Sunday, August 31, 2014
Alabama A&M, North Carolina A&T face off in Orlando's MEAC/SWAC Challenge
TV: ESPN 11:45 AM ET
ORLANDO, Florida -- If it were up to Alabama A&M coach James Spady, his first collegiate game as head coach would be played against anyone other than the man he'll see across the field from him on Sunday.
Spady spent three seasons as offensive coordinator under Rod Broadway at Grambling State from 2007-09, a brief encounter when you consider how long each has roamed the sidelines.
On Sunday Spady makes his debut with Alabama A&M on a national stage against Broadway and North Carolina A&T in a matchup of historically black colleges and universities. The 10th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge is scheduled for kickoff at 11:45 a.m. Sunday at UCF's Bright House Networks Stadium.
The significance of such a meeting is not lost on the career assistant of 22 years as Spady sets out to reignite a program that finished 4-8 in 2013 after back-to-back winning seasons.
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Jackson State beats the clock, defeats FAMU on Hail Mary
JACKSON, Mississippi -- What a way to open the season, let alone the Harold Jackson era. The Jackson State's sideline was cleared as players and coaches rushed to the endzone, with the crowd erupting in the background, all toward DeSean McKenzie, who caught the game-winning Hail Mary touchdown.
As the clock expired, Jackson State defeated Florida A&M 22-17 in Saturday's opener in Veterans Memorial Stadium.
"As they say, it's not over until the fat lady sings, and the fat lady sung in the last play," said Jackson, who's in his first year coaching at JSU. At first, it seemed the Rattlers had spoiled the Tigers' opener.
Quarterback Damien Fleming whipped a pass to Gerald Hearns, who zipped to the endzone, and FAMU went up 17-16 with 46 seconds left in the game.
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As the clock expired, Jackson State defeated Florida A&M 22-17 in Saturday's opener in Veterans Memorial Stadium.
"As they say, it's not over until the fat lady sings, and the fat lady sung in the last play," said Jackson, who's in his first year coaching at JSU. At first, it seemed the Rattlers had spoiled the Tigers' opener.
Quarterback Damien Fleming whipped a pass to Gerald Hearns, who zipped to the endzone, and FAMU went up 17-16 with 46 seconds left in the game.
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FIU Richard Leonard Sets School Record in Season Opening Loss to Bethune-Cookman Widcats
MIAMI, Florida -- The FIU football team (0-1) opened the 2014 season with a tough, 14-12, loss to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on Saturday night. Senior Richard Leonard broke the school's single-game punt return yards record in the effort.The Panthers' explosive cornerback collected 148 yards on five punt returns, while his 71-yard punt return late in the fourth quarter also stands as the fifth longest in school history. It's also the longest non-scoring return in FIU history. The Miami native shattered the previous record of 97 punt return yards, which was set in 2011 against Florida Atlantic by now-NFL standout, T.Y. Hilton. Leonard also had a 54-yard kick return in the second quarter.
On the defensive side of the ball, junior Denzell Perine set career highs in sacks (3) and tackles for loss (3/9.0). In all, the Panthers backline was able to accumulate 40 yards on 10 tackles for loss.
Senior safety Justin Halley's pass breakup on B-CU's opening drive moved the Boca Raton, Fla., native three pass break-ups shy of No. 2 all-time in program history. On the Wildcats' opening drive, Halley got in front of the B-CU receiver, slicing through the center of the field, forcing a fourth down. Junior Lars Koht collected FIU's first sack of the season on the following play.
B-CU broke a scoreless game with 11:26 to go in the second quarter. A one-yard touchdown run by the Wildcats' Michael Jones on first and goal gave the Wildcats' the an early 7-0 lead.
FIU responded with six points on back-to-back drives that resulted in a field goal. In his first drive under center for the Panthers, true freshman Alex McGough guided FIU 36 yards on six plays, setting sophomore Austin Taylor up for a 25-yard field goal.
Taylor's second 25-yarder came on the Panthers following drive. In a series that saw McGough connect 28 yards with junior tight end Ya'Keem Griner, FIU covered 53 yards on 10 plays and cut the deficit to one point. B-CU entered halftime with a 7-6 edge.
The Wildcats pulled ahead, 14-6, 3:34 into the fourth quarter, as the team converted a deep pass on third and nine. FIU responded with a four-play, seven-yard drive, resulting in a touchdown, following a 71-yard punt return from Leonard. The five-yard pass from McGough to junior T.J. Lowder was the first of the Tampa, Fla., native's career.
The score stood, 14-12, with 5:16 to go in the game. A failed last-second field goal attempt by the Panthers ended the contest.
Sophomore Jonnu Smith's two catches in the game moved the Ocala, Fla., native into second place in school history for catches by a tight end with 41.
McGough finished his first game with the Panthers 13-of-27 for 117 yards and one touchdown. His connection with Griner for 28 yards stands as a benchmark career-long for the rookie. In all, five true freshmen saw action in tonight's game (Shermarke Spence, Alex McGough, Anthony Wint, Alex Gardner, Dennis Turner)
FIU returns to action next weekend as the Panthers host Wagner. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m
. from Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium.
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ODU hangs on to defeat Hampton 41-28
NORFOLK, Virginia -- (WAVY) – Old Dominion opened the 2014 season with a 41 to 28 win over nearby Hampton University.
The Pirates were playing their first game under new head coach Connell Maynor and they were hanging tough with ODU which is playing its first season as a member of the FBS.
The Monarchs took a 28 to 14 lead into the locker room at the half, but Hampton kept things close throughout the second half.
Quarterback Jaylian Williamson, who went Oscar Smith, outplayed ODU’s heralded signal caller Taylor Heinicke. Williamson was 32 of 45 and threw three touchdowns and one interception.
Heinicke was 29 of 49 for 281 yards, three TD’s and two interceptions. Two of Heinicke’s touchdowns were to Zach Pascal.
Both of his interceptions were by former ODU basketball player Breon Key.
ODU used a ground attack led by sophomore Gerard Johnson to help move the offense. He rushed the ball 22 times for 137 yards and a touchdown.
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The Pirates were playing their first game under new head coach Connell Maynor and they were hanging tough with ODU which is playing its first season as a member of the FBS.
The Monarchs took a 28 to 14 lead into the locker room at the half, but Hampton kept things close throughout the second half.
Quarterback Jaylian Williamson, who went Oscar Smith, outplayed ODU’s heralded signal caller Taylor Heinicke. Williamson was 32 of 45 and threw three touchdowns and one interception.
Heinicke was 29 of 49 for 281 yards, three TD’s and two interceptions. Two of Heinicke’s touchdowns were to Zach Pascal.
Both of his interceptions were by former ODU basketball player Breon Key.
ODU used a ground attack led by sophomore Gerard Johnson to help move the offense. He rushed the ball 22 times for 137 yards and a touchdown.
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Sam Houston tops Alabama State 51-20
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HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Sophomore quarterback Jared Johnson passed for 386 yards and three touchdowns to lead FCS No. 14 ranked Sam Houston to a 51-20 victory over Alabama State Saturday at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium.
Johnson threw touchdown passes of nine yards to Rickey Smith, 48 yards to Jeffrey Thomas and 68 yards to Keshawn Hill. Hill also scored on a four-yard run.
“I thought we did some good things offensively. Defensively we were a little spotty and gave up too many big plays. That’s going to be the key for us, if we can learn to stop giving up the big plays I think we can be a pretty good football team,” K.C. Keeler said following his first win as Sam Houston head coach.
A pair of transfer running backs led the Bearkats in rushing with 83 yards each. Jalen Overstreet, a transfer running back from Texas, had 11 carries for 83 yards and Donavan Williams, a junior transfer from ASA Junior College, added 83 yards on 12 carries including a one-yard score.
LaDarius Brown led the Bearkats in receiving with six catches for 65 yards. Smith had six catches for 53 yards and Thomas had five for 78 yards. 11 different players caught a pass in the ballgame.
The Bearkats ramped up the offense and ran 104 plays in the game, more than in any game last season. Sam Houston totaled 685 yards of offense and dominated time of possession, keeping the ball for just over 40 minutes.
Hornet quarterback Daniel Duhart led Alabama State completing 17 of 32 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns.
Sam Houston now stands 1-1 for the year while the game was Alabama State’s season opener.
The win extended Sam Houston’s home winning streak to 23 games, which stands as the nation’s longest active home winning streak.
“I wasn’t part of the 22 wins but I am now part of number 23. It really is special to be part of something like that. It’s really exciting to see a great home crowd come out enjoy what we did,” Keeler said.
The Bearkats will hit the road next week and play nationally-ranked LSU in Baton Rouge, La.
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SU Notebook: Eligibility questions delay Jaguars’ arrival
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern waited as long as it could, but it couldn’t bring its whole team to the season opener.
The Jaguars didn’t arrive at Cajun Field until 5:15 p.m. Saturday for the 6 p.m. kickoff against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The departure from campus was scheduled for 2:15 p.m. but was delayed nearly two hours while the university tried to certify the academic eligibility of several players.
Five starters were left behind because their certification wasn’t completed: linebacker Daniel Brown, running backMalcolm Crockett, defensive back Renaldo Thomas, offensive lineman Reginald Redding and offensive lineman Terrell Lee.
Dorsey Bindon, a redshirt junior from Capitol High, replaced ...
ULL Cajuns dodge raindrops to drop Southern 45-6
LAFAYETTE, Louisiana — Day long rain held down the crowd at Cajun Field, but that shouldn’t have dampened the enthusiasm surrounding the Louisiana-Lafayette football program.
The Ragin’ Cajuns were hoping a record crowd would show up Saturday to see the preseason pick to win the Sun Belt Conference open the season against defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Southern. A nice but not sellout crowd of 36,170 entered the stadium amid steady rain and endured sporadic showers during UL-Lafayette’s 45-6 victory.
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| Louisiana player quotes | Mark Hudspeth quotes | Southern quotes
| Louisiana player quotes | Mark Hudspeth quotes | Southern quotes
They saw Terrance Broadway throw two touchdown passes to help build a 24-0 lead and finish 20-of-32 for 237 yards and three touchdowns. The only blemish on his stat sheet was a pair of interceptions, which were a rare bright spot for Southern as they were made by true freshmen — Bryan Anderson of Edna Karr and Danny Johnson of East Feliciana.
The third-largest crowd in UL-Lafayette history saw running backs Alonzo Harris and Elijah McGuire and receiver Jamal Robinson demonstrate why they were preseason all-conference first-team picks.
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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l Post-Game Quotes 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
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
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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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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.
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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.
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
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Alcorn State Braves Rushing Attack a Success in Season Opener Win over Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons
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| 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.
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Savannah State Dominated by MTSU Raiders
MURFREESBORO, Tennessee – Middle Tennessee strung together an impressive performance to stifle Savannah State 61-7 in the Raiders' 100th 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 10th 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 49th 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.
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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
COURTESY BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Saturday, August 30, 2014
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
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| PHOTO COURTESY NORFOLK STATE ATHLETICS |
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.
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.
It wasn't pretty, but ODU prevails over Hampton 41-28
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| PHOTO COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS & MSUTTON PHOTOGRAPHY |
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.
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