NCCU must adjust to a new reality

DURHAM, North Carolina  --  All the talk and prognostications are over. The Jerry Mack era has begun.

North Carolina Central’s new football coach made his head coaching debut Saturday at East Carolina – on an ESPN broadcast no less. The Eagles traveled to Greenville last Saturday to take on the Pirates in the first meeting between the two programs.

The game, played too late for Wednesday’s edition of the Durham News, didn’t turn out anything close to what NCCU wanted. East Carolina won 52-7.

“East Carolina is a really good opponent. They have a lot of tradition and a consistent program,” said Mack on the weekly MEAC teleconference. “Everybody wants to compete against the so-called best talent in the country, and we are no different.”

But Mack isn’t the only major adjustment for N.C. Central this season. 

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MEAC/SWAC Challenge Band Battle: AAMU vs. NCA&T

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Published on Sep 1, 2014
(Be sure to watch in 1080p, WIDE SCREEN)

From the SWAC/MEAC Challenge in Orlando, FL...

Cameras: 4x Canon 5D mkII, Canon C100
Audio: Sennheiser MKH-8000 series mics, Sound Devices 788T recorder

Disclaimer: The band pays ASCAP fees and there is never any copyright infringement intended. These performances are for edutainment only. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

As always, the band is always looking for dedicated members and supporters to keep the machine going. For more information, you can call (336) 334-7776 for more details on how to support the band or even become a member.

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MSU Cody Acker named MEAC Defensive Player of the Week

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Morgan State standout linebacker Cody Acker was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's defensive player of the week, the conference announced Monday.

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound senior form Landover, Maryland posted a personal-best 19 tackles Saturday at Eastern Michigan. The senior also had a tackle for a loss.

The 19 tackles represents the most by a Bear since linebacker Elandon Roberts posted 19 stops against Hampton on Nov. 17, 2012.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Acker's previous highest tackle performance was last season at North Carolina Central where he recorded 15 tackles on October 13.

Acker becomes the first Bear to earn player of the week accolades this season.

Morgan State will face Holy Cross on the road for the Crusdaer's home-opener on Saturday (Sept. 6). Kick-off at Fitton Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Game tickets for all four (4) contests at Hughes Stadium are on sale now. T
ickets for the New York Urban League Classic at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sept. 20 are also on sale at the MSU Student Center Box Office.

For Morgan State football ticket information click here

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HBCU Play of the Week: Jackson State Tigers "Hail Mary" Defeats FAMU in Final Second

1.6 seconds left in game, FAMU leading 17-16 with one Jackson State play left.  The call from the Tigers sideline... Hail Mary!  And the call worked!  Game over.  Rattlers were snake bit by the Tigers 22-17 to open the Coach Harold Jackson era at JSU.  Unbelievable!!!

-beepbeep

Football Game Preview: Johnson C. Smith at Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  -- Charlotte will play host to the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls this Saturday in the 49′ers first home game. They beat Campbell 33-9 last Thursday and will look to move their record to 2-0.

Here are some notes about the Niners’ week two opponent:

• Johnson C. Smith was picked by CIAA coaches to finish fourth in the South division.

• This is the season opener for the Golden Bulls, who will look to improve last year’s 5-5 record.

• The Golden Bulls return 14 starters from last year’s squad.

• Including in those 14 starters for Johnson C. Smith are quarterback Keahn Wallace, running back LeAnder Barney, and leading receiver Chris Patterson.

• Jovontay Williams is arguably the team’s biggest returning star. He totaled 14.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks last season.

• Williams was named to the All-CIAA First Team last season, and received preseason honors recently, being named to the Beyond Sports Network Division II All-America Team.

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2014 John Merritt Classic Battle of the Bands: EWC vs. TSU

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WSSU Notes: Rams could play in Bahamas in ’15

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State’s 2015 schedule is complete, but Athletics Director Tonia Walker said that there’s a chance the game against Tuskegee could be played in the Bahamas as part of the Bahamas HBCUX Classic.

The inaugural game of the classic will be Sept. 13, with Texas Southern taking on Central State.

WSSU will play Tuskegee this season at Bowman Gray Stadium.

“There was some interest this year in the Tuskegee game moving to the Bahamas,” Walker said. “But from a time frame, we just couldn’t do it. But there’s an opportunity next year to move that game to the Bahamas, it would be something we would look at doing.”

Walker said that WSSU’s nonconference games next season will be at UNC Pembroke, against Valdosta State in Atlanta and, for now, at Tuskegee.

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Big Ten Week 1 Roundup: Rutgers' conference brethren combine to win 11 of 13 in opening week

GAME TIME: SATURDAY: 12 PM ET,
 TV: BIG TEN NETWORK

PISCATAWAY, New Jersey  --  File this away if Rutgers has trouble pulling away from Howard this Saturday: Seven Big Ten teams faced teams from the Football Championship Subdivision ranks during the opening college football weekend, and two of them received a scare from their lower-level foes.

Of course, the Scarlet Knights have shown little difficulty cruising past MEAC opponents in recent years, playing a team from that league every year since 2006 and winning by a combined score of 341-14.

For now, the Scarlet Knights can rest comfortably with the fact that no other Big Ten team had a more noteworthy Week 1 triumph. After all, Rutgers was the only Big Ten squad to beat a team from one of the so-called power conferences, rallying for a 41-38 victory at Washington State for its first win over a Pac-12 foe in school history.

Rutgers (1-0) will play host to the Bison (0-1) at noon Saturday.

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Rutgers football week 2: FCS Howard visits Piscataway

GAME TIME: SATURDAY: 12 PM ET, TV: BIG TEN NETWORK

PISCATAWAY, New Jersey  -- There doesn't seem to be any chance for an Appalachian State situation for Rutgers this Saturday. The Howard Bison didn't exactly put up a fight against Akron last week, and they face a better opponent in the Scarlet Knights. Expect Kyle Flood to pull starters to get much-needed experience at key positions. Here are some game notes that show how lopsided the series has been:

• Rutgers has outscored Howard 127-14 in the three previous meetings. In addition to the 2012 win, the Scarlet Knights defeated the Bison 45-7 in 2009 and 56-7 in the first meeting between the schools in 2006.
• In 10 all-time meetings against MEAC schools, Rutgers is 10-0. The Scarlet Knights have outscored MEAC opponents 405-36 all-time, including a score of 341-14 in eight games since 2006.

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In the FCS Huddle: Despite NDSU & B-CU, a humbling reminder

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PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (SportsNetwork.com) -- Beating FBS teams was all the rage last year when FCS schools brought them down a peg a record 16 times, including eight times on the season's first weekend.

Understandably, FCS conferences spent this past offseason trumpeting that they're closer to the bottom half of the FBS than the schools in those conferences are to the power conference schools which are seeking more autonomy.

That notion may be true when you're talking financials, but there's also something about walking the walk on the playing fields when you're talking the talk.

On this opening weekend of the 2014 college football season, the gap was evident. FCS teams were humbled by the FBS, winning only two of the 46 meetings between the two levels of Division I football.

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Ex-Canes four-star signee moves on to Texas Southern

HOUSTON, Texas --  Because he was a non-qualifier, Derrick Griffin never was able to reach his immense potential at Miami.  Now, however, the talented player will get another chance, albeit it at a much lower level of football.

According to Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston, Griffin has enrolled at Texas Southern and intends to play for the FCS program.  Because he was an academic non-qualifier, however, he will have to sit out the 2014 season.

“Our summer-bridge program is set up to take incoming freshman that need additional help to become college ready,” athletic director Dr. Charles McClelland told the station. “Derek successfully participated in that program which is why he is now a full-time student at Texas Southern University.”

In order for Griffin to be eligible in 2015, he needs to earn 24 credits between now and then. Additionally, Berman wrote, “Griffin must also maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 during the next two semesters to also be eligible.”

Until then, he’s eligible to practice with his new teammates.

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Big Plays Haunt Panthers In 37-35 Labor Day Classic Loss To TSU

HOUSTON. Texas --  Texas Southern used several timely third down conversions and took advantage of several Prairie View A&M turnovers to claim a 37-35 win in the 30th annual Labor Day Classic at NRG Stadium.

PVAMU failed to capitalize on an early Jerome Howard sack as they returned the gift on the first play of the next drive as a Jerry Lovelocke fumble led to a TSU recovery and a touchdown at the 7:21 mark.

On the following possession, the Panther offense began to click as Johnta' Hebert and Arthur Lockett combined to rush for 44 yards on the drive to move the Panthers into scoring position. Seven plays in, Lovelocke found Gabe Dunlap for an 11-yard touchdown and 7-7 tie with 5:14 remaining.

After a TSU punt, TSU began to implode with multiple personal fouls which led to a 3-yard run by Hebert. Barrick's PAT was good as the Panthers led 14-7 after the first quarter.

TSU's Homer Causey connected with Fred Plummer on a 51-yard pass on the final play of the quarter which set up a 26-yard field goal by Eric Medina and a 14-10 PVAMU lead. The Panthers were forced to punt on their following possession and TSU moved ahead 17-14 midway through the second quarter as Causey found Malik Cross for a 44-yard strike.

Despite the deficit, PVAMU hit with a big play of its own on the first play of the ensuing drive as Lovelocke found Nick Pitre for a 76-yard strike and a 21-17 lead with 6:16 remaining. An offsides penalty by the Panthers allowed TSU a second chance after a missed field goal as the Tigers closed to within 21-20 on Medina's 30-yard field goal with two seconds remaining.

On PVAMU's first play of the second half, TSU's Tray Walker stepped in front of Lovelocke and ran 16 yards unscathed for a 27-21 lead with 13:10 remaining. After a Panther punt, TSU converted three third down conversions and scored on a 20-yard Medina field goal for the 27-21 advantage.

After a slow third quarter which saw PVAMU score no points, the Panthers relied on their special teams for a big play in the fourth quarter as TSU's Fred Plummer fumbled a punt which was recovered by longsnapper Joe Sable. Four plays later, the Panthers trailed 30-28 as Lovelocke rushed in from one-yard out with 11:27 left in regulation.

Both teams traded punts after the score and TSU's Daveonn Porter struck big with a 53-yard run slightly after the six-minute mark. Two plays later, the Tigers moved ahead 37-28 as Plummer scored on a 27-yard reception from Small in the corner of the endzone. Down by two scores, the Panthers rallied with a 41-yard strike from Lovelocke to Keylon LaSalle to move into scoring position. Two plays later, the Panthers went deep into their playbook and used some razzle dazzle as Hebert took a pass from Lovelocke and found a wide open Gabe Dunlap for the 37-35 deficit after Barrick's kick.

With no timeouts left, PVAMU had one final chance to get the ball back but TSU's Small found Cross for a 14-yard reception on 3rd-and-12 which turned out to be nail in the coffin as TSU won for the second time in three seasons over the Panthers.

PVAMU finished with 369 total yards (227 P, 142 R) while TSU amassed 488 total offensive yards. Lovelocke finished with 202 yards on 10-of-26 passing and two touchdowns followed by 68 rushing yards from Hebert. Dunlap caught five passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns while Jerome Howard led the defense with 12 tackles, a sack, tackle for loss and a forced fumble.

The Panthers return to action at McNeese State on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. in Lake Charles, La.

BOX SCORE

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North Carolina A&T Starts Fast, Wins Big



COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T SPORTS INFORMATION
Junior quarterback Kwashaun Quick ran for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Photo by Charles E. Watkins


ORLANDO, Florida  --  Speed was Alabama A&M’s undoing at Bright House Networks Stadium Sunday afternoon. The Aggies sprinted to touchdown runs of 26, 59 and 80 and had a 95-yard kickoff return by junior Tony McRae, all in the first half, as they cruised to a 47-13 win in the 10th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney.

Sophomore Tarik Cohen was named the game’s MVP after rushing for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Junior quarterback Kwashaun Quick, making his third straight start on opening day, rushed for 94 yards and touchdowns and threw for 94 yards on 9-for-16 passing.

“We had some guys make some plays,” said A&T head coach Rod Broadway. “Quick opened things up by making some big plays for us and then Tarik made a few more plays. We’ve got some more guys who didn’t make plays for us today, but they are certainly capable. We’ve got a team of guys who can run.”

The Bulldogs (0-1) kept A&T’s speedsters on the sideline early thanks to a 12-play drive that devoured five minutes off the clock. Jaymason Lee’s completed pass Tevin McKenzie advanced the ball to the A&T 3-yard line, but it was short of the first down. The Bulldogs settled for a Ceaser Diaz-Ramon 20-yard field goal and a 3-0.

Diaz-Ramon’s botched onside kick that followed allowed the Aggies to give the ESPN audience watching live a preview of its speed. The Aggies took over at the A&M 37. After an 11-yard run on a reverse by All-American track and field 100 meter sprinter Desmond Lawrence, Quick dashed his way through A&M defenders for a 26-yard touchdown.

The Aggies never trailed again despite A&M’s efforts on its next drive. The Bulldogs again advanced the ball inside the A&T red zone only to settle for another Diaz-Ramon field goal that made it 7-6 with 16 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Once again A&T’s speed responded. McRae took the Diaz-Ramon’s kickoff, sprinted 20 yards, made a lethal cutback move and left every Bulldog behind for the 95-yard kickoff return and the 14-6 Aggies lead at the end of the first quarter. It was McRae’s second career kickoff return after returning one in last season’s opener at Appalachian State.

“It was important, I thought, to hold them to those two field goals,” said Broadway. “Any time you can hold them to three instead of giving up touchdowns, it changes things. It energizes you a bit.”

A&T directed that energy toward the scoreboard while Quick seemed to drain any energy the Bulldogs had left with a 59-yard touchdown run off of a fake to Cohen that left Bulldog defenders frozen.

“I just trusted my read and did what I was coached to do,” said Quick. “I saw the end crash, and I just pulled the ball out and made a play.”

Cohen said that fake aided in his 80-yard touchdown run that gave the Aggies a commanding 28-6 lead.

“They saw quick running everywhere, so that opened it up for me a bit,” he said. “We’re going to feed off each other because I don’t think defenses are going to be able to stop both of us.”

The Aggies’ 34-point win was their most lopsided win over a SWAC opponent in school history, surpassing the Aggies 28-12 win over Grambling in 1991. Fifth-year linebacker D’Vonte Grant and redshirt junior Denzel Jones led the Aggies defensively with 10 tackles apiece.

It was A&T’s first time playing in the event, which airs live nationally on ESPN.

“I think the coverage is something you can’t buy for our university or our conference,” said Broadway. “It’s great exposure. Our program has come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. We're nowhere close to being the type of program we want to be. So even just being invited to this game is an honor for us after going 27 games without a win and nine, 10 seasons without a winning season. Just to be invited tells us where we're going with our football program.”



COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

XU prevails in 5 on road to snap Wiley's long win streak

XU wins in 5 at Wiley, snaps Wiley's 54-match win streak against HBCUs.

MARSHALL, Texas -- Xavier University of Louisiana received career-high performances from Jodi Hill, Claudia Haywood, CeCe Williams, Darian Harris and Kayla Jones to earn a 26-28, 25-23. 25-17, 22-25, 15-9 women's volleyball victory at Wiley on Saturday.

The Gold Nuggets (1-2), in their first road match of the season, snapped Wiley's 54-match win streak against HBCUs. Xavier has won 40 straight against HBCUs.

Hill's 16 kills, Haywood's 11 kills, Williams' 11 kills, Harris' 29 digs and Jones' 19 digs were career bests. Franziska Pirkl recorded her 13th career double-double -- 50 assists and 12 digs -- and senior Chinedu Echebelem, in her season debut, had 12 kills and 21 digs.

"It wasn't a pretty match," XU coach Hannah Lawing said, "but we now know that we have depth."

Wiley (2-6) rallied from 17-13 and 25-24 deficits to win the opening set, but Echebelem produced nine kills to give the Gold Nuggets a 2-sets-to-1 lead. Fatima Dacosta's six kills and two blocks in the fourth set helped Wiley even the match before Xavier won for just the second time ever in five sets on an opponent's floor.

Williams had three kills and a block in the deciding set, Haywood had two kills, and Pirkl had a kill and an ace. Williams scored the final two XU points on kills.

Pirkl served three of the Gold Nuggets' seven aces, and Ralitsa Hadzhistoyanova served two.

Dacosta finished with 23 kills, 18 digs and three blocks for Wiley. Fernanda Aguilar had 10 kills, and Diana Castaneda had 23 digs.

Xavier outhit Wiley .149 to .105 and had advantages of 59-52 in kills and 99-86 in digs. The digs are the Gold Nuggets' most in a match since the program returned in 2010.

Wiley had not lost to an HBCU since dropping a three-set home match to Grambling in Oct. 30, 2007. Xavier is unbeaten against HBCUs since a 25-17, 25-17, 25-14 loss to Prairie View A&M on Oct. 6, 2011.

It was the first volleyball meeting between Xavier and Wiley. They'll meet again Sept. 9 at XU's Convocation Center. Next for the Gold Nuggets will be their Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opener at 5 p.m. Friday at home against Edward Waters. Xavier is the three-time defending GCAC regular-season and tournament champion and has a 43-match win streak against GCAC opponents.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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Week 1: HBCU Football ScoreCard

MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Orlando, Florida
North Carolina A&T 47,  Alabama A&M 13   Highlights  »

30th Labor Day Classic, Houston, Texas 
Texas Southern 37, Prairie View A&M 35 

OVC
Tennessee State 58, Edward Waters 6

MEAC
Bethune-Cookman 14, Florida International 12
South Carolina State 63, Benedict 0
Eastern Michigan 31, Morgan State 28  Watch Replay    Highlights  »
Old Dominion 41, Hampton 28
Maine 10, Norfolk State 6
Middle Tennessee State 61, Savannah State 7
Monmouth 52, Delaware State 21
East Carolina 52, North Carolina Central 7   Highlights  »
Akron 41, Howard 0 Watch Replay 

SWAC
Jackson State 22, Florida A&M 17
Mississippi Valley State 32,University of Faith 7
Alcorn State 55, Virginia University Lynchburg 7
Lamar 42, Grambling State 27
Louisiana-Lafayette 45, Southern 6  Watch Replay 
Sam Houston State 51, Alabama State 20
Texas State 65, Arkansas Pine Bluff 0  Watch Replay  

Lamar fends off Grambling in home opener

BEAUMONT, Texas -- Caleb Berry broke the Lamar record for career passing touchdowns as the Cardinals defeated Grambling State 42-27 on Saturday night at Provost Umphrey Stadium.

Lamar started out sluggish in the season opener for both teams, falling behind Grambling in the second quarter. The Cardinals did get on the board first when Berry found wide receiver Mark Roberts streaking down the left sideline for a 69-yard touchdown pass. Berry finished the game 27-of-45 for 389 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Despite the fast start, Lamar could not capitalize on numerous Grambling mistakes. After a bad punt snapped sailed over Tiger punter Johnathan Wallace's head and gave Lamar good field position, Berry threw an interception that was returned 74 yards. But the Cardinals would hold Grambling to a field goal that gave the Tigers the lead.



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TSU, Prairie View set for clash in Labor Day Classic

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

OPPONENT: Texas Southern

TIME: 4:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Houston, Texas (NRG Stadium)

WEATHER: Roof Closed
PV GAME NOTES: Click Here

TSU GAME NOTES: Click Here

INTERNET VIDEO: PANTHERVISION (Free)

RADIO: KPVU 91.3 FM (Leonard Moon (PxP), Jerre Moore (Color), Ernie Jackson (Sideline)

INTERNET RADIO: http://129.207.137.200/kpvulive

LIVE STATS: Click Here
FACEBOOK: Prairie View A&M Panther Athletics

TWITTER: PVAthletics

HOUSTON, Texas -- Labor Day signifies the end of summerTREThe annual Labor Day Classic means the start of a new football season in a game involving longtime SWAC rivals Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M.

The meeting between the programs comes early each season, and the outcome has a long, lasting affect throughout the remainder of the year.

"I had a lady walk up to me the other day, and she's a Prairie View alum, and tells me if Prairie View loses the game, she's not going to be able to go to church the next Sunday," fourth-year Prairie View football coach Heishma Northern said.

"I want to win, but you not going to church is between you and God. She said a lot of people at her church are TSU alums, and she just couldn't take it if we lose that game."

So not only does the winner get a head start in the SWAC West Division race, a year's worth of bragging rights is also on the line.

The 2014 Labor Day Classic is at 4 p.m. Sunday at NRG Stadium.

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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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2014 Southern University Human Jukebox Season Opener at ULL

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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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.

Final Stats (PDF) I Final Stats (HTML)
Ron Turner Quotes (PDF) I Richard Leonard and Alex McGough Quotes(PDF)
B-CU Head Coach Brian Jenkins Quotes (PDF) I Post-Game Notes (PDF)

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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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Sam Houston tops Alabama State 51-20

BOX SCORE

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 ...

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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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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.

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