East Carolina blasts North Carolina Central Eagles in Opener

GREENVILLE, North Carolina -- There were few surprises inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on a stuffy Saturday opening night, and little magic from the visiting North Carolina Central football team despite it sparking an upset-worthy first few minutes.

The Eagles swooped and scored on a first quarter fumble by host East Carolina, but the Pirates didn’t allow another point in their 52-7 thrashing of NCCU in the teams’ first-ever meeting.

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The physical mismatches between the Pirates (1-0) and the Eagles (0-1) became increasingly more exaggerated as the game wore on, and an ECU team with great expectations delivered the drama-free drubbing that was expected.

“I think the only expectations we need to worry about are the ones we have,” said fifth-year ECU head coach Ruffin McNeill, whose team moves on to play at South Carolina this Saturday and at Virginia Tech the following week. “My expectations were met tonight by our kids because I know how hard first games are.

“I think everybody thought we were going to have some magical beginning,” McNeill said of the team’s slow start. “I want my guys to play their best game in their last game.”

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MVSU Delta Devils kick off 2014 season, Comegy era with win

ITTA BENA, Mississippi  -- The Rick Comegy era at Mississippi Valley State started off on the right track Saturday.

The Delta Devils upended University of Faith 32-8 at Rice-Totten Stadium to kickoff the 2014 season, giving the first-year head coach a win in his first game at the helm. Comegy, however, made sure to give credit to his assistants for a job well done.

"I take my hat off to coach (Shawn) Gregory, the offensive coordinator, for bringing those guys back, giving us a comfortable lead," said Comegy. "And also take my hat off to coach (Darrin) Hayes, the defensive coordinator, and the staff for what they did defensively."

The game started off sloppy for both teams with raining pouring down for nearly the entire first half. The Glory Eagles (0-2) were the first to get on the scoreboard with a 1-yard touchdown run following a MVSU fumble, but the Delta Devils (1-0) answered the bell and racked up 32 straight points.

Jerrell Moore, who made the switch from receiver to running back, made a huge splash with 116 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He had a 52-yard run and a 38-yard scamper for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

While Moore made the highlight plays in the backfield, All-SWAC performer Julian Stafford took care of the receiving highlights. The Memphis, Tenn. native led Valley with three receptions for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Patrick Ivy connected with Stafford on a 50-yard strike in the second quarter and again in the fourth quarter on a 17-yard pass.

Ivy, who split time with senior Carl Davis at quarterback, finished 7-of-20 for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

"I think we started off slow, but as the game progressed we picked it up as a whole," said Ivy. "The offensive line really stepped up for us....Skill positions, as a unit, we have to back them up."

While the offense made a host of big plays throughout the game, it was the Valley defense that came through in the clutch time after time. The Delta Devils limited the Glory Eagles to just 50 total yards, including negative 32 on the ground.

MVSU defensive tackle Jeremiah Russell forced two safeties and had six solo tackles. Valley had three sacks on the night - Davon Jones, Khalil Young and Nelson Hale each had one apiece.

"The defensive line controlled the tempo, they set the tone," said MVSU cornerback Avery Boykin.

MVSU will be on the road next week at Illinois State.

Box Score

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

South Carolina State Bulldogs Shut Out Benedict Tigers, 63-0

Box Score

COLUMBIA, South Carolina — Redshirt sophomore Adrian Kollock, Jr. completed 15-of-18 for 160 yards leading the Bulldogs air attack to a, 63-0, routing of Benedict on Saturday in the Palmetto Capital City Classic at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
 
Kollock also had 39-yard touchdown scamper on the day, which earned him MVP honors. The victory was its seventh consecutive against Benedict dating back to 2002.
 
Junior running back Jalen Simmons returned this season in rare form after missing the 2013 campaign with shoulder injuries.  Simmons had 78 yards on 12 carries to lead the Bulldogs rushing attack, which amassed 381 yards on the ground and had four players gain 50 yards or more.
 
Junior running back Dondre Lewis-Freeman added 60 yards on five carries and two touchdowns, while sophomore Justin Taylor had eight rushes for 53 yards and a touchdown.
 
The Bulldogs defense was equally efficient, holding Benedict to only 228 yards of total offense and just 14 first downs. Senior All-American defensive end Alex Gloverspearheaded the attack with six solo tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss.
 
The highlight of the day from the Bulldog defense was the forced fumble and 61-yard touchdown run by junior defensive lineman Javon Hargrave. Junior defensive backAntonio Hamilton posted a solid performance with four solo tackles, while senior linebacker Justin Hughes added three tackles, one sack and a tackles for loss on the night.
 
"It was a good win for us but we still have a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball," said SC State head coach Buddy Pough. "We have some young guys out there still trying to find their way but as we move forward I am sure things will fall into place."
 
South Carolina State returns to action on Saturday (Sept. 6) against ACC foe Clemson University in Death Valley. Kick-off is 12:30 p.m.


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Texas State Manhandle Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 65-0 Victory

SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Texas State wore out the PA announcer’s voice in the press box with this popular refrain.

The commentary usually went as follows: “Touchdown, Bobcats...Tyler Jones to name that wide receiver for fill in the blank amount of yards.”

Texas State scored early and often — and looked flawless doing it — as Dennis Franchione’s team routed Arkansas-Pine Bluff 65-0 on Saturday night inside Bobcat Stadium. There wasn’t all that much drama for the 17,813 fans who attended the game and watched the Bobcats rack up a school-record 697 yards.

“We just tried to come together as team to run this offense,” sophomore quarterback Tyler Jones said. “It was a first time for a lot of new guys coming out there and playing. This was definitely a statement that we not in the FCS anymore. We’re in the FBS.”

The Golden Lions might have realized their ultimate fate for the night when Jafus Gaines hauled in a pass from his back for Texas State’s third touchdown of the first quarter. Gaines stretched out for pass, bobbled the ball for a second, fell to the ground and still had enough time to snag the pigskin before it touched green turf for his first career receiving touchdown.

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MEAC/SWAC Challenge Disney Parade

 
COURTESY  Otis Jefferson

FAMU Rattlers Come Up Short In 22-17 Last Second Loss to JSU

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- Jackson State’s Hail Mary prayer was answered as time expired here Saturday evening, lifting the homestanding Tigers to 22-17 win over visiting Florida A&M in the W.C. Gorden Classic at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Tigers (1-0) scored on a 49-yard pass from La Montiez Ivy to DeSean McKenzie, which passed through the hands of defender Terry Johnson.

FAMU (0-1) rallied in the game’s final moments to take a 17-16 lead on senior Damien Fleming’s two-yard swing pass to freshman halfback Gerald Hearns with 46 seconds left, capping a 67-yard drive.

The Rattlers led 10-6 at the half, thanks to Fleming’s first scoring toss, a 21-yard pass into coverage to Dennis Hallwith 30 seconds left in the second period, which erased a 6-3 Jackson State lead.

JSU’s Ryan Deising booted a pair of first half field goals, a 22-yarder for the game’s first points with 7:29 left in the first quarter, and a 20-yarder with 2:31 left in the half, which broke a 3-3 tie.

FAMU’s Chase Varnadore nailed a 25-yarder with 7:37 left in the second period to tie the game, 3-3.

Jackson regained the lead at 13-10 on Rakeem Sims’ one-yard plunge with 4:11 left in the third period, before Deising’s 25-yard fielder extended the Tigers lead to 16-10 with 14:47 left in the game.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: The Rattlers allowed 439 total yards to Jackson Saturday, but limited them to field goals when the Tigers got into the red zone on three different occasions.

FAMU finished with 302 total yards, led by Fleming’s 188 yards passing and 59 yards rushing. He hit on 16 of 27 passes, tossing a pair of scoring strikes.

Freshman Gerald Hearns rushed for 56 yards on 16 carries, while finishing the night as the leading receiver with five receptions for 35 yards and a TD.

Defensive back Peter Tulloch led the Rattlers with nine tackles and one interception he returned 60 yards to set up Varnadore’s second quarter field goal. Safety Neal Cunningham also had nine tackles, while Terry Johnson and Akil Blount had eight each.

Jackson State’s Rakeem Sims rushed for 117 yards on 19 carries, while Ivy passed for 269 yards, completing 25 of 41 passes and one score.  

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers head to Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida  to take on the University of Miami at 7 p.m.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Eastern Michigan University 31, Morgan State 28: Rushing attack saves the day for Eagles in season-opener

YPSILANTI, Michigan -- Forget the quarterback battle.

Eastern Michigan University relied on its run game to power it to a season-opening 31-28 victory over Morgan State Saturday night at Rynearson Stadium.

Bronson Hill, Ryan Brumfield and Darius Jackson combined for 243 yards on 44 carries and three scores. As a team, the Eagles ran for 292 yards on 49 carries.

Even after a lengthy lightening delay, the trio of backs helped EMU overcome a defense, and secondary that struggled giving up 479 yards of total offense.

Each player made timely contributions over the course of the game.

After Morgan State went up 28-21, Hill prevented the Eagles from giving the ball right back with a string of strong runs. He carried the ball four straight times on the ensuing drive, picking up a pair of first downs across midfield.

He ran the ball four times for 35 yards on the drive.

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Bass, Smith Lead TSU Over EWC, 58-6

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Junior running back Tom Smith found solid footing on a soggy opening night, leading Tennessee State past Edward Waters, 58-6, in the 16th annual John Merritt Classic on Saturday night.

Smith had 151 yards on 12 carries and added four touchdowns en route to being named the Offensive MVP.

Smith’s four rushing scores were the most for a Tiger since Trabis Ward’s four against Southeast Missouri on Oct. 13, 2012.

Anthony Bass was named the game’s Defensive MVP after recording four stops, two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss and an interception.

Bass anchored a defensive unit that only allowed 76 yards of total offense, five first downs and did not give up any points.

The Tennessee State offense got off to a slow start, fumbling on the first play from scrimmage and then committing three straight false start penalties.

TSU finally found the end zone at the 5:31 mark, as German hit fellow senior Je-Marc Sears with a short pass and then the tight end ran the rest of the way for a 24-yard touchdown. The rain soaked turf caused a bad hold on the point after, so TSU was forced to settle with a 6-0 lead.

A Bernell Brooks interception later in the first set up a 23-yard Carter field goal, and the Tigers held a 9-0 lead with only a minute to go in the first.

Tennessee State’s special teams produced a big play to kick off the second period as De’Ante Saunders ran back a punt for a score, making the score 16-0 with just over 12 minutes to play before halftime.

Saunders’s punt return for a touchdown was TSU’s first since Oct. 8, 2011 when Weldon Garlington scampered 91 yards against Southeast Missouri.

Javon Brandon and reigning OVC Defensive Player of the Year Bass each recorded their first career interceptions in the second quarter - two of the eight combined first half turnovers.

Transfer running back Tom Smith and Stephen Hopkins combined for 127 yards on 10 carries and two scores in the second quarter, and TSU led EWC 30-6 at the break.

The TSU defense was impregnable in the opening 30 minutes, only allowing 18 yards of total offense, including negative-one on the ground, and only one first down.

Smith scored two more touchdowns within the first five minutes of the second half to put TSU up by 38 and the Tigers forced their fifth turnover to close out the third quarter.

After another turnover late in the stanza, Martine Stevenson took the first play of the fourth period 17 yards for a touchdown and finished the contest with 92 yards on 10 carries.

Running back Greg White added a late score as part of his 98-yard day and the Tigers walked away with a 52-point victory.

There were a total of 11 turnovers in the contest and TSU committed 18 penalties for 102 yards.

The Tigers will hit the road next weekend for a date with the Hornets of Alabama State. Kickoff is scheduled for Sept. 7 at 4 p.m.

BOX SCORE




COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn State Braves Rushing Attack a Success in Season Opener Win over Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons

PHOTO COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

LORMAN, Mississippi  -- A heavy dose of offense mixed with a strong defense helped the Alcorn State University Braves to a 55-7 victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg in their home opener on Saturday.
 
Despite the one-sided victory, Alcorn State University head coach Jay Hopson said that there are still things the Braves could work on.
 
"It was a great game, but we still need to work out some kinks in our play. There were a few sloppy plays that every first game has, so hopefully we can improve on those mistakes in the second game of our season," said Hopson.
 
Alcorn State University Quarterback John Gibbs Jr. agreed with his coach's feelings about being more efficient.
 
"There were some small things that we have to pick up on. I had some overthrows in the second quarter, but I eventually got into a good rhythm toward the end of the first half," said Gibbs.
 
The Braves got off to a fast start, scoring on a trick play that resulted in a 39-yard touchdown from running back Darryan Ragsdale to wide receiver Jordan Payne added a six yard score to put the Braves up 17-0 in the first quarter.
 
The Braves continued their assault in the second quarter when Ragsdale sprinted for 36-yard score.  Quarterback John Gibbs Jr. threw to a wide open Charles Hughes for an 77-yard touchdown that added to the team's lead making the score 31-0.
 
Kicker Haiden McCraney nailed a 29-yard field goal to give the Braves a 34-0 lead at the half.
 
Ragsdale gave the Braves a 41-0 lead after scoring on and eight yard touchdown for his second rushing touchdown of the day.
 
Josh Ivery scored his first career receiving touchdown on a 17-yard pass from Lenorris Footman. 
 
After Lynchburg scored their only touchdown, Ivery found the end zone again for a 44-yard touchdown to finish off the visiting dragons.
 
Gibbs completed 7-of-12 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown.  Ivery carried the ball five times for 68 yards and caught one pass for 17 yards.  Ragsdale finished the day with 73 yards on six carries and scored two touchdowns.
 
Now that the Braves have captured this victory, they are looking forward to next week's matchup against the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in Hattiesburg, Miss. Gibbs is confident that if the Braves execute properly, they can leave "Hub City" on top.
 
"We have to play Brave football.  Coach Hopson always preaches excellence and precision on both sides of the ball to us.  Our play during games start on Monday with practice and studying film. If we have a great practice, we will have a great game."
 
Game time between the Braves and Southern Mississippi next week kick off at 6 p.m.

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS  

Savannah State Dominated by MTSU Raiders

MURFREESBORO, Tennessee  – Middle Tennessee strung together an impressive performance to stifle Savannah State 61-7 in the Raiders' 100^th season-opener at Floyd Stadium on Saturday.

The Raiders (1-0) produced 519 yards of offense and limited the Tigers on defense to 219 yards. The Raiders' 61 points and 54-point margin was the largest ever in a season-opener. The previous record occurred in 1954 when MT put up 52 against Stewart Air Force Base.

Despite rainy conditions throughout the game, the Raiders jumped out early marching down the field 75 yards to take a 6-0 lead. MT added 28 more points in the first half to take a 34-0 lead.

Redshirt junior Austin Grammer had a stellar debut as starter, completing 15-of-17 passes for 88.2 percent, which matched the second-best in school history. Grammer threw passes of 50 and 47 yards, respectively. The Tuscaloosa, Alabama native finished with 250 yards and a touchdown.

MT used its strong corps of receivers as five different players had 30-plus yards.Marcus Henry totaled 84 yards, including a 47-yard catch from Grammer. Ed'Marques Batties caught four passes for 42 yards. Junior tailback Jordan Parker had the longest catch of the day in the first quarter, reeling in a 50-yard strike from Grammer.

The Raiders had nine different backs tote the pigskin, netting 228 yards and six rushing touchdowns. Jeremiah Bryson and Shane Tucker posted two touchdowns each. Reggie Whatley added 65 yards, while Tony Rowland connected on 63.

Defensively, the Raiders forced two fumbles and picked up an interception. Trey Wafford returned a 20-yard fumble for a touchdown in the third quarter. In the first half, Kevin Byard picked up his 10^th career interception, which tied him for seventh in program history.

Linebacker Quay Watt led the Blue Raider defense with seven stops. Leighton Gasque and Shaquille Huff each added a sack, while T.T. Barber posted two tackles-for-loss.
On the opening drive, sophomore Shane Tucker barreled through for a 13-yard touchdown to give MT a six-point edge. The Raiders subsequently missed the two-point conversion. Grammer found Parker for a 50-yard strike on the Blue Raiders second drive of the day. It would set up a five-yard touchdown pass from Grammer to Tucker. Erdely ran in the third touchdown of the day with a three-yard scamper up the middle, giving MT a 20-point edge.  

In the third quarter, the Raiders blocked their 49^th kick in the Rick Stockstill era whenRaynard Felton rejected a field goal. It marked the first blocked field goal since 2012 against FIU. Batties showed his versatility with a 61-yard punt return in the third quarter, stretching MT's edge to 47-0. 

Middle Tennessee hits the road next week for a 2:30 p.m. contest. The game is televised on the Big Ten Network.

COURTESY MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Bethune-Cookman beats FIU for 2nd straight year, 14-12

MIAMI, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman once again opened its football season with a defensive struggle, outlasting Florida International 14-12 before a crowd of 14,053 at Ocean Bank Field Saturday night.

In a game similar to last year’s 12-9 win at Tennessee, the Wildcat defense contained the Panthers and did just enough offensively as B-CU downed their FBS opposition for the second straight season and fourth time.

FIU had a chance to win the game on the final play, but had an errant snap on a 55-yard Austin Taylor field goal attempt, and the Wildcats sacked holder Chris Ayers for a 16-yarder

The Wildcats held FIU to a pair of Austin Taylor 25-yard field goals in the second quarter until Richard Leonard’s 71-yard punt return to the Bethune-Cookman 7 set up Alex McGough’s fourth-down 5-yarder touchdown to T.J. Lowder with 5:16 remaining that cut B-CU’s lead to 14-12.

B-CU maintained the lead when Erik Williams, who had three sacks, hurried McGough into an overthrow on the two-point conversion attempt.

Still, the Panthers had the final possession and a chance to win after advancing to the B-CU 27 in the final minute.

Meanwhile, the Wildcat made their most of their big plays.

A 46-yard Quentin Williams to Michael D. Jones catch-and-run followed by Williams’ 17-yarder to Darian Baker put the ball at the Panther one. Jones, a sophomore running back from Sarasota, bullied in two plays later to give the Wildcats a 7-0 lead with 11:26 remaining in the first half.

After nursing a 7-6 lead for the third quarter, B-CU upped its lead to 14-6 with 12:26 remaining when Frank Brown beat one-on-one coverage deep, shook a tackle, and finished a 55-yard touchdown pass from Williams.

Williams finished 8 of 17 for 149 yards with the one touchdown passing while rushing for 39. Anthony Jordan, who posted a career-high 150 yards against FIU here a year prior, gained 64 yards on 19 carries.

The Wildcats got to the FIU 28 on their opening drive, but came up empty when Williams was sacked on fourth down.

B-CU’s defense held FIU to 186 yards and just one third conversion in 16 attempts. Williams and Tavarus each had eight tackles, and LeBranden Richardson posted three tackles for loss.

The Wildcats are off next week, returning to action against Grambling State in their home opener September 13 at Daytona Beach’s Municipal Stadium

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Keith Miles Out as Voice of the FAMU Rattlers

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Rattler fans who tune in to listen to the game Saturday night may be in for a big surprise.

FAMU has named a new play by play announcer to replace Keith Miles, who has been the Voice of the Rattlers for the past 30 years.

"He throws down field, got a man, that's .... makes the catch!"

Rattler fans know that voice. Keith Miles has done FAMU's play by play for 30 years, but he won't be doing it anymore.

FAMU has hired a new play by play announcer who will start as the new voice of the Rattlers in the season opener against Jackson State Saturday night.

"It'll be different. It'll be funny to hear the whole play-by-play without the same exuberance that Keith Miles used to give," Rattler fan Johnny McCaskill said.

"He will be missed," FAMU fan Wayne Daniels said, "so I wish him well. I hope they find somebody that's close to him."

"It's definitely a big change," FAMU Sports Information Director Vaughn Wilson said.

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UMaine football team opens season with tight win over Norfolk State Spartans

PHOTO COURTESY NORFOLK STATE ATHLETICS

ORONO, Maine — The projected strength of the 2014 University of Maine football team was its defense.

Even with two starters not in the lineup, that more veteran unit carried play during Saturday night’s season opener.

The 2oth-ranked Black Bears shut down Norfolk State to the tune of 100 yards and 10 first downs, setting the tone for a season-opening 10-6 victory in front of 6,951 fans on Morse Field at Alfond Stadium.

With the Spartans virtually devoid of a passing game, UMaine clamped down despite playing much of the evening in its own end. Sophomore linebacker Christophe Mulumb Tshimanga piled up 14 tackles to provide a potent presence in the middle.

Coach Jack Cosgrove’s squad was without starting linebacker Cabrinni Goncalves, who was serving a one-game suspension for violating UMaine’s student-athlete code of conduct. Senior Randy Samuels posted seven tackles in his first start at linebacker, while redshirt freshman Austin Brown made seven tackles behind a front four spearheaded by end Trevor Bates of Westbrook (5 tackles, interception) and tackle Matthew Wilson (5 tackles).

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Lee views rejuvenating VUL football as another opportunity

LYNCHBURG, Virginia  -- The loud thud of shoulder pads slamming together breaks up the silence at the campus of Virginia University of Lynchburg. The campus nestled in the heart of Lynchburg is typically quiet this time of year except for the sounds of whistles signaling the end of a play in football practice.

But down the hill from Humbles Hall is a different look for a football field that was once barren and almost forgotten. Fresh white paint lines the field and the holes that were often skipped over are now filled and solid.

The sounds are the same from the past couple of seasons. The look is refreshing and different for the players returning a week ago to VUL. In the grand scheme of Don Lee’s vision to improve the football program and ultimately make it successful, these are the first small steps in that building process.

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It wasn't pretty, but ODU prevails over Hampton 41-28

PHOTO COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
& MSUTTON PHOTOGRAPHY

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  It wasn’t pretty.

The defense, as usual, gave up wide swaths of real estate. And late in the fourth quarter, the outcome was still in doubt.

But Old Dominion managed to stave off a Hampton University rally and defeat the Pirates, 41-28, at Foreman Field Saturday before a sellout crowd of 20,118 and a regional television audience.

It was the first game for ODU in the Football Bowl Subdivision and Conference USA but came against an old rival from the Football Championship Subdivision. ODU is now 4-0 against Hampton.

The schedule gets much tougher for ODU from now on. Hampton is the only FCS team on ODU’s schedule. Ahead for the Monarchs are 11 FBS opponents, beginning with a game at North Carolina State, Saturday.

View all 43 photos | Buy Pilot photos

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Akron Football Cruises to 41-0 Victory Over Howard in Season Opener

Final Statistics  |  Final Statistics (PDF)  |  Season Statistics  | Postgame Notes  Photos | Recap | Box Score 

AKRON, Ohio – Behind an offensive attack led by junior QB Kyle Pohl, the University of Akron football team had no trouble handling Howard in its season opener, cruising to a 41-0 victory at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field on Thursday night.

The decisive win was Akron's first in a season-opening contest since 2007, when the Zips defeated Army 22-14.

Pohl finished the night 22-of-35 with 304 yards through the air and four touchdowns to help Akron rack up 506 yards and 24 first downs as a team. He threw touchdowns to three different receivers and tallied 48 yards rushing on seven carries.

One of Pohl's top targets, sophomore Mykel Traylor-Bennett, caught four passes for 89 yards and his two touchdowns, his first two TDs as a Zip.

The Akron defense was stout throughout the game, holding the Bison to 216 total yards and 15 first downs. C.J. Mizell recorded 10 tackles (eight solo) and a fumble recovery to lead the defense as the unit recorded its first shutout since a 41-0 triumph over Morgan State on Sept. 12, 2009.

A consistent pass rush kept Howard QB Greg McGhee off-balance throughout the game. Akron posted four sacks while holding McGhee to 12-of-26 passing for 68 yards.

The Zips started fast, scoring their first touchdown of the season on a 57-yard strike from Pohl to L.T. Smith just 1:34 into the game. After the Akron defense forced a three-and-out on Howard's first drive, Pohl found Smith on a post route down the middle and the senior receiver raced untouched into the end zone for the score.

The Zips continued their defensive dominance on Howard's ensuing drive, forcing a fumble as Justin March dislodged the ball from William Parker. Mizell recovered the ball, returning it to the Bison's 9-yard line. Another no-nonsense two-play drive put the Zips up 14-0 as Pohl threw his second touchdown of the game, this one a 9-yard connection to Imani Davis.

UA needed just 58 seconds to score its first 21 points of the game, all in the first quarter.

Akron did not allow a first down on Howard's first three drives and surrendered just 135 yards in the first half. The Bison reached Akron territory for the first time nearly four minutes into the second quarter and found their way into the red zone just once on the night.

Neither team could dent the scoreboard in the final 24 minutes of the first half and the 21-0 margin remained unchanged until senior running back Jawon Chisholm dove into the end zone on a 6-yard TD run midway through the third quarter to extend the lead to 28-0.

The Zips return to the field on Saturday, Sept. 6, when they travel to Penn State. Kickoff at Beaver Stadium is scheduled for 12 noon ET and the contest will be televised on ABC.

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Akron Volleyball shuts down North Carolina A&T in straight sets

Final Statistics  | 

TERRE HAUTE, Indiana -- Julia Smagacz led a balanced offensive attack that carried Akron past North Carolina A&T in straight sets to conclude the Indiana State Holiday Inn Classic on Saturday morning.

Akron held off the Aggies, 25-20, 26-24, 25-16, to finish opening weekend with a 2-1 record, while N.C. A&T slides to 0-3.

Smagacz delivered eight kills with only a single error in 15 swings for a .467 hitting percentage on the day. As a team, UA out-hit N.C. A&T, .235 to .081.

Kelsey Wilson posted seven kills for a .294 clip, and the trio of Amanda Bedell, Mary Delich and Anna Wenger chipped in six kills apiece. Wilson also recorded three of UA's nine service aces. The junior has eight aces in the first three matches of the season.

Karley Kusan dished out 20 assists for Akron to go with a team-high eight digs, leading six Zips with six or more digs. UA edged the Aggies on the defensive end, collecting 47 digs to N.C. A&T's 44.

After capturing the first set in decisive fashion, the Zips fell behind by eight points with the score at 18-10 in the second set. The Aggies scored six unanswered points before a kill from Bedell stopped the run. Akron was unable to close the gap however, still trailing by as many as six (23-17) before the rally began.

UA went on to score on nine of the next 10 plays to claim the set and go up 2-0 in the match. The stretch was highlighted by a pair of Delich kills and sealed by a solo block from Akron's only senior.

The Zips carried their momentum on through the break, sprinting out to a 5-0 lead to start the third set. Never trailing, Akron scored three straight points on an NC A&T error and two Wilson kills to clinch the victory.

Akron returns to the court for a single weekday match at Cleveland State on Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. The Zips are set to open their home slate next weekend when they host the Akron Invitational Sept. 5-6. Akron will take on Bryant (12:30 p.m.) and Binghamton (8 p.m.) on Friday, followed by a doubleheader against Drake (3 p.m.) and Austin Peay (8 p.m.) on Saturday.

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Former S.C. State men’s player signs Greek professional contract

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Former South Carolina State forward Matthew Hezekiah has signed a professional contract to play for the Panionios Basketball Club in Greece.

“I am excited and anxious to start this new chapter in my life,” said Hezekiah. “I’ve always loved the game of basketball and it’s a blessing to be able to continue this journey and play professionally in Greece.”

“We are so proud and happy for the opportunity that Matt has earned to extend his basketball career on the professional level in Greece,” said head coach Murray Garvin. “He is the first player to sign a professional basketball contract while I’ve been the coach and hopefully not the last to reach his dream of playing professionally.”

Hezekiah, a 6-11, 235-pound forward from Jacksonville, Fla., was a two-time All-MEAC Second Team pick and led the Bulldogs in scoring the past two seasons. He averaged with 12.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season.

The Panionios Basketball Club is one of 14 teams in the EuroBasket A-1 Division, and is ranked the ninth-best team in Europe by Eurobasket.com.

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Monmouth overcomes slow start to rout Delaware State

WEST LONG BRANCH – A 98-yard kickoff return to open the season and a 77-yard touchdown pass from Delaware State belied the fact that Monmouth University's football team outplayed the Hornets in the first half on Saturday afternoon.

At the half, the Hawks held a 2-to-1 advantage in total yards and were out-rushing the Hornets, 127-1, but seven penalties for 79 yards and the two aforementioned big plays threatened to make a game of what really had no business being one.

Instead of sweating, Monmouth's retooled, veteran offense came out for the second half and looked every bit like the balanced, nightmarish matchup it has been touted as.

Three touchdown drives on three third-quarter possessions broke the game open and helped turn a 28-21 halftime lead into a 52-21 season-opening win in front 2,150 at Kessler Field.

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Former Bearcat McMinn set for NC A&T opener

ORLANDO, Florida  --  When North Carolina A&T running backs coach Shawn Gibbs first saw then-freshman A.J. McMinn back in 2012, he said the young man was just like any other 18-year-old first starting college.

Facts

Sunday's Game

N.C. A&T vs. Alabama A&M, 11:45 a.m.
TV: ESPN

"He was a little on the immature side. I've seen A.J. grow from a maturity standpoint," Gibbs said. "I think he is starting to grow, and he relishes the opportunity to mentor some of our younger players."

McMinn, now a redshirt sophomore for the Aggies, is a 2012 Hendersonville High graduate and now the starting fullback for N.C. A&T. The Aggies open their season on Sunday in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge as they take on Alabama A&M in Orlando, Fla. The game will kick off at 11:45 a.m. and will be televised by ESPN.

Since that redshirt season two years ago, McMinn, who ...

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