Ram Ramblings: WSSU waiting to hear from CIAA on punishments

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Last night’s Winston-Salem State-Barber Scotia game was one for the books.
The Rams easily won 105-64 but that wasn’t the interesting part.

It all started with the three game officials not showing up so Vierl Banks, who is a former official with the CIAA who was the neutral observer for the conference office, had to quickly spring into action. Banks was able to get three officials who live nearby to the game so it could get played.

According to Adrian Ferguson, an associate commissioner of media relations for the CIAA, the conference didn’t have the game on its master schedule. Therefore, there were no officials assigned to the game.

“On Winston-Salem State’s original schedule that they sent us it didn’t have the game on it,” Ferguson said.

CONTINUE READING

S.C. State Marching 101 at Medal of Honor Bowl

CHARLESTON, South Carolina — Medal of Honor Bowl Chairman Tommy McQueeney has announced that South Carolina State University’s famed “Marching 101” Band will again perform during halftime of the second annual game on Saturday, Jan. 10, at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.

The Medal of Honor Bowl is a premier all-star game the features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor recipients and the game’s beneficiaries, the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disabled veterans and wounded warriors.

“South Carolina State’s ‘Marching 101’ Band is among the top college performance bands in America and they did a terrific job for us last year,” McQueeney said. “We are fortunate that SCSU President Tom Elzey and Band Director Eddie Ellis have once again accepted our request and are again sending this state treasure to the Lowcountry. The ‘Marching 101’ is entertaining, well-choreographed and exudes in American Patriotism.”



CONTINUE READING

First-year coach Broderick Fobbs returns Grambling to traditional place as a winner

NEW ORLEANS -- Along with Grambling’s now infamous forfeiture, walkout and boycotts last season, Robert Bruno struck the biggest nerve with the venerable program.

Speaking to WWL-TV in June, Bruno — then the commissioner of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District — suggested separating Southern and Grambling’s annual rivalry in the Bayou Classic, wary that Grambling’s struggles in the previous two seasons would lead to decreased attendance and decreased interest.

“If Grambling has fallen off that bad, maybe Southern could take the lead, and it could be an earned-in game and bring in somebody else,” Bruno was quoted in the report. “I just don’t know if Grambling can carry the load.”

Five months later, Grambling is rejuvenated.

CONTINUE READING  

TSU Lady Tigers Prepare for Thanksgiving Classic Opponents

GAME NOTES | LIVE STATS | LIVE VIDEO TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

GAMEDAY

The Tennessee State University women’s basketball team will return to action after the holiday to host the Teresa Phillips Thanksgiving Classic. The four-team tournament will see TSU match up with Norfolk State on Saturday at 3 p.m. before facing Youngstown State on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Gentry Center.  

THE LADY TIGERS AT A GLANCE

Tennessee State (1-3) is coming off a, 97-46, road loss to #4 Tennessee on Monday. TSU’s only win of the season was a, 73-55, victory over Lipscomb.  

After four games, Chelsea Hudson is leading the team in scoring with 13.8 points and a team second-best 6.5 rpg. Briana Morrow is leading the team in rebounds per game with 7.5 while Rachel Allen (9.3 ppg) and Brianna Lawrence (6.8 ppg) round out the top three scorers. 

As a team, TSU is shooting 34.3 percent from the field while averaging 57.3 points per outing. The Lady Tigers have struggled shooting from the free-throw line, only connecting on 61.1 percent of their attempts to start the season.  

The Lady Tigers are led by third year head coach and Hall of Famer, Larry Joe Inman.

LAST TIME OUT

Tennessee State stunned #4 Tennessee and jumped out to a 6-0 start. The Lady Tigers led, 13-5, at one point and, 20-14, at another but the Lady Vols used a 23-0 run to take control of the game. Ultimately, TSU fell to the SEC opponent, 97-46, in Thompson-Boling Arena. Rachel Allen led TSU with 13 points while Briana Morrow pulled down 12 boards. Hudson, TSU’s leading scorer, was held to six points. 

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS

Norfolk State (0-4) is coming off of a, 64-47, loss to Hofstra. The Spartans were led in scoring by Rae Corbo (9) and Alvah Parham (9). NSU is averaging 56.8 points per game while shooting .319 from the field. Rae Corbo (18.5 ppg) and Kayla Roberts (9.3 ppg) are the top scorers for NSU.  

Youngstown State (4-0) has opened the season undefeated, including its most recent, 69-54, victory over Bucknell. Four YSU players scored in double-digits led by Heidi Schlegel’s 14 points. The Penguins average 72.5 points per game behind a 44.9 shooting percentage. Heidi Schlegel (14.0 ppg), Indiya Benjamin (12.8 ppg), Nikki Arnabaa (11.0 ppg) and Latisha Walker (10.5) are averaging double-digits in scoring for YSU.  

SERIES INFORMATION 

TSU vs. Norfolk State

Series Record:TSU 1-0

Last Meeting:1997-98, TSU W 91-70

Last TSU Win:1997-98, 91-70

Last NSU Win:  n/a 

TSU vs. Youngstown

Series Record: YSU St. 2-0

Last Meeting: 1987-88

Last TSU Win: n/a

Last YSU Win:.1987-88, 81-72  

COVERAGE

Updates on the game will be available throughout the game on the official twitter page via @TSU_Tigers. Live stats and video will also be available for the TSU games on OVCDigitalNework.com. Links can be found on tsutigers.com under the schedule. 

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

HBCU Men's Basketball Coaches Go After Top-Tier Talent During Early Signing Period

Jaquan Harrison, a 6'5 small forward committed to Bethune-Cookman in Florida, continues to display his ridiculous leaping ability. Harrison is known around Ohio for his crazy dunks, his hangtime, playing above the rim and pretty much putting people on posters. Returning to Africentric as a senior, Harrison will be a leader along with junior, Houston Smith and senior Ulmer Manzie (B-CU).

Future Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Recruits for 2015-2016

Player College Pos HT WT Born Birth City High School/Prep School

• Ahmad Frost Maryland-Eastern Shore SG 6-1 190 N/A Cincinnati (OH)  Fishburne Miltary Academy (VA)
• JaQuan Harrison Bethune-Cookman SG 6-3 N/A N/A Columbus (OH) Columbus Africentric High School (OH)
• K'Ja Johnson Florida A&M SG 6-2 170 N/A Douglasville (GA) Douglas County High School (GA)
• Francois Lewis Florida A&M SF 6-7 N/A N/A Orlando (FL) Edgewater High School (FL)
• Ulmer Manzie Bethune-Cookman PF 6-6 N/A N/A Columbus (OH) Columbus Africentric High School (OH)
•  Darius Speaks Coppin State SG 6-4 N/A N/A Temple Hills (MD) Mount Zion Christian Academy (LA)
• Moses Toriola Norfolk State C 6-10 215 N/A Meriden (NH) Kimball Union Academy (NH)

Shaq Benson, 6'-10"PF,  22 points 15 rebounds 3 blocks signs with PVAMU.

Future Southwestern Athletic Conference Recruits for 2015-16

Season Player College Pos HT WT Born Birth City High School/Prep School

• Malik Amos Prairie View A&M PG 6-1 145 N/A Katy (TX) Cinco Ranch High School (TX)
• Shaquille Benson Prairie View A&M PF 6-10 290 N/A Boutte (LA) Hahnville High School (LA)
• Trenton Clayton Alabama State PF 6-9 N/A N/A Montgomery (AL) Robert E. Lee High School (AL)
• Brendon Ganaway Southern PG 5-10 N/A N/A Richmond (TX) George Bush High School (TX)
•  Branden Johnson Alabama State SF 6-7 195 N/A Garfield Heights (OH) Garfield Heights High School (OH)
• Javier Roper Grambling State SF 6-6 185 N/A Ruston (LA) New Living Word School (LA)

Future Ohio Valley Conference Recruits for 2015-16

Season Player College Pos HT WT Born Birth City High School/Prep School

• Armani Chaney Tennessee State PG 5-10 150 N/A Chicago (IL) St. Rita of Cascia High School (IL)

FAMU Head Coach Samuels Signs Two To 2015-2016 Class

HEAD COACH BYRON SAMUELS
MEN'S BASKETBALL
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University Men’s Basketball coach Byron Samuels announced the early signing last week of two ace prep players to join the 2015-16 Rattler squad.

The dynamic prep duo features Francois Lewis, a 6-8, 200-pound forward from Orlando Edgewater High, and 6-1, 170-pound guard Kentrelle “K’Ja” Johnson from Douglas (Ga.) County High in the Atlanta area.

Coach Samuels commented on both signees, offering the following assessments:

BHSN: Francois Lewis signs with FAMU 

On Francois Lewis:
"Francois is 6'8"200 pounds and a very skilled and versatile basketball player from a super basketball program, Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida.  He has been applauded by his high school coach, Jason Atherton and everyone who has coached him. Francois can really shoot the basketball from deep and he possess great ball handling skills.

“What excited me the most about Francois is his ability to pass the basketball. He has a rare combination of size, skill and athleticism that will allow him to play multiple positions for our team. He is an excellent student and we are very excited to welcome him and his family into the Rattler Nation."

LEWIS BY THE NUMBERS: Averaged 12.0 ppg * 4.0 rbs * 2.0 assists * 40% from three point range / 80% from free throw line…. Also had 3.3 GPA in honors classes.

What HOOP SEEN.COM says about LEWIS:
"Let's get to the part where college coaches will like: Lewis is a good student. Good enough to be recruited by West Point (United States Military Academy). So, there's that. The left-handed 6-foot-7 bouncy prospect seems to be the kind of guy that is on the brink of taking his game to the next level. He defended a host of much taller players and defended them well. On the flip side, Lewis showed some flash out the midrange game. Mid-majors will want to keep close watch."



On “K’Ja” Johnson:
"K'Ja is a very talented back court player that can play both guard positions. He has the speed, quickness and court awareness to be a very good point guard, yet it's his ability to shoot the ball and score that will allow us to play him at either perimeter spot.

“He comes from a perennial high school basketball power in Douglas County High School, Coached by Hollis Bethea. A competitor in every sense, we believe K'Ja has a very bright future with our program. He has a great support from his family and community in the Douglas County area, and he is a great fit for how we want to play here at FAMU.

JOHNSON BY THE NUMBERS: Averaged 23.0 points per game, 8.0 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former Norfolk State Spartan Hawkins to Play in Lithuania

NORFOLK, Virginia – Former Norfolk State men's basketball guard Malcolm Hawkins recently signed a contract to play in Lithuania. He will compete for Jazz-Diremta Kaunas in the Lithuania NKL (National Basketball League).

It will not mark his first games overseas, though, since finishing his career at NSU. He played one game for BK Jekabpils in the Latvia LBL League as well as one game in the Baltic League this fall. Hawkins spent the preseason with Helios Suns Domzale in the Slovenia-Telemach League.

A second-team All-MEAC honoree in 2014, Hawkins played for the Spartans for two years from 2012-14 after transferring from Delaware. He averaged 15.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists last season. He led the MEAC in 3-point shooting at 41.5 percent (59-of-142) and also ranked eighth in 3-point field goals per game, ninth in scoring and 14th in free throw shooting (78.1).

He tallied more than 800 points in just two seasons with the Spartans, helping the program finish first in the MEAC regular season standings at 16-0 his junior year. After playing in the NIT that year, NSU advanced to the CollegeInsider.com tournament his senior year. The Spartans went 40-27 overall during Hawkins' two seasons with the program.

He becomes the third former Spartan to sign a contract to play in Europe this year, joining Michael Deloach and Pendarvis Williams who are currently competing in Italy. Former NSU players Kyle O'Quinn (NBA's Orlando Magic) and Brandon Goode (NBA Development League's Delaware 87ers) are also competing professionally this year.


By Mike Bello, Asst. SID
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NSUSPARTANS
https://www.facebook.com/NorfolkStateAthletics
https://twitter.com/NSUSpartans
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY 

Southern U. QB Austin Howard learns college game quickly

NEW ORLEANS -- Southern University offensive coordinator Chad Germany recalled the summer conversation he had with freshman quarterback Austin Howard before preseason camp began.

Howard didn't sound arrogant, Germany noted, just determined.

"He said, 'Hey coach, I've started for four years. I've never sat on the bench,' '' Germany said. "That competitive approach he has is something that I like about him. It will carry him a long way.''

It already has.

This time last year, Howard, a 6-foot, 190-pounder, was the starting quarterback for West St. John High.



CONTINUE READING

Benedict Fires Football Coach James Woody

COLUMBIA, South Carolina  -- Benedict College has released head football coach James Woody from his contract, announced Willie Washington, the school's Director of Athletics.

"We appreciate the hard work Coach Woody and his staff performed over the last few seasons," Washington said. "But after a careful review of the entire football program, it was determined that a change in direction was necessary."

Woody took over midway through the 2011 season and went 1-5 as interim coach. Benedict went 1-9 in 2012 before going 4-6 in 2013 and 2014. Woody went 10-26 in three and a half seasons as head coach. He was 4-10 in home games and 6-20 in SIAC conference games.

A national search for a head football coach will begin immediately, Washington said.

COURTESY BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION 

Morgan State makes FCS playoffs for first time

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Before the college football season began, Morgan State was predicted to finish 10th in the MEAC. Championships and games are not won on paper, though.

The Bears won a share of the conference championship and grabbed the MEAC's automatic bid to the NCAA FCS playoffs.

Morgan State crushed Delaware State 69-7 on Saturday putting it in position for their first MEAC football championship and their first trip to the FCS playoffs. They finished in a five-way tie for the top spot with Bethune-Cookman, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central and South Carolina State.

Morgan State (7-5 overall, 6-2 MEAC) will face Richmond (8-4 overall, 5-3 CAA) this Saturday at Robins Stadium. The winner of this contest will play No. 7 seeded Coastal Carolina on Dec. 6.

It's been an amazing year for Lee Hull, Morgan State's first-year head coach, who took over the Bears football program after spending six years as the wide receivers coach at the University of Maryland. Hull saw a lot of good things with the Morgan State football team.

After Bayou Classic, Southern awaits another NCAA visit, hopes for relief

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The postseason ban the NCAA has placed on Southern will not prevent the Jaguars from participating in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game if they defeat Grambling in the Bayou Classic on Saturday.

Soon, Southern hopes to be rid of the ban altogether.

The one-year ban, which the NCAA instituted as punishment for inadequate reporting of student-athletes’ Academic Progress Rates, expires Tuesday. A group of NCAA officials will visit the Southern campus next Thursday to determine what to do next, athletic director William Broussard said.

“I imagine everything is on the table,” Broussard said Tuesday. “They’ve given us a list of things they wanted done, and we’re going to show them that we’ve done them.”

CONTINUE READING

S..C. State Women Knock Off USC Upstate 60-50

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina –  Senior guard Kourtney Williams had game-highs of 18 points and three blocks, while teammate junior guard Amber Howard tallied 14 points and six rebounds to lead the South Carolina State women's basketball team to a 60-50 win over USC Upstate on Wednesday night at the S-H-M Memorial Center.
 
Upstate (3-3) got on the board first with a jumper by Brittany Clency with 18:57 left in the first half and led by four, 13-9, after a layup by Brittany Starling at the 11:28 mark. Seventeen seconds later, freshman guard Brittany Drumgoole was fouled while attempting a 3-pointer and made all three free throws. Drumgoole forced an Upstate turnover and Howard scored a bucket to give SC State (3-0) a two-point lead (15-13). With 10:31 left in the half.
 
The Lady Bulldogs extended their lead to nine, 32-23, after a pair of free throws by junior forward Toni Grier to go into halftime.
 
SC State kept the Spartans at bay the entire second period, leading by as many 17 (51-34) along the way.
 
Upstate shot 33.3 percent from the floor for the game (18-of-54), was 3-of-17 from the 3-point line and made 11 of its 19 free-throw attempts. Raven Jefferson led the Spartans with 11 points, while Starling had a game-high 10 rebounds.
 
The Lady Bulldogs were 20-of-48 from the floor, including 3-of-10 from beyond the arc. They missed just one free throw (17-of-18), but lost the rebound battle 35-33 on the boards. Junior forward Jasmine Coleman grabbed a team-high seven rebounds and added four points, two blocks and a steal.
 
The Lady Bulldogs hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to Clinton, S.C. to take on Presbyterian on Saturday.  Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.

Box Score 

Karen M. Carty, Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations
COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
 

Daniel, Miller Combine To Lead Howard To Road Win Over UMBC

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- James "J-Byrd" Daniel scored a game-high 19 points and James "JT" Miller and James "JC" Carlton added 18 and 10, respectively to lead Howard University (3-3) to a 68-54 win over the University of Maryland Baltimore County at the RAC.
           
Daniel, who suffered a thigh contusion in the last game and was doubtful up until game time, got the Bison going by scoring 12 of his points in the first 20 minutes.  With the attention focused on Daniel, Miller stepped up as Howard led 26-19 at the half.
           
"J-Byrd was doubtful for the game but he pushed through his thigh contusion and he and JT led the charge early for us," said Howard Coach Kevin Nickelberry.
       
Added UMBC assistant coach John Zito, following the game, "We knew going in that we had to stop Daniel but he got them going.  His play was key for them early."
           
Buoyed by the play of Daniel and Miller, Carlton, Damon Collins and Jared Norsworthy began to contribute and resulted in a 28-16 second half run that opened a 17-point lead and all but decided the outcome.
 
The Bison defense and rebounding were also keys.  Howard forced the Retrievers (0-4) into a 2 for 15 shooting from beyond the arc.  The Bison swarming defense forced too many scoring droughts.  Howard held a 38-28 advantage on the boards.
 
"I'm very proud of this group of young men," said Nickelberry. "They played in another loud arena, but you could tell they learned from earlier losses. They started the game with the mentality that no matter what we were coming out with a victory.  A very solid performance on the road  and relieved to break the non-conference losing streak."
 
Collins finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds, Norsworthy with 6 points and 5 rebounds in 10 minutes off the bench and Carlton with a team-high 8 rebounds.
 
UMBC was led by Aaron Morgan with 13 and Charles Taylor and Jourdan Grant with 11 and 10, respectively.
 
NEXT UP: Howard will look to go above .500 when it hosts Gwynedd Mercy University at 4 pm Saturday in Burr Gymnasium.  

BOX SCORE

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON SPORTS INFORMATION

Gold Rush end losing streak at Wiley, win 80-44

Jarvis Thibodeaux
6'-8"  200 lbs,,  Junior
Houston, Texas
St. Pius X (Presbyterian) 

MARSHALL, Texas -- Xavier University of Louisiana ended its long men's basketball losing streak at Wiley with a decisive 80-44 victory Tuesday.

The Gold Rush (8-2), ranked 13th in NAIA Division I, had lost six straight to the Wildcats at Alumni Gymnasium since a 96-68 victory on Dec. 11, 2003.

Guard Troy Salvant, a 26-year-old freshman who spent seven years in the Army before enrolling at Xavier, scored all of his career-high 20 points in nine first-half minutes. Gary Smith and Morris Wright scored 12 points apiece, and Jacques Johnson and Wesley Pluviose-Philip scored 11 apiece. Smith and Pluviose-Philip reached season highs.

Xavier shot a season-high 59.6 percent from the floor and made 11-of-16 3-pointers for its most accurate long-range performance in nearly three years.

"We played well and hit shots," XU coach Dannton Jackson said. "This was close to being one of our best games."

Xavier took the lead for good in the second minute and led 47-24 at halftime after shooting 62.1 percent from the floor. Salvant was 7-of-7 from the floor, 4-of-4 from 3-point range and 2-of-2 from the line in the first half.

"Troy hit an early first shot and was feeling it," Jackson said, "so we kept him in there."

Xavier made 11 treys for the first time since its Convocation Center debut against Morehouse on Nov. 3, 2012. Wright made three, and Smith and Johnson made two apiece.

Xavier led by 30 or more for the final 5:27. The Gold Rush posted the third-largest winning margin in the 59-game series and the biggest since a 41-point victory in the 1972-73 season.

Wiley (2-4) shot 31.4 percent from the floor, the lowest this season by an XU opponent.

The Gold Rush outrebounded the Wildcats 36-31. Wright and Pluviose-Philip grabbed a seaosn-high six apiece.

"Jacques Johnson hit some big shots in the second half," Jackson said. "Mo Wright was steady. Another guy who played steady was Josh Freeman in relief of Mo. Josh didn't fill up the stat sheet, but he did the small things well, got us into the offense and defended at a high level."

Xavier produced its biggest winning margin on an opponent's floor since a 110-61 decision against Faith Baptist on Dec. 8, 1994.

Xavier, 6-0 this season against NAIA opponents, will play NAIA No. 9 William Carey at 7 p.m. Monday at the Convocation Center.

Box score

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAATHLETICS

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

https://twitter.com/xulagold

https://www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Xavier Classic matchups revised

Trana Hopkins

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Tuesday a revision in the pairings of this week's Xavier Classic women’s basketball event.

The revised pairings will consist of two games at XU's Convocation Center. Fisk will play Langston at 5 p.m. Thursday, and Xavier will play Fisk at 4 p.m. Friday. Xavier will not play Thursday. The original schedule called for four games over two days.

Tickets for each day will cost $10 for ages 13 and older. There will be free admission for ages 12 and younger and for XU students, faculty and staff with a valid XU ID.

Langston, coached by hall-of-fame player Cheryl Miller, is 6-0 and ranked 24th in NAIA Division I. The Lady Lions won 71-68 at home Nov. 15 against NAIA No. 1 and defending national champion Oklahoma City.

Xavier (3-4) is ranked 18th and has a 21-game home winning streak.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAATHLETICS

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

https://twitter.com/xulagold

ttps://www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Derrick Burroughs will not return to Jackson State

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Derrick Burroughs was among the first hires by Jackson State head coach Harold Jackson.

Now, he's the first one out.

Burroughs will not return as JSU's defensive coordinator, the school announced in an email late-afternoon Tuesday.

"I thank Coach Burroughs for the contributions he made to the Jackson State football program," Jackson said in the email.

It comes shortly after after the Tigers concluded their season with 34-31 win over Alcorn State on Saturday.

CONTINUE READING 

With Grambling improved, excitement grows for the Bayou Classic

NEW ORLEANS -- There was a time when conventional wisdom held that, when it came to the Bayou Classic, records didn’t matter. Fans would fill the Mercedes-Benz Superdome regardless.

And they did, making Thanksgiving weekend in New Orleans a must for those wanting to both see and be seen — the model for such events around the country.

But times change and, with one program or the other down in recent years — sometimes both — turmoil inside and outside the athletic departments of both schools and even a post-Hurricane Katrina malaise, that hasn’t been the case.

Some even suggested the Classic needed a major shakeup — namely, dropping Grambling and finding another foe to face Southern.

That didn’t happen.

And now, with the SWAC Western Division title on the line for both teams Saturday for ...



CONTINUE READING

Grambling defensive coordinator back in Bayou Classic

NEW ORLEANS -- On Thanksgiving Day in 2010, Terrence Graves sat like many others, surrounded by his family and with food covering the table.

“It was different,” Graves said Sunday. “First time in almost 16 years I had been able to go home.”

Coaching is Graves’ calling. An intense competitor who refuses to let much hinder preparation for the next game, Graves’ Southern defenses often practiced straight through Thanksgiving Day, preparing for the Bayou Classic alongside longtime head coach Pete Richardson.

But when Richardson and his coaching staff were fired in 2009, Graves’ journey changed. He became Mississippi Valley State’s assistant head coach and linebackers coach, unsure if he’d ever be back in the rivalry.

CONTINUE READING

Bayou Classic attendance could be on the way up with SWAC West title on the line

NEW ORLEANS -- Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs took a stroll down memory lane during Tuesday's Bayou Classic kickoff press conference in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. He recalled spending many Thanksgivings in New Orleans growing up while attending the Bayou Classic.

He also played running back for the Tigers from 1993-96 and remembers the buzz around the game.

Fobbs will be leading his squad onto the field in the 41st Bayou Classic on Saturday for the first time as head coach.

Many things have changed since Fobbs attended and played in the game. Back then, the event drew in excess of 65,000 fans every season. But since Hurricane Katrina, attendance has been significantly less. The last four seasons, Bayou Classic attendance has averaged 44,394 fans, including 47,385 in 2013. That number is tickets distributed and not actual attendance.



  CONTINUE READING

Game Notes: BU Huskies Return To NCAA Playoffs vs. Virginia State at Home Saturday

#14 BLOOMSBURG (10-1) vs. #23 VIRGINIA STATE (10-2)
Saturday, November 29, 2014 - 12:00 noon
Danny Hale Field at Redman Stadium

FAN INFORMATION

• Ticket Information: Click Here
• Tailgate Zone Information: Click Here
  
• Directions/Visitor Guide: Click Here
• Earn points toward prizes for attending by joining Roongo's Rewards! Click Here

GAME COVERAGE
Complete Game Notes (PDF): BLOOMSBURG
Live Radio: WHLM (930 AM / 94.7, 104.3 FM / Berwick: 1280 AM / Danville: 105.5 FM)
Live Radio Stream: Click Here
TV: SportsFever (check Playoffs Central link for local listings)
Live Stats: Click Here
Twitter Updates: @GoBUHuskies
NCAA Playoffs Central

RELATED LINKS

• BLOOMSBURG: Roster  |  Schedule  |  Statistics  |  Media Guide
• VIRGINIA STATE: Roster  |  Schedule  |  Statistics  |  Media Guide

SERIES HISTORY
First meeting.

QUICK SIX
- Bloomsburg is making its 11th appearance in the NCAA Division II Playoffs and third straight.

- Saturday's game will mark the first time since 2006 that Bloomsburg has played a team from outside the PSAC in the NCAA Playoffs. Bloomsburg lost to Northwest Missouri (33-3) in the 2006 National Semifinals after defeating Shepherd (24-21) in the Regional Final that year. BU has played six straight playoff games vs. PSAC teams since.

- The Huskies are seeking their first NCAA Playoff win since a 28-26 first round victory at California (PA) in 2010.

- Bloomsburg has not lost a game to an opponent outside the PSAC since a 24-14 season-opening loss to Ashland on Sept. 4, 2010.

- PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year Justin Shirk (Harrisburg/Central Dauphin) is on the list of nominees for both the Harlon Hill Trophy and the Cliff Harris Small College Defensive Player of the Year.

- Saturday's winner advances to the Super Region One final vs. the Concord/West Chester winner on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the site of the highest remaining seed.

THE GAME
For the Huskies, the NCAA Playoffs are a familiar place – Bloomsburg is in the playoffs for the third straight season and 11th overall after recording 10 wins for the 10th time in school history. Virginia State, however, is an NCAA Playoff newcomer as the Trojans are making their first entry into the national playoffs.

The teams also enter the game on opposite ends of the spectrum in recent history – while the Huskies are looking to erase the sting of a loss in the PSAC Championship Game at Slippery Rock following 10 straight wins to begin the year, Virginia State opened the year with a pair of losses but enter this week on a 10-game winning streak.

Where both teams are similar is in their ball-hawking defenses. Bloomsburg leads the nation in turnovers generated (39) and Virginia State led the CIAA in interceptions (16). Bloomsburg, meanwhile, paced the PSAC in interceptions with 21.

Both the Huskies and Trojans own run-first mentalities offensively – the Huskies rank third in the PSAC in rushing (228.7 yards/game) and 14th in PSAC passing (160.1 yards/game) while Virginia State likewise does much of its damage on the ground, ranking third in the CIAA at 178.9 yards per game on the ground and ranking next-to-last in the CIAA in passing at 176.3 yards per game through the air.

NUMBERS TO KNOW
> 14 - The Huskies had 14 All-PSAC East selections – most of any team in the conference.

> 18 - The 18 fumbles forced by the Huskies defense are the most by any team in Division II.

> 39 - Bloomsburg's defense has generated 39 turnovers this season, most in Division II, or an average of 3.5 turnovers gained per game. Across all divisions, only Castleton and Wesley of Division III have generated more (43, 41).

> 39 - The Huskies and Trojans have combined for 39 interceptions this season.

> 41% - Bloomsburg opponents are scoring touchdowns on just 41% percent of trips to the red zone this year (11-27).

> 113 - Both the Huskies and Trojans have done much of their damage in the second quarter, each scoring 113 points this season during the second period. Bloomsburg has outscored opponents 113-51 during the second while VSU boasts a 113-63 advantage in the second quarter of games this season.

> 113.9 - Running back Eddie Mateo (Bethlehem/Freedom) is averaging 113.9 yards rushing per game in the nine complete games he has played this year. Mateo missed the Nov. 8 game at Lock Haven and was limited to just six carries on Nov. 15 at Slippery Rock due to injury.

> 293 - Quarterback Tim Kelly (Camp Hill/Cedar Cliff) had a career-high 293 yards passing in the PSAC Championship Game, the most by any Huskies passer since Pat Carey had 311 at Mercyhurst on Nov. 13, 2010.

> 1,114 - The Huskies and Trojans have combined for 1,114 wins all-time – Bloomsburg is 569-436-32 all-time while VSU is 545-349-53.

> 1988 - Bloomsburg has not played a CIAA team since 1988, a 14-6 home win over Norfolk State.

> 1995 - Virginia State has not beaten a team from the PSAC since 1995 (an 81-9 win at Cheyney), playing against PSAC opposition just three times since including a Week 1 loss to California (PA), 33-24, this season.

ABOUT VIRGINIA STATE
• Not only is Virginia State adept at creating turnovers, its defense is dangerous with the ball as well – VSU has scored six defensive touchdowns this season, second-most in the nation behind only Sioux Falls (7).

• The Trojans have also done a good job of limiting mistakes – with just four interceptions thrown on the year, VSU ranks second in the nation in that category.

• VSU opened the season with a pair of losses – 33-24 at PSAC member California (PA) in Week 1 and then a 34-6 home defeat at the hands of last year's national runner-up Lenoir-Rhyne. The Trojans have won 10 straight since, however, including a 21-17 win over Winston-Salem State in the CIAA Championship Game in what was most likely a must-win to get into the NCAA Playoffs.

• Quarterback Tarian Ayres was suspended for the CIAA Championship Game, but returned for last week's NCAA First Round win over LIU Post. Ayers helped the Trojans to a 28-17 home victory, finishing 9-of-21 for 151 yards and one interception. Ayers, who has thrown for 1,978 yards with 14 touchdowns and only four interceptions, also is a threat to run with 305 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on the year. Freshman Niko Johnson named MVP of the CIAA Championship Game replacing Ayers, completing 12-of-19 attempts for 125 yards with 76 yards rushing.

• Like Bloomsburg, VSU has multiple options out of the backfield, though Kavon Bellamy has seen the lion's share of work with 922 yards on 229 carries with 12 touchdowns. Earl Hughes averages 5.4 yards per carry with 491 yards and five touchdowns on 91 attempts while Louis Johnson has carried 77 times for 348 yards and three scores.

•  Kicker Matt Hillquist is 5-for-11 on field goal attempts this season, but has not made a field goal longer than 26 yards. Hillquist has also not attempted a field goal since Nov. 1 vs. Chowan, making both attempts that day.

• VSU has scored touchdowns on 69% of its trips to the red zone this season (35-51).

• This year's conference championship is the first for VSU since 1996.

HUSKIES NCAA PLAYOFF HISTORY
The Huskies are making their 11th appearance in the NCAA Division II Playoffs including a school-record third straight trip. The Huskies all-time playoff record is 8-10; 5-3 at home and 3-7 on the road.

Bloomsburg is looking for its first NCAA Playoff victory since 2010 at California (PA), a 28-26 win. The Huskies are seeking to snap what is a three-game playoff losing skid.

BACK TO THE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
With their 11th entry into the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs, only two PSAC schools have reached the national tournament more - IUP (15, 18-15 record) and West Chester (13, 9-10 record).

MAKING THEIR MARK
This year's senior class has been tremendously successful, recording a 39-7 record over the past four seasons with three NCAA Playoff berths and a PSAC championship to their credit thus far. Already the group is among the winningest in school history - the Class of 2008 posted a  41-8 record from 2005-08 and the Class of 2013 went 39-9 from 2010-13. This year's seniors are also 20-3 at Redman Stadium.

PASSING GAME SHINES AT SRU
Quarterback Tim Kelly (Camp Hill/Cedar Cliff) set career highs in in completions (21), attempts (42) and passing yards (293) in the PSAC Championship Game loss at Slippery Rock on Nov. 15.

It was the first time a Huskies quarterback has had more than 20 completions in a game since Pat Carey did so with 22 at Mercyhurst on Nov. 13, 2010. The 42 pass attempts were also the most by any Huskies quarterback since Eric Miller had 43 at UC Davis on Dec. 2, 2000.

A pair of Kelly's targets also had career days receiving - Lawrence Elliott Jr. (Utica, NY/Thomas R. Proctor) set career bests for receptions (five) and receiving yards (102) while Chad Hoffman (Drums/Hazleton) did likewise with six catches for 84 yards. In the past two games, Hoffman has 11 catches for 165 yards - in the previous nine games, he had 11 receptions for 91 yards.

GREENE BREAKS THE TREND
Slippery Rock running back Shamar Greene became just the second player to rush for over 100 yards against the Huskies this season. Greene's 116 yards on the ground in the PSAC Championship Game were the most by any opponent this year (Brandon Brown-Dukes of Mercyhurst had 102) and the most since Rondell White recorded 211 yards for West Chester on Nov. 3, 2012.

BIG PLAY THREAT
Lawrence Elliott's career receiving day at Slippery Rock was just a continuation of his strong season. Elliott brings a big play ability each time he touches the ball - the true sophomore leads the Huskies with 22 plays of over 30 yards this season.

GROUND AND POUND
The Huskies have had at least 30 rushing attempts in 59 straight games, dating back to Oct. 31, 2009 - a record that nearly was broken in Week 9 of 2013 when Bloomsburg ran exactly 30 times vs. Shippensburg and again in Week 3 of 2014 when the Huskies once again rushed exactly 30 times at Mercyhurst, a 38-22 win.

IN ELITE COMPANY
The run of success for the Huskies over the past 15+ years is nearly unparalleled in college football. Bloomsburg has won seven or more games in 16 consecutive seasons – a streak that is impressive at any level. Only four schools in the divisions of NCAA (FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III) have a longer streak of seven or more victories – Florida State and Virginia Tech in the FBS; Northwest Missouri in Division II and Mount Union in Division III. The 16-year streak is also a PSAC record, surpassing the previous mark of 13 straight years set by IUP from 1984-1996.

RUNNING TO DAYLIGHT
Entering this week's game, Bloomsburg has an on-going streak of 42 straight games with at least one rushing touchdown – the last time the Huskies failed to run for a score came on Sept. 15, 2011 at IUP.

CONTINUITY UP FRONT
This year's offensive line has continued a long tradition of Huskies excellence up front. Four members of the line were named All-PSAC East - Christian Whiteside(Broomall/Marple Newtown) to the first team and Ryan Geiger (Southampton/La Salle),Dakota Hoagland (Shoemakersville/Hamburg) and John Garland (Hatfield/North Penn)to the second team. The starting five has not missed a start all season.

COURTESY BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY HUSKIES SPORTS INFORMATION