TSU Tigers Host Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the John Merritt Classic

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The John Merritt Classic

Game 1: Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-0) vs, Tennessee State (0-0)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016
Location: Nissan Stadium
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
LIVE Video: OVC Digital Network (CLICK HERE)
Audio: 102.1 FM The Light

The Game: Tennessee State plays host to Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the 18th annual John Merritt Classic. This marks the first appearance for UAPB in the JMC. The Tigers claimed a 24-14 victory over Alabama State last year, securing their sixth win in the last eight JMC contests. The Tigers are 12-5 all-time in the JMC.

Last Meeting: TSU has won the only contest they have played since 1947 against the Golden Lions, a 40-13 victory during Homecoming on Sept. 29, 2012, at Nissan Stadium. The Tigers trailed Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 10-0 after the first quarter, but then outscored the UAPB 40-3 to pull away. Michael German threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns, while Telvin Hooks rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense for TSU. The Tigers defeated, then, Arkansas AM&N in 1944 and 1947.

Head Coach: Rod Reed enters his seventh season at the helm of the Tigers. During his time at TSU, he has compiled a 36-34 record, including a 28-19 mark since 2012. Reed is 1-0 versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Tennessee State: The Tigers finished 4-6 a year ago and 1-6 in Ohio Valley Conference play. TSU returns 65 letter-winners including six starters on offense and eight on defense. Junior defensive lineman Ebenezer "Ebo" Ogundeko returns for his second season and was named Preseason All-OVC. Ogundeko finished 2015 with 58 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 5.0 sacks earning the OVC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year by the media. Junior linebacker Chris Collins led the team with 79 tackles in 2012. Offensively, wide receiver Patrick Smith returns after catching 54 passes for 996 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first season Smith ranked seventh nationally in receiving yards/game (99.6) and 13th in receiving touchdowns. Redshirt-Sophomore O’Shay Ackerman-Carter passed for 1,279 yards and 11 touchdowns in seven games. The offensive line returns four starters including preseason All-American Jessamen Dunker.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff:  UAPB finished 2-9 last season, 1-8 in the SWAC and enters its eighth season under head coach Monte Wilson. The veteran coach led the Golden Lions to the 2012 SWAC Championship Game with a 10-2 overall record. The team has had three-straight seasons under .500 since 2012. UAPB was predicted to finish fifth in the SWAC West Division. Willie Duncan III, leads all returnees with 118 tackles (10.7 per game) and 7.5 tackles-for-loss. Wide receiver Willie Young had 50 catches for 597 yards last year.

Television: Ohio Valley Conference Digital Network. John Freeman will handle play-by-play duties while Howard Gentry, Jr. will provide analysis.

Radio: 102.1 FM The Light will carry the game live with Greg Pogue (play-by-play), Albert Dawson (analyst) and Gary Dawson (sideline). Pregame will begin at 2:00 p.m. CT

TSU vs. HBCUs: Tennessee State holds a 394-141-19 record against other HBCUs, good for a .728 winning percentage. Since taking over in 2010, Rod Reed holds a 17-4 against HBCUs for a winning percentage of .810. TSU’s most wins against D-I HBCU opponents are: Florida A&M (29), Southern (27) and Jackson State (27).

The Champs Are Here: The Big Blue’s 1956 team is being honored during the John Merritt Classic. The '56 squad put together a 10-0 record on its way to the Black College National Championship. The Tigers boasted a star-studded roster featuring six players who earned All-America honors during their time at TSU. On their way to the title game, YSU posted four shutouts during the season before beating Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic, 41-39 to win the Black College National Championship. The attendance was listed as more than 40,000 for the game and they were treated to a thriller as TSU won on a last second defensive stand.

Facing the SWAC: Arkansas-Pine Bluff is the first of two SWAC teams on TSU’s schedule this season. The Tigers will play Jackson State on Sept. 10 in Memphis, Tenn. as part of the Southern Heritage Classic.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Central State prepares to kick off 2016 season against Dayton

WILBERFORCE, Ohio - After an offseason of hard work, Central State University will kick off the 2016 season under the lights of Welcome Stadium this Saturday at 7 pm when the team makes the short trip to take on the University of Dayton.

Coming off a 5-5 mark last season, Central State enters Saturday returning 14 starters from 2015, including four Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's preseason all-conference selections in linebacker Deonate Gary, defensive back Clim Robbins, safety Nehemiah Coward and offensive lineman Aliou Diouf.

Gary, Robbins and Coward highlight a Marauder defense that ranked among the conference's best in sacks, interceptions and turnovers. A new look defensive line includes transfers John Franklin and Andre Pate while senior Artrell McMillan looks to get back to his 2014 All-SIAC form after missing the last four games of 2015. The CSU linebacking corps will rely on its senior leadership in Gary, E'Donovan Stewart, Okoye Bozeman and Anthony Hamm. Gary, who led CSU with 105 tackles last season, talked about motivation leading up to the opening weekend.



WATCH Dayton Flyers vs Central State Marauders at 7 PM Live Stream HERE  Courtesy: University of Dayton

"We have all worked extremely hard and look forward to a great season," Gary says. "For me and the rest of the seniors, we want to go out on a high note. We have had great practice sessions competing against one another and look forward to the start of the season. We were 5-5 last season and let a few games get away from us. Falling short in some of those close games serves as our main motivation to start this year out strong and work even harder to fulfill our potential."

Robbins and Coward lead a Marauder pass defense projected to be one of the top units in the conference. Other key members defending the pass include seniors Lindley Reid, Dashad Tucker and William Isabell. Named to the All-SIAC preseason team as a defensive back and punt returner, Robbins will try to maintain his high level of play going into his senior season.

"We are ready," Robbins says. "This team has an opportunity to do great things this year and we all have to continue to play together and come into every game prepared to perform to the best of our ability."

On offense, the Marauders will feature a new signal caller in Lavon Meeks. Meeks, a junior transfer from Arkansas Baptist, has the ability to move the ball with his arms and with his legs. Meeks talked about the adjustment to a new school, coaches, teammates and the system.

"The Central State community has been very welcoming to me and I feel right at home. I thank the coaches for giving me an opportunity to lead this team," Meeks says. "As an offense, we are capable of doing great things in this system. The coaches have surrounded me with playmakers and an offensive line that I trust. I'm really looking forward to helping this team win."

Meeks' pass catchers include last year's opening day starting quarterback Marquis Wells and a host of new faces including Martell Clark, Tyrone Jones and Jahlil Woods. Arguably the area on the team with the most depth is the CSU backfield. Moses Vines and Isaiah Grooms return to the team while newcomers Darian Nelson, Terraris Saffold and De'Michael Jackson will all have a chance to make a significant impact on the field. Paving the way for the offense will be an offensive line led by seniors Diouf and Devon Radcliffe, who returns after missing all of 2015 due to injury.

Head coach Cedric Pearl, who enters his third season at the helm of the program, expressed the importance of senior leadership and preparation leading up to the season.

"Having been in our system for three years, we rely on our seniors to help mentor our younger guys. Our staff continues to preach focus, discipline, commitment and consistency in every drill, workout and team meeting," says Pearl. "The ultimate goal is to continue to work and get better every day in all three phases of the game. I like the progress our freshmen have made so far and we are confident in their abilities to help this team take the next step. We play a strong team to start the season in the University of Dayton and look forward to the challenge."

Dayton was 10-2 overall in 2015 under head coach Rick Chamberlin. UD was the Pioneer Football League co-champions with a 7-1 conference record. It was the Flyers' 12th PFL crown in the 23-year history of the league. The Flyers went on to make their first appearance in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

UD returns 18 starters from last season. Dayton is led by a trio of redshirt senior captains – linebacker Christopher Beaschler, tight end Ian Palin and center Shane Toub. Six Flyers were named First Team Preseason All-Pioneer Football League, including junior Christian Searles, who was named both as a cornerback and a kick returner.

Notes:

Saturday will be the eighth meeting between Central State and Dayton. The first meeting was back in 1974 with CSU winning 28-25. The teams last played in 2011 with Dayton topping the Marauders, 17-7.

Central State competes as a NCAA Div. II program and a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Dayton is part of the NCAA Div, I Championship Subdivision and a member of the Pioneer Football League.

Fans can listen to Central State University's coverage of the game on the Gem City Sports Network (http://www.gemcitysports.com/radio-1/). Live video will be provided by the University of Dayton (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72lingK5Tiw&app=desktop).

Tickets to Saturday's game can be pre-purchased on the University of Dayton's website.

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Expectations high as N.C. A&T approaches season opener

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- For the second straight year, N.C. A&T starts the football season picked to finish first in the MEAC.

The Aggies, who have shared the league title the last two years, know expectations are high.
And that’s OK.

“When I first got here (in 2011), we were picked last,” A&T head coach Rod Broadway said. “This is a helluva lot better feeling than that. We’re braced for it.”

A&T opens the season at 6 p.m. Saturday, playing host to Division II St. Augustine’s at Aggie Stadium.
It’s a mismatch. The Aggies were 10-2 (7-1 MEAC) last year and return most of the players who won the inaugural Celebration Bowl and an HBCU national championship. The Falcons have won four games in the last two seasons combined.

“It’s hard to get a lot of information on Saint Aug,” Broadway said. “They’ve got a number of transfers coming in. But football is football. We should be better than them, but that’s why you play the game.

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Simple and fast: Southern's new-look 4-2-5 defense set to debut Saturday at UL-Monroe

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Back in 1997, the defensive coordinator at New Mexico published an article in the American Football Coaches Association summer manual titled “Multiplicity But Simplicity: Why the 4-2-5 defense.”

The name of that defensive coordinator shouldn’t come as a surprise. Gary Patterson went on to take the head coaching job at TCU, where he has been using the 4-2-5 to great effect since 2000.

Even as offenses have evolved into the complex systems they are today, the basic concepts of the 4-2-5 have largely remained the same since Patterson wrote that article.

“During a game, we must look like we do a lot, but only do enough to take away what offenses do best,” Patterson wrote.

That is exactly what Cis aiming to do with its new 4-2-5 defense under new defensive coordinator Trei Oliver.

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Virginia State opens on the road at Lenoir-Rhyne University

COACH REGGIE BARLOW

ETTRICK , Virginia -- Coach Reggie Barlow had the good fortune in 1999 to play on a Jacksonville Jaguars squad that showcased two of NFL’s elite ball carriers — Fred Taylor and James Stewart.

Now in his first season coaching football at Virginia State University, Coach Barlow sees a similar situation, relative to competition, with his own Kavon Bellamy and Trenton Cannon.

“I’ve been blessed,” said Coach Barlow whose Trojans open Saturday, Sept. 3, at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

“In Jacksonville, they called Fred ‘Thunder’ and James ‘Lightning.’ I hate to put the pressure on them, but with us, Kavon is ‘Thunder’ and Trenton is ‘Lightning.’ ”

In 1999, Jacksonville posted a 14-2 regular season record, with Taylor and Stewart combining for nearly 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Coach Barlow was a receiver for the Jaguars that season under Coach Tom Coughlin.

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S.C. State football speeding up defensive sets for Central Florida opener

ORLANDO, Florida -- South Carolina State football has only faced Central Florida once -- a 17-0 win by the Knights in Orlando in 2008.

But when the two teams take the field to open their respective seasons this Saturday at 7 p.m. in Orlando (ESPN3), unknowns will abound on both sides of the ball.

The Bulldogs will be looking to see how they play without a graduating class from 2015 that included four players (two on offense and two on defense) currently on NFL rosters.

The Knights will be playing their first game under head coach Scott Frost, a former Nebraska and NFL quarterback who previously worked as offensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks.

Fans of both teams surely have more questions than answers about how their 2016 squads will look and perform going into this game.

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from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd: FAMU @ NC A&T State Football Game Nine Preseason Pick

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- It is not that the Aggies are that much better than the Rattlers. On any given day the NCAT Aggies can be beaten.

This will be their homecoming though and they have a stable program under a good coaching staff that has been around for a little while. A loss by the Rattlers will feel like a set-back after a string of victories.

This game will tell the Rattlers how far they have come.

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Morgan State @ FAMU Football Game Ten Preseason Pick

The last two seasons the Morgan State Bears started the season off strong, but didn’t finish the season as strong. They did dominate the Rattlers though in a low scoring affair. They did it in the air and on the ground. 

This will be a tough game for FAMU after a loss to the NCAT Aggies and the coaches will do all they can to ensure the Rattlers are prepared. The crowd will be screaming “defense, defense.” Though FAMU will play Bethune the following week, they won’t be looking ahead. At this point it will be about execution and about heart. 

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FAMU vs Bethune Cookman Football Game Eleven Preseason Pick

It use to be a big deal when the Wildcats beat the Rattlers. Not anymore. This game truly is a rivalry.

The Bethune Cookman Wildcats have won close contests against FAMU the last two years. In 2016 the Rattlers will have the talent level to not only compete, but win. Because it is a rivalry I won’t say why FAMU has the edge.

At half time the Marching 100 will win if you are a Rattler and the Wildcats will win if you are a Wildcat. This will be a dog fight. The Wildcat’s “Let’s Go Wildcats” even seduces Rattler fans. Still, I’ll give the Rattlers the edge for musicianship and having the number one announcer in Joe Bullard.

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XULA's Phillips repeats as GCAC Setter of the Week

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana volleyball freshman Tiffany Phillips has won her second consecutive Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Setter of the Week honor.
     
Phillips, from Gardena, Calif., and a graduate of Bishop Montgomery High School, averaged 7.93 assists and 2.29 digs per set in four matches during the STU Invitational at Miami Gardens, Fla., this past week. On the tournament's first day she extended to six her school record of consecutive matches with an assist/dig double-double. The streak ended Saturday, one less than the school record for all-type double-doubles.
     
Phillips also produced four kills, four aces and two blocks.
     
Phillips leads the GCAC with 8.03 assists per set and ranks 12th with 2.77 digs per set.
     
The Gold Nuggets (2-8) will play Friday at 11 a.m. against Pikeville (5-1) and 5 p.m. against William Carey (0-3) in the second annual Big Easy Blastoff at XULA's Convocation Center. There will be five matches on the first day, beginning with Southwest (N.M.) (3-1) against SUNO (0-3) at 9 a.m.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Jackson State Sonic Boom Win Over Las Vegas

Perry sets XULA record, but Nuggets drop 2 at home

2016 ROSTER

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Xavier University of Louisiana freshman Amanda Perry set a school record Friday, but the Gold Nuggets lost both matches in their Big Easy Blastoff at the Convocation Center.

The Gold Nuggets lost 29-27, 25-21, 25-17 to Pikeville, then lost 25-22, 25-22, 21-25, 25-21 to William Carey. The matches were XULA's first at home this season.

There will be four more matches Saturday in the five-team, two-day event. XULA will play Southwest (N.M.) at 11 a.m.

Perry produced 12 digs against Pikeville and 15 digs against William Carey to establish a XULA record of 11 consecutive matches in double figures. Perry began the day sharing the record with Jodi Chatters, who had 10-or-more digs in nine straight matches in 2012.

Leading XULA (2-10) in kills were Juliana Tomasoni with 12 against Pikeville and Hasani Salaam with 14 against William Carey. Terri Drake had eight kills in each match, and Tomasoni had 20 digs against William Carey.

William Carey, a first-year program, and Southwest (N.M.) both went 2-0. The Lady Crusaders defeated SUNO 25-18, 19-25, 25-20, 25-19, and Southwest beat SUNO 25-11, 25-13, 25-13 and Pikeville 13-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-16.

Pikeville will play Saturday against William Carey at 9 a.m. and SUNO at 1 p.m. In the last tournament match, Southwest will play William Carey at 3 p.m.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Gold Rush run to 6th place in opener at Mississippi College

CLINTON, Mississippi -- Xavier University of Louisiana's men's cross country team began its 2016 season with a sixth-place finish out of 11 teams Friday in the Mississippi College Season Opener at Choctaw Trails.

The Gold Rush scored 186 points and finished ahead of two NCAA Division I schools, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State. It was the first time since the 2014 LSU Invitational that the XULA men beat an NCAA DI opponent.

Senior Christopher August was XULA's fastest runner for the sixth consecutive meet dating to the 2015 opener. He ran 5,000 meters in 17 minutes, 59.58 seconds to place 24th out of 74 runners.

The other Gold Rush finishers were Clydarius Everett, 31st in 18:32.81; Oji Wells, 37th in 18:54.31; Darrick Williams, 57th in 21:15.80; and Ammiel Williams, 61st in 21:27.59. It was the first collegiate cross country meet for Everett, Wells and Ammiel Williams.

Spring Hill's David Toups was first in 16:24.44. Mississippi College won the team scoring with 23 points. Xavier placed second out of six HBCU teams.

XULA's women did not compete. Both the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will compete next Saturday (Sept.10) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl Festival at Lafreniere Park in suburban Metairie, La. The men's 5K will start at 7:50 a.m., followed by the women's 5K at 8:25. Loyola (N.O.) is the meet host.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Jones High products eye big seasons at Bethune-Cookman

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Don't take their reactions to being named preseason All-MEAC as disingenuous. Ja-Quan Lumas and DeMarcus Womack are quite proud coaches thought highly enough of them to mention them among the conference's elite players.

For both former Orlando Jones High players, however, the preseason designations are simply signs of things to come as they get ready to start the season with Bethune-Cookman on Sunday. The Wildcats face Alcorn State in the SWAC/MEAC Challenge at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. and the game will air on ESPN.



"It's all right, but you still gotta play football games, so all that doesn't really matter," said Lumas, a redshirt junior tight end who had nine catches for 143 yards and three touchdowns last season. "It feels good, but at the same time, at the end of the day, we still gotta line up and play ball."

The same is true for Womack, a senior defensive tackle who recorded 20 tackles, 1.5 tackls for a loss and half a sack last season. Womack has taken quite a journey to reach B-CU. He graduated from Jones in 2009, but a brush with the law and subsequent meandering through the judicial process put his college football goals on hold for a while.

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Boyd scores 3 TDs, UNLV Downs Jackson State 63-13

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Johnny Stanton was 10 of 12 for 217 yards and he threw three touchdown passes to Devonte Boyd to help UNLV beat Jackson State 63-13 on Thursday night.

It was the Rebels' first season-opening victory since 2009 when they beat Sacramento State.

On the third play from scrimmage, Boyd caught a pass over the middle and raced for a 56-yard touchdown. After Troy Hawthorne intercepted LaMontiez Ivy's pass on Jacksonville State's first offensive play, UNLV needed just two plays for Boyd to score from 32 yards out.

Jackson State answered with a 75-yard drive ending in a TD to pull to 14-7. But UNLV scored the next 28 points, including senior David Greene's first career TD, for a 42-10 lead at halftime.

Charles Williams ran for 96 yards and one touchdown, and Lexington Thomas added 68 yards and two TDs for UNLV (1-0). Boyd finished with 135 yards receiving.

Ivy threw for 134 yards with one touchdown and one interception for Jackson State (0-1).

Final Stats  | Photo Gallery  | UNLV Postgame Quotes  | Jackson State Postgame Quotes  | UNLV Postgame Notes Final Stats |  Photo Gallery 

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA LAS VEGAS ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Delaware Blue Hens Run Over Delaware State, 56-14, in Season Opener

NEWARK, Delaware -- Wes Hills made up for a lot of missed time Thursday night in the University of Delaware football team’s 2016 debut at Delaware Stadium. 

Hills, determined to make his return a big one after sitting out all but the 2015 opener while recovering from a broken foot, did just that as the junior running back ran for 212 yards and scored two touchdowns, one on a 59-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, to lead the Blue Hens to a 56-14 victory over in-state rival Delaware State before an appreciative crowd of 17,835. 



The Blue Hens piled up 487 yards of total offense, including 395 on the ground, and a dominating UD defense forced six turnovers and held the Hornets to just 184 total yards in the complete victory.

Delaware downed Delaware State for the seventh time without a loss in this in-state rivalry and in the process captured the 300th victory in the history of 65-year old Delaware Stadium.

“This first game back meant a lot to me,” said Hills, who posted his fifth career 100-yard rushing game and recorded the ninth highest single game rushing effort in Delaware history. “Coach (Dave) Brock and my team put a lot of faith in me and I had no choice but to go out there and give it my all. Being back feels great, being in front of the Delaware fans is an incredible feeling. Nothing beats it.”

The Blue Hens (1-0) drove 74 yards on their first drive and scored on a Jalen Randolph two-yard run just five minutes in to take a quick 7-0. They then promptly got the ball back when defensive end John Nassib intercepted a pass on Delaware State’s second play from scrimmage. Eleven plays later Delaware sophomore quarterback Joe Walker scored on a one-yard dive to push the lead to 14-0.

Delaware never looked back as Hills scored on runs of 13 and 59 yards to push the lead to 28-0 at the break, Randolph scored his second touchdown of the game five minutes into the second half, and Walker added a 25-yard scoring toss to Diante Cherry 24 seconds later to push the advantage to 42-0.



UD backup quarterback Blake Rankin added a 10-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Charles Scarff on the final play of the third quarter and sophomore linebacker Troy Reeder (above left), a Delaware native playing his first game for the Blue Hens after transfering from Penn State, put the cherry on top with a 13-yard interception return for a touchdown 12 second into the final stanza.

“I told the players before the game that I was going to relax and coach and they should go out and just have fun,” said Brock, who evened his four-year mark at Delaware to 18-18. “We have a close-knit group of guys who work hard with and for each other. You could sense that they were going to bring a lot of energy tonight. I am thrilled for them that they did that. The takeaways were fantastic, I thought we played smothering defense, ran the ball the way we want to run the football, and I think our passing game is going to be explosive. I’m excited about building on this and getting ready to go play Lafayette (next Saturday). Wes is a year older and a year stronger. The things he does for this team are contagious. He helps us win in so many more ways than what you see.”

Delaware sophomore Thomas Jefferson, the 2015 Colonial Athletic Association Offensive Rookie of the Year, added 70 yards rushing while Randolph, who missed all but the first three games of the 2015 season himself due to an injury, picked up 55 yards.

In addition to interceptions by Nassib and Reeder, junior linebacker Anthony Jackson picked off two passes. The Hens had just 12 combined interceptions over the last two seasons.

Delaware State (0-1), coming off a 1-10 season a year ago, managed just 35 yards rushing. Quarterback Daniel Epperson hit on 13 of 26 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted four times. Mason Rutherford caught six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

HEN SCRATCHINGS:
• Delaware’s 56 points were its most since a 59-56 five-overtime loss to Richmond in 2007 and the most on opening day since a 62-21 win over Lehigh in 1993
• The 395 yards rushing were the most by a Delaware team since gaining 443 against West Chester in 2000 and the 487 total yards were the most since a 500-yard effort against Rhode Island in 2013.
• Delaware forced six turnovers on four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. That matched the most takeaways for the Hens since forcing six against Southern Illinois in a 2003 NCAA Tournament first round win
• Delaware is now 300-100-4 all-time (.747 winning pct.) at Delaware Stadium since the facility opened in 1952
• Delaware travels to Lafayette next Saturday, Sept. 10, before a Sept. 17 meeting vs. Atlantic Coast Conference foe Wake Forest on Sept. 24. The Hens won’t return home until Oct. 8 vs. Maine
• Blue Hen freshman walk-on kicker Jake Roth had four touchbacks on kickoffs in his collegiate debut
• Delaware held a huge 22-minute advantage in time of possession

BOX SCORE

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Cheyney Wolves Capture "Battle of the First" and End Streak with 21-20 Victory

LINCOLN, Pennsylvania  – Jr. QB Dominick Trautz connected on a nine-yard touchdown pass to Jr. Marcus Lyles in the first overtime, and Jr. Brendyn Van Demark converted the score to give Cheyney University a seven-point lead. The game was then in hands of a defense that dominated through most of the game,  and when Marvin Easter III knocked down a pass in the endzone on a two-point conversion, the Cheyney Wolves ended a 43-game winless drought with a 21-20 victory in overti

The Wolves held a 21-14 lead in the first overtime when Lincoln quarterback Khari Nquzi connected on a nine-yard td pass to Larquise Hobbs, on fourth and goal from the 9, to extend the game for one more play. With an injured place-kicker, the Lions, who did not attempt a kick during the game, went for the win on the two point-conversion, but Easter III broke up the pass and CU players and fans stormed the field in celebration.

The last Cheyney victory also came on September 1, in 2012 a 34-21 win at Lincoln.

The Wolves got off to a fast start, after forcing a three and out from Lincoln on the opening possession of the game, Cheyney was able to begin its opening drive of the season at the Lions 34 yard line following an 8-yard punt. The Wolves took just six plays to take advantage of the field position and put up the first score of the season on a 6-yard dash to the corner from Brandon French.

Cheyney forced another punt and looked poised to extend it lead, when it marched deep into Lions territory, but the Wolves, could not convert a fourth and five at the Lincoln 20, and turned the ball over on downs.

Once again the defense stepped up and forced a quick punt. With a drive start at the Lincoln 42, the Wolves faced a third and two at the Lions 34 when R-Fr. James Madlock III, who led Cheyney with 92 yards rushing on 15 carries, electrified the crowd with a dazzling tackle-breaking, ankle-breaking run to put the Wolves ahead 14-0 and what looked like on their way to an easy victory.

The Lions had other thoughts, a 59-yard punt return set up Lincoln at the Cheyney 15 and three plays later All-CIAA running back Stephen Scott went in from the two. The Wolves, All-PSAC defensive end Joseph Bryant then stopped Scott on the two-point rush to keep it at a 14-6 Cheyney advantage..

Nzquzi then rumbled in from six-yards out, on the final play of the first half, and converted the two-point-attempt with a completion to Andre Price and the game was tied at 14-14 at the break.

Despite having the ball for over eight minutes on a 16-play opening drive, and for all but six plays in the third quarter, the Wolves could not put any points on the board and the contest remained deadlocked late into the fourth quarter.

It appeared that Cheyney was destined to fall in heart breaking fashion when William Reyes grabbed his second interception of the game off a tipped pass and was heading down the sideline for what looked like the deciding score, but great hustle by the Wolves and a penalty on the Lions gave Lincoln the ball at the Cheyney 29- yard line with 1:11 to play.

Lincoln converted a third and short to move the ball inside the Cheyney 20, but a bad snap on first down set the Lions back and led to overtime.

The Wolves had the first opportunity from the 25, but could not move the ball on the first three plays and face a fourth and 10 from the 25, when Trautz was able to find a seam in the Lions defense and scramble for twelve yards and a first down. Three plays later he put the Wolves ahead to stay with the TD pass to Lyles.

Madlock III rushed for a team-best 92 yards and a score on just 15 carries for a 6.1 yards per carry average, French powered his way to 73 yards and a score, Lyles led the receiving core with four catches for 48 yards and the winning TD reception, Nigel Wiley added 44 yards on three catches and Trautz  threw for 108 yard,s a score and 2 int's.

Scott led all runners with 108 yards, but it took him 31 carries, he also had a team-high 48 yards on four reception.

Brendyn Van Demark was three-for-three on the all-important extra points in the contest.

Jr. Keyson Dingle led the Wolves with 10 tackles, Easter III added nine tackles a fourth quarter interception in the endzone and two pass break-ups. Jr. Jamiel Hines and Fr. Michai Beal recorded six stops each, Bryant added five tackles including a forced fumble and stuffing Scott on a fourth down play and a two-point conversion attempt and R-So. Jordan Richardson also made five stops for the Wolves.

The Wolves are next in action at O'Shields-Stevenson Stadium for the home opener on Saturday, September 10 for a 1:00 PM kick-off against PSAC West opponent California (Pa).

me in the "Battle of the First" at The Lincoln University Thursday night.

BOX SCORE

CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

2016 Lincoln Football Media Guide Now Online!

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- The 2016 Lincoln Football Media Guide, available by clicking on the below link, can now be viewed online.

This 104-page guide contains an enhanced opponent section, more detailed statistical information and even more history than all previous LU guides. This publication also is filled with photos of this year's players and position units and provides information on how the Blue Tigers did in GLVC play last year as well as a previews of the upcoming season.

All information is accurate as of Sept. 1, 2016.

2016 Lincoln Football Media Guide

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

He's back ... just in time: Southern DB Bryan Anderson will be in uniform for opener

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern defensive back Bryan Anderson hasn’t played in a real football game since the Jaguars went to the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in 2013.

That drought ends Saturday.

Anderson, who originally expected to miss Southern’s season opener at Louisiana-Monroe because of a knee injury, made a surprise recovery and was back on the field this week for practice.

“It feels good to be back out there knowing my knee is 100 percent,” Anderson said. “My job is to get everyone hyped up and amped up. It just feels good to be back with my knee feeling straight.”

Southern coach Dawson Odums said Anderson will not claim the starting spot against the Warhawks after missing the majority of preseason camp, but the junior will play about 15-20 plays.

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DL transfers help beef up Grambling's defense

GRAMBLING, Louisiana — As a graduate transfer with four years of college experience under his belt, Monroe native Blain Winston wasn't looking to rack up statistics during his final year of football. He just wanted to add another ring to his collection.

That's what the Richwood product plans on doing in 2016 at Grambling after transferring from UL Lafayette. Winston, a 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive tackle, is one of two transfers the Tigers brought in to beef up the line this year.

"I've never been this welcomed before in my life. It's like one big family here at Grambling," said Winston, who is reuniting with high school teammates Martez Carter and Trey Goins. "My whole goal with (defensive coordinator coach Everett) Todd was to come in and try and help them. I knew they already had a good d-line. I just wanted to help them get better."

Grambling lost four key linemen from 2015 — Jamison Goins, Michael Jolivet, Larry Stalling and Jevonta Williams. Collectively, they totaled 11 of the 38 sacks recorded. The Tigers have Samuel Reese, who notched three sacks last year, Donovan McCray and Deangelo Butler-Gaston return on the outside.

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Southern quarterback Austin Howard is the face — and voice — of the program

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- If there has been one constant in the lead up to Southern’s season opener against ULM this Saturday, it has been quarterback Austin Howard barking at someone.

Sometimes he does it with a grin, other times his brow is furrowed — but it happens all the same, and the key is the regularity with which it occurs.

Howard, entering his third year as Southern’s starting quarterback, has made it a point to be a vocal leader of his team this season. He sees it as a necessary duty of the starting quarterback. His coach, Dawson Odums, sees it as a natural progression for a natural leader.

“I always talk to him about taking the next step — in life, as a quarterback, as a leader,” Odums said. “Our life is broken down into a bunch of small steps. When you come in as a freshman, that light bulb is not as bright. You’re feeling your way around, learning unfamiliar territory.

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Southern U: Notes: Chennis Berry to coach from the press box agaist ULM, Trei Oliver from the sidelines

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern coach Dawson Odums has a very simple philosophy when it comes to deciding where his coaches are going to be on game day.

“My philosophy is that if you’re a high-energy coach and a passionate coach, go to the box,” Odums said. “If you’re low key … and calm demeanor, be on the sideline.”

It makes sense then that offensive coordinator Chennis Berry will take his exuberance to the press box Saturday against ULM, while the more reserved defensive coordinator Trei Oliver will be on the sidelines.

It may not always be that way, but that’s how Odums wants to try things for the opener.

“We’re going to try the first game one way, and if there’s some problems in communication, the next game you may flip it,” Odums said. “I think it’s a trial and error, I think it depends on the individuals you have, where they’re comfortable at, and it’s also about who is relaying the communication to the players.

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QB Williamson brings maturity, leadership to Hampton offense

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Jaylian Williamson writes daily in a journal that he talks about turning into a book. Suggested title: “Rollercoaster Ride: My College Football Story.”

“I’ve had so many ups and downs,” he says with an easy smile that turns to shaking of his head at the memories. “My mom was talking to me about it the other day. She said, ‘You can withstand anything. Anything.’ She’s right. You hit me; I can handle anything.”

The ride is headed up now – again. Winning the quarterback job at Hampton – again. Playing Saturday at Old Dominion – again. Playing in front of friends from his days as Oscar Smith’s state championship-winning quarterback – again.

“I have people calling me all the time, ‘You ready? You ready?’ I’m just soaking it all in,” he said. “I feel like this year is the most relaxed time I’ve had in five years, the most excited I’ve been.”

Hampton coach Connell Maynor named Williamson the starter early in fall camp, but competition for the job never stopped. It probably won’t. One reason is Williamson’s stature: an advertised 5-feet-10 that leaves doubters aplenty.

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A post-season trip is a major goal for NCCU

DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central football has the chance to become the first team in program history to win three straight conference championships.

But while hoopla and high expectations surround the players and coaches, a small dark cloud hovers in the background.



It’s 2014: The Eagles were on the road at conference opponent Morgan State. On paper, the matchup was a no-brainer, but that’s why they play the game. NCCU lost 21-20 after leading 20-7 in the fourth quarter. NCCU wound up in a five-way tie for the title. Morgan won the tiebreaker and advanced to the NCAA Division I- FCS playoffs.

It’s 2015: The Eagles led two-time champion Bethune-Cookman by 19 points, but the Wildcats rallied to go ahead by two. On its last drive of the game, NCCU was within field goal range, but the kick was blocked. This time, there was a three-way tie for first, and bitter rival N.C. A&T got the tiebreaker and headed to the inaugural Air Force Celebration Bowl.

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B-CU Wildcats’ big wish: maintain success

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida --The Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats have had at least a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship for the past four years; they are looking to extend that streak in 2016.

The Wildcats are now expected to compete for a conference title every season. “The bar has been set high, and we want to continue to reset it and succeed,” coach Terry Sims said. “It’s a pressure game, and you want to be able to react to pressure in a positive way.”

Sims was named MEAC Coach of the Year in 2015 in his first season as head coach of B-CU. He had spent the previous five seasons as an assistant coach with the team and said being a head coach for the first time was “a little bit challenging, but I was up for the challenge.”

B-CU is replacing quarterback Quentin Williams, who graduated. The Wildcats led the conference in passing offense last season.

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For starters, it's Delaware Blue Hens vs. Delaware State Hornets

NEWARK, Delaware – No wonder Delaware and Delaware State so relish the start of the 2016 football season Thursday night.

Each is coming off a season in which victories were rare.

The Blue Hens’ four equaled their fewest since 1967. The Hornets managed just one win, tying for their worst performance in the last 17 years.

But both enter 2016 with high hopes.

Delaware expects to have the talent to take it to the NCAA FCS playoffs, once a frequent landing spot but now a place from which the Hens have been absent since 2010.

Likewise, Delaware State has not limited its aspirations as it takes aim for a spot in the Celebration Bowl, which matches the MEAC and SWAC champions.

Those objectives collide at UD’s Delaware Stadium, where the state’s two FCS teams kick off at 7 p.m.

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New stadium, new coach highlight TSU-Prairie View game

COURTESY PVAMU ATHLETICS

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- It's always an event when Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M meet on the football field for the annual Labor Day Classic. Other than playing for a SWAC championship, this would be the most significant game for both teams.

This year's version has added importance when the rivals kick off at 5 p.m. Sunday in Prairie View. The Panthers will be showcasing their new $61 million, 15,000-seat football stadium, and the Tigers will begin anew under coach Michael Haywood.

"Our guys are going to be excited also because this is a new era for us," said Haywood, a former player at Notre Dame who last was a head coach in 2010 at Miami (Ohio). "It's an opportunity for us to show how much we've changed in a short period of time.

"We are thankful to open up versus Prairie View because they are one of the best teams in our conference. It will set a landmark on where we are as we start the 2016 season. It will be a physical contest for 60 minutes. The physicality of the game will be something that you've never seen before between TSU and Prairie View.

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