ORLANDO , Florida — Bethune-Cookman quarterback Quentin Williams had an eventful day.
He scored two first-quarter touchdowns, was benched after fumbling for the second time and then wound up hoisting his team’s MVP trophy in the Florida Classic as the Wildcats defeated Florida A&M 29-10 Saturday in front of 45,321 spectators at the Florida Citrus Bowl.
“It’s a tremendous blessing,’’ Williams said.
The victory clinched a second consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship for No. 14 B-CU (10-2, 7-1). The Wildcats will find out at 11:30 this morning who they will meet in the FCS playoffs. The pairings will be announced live on ESPNU.
“The next step is to take a breather (Saturday night), enjoy family and pick it back up (this morning) and see what’s in store for us playoff-wise,’’ B-CU coach Brian Jenkins said.
Athletic director Lynn Thompson said the Wildcats put in bids to host the first three rounds of the playoffs. B-CU has hosted a playoff game in two of the past three seasons.
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Saturday, November 23, 2013
N.C. A&T ends NCCU losing season with 28-0 shutout win
N.C. A&T, NCCU’s archrival, embarrassed the Eagles 28-0 at Aggie Stadium on Saturday. The Aggies’ execution and taunting so badly ruffled the Eagles’ feathers that coaches had to restore order on the field, and an NCCU player was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.
There is speculation that those calling the shots in NCCU’s athletics department may replace interim coach Dwayne Foster, who took over shortly before the start of this season when Henry Frazier III was fired.
NCCU athletics director Ingrid Wicker-McCree said she terminated Frazier because reoccurring issues with his ex-wife, Lanier Turner-Frazier, had become too much of a distraction.
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Hampton Pirates Drop Season Finale to Howard in Two Overtimes
HAMPTON, Virginia – The Hampton University football team had a wild back-and-forth affair with rival Howard on Saturday afternoon at Armstrong Stadium, but the Pirates ultimately fell to the Bison 42-39 in double overtime.The Pirates ended the season 4-8 overall and 4-4 in conference play.
Howard struck first in the opening overtime possession, when Greg McGhee connected with Brandon Flanagan from two yards out, before the Pirates tied the score at 36-36 on a 5-yard scoring run from redshirt-freshman fullback Marcus Hampton (Williamstown, N.J.).
Freshman kicker Anthony Prevost (Chesterfield, Va.) put Hampton on the board to open the second overtime with a 29-yard field goal, but the Bison (6-6, 4-4 MEAC) took the win on the following possession after Anthony Philyaw scored from four yards out.
Howard jumped out to a 10-0 lead to open the game, starting with a 3-yard scoring run from Philyaw at the 8:03 mark to put the Bison up 7-0 – before John Fleck kicked a 33-yard field goal with 1:13 left in the quarter.
The Pirates answered early in the second quarter, capping off an 8-play, 65-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Bryan Bailey (Woodruff, S.C.) to senior Antwon Chisholm (Belle Glade, Fla.) with 13:54 left in the half, cutting Howard's lead to 10-7.
But Howard ended the half with 16 unanswered points, and the Bison went into the locker room with a 26-7 lead after Fleck nailed a 29-yard field goal as the clock expired. Philyaw added two more rushing touchdowns in the second quarter – from two and nine yards out, respectively.
The third quarter belonged to the Pirates, as they put together two scoring drives. Bailey found sophomore receiver Rayshad Riddick (Portsmouth, Va.) from 20 yards out at the 8:08 mark of the third quarter, capping off a 7-play, 80-yard drive and cutting Howard's lead to 26-14.
Hampton cut the lead to 26-21 with 1:43 left in the third quarter, when Bailey connected with redshirt-freshman receiver Twarn Mixson (Charlotte, N.C.) for a 56-yard score.
Bailey gave the Pirates a 29-21 lead with 10:29 left in regulation, scoring on an 18-yard run to cap off a 4-play, 55-yard drive, before Hampton successfully pulled off the two-point conversion.
But Howard forced overtime after Fleck hit a 20-yard field goal with 3:20 left in regulation.
Bailey was 14-for-22 in the air on Saturday, totaling 185 yards and tossing for a career-best three touchdowns. He hit five different receivers, led by Chisholm – who caught five passes for 68 yards and a score.
Junior Jorrian Washington (Los Angeles, Calif.) led the way on the ground with 68 yards on 13 carries – an average of 5.2 per carry.
Senior linebacker Delbert Tyler (Monroeville, Pa.) led the Pirates defense with 17 total tackles (including 10 solo efforts), while sophomore linebacker Joshua Thorne (Oxon Hill, Md.) had 14 tackles (10 solo). In all, five Pirates amassed double-digit tackles on Saturday.
Junior Khambrel McGee (Miami, Fla.) and senior Justin Blake (Piscataway, N.J.) each had an interception.
Howard amassed 556 yards of total offense, including 291 on the ground.
For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
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PVAMU Hebert Ends Season With Offensive Explosion In Win Over UAPB
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Sophomore running back Johnta' Hebert exploded for a career-high 250 yards while quarterback Jerry Lovelocke rushed for three touchdowns as the Prairie View A&M Panthers jumped out to a 22-point first quarter lead and never looked back in a 43-23 season finale win at Blackshear Field on Saturday.UAPB gambled to open the game as their fourth down conversion was stuffed by the PVAMU defense at the PVAMU 30. Hebert opened the drive with a bang as he rushed for 32 yards on his first four carries. Several plays later, Lovelocke scored the game's first touchdown as he rushed in from two yards out for the 7-0 lead following Christopher Barrick's PAT.
PVAMU's special teams came up big on its next drive as senior Levon Castillo blocked a UAPB punt which rolled into the endzone for a safety and a 9-0 advantage. The Panthers wasted no time in scoring again as Lovelocke capped off a nine-play, 45-yard drive with a 9-yard scamper for the 16-0 lead after Barrick's PAT.
The Panther defense forced a punt once again and Courtney Brown got in on the action as he reeled off two long runs with the latter a 19-yard touchdown run for a 21-0 lead to cap off the scoring in the first quarter.
UAPB opened the second stanza with a 30-yard field from Tyler Strickland but the Panthers kept on rolling as Lovelocke connected with fullback Walter Barreda for a 14-yard touchdown pass with 9:11 remaining in the quarter. UAPB would tack on two additional field goals from Strickland in the quarter and came up big on the defensive side with a pair of interceptions to end the half down 29-9.
A 29-yard punt return by Anthony Wiltz set up PVAMU's first scoring drive of the second half as Hebert ran the ball with force to move into the redzone. Four plays later, Castillo scored from a yard out to move the Panthers on top 36-9 after Barrick's PAT.
The Golden Lions used a Ben Anderson 26-yard touchdown pass to score their first touchdown of the day but Lovelocke struck again in the fourth quarter with his third touchdown run of the game. UAPB's Jeremiah Young scored from two yards with 7:56 left in the game to cap off the game's scoring.
The Panthers once again were an offensive force as they finished with 597 total offensive yards while allowing UAPB to finish with 350 yards. Hebert finished with 250 yards on 35 carries while Brown eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark with 88 yards on 13 carries. Lovelocke passed for 134 yards on 18-of-25 passing while linebacker Chuck Obi finished his career at PVAMU with 12 tackles and two tackles for loss.
BOX SCORE
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Morgan State football edges Delaware State, 31-26, behind ground game
DOVER, Delaware -- Running back Lamont Brown III and quarterback Seth Higgins' big games on the ground propelled Morgan State to a 31-26 victory over Delaware State on Saturday in the 57th meeting between the rivals.Brown carried the ball 18 times for 134 yards on his way to two scores that put the Bears in the lead each time, while Higgins also eclipsed the century mark for the second time this season (23 attempts for 137 yards).
"He gives us another weapon," Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley said of Higgins. "As you can see, we didn't have a 200 pound back this year. To have a quarterback at 230 pounds that runs the ball way he does, it gives us a big back. He has to have labrum surgery on Monday and to be able to have a kid to go out there and gut it up for your team, it says a lot."
After a wild fourth quarter that featured four lead changes, Higgins carried the ball across the goal line for the winning score with 46 seconds remaining to seal the victory for the Bears.
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S.C. State Bulldogs Hold Off NSU Spartans To Claim Share Of MEAC Crown
NORFOLK, Virginia -- The South Carolina State Bulldogs earned their 15th Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship in school history, after a tough 17-3 victory over the Norfolk State Saturday at Dick Price Stadium.
"I told our team it would not be easy," said SC State head coach Buddy Pough. "I told our team it wouldn't be easy, but we are now champions."
Sophomore defensive lineman Javon Hargrave spearheaded the defense with a team-high 11 tackles and two sacks, while teammate linebacker Tevin Richard added 10 and senior Joe Thomas finished with eight on the day.
Pough stated, "Hargrave and those guys on defense made some big plays and the stop on 4th down was a big turnaround and gave us momentum."
"Well, we got the victory but now it's up to the committee," said Pough. "We have to hope for an at large berth and we thank we deserve a shot but we just have to wait and see."
SC State close out the season at 9-3 overall, 7-1 in the MEAC and will await the selection committee decision on Sunday (Nov.24) to see if they are awarded an at-large bid to the FCS I-AA playoffs.
Box Score
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"I told our team it would not be easy," said SC State head coach Buddy Pough. "I told our team it wouldn't be easy, but we are now champions."
Sophomore defensive lineman Javon Hargrave spearheaded the defense with a team-high 11 tackles and two sacks, while teammate linebacker Tevin Richard added 10 and senior Joe Thomas finished with eight on the day.
Pough stated, "Hargrave and those guys on defense made some big plays and the stop on 4th down was a big turnaround and gave us momentum."
"Well, we got the victory but now it's up to the committee," said Pough. "We have to hope for an at large berth and we thank we deserve a shot but we just have to wait and see."
SC State close out the season at 9-3 overall, 7-1 in the MEAC and will await the selection committee decision on Sunday (Nov.24) to see if they are awarded an at-large bid to the FCS I-AA playoffs.
Box Score
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UNA Advance In Playoffs With 30-27 Win Over Tuskegee
FLORENCE, Alabama -- North Alabama took a 24-17 halftime lead and held off Tuskegee in the fourth quarter as the Lions picked up a 30-27 win over the Golden Tigers to advance to the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs.North Alabama will travel to UNC Pembroke for the second round matchup on November 30. Pembroke had a first-round bye.
Trailing 24-17, Tuskegee took the second half kickoff and drove 75 yards for a game-tying touchdown. UNA answered with a quick score of its own but missed the extra point, leaving the Lions ahead 30-24. Tuskegee added a third quarter field goal but could get no closer. UNA got a defensive stop with 3:56 left in the game and was able to run out the clock with two key first downs.
With the win, North Alabama improves to 9-2 while Tuskegee ends its season at 8-3. The post-season win was the 30th all-time for UNA as the Lions improved to 30-14 in the Division II playoffs. The Lions also improved to 3-0 all-time against Tuskegee.
UNA gained 332 total yards with 160 passing and 172 rushing. Tuskegee had 343 total yards, rushing for 125 and passing for 218.
North Alabama’s defense forced three turnovers, including two in the second half.
Tuskegee took the opening kickoff of the second half and quickly covered 75 yards in six plays to tie the game. Rasha Burkette hit Kalee Williams with a 29-yard pass and Trevor Wylie added the PAT to make it 24-24 with 11:55 left in the third quarter.
North Alabama answered with a two-play, 61-yard TD drive. Lamonte Thompson covered 25 yards on the first play and Luke Wingo hit Korey Jones with 36-yard TD pass with 11:27 left in the third. Will Craig missed the PAT but UNA led 30-24.
Tuskegee put together a 17-play, 68-yard drive that ate 9:21 off the clock. Trevor Wylie kicked a 38-yard field goal to make it 30-27 with 2:06 left in the third.
UNA stopped three Tuskegee possessions in the fourth quarter and was able to hold on for the win.
UNA received the opening kickoff and drove 69 yards in nine plays for the game’s first score. Chris Coffey found the end zone from nine yards out and Will Craig added the extra point to make it 7-0 with 10:37 remaining in the opening quarter.
Tuskegee answered on its first possession with an 11-play, 42-yard scoring drive. Trevor Wylie booted a 45-yard field goal and the Golden Tigers had cut UNA’s lead to 7-3 at 5:29 of the first quarter.
Tuskegee took its first lead of the game moments later when Rasha Burkette found Larry Cobb on a 57-yard touchdown pass. Wylie’s PAT made it 10-7 at 4:04 of the first quarter.
North Alabama regained the lead early in the second quarter after a Tuskegee punting miscue gave UNA the ball at the Golden Tigers’ three-yard line. Luke Wingo circled left end for the score and Craig’s PAT gave UNA a 14-10 lead at 14:14 of the second quarter.
Will Craig booted a 20-yard field goal with 9:36 left in the half to extend UNA’s lead to 17-10.
An interception by Nick Williams set the Lions up at the Tuskegee 45 and UNA covered the distance in 10 plays with Coffey scoring from one yard out. Craig’s PAT made it 24-10 with just 1
Tuskegee got a pair of long pass completions to get in scoring position before the half and Hoderick Lowe took a pitch and found the end zone around right end. Wylie’s PAT made it 24-17 with 40 seconds remaining in the half.
Game Stats
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AAMU Football: Short takes: Tech wins -- what are chances vs. Georgia?
ATLANTA, Georgia -- Because of a scheduling quirk created when Syracuse and Pittsburgh joined the ACC, Georgia Tech had to scramble for an opponent and wound up with only Alabama A&M. Tech had to pay A&M $300,000 -- and it's days like this when I’m sure college football players are thinking, “If the school wants $300,000 so bad, let the athletic director play.”The Jackets won 66-7. The Alabama A&M band was terrific at halftime. Unfortunately, I don't think they get a share of the $300,000.
So what does this mean for next week's game against Georgia? Nothing really. But my subscription game column -- which will be posted shortly -- focuses on Tech's chances against the Bulldogs next week. My feeling all along have been that Georgia's porous defense gives Tech a shot.
What are your thoughts?
Until then, here are my three “Short Takes” on the game.
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WSSU wins D-II playoff opener over Slippery Rock
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State survived a season-high four turnovers and held off Slippery Rock 27-20 on Saturday afternoon in the first round of the Division II football playoffs at Bowman Gray Stadium.
WSSU (10-1) will play top seed Shepherd (10-0) in the second round next Satuday in West Virginia.
Quarterback Rudy Johnson of the Rams was 24 of 37 passing for 315 yards and three touchdowns but also threw a season-high three interceptions.
11/4/2013, WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN
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WSSU (10-1) will play top seed Shepherd (10-0) in the second round next Satuday in West Virginia.
Quarterback Rudy Johnson of the Rams was 24 of 37 passing for 315 yards and three touchdowns but also threw a season-high three interceptions.
11/4/2013, WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN
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Week 13: HBCU Football ScoreCard
Saturday, November 23rd
NCAA Division II Championship Playoffs - 1st. Round
Winston -Salem State 27, Slippery Rock 20
North Alabama 30, Tuskegee 27
MEAC
South Carolina State 17, Norfolk State 3
North Carolina A&T 28, North Carolina Central 0
Howard 42, Hampton 36 2O.T.
Morgan State 31, Delaware State 26
Bethune-Cookman 29, Florida A&M 10 Florida Blue Florida Classic
SWAC:
Georgia Tech 66, Alabama A&M 7
Prairie View A&M 43, Arkansas Pine Bluff 23
FAMU, B-CU marching bands reunite at Battle of the Bands
For the first time in two years, the Florida A&M Marching 100 and the Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats performed on the same field Friday night. The two HBCUs - with their dedicated alumni cheering on - played at the Amway Center during the 2013 Florida Blue Florida Classic Battle of the Bands.
ORLANDO, Florida -- For the first time in two years, the Florida A&M Marching 100 and the Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats performed on the same field Friday night.
And the rivalry and showmanship between FAMU and BC-U hasn't gone away.
The two historically black schools - with their dedicated alumni cheering on - played at the Amway Center during the annual Battle of the Bands.
The event, part of Florida Classic Week, which culminates Saturday at the Citrus Bowl, is a celebration of marching bands.
The two college bands, as well as high school bands from across the state and country, performed for thousands at the arena.
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SPOKEN 4 COMMUNICATIONS Game Preview: North Carolina A&T vs. North Carolina Central
DURHAM, North Carolina -- Spoken 4 Communications Previews the 85th meeting between the Eagles of North Carolina Central University against the Aggies of North Carolina A&T. Play-by-play voice of the NCCU Sports Network Chris Hooks chats with head coach Dwayne Foster to preview the matchup. Be sure to tune in beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 as Hooks and NCCU Hall-of-Fame running back Joe Simmons will count fans down to kickoff.
For more information on Spoken 4 Communications, check out the website at www.Spoken-4.com. Spoken 4 Communications, because Every Child Deserves to Be Heard.
By Chris Hooks, Play-by-Play voice of the NCCU Sports Network
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For more information on Spoken 4 Communications, check out the website at www.Spoken-4.com. Spoken 4 Communications, because Every Child Deserves to Be Heard.
By Chris Hooks, Play-by-Play voice of the NCCU Sports Network
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Golden Tiger Buzz: Tuskegee at North Alabama
WHAT: No. 6 Tuskegee (8-2) at No. 3 North Alabama (8-2)
WHEN: Saturday, noon
WHERE: Braly Municipal Stadium, Florence, Ala.
THIS GAME DETERMINES: The first round Division II playoff matchup is win a win or go home contest for both team but it'll be a program-defining game for the Golden Tigers. That wondering is over.
For years, Tuskegee, which owns more than 20 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association titles. However, the Golden Tigers always opted to play in the annual Turkey Day Classic against Alabama St. instead of opening themselves up to an opportunity to play in the Division II playoffs until this past spring when they chose not to renew their contract in that game. Now, they'll get to see how they fare on the national level.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH FOR
1. Stage fright. The game is played on the field. They put on their pants the same way we do. You don't start out with a 10-point lead because of what's written on the front of your jersey. Yeah, we know all that but when a team such as UNA, which is making its 18th appearance in the Division II playoffs, is matched up against one like Tuskegee, which is making its inaugural run in the postseason, the question of who handles the state best has to come up. The first few possessions of the first quarter could be as big as any in this one for Tuskegee.
#20 Rock set to face #9 Winston-Salem State in NCAA playoffs
Live stats | Live audio | SRU Twitter website | Slippery Rock stats | Winston-Salem State stats | Complete game notes
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina – Slippery Rock University makes its first appearance in the NCAA Division II football playoffs since 1999 when it takes on hosting Winston-Salem State University in a first-round game Saturday.
Kickoff at Bowman Gray Stadium is set for 1 p.m.
Live coverage: Winston-Salem State will provide live statistical updates on the game and "The Rock Station, " WLER-FM 97.7 in Butler, will broadcast the game live on the radio and internet. The Slippery Rock University sports information office will also provide live updates through the official SRU athletics Twitter account. Links to all these features can be found above.
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students. For more information, please call the Winston-Salem State athletic ticket office at 336.750.3220.
Seeds are planted: The Rock are the No. 5 seed in the six-team super-region competition, while Winston-Salem State earned the No. 4 seed.
To the victor go the spoils: The winner of The Rock–Winston-Salem State game travels to top-seeded Shepherd (10-0) for a second-round next Saturday.
Stiff challenge: The Rock are jumping right into the fire for their first-round game. Winston-Salem State played in the Division II national championship game a year ago and are the two-time defending super region champions. The Rams, who finished the season with a 14-1 record, had their bid for a perfect season ruined a year ago by a 35-7 loss to Valdosta State in the championship game.
The records: The Rock had a string of seven consecutive victories snapped last week by a 42-38 loss at Bloomsburg University in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship game and bring a 9-2 record into the NCAA playoffs.
Winston-Salem State owns a 9-1 record and has reeled off nine consecutive wins since a season-opening, 25-21 loss at UNC-Pembroke.
Top 24: The Rock and Rams are among a group of only 24 who earned berths in this year's national competition, so it only makes sense they are both ranked in all three top-25 national polls.
National rankings: The Rock are the No. 16 team in the Beyond Sports Network Division II Power Rankings and are ranked 20th in both the American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches' Top 25 Poll and the D2Football.com national poll.
Winston-Salem State is ranked eighth by D2Football.com and ninth by both the AFCA and Beyond Sports Network.
First-time foes: Saturday's game will be the first-ever meeting between The Rock and Winston-Salem State. The Rock are 2-0 all-time against members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, of which Winston-Salem State is a member. Both Rock wins against CIAA teams came vs. Bowie State.
The coaches: George Mihalik has compiled a 176-105-4 record in 26 seasons as The Rock's head coach. Mihalik ranks second among active PSAC head coaches, fourth among active NCAA Division II head coaches and fifth on the PSAC's all-time wins list. A 1974 Rock graduate, Mihalik has led The Rock to PSAC-Western Division championships two of the last three seasons and six times since 1997, as well as four NCAA tournament appearances (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2013). Mihalik received his sixth PSAC-Western Division Coach of the Year honor last Tuesday.
Connell Maynor has compiled a 44-5 record in four seasons as Winston-Salem State's head coach. Maynor has led the Rams to CIAA championships in each of the last three seasons, three appearances in the NCAA playoffs, back-to-back super-region championships in 2011 and 2012 and a national championship-game appearance last fall. Maynor was named as the CIAA Coach of the Year in both 2011 and 2012.
"Bark" of the alpha dog: The Rock offensive attack this fall is led by senior quarterback Nigel Barksdale, who ranks in the top 10 nationally in four categories. Barksdale is fourth in total offense with a 372.8 yards per game average, fifth in total passing yards with 3,669, sixth in passing yards per game at 318.6 and 10th in passing touchdowns with 30.
Barksdale leads the PSAC and ranks second among Super Region One quarterbacks in passing yards, passing yards per game and total offense and ranks third in the PSAC, fifth in super region in passing touchdowns.
Barksdale, a four-time PSAC-Western Division Offensive Athlete of the Week, was named last Tuesday as the PSAC-Western Division "Offensive Athlete of the Year."
The National Harlon Hill Award Committee announced Nov. 14 Barksdale is one of seven players who are Super Region 1 finalists for the 2013 Harlon Hill Trophy presented annually to the top NCAA Division II football player in the nation.
Barksdale set SRU single-season records for pass attempts, completion, touchdowns and yardage this fall and, in the process, propelled himself into the lead packs in the career categories. He currently ranks third in career TD passes and yards, fifth in completions and sixth in attempts. [See charts on Page 10]
Schademan shines: Barksdale's favorite receiver this fall, senior wide receiver John Schademan ranks in the top 10 nationally in four categories. Schademan is tied for fourth in pass receiving touchdowns with 15, ranks fifth in both pass receiving yards with 1,411 and in yards per pass reception at 19.3 and is ninth in pass receiving yards per game at 128.3. Schademan also ranks 28th in pass receptions per game at 6.6.
Schademan set SRU single-season records for touchdown receptions and pass receiving yards this fall and ranks fourth in single-season pass receptions. Schademan's performances this fall also catapulted him into the lead pack in three career pass receiving categories, highlighted by a tie for third in career pass receiving TDs (19).
Named last Tuesday by the division's head coaches as a first-team All-PSAC-West performer, Schademan has had 89 or more pass receiving yards in each of the first 11 games this season and has had 100 or more yards in eight games. Schademan and former Rock All-American and Arena Football League Hall of Famer Greg Hopkins are the only SRU players to pass the 100-yard milestone seven or more times in a single season. Hopkins achieved the feat seven times in the 1993 season and eight times in the 1994 campaign.
Schademan is 11 catches away from setting a new SRU single-season pass receptions record.
Road warriors: Mihalik-coached Rock teams own an impressive 79-63-4 (.555) record in road games since he became head coach in 1988.
Potent offense: Barksdale and Schademan lead one of the most potent Division II offenses in the nation. SRU ranks second nationally in total offense (566.6 yards per game), fourth in passing offense (373.0 yards per game) and fifth in scoring offense (45.5 points per game).
The Rock lead the PSAC and super region in scoring offense and total offense and lead the conference, rank second among Super Region One teams in passing offense. SRU also ranks fifth in the PSAC in rushing offense at 193.6 yards per game.
Ram-tough defense: Winston-Salem State ranks third nationally in rushing defense and sixth in pass defense. By comparison, The Rock rank 25th against the run and are not ranked among the national top 50 in pass defense.
Statistical matchups: Here is a look at how The Rock and Rams matchup statistically. PSAC/CIAA rankings are shown in parentheses.
| Category | SRU Off. | W-SSU Def. |
| Rushing yards | 193.6 (5) | 66.1 (1) |
| Passing yards | 372.5 (1) | 168.5 (1) |
| Total yards | 566.2 (1) | 234.6 (1) |
| Scoring | 45.5 (1) | 15.4 (1) |
| Category | SRU Def. | W-SSU Off. |
| Rushing yards | 118.1 (2) | 193.2 (2) |
| Passing yards | 230.4 (12) | 283.0 (2) |
| Total yards | 348.5 (6) | 476.2 (1) |
| Scoring | 25.9 (7) | 40.4 (1) |
Tough on third down: Winston-Salem and The Rock rank first and third, respectively, among the 168 NCAA Division II teams in Third Down Efficiency Defense. Ram foes convert only 19.9% of their third-down plays into first downs, while Rock rivals have a 25.4% success rate. Interestingly, Super Region 1 rival Shepherd ranks second in this category at 21.0%.
No. 5 punter in the nation: Senior punter James McCombie could play a huge role in the outcome of this week's game. McCombie, who has consistently ranked among the nation's top booters this fall, currently ranks fifth with a 43.2 yards per punt average. All six of McCombie's punts last week at Bloomsburg landed inside the foes' 20-yard line, including four that were downed inside the 10.
Other Rock stars: Ken Amos is second on the team with 58 catches for 807 yards and five TDs and Jaimire Dutrieuille has 38 catches for 606 yards and five TDs. Fifteen different Rock players have caught at least one pass this season. Shamar Greene leads The rushing attack with 704 yards and four TDs, while Teddy Blakeman (465 yards) has scored 13 rushing and one pass receiving TD, Barksdale has 427 rushing yards and four rushing TDs and Brett Crenshaw has 327 yards and six rushing TDs.
Defensively, Austin Miele (83 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss), Quindell Dean (71 tackles, team-high 12.5 TFL's), Tony Papley (61 tackles, 12.0 TFL's) and Gary Allen (60 tackles) and lead the way. Matt Peacock (34 tackles) has recorded a team-best eight quarterback sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss, Admire Carter and Derek Morgan have each recorded a team-high three interceptions and Anthony Saunders has picked off two passes, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Carter picked off two passes in last week's PSAC title game at Bloomsburg.
Scouting the Rams: Winston-Salem's offense is led by first-team All-CIAA quarterback Rudy Johnson, who has passed for 2,076 yards and 22 TDs and rushed for 420 yards and six TDs. Maurice Lewis leads the rushing attack with 791 yards and 11 TDs, while Chase Powell is the top pass receiver with 54 catches for 671 yards and seven TDs. Tehvyn Brantley (21 catches, 430 yards) has caught a team-high nine TD passes.
Defensively, the Rams are led by linebacker Carlos Fields, the CIAA co-Defensive Player of the Year. Fields has recorded 67 total tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss. First-team All-CIAA lineman Donnie Owens (41 tackles) leads the team with 12.5 tackles for loss (-79 yards) and eight QB sacks (-62 yards). Everett Proctor has picked off a team-leading three passes, one of which he returned for a TD.
Challenging schedules: Winston-Salem State had the 18th toughest schedule among the 168 NCAA Division II teams, according to the NCAA's statistics staff, while The Rock had the 34th toughest schedule.
The Rams' first 10 foes this fall had a 42-31 (.575) cumulative record. When The Rock's 9-2 record is factored in, Winston-Salem State's opponents' cumulative mark goes to 51-33 for a .607 winning percentage.
The Rock's first 11 foes had a 60-50 (.545) combined record. Factoring in Winston-Salem State's 9-1 record, The Rock's foes' records go to 69-51 (.571).
Northwest Missouri State had the most-challenging schedule, according to NCAA calculations, with a 67-36 (.650) opponents' combined record.
COURTESY SLIPPERY ROCK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Saturday's game could be the last at home WSSU this season
ESPN Outside the Lines with Donal Ware, From The Press Box to Press Row, and John Dell, Winston Salem Journal
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- To make a return to the Division II championship game, WSSU will have to win on the road. Saturday’s winner between WSSU and Slippery Rock will play Nov. 30 at Shepherd (W.Va.), which had a first-round bye.
"It will probably be our last home game because a lot has to happen for us to get another home game later in the playoffs, so the guys will be focused on that as well,” Coach Connell Maynor said.
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Ram Ramblings: It's been a long week at WSSU
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- It’s been a long week for everybody associated with Winston-Salem State.It most definitely has been a long week around the athletics department after one of its football players, quarterback Rudy Johnson, was attacked by Virginia State players at a CIAA luncheon last Friday afternoon in a bathroom at the Anderson Center.
One player for the Trojans was arrested, and the aftermath caused the cancellation of what would have been a terrific CIAA championship game.
Well, a week has passed and now WSSU is trying to focus on the Division II playoffs.
Coach Connell Maynor has tried to be ...
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PVAMU Panther Football To Close Out 2013 Season On Saturday Afternoon
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The 2013 comes to a close this weekend as the Prairie View A&M Panthers host the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions for senior day at Blackshear Field at 1 p.m.. Today's game will mark the final collegiate game for 14 Prairie View A&M seniors as they'll be honored during a pregame ceremony on the football field.GAMEDAY INFORMATION
OPPONENT: Arkansas-Pine Bluff
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Prairie View, Texas (Blackshear Field)
WEATHER: Click Here
PV GAME NOTES: Click Here
UAPB GAME NOTES: Click Here
INTERNET VIDEO: www.PVPANTHERS.com
RADIO: KPVU 91.3 FM (Leonard Moon)
INTERNET RADIO: http://129.207.137.200/kpvulive
LIVE STATS: Click Here
FACEBOOK: Prairie View A&M Panther Athletics
TWITTER: PVAthletics
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M ROSTER: www.pvpanthers.com/roster.aspx?path=football
UAPB ROSTER: http://uapblionsroar.com/roster.aspx?path=football&roster=75&
WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN
COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
ASU Turkey Day Classic Preview, Volleyball Title Quest Highlight Hornet Sports Report
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- A look ahead to the 90th Turkey Day Classic and volleyball's quest for the SWAC Championship highlight this week's Hornet Sports Report.
Also in this week's show we'll recap :
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Golden Lions Hope to Finish 2013 With Road Win at PVAMU
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| COURTESY UAPB ATHLETICS |
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (2-8, 2-6 SWAC) vs.
Prairie View A&M Panthers (5-6, 4-4 SWAC)
1 p.m. - Magnolia Stadium
Prairie View, Texas
The Matchup:
As the chilly fall breezes sweep in to usher out the summer, so does Saturday's game write a conclusion to the 2013 football season for UAPB and Prairie View. For both teams, the goal of landing a spot in the SWAC Championship game are put back on the shelf until next season, but there is still something to play for in this finale...Pride!
The scoreboard operater might want to get a good night's sleep and grab some Wheaties in the morning, because they will be busy. Both offenses have been lighting it up this season, despite their under-.500 records. PVAM is averaging 38.6 points per game and has posted 50-plus points in three seperate games, while UAPB is putting up 28.7 points per contest and has four games in which they have scored at least 40 points.
The problem for both teams has been on the other side of the ball, which could make the final score look more like a basketball game than football. PVAM has surrendered nearly as many points (408) as they have scored (425). Opponents are tagging the Panthers for 37.1 points per game and they given up at least 50 points twice and 60 two more times, including last week's 65-45 loss to Abilene Christian. Meanwhile, UAPB has had 403 points (40 ppg) hung on them. One opponent dropped 60 on the Golden Lions and two had at least 50, including last weekend's 50-42 loss to Alabama A&M.
So buckle your seatbelts folks and pack your inhalers. This game has all the makings of a wild, wild, wild, west shootout. It could an entertaining ballgame for the fans, but an exhausting nightmare for the coaches for both teams.
Series Record:
This will be the 73rd meeting between UAPB and PVAM. The Panthers lead the series 44-24-4 in the rivalry that began back in 1931. PVAM beat UAPB 26-6 in College Station, Texas in the first meeting. PVAM won or tied 35 of the first 36 games between the two teams. The Panthers were 32-1-3 against UAPB from the inception of the series all the way up to 1966. However, since that domination for PVAM, UAPB has turned the tide winning 23 of the last 36 games. The longest winning streak in the series for UAPB was seven games between 1989 and 2000. UAPB has won the last two games, including last seasons 42-41 barn burner at Golden Lions Stadium.
Players to Watch
UAPB -
(QB)
Benjamin Anderson - 193-of-319, 2,561 yards, 18 TDs, 11 INT (256.1 ypg); 768 yards rushing, 9 TDs (76.8 ypg) - Ranked 1st in Total Yards, 2nd in the sWAC in passing, 3rd in passing efficiency, 6th in rushing, 8th in scoring
(RB)
Jamie Smith - 370 yards, 1 TD on 85 carries (41.1 ypg)
(WR)
Dezmond Beverly - 50 rec, 677 yards (67.7 ypg), Ranked 3rd in the SWAC in Receptions, 6th in Receiving yards
(WR)
Cody Swain - 28 rec, 458 yards, 4 TDs (45.8 ypg)
DEFENSE
Xavier Lofton - 87 tackles (42 solo), 7.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 2 QBH (1 fumble return for TD); 6th in the SWAC in Tackles
PVAM -
(QB)
Jerry Lovelocke - 267-of-404, 2.704 yards, 22 TDs, 7 INT (245.8 ypg); 212 yards rushing, 6 TDs (19.3 ypg) - 3rd in the SWAC in Passing, 4th in Passing Efficiency, 2nd in Total Offense
(RB)
Courtney Brown - 951 yards, 9 TDs on 166 carries; 49 rec, 489 yards, 4 TDs - 4th in SWAC in rushing, 3rd in Scoring, 3rd in All-Purpose Yards
(RB)
Johnta Hebert - 657 yards, 5 TDs on 121 carries, 1st in All-Purpose Yards
(WR)
Deandre Cooper - 79 rec, 1042 yards (94.7 ypg), 12 TDs, Ranked 1st in the SWAC in Receptions, 2nd in Receiving Yards, 6th in Scoring, 10th in All-Purpose Yards
(WR)
Jacoby Anderson - 44 rec, 533 yards (48.5 ypg), 2 TDs
DEFENSE
Rahim Cardwell - 98 tackles (53 solo), 7 TFL, 1.5 sack, 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 FF, 4th in SWAC in Tackles
Jerome Howard - 76 tackles (37 solo), 17 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 4 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF; 10th in the SWAC in Tackles.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION
Friday, November 22, 2013
Dwight Floyd Special Commentary: Florida Classic Will Come Down to Quarterbacks
Bethune Cookman Wildcats vs. Florida A&M Rattlers
November 23, 2013
2:00 P.M. EST
Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida
Television: ESPN Classic/
Radio: 96.1 FM; Cateye Network
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| Dwight Floyd sportsedit.org |
For both teams the offense revolves around the quarterback. In the case of the Bethune Cookman Wildcats their prize recruit of a couple years ago, Quentin Williams presents a threat running and throwing the football. Because of his ability to run, his play alone takes the Wildcat offense to another level. Without Williams, the Wildcats are stuck with placing more emphasis on play calling and team execution. For the Florida A&M Rattlers their starting quarterback is out for the season. With rookie quarterback Carlson Royal leading the offense against the Delaware State Hornets last week, the Rattlers had one of their best offensive outputs all season. Making his first start, Carlson showed that within certain limits he is a serious threat.
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XU's Mead, Fakler are Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes
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| Javon Mead |
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| Catherine Fakler |
The XU runners are among 519 — 224 men and 295 women — to receive that honor this season. It's the second consecutive year that Mead has received it, and it's Fakler's first time.
Student-athletes are nominated by their institution, must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status to qualify for Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
Mead is a senior from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School. The accounting major is a three-time All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference runner. Fakler, a junior from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School, is an English major and a three-time All-GCAC runner. Fakler set a school record of 18 minutes, 8.32 seconds for 5,000 meters to win the women's race at the GCAC Championships on Oct. 26.
Three Xavier athletes — Fakler, Donyé Coleman and David Holobowicz — will compete Saturday in the season-ending NAIA National Championships at Lawrence, Kan. The 8,000-meter men's race will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the women's 5K at 11:45 a.m. This will be the third appearance for Fakler and Coleman at nationals and the second for Holobowicz.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
FAMU band returns to Florida Classic
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Two years after FAMU's marching band was sidelined, the high-stepping, high-energy Marching 100 will be back to perform at Orlando's Florida Classic on Saturday.
It's the band's first appearance at the Florida Classic since it was suspended after the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion, beaten on a parked bus after the 2011 game.
The love of Florida A&M University's band may never have been more obvious than last year.
Nearly half of Classic fans skipped last year's game, largely because the famous Marching 100 would not be there.
"I have a lot of friends who didn't come last year because the band wasn't performing, and they're coming this year," said Kevin Crum, a 1993 graduate of FAMU who lives in Orlando and was in the marching band. "There is a lot more excitement with the band coming back."
In 2011, 60,218 people filled the Florida Citrus Bowl to see FAMU face off against longtime rival Bethune-Cookman University in what has been the nation's largest football game between two historically black colleges. Last year, 32,317 attended.
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It's the band's first appearance at the Florida Classic since it was suspended after the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion, beaten on a parked bus after the 2011 game.
The love of Florida A&M University's band may never have been more obvious than last year.
Nearly half of Classic fans skipped last year's game, largely because the famous Marching 100 would not be there.
"I have a lot of friends who didn't come last year because the band wasn't performing, and they're coming this year," said Kevin Crum, a 1993 graduate of FAMU who lives in Orlando and was in the marching band. "There is a lot more excitement with the band coming back."
In 2011, 60,218 people filled the Florida Citrus Bowl to see FAMU face off against longtime rival Bethune-Cookman University in what has been the nation's largest football game between two historically black colleges. Last year, 32,317 attended.
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WSSU Rams say they’re ready to start return trip to D-II final
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- No. 9-ranked Winston-Salem State can get back to doing what it does best today — play football.After weathering a consuming media blitz after the attack on quarterback Rudy Johnson at last week’s CIAA championship-game luncheon, the Rams say they are ready to play. They’ll take on high-scoring Slippery Rock (9-2) at 1 p.m. at Bowman Gray Stadium (WTOB 1380) in the first round of the Division II playoffs.
Johnson, who was left with a swollen right eye and several scratches in the attack, was back at practice Monday and will start the game.
Coach Connell Maynor said he never lost faith in his team during the upheaval of the last week. The Rams are 9-1, on a nine-game winning streak and well-rested.
When asked if they had what it ...
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Kentucky State Wins SIAC Centennial Volleyball Championship
ALBANY, Georgia -- In a match that went down to the wire, the Kentucky State University Thorobrettes pulled off a remarkable fifth set comeback to defeat the Claflin University Panthers, 3-2, to claim the SIAC Centennial Volleyball Championship on Friday evening at the HPER Arena on the campus of Albany State University.Emily Grieshaber, named the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament, led the way with 20 kills in the match. Scoring the game's winning point, Latosha Scott added 18 kills and five digs to lead Kentucky State to its third title in four years. Scott and Grieshaber were also named to the All-Tournament team. Anjelique Kyle added a match-high 49 assists for the Thorobrettes.
Chelcey Foster tied a match-high 20 digs and Caleen Hawkins recorded 42 assists to lead the runner-up Lady Panthers.
The Thorobrettes will now compete in the NCAA Division II South Regional Tournament, which will be played Thursday, December 4 through Saturday, December 6.
After dominating the competition through the first three matches of the tournament, Kentucky State had to battle in its match against Claflin.
Claflin came out aggressive and won the first set convincingly. Kentucky State regrouped, however, to win the second and third set 25-21 and 25-19, respectively. Led by Chelcey Foster, the Lady Panthers dominated the fourth set for a 25-18 victory.
In the final set, Claflin raced out to a 9-5 lead, until Kentucky State stormed back to tie the set at 10-10. With the momentum on their side, Kentucky State outscored Claflin 5-1 to take the match and the SIAC Championship title.
All-Tournament Team
Cori Smith, Outside Hitter, Clark Atlanta
Emily Grieshaber, Outside Hitter, Kentucky State
Latosha Scott, Outside Hitter, Kentucky State
Chelcey Foster, Outside Hitter, Claflin
Caleen Hawkins, Setter, Claflin
Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament: Emily Grieshaber, Kentucky State
Most Outstanding Setter of the Tournament: Anjelique Kyle
Most Outstanding Libero of the Tournament: Courtney Person, Claflin
Most Outstanding Coach of the Tournament: Christina Coleman, Kentucky
COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
East: As Southern knows, a team’s fortunes can change in a flash
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| COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS |
The Jaguars (7-3) have their annual nationally televised Thanksgiving weekend game against Grambling in the Bayou Classic coming up Nov. 30.
One week later, they will try to win their first Southwestern Athletic Conference championship since 2003 when they play Jackson State in the league’s title game in Houston.
Southern’s past 15 months are a good example of how dramatically the pendulum can swing in college football.
The 2012 season had barely begun when the university reacted to an 0-2 start by firing coach Stump Mitchell and naming defensive coordinator Dawson Odums interim coach.
The Jaguars pushed the reset button and salvaged some respectability by compiling a 4-5 record on Odums’ watch.
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