six passes for 104 yards.

Senior Ben Chapman and junior Shawn Paul each turned in eight tackles while junior Victor Byers collected seven tackles and two sacks. Dunklin also made an impact defensively with a pair of interceptions.

As a team, Belhaven's offense generated 287 yards on 70 plays from scrimmage and had a slight edge in time of possession at 30:10. Both defenses were active as evidenced by a combined seven fumbles between the two teams with an additional three interceptions.

McNeil ran the ball 21 times for 133 yards and two touchdowns for Texas College. McNeil also passed for 216 yards and an additional two touchdowns. The Steers were led on defense by Luis Castro with nine stops. Overall, the Steers outgained Belhaven in yardage by a margin of 441 to 287.

Belhaven will be back on the field next Saturday at Louisiana College for a 7:00 PM kickoff. Fans can listen to all the live play-by-play on the Blazers Sports Network starting with the pregame show at 6:45 PM.

Texas College Steers next game is Saturday at University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, Texas) with a 6 p.m. kickoff.

COURTESY BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS