FAMU Rattlers working on offensive identity

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Imagine how Quinn Gray, offensive coordinator for the FAMU football team, must feel at times when he is putting together the weekly game plan for the Rattlers.

Remember, Gray was quarterback in former coach Billy Joe’s potent Gulf Coast offense that emphasized the pass. Now he is working for head coach Earl Holmes, who is a run-first kind of guy.

But Gray and the receiving corps coached by Ernie Mills seemingly are just fine with Holmes’ brand of offense, although it means pass plays are kept to a minimum. Well, unless desperation sets in.

“You have an identity that your head coach wants,” said Gray, who holds FAMU’s career passing record of 7,378 yards. “Once you understand where the program is headed and what the head coach wants, it’s not necessarily hard or frustrating because you’re on the same page and you understand that.”



WATCH IN 720p HD, WIDE SCREEN

CONTINUE READING

Crier delivers on senior day; XU Nuggets win 10th straight

NEW ORLEANS -- Middle blocker Kerris Crier celebrated her senior day by producing eight kills Friday in Xavier University of Louisiana's 25-16, 25-11, 25-16 women's volleyball victory against Avila.

The Gold Nuggets (16-7) extended their school-record win streak to 10. They've won nine in a row at home, also an XU record.

It was the second of two matches at the Convocation Center in a tournament co-hosted by Xavier and Loyola. Mobile defeated Avila 25-13, 25-7, 25-15 in the other match. The tournament will shift to Loyola's facility, The Den, on Saturday. The Wolf Pack will play Avila at 10 a.m. and Xavier at 2 p.m.

Crier -- the first to play four seasons of volleyball at Xavier and the sole survivor among four freshmen who were on the roster when the program resumed in 2010 -- recorded her second-most kills in a match this season and was one short of her career high. She produced half her kills in the second set and ended the match with a kill.

Crier hit .261 in 23 attempts and had a solo block, an assist and four digs. She served flawlessly in 12 attempts. Crier's mother and father attended the match, as did a grandmother, aunt and uncle.

Taylor Reuther had nine kills, seven in the third set, for Xavier. Chinedu Echebelem had eight kills and hit .400, and Claudia Haywood had seven kills and hit .462.

Anna Woods had eight kills, six assists and five digs for Avila (6-18).

After the Eagles' Stephanie Gordon opened the match with a kill, Xavier scored eight of the next nine points and closed the first set on a Reuther kill. Crier, Echebelem and Haywood had two kills apiece in a 16-5 run to open the second set.

Reuther had two kills in a 7-0 run to begin the third set, but Avila answered with seven consecutive points, the last two on kills by Woods. Haywood put Xavier ahead to stay with a kill on the next rally, and the Gold Nuggets led 22-14 after an 8-2 run.

Reuther raised her career total of kills to 997. Haywood continued her hot hitting, surpassing .390 for the sixth time in the last seven matches.

Xavier outhit Avila .262 to minus-.040 -- .365 to minus-.063 in the final two sets -- and had advantages of 41-18 in kills and 71-47 in digs. CeCe Williams had 11 digs for the Nuggets, and Echebelem and Darian Harris had eight apiece.

The Gold Nuggets will try to complete a three-match season sweep of Loyola aft
er losing all 11 of their meetings with their city rival in their previous five seasons. Xavier's next home match will start at 7 p.m. Monday against SUNO.

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

Week 8: HBCU Football Schedule and ScoreCard (Update)

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --  Here are the highlights of week eight as the HBCU conferences move into an exciting homecoming schedule this weekend.

Grambling State University Football Players staged a revolt against its administration and coaches this week, and did not travel to Jackson State for its homecoming.  The game has been ruled a forfeit. The ruling was made following Grambling State's failure to participate in the scheduled match up.  READ MORE

Two MEAC teams remain unbeaten in conference play including Bethune-Cookman (2-0) and South Carolina State (3-0). Bethune-Cookman extends its conference win streak to 15 games with a 27-6 win over Howard. B-CU is No. 2 in the FCS in total defense, allowing just 260.0 ypg. South Carolina State defeated North Carolina Central 44-3 to extend its current win streak to five games. S.C. State ranks in the top five of several FCS defensive categories.  READ MORE

Not only does the OVC feature the No. 1 ranked offense (Eastern Illinois) and defense (Tennessee State) nationally, OVC teams are also excelling on special teams. The OVC has the No. 1 punter in the FCS (Tennessee Tech’s Chad Zinchini is averaging 47.9 yards/ punt), and the No. 1 field goal kicker (Jacksonville State’s Griffin Thomas is averaging 2.3 made field goals/game). READ MORE

Leland Baker of Alabama State registered a game and career high of 17 tackles in Alabama State’s 48-42 overtime victory against Prairie View A&M. Baker is the fifth different ASU defender to earn the award during the last six weeks. With its 26-17 win against Mississippi Valley State, Jackson State (5-0) remains the only unbeaten team in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. Jackson State hosts winless Grambling this week. Jackson State is 5-2 overall.  READ MORE

Winston-Salem State Rams defense is finally gaining some national recognition.  Coach Maynor's defense is ranked No. 1 overall in Division II.  However, the Rams are not happy about still being ranked at #16 in the latest AFCA Division II poll.  WSSU has had five straight blowout wins after a season-opening loss to #10 ranked UNC Pembroke.  READ MORE



SATURDAY, October 19, 2013

CIAA
Chowan at Virginia Union, 1 PM (H)
Winston-Salem State at Saint Augustine's, 1:30 PM
Lincoln (Pa.) at Elizabeth City State, 1:30 PM (H)
Fayetteville State at Johnson C. Smith, 2 PM
Bowie State at Virginia State, 2 PM (H)
Livingstone at Shaw, 2 PM (H)

SWAC
Alcorn State at Texas Southern, 3 PM (H)
Grambling State at Jackson State, 3 PM (H) FORFEIT: JSU 1, GSU 0
Mississippi Valley at Prairie View A&M, 3 PM (H)
Southern at Arkansas Pine Bluff, 3:30 PM (H)
Alabama State (open)
Alabama A&M (open)

OVC
Tennessee State at Tennessee-Martin, 2 PM

SIAC
#13 Washburn 41, Fort Valley State 0, Thursday
Central State (Ohio) at Lane, 2 PM (H)
Morehouse at Albany State (Ga.), 2 PM (H)
Clark Atlanta at Benedict, 2 PM (H)
Stillman at Tuskegee, 2 PM
Kentucky State at Miles, 5 PM (H) TV: Bounce TV

OTHER CONFERENCES & INDEPENDENTS
Millersville at Cheyney,1 PM (H)
Charleston (WV) at West Virginia State, 1 PM
Concordia-Selma at Virginia University Lynchburg 1 PM
Lincoln (Mo.) at Nebraska-Kearney, 2 PM
Texas College at Langston, 4 PM

MEAC
Hampton at Norfolk State ( Battle of the Bay), 1 PM
Delaware State at North Carolina A&T, 1 PM
Morgan State at North Carolina Central, 2 PM (H)
Howard at Florida A&M, 2 PM (H)
Savannah State at Bethune-Cookman, 4 PM (Bikers Classic)

(H): Homecoming

ALL GAMES STARTING TIMES ARE STATED IN THE EASTERN TIME ZONE


WATCH ON VIDEOS IN 720p HD, WIDE SCREEN

Alabama State Hornets Sports Report 10/18/13

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State fall sports teams continue the winning ways on this week's edition of the Hornet Sports Report.

Women's soccer won the SWAC Eastern Division title for the first time in school history, football ran its winning streak to five, volleyball just keeps on winning, cross country is gearing up for the SWAC Championship, and basketball plays in Late Night Madness.

Enjoy the show, and thanks for watching! Tell a friend to tell a friend to watch the Alabama State University Hornet Sports Report.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Saturday's Game More Than a Homecoming Party for UAPB Golden Lions.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (0-6, 0-4 SWAC)  vs.
Southern Jaguars (3-3, 3-1 SWAC)
Homecoming 2013 at Pine Bluff, Arkansas
2:30 p.m. - Golden Lions StadiumTickets Available Online

The Matchup:
This game doesn't get any bigger for UAPB. The Golden Lions are out of wiggle room at 0-4, but they still have a chance to win the West. However, they will need to win the rest of their games to have a chance after the devastating 41-28 loss to Texas Southern. A loss on Saturday will make it all but impossible for UAPB to make it to the top of the hill.

In contrast, Southern is sitting in first place in the Division, a half game ahead of Prairie View. The Jaguars also have the tiebreaker over PVAM by virtue of a 62-59 overtime win over the Panthers back on Sept. 14. SU has won three of their last four games, including a 20-17 win in overtime over Alabama A&M last weekend.

Series Record:
This is the 61st meeting between the Golden Lions and Jaguars. Southern leads this long series, which dates back to 1923, 43-14-3. The Jaguars won the first five games in the series. UAPB, then Arkansas AM&N, got their first win over Southern in 1935, 8-0. During one stretch between 1947 and 1963, Southern went 17 games without a loss to the Golden Lions. The only game they didn't win was a 7-7 tie in 1951. However, since 2000, the teams have split the last 12 games. UAPB has won the last three in a row, including a 50-21 win last season in Baton Rouge.

The largest margin of victory didn't come in last year's game, that happened in 1953 when Southern won 60-0. There have been three ties and 13 shutouts. Overall, Southern has outscored UAPB 1528-744 in the previous 60 meetings.

The 71 combined points last season was the most scored in a game in the series. The lowest scoring game was an 8-0 win for UAPB in 1935.

Players to Watch
UAPB -(QB) Benjamin Anderson - 109-of-197, 1,416 yards, 7 TDs, 6 INT (236 ypg); 226 yards rushing, 3 TDs (44 ypg)
(RB) Jeremiah Young - 336 yards, 6 TD on 66 carries (56 ypg - Has scored in 5 of 6 games)
(WR) Dezmond Beverly - 23 rec, 298 yards (49.7 ypg)
(WR) Dexter Bryant - 19 rec, 212 yards, 1 TD (35.3 ypg)
(WR) Isaiah Ferguson - 14 rec, 232 yards, 1 TD (46.4 ypg)
(LB) Jer-ryan Harris - 78 tackles (40 solo), 3.0 TFL, 1 QBH (1 fumble return for TD)
(LB) Antonio Jenkins - 62 tackles (39 solo), 4.0 TFL, 2 Breakups, 1 Forced Fumble
SU -
(QB) Dray Joseph - 130-of-205, 1,687 yards, 12 TDs, 6 INT (281.2 ypg)
(RB) Lenard Tillery - 262 yards, 5 TD on 63 carries (65.5 ypg)
(RB) Darrius Coleman - 231 yards on 67 carries (46.2 ypg)
(WR) Lee Doss - 42 rec, 696 yards, 5 TDs (116 ypg)
(WR) Willie Quinn - 29 rec, 383 yards, 4 TDs (63.8 ypg)
(DL) Daniel Brown - 48 tackles (21 solo), 5 TFL, 2 Sacks, 5 QBH, 1 Fumble Rec.
(DB) Omar Cook - 34 tackles (18 solo), 2 INT, 2 breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble rec.



COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

SWAC issues statement Grambling State - Jackson State game

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has issued an official statement in correlation to the Grambling State - Jackson State football game scheduled for Saturday, October 18.

Per league rules, the game has been ruled a forfeit. The ruling was made following Grambling State's failure to participate in the scheduled match up. 

"It's unfortunate that the game (Grambling State vs. Jackson State) will not be played, but in accordance with the Southwestern Athletic Conference bylaws, the game will be ruled a forfeit charging Grambling State the loss and awarding Jackson State with a win," said SWAC commissioner Duer Sharp. "For Grambling State's failure to compete in a conference contest and in addition to forfeiting the game, they (Grambling State) are subject to a monetary penalty."

According to the current record book, it is the first time a member school within the conference has forfeited a game during the regular season.

Southwestern Athletic Conference

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), established in 1920, is a college athletic conference headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., which is comprised of historically black universities in the Southern United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I for its 18 sports and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Press Release 10/18/13

Game Preview: Savannah State at Bethune-Cookman

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  -- Bethune-Cookman (5-1, 2-0 MEAC) is playing its first home game since Sept. 7. It needs to take care of business against Savannah State (1-6, 0-3) to set up its homecoming showdown next week with South Carolina State, the only other undefeated team in the conference.

3 Keys to the Game

 

1. Turnovers

Savannah State has the worst turnover margin in the nation at minus-14. Taking care of the ball and causing turnovers have been B-CU strengths the past three years. B-CU is plus-four this year but turned the ball over three times last week, including its first lost fumble of the season.

 

2. Running wild

The Tigers know the Wildcats want to run — B-CU is 17th in the nation in rushing offense (231.0 ypg) — but containing them is another matter. The Tigers rank 117th (out of 122 teams) in rushing defense (264.7 ypg).

 

CONTINUE READING
 

Last week highlights: B-CU vs. DSU...

Game Preview: North Carolina Central vs. Morgan State

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Spoken 4 Communications previews the 2013 Homecoming matchup between the Eagles of North Carolina Central University and the Bears of Morgan State University as play-by-play voice of the NCCU Sports Network Chris Hooks chats with head coach Dwayne Foster.

 NCCU and Morgan State meet for the 38th time in program history on Homecoming.

NCCU looks to rebound off the tough loss against SC State this past week and stay in the thick of the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) race. Tune in beginning at 1:30 p.m. for the Denny's of Durham Pregame Show as Hooks and Joe Simmons will count listeners down to meeting number 38 between these two programs.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Grambling University football game vs. Jackson State cancelled, JSU spokesman says

SWAC COMMISSIONER DUER SHARP
Jackson State 1, Grambling State 0.

NEW ORLEANS -- Jackson State announced Friday afternoon that Saturday's SWAC contest with Grambling State has been cancelled. Jackson State spokesman Wesley Peterson said that Grambling officials told them they would not play.

Buses that were to transport Grambling State football players to Jackson, Miss., for Saturday’s SWAC contest against Jackson State sat empty as the prescribed time to depart of 2:30 p.m. Friday came and passed. Several reports from north Louisiana say that the Tigers have elected not to play Saturday.

Monroe News-Star reporter Sean Isabella reported that departure time was pushed back to 3:30 p.m. However, that time passed as well with no players. The buses left the campus empty shortly before 4 p.m.

Grambling spokesman Will Sutton said earlier Friday there will be "no forfeit" in a text to The Associated Press. He said that school officials are meeting to decide the next step.

CONTINUE READING

READ RELATED:
Grambling State University football forced to forfeit game vs. Jackson State
Jackson State Says Game Vs. Grambling Canceled

 

SI Special: The inside story of what caused Grambling football players to revolt

GRAMBLING, Louisiana - Start with the floor.

Anyone who wants to understand why the players on the 0-7 Grambling State football team revolted this week -- walking out of a Tuesday meeting with the school's president and athletic director and boycotting practice -- should visit the weight room in the school's Stadium Support Building. Then look down.

Covering the concrete floor are large interlocking rubber tiles. They are light gray now but were almost certainly a different shade when they were installed years ago. Many of them curl at the edges or have corners missing, hazards that can cause an unsuspecting player to trip. In some areas, entire tiles are gone, creating a perilous sort of hopscotch. Imagine hoisting 300 pounds while having to watch your step. In a sport where injuries are common enough, the last thing players need are physical hazards in their own weight room. That is how Grambling football players train.

The floor is not the only sign of ...

CONTINUE READING

Pine Bluff fading after fall from 2012’s lofty perch

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- There is never any shortage of parity in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and a prime example lies in Pine Bluff, Ark.

The Heritage Sports Radio Network’s poll named Arkansas-Pine Bluff its historically black Football Championship Subdivision national champion last season following a 10-2 year in which the Golden Lions beat Jackson State 24-21 in the SWAC title game. Subsequently, UAPB was the preseason favorite to win the conference’s Western Division in 2013.

Yet Pine Bluff enters Saturday’s contest against Southern winless in conference play at 0-4 and in search of its first victory of the season at 0-6.

The year started off rocky: Just before kickoff of the season opener, coach Monte Coleman learned he would be without at least 13 players because to eligibility concerns, including preseason first-team running back Justin Billings.

When the Jaguars travel to Pine Bluff on Saturday, the Golden Lions will be without multiple starters.



CONTINUE READING

Winston Named GSU's Interim Head Football Coach

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling State University defensive coach Dennis “Dirt” Winston has been named interim head coach of the G-Men, effective today.

Winston joined the GSU family in 2012 after working at Arkansas-Pine Bluff as the school’s defensive line coach since 2010. He immediately implemented a closed practice so he and his coaches could work with the football team after a frustrating two days filled with concerns and emotions.

“We are blessed to have a coach with the type of background and experience like Dirt on staff already and ready to go,” said GSU President Frank G. Pogue. “There’s no question we’re having a difficult season, but I’m certain that Winston will get our young men focused on what they need to do to beat Jackson State University this weekend and to bring some other wins the balance of the season.”

“I’ve known Dirt a long time, and I can’t think of a better choice,” added Aaron James, the university’s athletic director. “He can tone things down and get the program up and running smoothly while empowering our football players to be successful.”

Winston coached at Grambling State from 1992-1994 and from 1995-1997. He was an assistant coach at Arkansas (1997-98), Norfolk State (1994-95) and Arkansas State (1989-91). Winston was an assistant for the Toledo Rockets (MAC) for four seasons, coaching linebackers from 2001-02 and the defensive line two seasons. Winston left Toldeo to join the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League coaching staff in 2005, coaching the defensive line.

During his playing days Winston played linebacker at the University of Arkansas from 1973-76, and was selected to the Razorbacks’ All-Century Team in 1994. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the NFL draft in 1977.

He played eight seasons with the Steelers (1977-81, 1985-87), including Super Bowl victories in 1978 and 1979. He also played three seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 1982-84.

Interim head coach and running backs coach George Ragsdale has been reassigned in the athletic department. “Rags is an amazing person and we’re happy to have him on our team,” said Pogue. “We thank him for helping us these last few weeks, and we know he’ll help us in other ways.”

By Will Sutton, GSU MEDIA RELATIONS

Grumblings at Grambling cause player walkout, coaching change

Grumblings at Grambling State after player walkout and another coaching change.Now the question is ...

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Jackson State’s homecoming bout with Grambling State will be played as scheduled.

For a while, there was nearly something missing.

An opponent.

Jackson State and Grambling State spokesmen confirmed to The Clarion-Ledger on Thursday that GSU would make the trip to Jackson for Saturday’s SWAC game, and the team will leave today.

“We’re going to play football on Saturday,” JSU spokesperson Eric Stringfellow said.

But the Grambling State players might have something to say about that..

Following a two-day player mutiny, Grambling State interim coach George Ragsdale was removed as coach and reassigned in the athletic department. Defensive coordinator Dennis Winston was named the new GSU coach later on Thursday, making him program’s third coach of the season. Doug Williams was fired on Sept. 11.

CONTINUE READING

Grambling State coach out after second player practice boycott

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -- For the second consecutive day Thursday, Grambling players boycotted football practice. And about the same time that practice was scheduled to be under way, the school announced that interim head coach George Ragsdale had been reassigned within the athletics department.

School spokesman Will Sutton also said defensive coordinator Dennis "Dirt" Winston would replace Ragsdale as interim head coach.

PREVIOUSLY: Grambling State players boycott practice

"Ragsdale has been reassigned and to go in another direction at this time, and he'll be helping in other ways," Sutton said.

Winston is Grambling's third coach in five weeks, as Ragsdale ends his short tenure at Grambling with a 0-5 record. He took over for Doug Williams after the legendary coach and former player was fired Sept. 11.

Jackson State spokesman Dennis Stringfellow told The (Jackson, MiClarion-Ledger on Thursday afternoon ...

CONTINUE READING

‘Unconscious bias’ led to police shooting of ex-FAMU football player in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  -- A former Florida A&M football player fatally shot by police in Charlotte, North Carolina, was clearly seeking help after a car wreck — and video from the squad car’s dashboard camera will prove it, an attorney for the man’s family said Wednesday.

Officer Randall Kerrick shot the unarmed Jonathan Ferrell, 24, last month after a woman — home alone with her 1-year-old child — called 911 and reported that someone was trying to break down her front door.

Ferrell had wrecked his car down the street and had simply gone to the nearest home seeking help, family attorney Chris Chestnut said.

“I completely understand her situation. She’s at home by herself, 2 in the morning, with a baby. I completely understand that she was frightened,” Chestnut said. “But had she taken the time to just speak through the door and find out what was going on, rather than say, ‘He’s trying to rob me’ or ‘He’s trying to beat down the door,’ I think she would’ve had a different understanding.”

CONTINUE READING

TSU Tigers Hold Big Blue Madness

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- On Thursday night, the Tennessee State men’s and women’s basketball teams held “Big Blue Madness” in Kean Hall.

 

The Lady Tigers were introduced first in front of the 800-plus crowd and performed a dance from Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time”. The men came out next and did their best rendition of New Edition’s “If it isn’t Love” to the delight of Big Blue students and supporters.

(COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE ATHLETICS)

The first event of the night was the shooting competition where the team of Jordan Gaither and Brianna Lawrence edged Jacquan Nobles and Chelsea Hudson in the championship round for the crown.

In the dunk contest, five-foot-ten guard Jay Harris brought the house down with a two-handed slam in which he leaped over Gaither. The junior received perfect marks from the five judges that included Tennessee Titans Chris Johnson and Kendall Wright.

The Lady Tigers scrimmaged following the high-flying throw downs and the Blue squad defeated the Gray team, 22-20. Shekinah Gibson led the winning effort with six points in 12 minutes.

During the men’s contest, Jaleel Queary poured in six points as the Blue team beat the White side, 30-26.

The festivities will continue Friday at 4 p.m. when the men’s team host the “Blue and White Scrimmage” in the Gentry Center. The game will be professionally officiated using the NCAA’s new rules and regulations. Admission is free.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tennessee State Tigers Set Sights on Tenn.-Martin Skyhawks

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE ATHLETICS

GAME NOTES | LIVE STATS | WATCH LIVE | LISTEN LIVE 

 

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Coming off of arguably the biggest win of the head coach Rod Reed-era, the Tennessee State football team looks to keep its winning streak intact when the squad travels to Martin, Tenn. for a 1 p.m. meeting with the Skyhawks.

 

TSU (6-1, 3-0 OVC) defeated Jacksonville State, 31-15, for the second time in school history on Saturday for its sixth straight victory.

 

In that contest, the No. 1 ranked Big Blue defense stole the show with a herculean effort that included halting the Ohio Valley Conference’s top rushing offense to a measly 21 yards. The Gamecocks even had problems getting the ball past the line of scrimmage, as TSU recorded a season-best 14 tackles for loss, five of which were quarterback sacks.

 

JSU’s inability to move the ball on the ground forced the offense to resort to going through the air, but the Tigers eventually stopped that too. Junior safety Daniel Fitzpatrick recorded his team-leading fourth interception in the fourth quarter and redshirt sophomore Bernell Brooks iced the game with another pick a few plays later.

 

TSU has the third-most interception in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) with 12. The Tigers are sixth nationally in takeaways with 18.

 

While the defense was taking JSU’s ground game away, the Tiger offense was running the ball very efficiently. Tim Broughton gained a career-high 190 yards on 26 carries including one of 39 yards in the first quarter that jumpstarted a previously stagnate Tiger attack.

 

With his breakout performance in the biggest game of his collegiate career, Broughton moved into first place on the OVC rushing list with 739 yards. The senior is averaging an impressive 5.6 yards per carry and 105.6 yards per game.

 

Redshirt sophomore Telvin Hooks has also helped out in the rushing department, and with his 56 yards in Jacksonville is now fifth in the conference with 437 yards.

 

The winner of this Saturday’s contest against UT Martin (4-2, 2-1 OVC) could end up being the team that runs the ball the best.

 

Skyhawk ball carrier D.J. McNeal is the only other player in the nine-team league to average more yards per game than Broughton (112.5). Both McNeal and Broughton have 131 attempts on the season and McNeal has nearly matched Broughton’s output (5.2 yards per carry).

 

UT Martin also has Dylan Favre manning the quarterback position and the nephew of the NFL-great Brett has thrown for 792 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

 

Senior defensive back Camaren Harris had nine tackles, three pass breakups and a key second half interception in the Skyhawks’ 28-17 win over Tennessee Tech. Tony Bell added a team-best 10 stops to go along with a pair of sacks. Overall the UTM defense tied or set season-highs with nine tackles-for-loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions.

 

TSU is 15-7 all-time against UT Martin, but just 1-4 in the last five contests.

 

The game will be pivotal in the race for the Sgt. York Trophy, given to the team with the highest head-to-head winning percentage between TSU, UT Martin, Austin Peay and Tennessee Tech.

 

TSU won the Sgt. York in 2007, 2008, 2011 and again last season.

 

    Game Notes

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Washburn Defense Keys Win Over Fort Valley State

FORT VALLY STATE WILDCATS AT #13 WASHBURN UNIVERSITY
(COURTESY: WASHBURN ATHLETICS)

TOPEKA, Kansas -- The No. 13 Washburn Ichabods held the visiting Fort Valley State Wildcats to 26 rushing yards and 141 total yards in a 41-0 win as they improved to 7-0 on the season Thursday night in Yager Stadium. Washburn will return to action on Oct. 26 when they will face Lindenwood in MIAA action at 1 p.m. for Washburn's homecoming festivities.

Washburn jumped on the board first after taking advantage of the Wildcats' (2-5) on special teams when Jeremy Carlisle blocked a punt which Ryan Macken recovered at the Fort Valley 2-yard line. Washburn needed only one play as Vershon Moore picked up the first score of the game putting the Ichabods up 7-0.

After the teams traded punts, Washburn again took advantage of a miscue on a punt when the snapped was fumbled and Washburn took over at the Wildcat 18. Washburn could not convert the drive in to a touchdown, but Justin Linn hit a 37-yard field goal staking the Ichabods to a 10-0 with 3:46 left to play in the first quarter.

Washburn scored on the first play of the second quarter when Mitch Buhler connected with Mark Kolmer for a 27-yard touchdown pass.

Washburn stretched the lead to 20-0 when Linn hit his second 50-yard field goal of the season with 9:20 left in the first half to end the scoring in the first half.

The Ichabods took the second half kickoff and marched 75 yards on six plays as Buhler hit Matt Kobbeman on a 34-yard touchdown pass putting the Ichabods up 27-0. Neither team would score again until Cody Heiman rushed for the first of his two touchdowns on the ground with 3:16 left in the third quarter.

After a fumble by the Wildcats on their next drive, Heiman scored from 12 yards out with 1:29 remaining putting Washburn up 41-0 to finish out the scoring as neither team would put any points on the board in the fourth quarter.

The shutout for the Ichabods was the first since topping Emporia State 42-0 on Nov. 6, 2010 - a streak of 31 games.

The defense held the Wildcats to 141 total yards overall with 115 passing and 26 on the ground. Fort Valley State averaged 0.7 yards per carry on 38 attempts.

Bryce Atagi led the Ichabod defense with eight tackles including three solo stops, 2.5 tackles for loss for 25 yards adding a sack for 14 yards with an interception, two pass break ups and a fumble recovery playing early into the fourth quarter. Isaac Wright had seven tackles and Akhmad Abdul-Razzaq had seven as well. Willie Williams added an interception as well.

Offensively Washburn had 115 yards on the ground with Moore finishing with 49 yards on 16 carries and Heiman had 38 yards on eight carries and the two scores. Mitch Buhler finished 13 of 25 with two touchdowns and 190 passing yards ending play at the end of the third quarter. Kobbeman had five catches for 87 yards and a score.

Box Score

FROM WASHBURN UNIVERSITY PRESS RELEASE

NSU Spartans Host Hampton for State Farm Battle of the Bay this Saturday

Game Notes | Live Video | Live Audio | Live Stats | Twitter Updates

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- Long-time rivals Norfolk State and Hampton do battle for the 51st time on the gridiron this Saturday in the State Farm Battle of the Bay. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Dick Price Stadium. Both teams are looking to remain in the upper echelon of the MEAC standings by avoiding a second conference loss. Saturday's game is also Breast Cancer Awareness Day.


WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

SCOUTING THE SPARTANS

 NSU had its two-game winning streak snapped and fell to 2-4 overall, 2-1 in MEAC play in a 14-7 loss at Delaware State last Saturday. The Spartans were held to 184 yards of total offense in a rainsoaked contest. The Spartans couldn't overcome five turnovers, including a Davon Moore interception of backup quarterback Nico Flores with 21 seconds left at the Hornets' 9-yard line. The Spartans intercepted DSU quarterback Cory Murphy three times in the first half and got a 14-yard TD pass from Tyler Clark to Derrick Demps to take a 7-0 lead into the half. But an NSU fumble led to the tying touchdown for the Hornets in the third quarter. Murphy then scored on a 1-yard run with 5:25 left in the fourth for the go-ahead score, capping an 18-play drive which took 8:42 off the clock.

Linebacker Brent Singleton led a game defensive effort with 11 tackles and one interception. Running back Rolandan Finch ran for 46 yards at DSU and continues to lead the MEAC with 449 yards (74.2 ypg). Sophomore linebacker Deon King is tied for the MEAC lead in both tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (7.5).

SCOUTING THE PIRATES

 Hampton (1-5, 1-1 MEAC) won its first ballgame of the year and snapped a five-game losing streak to start the year with a 31-26 homecoming win over North Carolina A&T last Saturday in Hampton, Va. Redshirt freshman Bryan Bailey threw three touchdown passes for the Pirates, and Aaron Matthews returned one of three N.C. A&T interceptions 19 yards for a score in a 28-point Hampton first half. The Pirates overcame a 419-246 deficit in total yardage to earn the win. Bailey is one of three Pirates to see time under center this year, along with sophomores Jaylian Williamson and Brian Swain. Hampton has struggled to score this year, scoring just over 16 points per game. But return man/receiver Jorrian Washington (98.3 ypg) and receiver/running back Antwon Chisholm (90.5 ypg) both rank in the MEAC's top five in all-purpose yards per game. Chisholm has also caught four touchdown passes this year.

THE SERIES

• NSU leads the all-time series with Hampton, 25-24-1.
• The home team has won the last seven meetings in the series dating to Hampton's 55-14 win at Dick Price Stadium in 2005.
• NSU is 12-12-1 at home against Hampton.
• The last three meetings have been decided by 14 points or fewer.

MEDIA COVERAGE

• Radio: NSU Sports Network, 1490 AM The Game/WNSB Hot 91.1 FM
(Play-by-Play: Ross Gordon; Color: Maguell Davis; Pre-Game: Gordon, Davis and Matt Michalec)
• Live Video: www.nsuspartans.com/showcase (Subscription required)
• Live Statistics: www.sidearmstats.com/nsu/football
• Audio Stream: www.nsuspartans.com (click "Live Audio" link under Inside Athletics tab)
• Twitter Updates: @NSUSpartans

QUICK HITS FROM DELAWARE STATE

 More news and notes from the loss to Delaware State last week:
• The Spartans had a season-low 19 rushing yards and their 184-yard output was their second-lowest of the year (133 at Rutgers).
• NSU also had a season-high five turnovers.
• The Spartans picked off a season-best three passes, one each by Brent Singleton, Darrin Marrow and Collin Frazer. That extended NSU's string of picking off at least one pass in nine straight games.
• Singleton had a season-high 11 tackles, and DL George Riddick had a career-high nine stops.
• Derrick Demps caught his first TD pass of the year, a 14-yarder in the second quarter.
• Punter Dalton Fraser averaged 44 yards on his five punts, his best average in a game this year. He also hit a season-long 65-yarder in the first quarter.
• TE Joseph Hawkins had a season-high 68 receiving yards on his five catches.
• RB Rolandan Finch had a season-high six catches to lead the team.
• WRs James Church and DeAndre Sangster made their first career starts.

KING'S COURT

While teammate Lynden Trail has gotten a lot of the preseason attention as one of the defense's top playmakers, sophomore (and fi rst-year starter) Deon King has emerged as a playmaker. King starts at the outside linebacker spot opposite Trail and is second on the team with 47 tackles so far. King has a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, both of which are tied for first in the MEAC.  He is second nationally in sacks per game and fifth in tackles for loss. He had three sacks against Savannah State two weeks ago to earn honorable mention defensive line performer of the week honors from the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA). King, from Reston, Va., worked with the second unit last year behind senior starters Terrence Pugh and Jamal Giddens. He made the most of his playing time - of his 19 tackles, five were for a loss, including two sacks. He also returned an interception 15 yards for a TD against Morgan State.



By Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
VISIT: NSUSPARTANS.COM
VISIT:NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY

Southern University Women's Basketball tabbed as SWAC favorite

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Southern University was selected topped the 2013-14 Southwestern Athletic Conference women's basketball preseason poll of the league's head coaches and sports information directors.

The announcement was made by the Southwestern Athletic Conference on Wednesday, October 16, during its annual media teleconference.

Southern tallied 145 points, including six first-place votes, while Prairie View A&M was selected to finish second collected 136 points.

Texas Southern tacked on 131 points with five first-place votes for a predicted third-place finish followed by Mississippi Valley State with 126 points to finish fourth receiving five votes for first.

The remaining rankings on the poll include: Grambling State (115 points), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (95 points), Alabama State (93 points), Jackson State (92 points), Alabama A&M (88 points) and Alcorn State (50 with one first-place vote).

Despite sprinting out to a stellar 10-1 SWAC record, Southern faltered during the latter half of the season losing six of their final eights games, including a 63-58 quarterfinal loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the 2013 SWAC Tournament.

Southern opens the 2013-14 season with an exhibition matchup against Dillard Nov. 1 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center at 5:30 p.m. The 2013-14 home opener is set for Nov. 8 when the Jaguars host Southeastern Louisiana at 5:30 p.m.

2013-2014 SWAC Women's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish
(Selected by SWAC Head Basketball Coaches and SID's)

Team	Points (First Place Votes)
1. Southern	145 (6)
2. Prairie View A&M	136 (2)
3. Texas Southern	131 (5)
4. Mississippi Valley State	126 (5)
5. Grambling State	115
6. Arkansas-Pine Bluff	95
7. Alabama State	93
8. Jackson State	92
9. Alabama A&M	88
10. Alcorn State	50 (1)

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

FVSU battles travel before ranked opponent, Washburn

FORT VALLEY, Georgia  -- Fort Valley State rode more than 500 miles last week to take on Kentucky State.

The Wildcats were nice homecoming guests in losing 17-11 with top-20 Washburn on the road next on the schedule, so FVSU needed a superb week of practice in hopes of regrouping.

The problems? The game is Thursday, and it’s in Topeka, Kansas. All of a sudden, a bus ride to Frankfort isn’t so bad.

As a season with potential possibly spirals out of control, FVSU left Tuesday for the drive of nearly 1,000 miles through Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri before finally arriving to take on the 13th-ranked Ichabods on Thursday night. It’s the shortest of weeks for the Wildcats, who fell to 2-4 overall and 2-2 in SIAC play last week.

CONTINUE READING

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2013/10/16/2723064/fvsu-battles-travel-before-ranked.html#storylink=cpy

Paine Baseball to Hold Press Conference/Purple and White Game

COURTESY PAINE COLLEGE ATHLETICS

AUGUSTA, Georgia  -- Paine College head baseball coach Kerby Marshall will host a press conference in the HEAL Complex Conference Room this Friday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. to announce details regarding the 2014 Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL) All-Star Game, the Bobby Bonds Symposium, guest attendees and former MLB players involved.

MJBL Executive Director William Forrester, Jr., former Major League ball player Mookie Wilson (Mets, Blue Jays), MJBL Commissioner Fred Plump, Jimmy Williams and Richard Lee are all tentatively scheduled to attend the press conference.

MJBL is a 47-year-old non-profit organization established during the days of segregation when there were limited opportunities for African-American youngsters to play baseball. Today, the league provides baseball, educational and cultural enrichment opportunities to primarily African American youth across the country with teams in 20 states, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.

To add to this weekend's festivities, on Sunday, Oct. 20 Coach Marshall and his staff will host the Purple and White Game, the annual end to Paine College baseball's fall workouts. First pitch is scheduled for noon.

About MJBL The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League, Inc. (MJBL) is a non-profit organization that was founded in Richmond, Virginia in 1966. In 1991, MJBL launched its Inner City Classic in Columbia, SC. It was designed to provide urban youth the opportunity to travel to other cities, compete in the game of baseball and to be exposed to diverse cultures. It has since grown to become a national network with teams throughout the United States and the Caribbean. MJBL Virginia welcomes you to read more about how our organization is helping to make a difference in the lives of others and how we are helping to bring baseball back to the inner city.

COURTESY PAINE COLLEGE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS 

SWAC Hoops Teleconference - Sandy Pugh, Southern University

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- Listen to the GoJagSports.com Audio Replay exclusive of head women's basketball coach Sandy Pugh as she previews the 2013-14 season during Wednesday's SWAC Basketball Media Teleconference.

Southern University was selected to finish first in the 2013-14 Southwestern Athletic Conference women's basketball preseason poll of the league's head coaches and sports information directors.

CLICK LINK: 2013 SWAC Hoops Teleconference-Sandy Pugh

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

TSU Big Blue Madness set for Thursday in Kean Hall

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Tennessee State University men and women's basketball teams will hold Big Blue Madness on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in Kean Hall.

 

Fans will get an opportunity to meet the 2013-14 Tiger and Lady Tiger basketball teams as well as the members of the coaching staff.

 

The event will feature a three-point contest, skills challenge, dunk contest and a 'Blue and White' scrimmage for each team. There will be live music as well as performances from the Cheerleaders and Tiger Gems.

 

Throughout the night, there will also be giveaways and promotions. Fans will also have an opportunity to pick up an autographed copy of this year’s team poster.

 

Admission to the event is free.

 

Follow tsutigers on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

 

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU defense finally gaining some recognition

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- Winston-Salem State’s defense is ranked No. 1 overall in Division II, but the news brings just a shrug and slight smile from senior linebacker Daniel Mungin.

"Somebody told me that this morning and that’s a great accomplishment and a goal we had four ourselves, but we still have a ways to go,” Mungin said. “It doesn’t hold too much weight right now because we haven’t won anything yet.”

Defensive coordinator Kienus Boulware and Coach Connell Maynor, upon hearing what Mungin said, nodded their heads.

"That shows you that Mungin has been listening to what we preach around here,” Maynor said. “Stats don’t matter, rankings don’t matter, and individual weekly awards don’t matter. It’s all about the W.”

The Rams lead all Division II teams in total defense with just 221.7 yards a game allowed, and the No. 1 ranking in the category is a first in Maynor’s four seasons. Making the accomplishment more ...

CONTINUE READING