Alcorn Braves Shutout Warner for Homecoming 57-0

LORMAN, Mississippi -- The Braves snapped a two-game losing streak for homecoming and accumulated 589 yards of total offense today as the Braves win homecoming 2013 demolishing Warner University, 57-0.

John Gibbs, Jr. help the Braves get on the board early in the first quarter when he connected with Jordan Payne for a 28-yard touchdown to go up 6-0. Six minutes later Gibbs found senior wide receiver Tavoris Doss for a nine-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 13-0.

The ensuing drive CJ Morgan intercepted a pass and returned it for 50-yard touchdown and to the give the Braves a 20-0 going into the second quarter.

Freshman kicker Haiden McCraney nailed a 27-yard field goal to push the Braves up lead to 23-0.

Gibbs hit sophomore wide receiver LaDarrien Davis for completions of nine and 24 to setup a one-yard run touchdown by senior running back Arnold Walker. The Braves had increased their lead to 31-0 just before the half.

Walker was at his best again after the half pounding the ball on the ground for a 14-yard touchdown continuously increasing the lead to 38-0 with 12:47 to play in the third quarter.

Warner fumbled the ball on a bad snap and the ball ended up in the end zone for the Braves first safety of the season. The score now was 40-0.

Zerick Rollins, Jr. stepped in for Gibbs in the third quarter and hit Felando Warr for a 57-yard strike to give the Braves a 47-0 lead.

Transfer T.J. Menning saw some action at quarterback today as well finding Jordan Payne for his second touchdown of the game. With Payne's touchdown the Braves hit the 50-point mark leading the Royals 54-0. McCraney would score the Braves final points of the game with .30 seconds to play putting a 30-yard field goal through the uprights.

The offense scored majority of the points but it was the defense that shut down the Royals holding them to 65 yards of total offense.

Walker finished the game 111 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. It was the second time this season that Walker wasn't tackled for a loss. Gibbs posted another solid game completing 14 of 18 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Although he didn't score a touchdown, junior Tollette George racked up 103 yards on seven catches which is the first time a Braves receiver has gone over 100 yards in a single game this season.

Defensively, the Braves were led by freshman Michael Hurns made his presence felt recording a career-high six tackles, one tackle for a loss, and a pass break-up. Defensive back Warren Gatewood recorded his first career interception in the Braves win.

The Braves (4-2, 2-1) are 3-0 at home on the season and return to action next Saturday as they travel to Indianapolis, Ind. to face SWAC foe Grambling State in the 30th Annual Circle City Classic. Kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium is set for 3:00 p.m. (ET).

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Morgan State breaks through vs. Florida A&M, 34-21, in Homecoming game

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley looked to the heavens and smiled as a cooler of Gatorade rushed down his back just minutes before the Bears put the finishing touches on their first victory in a year.

Junior linebacker Cody Acker had just sealed the win by returning an interception 19 yards for a touchdown, allowing Morgan State to snap an 11-game losing streak with a 34-21 victory over Florida A&M before an announced 1,259 in its Homecoming game. Afterward, Bears players and coaches converged in the middle of a raucous locker room to sing the school's fight song.

"It's been a long time," Hill-Eley said. "I just feel excited for these young men. They've been working hard. We needed to have some success to continue to move forward."

Morgan State junior quarterback Seth Higgins (Edgewood) had his most complete game to date. He had 17 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown. Higgins also completed 12 of 20 passes for 144 yards and another score with no interceptions.

"The difference is we didn't beat ourselves," Higgins said. "We didn't do anything special except ...

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WSSU rolls to another easy victory

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- Winston-Salem State made it look easy in a 56-21 win over Bowie State on Saturday at Bowman Gray Stadium.

The 16th-ranked Rams scored on seven of their first nine possessions to win their fourth in a row. The Rams improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the CIAA; the Bulldogs fell to 2-3 and 0-2.

The Bulldogs actually led 7-6 early in the second quarter but that didn’t last long. Quarterback Rudy Johnson scored on a 5-yard run for the Rams and they never trailed after that.

Johnson completed 19 of 35 passed for a career-high 390 yards and four touchdowns; he also rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns.

Maurice Lewis scored from 2 yards out late in the third quarter to extend the Rams' lead to 49-7.

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Ave Marie Gyrenes Outlasts Concordia (Ala.), 48-34, For Second Consecutive Win

SELMA, Alabama  -- The Ave Maria University football team improved to 2-2 on the season with a 48-34 win at Concordia (Ala. ) on Saturday. Scott Jones had a career day with four rushing touchdowns on the afternoon including the go ahead touchdown with a minute and a half remaining.

With the game knotted at 34, Jones broke through the line and into the endzone for a touchdown with 1:30 remaining to put the Gyrenes ahead. On the ensuing Hornets drive, linebacker Tanneer Bowling returned an interception for a touchdown to secure the win for the Blue and Green.

The Gyrenes got off to a quick start and held a couple score lead for most of the game. But Concordia came back and was able to tie the game with just over five minutes to play in the fourth quarter before the Gyrenes pulled away.

Scott Jones finished the day with four touchdowns on the ground. Clayton Uecker completed touchdown passes to Rashad Kelley and Karim Bryant.

On the defensive end, Tanner Bowling had an interception return for a touchdown. Gage Hayes and Mike Baumgardner also had interception for Ave Maria.

The Gyrenes return home next weekend for their first game on the campus of Ave Maria. The Blue and Green will take on Florida Tech at 1 p.m.

By Taylor Hodge
COURTESY AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Today's Alabama State Hornet Sports Report

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HOUSTON, Texas -- The Alabama State University football team has arrived in Houston for today's Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) game against Texas Southern University.

The game is big for both teams as ASU continues to fight to stay near the top of the East Division. Meanwhile, TSU has fallen in all four games this year, but have been close in losses to Jackson State and Alabama A&M.

ASU heads into tomorrow's action sporting a 3-2 overall record and 3-1 in the conference. The Hornets lone loss was a seven point defeat at Jackson State.

"We have to stay focused on the task at hand," Head Coach Reggie Barlow said. "We dropped an important game early in the season and we have to play the entire season with our backs against the wall."

"A lot of people look at TSU and don't give them any respect. They have fought through adversity and have gotten better each game and their scores are showing that. They have our attention and they have some of the top talent in the conference. Anyone that sees a film of them can see the talent they have. It is going to be an uphill challenge for us and we have to be ready tomorrow."

TSU is 0-4 overall and 0-3 in the SWAC. Last week the Tigers dropped a 12-10 heart-breaker at Alabama A&M when they missed a field goal late in the game.

ASU continues to be led by junior running back Isaiah Crowell who has rushed for 695 yards through the first five games. He leads the SWAC in scoring with nine touchdowns and just this week was added to the Walter Payton Award Watch List.

ASU's rushing game is averaging 281.6 yards per game and is fifth in the nation in the Football Championship Series (FCS) in that department.

Kourtney Berry and Najee Bright lead an improving defense. Berry has 49 total tackles (23 solo, 29 attempts) and also has five tackles for loss (-32 yards), three sacks (-27 yards), a pass interception, a fumble recovery and has thrown in a quarterback hurry.

Bright has 40 tackles (19 solo, 21 assists). He also has one of the six interceptions the Hornets defense has. He too has recovered a fumble and has broken up a pass.

Chris Terry and Carlton Jones lead the Hornets defensive line. Terry as a team-high seven tackles behind the line of scrimmage (-32 yards) to go along with his two sacks (-18 yards).

Jones has five tackles for loss (-44 yards) and leads the team in sacks with four (-39 yards). Justin Mitchell and Edward Mosley are also having strong seasons along the line as each has registered four tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Mosley has three sacks and Mitchell two.

Saturday's game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with the live audio broadcast on WVAS FM 90.7 at 5:45 p.m.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Preview for Bethune-Cookman's game at Delaware State

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  --  Bethune-Cookman (3-1, 0-0), ranked 21st in The Sports Network FCS poll, begins its MEAC title defense against Delaware State (1-3, 1-0). The Hornets held off Savannah State 24-22 last week in their MEAC opener. The Tigers, down 24-9 with 8:11 left, pulled to within two on a touchdown pass with 1:51 on the clock, but a 2-point conversion pass to tie fell incomplete.

3 Keys to the Game

 

1. Clip Hornets’ wings

The Hornets lead the MEAC in passing at 232.2 yards per game. The Wildcats are allowing 150.2 yards through the air.

 

2. Eat up the clock

The Wildcats are 17th in the nation in rushing (234.3 ypg) and are expecting 2012 leading-rusher Isidore Jackson back, after his coach said he missed two games due to in-house “issues.” They should be able to dominate time of possession.

 

3. Take shots down field.  

 

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XU halts Friday, Saturday sports as Karen approaches

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana canceled its Friday and Saturday intercollegiate athletics activities due to the northerly movement of Tropical Storm Karen in the central Gulf of Mexico.

Xavier withdrew its men's and women's cross country teams from Friday's Mississippi College/Watson Ford Invitational at Clinton, Miss., and scrubbed a Saturday women's volleyball doubleheader against Dillard and St. Thomas (Texas) at the Convocation Center.

XU cross country coach Joseph Moses said he'll consider adding a meet to the schedule next week to replace the cancellation. The St. Thomas volleyball match will not be rescheduled, but the Dillard match will be. No makeup date, however, has been determined.

The next scheduled competition for Xavier will be a 7 p.m. Tuesday volleyball match against SUNO at The Castle. Both have unbeaten records in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference matches this season.

Xavier's 24-hour emergency information hotline (1-866-520-9852) offers weather-related updates.

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

State Fair Classic: Prairie View A&M now is formidable opponent for Grambling State

DALLAS, Texas -- When Grambling State and Prairie View A&M met from 1987-2008, suspense went missing. Grambling State always won.

But as the programs prepare for Saturday’s annual State Fair Classic at the Cotton Bowl, it’s the Panthers who have won three of the last four meetings and are soaring after knocking off Stephen F. Austin last weekend, the program’s first win over a Southland Conference team since 1985.

Grambling is 0-5 after firing coach Doug Williams in the second week of the season.

“The biggest thing is it shows the commitment from the university side to give us the scholarships we need to go out and recruit,” said Prairie View coach Heishma Northern, who has been part of the rivalry as an assistant at Grambling and at Prairie View since the 1990s and is in his third season as head coach. “At one time, Grambling was fully funded, but Prairie View may have had walk-ons out there playing and only 20 guys on scholarship.

“Now the tide has pretty much evened out. You don’t know who’s going to win.”

Northern said few outside of the Panthers’ program expected Prairie View (3-2, 2-1 Southwestern Athletic) to top Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. Quarterback Jerry Lovelocke threw four touchdown passes and ran for three more scores in the 56-48 win. Stephen F. Austin rolled up ...



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SCSU’s Lewis-Freeman shows that he has what it takes to start at running back

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Dondre Lewis-Freeman had a greater appreciation Saturday afternoon for the adage “Good thing comes to those who wait”.

Since arriving to South Carolina State three years ago as an All-State running back out of Hopewell High School in Charlotte, N.C, Lewis-Freeman had patiently bided his time. After redshirting in 2011 and getting just five carries for 17 yards last year, he entered this season resolved to prove himself worthy of playing time.

“I’ve been hungry ever since the moment I stepped in this program,” Lewis-Freeman said. “I knew we had great backs before me and I’ve just been feeding off of them, wanting to start, wanting to play and wanting to continue to win. We have a legacy of winning the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) and I just want to be a part of that.”

With a career-best 140 yards and his first collegiate touchdown in Saturday’s 30-6 win over Hampton, Lewis-Freeman helped the Bulldogs take the first positive step towards regaining the conference title. The performance was also the first 100-yard game by a S.C. State running back since Jalen “Scoot” Simmons rushed for 144 yards against Florida A&M on Oct. 20, 2012.

Shoulder injuries to Simmons, Justin Taylor, freshman Xavier Quick and a season-ending leg injury to Julius Pendergrass opened the door for ...



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SCSU, Pough preparing for classic against Aggies

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Devising a game plan against undefeated North Carolina A&T this Saturday at the Atlanta Football Classic in the Georgia Dome is trying enough for Buddy Pough.

The South Carolina State head football coach’s first challenge is maintaining his team’s success on the ground against an Aggies’ team which leads the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in rushing defense (83.3 yards allowed per game) and has not allowed a running touchdown in 31 consecutive quarters dating back to last season.

“We’re in the process now of trying to figure out how we can run the football on these guys because they don’t seem to be giving up any rushing yards at all,” said Pough during Monday’s weekly press conference. “But we’ve got a week to get prepared. We’re just kind of at the beginning right now trying to figure some things out, but they are impressive.

“Defensively, they might be as impressive as anybody we’ve seen all year maybe outside of Clemson and maybe Coastal. Both of their linebackers (D’Vonte Grant and Tony Clodfelter) are exceptional players. Their secondary is unbelievable and their upfront guys seem to be well-coached. And offensively, they’re now starting to get a better scheme about themselves.

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Jackson State won't let Arkansas-Pine Bluff throw deep

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JACKSON, Mississippi -- Some plays can’t be forgotten.

For Jackson State, it was the 95-yard touchdown pass by Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Benjamin Anderson that forced overtime in last year’s Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship. UAPB beat JSU 24-21.

“We work on not getting beat at all, but especially not getting beat deep, in the long balls, especially in the zone coverage,” defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes said.

After last year’s heartbreaking loss, Hayes said the team has worked on not letting that happen, again. The Tigers (3-2, 3-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) and Golden Lions meet Saturday for the first time since the title game last December. And they face the same quarterback who threw that piercing touchdown.

Safety Cameron Loeffler is one of the six returning defensive starters from that game and remembers Anderson. As he should. Jackson State played Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-4, 0-2) twice last season and lost both times.

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MSU Bears Host Florida A&M for Homecoming in Week 6

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- The Bears (0-5, 0-1) will host Mid-Eastern Conference opponent Florida A&M on Saturday (Oct. 5) in Baltimore (Md.). The game will mark Homecoming for Morgan State as the Bears will attempt to snap an 11-game losing streak dating back to Oct. 13, 2012.

First-year head coach Earl Holmes leads the Rattlers. FAMU (1-3, 0-0) will enter the contest fresh off of a bye week. The last time the Rattlers were in action was on Sept. 21 in when they were pounded by the Ohio State Buckeyes 76-0 in Columbus. Morgan State will look to rebound from a 27-21 home loss against Norfolk State.

Donald Hill-Eley, ranked third among winning coaches at MSU, enters his 12th year as head coach of the Bears. Game time at Hughes Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live by WEAA, 88.9 FM.

MEAC Weekly Teleconference

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MSU (0-5, 0-1 MEAC) vs. Florida A&M (1-3, 0-0 MEAC)
MSU Homecoming
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 – 1 p.m. ET
Hughes Stadium (10,000)
Baltimore, Md.

THE BROADCAST
Radio: On the radio, "The Voice of the Bears" Lamont Germany will call the play-by-play and Kelvin Bridgers will provide color analysis. The game can be heard on WEAA (88.9 FM) in Baltimore, and on weaa.org.

GAME TIME
The Bears (0-5, 0-1) will host Mid-Eastern Conference opponent Florida A&M on Saturday (Oct. 5) in Baltimore (Md.). The game will mark Homecoming for Morgan State as the Bears will attempt to snap an 11-game losing streak dating back to Oct. 13, 2012. First-year head coach Earl Holmes leads the Rattlers. FAMU (1-3, 0-0) will enter the contest fresh off of a bye week. The last time the Rattlers were in action was on Sept. 21 in when they were pounded by the Ohio State Buckeyes 76-0 in Columbus. Morgan State will look to rebound from a 27-21 home loss against Norfolk State. Donald Hill-Eley, ranked third among winning coaches at MSU, enters his 12th year as head coach of the Bears. Game time at Hughes Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live by WEAA, 88.9 FM.


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THE BEARS-RATTLERS MATCHUP
• The Bears and Rattlers will meet for the 24th time since 1943. Florida A&M leads the series 19-4 and has won the last two meetings against MSU since 2009.
• Last time against the Rattlers (Oct. 30, 2010) … Morgan State rallied from 14 points down, and was driving for the go ahead score but the Bears made a costly mistake. With the ballgame knotted at 17-17, Delonte "Smoke" Williams had his pass intercepted by Jerrell Stewart who returned it 37 yards for a touchdown with 7:17 left in the game. Philip Sylvester added the dagger in the form of an 89-yard touchdown run. MSU sophomore running back David Brown posted a career-high 131 yards on 17 carries.

• The last time the Bears played the Rattlers at Hughes Stadium was on Oct. 31, 2009 ... The Florida A&M Rattlers stopped Morgan State quarterback Carlton Jackson on fourth and inches at the 15 in overtime of a 31-28 victory at Hughes Stadium on Halloween evening. Florida A&M quarterback Curtis Pulley ran 20 times for 231 yards and two touchdowns in the game.

• The last time the Bears defeated Florida A&M at Hughes Stadium was on Oct. 27, 2007 … The Bears came away with a 14-12 victory against Florida A&M in front of a crowd of 3,478. The win marked Morgan State's first against Florida A&M since 1994, snapping the Rattlers 11-game win streak against the Bears. Trailing 14-12 late in the 4th quarter, Florida A&M had a chance to take the lead on a 17-yard field goal attempt by Wesley Taylor. MSU head coach Donald Hill-Eley called for a timeout to "freeze" Taylor, and it apparently worked. Taylor's field goal sailed wide right.

ABOUT THE RATTLERS

• Florida A&M head coach Earl Holmes enters his first year at the helm of the Florida A&M Rattlers. Holmes is one of Florida A&M' greatest defensive players of all time served as the Rattlers' defensive coordinator under legendary Joe Taylor, bringing with him a tremendous passion for the game along with his ties to the program. Known affectionately by family and FAMU fans as "The Hitman," Holmes played for the Rattlers from 1992 to 1995, finishing as the school's all-time leader in tackles.

• Florida A&M finished the 2012 season with a 4-7 overall record and went 4-4 in the MEAC.

• FAMU returns 39 lettermen, including 21 starters from last year's team.

• FAMU QB Damien Fleming entered the season as 2013 Preseason All-MEAC First Team selection. The Jacksonville (Fla.) product has completed 41 of 80 passes for 413 yards with a pair of touchdowns … he has also thrown six interceptions.

• Fleming's favorite target is wideout Lenworth Lennon. The junior has 14 receptions (No. 3 in the MEAC) for 229 yards (ranked No. 4) and a touchdown. He is currently averaging 16.4 yards per catch and 76.3 yards per game.

• FAMU LB Michael Ducre is one of the leaders for the Rattlers defense. Ducre enters this weekend's contest with 34 tackles (24 solo) with 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks thru four games.

Omari Albert leads • The Rattlers ground attack. Albert has 32 carries for 104 yards (3.2 avg) and has a touchdown.

• The Bears' offensive unit will face a Rattler pass defense that ranks among the top in the league. FAMU ranks No. 3 in the MEAC in pass defense (144.7/g.

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MVSU softball team GPA one of best in nation

ITTA BENA, Mississippi – The Mississippi Valley State softball team has defined itself as one of the most successful teams on the field over the last decade.

But not only do the Devilettes succeed on the diamond, but also in the classroom as well. And that was proved recently as MVSU was ranked No. 32 in the nation in team GPA, the highest in school history, as released by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

Valley completed the 2012-13 academic term with a team GPA of 3.378. The Devilettes were one of only two SWAC teams on the list.

To view the entire list, click here.

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Jones at a milestone but wins and losses don't define the man

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - It was four games into the season before win No. 1 rolled around, a 40-10 thumping of Lane College. He'd only win once more in that 1999 season, which was still a humongous improvement considering Morehouse had floundered around at 0-11 the year before he became head coach.

Now, a relatively short time later, Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones is on the cusp of win No. 100.

It could come as soon as Saturday's homecoming game against Mississippi Valley State.

"I know there's a milestone, but the first thing I'm concerned about is Valley because it's our next game, our next conference game, our next opportunity to show what improvements we've made in our football program this season," Jones said.

Jones, now 53, came to Alabama A&M in 2002, where he's won 81 games. He's only 13 wins from leapfrogging the venerable Louis Crews as A&M's all-time winningest coach. A&M has had but two losing seasons in that time and reached the SWAC title game five times, an accomplishment no other team in the SWAC can touch.



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Gray's return excites FAMU Rattlers

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Quinn Gray has been toughing it out since his return from sick leave to resume his role as offensive coordinator with the FAMU football team.

He doesn’t move around the field much, and when he does he gingerly takes each step.

But there is no shortage of enthusiasm to get the Rattlers offense back on track. There is too much that he still has to roll out in the pro-style offense that he introduced this season, he said.

“I think we have to get our kids back on the same page, knowing what they need to do with certain concepts and plays,” Gray said. “Now we have a sense of clarity as it relates to what we are trying to do. There is a sense of normalcy.”

When Gray fell ill while the Rattlers were preparing for their second game on Sept. 7 against Tennessee State, receivers coach Ernie Mills took the lead as Gray’s substitute. It was obvious there were some diversions from what the Rattlers showed offensively in their first game, but Gray credits Mills for what he did to keep things simple until his return.

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ASU Football Ready to Board the Plane to Houston

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State held their final practice in Montgomery before boarding a plane first thing in the morning (Friday) to head to Houston where they will face Texas Southern in a Saturday Southwestern Athletic Conference showdown.

"This is a business trip for us," Head Coach Reggie Barlow said. "It is another opportunity for us to go on the road and play another conference game against a really good team. They have had to overcome some adversity, but just watching them on film, they have great size along the front, both offensively and defensively."

"It will be another challenge for us because there is so much parity in our league. We've been working, the guys are focused and we are looking forward to playing in Texas and have an opportunity to play against a good team."

ASU is looking for more consistency. They have done some things well, but have been unable to find the constant consistency for a full four quarters.

"We have had some good performances by some of our guys," Barlow said. "Our thing is we want to sustain our effort. We have talked about consistently doing a lot of things well as we continue to go. If we can continue to put good performances together by individuals, and with our defense and special teams then we will have an opportunity to have success. So I'm looking forward to watching these guys. They have been working hard all week."

Opening kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. The game can be heard live on WVAS FM 90.7 beginning with the pregame at 5:45 p.m.



COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Pride on line in Morehouse-Clark rivalry

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Devon Mann knows all about the importance of Morehouse’s annual game against Clark Atlanta.

“It’s the biggest game of the season. We can’t lose this game,” said Mann (Newton), Morehouse’s leading receiver. “It’s almost as important as the national championship. It’s a pride thing. We’re playing for the AUC championship. We want to have the AUC crown.”

The Maroon Tigers (2-2) have won the past four meetings with neighboring Clark Atlanta (0-3, 0-2 in the SIAC) in a rivalry that dates to 1905. Saturday’s 7 p.m. game at B.T. Harvey Stadium will be televised on Bounce TV.

First-year Clark coach Kevin Weston has been fully indoctrinated in the what this rivalry means to players from both teams, who see each other around the Atlanta University Center and Atlanta on a daily basis. Many players are from the same high schools and have known each other for years.

“I knew about this rivalry even though I hadn’t ...




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Wilson says SSU Tigers are ready for NSU Spartans

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -- Savannah State University first-year head coach Earnest Wilson III said his football team is beginning to develop an identity, and he is pleased with how the Tigers have practiced this week following a 24-22 loss to Delaware State last Saturday.

SSU (1-4 overall, 0-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) will play Norfolk State (1-3, 1-0) in a MEAC game at 1 p.m. Saturday at William "Dick" Price Stadium in Norfolk, Va. The game will be radio-broadcast by WHCJ 90.3 FM.

"They've responded well," Wilson said of SSU, which scored two touchdowns in the final 5 minutes, 29 seconds against Delaware State but had a two-point conversion pass tipped, allowing the Hornets to escape with a victory. "They know what our goals are. I laid out our goals when I got here and they understand. When you're a coach who doesn't lay out your goals, then the kids don't know and they have no direction. We have direction.

"This is a team that is beginning to make its own image. They're the ones who are upset. They're the ones who are saying, 'We can't give up.' I like what I'm hearing from our players."

Norfolk State is coming off a 27-21 victory at ...

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Special teams a roller coaster for FVSU

FORT VALLEY, Georgia  -- Little, through four games, has been as unpredictable for Fort Valley State when the offense and defense aren’t on the field.
 Special teams have been a roller-coaster ride so far. Four weeks ago, Valdosta State blocked a point-after kick and then got momentum with a 65-yard kickoff return that led to a quick score.

Three weeks ago, Savannah State was outgained by a large margin but rode a blocked punt and 92-yard kickoff return to survive two missed field goals to hand Fort Valley State a seven-point loss.
 Then two weeks ago, FVSU happily accepted Clark Atlanta’s brutal 1-for-5 night on field goals and held on, despite missing a 34-yard field goal in overtime, for a three-point win.

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Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/10/02/2698458/special-teams-a-roller-coaster.html#storylink=cpy

BSU Bulldogs Predicted To Finish Atop the CIAA Northern Div.

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – The 2013-2014 CIAA Men's Predicted Order of Finish and Pre-Season All-CIAA Team were announced at the Annual Basketball Press Conference held at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel Thursday morning.

The Bowie State Bulldogs were picked to finish atop in the CIAA Northern Division as voted by the CIAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association. Winston-Salem State University is picked to finish first in the CIAA Southern Division.

Of the individual student-athletes honored Bowie State senior Carlos Smith (Baltimore, Md.) was selected by the CIAA Coaches. Smith ranked sixth on the team in scoring (7.0 ppg), third in rebounds (5.1 rpg) and first in team blocks with 37.

Last season, the Bowie State University Bulldogs won the conference tournament championship and finished the season with a 16-14 overall record (8-8 CIAA), and third in the Division (6-4). A complete list of the 2013-2014 Pre-Season Team and Predicted Order of Finish is as follows:



2013-2014 Men's Pre-Season Basketball TeamCarlos Smith (Bowie State), Tyrrel Tate (Fayetteville State), Emilio Parks (Johnson C. Smith), Derrick Washington (The Lincoln University), Jody Hill (Livingstone), Mark Thomas (Livingstone), Joel Kindred (Saint Augustine's), Curtis Hines (Shaw), Chris Grier (Virginia State), Omar Briggs (Virginia Union), Preston Ross (Winston-Salem State), Tryree Desmore (Winston-Salem State).

MEN'S PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

Northern Division	Southern Division
1. Bowie State University	Winston-Salem State University
2. The Lincoln University	Livingstone College
3. Elizabeth City State University	Shaw University
4. Virginia State University	Johnson C. Smith University
5. Virginia Union University	Fayetteville State University
6. Chowan University	Saint Augustine's University

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU Rams Picked To Finish First In CIAA Southern Division

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Winston-Salem State University Rams, despite having 12 new players for the 2013-14 season, were predicted to finish first in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's (CIAA) Southern Division, Thursday. The prediction was announced at the 2013 CIAA Annual Basketball Media Day at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel. WSSU seniors, guard Tyre Desmore and forward Preston Scott,  were both named to the 2013 CIAA Preseason All-Conference team as well.

 

Last season, the Rams posted a 15-13 overall record and placed third in the CIAA Southern Division. The team finished the season with a 9-7 record in CIAA play with a 5-5 record in division play. With three starters returning from last season's team and a talented cast of newcomers, the Lady Rams will enter the season with its highest predicted finish since the team's return to the conference.

 

Tyre Desmore (6-2, 180, Sr, Petersburg, VA/Petersburg) also returns after playing valuable minutes last season, where he averaged 4.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. Desmore was also second on the team in assists with 54, and also contributed 24 steals.N

 

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XU records another high Champions of Character score

NEW ORLEANS — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Wednesday its 2012-13 NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Award winners, and Xavier University of Louisiana again had one of the highest scores.

XU's athletics department scored 91 out of 100 points to tie for 12th nationally. NAIA members earned the Champions of Character Five-Star Award by scoring a minimum 60 points.

Schools earned points in each of the following categories: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character  promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade-point averages and by obtaining zero ejections during competition throughout the academic year.

This is the third consecutive year that Xavier scored 91 points. Xavier and Montana Tech are the only NAIA members to score at least 90 points each of the last three years. Xavier tied for seventh nationally with 87 points in 2009-10, the first year of the Champions of Character scorecard.

Xavier tied for fourth in 2010-11 and tied for third in 2011-12.

Oklahoma Baptist was the national leader for 2012-13 with 99 points. More than 80 percent of NAIA members — 217 in all — were named Five-Star Champions of Character Institutions. The average NAIA member score this past year was 67.48, and the Five-Star members' average score was 73.55.

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

TSU to Face SEMO Redhawks in Saturday's OVC Home Opener

GAME NOTES | LIVE STATS | LISTEN LIVE | WATCH LIVE

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team will host Southeast Missouri on Saturday, riding a four-game winning streak and fresh off of a record-setting performance in last Saturday’s, 73-6, victory in St. Louis, Mo. against Central State.

 

The Tigers piled up a season-high 539 yards in the rout over CSU, and TSU had 438 total yards and 41 points in a victory at Tennessee Tech two weeks ago. Big Blue has averaged 488.5 yards and 57 points over the past two games, after totaling just 310.7 yards and 20.7 points in the three contests prior.

 

One big reason for the offense’s turnaround has been the play of redshirt junior quarterback Michael German, who appears to be hitting his stride after missing the first two games of the season. In the past two games, German has completed 16-of-22 passes for 363 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions.

 

Another key has been an improved and more consistent running attack. TSU (4-1, 1-0 OVC) got 4.4 yards per carry in weeks one through three, but has averaged 5.5 since then. Senior Tim Broughton has shouldered the load in the running department this season, tallying a conference-best 454 rushing yards on 91 carries. The Mobile, Ala. native has also scored four touchdowns this season with three of them coming in the last two weeks.

 

While the offense has found itself the past two contests, the TSU defense has been solid all year long and is ranked third in the nation in total defense (252.8 yards per game). The unit also ranks in the top ten in the FCS in passing defense (4th), passing efficiency defense (2nd), scoring defense (4th) and takeaways (7th).
 

Tennessee State recovered a pair of fumbles against Central State and the team now has recorded at least one turnover in the past 18 contests dating back to 2010.

 

The special teams has helped the Tiger cause this season as well, blocking five kicks in TSU’s first five games.

 

Tennessee State will hope to have all three units clicking for the squad’s second Ohio Valley Conference game against Southeast Missouri (0-4, 0-1 OVC).

 

The Redhawks are coming into the game desperate for a win, having just lost last weekend to UT Martin, 17-7.  SEMO held the Skyhawks to zero points, only three first downs and 86 yards offensively in the final two quarters, but could not overcome the 17-point halftime deficit.

 

Offensively, Southeast Missouri ranks near the bottom of the conference in most categories. However, the Redhawks have the second-best pass defense (behind TSU) and surrender the least amount of penalty yards per game in the OVC (43.2).

 

SEMO’s offense is led by quarterback Kyle Snyder who averages 131.7 passing yards per contest. The junior also has a 3-to-1 touchdown to interception ratio.

 

Ben Kargbo anchors the Redhawk defense, averaging nine tackles per contest.

 

TSU will go for its fifth straight win of the season and third consecutive victory in the series when the Tigers meet the Redhawks at 6 p.m. at LP Field.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION   

Clark Atlanta, Morehouse to be featured as Game of the Week on Bounce TV

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) announced today that Saturday's football game between Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College will be the first of five games featured as the "SIAC Game of the Week" on Bounce TV, the nation's fastest growing and only broadcast television network for African Americans.

The 89th edition of "The Battle of the AUC" will kickoff at 7:07 p.m. at B.T. Harvey Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Veteran commentator James Verrett will handle the play-by-play duties, while former NFL veteran and sports talk radio host Ryan Stewart will serve as the color analyst for the game. Niesha Butler, a former professional basketball player and current sports talk radio host, will be the sideline reporter for the broadcast.

Morehouse, (2-2, 0-0 SIAC) enters the game riding a two game winning streak, while Clark Atlanta, (0-3, 0-2 SIAC) will look to scratch the surface for their first win of the season after starting the season winless in its first three games. In their last contest, the Panthers battled, but came up short in a 12-9 double-overtime loss to Fort Valley State University.

Listed below are the available area listings for Bounce TV through the various markets across the footprint of the SIAC and nationwide. For more information on television listings please visit http://www.bouncetv.com/find-us/.

Bounce TV, the nation's fast-growing and only broadcast television network for African Americans, targets African American adults with a programming mix of original series, theatrical motion pictures, live sports, documentaries, specials, game shows and inspirational faith-based programs. Since its launch, Bounce TV has seen overwhelming success, with accelerated growth and expansion among station groups, advertisers and viewers alike.

Market Call Letters Over-The-Air Cable Channels Atlanta WATL 36.2 Charter-111, Comcast 244

Albany WFXL 31.2 Mediacom-91, CNS 8&13

Augusta WFXG 54.2 Comcast-383, Knology-169

Baltimore WUTB 24.2 Comcast-203, Verizon FiOS-459

Birmingham WBRC 6.2 Charter-81&151, Bright House Networks-651, Comcast-220

Boston WUTF 66.2 Verizon Fios-462

Charleston, SC WCSC 5.4 Comcast-213

Charlotte WBTV 3.2 Charter-174, Comporium-120, Fibrant-43, MI Connection-102, Northland-114, Time Warner-106

Chattanooga WDEF 12.2 Bledsoe-38, Charter-156, Charter-117 (Ten Mile), Comcast-212, EPB-162, ETC-198, Optlink-159, Scottsboro-140, Spring City-10, Trinity-113, FTC-712/1013 (Ft. Payne), Trenton-14

Chicago WWME 23.2 RCN-30, Comcast-361

Cincinnati WXIX 19.2 Time Warner-994, Insight-194, Cincinnati Bell-258

Cleveland-Akron WUAB 43.2 East Cleveland Cable-118&12, Massillon Cable-150, WOW-191, Time Warner-996, Armstrong-452, Cable Co-op (Oberlin)-614

Columbia, SC WIS 10.2 Time Warner-122

Columbus, GA WTVM 9.2 Charter-108, WOW-170, MediaCom-81, Cable TV of East Alabma-165

Columbus, OH W23BZ 23.1 WOW-192

Insight-283

Dallas KDFI 27.3 Verizon FiOS-476

Detroit WXYZ 7.3 Comcast-296

Dothan, AL WDFX 33.2 Comcast-220, Knology-202, Time Warner-308

Houston KHOU 19.2 Comcast-310

Huntsville-Decatur, AL WDAM 7.3 Comcast-217

Indianapolis WNDY 23.2 Comcast-240, 168, 171
Cinergy-105, 110, 113

Jackson, MS WLBT 3.2 Comcast-216

Jacksonville, FL WCWJ 17.2 Comcast-225

Las Vegas KGNG 47.3 Prism-23

Los Angeles KCOP 13.2 Verizon FiOS-476

Louisville WAVE 3.3 Bardstown-902, Brandenburg-160, Comcast-216, Cinegy-102, Inside Connect-2, New Wave-136, Telemedia-503, Time Warner-195
Macon WPGA 58.3

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale WAMI 69.2

Mobile-Pensacola WFNA 55.2 Comcast-181, Mediacom-92
Montgomery-Selma WSFA 12.2 Charter-136, Knology-121

Myrtle Beach-Florence WMBF 3.2 Time Warner-121, HTC-92, Metrocast-111

Nashville WLLC 42.2

New Orleans WVUE 8.2 Cox-115, Charter-137, Mediacom-508, Comcast-192, CMA-476, Cable One-456, VisionComm-682, RTC-158

New York City WWOR 9.3 Comcast-258 & 262, Verizon FiOs-476

Orlando WRBW 65.3

Philadelphia WMCN 44.2 Comcast-262

Savannah WTOC 11.3 Comcast-233, Northland-114, Darien-113, Hargray-111

St. Louis KSDK 5.2 Charter-87

Tallahassee WTXL 27.2 Comcast-210

Mediacom-90

Washington, DC WUSA 9.2 Comcast-207, Cox Cable-807, Verizon Fios-459, RCN-100, Antientam Cable-179, Anne Arudel Broadband-163, Open Band Multi-Media-380

COURTESY THESIAC.COM

Alabama State football: Injuries claim pair of starters

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State’s high-powered offense will take a three-game winning streak on the road to Texas this week, but the Hornets will be missing two starters when they face Texas Southern on Saturday.

Both right tackle Tovar Allen and cornerback Michael Showers suffered injuries in the third quarter of Saturday’s 49-30 win over Alcorn State and will miss this weekend’s game with Texas Southern, head coach Reggie Barlow said. Tailback Malcolm Cyrus, who also left the game after suffering a bruised shoulder in the third quarter, is fine and will play this weekend.

The loss of Allen and Showers had a silver lining, however. Allen, who was helped off the field with what was initially thought to be a serious ankle injury, has a high ankle sprain and should return in time for the Magic City Classic on Oct. 26, Barlow said. Showers, who was taken off of the field on a stretcher and rushed to a local hospital, was released later that night and suffered a neck stinger. He is being held out of Saturday’s game as a precaution.

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