Judgment Day: HBCU Football Schedule - Week 2 (Sept.10-12)

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Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015
Final Score: Southern 50, Mississippi Valley State 13   TV: ESPNU

Friday, Sept. 11, 2015
Final Score: Texas Southern 63, Bacone College 0

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015

SWAC
Alcorn State at Alabama State, 7 p.m.
Bethune-Cookman at Grambling State, 7 p.m.
Tennessee State vs. Jackson State, Memphis Liberty Bowl, Southern Heritage Classic, 7 p.m. TV:  FOX SportSouth
Prairie View at Texas State, 7 p.m. TV: ESPN3
Morehouse at Arkansas Pine Bluff, 7 p.m.

OVC
Tennessee State vs. Jackson State, Memphis Liberty Bowl, Southern Heritage Classic, 7 p.m.  TV:  FOX SportSouth



MEAC
Richmond at Hampton, 12 Noon
Howard at Boston College, 1 p.m.  TV: ESPN3
Florida A&M at Samford, 3 p.m. TV: ESPN3
Delaware State at Kent State, 6 p.m. TV: ESPN3
North Carolina Â&T at North Carolina, 6 p.m. TV: ESPN3
North Carolina Central at Duke, 6 p.m. TV: ESPN3
#1Coastal Carolina at South Carolina State  6 p.m.
Norfolk State at Old Dominion, 7 p.m.  TV: American Sports Network
Bethune-Cookman at Grambling State, 7 p.m.
Morgan State at Illinois State, 7:30 p.m.,  TV: ESPN3

CIAA
Virginia Union at Saint Augustine's, 1 p.m.
Virginia State at Tusculum, 1 p.m.
Lincoln (Pa.) at North Carolina Weslayan, 1 p.m.
Livingstone at Virginia-Lynchburg, 1 p.m.
Bowie State at Brevard, 1 p.m.
Johnson C. Smith at Kentucky State, 3 p.m.
Chowan at Campbell, 6 p.m.  TV: Big South Network
Elizabeth City at Benedict, 6 p.m.
UNC Pembroke at Fayetteville State, 6 p.m.
Wingate at Shaw, 6 p.m.
Valdosta State at Winston-Salem State, 6 p.m., Cobb County Clash, Powder Springs, GA



PSAC
Cheyney at Gannon,  12 Noon

CSFL
East Texas Baptist at Texas College, 2 p.m.
Langston at Bethany College, 7 p.m.

GLVC
Saint Francis (Ill.) at Lincoln (Mo.), 2 p.m.,  LIVE VIDEO/AUDIO

MWC
Urbana (Ohio) at West Virginia State, 1 p.m.

The Sun Conference
Edward Waters at Kennesaw State, 4 p.m.

SIAC
Central State (Ohio) at Clark-Atlanta, 2 p.m.
Johnson C. Smith at Kentucky State, 2 p.m.
Concordia-Selma at Stillman, 4 p.m.
Albany State vs. Tuskegee, 5 p.m.,  2nd Annual White Water Classic, Phenix City, AL
Lane at Fort Valley State, 6 p.m.
Miles at West Georgia, 6 p.m.
Elizabeth City State at Benedict, 6 p.m.
Morehouse at Arkansas Pine Bluff, 7 p.m.

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Texas Southern erupt for 63 points in a shutout win over Bacone

HOUSTON, Texas -- Texas Southern's Johnathan Bowen rushed for 99 yards while scoring three touchdowns as the Texas Southern Tigers broke into the winners column on Friday defeating Bacone College 63-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Bowen also threw for 163 yards and three touchdowns as the Tigers amassed 447 yards of total offense en route to the largest margin of victory under head coach Darrell Asberry.

"I'm very pleased with the way we played tonight," said Asberry. "Tonight was a great opportunity for us to get back to winning ways and we were able to do just that. We've had a solid week of practice and I'm proud of the way we stayed focused and disciplined."

Demetrius Johnson had a team high six stops including five solo tackles. Defensively TSU held Bacone to just 126 yards of total offense. Texas Southern also held the Warriors to a 3-of-13 showing on third downs.

The Tigers will be back in action on next Saturday as they travel to Pine Bluff, Arkansas to face UAPB.

"We have a lot to build on," said TSU senior wide receiver Malik Cross. "We have a very resilient team and we know how to fight through adversity. It's still really early in the season and right now we're taking it one game at a time."

Texas Southern improves to 1-1 on the season while Bacone drops to 0-2 after being outscored 129-6 over the course of the first two weeks of the 2015 football season.

BOX SCORE

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Ram Ramblings: WSSU has 'big' game coming up on Saturday

POWDER SPRINGS, Georgia -- Coach Kienus Boulware came out of his shell just for a few minutes earlier this week when we talked about the Rams next game.

In a break from the norm Boulware actually said Saturday’s game against 14th-ranked Valdosta State is a big one. He said it could make or break their season and when he said it I knew exactly what he meant.

If the Rams lose on Saturday in Powder Springs, Georgia they will be 0-2 and even if they won the rest of their games including the CIAA championship game a 9-2 record won’t be good enough to make the playoffs. You only have to go back to last season when the Rams finished 9-2 and missed the playoffs.

Saturday’s game with Valdosta State will be the final one in a two-game series. WSSU and Valdosta State agreed to the neutral site location for two years with the programs splitting the profits each year.

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Livingstone travels to Lynchburg to battle VUL Dragons

LYCHBURG, Virginia -- Livingstone College’s Blue Bears travel to Lynchburg, Va., this weekend for what could be a challenging game.

No, the Virginia University of  Lynchburg Dragons, shouldn’t be a problem for the Blue Bears, 1-0, after pounding Benedict, 49-6, in the Sept. 5 opener.

The challenge could be focus, as today’s 1 p.m. game turns out to be little more than a scrimmage. The NCAA declared this summer that VUL is one of 34 teams on a list of non-countable programs. In other word, today’s game will not affect Livingstone’s won-loss record, nor with the statistics count for the Blue Bears’ yardage totals.

Elizabeth City State, like Livingstone, a member of the CIAA, found this out last week as the Vikings creamed VUL, 71-0. ECSU jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter and outgained the Dragons for the game, 627 yards to 62. However, the CIAA website still has the Vikings record at 0-0.

So why make the trip to Lynchburg? In Livingstone’s defense, the game against VUL counted last season, a 60-12 victory in Salisbury. Livingstone is simply fulfilling its contractual obligation by returning the game this season. The NCAA decided to crack down on the non-counters and it is unfortunate that the Blue Bears won’t be 2-0 after today.

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White Water Classic: Albany State meets Tuskegee in early-season matchup

ALBANY, Georgia — While Albany State head football coach Dan Land will say that every game on the schedule is big, he admitted that today’s game against Tuskegee is one of the biggest.

The Rams will travel to Phenix City, Ala. today to compete in second annual White Water Classic against a team that defeated them twice last year, including in the SIAC championship game.

The game will begin at 5 p.m. today at Garrett-Harrison Stadium.

Land said the will be one of the biggest of the young season because in order to become conference champs and earn a berth into the national playoffs, they’ll most likely have to go through Tuskegee.

Quarterback Caleb Edmonds admits losing to the Tigers twice last year “still stings,” but the Rams are back and in a position to avenge those loses. He feels the big men up front gives them an edge.

“Our strength is our offensive line,” he said. “They did a great job on Saturday, we’ve got a great running back. Really, I just gotta manage the game. We’ve got a lot of guys around me that make my job easier. So as long as I manage the game, I think we’ll be all right.”

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Coastal Carolina -- South Carolina State Matchup Preview

No. 1/3 Coastal Carolina (1-0) at South Carolina State (1-0)
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, Orangeburg
TV/Online: None
Radio: WSEA-FM 100.3
Weather Forecast: 76 degrees and cloudy with a 20-percent chance of rain
Series History: Coastal Carolina leads 4-0

Last Meeting
Coastal Carolina has never lost to South Carolina State and handled business rather convincingly last September with a 30-3 win at Brooks Stadium.

The Chanticleers jumped out to a 16-point lead in the first quarter, including a 29-yard fumble return for touchdown by defensive end Roderick Holder, and never looked back.

The Chants held the Bulldogs to 370 offensive yards, and offensively running back De’Angelo Henderson had a career-best 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 20 carries.

Chanticleers Breakdown
It’s been an interesting week for the Chants …

After holding off Furman, 38-35, in its season opener last Saturday night in Greenville, Coastal Carolina moved up to No. 1 in the FCS Coaches poll and No. 3 in the STATS media poll.

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SC State Takes on Top-Ranked Coastal Carolina

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — The South Carolina State Bulldogs will face their toughest  non-conference opponent of the season when they take on #1 ranked Coastal Carolina Saturday (Sept. 11) at Oliver. C. Dawson Stadium.

SC State Game Notes    
  
Coastal Carolina Footbal Game Notes (at South Carolina State) 

Bulldog Radio Network

ESPN Columbia 1230 AM (Columbia)
Old Skool 102.9 FM (Orangeburg)
WSSB 90.3 (Orangeburg)

INTERNET
ESPNColumbia.com (Listen Live)
ESPN Columbia 1230 AM mobile app
To listen to the game live call 1-641-552-5120.

Chanticleer Sports Network: LISTEN HERE

Chanticleer Sports Network Affiliates:
Myrtle Beach: 100.3 FM The Team
Florence/Pee Dee: 100.1 FM The Fan
Rock Hill/Charlotte: 104.1 FM
  
South Carolina State Press Conference Highlights
Sept.  8, 2015
Coastal Carolina at South Carolina State
Head Coach Buddy Pough



Opening Statement

"As, regards to Coastal Carolina, we are probably go against one of the best teams in our division Saturday. We will have a task on our hand but it helps we are playing home in front our fans."

How do you rate your teams play against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Orlando?

"We got off to a slow start early on. Our offense had a few costly turnovers, which made the score 7-0 at halftime. Somehow we got things going in the second-half and managed to put some points on the scoreboard. We have to do a better job of taking care of the football and capitalizing off our opponents mistakes."

How would you evaluate your teams overall effort after the slow start against UAPB?

"Our defense played really well against UAPB, but you have to realize it's only the first game so we have to work on a few things to get better. When you talk about our defense you think of the Javon Hargrave, Chris Pauling and the list goes on. We played thirteen (13) freshmen and four straight out of high school in our season-opener on offense and defense."

Anything stands out after the first game?

"You see some things that really excite you at times on both sides of the ball, and then you see something gets under your skin. We really have a chance to be a good solid offensive football team, something we have been lacking in the past. "

Head coach Joe Moglia

Opening Statement

"As regards to South Carolina State, we know we have our work cut out for us. Another game on the road, but we have to be able to handle that. So, the keys for us are making sure the stuff that we really need to improve on with defense, we do that. We always need to make sure we have ball security and certainly our guys know that. "

What are the concerns with the defense that you really feel like you need to emphasis?

"I think we are going a much better job at tackling, but we lost out a little bit. I think we had around 10 missed tackles, which I was disappointed in that. I have talked about compounding and I think we have to break a bad compounding habit to start a good compounding habit. I think we need to do a better job with executing our calls. We have to play our defenses better, we have to play our techniques better, we have to tackle better."

After assessing this, is this what you wanted to see out of this group after the first game?

""Yes, it is. We have 3 guys that are playing seriously where the responsibility is on their shoulders for the first time. I thought they did a good solid job. I think the guys that went in as backups did a good solid job. I think Sam Ekwonike had his best game ever and Voghens played well as well. I said I was concerned going into the game, especially with the offensive line, but I was very pleased. I am not worried about them anymore. On special teams, I worry that every one of our specialists are new in regards to starting at those jobs. I think they did well. From a defensive perspective, there are a lot of things we are doing differently than we have done in the past and we have different guys with different positions. I was excited about seeing that come together, although it hasn't yet, I know it will.

On being ranked #1

"I want to take a moment though, while we are at the number 1 ranking to say what I said to the team yesterday. We have talked about the preseason stuff, and we are flattered by all of it, but all that means is that teams are going to come after you more, you are going to have a target on your back. Our guys that are good, people are going after them. They know that, we know that. That's part of being good. Even though it's early in the season, and even though it happened to way it happened, there was a reason why we are ranked where we are. There are 70,000 college football players in this country, probably 10,000 or so, coaches. 99% of them will never in their entire career at the college level, will never ever be able to say they were part of a nationally number 1 ranked team. We have had a chance to say that twice. I am proud of that. I believe Coastal is proud of that. Hopefully the entire strand is proud of that."

Question for Alex Ross: "You talked a little bit about the offensive line and just what you saw from those guys on Saturday and you were pretty giddy about that and what they were able to showcase. Can you elaborate a little on that?"

"Yes watching film I was really excited with what they did, their first game especially those 4 guys that stepped in and had not played last year a whole lot. They came in and did a very good job. They kept me protected and they allowed me to step up in the pocket and make throws down the field and check the ball down to Deangelo. I am excited about what they're doing and once you start playing games, that's when you start seeing the growth so, now that the season has started and now that they are actually out there and watching the film, I really think they are going to start growing that much more."

Question for Leroy Cummings: "What is your take as to what the defense needs to work on?" 

"The main thing that we need to work on right now is our approach to tackling. We were missing some tackles against Furman, so right now we need to work on our approach. Not actually the actual tackling part, but being able to get in position to make the play and continuing to do better in our positions to be able to do better things."

South Carolina State returns to action on Thursday (Sept. 17) when they open MEAC play against conference foe Florida A&M on national television. The game will be televised live on ESPNU and ESPN3 at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

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NSU Continue FBS Road Swing with Intra-City Tilt at ODU

Game Notes  |  Live Stats  |  NSU-ODU National TV Coverage  |  NSU Athletics Twitter  |  NSU Football Twitter

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State (0-1) continues its three-game road swing against FBS teams to start the 2015 season this Saturday across town against intra-city foe Old Dominion (1-0). The contest kicks off at 7 p.m. from ODU's S.B. Ballard Stadium. The Norfolk schools will be meeting for the third time, wrapping up a home-and-home series that included a last-second ODU win at NSU's Dick Price Stadium in 2013.       

TELEVISION
American Sports Network (ASN) will broadcast the game Saturday with Jeff McCarragher handling play-by-play duties and Ken Dunek serving as color analyst. McCarragher served as the play-by-play announcer for NSU football in 2005. Locally, the game can be seen on MyTVZ channels (2 and 502 on Cox Cable, 11 and 511 on Verizon Fios, 2 and 9 on Charter Cable, and 33 over the air). It is also available on DirecTV and DISH Network channel 33. For a complete listing of nationwide TV outlets carrying the game, see the link at the top of the page.

RADIO
WGH Star 1310 AM is in its second season as the flagship network for NSU football and basketball games. Ross Gordon will handle the play-by-play duties, with Terrell Ducre' serving as the color analyst. The game can also be heard online at www.star1310.com. 

SCOUTING THE SPARTANS
NSU opened the 2015 season and the Latrell Scott era with a 63-13 loss to Rutgers of the Big Ten last Saturday in Piscataway, N.J. The Spartans trailed just 21-13 at the half thanks to a pair of touchdown passes from Greg Hankerson Jr., but Rutgers outscored the Spartans 42-0 in the second half to pull away for the win.

Hankerson, the Florida Atlantic transfer making his Spartan debut, completed 18 of 28 passes for 199 yards and those two touchdowns.DeAndre Sangster, seeing his first action since 2013, had six catches for a career-high 101 yards for the Spartans. Torian Hendersonalso caught a 29-yard TD pass from Hankerson late in the first half.

Rutgers outgained the Spartans 539-196. Rutgers held NSU to negative-3 rushing yards.

Deon King had a game-high 12 tackles and a pass breakup to lead the Spartan defense.
                
SCOUTING THE MONARCHS
Old Dominion twice rallied from 14-point deficits to win its season-opener on the road, 38-34, at Eastern Michigan last Saturday. ODU's first and only lead came on running back Ray Lawry's 45-yard touchdown run with 1:57 left to play. Defensive end Tim Ward sealed the win for the Monarchs with an interception in the final minute of play.

Lawry earned Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honors by rushing for 223 yards and four scores, both of which led all FBS players nationally in week 1. Redshirt freshman Shuler Bentley, making his first career start for ODU, passed for 184 yards and one TD.

ODU's defense yielded 444 yards to EMU, but did force three turnovers and register three sacks.

THE SERIES
• This will be the third meeting all-time between ODU and NSU. The Monarchs lead, 2-0.
• ODU beat NSU 35-18 in the first round of the Division I FCS playoffs on Nov. 26, 2011, in the squads' first-ever meeting. The game was played at S.B. Ballard Stadium at ODU.
• In the first game of the current home-and-home series, ODU topped the Spartans 27-24 on Jarod Brown's 24-yard field goal on the final play of the game on Oct. 26, 2013 at NSU's Dick Price Stadium.

NSU-ODU TIES
NSU has three former ODU players on its roster:
• RB Gerard Johnson was ODU's No. 2 rusher in 2014, and ran for 865 yards in two seasons as a Monarch.
• CB Sandy Chapman, like Johnson, also transferred to NSU from ODU prior to this year. Chapman played in 20 games with four starts over the last two years for ODU.
• DB Brad Bradley redshirted at ODU in 2011 before transferring to NSU. He sat out the 2012 season since ODU was an FCS team when he transferred to the Spartans, meaning he did not qualify to play immediately at NSU. Bradley is a fifth-year senior for the Spartans and a backup safety.

QUICK HITS FROM RUTGERS
A few notes from last Saturday's loss to Rutgers:
• The 13 points NSU scored are its most ever against an FBS opponent. The Spartans did not score in their three previous trips to Rutgers.
• The 63 points NSU allowed are the most ever scored against NSU by an FBS school.
• TE Torian Henderson, a redshirt senior, scored a TD on his first career reception, a 29-yarder in the second quarter.
• Five true freshmen played: DL Walter Brantley (five tackles, TFL) and Cornelius Tyler (one tackle), WR/KR Marcus Taylor (62 all-purpose yards), P Bo Lomax (33.1-yard avg.), and OL Wes Jones. Brantley was the only true freshman to start on offense or defense.
• Three redshirt freshmen played in their first career games: DB Aaron Chandler (one tackle), DL Hadji Gaylord (one tackle) and OLBJames Byers (three tackles).

Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
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Hampton U. Football Set to Square Off Against Richmond Spiders

HAMPTON, Virginia – The Hampton University football team will be at home for the second straight week, as they take on No. 22 Richmond on Saturday at Armstrong Stadium. Kickoff will be at 12 p.m.

Game Notes
Live Stats: Click here.
Radio: WHOV 88.1 FM.
Live Video: Pirates Sports Network.
 
Last Time Out: The Pirates (1-0) opened their season with a 35-20 win over Kentucky State this past Saturday – a game in which quarterback David Watford threw for 335 yards and five touchdowns (four of which went to wideoutTwarn Mixson). Richmond (0-1), entering its fourth season under head coach Danny Rocco, fell to Maryland 50-21 this past Saturday.
 
Coach Speak: "You can't duplicate game speed. You know, the pressure of the game – the officials, the other team, the atmosphere … it's a different type of pressure, and it's the first time a lot of our new guys faced that (against Kentucky State). Now we need to look at what we did wrong, and make sure we don't do it again this week."
 
Coach Maynor on Richmond: "(Richmond is) a playoff team every year. Nationally ranked again this year, well-coached, tough … they'll fight you. They know what it takes to win and to win championships. We have to be at our best this weekend … but we look forward to the challenge."
 
The Series: The Pirates are 0-2 against Richmond following last season's 42-17 loss in Richmond, Va. This will be the Spiders' second trip to Armstrong Stadium; the first meeting came in the 2005 Div. I-AA playoffs, when Richmond won 38-10.
 
Pirates at Home: Hampton is 1-0 at home this season after Saturday's 35-20 win over Kentucky State. The Pirates went 2-4 at home last season, with the highlight coming in the form of a 40-35 win over nationally-ranked Bethune-Cookman in the team's home finale on Nov. 13. The Pirates fell 42-14 to William and Mary on Sept. 6, defeated Miles College 34-30 on Sept. 20, lost 17-10 to South Carolina State on Sept. 27, fell 21-13 to Norfolk State on Oct. 18, and lost 38-35 to Morgan State on Nov. 1 of last season.
 
Pirates Against the CAA: The Pirates are 2-13 against teams that currently compete in football in the CAA, with both of those wins coming against James Madison. Hampton is 2-0 against JMU; 0-3 against New Hampshire; 0-2 against Richmond; 0-2 against Rhode Island; 0-1 against Villanova; and 0-5 against William and Mary. The Pirates have never faced Albany, Delaware, Elon, Maine, Stony Brook, or Towson.
 
Pirates Picked to Finish Sixth: The MEAC preseason poll, voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors, picked the Pirates to finish sixth this season. In addition, the Pirates landed eight players on the conference's preseason teams, headlined Mixson, defensive lineman Miles Grooms, linebacker Joshua Thorne, and punter Christian Faber-Kinney – all of whom were First Team selections. Four Pirates were named Preseason Second Team All-MEAC: offensive lineman Michael Young, defensive lineman Charles Owens, wideout Rashawn Proctor, and offensive lineman Torrian White.
 
Counting To 1,000: Saturday's game against Richmond will be the 999th in the history of Hampton University football, which means the Pirates' contest on Sept. 18 against rival Howard will be the 1,000th contest in program history. Heading into Saturday's game, the Pirates are 549-415-34 all-time (a .550 winning percentage).
 
Mixson Leading Pirates Receivers: Mixson was a First Team All-MEAC selection last season and was on the conference preseason First Team. In 2014, Mixson led the team and the MEAC in receiving, averaging 68.3 yards per contest. He caught 5.6 passes per game, and Mixson had a team-high 615 receiving yards on the season with six touchdowns. His season-high of 123 receiving yards came early in 2014 against William & Mary. He also had a season-high nine catches in the season opener at Old Dominion, and Mixson ended the 2014 season with a touchdown catch in each of Hampton's last four games. He opened the 2015 season in style against Kentucky State, catching seven passes for a career-high 135 yards and four touchdowns en route to being named MEAC Offensive Player of the Week.
 
Grooms a Force on the Line: Grooms was a Preseason First Team All-MEAC selection coming into 2015, after being named Third Team All-MEAC in 2014. He was sixth on the team with 52 total tackles in 2014, while also ranking second on the team in tackles for loss (13.0) and third in sacks (5.0). His 10 quarterback hurries were a team high, and Grooms also forced a pair of fumbles last season. He had his best game of the 2014 season on Nov. 13 against Bethune-Cookman, racking up 10 tackles and 3.5 sacks. In Saturday's opener against Kentucky State, Grooms had four quarterback hurries, seven tackles, and 1.5 sacks.
 
Thorne a Tackling Machine: Thorne had 113 total tackles last season, leading both the team and the MEAC while recording 100 tackles for the second straight season. Thorne was a Second Team All-MEAC selection in 2014, and he also led the team with 13.5 tackles for loss – while his 5.5 sacks tied for the team lead. Thorne averaged 5.5 tackles per contest, and twice last season he racked up a career-high 19 tackles: at Delaware State and at North Carolina Central. He also had three sacks and six tackles for loss in Hampton's shutout win over the Hornets. Thorne was a Preseason First Team All-MEAC selection leading into the 2015 season.
 
Faber-Kinney One to Watch Out For: After being named Second Team All-MEAC in 2013, Faber-Kinney was a First Team All-MEAC selection last season. He led the conference in punting in 2014, averaging 42.9 yards per kick and recording 14 punts of at least 50 yards. The VaSID Second Team All-State selection pinned 10 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line, and he had a career-long 72-yard punt at Delaware State. Faber-Kinney, who was also a Third Team All-MEAC honoree in the indoor heptathlon and outdoor decathlon, was a Preseason First Team All-MEAC selection coming into the 2015 campaign.
 
Quarterback Returns Home: For Watford, who transferred to the Pirates from the University of Virginia, Hampton is home. Watford played his high school football at nearby Hampton High, totaling over 3,000 yards as a senior en route to All-District and All-Region honors. He did not throw an interception that season, guiding the Crabbers to an 11-2 record – the only losses coming to eventual state champion Phoebus. In 2012 with U.Va., Watford set a school record with 244 completions, and against Georgia Tech, he completed a school-record 43 passes for a career-high 376 yards. In his Pirates debut against Kentucky State, Watford threw for 335 yards and five touchdowns – four of which went to Mixson.
 
Coaching Staff Changes: Michael Ketchum is but one of the new faces roaming the Pirates sideline this season, coming over from Delaware State to serve as defensive coordinator. Tremayne Henry, who served as defensive coordinator for part of last season, will coach the defensive line in 2015. Marc Bacote also joined the staff, where he will serve as safeties coach, and Bryant Foster has come on board to serve as cornerbacks coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Former Pirate Marcus Wade has also joined head coach Connell Maynor's staff, serving as a graduate assistant.
 
Pirates Wideouts Standing Out: Mixson received all of the accolades, but the Pirates receiving corps boasted two other high-caliber threats on the outside. In fact, two Pirate receivers ranked in the top 10 in the conference in receptions per game last season; Rayshad Riddick was tied for fourth in the MEAC with 4.2 catches per game, whileRashawn Proctor was sixth in the MEAC with 4.1 catches per contest. Proctor is also seventh in the MEAC in receiving yards, averaging 50.0 per game. Proctor caught five passes for 77 in the Pirates' win over Kentucky State this past Saturday.
 
For more information on Hampton University athletics, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

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Alabama State Hornets Football To Host Alcorn State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State will host reigning 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Champions Alcorn State to open the home portion of the schedule and to open SWAC play.

Like the Hornets, the Braves are entering the game off an opening week defeat as they lost at nationally-ranked Georgia Tech. Alcorn State does have the preseason offensive player of the year, John Gibbs, back to lead their powerful offense. All Gibbs did last season was rush for over 1,000 yards and pass for almost 2,500 yards in picking up the Co-Offensive Player of the Year award.

"I see a good football team and they're not the defending SWAC Champs for nothing," Head Coach Brian Jenkins said. "Jay (Hopson) has done a good job and we're facing a team that is very tough, a team that wants to come in and win just like we want to win. We have to make sure we are on our "A" game and make sure we have focus and complete detail in our style of play."

"I think Gibbs is a phenomenal player he is the best player in the league. When you watch film he does some phenomenal things with the ball. I think he is a good leader off the field. With the little bit of time I got to spend with him at the conference meeting and just talking to him, he presents himself as a true gentleman and whenever you have a young man that does that and brings notoriety to your program in a good way you have to give him respect where respect is due."



The Hornets had a lot of positives to take away from their game against Tennessee State. The defense held the high-powered TSU offense to only 330 yards and held TSU to 14 points on four fourth-quarter turnovers that happened on the ASU side of the field.

After blocking eight kicks last season, ASU started the 2015 season off the right way as Roderick Henderson broke through the Tigers offensive line to block a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter. It just happened to be the fourth blocked kick of his career.

Kourtney Berry and Daerius Washington showed why they were the top two leading tacklers on the team last season as both finished with game-high 13 tackles. 11 of Washington's tackles were solo, which made both his solo total and total tackles career-highs.

Offensively the Hornets struggled at time, but still managed over 300 yards of offense, primarily off the arm of Daniel Duhart who threw for 225 yards while completing 20 of his 25 attempts before an early fourth-quarter injury kept him out of the rest of the game.

When speaking of the positives that he took away from the game Jenkins said "that we are going to play football. We are not going to be a push over or lay down. We are going to play to win. I was excited to see our players respond and it didn't matter what atmosphere we were in we came to play football. It's exciting for any coach to see his players fight and play the way we did."

"We played team ball. We made some mistakes offensively and the defense picked right up. We made some mistakes defensively and the offense picked up. Special teams stepped in and did some good things and to see a complete effort from your team you can walk away as a coach feeling good about that."

The game will be carried on the ASU Hornets Sports Network with Duane Lewis bringing you the play-by-play action and former All-SWAC performer Chris Terry providing the color analyst commentary.

For those who want to arrive at the game early and for all the tailgaters, there will be a Hornets Legends Walk beginning at 4 p.m.  It will begin on Harris Drive and come all the way to the entrance to ASU stadium.

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Campbell Football hosts Chowan Saturday on Military Appreciation Day

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BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – Campbell University returns to Barker-Lane Stadium Saturday, hosting Chowan at 6 p.m. on Military Appreciation Day.

Watch Saturday's game for free on the Big South Network. Follow live stats via GoCamels.com. For tickets, please visit GoCamels.com/tickets/Football.

It will be Military Appreciation Day at Barker-Lane Stadium, with all active and former military receiving free admission with a valid military ID.

In addition, the Campbell Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and CU Student Veterans Club will welcome the Camels on the field.

At halftime, several Campbell ROTC members will participate in a contracting ceremony.

Campbell (1-0) opened the season with a 41-20 Thursday night home win over Pikeville. Junior running back De'Shawn Jones ran for a school record 189 yards and Kameron Bryant threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score to lead the Camels.

Jones' night included a 60-yard TD run and a 50-yard scamper to set a new school Division I era (since 2008) single-game record. He broke the previous mark of 170 set by Jordan Cramer in 2011 and matched by Kurt Odom one year later. Jones averaged 12.6 yards per run on 15 attempts.

In his first start at quarterback for the Camels, Bryant totaled 205 yards of total offense – 138 through the air and 67 on the ground. The transfer from Appalachian State completed 12-of-19 passes and gained 6.1 yards per attempt on 11 carries.

Campbell improved to 3-5 in season-opening games (4-4 in home openers) since the program's rebirth in 2008.

Ugonna Awuruonye led the CU defense with seven tackles, while Daniel Bostick and Jake Barr added six apiece.

Chowan (1-0), a NCAA Division II and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association member from Murfreesboro, N.C., also began 2015 with a win, defeating Fayetteville State 41-31 on the road.

The Hawks forced four FSU turnovers in the win, despite being outgained 414-331 in total offense. Randall Dixon was 27-for-33 for 249 passing yards with four touchdown passes and an interception in the win. Kaine Lombard hauled in seven passes for 71 yards and two scores, while Tyree Lee totaled 91 yards with a TD on nine carries.

Cornell Duncan tallied eight tackles, including 2.0 for loss, while Vincente' Stafford added seven stops with an interception.

Next up for the Camels will be their first trip away from Buies Creek, heading to Presbyterian on Sept. 19 for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The contest will be CU's final nonconference outing before starting Pioneer Football League play at Butler on Sept. 26.

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Coleman expects more from UAPB's defense

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Just before Arkansas-Pine Bluff began fall practice, Coach Monte Coleman stood in front of his team and read to them from a few sheets of paper.

On the paper were defensive statistics from last season, which explained rather clearly the route UAPB took a 4-7 season a year ago. It made clear UAPB's standing as the worst defense statistically in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, ranking last in points allowed (39.2 per game) and ninth in total yards allowed 453.8 per game.

"It was embarrassing," linebacker Willie Duncan said. "We were last in almost every category. That's motivation for us every day."

The Golden Lionslost 35-7 to South Carolina State in the season opener Sunday, but Coleman said he saw signs that suggest the Golden Lions' defense can get back on track heading into Saturday night's home opener against Division II Morehouse College in Pine Bluff.

UAPB limited South Carolina State to 336 yards of total offense and to 3.7 yards per rush. Coleman said he was pleased overall with the defense despite the final score, considering the Bulldogs were aided by three interceptions thrown by the Golden Lions, including one that was returned for a third-quarter touchdown.



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Tale of the Tigers: Five things to know about B-CU's opponent, Grambling State

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Here are five things you need to know about the Grambling State Tigers, B-CU's opponent on Saturday.

1. SERIES HISTORY: While Grambling State has gotten the better of the Wildcats over the years, winning 11 of 13 all-time meetings, B-CU scored a 36-23 win last September in Daytona Beach. The victory snapped an eight-game skid for the Wildcats in the series dating back to 1954.

2. HBCU POWERHOUSE: Grambling State has a rich football tradition with 24 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships, most recently in 2011, and 14 Black College National Championships. In his 55 years running the program, the late Eddie Robinson won 408 games, becoming the first NCAA coach to top the 400-win mark. Notable alumni include Pro Football Hall of Famers Charlie Joiner and Willie Brown and Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams.

3. CRUSHED BY CAL: The Tigers were roughed up in their season opener at California, surrendering 73 points and 656 yards of total offense.

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MEAC: NFL Hall of Fame

45 years of empowering student-athletes

Norfolk, Virginia -- Take an inside look at our former MEAC Football athletes who have been enshrined in NFL history.


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Injuries to FAMU’s offensive line stalling offense

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Florida A&M’s offense was stagnant against South Florida, and head coach Alex Wood is saying he’s hoping for the return of key pieces of the offensive line to help remedy an unit that picked up 182 yards of total offense in its first game.

Keonte Cash and T.J. Jones, both starters on the offensive line’s left side, were out against Bulls. Wood added redshirt junior left tackle Ryan Templeton, who started in place of Jones, played through a foot injury on Saturday.

If Templeton is unable to go against Samford on Saturday, the redshirt freshman Loubens Polinice is next up for the Rattlers’ line.

FAMU will have gone through all offensive line reserves on its two-deep if Polinice has to play.

“Hopefully we’ll at least get our left tackle back,” Wood said after FAMU’s 51-3 loss to the Bulls.



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Crump Named SAU Interim Head Women's Basketball Coach

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Jarita Crump was named interim head women's basketball coach at Saint Augustine's University (SAU) on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015. She replaces former Head Coach Rachel Bullard, who resigned last month to spend more time with family.

 

"We are really pleased that Coach Crump has accepted the interim head coaching position," SAU Athletic Director George Williams said. "We wish Coach Bullard well in her future endeavors."

 

Crump, a native of Raleigh, N.C., has been the SAU assistant coach since 2012 and was also on the Lady Falcons' basketball staff during the 2010-2011 season. She is excited about her first head coaching position.

 

"I want to thank my athletic director, Coach George Williams, and President Everett B. Ward for giving me this opportunity," Crump said. "I look forward to guiding the Lady Falcons even higher this year."

 

The Lady Falcons won four of their five consecutive CIAA Highest Grade Point Average Awards in women's basketball with Crump on staff. During the 2010-2011 season, the Lady Falcons earned a 19-11 overall mark and reached the CIAA Tournament semifinals with Crump as assistant coach.

 

Before starting her college coaching career, Crump was the head varsity girls basketball coach at Word of God Christian Academy from 2008 to 2010. During her tenure at Word of God, the girls basketball team won its first state title in 12 years in 2010, and finished as state runner-up in 2009. Word of God, a private school located in Raleigh, N.C., never lost a conference game under Crump, who was a two-time conference coach of the year winner. Crump was the assistant girls basketball coach at Word of God from 2006 to 2008.

 

During her collegiate playing days, Crump was a basketball and academic standout at Campbell University from 1998 to 2002. She helped the Lady Camels win the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC) championship in 2000 and the Atlantic Sun regular-season title in 2001. The Lady Camels advanced to the first round of the NCAA Tournament after winning the TAAC title.

 

At Campbell, Crump was named to the All-Conference Academic Team three consecutive years and was a recipient of the Don Phelps Memorial Most Improved Player Award in 2001. In 2003, Crump graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in trust management with a minor in financial planning. She also earned an MBA at Campbell that year.

 

As a prep player, Crump won all-conference honors in basketball and track & field at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, N.C. She led Sanderson to a conference basketball championship in 1997 and won the Most Outstanding Female Athlete Award at the school. She also was named Raleigh Sports Club Student-Athlete of the Week and was selected to The News & Observer Old Reliable Team in basketball during her high school career.

 

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Kent State Flashes Host Delaware State Saturday in Opener

ESPN3    Game Notes  Golden Flashes Radio

KENT, Ohio  -- Kent State welcomes Delaware State for its 2015 home opener Saturday at 6 p.m. The Golden Flashes have won two of their last three games at Dix Stadium, including a 27-24 victory over Akron to close out the 2014 season. The Flashes will be looking for their 13^th consecutive victory over an FCS opponent.

Game Day Festivities

• The game will be followed by Portage County's largest fireworks display of the year presented by AMETEK.
• Just prior to kickoff, the Kent State Aviation Flight Team will perform a flyover
• Official tailgating begins at 4 p.m.
• Student tailgate will include a cornhole tournament
• The West Gate of Dix Stadium will feature two live bands during tailgating
• At 4:30, fans can come to the main entrance to welcome the Golden Flashes into the stadium
• Discounts on select food and drinks are available at concession stands during Happy Hour (4:30-5:30)
• The Family Fun Zone with rock wall, inflatables and other activities will be on the northwest side of the stadium
• Sunglasses will be given to the first 500 students
• Two thousand freshmen will get t-shirts to run onto the turf, as the Golden Flashes take the field
• Earlier in the day, President Warren will be on hand for the dedication of the Adam S. Hamilton West Entrance of Dix Stadium at 1 p.m

Facts In A Flash
• The Flashes returned their top 11 tacklers from 2014, including junior safety Nate Holley, who ranked third in the FBS in tackles per game (12.5).
• Kent State returned the bulk of its offensive line from 2014, which has not allowed more than one sack in its last eight games.
• Junior QB Colin Reardon ranks 4th in career completions (429) at Kent State, and sixth in both career passing yards (4,579) and TD passes (26).
• Junior left tackle Reno Reda was chosen to wear number 54 this season, to carry on the legacy of former teammate Jason Bitsko.
• The Flashes held Illinois to 3-of-13 on third down conversion attempts.
• Redshirt freshman Raekwon James made his debut as a kick returner at Illinois, highlighted by a 43-yard return in the first half.
• In his last home game, junior running back Nick Holley had a career best two-touchdown game with 95 rushing yards on 14 carries against Akron.
• Senior safety Jordan Italiano was tabbed Smartest Player in College Football by NFL.com this summer. The pre-med/biochemistry major carries a 3.979 grade point average.
• Kent State returned six Academic All-MAC selections and five MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athletes.
• Senior Anthony Melchiori ranked 12th in the nation in punting average in 2014, helping the Flashes rank 16th in net punting. 
• Sophomore cornerback Demetrius Monday has an interception in each of his last two games.
• With the Illinois game originally scheduled for Friday night (lightning), the Flashes have had postponements in each of their last two road trips, dating back to Buffalo, last November.



ALL-TIME SERIES
In the only two meetings between the two programs, Kent State defeated Delaware State in back-to-back seasons in 2007 and 2008.  Both matchups came in the month of September at Dix Stadium and resulted in convincing wins for the Flashes, 38-7 and 24-3 respectively.

TV/Video/Radio
Saturday night's game can be seen on ESPN3 with Dave Wilson (play-by-play) and Marcus Ray (analyst).  All Kent State games can be heard live on 640 WHLO and Golden Flashes Radio on iHeartRadio. Ty Linder will handle the play-by-play duties and is joined in the booth for the sixth year in a row by color analyst Rob Polinsky.  Matt Miller is the sideline reporter.  iHeartRadio can be heard on a computer, smart phone or tablet.

WebSite, Twitter & Youtube
For Kent State football stories, statistics, photos, video and more, visit KentStateSports.com.  For daily football updates follow @kentstathletics and @kentstfootball on Twitter and Kent State Golden Flashes Football on Facebook.  For an extensive video library visit GoldenFlashesTV on YouTube.

Game Captains
In a change from previous years, the Flashes did not name captains prior to its season.  Each week, game captains will be named, while season captains will be named at the end of the year.
Game one: Anthony Melchiori, Anthony Pruitt, Reno Reda and Nate Terhune.

Home Momentum
Kent State finished the 2014 season with a dramatic 27-24 victory over archrival Akron, denying the Zips of bowl eligibility.  With a minute to play in the game on a third-and-goal at the five, Colin Reardon found Chris Humphrey in the back of the end zone for the game-winning TD.   Jordan Italiano sealed the win with an interception at midfield.

Getting Broken In
Twenty three players made career debuts for the Golden Flashes at Illinois.  Freshman lineman Stefano Millin, redshirt freshman Raekwon James and sophomore defensive lineman Anthony Johnson each made their first career start.

Costly Mistakes
The Flashes had touchdowns called back on penalties in each half against the Illini.
All four Kent State turnovers in the first half led to Illinois touchdowns, three of which came on one-play drives.



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