TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M’s defense kept making plays, but the offense failed to capitalize and only found the end zone once in the second half as the Rattlers fell 34-17 to the South Carolina State Bulldogs in the team’s final home game of the season.
Interim head coach Corey Fuller called his team “undisciplined” and said penalties and turnovers doomed his team, despite the defense forcing three turnovers. The Rattlers stopped the Bulldogs twice in the red zone, and multiple times gave the offense prime field position.
“They were tougher than us,” Fuller said. “You can’t have that many turnovers in football and expect to win. You can’t be that undisciplined on the field.”
The Rattlers turned the ball over three times and had nine penalties for 71 yards. With the loss, the Rattlers only have one home win in the last two seasons.
CONTINUE READING
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Virginia State Trojans Are Kings Of The North
RICHMOND, Virginia — All week long in the lead up to the contest between Virginia State and Virginia Union, Trojans head coach Latrell Scott discussed why this type of game meant so much to him. Sure, it meant a lot because of its CIAA Title game implications with the winner of the game being crowned Northern Division champions, but there was another aspect which made it special.
Scott had been a regular visiter to Hovey Field as a child. Although he had no affiliation to either school at the time, Scott would cheer on the Panthers alongside his father whenever they would attend. It's why with the game getting out of hand in the fourth quarter, the normally vocal coach allowed himself to relax.
He surveyed his surroundings as he stared around a stadium packed as full as could be with fans from both schools cheering on their team's chances of making the title game. He turned behind him and saw the entire visiting stands filled with Virginia State alumni and students who have stuck behind the program and sensed history in the making.
Then, Scott looked out toward the field and saw ...
CONTINUE READING
Scott had been a regular visiter to Hovey Field as a child. Although he had no affiliation to either school at the time, Scott would cheer on the Panthers alongside his father whenever they would attend. It's why with the game getting out of hand in the fourth quarter, the normally vocal coach allowed himself to relax.
He surveyed his surroundings as he stared around a stadium packed as full as could be with fans from both schools cheering on their team's chances of making the title game. He turned behind him and saw the entire visiting stands filled with Virginia State alumni and students who have stuck behind the program and sensed history in the making.
Then, Scott looked out toward the field and saw ...
CONTINUE READING
WSSU beats Fayetteville State to clinch division title
The Rams, the two-time defending league champions, overcame a 7-0 halftime deficit to beat Fayetteville State on Saturday 17-7.
With the win the Rams (9-1, 7-0) clinched the Southern Division title and will now take on Virginia State on Saturday in Durham for the CIAA championship. The Trojans (8-2, 7-0) beat Virginia Union on Saturday to win the Northern Division title.
The Rams won their 32nd straight game against CIAA opponents and finished the regular-season unbeaten in conference play for the fourth straight season.
CONTINUE READING
Week 11: HBCU Football ScoreCard
Johnson C. Smith University junior linebacker Austin Jacques talks football, entrepreneurship and majoring in music performance.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2014
MEAC
Bethune-Cookman 13, Norfolk State 7 Watch Replay
North Carolina A&T 45, Morgan State 0
North Carolina Central 47, Hampton 13 (Homecoming)
South Carolina State 34, Florida A&M 17
Howard 51, Savannah State 21
SWAC
Grambling State 38, Mississippi Valley State 23 Highlights
»Watch Replay Alabama State 26, Jackson State 10
Alcorn State 41, Alabama A&M 14
Prairie View A&M 51, Arkansas Pine Bluff 23 (Homecoming)
Southern 30, Texas Southern 20
OVC
Tennessee State 31, Austin Peay 27
CIAA
Johnson C. Smith 31, Livingstone 14 Commemorative Classic
Chowan 50, Lincoln (Pa.) 20
Bowie State 35, Elizabeth City State 30
Virginia State 33. Virginia Union 12
Winston-Salem State 17, Fayetteville State 7
Saint Augustine's 16, Shaw 9
OTHER CONFERENCES
Millersville State 34, Cheyney 12
Shepherd 24, West Virginia State 10
Kentucky Wesleyan 53, Virginia University Lynchburg 13
Delta State 73, Concordia-Selma 6
Edward Waters 20, Warner 14 3 O.T.
McKendree 56, Lincoln (Mo.) 36
#23 Langston 38, SW Assembles of God 10
SIAC
Stillman 31, Clark Atlanta 26 (Homecoming)
Central State 44, Lane 25
Paine 45, Benedict 34
Morehouse 26, Kentucky State 20
Albany State 32, Fort Valley State 21, Fountain City Classic
Tuskegee 48, Miles 33
ALWAYS WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN
Fayetteville State faces another must-win CIAA showdown against Winston-Salem State
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State coach said this week's practices were unremarkable. Nothing special.
"We're just going about our business," Lawrence Kershaw said. "Nobody's putting any extra emphasis on anything, which is good."
Today's game against CIAA heavyweight Winston-Salem State (8-1 overall, 6-0 CIAA) certainly qualifies as a big deal. A win would give the Broncos (5-4, 5-1) the Southern Division title and a spot in next week's league championship game. A loss would end their season.
But again, none of this really showed up in the form of especially intense practices. Kershaw said his team seemed unfazed.
Perhaps that's because this season's Broncos team has been most comfortable when the stakes have been uncomfortably high.
CONTINUE READING
NCCU chases home win as MEAC dominoes fall
DURHAM, North Carolina — One of the dominoes that needed to fall for N.C. Central went down Thursday night when Bethune-Cookman beat Norfolk State.
Norfolk State joins NCCU as a two-loss team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. That leaves Bethune-Cookman, N.C. A&T, Morgan State and S.C. State as the remaining one-loss squads in the league.
Morgan State and A&T play each other today, so another domino will drop for NCCU (4-5, 3-2 MEAC).
The Eagles just need to make sure they don’t fall Saturday, Nov. 8, when homecoming guest Hampton shows up to crash the party (2 p.m., NCCUEaglePride.com).
CONTINUE READING
Southern University football vs. Texas Southern game capsule
When/Where: Saturday at 6 p.m. at A. W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge
Television: This weekend's game won't be aired on television, but there will be a live stream on gojagsports.com.
Radio: WYNK 97.7
Coaches: Southern — Dawson Odums (second season as head coach, was interim in 2012, 19-12). Texas Southern — Darrell Asberry (third season, 9-22).
About Southern: The Jaguars (6-3) will put their four-game winning streak on the line when they square off against the Tigers (5-4) this Saturday, but the improved play of Southern quarterback Austin Howard could help the Jaguars continue their roll. Howard has thrown for 1,036 yards and tossed 8 touchdowns during Southern's winning streak, and the freshman hasn't committed a turnover in the past two games. Howard is also engineering a Jaguar offense that ranks fourth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in total yards per game (424.1).
CONTINUE READING
Television: This weekend's game won't be aired on television, but there will be a live stream on gojagsports.com.
Radio: WYNK 97.7
Coaches: Southern — Dawson Odums (second season as head coach, was interim in 2012, 19-12). Texas Southern — Darrell Asberry (third season, 9-22).
About Southern: The Jaguars (6-3) will put their four-game winning streak on the line when they square off against the Tigers (5-4) this Saturday, but the improved play of Southern quarterback Austin Howard could help the Jaguars continue their roll. Howard has thrown for 1,036 yards and tossed 8 touchdowns during Southern's winning streak, and the freshman hasn't committed a turnover in the past two games. Howard is also engineering a Jaguar offense that ranks fourth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in total yards per game (424.1).
CONTINUE READING
Friday, November 7, 2014
XU Gold Nuggets conclude another unbeaten run in GCAC
 |
| Facebook photos |
NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana won 25-23, 25-21, 25-17 Thursday at Dillard to finish unbeaten in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's volleyball for the fourth consecutive regular season.
The Gold Nuggets (18-5, 14-0) have won 57 consecutive matches against GCAC opponents, 48 in the regular season. They have a 55-match win streak against HBCUs.
Xavier defeated Dillard, its longtime city rival, for the 11th consecutive time.
The Gold Nuggets will be the No. 1 seed in the GCAC Tournament and play their next match in that event on Nov. 14 at XU's Convocation Center. Xavier will seek a fourth consecutive GC
AC Tournament title and berth in the NAIA National Championship.
Dillard (12-11, 10-4) finished third in the GCAC regular season.
Earlier in the day, XU senior outside hitter Chinedu Echebelem was announced as a member of the Capital One Academic All-District 2 college division team.
Box Score
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information
Director
from THE EDITOR: FAMU Football Gets An A+
FAMU Rattlers vs South Carolina State Bulldogs 
November 8, 2014
3:00 P.M. EST
Bragg Memorial Stadium
Tallahassee, Florida
Radio: 96.1 FM/Video: Rattler Vision
Weather Forecast: 66 degrees; Cloudy
Tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 PM I will be sitting at Bragg Memorial Stadium with my grandson and another guest to watch the FAMU Rattlers attempt to tackle the South Carolina State Bulldogs. Last week the Rattlers won the battle, but lost the war to the Norfolk State Spartans. Had the Rattlers been able to overcome their mistakes, coaches and players alike, they would have easily won the game. They should have won the game.
This is not the first game they should have won. The first game of the ...
CONTINUE READING
TSU Tigers Travel to Clarksville to Face APSU, Saturday
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – On Saturday, the Tennessee State football team will travel to Austin Peay, looking to break the squad’s five-game losing streak.
Scouting TSU
The Tigers come into Saturday’s contest with a 4-6 overall and a 1-5 OVC record, having just lost to Eastern Kentucky at home, 56-42. TSU’s 42 points were the second-most for the team and quarterback Mike German tossed four touchdowns – three of which went to Isaiah Freeman.
The Tigers come into Saturday’s contest with a 4-6 overall and a 1-5 OVC record, having just lost to Eastern Kentucky at home, 56-42. TSU’s 42 points were the second-most for the team and quarterback Mike German tossed four touchdowns – three of which went to Isaiah Freeman.
Scouting APSU
Austin Peay has won just once this season and sit at 1-4 in league play. The squad’s victory over Murray State in its last home game on Oct. 18 snapped the nation’s longest losing streak at 18 games. The Governors have lost their last two contests by a combined score of 93-7.
Austin Peay has won just once this season and sit at 1-4 in league play. The squad’s victory over Murray State in its last home game on Oct. 18 snapped the nation’s longest losing streak at 18 games. The Governors have lost their last two contests by a combined score of 93-7.
Three Keys to the Game
Stick With It
Three weeks ago, the Tigers shuffled the offensive line, sticking players at four of the five new positions. Among those were Shaq Anthony who moved to left tackle and Kevin Kenton who became the team’s center. The change-up has worked wonders, and the unit has not given up a quarterback sack in 207 straight plays a span of two-and-a-half games. The last sack surrendered was in the second quarter against UT Martin. The Tigers have found a good starting five, and need to stick with it moving forward.
Three weeks ago, the Tigers shuffled the offensive line, sticking players at four of the five new positions. Among those were Shaq Anthony who moved to left tackle and Kevin Kenton who became the team’s center. The change-up has worked wonders, and the unit has not given up a quarterback sack in 207 straight plays a span of two-and-a-half games. The last sack surrendered was in the second quarter against UT Martin. The Tigers have found a good starting five, and need to stick with it moving forward.
Come Out of the Locker Room Strong
Even at 4-6, Tennessee State has outscored its opponents, 253-214, this season. The disparity occurs despite the fact that the team has given up 84 points in the third quarter, while only scoring a total of 54. TSU has only 10 points in the last three games during the period immediately following halftime. Whether it is rust or lack of focus, the Tigers need to buck the trend this Saturday to finish off Austin Peay and not let the Governors keep it close.
Even at 4-6, Tennessee State has outscored its opponents, 253-214, this season. The disparity occurs despite the fact that the team has given up 84 points in the third quarter, while only scoring a total of 54. TSU has only 10 points in the last three games during the period immediately following halftime. Whether it is rust or lack of focus, the Tigers need to buck the trend this Saturday to finish off Austin Peay and not let the Governors keep it close.
Play the Gaps
The TSU run defense has struggled to stop opposing running games the past few weeks and has allowed an average of 295 yards on the ground during the last two losses. What is more alarming is the way that opponents have gained those yards – through the middle. EIU’s Jalen Whitlow and Shepard Little each had long runs through A and B gaps on Oct. 25 and EKU’s Dy’Shawn Mobley and Jared McClain produced some more last week. TSU is good enough not to need more defenders in the box, but the defense needs to have better gap integrity and come off more blocks on Saturday.
The TSU run defense has struggled to stop opposing running games the past few weeks and has allowed an average of 295 yards on the ground during the last two losses. What is more alarming is the way that opponents have gained those yards – through the middle. EIU’s Jalen Whitlow and Shepard Little each had long runs through A and B gaps on Oct. 25 and EKU’s Dy’Shawn Mobley and Jared McClain produced some more last week. TSU is good enough not to need more defenders in the box, but the defense needs to have better gap integrity and come off more blocks on Saturday.
TSU is 10-6 all-time against APSU and have won two straight in rivalry by a combined, 62-20. Rod Reed is also 2-2 against the Governors.
Kickoff for Saturday’s contest is scheduled for 4 p.m. and it will be Austin Peay’s annual homecoming game.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Late free throws move Albany State past XU Rush, 62-61
 |
| Facebook photos |
NEW ORLEANS -- Larry Bullock's two free throws with 7.7 seconds remaining Thursday lifted Albany State to a 62-61 men's basketball victory against NAIA No. 13 Xavier University of Louisiana.
The Rams rallied from a 15-point deficit in the final 12 minutes to become the first non-NAIA opponent to defeat the Gold Rush (3-1) in the Convocation Center, which opened two years ago.
Albany State, an NCAA Division II member, counted the game as an exhibition. But Xavier counted it as a regular-season game.
Bullock, who scored 19 points, gave the Rams their first lead of the second half, 60-59, on a basket with 37 seconds remaining. Xavier regained the lead on the next possession, 61-60, on Morris Wright's basket with 24 seconds to play.
After Bullock made his decisive free throws, Wright missed a shot in the lane with two seconds remaining, and the Rams controlled the rebound.
It was a role reversal from last season, when Bullock's turnover with 13 seconds remaining set up Wright's 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds remaining in a 71-68 XU victory.
Wright scored 15 second-half points and for the game made 10-of-11 free throws. Chris Wheeler scored 15 points and Earl Farnum 11 for Albany State, which will open its regular season one week from Friday against West Florida in the Holiday Inn Classic at Valdosta, Ga. Wheeler and Farnum made three 3-pointers apiece.
Anthony Goode scored 17 points, Morris Wright 12 and Gary Smith a season-high 10 for Xavier. Jarvis Thibodeaux grabbed eight rebounds, and Wright tied his season high with seven assists.
Goode and Smith combined for all the points in an 11-0 run which gave Xavier a 17-13 lead in the eighth minute. A 15-2 run in the final seven minutes gave the Gold Rush a 35-27 halftime lead, and Thibodeaux's basket with 11:59 remaining gave the Rush a 49-34 advantage.
Xavier outrebounded the Rams 36-30, but Albany State outshot Xavier 39.2 to 38 percent from the floor and committed six fewer turnovers. Both teams made nine 3-pointers.
Xavier will play another NCAA Division II opponent, Miles, at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Convocation Center.
BOX SCORE
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
Game preview: Jackson State at Alabama State
THE GAMEWhen: 1 p.m., today
Where: ASU Stadium
Records: ASU (4-5, 3-4 SWAC); JSU (3-6, 1-5)
On the air: TV – None. Radio – WKXN-FM 102.7
Twitter: @tagayle
Hashtag: #MyASU, #ASU
FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY
1. No rest for the weary: Outside linebackers Deontrelle Silmon and Daerius Washington may get a little less rest this week as their backups continue to drop with injuries. Torrey Davis started in place of the injured Silmon at the beginning of the season but it out for the season and the next available backup, freshman Dominique Jackson, is sidelined as well. "We're thin," ASU coach Reggie Barlow said. "Torrey Davis tore his ACL and Dominique Jackson, a freshman who was playing, rolled his ankle so he didn't travel last week."
CONTINUE READING
Tuskegee and Miles are familiar foes as they battle Saturday for the SIAC Western crown
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- It's a similar picture once again as the road to the SIAC championship game winds down.
As has been the case in recent years, Miles and Tuskegee continue their stranglehold on the SIAC's Western division and will play Saturday for a chance to play in the conference championship on Nov. 15 in Montgomery.
Miles comes into the game at 6-3 overall and 5-1 in the conference, whileTuskegee is 7-2 and 6-0 in the conference.
The teams both lead the SIAC in different categories, and both teams' coaches expect the game to be a battle.
CIAA commissioner excited about weekend finish
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The CIAA was due for some good luck.
The conference has been trying to move on since last November, when its football championship game between Winston-Salem State and Virginia State was cancelled because of a restroom attack that made national headlines.
This weekend, the spotlight should be back on the field for the WSSU-Fayetteville State and Virginia Union-Virginia State games. They’ll decide division titles and set the field for the Nov. 15 CIAA championship game in Durham.
“There’s a lot of excitement, not only for this weekend, but for next weekend and the championship game,” said Jacqie McWilliams, the commissioner of the CIAA. “With what happened last year, and the cancellation of the game, we are really anticipating an exciting weekend in Durham. And I think this season has been a great one with a lot of parity, and you can see that because there are four teams with chances to win their respective divisions.”
CONTINUE READING
The conference has been trying to move on since last November, when its football championship game between Winston-Salem State and Virginia State was cancelled because of a restroom attack that made national headlines.
This weekend, the spotlight should be back on the field for the WSSU-Fayetteville State and Virginia Union-Virginia State games. They’ll decide division titles and set the field for the Nov. 15 CIAA championship game in Durham.
“There’s a lot of excitement, not only for this weekend, but for next weekend and the championship game,” said Jacqie McWilliams, the commissioner of the CIAA. “With what happened last year, and the cancellation of the game, we are really anticipating an exciting weekend in Durham. And I think this season has been a great one with a lot of parity, and you can see that because there are four teams with chances to win their respective divisions.”
CONTINUE READING
Aycock to make Livingstone game; JCSU coach OKd after school review
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Johnson C. Smith football coach Steve Aycock will be on the sidelines at Saturday’s Commemorative Classic against Livingstone.Aycock, who has coached the Golden Bulls to a 2-7 season, confirmed to The Post he was reinstated for the season finale at McGirt Field. Earlier in the week, he was scheduled for exclusion, but school officials reversed course on Thursday evening after an unspecified investigation.
"It wasn't a disciplinary action or a grade issue," Aycock said on Friday morning.
JCSU officials also declined comment on whether Aycock was sanctioned or the reason why. He led practices in preparation for the Livingstone game, a renewal of the oldest rivalry in black college football that dates to 1892. The Golden Bulls lead the series 47-30-3.
CONTINUE READING
Exhibition: Uptempo SSU women slip past Armstrong 96-84
SAVANNAH, Georgia -- It should be another good season for women’s college basketball in Savannah.Savannah State and Armstrong put on an offensive show for an enthusiastic crowd at Tiger Arena before the deeper Tigers pulled away for a 96-84 victory in a crosstown exhibition game dubbed “Battle by the Marsh.”
Both teams open their seasons for real on Nov. 14. SSU will host Columbia College. ASU travels to Florida to play Saint Leo in the Saint Leo Classic.
“This was a good game for us just to get a different look against a different opponent,” said Tigers coach Cedric Baker, whose squad won 19 games last season before falling in the semifinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.
CONTINUE READING
Broadway, North Carolina A&T Aggies focus on details
GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The logjam atop the MEAC football standings will clear up a little bit this week.
Two one-loss teams met Thursday night in Virginia, with Bethune-Cookman (8-2, 5-1 MEAC) taking a 13-7 win at Norfolk State (4-6, 4-2).
Two more one-loss teams clash at 1 p.m. Saturday at Aggie Stadium, when N.C. A&T (7-2, 4-1) plays its home finale against Morgan State (5-4, 4-1).
It’s a crucial game.
“One game doesn’t make a championship,” A&T coach Rod Broadway said. “It’s your body of work that makes a champion. Yes, it’s a big game — because it’s the next game.”
CONTINUE READING
Two one-loss teams met Thursday night in Virginia, with Bethune-Cookman (8-2, 5-1 MEAC) taking a 13-7 win at Norfolk State (4-6, 4-2).
Two more one-loss teams clash at 1 p.m. Saturday at Aggie Stadium, when N.C. A&T (7-2, 4-1) plays its home finale against Morgan State (5-4, 4-1).
It’s a crucial game.
“One game doesn’t make a championship,” A&T coach Rod Broadway said. “It’s your body of work that makes a champion. Yes, it’s a big game — because it’s the next game.”
CONTINUE READING
Week 11: HBCU Football Schedule
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014
Bethune-Cookman 13, Norfolk State 7 Watch Replay
Grambling State 38, Mississippi Valley State 23 Highlights
» Watch Replay SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2014
MEAC
Morgan State at North Carolina A&T, 1 PM
Hampton at North Carolina Central, 1 PM (Homecoming)
South Carolina State at Florida A&M, 3 PM
Howard at Savannah State, 6 PM
SWAC
Jackson State at Alabama State, 2 PM
Alcorn State at Alabama A&M, 2 PM
Prairie View A&M at Arkansas Pine Bluff, 3:30 PM (Homecoming)
Texas Southern at Southern, 7 PM
OVC
Tennessee State at Austin Peay, 5 PM
CIAA
Livingstone at Johnson C. Smith, 1 PM, Commemorative Classic
Lincoln (Pa.) at Chowan, 1 PM
Elizabeth City State at Bowie State, 1 PM
Virginia State at Virginia Union, 1:30 PM
Winston-Salem State at Fayetteville State, 1:30 PM
Shaw at Saint Augustine's, 1:30 PM
OTHER CONFERENCES
Millersville State at Cheyney, 12 Noon
Shepherd at West Virginia State, 1 PM
Virginia University Lynchburg at Kentucky Wesleyan at 1 PM
Concordia-Selma at Delta State, 2 PM
Warner at Edward Waters, 2 PM
McKendree at Lincoln (Mo.), 2 PM
SW Assembles of God at Langston, 3 PM
SIAC
Clark Atlanta at Stillman, 2 PM (Homecoming)
Lane at Central State, 2 PM
Benedict at Paine, 2 PM
Kentucky State at Morehouse, 2 PM
Albany State vs. Fort Valley State at Columbus, GA, 2 PM, Fountain City Classic
Tuskegee at Miles, 5 PM
ALL GAME TIMES SHOWN IN EASTERN TIME ZONE.
ALWAYS WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN
Grambling overcomes MVSU, sprinkler malfunction for win
ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Grambling shrugged off a fast start by Mississippi Valley State and a delay to the game to notch its seventh straight win of the season 38-23.
The Tigers improved to 7-3 on the year and 6-0 in SWAC play, but it did not come easy as MVSU jumped out to a 14-0 lead after one quarter of play.
The game was delayed in the second quarter after the sprinklers at Rice-Totten Stadium unexpectedly went off with a little less than five minutes left in the first half.
CONTINUE READING
The Tigers improved to 7-3 on the year and 6-0 in SWAC play, but it did not come easy as MVSU jumped out to a 14-0 lead after one quarter of play.
The game was delayed in the second quarter after the sprinklers at Rice-Totten Stadium unexpectedly went off with a little less than five minutes left in the first half.
CONTINUE READING
Bethune-Cookman Defense Carries 'Cats 13-7 Over NSU
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Bethune-Cookman’s defense scored two fourth-quarter safeties and held Norfolk State to 67 total yards as the No. 18/20 Wildcats took a 13-7 victory over the Spartans Thursday in a nationally televised ESPNU contest.It was the 800th victory in program history and helped the Wildcats (7-2 overall, 5-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) remain atop the jumbled MEAC leaderboard. Three other teams – Morgan State, North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State – also have one conference loss.
Rony Barrow registered both safeties for the Wildcats defense, who allowed only three Spartan first downs in a match-up of two of the nation’s top FCS defensive units.
"When your defense scores, it puts you in a position to win," said B-CU Head Coach Brian Jenkins. "Our defense bowed their neck and stood their ground tonight. You saw two well-coached defensive teams. We just were able to make more plays tonight. When you only give up [67] total yards, I really don't have to say anything. "
For the second straight week and fourth time this season, the Wildcats won when they trailed after three quarters.
"we drill our kids on not getting rattled and playing a complete game," Jenkins said. "When we didn't have some success on offense early, we stayed in the moment and prepared for the next moment to come. They played four quarters of football."
Barrow and Ty're Simmons gave the Wildcats an 8-7 lead with 14:36 remaining when he tackled Norfolk State running back Aaron Daniels in the end zone for a safety. Punter Jonathan Cagle set up the score with a 57-yard punt that the Spartans mishandled deep in their own territory.
After the free kick, Bethune-Cookman increased its lead to 11-7 on a 24-yard Ben Noboa field goal. A 29-yard Quentin Williams completion to tight end Justin Henderson on third down kept the drive alive.
Cagle and Barrow came up big again in the game’s final 90 seconds.
A 37-yard Cagle punt pinned the Spartans at their own one-yard line. On the first play, Barrow and David Perry sacked Spartans quarterback Terrance Ervin for the safety with 1:21 to play.
"Cagle's a vet at this thing," Jenkins said. "He knows how to adjust different things -- his drops and positioning the ball to get a good kick."
Bethune-Cookman recovered the ensuing onside kickoff and ran out the clock for the victory.
Williams threw for 83 yards and rushed for 44, but the Wildcat offense gave up three turnovers and failed to punch ball in twice inside the Spartan red zone.
Norfolk State (4-6,4-2) capitalized on the first Wildcat mistake, needing only 45 to drive after an interception. Ervin hit Chris Lee for a 16-yard score with 7:36 remaining in the first quarter.
The Wildcats pulled to 7-6 with 8:16 remaining in the half when Williams connected with Jhomo Gordon on a 23-yard touchdown on a fourth-down play, but the PAT went wide left.
In the third quarter, B-CU got the ball on the Spartan 5-yard line after a blocked punt, but came up empty after a missed field goal.
Michael Jones had 50 yards for the Wildcats while Jaime Wilson had a 26-yard one-handed catch in the fourth quarter that was trending on ESPN for a spot on SportsCenters Top Ten Plays.
"Funny thing about that is that every day in practice, we're yelling at Jaime `Two hand, two hands' and then he comes in the game and does that one-handed catch," Jenkins said. "It shows you our guys were into the game from beginning to end and wanted to make a play when they had a
n opportunity."
Ralph Williams led the defensive totals with 13 tackles and a sack.
The Wildcats return to Virginia next Thursday for another ESPNU contest, this one at Hampton with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
COURTESY BETHUNE- COOMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Thursday, November 6, 2014
XU's Echebelem selected to Academic All-District team
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Chinedu Echebelem was announced Thursday as a member of the Capital One Academic All-District 2 college division women's volleyball team.The College Sports Information Directors of America selected the seven-member team.
Echebelem, a senior outside hitter from Dallas and a graduate of Duncanville High School, is a chemistry / pre-medical major with a 3.77 grade-point average at Xavier. She is a two-time All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference selection and was the 2014 GCAC Preseason Player of the Year. She was MVP of the 2012 GCAC Tournament and a 2013 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete. She ranked second on the Gold Nuggets with 187 kills and 217 digs entering their regular-season finale Thursday at Dillard.
"Nay's success on and off the court comes from her hard-work ethic," XU coach Hannah Lawing said. "I cannot remember a practice where she was not going 110 percent. On our bus trips when everyone else was asleep, I'd see Nay studying with her little light on.
"Nay has done a great job adjusting to our early morning practice schedule this season. She continues to do a great job of time-management and keeping her priorities in order."
District 2 in the college division comprises athletes in Louisiana, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. Xavier and Alabama State (District 4 of the NCAA Division I) were the only HBCUs to be represented on the any of the Academic All-District volleyball teams this year. Xavier and Nicholls State were the only Louisiana universities with an honored player.
Joining Echebelem on the Academic All-District team were Nadelina Nesheva and Sarah Anderson of Lindsey Wilson, Aubrey Husak of Bethel (Ind.), Chelsi Hummert of Lindenwood-Belleville, Kelsey Arvin of Taylor and Erynn Schuh of Trinity Christian.
Xavier was 17-5 entering the Dillard match and clinched its fourth consecutive GCAC regular-season championship this past weekend.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
South Carolina State will test FAMU's defense
.gif)
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- It's a small sample size against a statistically weak offense, but Florida A&M's defense showed flashes of dominance in its first game under interim head coach Corey Fuller.Eight different players recorded tackles behind the line of scrimmage against Norfolk State. The defense also kept both of the Spartans' quarterbacks under duress and picked up six sacks.
Fuller said the defense was playing with more "personality" against the Spartans. He added that to him, the unit picked up more "big hits" on Saturday than it did over the last two seasons.
"You'll see the defense having a lot of fun and playing with a whole lot of energy," Fuller said.
"I played football like that. If you go anywhere and ask any of the coaches I've played for – I played with great passion. We've got to carry that on to this week right here. Coming off a tough loss, it's harder to get up.
CONTINUE READING
NCAA: Arkansas Pine Bluff improperly certified student-athletes
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Over five academic years, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff failed to monitor and control the administration of its athletics program, according to a decision issued by a Division I Committee on Infractions panel. The university wrongly certified 124 student-athletes for competition, including nine student-athletes that competed before the NCAA Eligibility Center certified their amateur status. The university learned of deficiencies in its eligibility certification process in 2009, but failed to correct the deficiencies, which allowed ineligible student-athletes to continue to compete until 2012.UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF, PUBLIC INFRACTIONS DECISION
NOVEMBER 5, 2014
Penalties include five years of probation; a postseason ban for the football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball teams; a vacation of all wins in which ineligible student-athletes participated; and scholarship reductions for 11 of the university’s teams.
This case was resolved through the summary disposition process, a cooperative effort where the involved parties collectively submit the case to the Committee on Infractions in written form. The NCAA enforcement staff, university and involved individuals must agree to the facts of the case in order for this process to be utilized instead of having a formal hearing. An expedited penalty hearing was held because the university did not agree to all of the proposed penalties.
The university did not correctly apply progress-toward-degree, degree credit hour, non qualifier status and two-year transfer requirements when certifying student-athletes as eligible for competition. During the five years, 124 student-athletes practiced, competed or received athletics aid while ineligible, and a majority also received impermissible travel expenses.
From 2007-08 through 2009-10, 19 student-athletes from various teams competed when they did not appear on the official squad lists, contrary to NCAA rules. During the same time period, the university provided books to 15 student-athletes who did not have a book scholarship..
The university did not provide adequate NCAA rules education and training to staff members responsible for certifying student-athlete eligibility. The lack of education and training contributed to the improper eligibility certifications and resulted in ineligible student-athletes participating in hundreds of contests. It also did not establish a proper system to ensure compliance with NCAA eligibility rules. Because of this and the full scope of the violations, the university lacked institutional control and failed to monitor the administration of its athletics program.
Penalties and corrective measures include:
Public reprimand and censure.
Five years of probation from November 5, 2014 through November 4, 2019.
A 2014-15 postseason ban for the football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball teams.
A vacation of all wins in which ineligible student-athletes competed during the 2007-08 through 2011-12. The public report contains further details on the vacation.
A reduction in scholarships for baseball; women’s and men’s track and field; softball; women’s soccer; men’s golf; women’s volleyball; men’s and women’s basketball; women’s tennis; and football. The public report contains more details on the reductions.
A comprehensive compliance review by an outside agency with athletics compliance expertise.
Members of the Committee on Infractions are drawn from NCAA membership and members of the public. The members of the panel who reviewed this case are Greg Christopher, chief hearing officer and athletics director at Xavier University; Thomas Hill, senior vice president for student affairs at Iowa State University; Joel Maturi, former University of Minnesota athletics director; Jim O’Fallon, law professor and faculty athletics representative at the University of Oregon; and Greg Sankey, executive associate commissioner and chief operating officer for the Southeastern Conference.
COURTESY NCAA.ORG
Alabama A&M falls to top-seeded Howard in first round of SWAC women's soccer tournament
 |
| HOWARD UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM 2014 SWAC REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONS ROSTER PHOTO COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS |
The Lady Bison beat a young Alabama A&M squad 6-0 behind three goals from Nia Walcott, including one penalty kick. It was opening match in the tournament which runs through Sunday at John Hunt Park.
For the Lady Bulldogs, it was the final game for lone senior Gabby Huertas, the All-SWAC second-team midfielder. Huertas, who finished the season with 4 goals and 6 assists for a team-high 14 points, played her usual scrappy, no-holds-barred game.
Late in the game, Head Coach Frank Davies moved her to forward, hoping she would give a spark and possibly a goal in the final minutes.
CONTINUE READING
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)