Stony Brook hosts non-conference foe Howard University Bison

GAME INFO: STATS | AUDIO | WATCH | BUY TICKETS  NOTES: STONY BROOK | HOWARD

STONY BROOK, New York -- The Stony Brook football team goes out of the CAA Football for the final time of 2015 when the Seawolves host MEAC member Howard at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. 

Stony Brook Seawolves (2-5, 1-5 CAA) 
Rankings: ---/---
Head Coach: Chuck Priore, 10th season 
Career Record: 98-61
Record at SBU: 59-52

Howard Bison (1-7, 1-5 MEAC) 

Rankings: ---/---
Head Coach: Gary Harrell, 4^th season
Career Record: 18-24
Record at Howard: 18-24

Game info 

TV: None
Live Stream: http://www.stonybrookathletics.com/collegesportslive/?media=504507
Radio: Seawolves Radio Network -- 94.3 The Shark (Josh Caray, pxp; Erik Coleman, analyst; Curt Hylton, host)
Live Stats: http://www.stonybrookathletics.com/gametracker/launch/gt_mfootbl.html?event=1408311&school=ston&sport=mfootbl&camefrom=&startschool=&

Last Time Out

RB Donald Liotine scored his second career touchdown for Stony Brook and the Seawolves' defense held visiting Elon to just 71 rushing yards, but the Phoenix escaped Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium with a 21-7 victory in a CAA Football game last Saturday afternoon. The SBU defense held Elon to negative 11 rushing yards over the first three quarters of the game before the Phoenix gained positive yards on the ground in the final 15 minutes. Liotine finished the day with 33 yards on 12 carries, while WR Ray Bolden pulled down nine catches for 64 yards and QB Joe Carbone threw for 142 yards in his first career start. Defensively, DE Victor Ochi, DB Jaheem Woods and LB Shayne Lawless each recorded five tackles and a sack.

Opponent

Howard (1-7, 1-5 MEAC) snapped a seven-game losing streak that began the season with a 55-9 win over Savannah State at home last Saturday. The Bison have a pair of QBs (Kalen Johnson and Jamie Cunningham) that have combined to throw for 994 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Series

This will be the first meeting between the two schools on the gridiron.

Quick hits

• Stony Brook hosts Howard in the final non-conference game of the season.
• WR Ray Bolden has record two 100-plus yard receiving games (UNH and JMU) and two multi-touchdown games this season (UNH and Towson).
• Stony Brook's captains for the 2015 season are seniors QB Conor Bednarski and OL Jerry Hubshman. 

Promotions

The first 1000 fans in attendance on Saturday will receive a free drawstring backpack presented by Island Federal Credit Union and a free water bottle presented by the Holiday Inn Express-Stony Brook. The game is also Military Appreciate Day and all current and former members of the military receive free admission into the game with proper ID.

Seawolves Radio Network

Stony Brook Athletics begins a dynamic three-year agreement with Connoisseur Media Long Island, Long Island's premier media cluster, to broadcast Seawolves' football games beginning in the fall of 2015. Over the next three seasons, 94.3 The Shark will air all regular and postseason Stony Brook Football games. The radio agreement is the most comprehensive in the history of Stony Brook athletics, marking the first time that all football will air live on a commercial radio station. In addition to the large radio broadcast coverage area, Connoisseur Media Long Island also provides live streaming on all station websites, including 943TheShark.com, so fans around the world can listen via computer or mobile device. The broadcast stream is also live on StonyBrookAthletics.com. Broadcast veteran Josh Caray and former NFL star Erik Coleman will provide the call of every down during the season, while long-time Stony Brook radio personality Curt Hyltonwill provide pregame, halftime and postgame content. 

Up Next

Stony Brook will hit the road for the final time in 2015 when they visit Rhode Island next Saturday for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff against the Rams. The Seawolves then return home for the season finale against Albany on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. For ticket information or to reserve your spot in Seawolves Town, call 631-632-WOLF. 

COURTESY STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS 

Norfolk State's hopes for strong finish start with Savannah State

NORFOLK, Virginia -- First-year Norfolk State coach Latrell Scott admits that this has not been the season he envisioned when he left Virginia State to take over the Spartans in December.

But the season goes on, and Scott figures it's never too late to make progress.

NSU (2-6, 2-3 MEAC) will look to snap a three-game losing streak when lowly Savannah State visits Dick Price Stadium for homecoming at 2 p.m. today.

The Spartans, who have been outscored 110-68 during the recent skid, are all but out of the MEAC race.

But with three games remaining, there's still motivation to finish strong and be a spoiler - if not a factor - in the league standings.

"Obviously, we have goals and things that we want to do, (and) we're not excited about where we are," Scott said. "But I think these guys have improved. We've just got to continue to get our guys better and continue to add talent so that we can make sure that we're in that conversation."

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HBCU Football Judgment Day Schedule: Week 10 (Nov. 7)

WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN


SATURDAY, November 7, 2015

MEAC
Florida A&M at Hampton, 1 PM
Howard at Stony Brook, 1 PM
North Carolina A&T at South Carolina State, 1:30 PM
Savannah State at Norfolk State, 2 PM, Homecoming
Delaware State at North Carolina Central, 2 PM
Morgan State at Bethune-Cookman, 4 PM

SWAC
Mississippi Valley State at Alabama A&M, 2 PM
Texas Southern vs Grambling State at Shrevport, La., 3 PM, Red River Classic
Prairie View A&M at Alcorn State, 3 PM
Southern at Arkansas Pine Bluff, 3:30 PM
Alabama State at Jackson, 7 PM



OVC
Murray State at Tennessee State, 3:30 PM, TV: American Sports Network

MWC 
West Virginia State at Concord, 1 PM

GLIAC
William Jewell at Lincoln (Mo.), 2 PM

CSFL
Lyon at Texas College, 3 PM
Langston at Wayland Baptist, 3 PM

The Sun Conference
Edward Waters at Warner, 12 Noon

PSAC
Cheyney at Millersville, 1 PM



CIAA
Bowie State at Elizabeth City State, 1 PM
Chowan at Lincoln (Pa.), 1 PM
Johnson C. Smith at Livingstone, 1 PM, Commemorative Classic 
Stillman at Kentucky State, 1 PM
Concordia-Selma at Central State (Ohio), 1 PM
Saint Augustine's at Shaw, 1 PM, Homecoming
Clark Atlanta at Samford, 3 PM, TV: ESPN3

SIAC
Fayetteville State at Winston-Salem State, 1:30 PM
Albany State vs. Fort Valley State, 2 PM, Fountain City Classic
Southeastern U. at Benedict, 2 PM
Virginia Union at Virginia State, 2 PM
Lane at Morehouse, 2 PM
Miles at Tuskegee, 2 PM



ALL GAME TIMES SHOWN IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

S.C. State playing for a shot at MEAC title against N.C. A&T

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- A homecoming win against Hampton last Saturday was nice, but a win this Saturday for the South Carolina State Bulldogs football team is much more important.

In essence, this game is for all the marbles and the bag the marbles came in when it comes to this season and a shot at a conference title.

North Carolina A&T (7-1 overall, 5-0 in MEAC play) and SCSU (5-3 overall, 4-1 in MEAC play) will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, inside Oliver C. Dawson Bulldog Stadium.



N.C. A&T — ranked 19th in the current Football Championship Subdivision poll — is the last unbeaten team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings. For the Bulldogs to have any share of the conference title (as they did in a five-way tie in 2014), they must win this game.

The Aggies come in first in the conference in many categories, including scoring offense and scoring defense. Their only loss was to the North Carolina Tar Heels. A win won’t be an easy assignment for the Bulldogs, but they will be at home and are riding a three-game win streak after this past Saturday’s homecoming win against Hampton, 34-20.

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Nissan announces historic athletics sponsorship with 100 universities and proud support of select NCAA championships

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Nissan today announced a historic deal to become an Official Sponsor of 100 colleges and nationwide, and a proud supporter of select NCAA Championships. The four-year agreement marks the widest-reaching sponsorship in the history of collegiate sports.

This announcement is part of Nissan's "go big" marketing strategy, which was put in place to create significant, unforgettable marketing moments such as Nissan's return to the Super Bowl last season and its partnership with the Heisman Trophy Trust.

"This program gives Nissan an unmatched and unprecedented connection to college-sports fans," said Jeremy Tucker, vice president, Marketing Communications and Media, Nissan North America. "It allows Nissan to share amazing moments with students, alumni and fans – at every men's and every women's sport. Wherever fans go to follow these student-athletes, we'll be there."

Specifics of each sponsorship were negotiated throughout the summer with the media rights holder for each school involved, including IMG College, Learfield Sports, Outfront Media Sports, FOX Collegiate Sports Properties, JMI Sports and Sun Devil Athletics. The series of sponsorships will cover 22 sports (men's and women's), 100 schools, thousands of student-athletes, 22 million alumni and 188 million fans across the nation.



As an extension of Infiniti's status as an Official Corporate Partner of NCAA Men's Basketball, Nissan will receive rights to activate at select NCAA Championship events.

Student-athletes and fans alike at each university stand to benefit from this sponsorship, with support extending to scholarship funds, facilities upgrades (weight rooms, equipment, video boards, Wi-Fi) and tutoring programs among other things.

The partnership provides permanent Nissan signage in hundreds of stadiums and arenas for multiple sports, as well as countless media opportunities and tickets for consumer incentives.

Like the Nissan activations surrounding the Heisman Trophy Trust partnership, this deal will grow over time. It begins Nov. 7 with football at Ohio State University, University of Alabama, Texas A&M University, Oregon State University and University of Southern California. On Nov. 14 activation extends to Utah State University (basketball), Syracuse University (football) and Duke University (football) with others to follow in various sports and locations throughout the campuses. By the end of 2015, Nissan on-campus activation will extend to 27 colleges and universities nationwide providing a strong presence in every U.S. region; this extends to all 100 schools in 2016.

Also included is a sponsorship with the Red River Showdown, the classic battle between the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma that has become one of the most legendary rivalries in all of sports.

"This is big news for Nissan, and it is great news for these amazing student-athletes in every sport who deserve recognition and support," said Tucker. "We are celebrating the excitement of all aspects of college sports, and are delighted to honor the drive, dedication, and teamwork of student-athletes, and their fans, throughout the country."

With this historic announcement, a record-breaking year for Nissan continues getting bigger. This news comes on the heels of Nissan's reveal of the new 2016 Nissan Altima, one of the most extensive mid-cycle makeovers in Nissan history. The Altima, Nissan's best-selling mid-size sedan, stands ready to build on its segment-leading growth over the past six years with a new design, new driving feel, a new sport Altima SR grade and a wide array of enhanced technology, connectivity and safety features.

Earlier in the year, Nissan also revealed the all-new 2016 Maxima and the Cummins Diesel-powered 2016 TITAN XD. The TITAN XD full-size pick recently was named "Truck of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in its annual 2015 Texas Truck Rodeo.

Nissan College 100

United States Air Force Academy
The University of Alabama
University of Arizona
Arizona State University
University of Arkansas
United States Military Academy at West Point
Auburn University
Baylor University
Boston College
Brigham Young University
Butler University
The University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Los Angeles
University of Cincinnati
Clemson University
University of Colorado
Colorado State University
Columbia University
University of Connecticut
Cornell University
Duke University
University of Florida
Florida State University
California State University, Fresno
Georgetown University
University Of Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Grambling State University
Hampton University
Harvard University
University of Houston
University of Idaho
University of Illinois
Indiana University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Kansas
Kansas State University
University of Kentucky
California State University, Long Beach
University of Louisville
Louisiana State University
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Memphis
Miami University
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Missouri
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
North Carolina State University
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Northern Illinois University
Northwestern University
University of Northern Iowa
University of Notre Dame*
The Ohio State University
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Pittsburgh
Princeton University
Purdue University
Rice University
Rutgers University
San Diego State University*
San Jose State University
Seton Hall University
Southern Methodist University
University of South Carolina
University of Southern California
Southern University and A&M College
Stanford University
Syracuse University
Temple University
University of Tennessee
Tennessee State University
University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
Texas Tech University
University of Utah
Vanderbilt University
University of Virginia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Wake Forest University
University of Washington
Washington State University
West Virginia University
Wichita State University
University of Wisconsin–Madison
University of Wyoming
Xavier University
Yale University
*begins 2016-17


About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

About The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
The NCAA is a membership-led nonprofit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for more than 460,000 student-athletes at more than 1,000 member colleges and universities. Each year, more than 54,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA championships in Divisions I, II and III sports. Visit www.ncaa.org and www.ncaa.com for more details about the Association, its goals and members and corporate partnerships that help support programs for student-athletes.

About FOX Collegiate Sports Properties
FOX Collegiate Sports Properties is a full-service sales and marketing organization representing USC Athletics, Georgetown Athletics, and the Big East Conference. Its mission is to create long-term strategic partnerships through customized, integrated marketing programs that deliver great value while addressing the needs and objectives of corporate partners and key stakeholders. Additionally, FOX Collegiate Sports Properties owns and operates the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational and Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic college basketball tournaments.

About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 25 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world's greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages thousands of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is the world's largest independent producer and distributor of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world's leading entertainment agency, to form WME | IMG.

About JMI Sports
JMI Sports is a leading provider of sales, marketing and project management services to universities and professional sports teams. With expertise in multimedia rights, sponsorships, sports facility development, project financing and business operations, the company delivers innovative solutions that maximize revenue and future brand value. JMI Sports was founded in 2006 by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres. To learn more, visit www.jmisports.com.

About Learfield Sports
Learfield Sports manages the multimedia rights for nearly 120 collegiate properties, and its rich history includes four decades of developing trusted, long-term relationships with some of the most revered institutions and associations in the world of college sports. The company has prominence in all of the major conferences and titles the prestigious Learfield Sports Directors' Cup with award co-founders NACDA and USA Today. Learfield represents collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas for their respective multimedia rights and sponsorship initiatives, and offers these partners with professional concessions and ticket sales, licensing and trademark consulting, digital platform expertise and venue signage and technology systems through its owned companies. To learn more about Learfield's history, businesses and job opportunities, visit www.learfieldsports.com.

About OUTFRONT Media Sports
Outfront Media Sports, a subsidiary of OUTFRONT Media Inc. (NYSE: OUT), is the marketing and multimedia rights holder for some of the most prestigious collegiate teams and sports venues across the country. Outfront Media Sports delivers creative implementation of in-venue and on-campus digital displays, influence media, marketing affiliation, experiential entertainment, and game day domination, which benefits universities, alumni, students, and passionate fan bases. Bringing to life these valuable, eye-catching, engaging and results-driven assets attracts a highly sought-after audience for Outfront Media Sports' advertisers.

About Sun Devil Athletics
Sun Devil Athletics' vision is to serve as the model amongst power-five athletic programs for comprehensive excellence in athletic achievement, academic success and affinity development. With 23 varsity sports, Sun Devil Athletics has established national standing not only by our championship performances, but also our investment in the welfare of and support for our 550-plus student-athletes. Sun Devil Athletics accomplishes our goals by embracing our core values: "Sun Devils Win, Compete with Passion and Character, Are Relentless, Serve each other and the community, Are Family, and Are Sun Devils For Life." For more information, visit www.asu.edu and www.thesundevils.com, and follow Sun Devil Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Huckaby Recommending Consolidation of Albany State University and Darton State College

Huckaby Also Recommending Naming of President

Atlanta, Georgia  — November 6, 2015

Chancellor Hank Huckaby plans to recommend to the Board of Regents the consolidation of Albany State University (ASU) and Darton State College (DSC). The consolidation of the two institutions is to increase educational attainment levels, student success and transform how the University System impacts southwest Georgia. The proposed consolidation is a long-term investment in the region.

If approved, the new institution will be named Albany State University. Chancellor Huckaby also plans to recommend to the board that Albany State Interim President Art Dunning be named as the permanent president of Albany State and to lead this bold new effort. “We are committed to the long-term health of public higher education in southwest Georgia and our partnership with the Albany community,” said Huckaby. “The University System is committed to strengthening the region through a long-term investment in public higher education in southwest Georgia.”

Further expressing why he is recommending consolidation, he went on to say, “We recognize this is a historic milestone for Albany State. We are committed to continuing to serve the HBCU mission and building upon the mission to serve an increasingly diverse student population and community. We also recognize the key role Darton has played in meeting the access mission and offering workforce related associate degrees. We will maintain both missions under the consolidated institution and believe this strengthens public higher education in Southwest Georgia.”

Some of the opportunities from consolidating ASU and DSC are:

• Creates a university of nearly 9,000 students; largest institution of higher education in southwest Georgia
• Builds on Albany State’s HBCU mission and DSC’s access mission
• Creates a larger university that serves the needs of the community and region with a range of degrees
• Establishes a simpler path for associate-degree students to achieve bachelor’s degrees
• Builds on recent agreements between ASU and Darton in areas like criminal justice, forensic science, and music education
• Allows one institution to focus economic impact in the region and update curriculum to address regional workforce needs; for example, the recently approved supply chain and logistics program at ASU
• Responds to enrollment challenges by concentrating recruitment and retention resources in a single institution
• Reinvests savings from administrative efficiencies in programs to support student success.

The recommendation to consolidate the two institutions, whose combined enrollment this fall is nearly 9,000 students, follows the six guiding principles for consolidation approved by the board in Nov. 2011: http://www.usg.edu/news/release/regents_approve_principles_for_consolidation_of_institutions.

If the board approves the recommendation, an implementation team with representatives from both institutions will soon be formed and charged with the responsibility to work out the many details associated with consolidating the two universities.

The University System, Albany State and Darton State will hold campus and community listening sessions in the coming months to seek and hear input on ways to best design the new institution to serve Albany, the region and the state.

Albany State University, a state university in the University System of Georgia, fosters the growth and development of Southwest Georgia and the state through teaching/learning, research, creative expression and public service. Through its teaching, research and service, and collaboration with other institutions, the University anticipates and responds to the needs of its constituents; and enhances the quality of life of its public through advocacy of educational, cultural, artistic and social development in the region. Both traditional and non-traditional students make up the more than 4,000 students who attend Albany State. The university offers more than 30 undergraduate degree programs, the Board of Regents’ engineering transfer program, a dual degree program in engineering with Georgia Tech and six advanced degrees.

Darton State College is a state college in the University System of Georgia. Its principal mission is to provide educational programs, services, and opportunities in southwest Georgia. Over 5,000 traditional and non-traditional students attend Darton State College. The college offers a challenging array of associate-degree programs and limited bachelor’s degree programs as well as online degrees. As the nursing and allied health education center for southwest Georgia, Darton offers 13 allied health programs to serve the needs of the health-care industry in the region.

HSSU hosts HBCU Basketball Classic

ST. Louis, Missouri -- The basketball programs at Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University have teamed up for a special weekend of sports and activities.

The two institutions will meet in the inaugural Show-Me State HBCU Basketball Classic, which will be held at Harris-Stowe’s Emerson Gymnasium on Saturday, Nov. 21. The doubleheader will begin with the women’s game at 2 p.m. and followed by the men’s game at 4 p.m.

he basketball games are just a small part of what will be a weekend full of activities on the Harris-Stowe campus. On Friday, Nov. 20, Harris-Stowe will be hosting its Senior Day from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. More than 800 students from 5 area high schools will be on campus for Senior Day. That same morning, the members of both basketball teams will be delivering food baskets to students at Griffith Elementary School and Koch Elementary School, which are part of the Ferguson-Florissant and Riverview Gardens School Districts, respectively.

“Harris-Stowe’s Athletics department is playing a critical role in the University’s revitalization and we are looking forward to an exciting weekend with the Lincoln University family,” said Jamaal Mayo, Harris-Stowe’s athletic director. “Athletic competition has always been a way to bring communities together and having Coach John Mosely and LU’s basketball program join us in our community outreach enhances the comradery between our universities.”

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Grambling avoiding distractions for Red River Classic

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana -- Grambling football and potential distractions have become synonymous during the past few years.

Whether it's the boycott that garnered national attention in 2013 or the most recent issue of nepotism charges from the Louisiana Board of Ethics involving head coach Broderick Fobbs and his father, running backs coach Lee Fobbs, Grambling tends to rally in these types of situations.

The folks around the program don't expect anything different this weekend when Grambling plays Texas Southern in the Red River Classic at Independence Stadium.

Earlier this week, just days after the nepotism charges were brought to light, Fobbs said there won't be any distractions. Instead, the focus shifted to, you guessed it, the Tigers.



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JCSU free safety takes lead in NCAA interceptions

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Carlo Thomas is looking for takeaways.

The J.C. Smith free safety leads all NCAA football divisions with 12 interceptions, including nine over the last three games – all Golden Bulls (4-5, 3-1 CIAA South) wins. He picked off a school-record four passes against Fayetteville State Oct. 17, returning a pair for touchdowns. His previous high for interceptions in a game was two.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Thomas, a sophomore from East Orange, N.J., who is third among Golden Bulls with 47 tackles, averages 22.7 yards on kick returns and has a touchdown catch on offense. “It’s coming from hard work. Me and my team are playing hard, and I’m still making big plays, so I keep planning on making big plays.”

Thomas’ range and instincts made an immediate impact on J.C. Smith’s defense, which leads the CIAA with 21 interceptions and six returns for touchdowns. The Golden Bulls, who play rival Livingstone (4-3, 3-1 CIAA South) Saturday in the Commemorative Classic, allow an average of 22.4 points per game compared with 32.9 in 2014. They’ve held the last three opponents combined to 33 points.

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Nuggets 3rd in RRAC; August makes all-conference

Results:  Men    Women

WINDCREST, Texas — Xavier University of Louisiana produced third- and fifth-place team finishes Friday at the Red River Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships.
     
XU junior Christopher August was named all-conference after finishing 10th in the men's race.
     
This was Xavier's first appearance at the Red River meet. Xavier gained affiliate status in the RRAC for cross country only in 2015 after Xavier's longtime conference, the Gulf Coast Athletic, did not qualify for automatic bids for its men's and women's teams to the NAIA National Championships.
     
"I like the competition in the Red River," XU coach Joseph Moses said. "It was a little more stout than the GCAC."
     
Xavier won nine consecutive GCAC men's and women's team titles from 2006-14. But Friday the Gold Nuggets scored 81 points to finish third behind Our Lady of the Lake (20 points) and Wiley (37). The Gold Rush were fifth with 123 points, losing a tiebreaker for fourth with Jarvis Christian. Our Lady of the Lake (36), Wiley (78) and the University of the Southwest (86) were the top three men's teams.
     
"We knew our women would be in a good race with Wiley, the defending champion, and Our Lady of the Lake, which had been running well all season," Moses said. "Our women gave it their best shot. We'll regroup next year.
     
"On the men's side we did not have the talent or the numbers we've had in the past. But we'll get better there."
     
August, All-GCAC the previous two seasons, ran 8,000 meters in 28 minutes, 30 seconds. The other Gold Rush finishers were Brent Kitto (16th, 30:48), Darrick Williams(19th, 31:28), Xaiver Latting (32nd, 36:14) and Felipe Perrier (46th, 40:42). It was the first collegiate 8K for Williams and Perrier, both freshmen.
     
Zahri Jackson, a two-time GCAC individual champion, led the Gold Nuggets. She ran 5,000 meters in a season-best 20:56. The Nuggets' other finishers were Dionysia Love(16th, career-best 21:18), Brianna Pace (17th, career-best 21:19), Briana Simms (18th, season-best 21:51), Hannah Finnegan (21st, season-best 22:37) and Kailey Williams(31st, career-best 24:12).
     
It was the XU cross country finale for Jackson, Finnegan, Simms, Williams and Kitto, all seniors.
     
Individual champions were Wiley's Patrick Mutai (26:12) in the men's race and Jazmine Garcia (18:48) in the women's.
     
Moses said he would welcome a return to the Red River if the GCAC does not reclaim its automatic bids in 2016. "We'd love to come back here," Moses said, "and redeem ourselves and try to win some championships next year."
     
Next for the XU distance runners will be the outdoor track and field season, which will begin in early March.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

VUU focused on playoff spot, VSU wants to send seniors out with win in rivalry

ETTRICK, Virginia -- Virginia Union and Virginia State are going to play a football game Saturday in Ettrick. That was going to happen, regardless of what the CIAA would decide regarding CIAA front-runner Bowie State self-reporting that it used an ineligible player earlier in the season.

This week, the Panthers’ and Trojans’ focus has been in one place, on one thing - each other.

The CIAA announced Friday that it would levy sanctions on Bowie State (8-1, 6-0 CIAA) for using an ineligible player during the season. The penalty is a reduction in the team’s winning percentage for every game the player appeared.

According to media reports, the Bowie State starting quarterback through the Bulldogs' first five games, Matthew Goggans, was discovered and self-reported by the school to have been ineligible. Two of those games were CIAA games.

That affects Saturday's Union-State game for this reason: The reduction of winning percentage against Bowie State means that if Virginia Union (7-2, 5-1) beats Virginia State on Saturday, and Bowie State loses to Elizabeth City State (4-4, 2-4), then the Panthers will clinch the Northern Division and a berth in the CIAA championship game Nov. 14 in Durham, N.C.

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Peoples returns home as leader of Grambling secondary

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana -- Nicholas Peoples’ football career will come full circle when Grambling visits Independence Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The senior safety from Shreveport recalled how he began playing the sport for the G Men Tigers before a standout career at Byrd earned him honorable mention All-State honors in Class 5A. He expects to have plenty of family and friends on hand to watch him play in Grambling’s Senior Day against Texas Southern in the Red River State Fair Classic.

“I’m very excited,” Peoples said in a phone interview Wednesday. “It’s really where it all started.”

He made one tackle in his last appearance at Independence Stadium, his Grambling debut as a freshman against Alcorn State. This year’s he’s carrying much more responsibility and said he’s working hard to replace Tyree Hollins and LeAndre Vallot as one of the on-field and spiritual leaders in the secondary.

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True test of JSU's progress awaits

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The past three games offered Jackson State an opportunity to get right following the firing of Harold Jackson.

The next three games will present the Tigers a chance to show how far they’ve come since then.

JSU will host Alabama State at 6 p.m. Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in the first of three consecutive games against teams that currently reside in the upper half of the SWAC standings.

Following this game, JSU (3-5, 3-3 SWAC) will have a bye week before facing Prairie View A&M, which currently sits in second place in the SWAC West. Then, the Tigers will host defending conference champion and current SWAC East leader Alcorn State.

But first things first. JSU will have a chance to move into second place in the East where it was projected to finish in the preseason with a win against the Hornets (4-4, 4-3).

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Bowie State University Football Receives Sanction for Eligibility Violation

BOWIE, Maryland – Bowie State University has received notification from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that its self-report of an eligibility violation regarding a student-athlete's participation in its football program has been designated a Secondary/Level III violation.

"Bowie State University strives to always comply with the letter and spirit of the regulations governing all aspects of university operations," said President Mickey L. Burnim. "We were disappointed to learn of this mistake and took immediate action to report it when it became known to us."

The NCAA Division II Principles of Nullification will be applied to the five games in which the ineligible player participated for calculation of NCAA post-season rankings. Nullification will be applied to two CIAA conference games at the conclusion of the regular season, prior to the CIAA Football Championship game selection. Bowie State will be excluded from any CIAA tie-breaker scenarios and also face repercussions as defined by the CIAA Schedule o
f Penalties approved by the Board of Directors.

"This secondary violation is not uncommon for any sport and has been handled similarly in other conferences and leagues within the NCAA," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams.

President Burnim noted that the officials with primary responsibility in this area at the time that the mistake was made are no longer employed at the university. The current athletic director, who joined the university in January 2015, has assumed responsibility for compliance until a qualified, full-time compliance officer can be put in place.

See CIAA announcement at this link: www.theciaa.com.

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Postseason hope is slim, but Southern Jaguars vow to keep fighting, starting Saturday at Arkansas-Pine Bluff

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Southern has had a single-minded focus since it lost in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game 11 months ago.

The Jaguars have been thinking and talking about — and, most importantly, preparing and striving — to get back to the title game and win it for the second time in three years.

But when Southern faces Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Golden Lion Stadium, for the first time in 11 months, that goal seems virtually unattainable.

The Jaguars (4-4, 4-2) are mathematically alive in the West Division race, but they need a series of improbable outcomes that they can’t control — as well a victory against the Golden Lions (1-7, 0-6) and two more after that.

“A lot of people understand that our chances are kind of slim, but we’re not demoralized,” running back Malcolm Crockett said. “We want to show people that we’re going to keep fighting. Just because the chances are slim, we’re not going to lay down. We’re going to keep finishing because you never know. Stuff might happen.”

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MEAC Announces 2016 Hall of Fame Class

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NORFOLK, Virginia  –  The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced today the five members of its 2016 Hall of Fame Class. The inductees will be enshrined during an awards brunch on Thursday, March 10, beginning with a welcoming gathering at 9:30 a.m., at the Sheraton Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia and will also be recognized before the 6 p.m. men’s basketball game during the 2016 MEAC Basketball Tournament on March 10 at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Virginia.

“I’d like to congratulate the 2016 Hall of Fame class for all their accomplishments both athletically and professionally,” said Dennis E. Thomas, MEAC Commissioner. “The honorees have made significant contributions to their communities, institutions, and this conference.”

The MEAC Hall of Fame highlights former student-athletes, coaches, university and conference administrators as well as special contributors, who have enriched the legacy of the conference since its inception in 1970. Enshrinees were selected by a 13-person committee made up of administrators and representatives from member institutions.

The inaugural Hall of Fame class was inducted on May 29, 1981, during a 10-year anniversary banquet in Greensboro, North Carolina. Since its establishment, the MEAC Hall of Fame has enshrined 133 people, including the class of 2016.

Tickets for the induction brunch are $35 per seat or $300 per table (10 persons). Tickets can be purchased by calling the MEAC office at 757-951-2055.

The 2016 MEAC Hall of Fame Inductees are:

Inducted as Student-Athletes:

LaShondra Dixon-Gordon, Hampton – Dixon-Gordon was a four-year women’s basketball standout at Hampton where she helped lead the Lady Pirates to NCAA Division I Tournament first-round appearances in 2000 and 2003. An MEAC All-Tournament Team performer in each of her four years, Dixon-Gordon graduated as the school’s second-leading all-time scorer with 1,967 points. She led the conference in scoring each of her last two years and was recognized as a two-time Black College Sports Information Directors of America (BCSIDA) All-American.

As a senior, Dixon-Gordon led the MEAC in scoring with 18.2 points per game and was third in 3-point percentage (.326) and 3-pointers per game (1.8). She finished second in school history in made free-throws (453) and attempts (600). Also, she ranks sixth in the Hampton record books in career assists (363) and is one of only four Hampton women’s basketball players to have her jersey retired. After a successful collegiate career, Dixon-Gordon served as an assistant coach at Hampton from 2004-2009. Currently, she is in her seventh year as an assistant coach at Norfolk State, where she holds responsibilities of guard development and recruiting coordinator for the women’s basketball team.

Bobby Moore, South Carolina State  – Moore was a four-year defensive lineman for the Bulldogs. He was a two-time All-MEAC first-team performer (1976, 1978), including MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honor (1978) and All-American from the Mutual Black Network (1978). Moore led the Bulldogs in tackles during the 1976 and 1978 seasons. During his career, the Bulldog teams compiled a 35-6-3 overall mark and a 21-2-1 MEAC record during a four-year period (1985-87), while winning four MEAC Championships. Moore played one season in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders (1979).

Following his athletic career, Moore served 17 years as a teacher and coach in the Aiken, S.C. and Burke County, Ga. public school systems. Currently, he is an Assistant Principal at Blakeney Elementary School in Waynesboro, Ga. Also, he is involved in many community and civic programs that mentor at-risk students.

David Oliver, Howard – Oliver won four consecutive MEAC outdoor track and field titles in the 110m hurdles from 2001-2004 and the 2003 MEAC indoor champion in the 55m hurdles. He was Howard’s first two-time Division I All-American selection. Oliver received his first All-American honor with a fourth-place finish at the 2003 NCAA Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship, running a personal record of 13.60 seconds. The following year, he received a second All-American honor, finishing fifth, at the NCAA Men’s Indoor Track and Field Championship with a University record in 7.69 seconds in the 60m hurdles. Also, he registered an outdoor record with a time of 13.55 seconds in the 110m hurdles at the Georgia Tech Invitational. In addition to track and field, Oliver was a member of the Howard football team (2004).

After leaving Howard, Oliver became a four-time United States Track and Field (USATF) Outdoor champion in the 110m hurdles (2008, 2010, 2011, 2015). He was selected the 2010 Jesse Owens Athlete of the Year and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in the 110m hurdles. He captured gold in four meets (2008 IAAF World Athletics Final, 2010 Diamond League, 2013 Diamond League and 2013 World Championships). Oliver partners each year with youth track and field organizations to sponsor track and field events for youth in both Orlando, Fla. and Washington, D.C.

Inducted as Coach:

Joe Taylor, Hampton – Taylor amassed a 233-96-4 (.700) record in 29 seasons at Hampton, Florida A&M and Virginia Union, ranking him third all-time in wins among HBCU football coaches, behind John Merritt (Tennessee State) and Eddie Robinson (Grambling State). At Hampton, Taylor became the all-time winningest coach in school history, boasting a 136-48-1 (.735) record. He accounted for four Black College National Championships (1994, 1997, 2004, 2005) and won five MEAC titles with postseason appearances in the NCAA FCS playoffs (1997, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006). Before Hampton’s transition to Division I, he coached the Pirates to two NCAA Division II playoff appearances (1992, 1993), including their first playoff win over Albany State (33-7).

Taylor coached 12 future NFL players, including current players Kendall Langford, Justin Durant, Kevin Elliott and Brian Tyms. He won a share of the 2010 MEAC title at Florida A&M, guiding the Rattlers to a 37-29 mark in four seasons. At Virginia Union, Taylor won one CIAA Championship in 1986 and guided the Panthers to three NCAA Division II appearances, while compiling a 60-19-3 mark. He has been inducted into three collegiate hall of fames: Western Illinois, Virginia Union and the CIAA. Taylor currently serves as the Director of Athletics at Virginia Union University.

Inducted as Administrator:

Lynn Thompson, Bethune-Cookman – Thompson began his career 25 years ago when he became one of the youngest NCAA Division I athletic directors in the nation at Bethune-Cookman. Under Thompson’s leadership, the Wildcats have won 64 championships, including 44 MEAC crowns. He was the first African-American to chair the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee. Thompson assembled the Bethune-Cookman Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and launched the Wildcats athletic graduate assistant program. He was instrumental in launching a 30-minute coaches television show highlighting Bethune-Cookman football and basketball programs (men’s and women’s) where he produces and hosts on Fox Sports Florida and Bright House Networks.

Because of his dedication to athletics and the university, Thompson was elevated to the position of Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics in July 2015 and continues to oversee the 17-sport Division I program. Away from the athletic fields, Thompson is heavily involved in the B-CU Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and for over ten years, he has served as a staff pastor at Calvary Christian Church in Ormond Beach, Florida and is leader of the men’s ministry.

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

An NFL free agent receiver from HBCU is literally begging for a job outside the Texans stadium

HOUSTON, Texas -- Joe Anderson is a wide receiver who went undrafted out of Texas Southern and is now a free agent after brief stints with the Bears and Eagles. Joe Anderson wants a job.

https://instagram.com/p/9vs5RbGFFp/?taken-by=_joeanderson

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Fort Valley State's quarterback carousel still in effect

FORT VALLEY, Georgia -- Because of injuries, three different quarterbacks have played for the Fort Valley State Wildcats this seasons. Typically, when teams go to that extreme, they don't have an opportunity to play in their conference championship.

But FVSU isn't most teams.

At 5-3 and 3-0 in SIAC East play, FVSU will play Albany State on Saturday for a bid into the SIAC championship, which will be played Nov. 14 in Montgomery, Alabama. But it's not yet certain who will start at quarterback Saturday, according to FVSU head coach Donald Pittman.

Two quarterbacks -- Otis Brown and Malcolm Eady -- have started a game this year, and they have taken the majority of snaps. A third -- Deion Perry -- took the field for more than three quarters against Florida Tech after Brown was inactive and Eady left injured in the first quarter.

Despite the rejuvenated health of all three quarterbacks, Pittman said he has not committed to one for Saturday's rivalry showdown.



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13th-ranked Tuskegee Golden Tigers Host Miles on Saturday

TUSKEGEE, Alabama | The first nine weeks of the season, including four weeks against SIAC West Division opponents, have set the stage for Homecoming Weekend on the Tuskegee University campus.
 
After winning eight of their first nine games, the 13th-ranked Golden Tigers now face their biggest challenge of the 2015 season as they face Miles College (5-4, 4-0 West) on Saturday afternoon. The winner of the match-up between the two teams advances to play in the SIAC Championship Game to be played in Montgomery on November 14 against the winner from the East Division.
 
Kickoff is set for 1 pm at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Stadium, and will be carried by the Tuskegee University Sports Network (both radio and web) and HSRN.
 
Tuskegee (8-1, 7-0 SIAC, 4-0 West) and Miles have met the last five years with the winner advancing to the SIAC Championship Game, and the two teams were predicted to be right where they are in the preseason by a vote of the coaches. The only unexpected occurrence on Saturday is the weather, with a 70 percent chance of rain and a slight chance of a storm.
 
The two teams have combined to outscore the other four teams in the West Division by a total of 289 to 101, and are ranked among the best in the SIAC. The two have also faced two other common opponents entering the contest on Saturday. Tuskegee won both games against Albany State and Morehouse, while Miles lost to Albany State.
 
The Golden Tigers struggled offensively on Saturday against Central State, although Dennis Norfleet was able to gain 106 yards on the ground. They are still ranked as the top scoring offense in the conference at 31.1 points per game and average a conference-leading 331.6 yards per game on offense. Defensively, the Golden Tigers lead the conference in scoring at 14.7 points per game and in total defense at 251.4 yards per game. Tuskegee also currently leads the country in defensive touchdowns with seven, scoring last week on a 20-yard interception return by Jewell Ratliff.
 
Meanwhile, Miles comes in after winning their last two games by a combined score of 74-17, including defeating Stillman 37-7 last Thursday night giving the Golden Bears two extra days of rest. They lead the conference with 155 first downs and a third down percentage .395. They also lead the conference in red zone offense at .840, just ahead of Tuskegee.
 
The match-up will feature a lot of talent on the field with the two teams combining to win 12 SIAC Player of the Week awards this season.
 
Tuskegee has won 24 of their last 25 games against SIAC competition, with their last loss coming on November 9, 2013 against Miles (41-36) – a game that sent Miles to the SIAC Championship Game.
 
Gates will open at 9 am on Saturday morning, with the Homecoming Parade set to start at the same time. The pregame festivities will start at 12:30 pm, with the game kicking off at 1 pm.
 
For more information on Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter @MyTUAthletics and like us on Facebook.

 COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Benedict Athletic Director Willie Washington Takes Medical Leave Of Absence

WILLIE WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Willie Washington, Benedict College's Director of Athletics, has taken a medical leave of absence.

During his absence, Fred Watson, the Associate Athletic Director, has been appointed to serve as the interim Athletic Director, by President Dr. David H. Swinton.

Coach Watson will continue to serve as the Head Men Basketball Coach.

The Benedict college family asks for prayers for a speedy recovery for Mr. Washington.

COURTESY BENEDICT COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

MURRELL COLUMN: Before we go any further, can we please address mental illness?

PORT ARTHUR, Texas -- Remember at the beginning of the high school football season I wrote that I was trying to redirect my mind from the tragedy and confusion of the shooting of a TV reporter and cameraman (and one more person) in Virginia? Remember when I said Ricky Williams, Brandon Marshall and Metta World Peace came to mind when it comes to athletes battling mental illness?

Here we are 10 weeks later, and what has happened?

Shooting deaths at Delta State University, Umpqua Community College, Northern Arizona University, Texas Southern University, Tennessee State University and Winston-Salem State University. Not to mention Wednesday’s stabbing deaths of four at the University of California, Merced, that led to the police shooting and killing the suspect. Or the homecoming parade incident at Oklahoma State University in which a woman is charged with crashing into and killing four spectators.

That’s eight campuses, coast to coast. All in 10 weeks.

What’s worse: In some cases, it’s been reported students were not properly alerted to the tragedy in a timely manner. That’s a whole other column in itself I could write.

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GameDay preview: Alabama State at Jackson State

THE GAME

When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Miss.
Records: ASU (4-4, 4-3 Southwestern Athletic Conference), JSU (3-5, 3-3)
On the air: TV — none; Radio — WQKS-FM 100.5, WKXK-FM 96.7, WKXN-FM 95.7, WJAM-FM 96.3
Twitter: @MGMsports

FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY

1. Last chance: ASU senior receiver Ephraim Henderson has a last chance to succeed on a special place for any Mississippian. Henderson is from Brookhaven, about 30 minutes from Jackson, and has never won at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. He lost his final high school game there for a state championship and lost there two years ago with the Hornets. Henderson has 19 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown this year. “It will be nice to go back and try to get a W,” Henderson said. “That would be a great feeling, a great way to go out.” Henderson said he’ll have 35-40 friends and family at the game. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to have an exceptional game,” ASU coach Brian Jenkins said. “He’s a guy who has done everything we’ve asked, and it’s always good to see a young man go home and show how hard he’s been working.”



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SWAC’s top offense, defense square off

LORMAN, Mississippi -- After Lenorris Footman stepped in for an injured John Gibbs Jr., scored six rushing touchdowns, outrushed Southern and broke a school rushing record, Alcorn looks to carry the momentum over into Saturday’s home game against Prairie View A&M.

The game between the Braves (5-2, 4-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) and the Panthers (6-2, 5-1) puts the conference’s top scoring offensive and defensive teams against each other for an exciting game of X’s and O’s.

“We have an excellent team coming to town. It’s a conference game so it’s going to be a tough hard fought 60 minute battle,” said Alcorn coach Jay Hopson.



Prairie View averages 45 points a game and also leads the SWAC in total offense. It has 3,439 yards and has scored 44 touchdowns. The Panthers accumulated most of their yards in the air and are smart with their passes, having only thrown three interceptions all season.

In addition to the high-scoring offense, the Panthers have converted almost 50 percent of their third downs and are around 70 percent when going for it on fourth down.

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NSU hoops report | Sluggish scrimmage stresses coach's point

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State's so-called "secret scrimmage" on Saturday didn't teach Spartans coach Robert Jones anything about his team.

But he hopes his players figured out something about themselves.

In an unofficial, two-point home loss to Division II Virginia Union, NSU started slowly and played catch-up before falling short.

Jones, who begins his third season as head coach when the Spartans visit South Carolina on Nov. 14, said the performance hammered home a point he's made throughout the preseason.

"I didn't learn anything," Jones said, being careful not to name Saturday's opponent as he honored the college game's clandestine preseason protocol. "I think they had a big lesson they learned. It's something that we've been preaching to them in practice about playing with a consistent level of intensity."

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Sims, B-CU look to stay in title hunt with win over Morgan State

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Terry Sims might be in his first season as the head coach at Bethune-Cookman, but when it comes to leading the Wildcats against Morgan State he has some seasoning.

When the Bears visited Daytona Beach for the teams’ game two years ago, then B-CU coach Brian Jenkins was ejected early in the second quarter.

Sims replaced him at the helm and guided the Wildcats to a 24-13 win.

“We have a great staff, so it was not a hard transition for me to step in that day, and we did what we had to do,” Sims said at his weekly press conference Wednesday.

What the Wildcats have to do in this year’s game against Morgan, slated for 4 p.m. Saturday at Municipal Stadium, is keep right on rolling if they hope to win a conference title.

B-CU (7-2, 5-1 in the MEAC) entered into the FCS Coaches’ Poll at 25th this week, and by closing out the season with a pair of wins, could punch a ticket to December’s Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champ.

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