Lincoln Blue Tigers Kick Off 2016 With Battle of the LUs

Complete Game Notes

Game 1: Langston (7-3 in 2015) at Lincoln (1-10 in 2015)
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 3 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Jefferson City, Mo.
Stadium (Capacity): Dwight T. Reed Stadium (5,500)
Tickets: All Kids – Free | Adults - $10 | Non-LU Students/LU Faculty & Staff - $5 | LU Students (With ID) - Free
Streaming - http://portal.stretchinternet.com/lincoln2
Radio - KJLU 88.9 FM - Jefferson City, Mo.
Audiocast - http://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KJLU
Live Stats - http://portal.stretchinternet.com/lincoln2
Special Events - Take a Kid to the Game & True Blue Game
Series - Langston leads, 39-21-2

THE KICKOFF  
For the first time since 2012, the Lincoln football team will open a season at home on Saturday (Sept. 3) as the Blue Tigers host Langston at 2:00 p.m. CDT. The contest is Take a Kid to the Game Day, with all kids receiving free admission, and the True Blue Game, with Lincoln fans invited to deck out in all blue as they cheer the Blue Tigers.



This is the third-straight year in which Lincoln and Langston have opened the season against one another, and the teams have split the previous two match-ups. Langston won in 2014, 49-48, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Lincoln then returned the favor last year, beating the Lions, 35-32, in Langston, Okla.

Prior to Saturday's game, the Blue Tiger Athletics Club will host a free tailgate party in the parking lot next to Dwight T. Reed Stadium. The tailgate will be hosted by Central Bank and is free to all Blue Tiger fans.

QUICK HITS  
- Lincoln renews its longest rivalry in program history on Saturday when the Blue Tigers host Langston. It will be the 63rd time since 1924 that the Blue Tigers and the Lions have played, with Langston holding a 39-21-2 advantage in the all-time series. Lincoln won the last meeting, 35-32, on the road last season.

- This is the first time that Lincoln will open a season at home since 2012, when the Blue Tigers began the year with a league contest against Lindenwood at Dwight T. Reed Stadium. It will be Lincoln's first home-opener vs. a non-conference team since 2011, when LU began the Mike Jones era with a win over Avila.

- A win for Lincoln would mark the first time that the Blue Tigers have won their season opener in back-to-back years since 1979 and 1980. It would also give Lincoln its first consecutive wins in consecutive seasons against an opponent since defeating Haskell in 2007 and 2008.

- 2016 marks the fourth-straight season that Lincoln will play at least one other HBCU. The Blue Tigers have played Langston in each of the past two seasons and beat Grambling State in the Missouri Classic in 2013. Lincoln has at least one win over a rival HBCU in each of the past three seasons.

- Langston is one of three HBCU opponents on Lincoln's 2016 schedule, joining Lincoln (PA) and Lane College.

- The Blue Tigers enter Saturday with an all-time record of 250-434-24.

- Head coach Mike Jones is in his sixth season at Lincoln. He is 8-47 both overall and at LU. Jones is the 21st head coach in the history of Blue Tiger football.

- Lincoln is in its third season as a member of the GLVC. LU was in the MIAA for 23 years, including three-straight from 2011-13, for football before making the switch in 2014. The GLVC is the fifth different conference in which the Blue Tigers have been a member, joining the Midwest Athletic Association, the Great Lakes Football Conference, the Central States Football League and the MIAA.

- This is the 86th season of Lincoln football. The Blue Tigers first fielded a team in 1920 and played every year until 1943, when Lincoln took a year off due to World War II. LU then played each season from 1944-1989. The football program was disbanded at that point, but was brought back in 2000.

BLUE TIGERS TO WATCH
OFFENSE - Lincoln returns a pair of All-GLVC receivers, including Bryson Winfrey, who was an all-league second team honoree as an offensive utility player and an honorable mention at wide receiver. Winfrey led LU with 60 receptions and also threw three touchdown passes. Darius Hicks is also back after gaining 559 yards and catching three touchdown passes. Also back for the LU receiving corps is Delvon Rouser, who finished seventh in the GLVC with 4.8 receptions per game. Leading the passing attack isDennis Vinson, who completed 62.5-percent of his passes a season ago. The Lincoln offense boasts one more all-conference performer in Miles Drummond, who led the Blue Tigers with four rushing touchdowns in 2015. Also carrying the load this season is Will Randolph, who started his collegiate career at Texas A&M and is expected to be LU's starter on Saturday.

DEFENSE - Leading the Blue Tiger defense this year is Marvin Holley, an All-GLVC honorable mention at safety who finished fifth on the team with 63 tackles in 2015. Holley also had a pair of interceptions and broke up a pass. LU has one other returning starter, Julius Jackson, a defensive end who made 40 tackles last year, including 3.5 for loss and a sack. Six of Lincoln's other projected defensive starters are returners, including Jervonta Jones, who made 4.5 tackles for loss in 2015. Lawrence Hogue, who played in nine contests and broke up two passes while recovering a fumble in 2014, is back after missing the 2015 campaign. Addison Tucker, a two-year key member of the linebacker rotation, is also back for his junior season.

SPECIAL TEAMS - Darius Hicks, who averaged 16.5 yards on kickoff returns last season, returns to handle both kick and punt returns in 2016. Dennis Jackson, who gained 147 yards on seven returns last year, will also handle kick return duties. Alex Templeton is expected to handle both punting and kicking duties while C.J. Closser is the holder and starting center Alec Wallingsford will serve as the long snapper.

LANGSTON AT A GLANCE  
Langston's passing attack is directed by Mark Wright, who last season threw for 1,517 yards and 12 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. The Lions' top-returning wideout is their running back, Kievon Jackson, who grabbed 10 passes for 172 yards and a score. As a rusher, Jackson led Langston with seven touchdowns while gaining 365 yards last season. Wright also added four rushing scores while his back-up, Norbert Ralph, threw nine touchdown passes and rushed for four scores in nine contests.

The defense will be bolstered by the return of three of Langston's top-five tacklers from a year ago, led by Evan Scott, who made 65 total takedowns. That includes 3.5 for loss and three sacks as well as a pair of intereceptions and a fumble recovery. Ray Douglas returns after making 59 tackles in 2015 as well as two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Douglas also made four tackles for loss. The other key returner is De'Amonte Miles, who had 53 total tackles last season.

Langston's biggest loss was Sheldon Augustine, who was a playmaker as a receiver and a kick returner and is now pursuing a professional career. That will leave openings in the special teams for returners. Both the punting and the kicking duties will be handled by newcomer Michael Ryan-Calderon. The long snapper is Malik Argue, who also plays on the Lions' defensive line. 

THE COACHES 
Mike Jones is in his sixth season with the Blue Tigers. Jones has led LU through transitions into the MIAA in 2011 and the GLVC in 2014. A 1991 graduate of Missouri, Jones spent 12 seasons as a professional football player and is well known in Missouri for making "The Tackle" that stopped the Tennessee Titan's Kevin Dyson on the one-yard line to preserve the St. Louis Rams' victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. Before coming to Lincoln, Jones was was also the head coach at Hazelwood East High in St. Louis, leading the team to a state title in 2008.

Quinton Morgan was named the head coach of the Lions on Dec. 2 following nine seasons of serving on Langston's staff. Morgan played running back, wide receiver and defensive back for the Lions from 2004-2005 and most recently was the defensive backs coach at Langston. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Morgan played four years of professional football in two arena leagues.  

ALL-LEAGUE:  The Blue Tigers bring back four players who earned All-GLVC recognition last year, including Bryson Winfrey, who was a second team honoree as a utility player and an honorable mention at wide receiver. Darius Hicks also was an all-league honorable mention at receiver while Miles Drummond and Marvin Holley earned All-GLVC honorable mention distinction at running back and safety, respectively.

BROKEN RECORDS:  Lincoln's passing attack in 2015 was the best in program history, with the Blue Tigers breaking single-season records for both completions (242) and passing yards (2,832). LU's passing game has the potential to be even better in 2016, as Lincoln returns four of its top five receivers from a year ago, including two who earned All-GLVC recognition. Lincoln also brings back Dennis Vinson, who appeared in six games and completed 62.5-percent of his passes last year. 

THE FOURTH AWAKENS:  No defense in the GLVC was better on fourth down than Lincoln was in 2015. The Blue Tigers allowed opponents to convert on just six of 21 fourth-down attempts, the ninth-best defensive rate in NCAA Division II. LU also blocked a GLVC-high seven kicks, finishing 12th in DII in that statistic.

RECORD WATCH:  With 31 receptions this year, Bryson Winfrey will become Lincoln's all-time career record. Winfrey enters 2016 with 113 career catches, with the Lincoln record standing at 143 by Maurice Woodard from 2010-13. In 2015, Winfrey led the Blue Tigers with 60 receptions. 

SHOW ME SOME FOOTBALL:  For the second-straight season, Lincoln will have six games at Dwight T. Reed Stadium. The Blue Tigers will get to enjoy Missouri cooking for most of the season, though, as only two of LU's 11 contests in 2016 are outside of the Show Me State. The Blue Tigers play at Lincoln (PA) next week, and travel to Indiana to play Indianapolis in October. Lincoln's remaining three road games are against Missouri opponents.

UP NEXT  Lincoln's first road game of the season will also be its longest, as the Blue Tigers travel to Pennsylvania to play the other Lincoln University next Saturday (Sept. 10) at 12:00 p.m. CDT.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY BLUE TIGERS ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Howard Opens Season on the Road Against Maryland Terrapins

TV: Big Ten Network

COLLEGE PARK, Maryland -- The Howard University football team will kick off the 2016 season on Saturday when they take on the Terps of the University of Maryland at 12 noon at Capital One Field.  The game broadcast live on the Big Ten Network and Howard fans can follow all the action by logging onto the Bison Sports Network atwww.whbc963hd3.com  or on the HBCU Network on Channel 142 Sirius. Trevin Jones will do the play by play and Tiffany Hoyd and Michael Lindo will provide color commentary.

It is the first meeting between the two schools which are 30 minutes apart.  Both teams will try to rebound from subpar seasons and the Terps will try to do it under first year head coach DJ Durkin.
                  
Maryland (0-0) has an entirely new coaching staff but should be highly motivated to make an impressive debut for the home fans.  The Bison (0-0) will try to take advantage of the underdog role.

"DJ comes from Michigan and is a defensive-minded coach," said Howard head coachGary Harrell, in his fourth season.  "This game is especially important for our seniors.  The game will be on the Big Ten Network, so it is a great opportunity.  The scouts will be looking to see how we prepare and perform against this type of competition.  Our guys are ready and look forward to the competition."

Both teams have inexperience at the quarterback position.  The Terps will start Jordan Hills.
            
"Maryland QBs don't have a lot of game experience but they are effective," noted Harrell,"Maryland struggled last year like we did, but their record doesn't reflect how good they are.  It will be a huge challenge for us." 
                  
The Bison are in a similar situation at the quarterback position.  Kalen Johnson, a red-shirt sophomore, got most of the snaps last season and showed improvement down the stretch, passing for over 1,100 yards and 8 TDs.  But he was pressed in spring practice and the preseason by Jason Collins, a red-shirt freshman.
                 
"We have two excellent young QBs we feel good about," said Harrell. "Johnson and Collins (red-shirt freshman)  did a great job competing.  We haven't named a starter yet.  Johnson has developed and the game has slowed down for him . He's slightly ahead but Collins is right on his tail.  Whoever can best manage the game and not turn the ball over is who will be the starter."

NEXT UP:  The Bison travel to New Jersey next Saturday to take on another Big 10 opponents in Rutgers.  That game is also a 12 noon kickoff.  The Terps will travel to Miami, FL to play FIU on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Game Notes

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Duke Opens Football Season Saturday With NCCU

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Duke football opens the season at home against MEAC co-champion North Carolina Central. The Blue Devils have beaten the Eagles all four times they’ve played during Cutcliffe’s tenure, most recently 55-0 last year. We expect that trend to continue, but we’ll give some team history and some names likely to be called during the game.

Central has won a share of the MEAC title in ’14 and ’15, but have lost post-season chances on tiebreakers both years. Their goal for the year is to get to the post-season, a goal that luckily will not be hindered should the Blue Devils take care of business on Saturday.



Incidentally, winning even a share of the championship would give the Eagles a three-peat for the first time in school history. Speaking of school history, HC Jerry Mack was the first coach in NCCU history to win 15 games in two years. Eagles defensive end Ryan smith was drafted by Tampa Bay after last season. He recorded five tackles in their game against Duke last year.

The Eagles bring back fifteen of their starters, most importantly redshirt senior quarterback Malcom Bell, who recorded 1,581 passing yards last year, along with 509 rushing yards, and 13 total touchdowns. He is labeled as a dual-threat quarterback, which will at least be familiar to the Duke defense.

CONTINUE READING

Eastern Michigan Offensive Onslaught Powers Eagles to Season-Opening Victory Over Mississippi Valley

YPSILANTI, Michigan – A historic offensive performance from the Eastern Michigan University football team powered the Eagles (1-0) to a season-opening 61-14 victory over Mississippi Valley State University Friday night, Sept. 2, at "The Factory" inside Rynearson Stadium. A balanced effort led the Eagles to a 61-14 victory over the Delta Devils (0-1).

The Green and White's point total marked the most scored by EMU since 2004, when it also notched 61 against Central Michigan. The final tally also marked the largest margin of victory in a season opener since 2008.

As a team, Eastern ran away with the win behind a balanced offensive attack featuring 281 rushing yards, along with 198 passing yards. In total, the Eagles posted 479 yards of offense, posting a perfect 9-for-9 mark in the red zone. Leading the charge on the ground was redshirt sophomore Shaq Vann (South Bend, Ind. – John Adams), who posted a final stat line of 156 yards and two touchdowns, the second 100-yard rushing performance of his career. Just behind him, fellow redshirt sophomore Ian Eriksen (Clarkston, Mich. – Clarkston) picked up 97 yards, along with the first two scores of his career.

Through the air, junior Todd Porter (O'Fallon, Ill. – O'Fallon (Western Kentucky – Garden City C.C.))made his first start donning the Green and White, amassing 171 yards passing and three touchdowns. On the receiving side, redshirt freshman Nigel Kilby (Fort Wayne, Ind. – Northrop) caught his first career touchdown and totaled 67 yards. Redshirt freshman Paul Fricano (Rochester, N.Y. – Churchville, Chili)had a great day kicking as well, knocking down a field goal, along with drilling all eight of his extra point attempts, tying for the most in program history, and the most since 2008.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Green and White held the Delta Devils to just 201 yards, including only 23 on the ground, the fifth-least in program history, and the fewest since 2011. The defense also forced three fumbles, securing two of them. Through three quarters, the Eagles held MVSU scoreless, as they were able to muster 14 points in the final frame. Redshirt senior Pat O'Connor (Chicago, Ill. – Saint Rita) made his return to the field following an injury last season, erupting for two sacks and three quarterback hurries on the day. Eastern's leading tackler on the day was redshirt sophomore Kyle Rachwal (Lapeer, Mich. – Lapeer East) with 10 total, including two assisted tackles for loss. Redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Harris (Lambertville, Mich. – Bedford Senior) also made his presence known, recovering a fumble.

After a three-and-out by the Eagles to open the game, the EMU defense turned around and forced a quick punt by MVSU to get the ball back early in the first quarter. The EMU offense retook the field and got into rhythm behind stout running from Vann, along with accurate passing from Porter. A 19-yard pass to juniorJohnnie Niupalau (San Mateo, Calif. – San Mateo (College of San Mateto)) for 19 started the drive, while a 14-yarder to junior Sergio Bailey II (La Mesa, Calif. – Olympian (Grossmont College)) brought the Eagles within the 10-yard line. From there, Vann took the ball on consecutive plays, the latter getting into the end zone for the first score of the game, and putting the Green and White ahead, 7-0.

On the next series, the EMU defense swarmed the MVSU backfield, as O'Connor nabbed a sack, which also forced the ball loose within the 15-yard line. After sorting out the pile, redshirt freshman Maxx Crosby(Colleyville, Texas – Colleyville Heritage) came up with the ball, giving Eastern an opportunity to quickly increase their lead. The team did just that, as Eriksen punched the ball in from the five to put EMU up 14-0 with 6:37 remaining in the first.

Like their first series, the defense came up big again on MVSU's next possession, forcing another four and out. After a MVSU punt, the Eagles' offense came out firing yet again, as Kilby erupted for a gain of 34 yards on a pass from Porter over the middle. However, the Eagles couldn't pick up a first down, and elected to go for a field goal, which fell short.

On the ensuing possession, the Delta Devils were able to move the chains for the first time in the game. However, Harris forced another fumble, with the Eagles coming up with it at the MVSU four-yard line. The Green and White quickly capitalized, as redshirt junior Lavonte Robinson (Cleveland, Ohio – St. Edward)found the end zone after a short pass from Porter, which was his first career touchdown throw. With 2:43 to go in the first, Eastern ran to a 21-0 lead over the Delta Devils, which carried over to the second quarter.

At the end of the first and beginning of the second, the Delta Devils continued nickel and diming their way down the field on a series of short passes and rushes. However, after a broken up pass by senior DaQuan Pace (Detroit, Mich. – Cass Tech) and a sack from redshirt senior Mike Brown (Sandusky, Ohio – Sandusky), MVSU was forced to punt, giving EMU the ball at their own 20. On the first play of the drive, Vann found a crease, picking up 18 yards. However, the Eagles couldn't pick up the next first down, forcing a punt at the 44.

After a penalty on the Eagles, the Delta Devils picked up their drive at the 30. MVSU then picked up a first down after a five-yard rush from Booker and a 7-yard pass. Their drive continued, as Bray fooled the EMU defense on an option play, picking up 11. O'Connor picked up his second sack of the game on the next play for a loss of seven. The next play saw three Eagles get into the backfield, forcing a pass to Simms for a loss of four yards and another MVSU punt. The Eagles turned the ball over on the other end on the ensuing possession, as Porter threw his first interception after his intended target fell down.

The defense minimized the damage, forcing the Delta Devils to punt yet again. With less than five minutes to go in the half, Eastern maintained a 21-0 lead. Pinned within their own 10, Eriksen quickly gave the Eagles some breathing room, taking the ball and rushing for 31 yards on the first play of the drive. On fourth and one, the Eagles elected to go for it, with Eriksen bruising his way ahead for seven. Senior Sam Browning (Escondido, Calif. – Escondido (Palomar C.C.)) kept the drive going, catching a pass for 13 to bring EMU to the MVSU 27-yard line. With the clock ticking down to less than a minute in the half, the Eagles went for a shot at the end zone. Although the pass was just out of reach, a MVSU pass interference penalty brought the Green and White to the 13. On the next play, junior Antoine Porter (San Francisco, Calif. – Mission (City College of San Francisco)) found the end zone for his first career touchdown, which was also Porter's second of the game. With less than 30 seconds to play in the half, the Eagles held a commanding 28-0 lead. The Delta Devils decided to let the clock run down, and Eastern went to the locker room holding a 28-point lead.

MVSU opened the second half with the ball, but they were able to do nothing, as the EMU defense forced another three-and-out. After a fair catch from redshirt sophomore Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn. – Cretin-Derham Hall), the Eagles got the ball at their own 37. Vann started the drive with a 12-yard rush behind solid blocking from redshirt sophomore Jimmy Leatiota (San Jose, Calif. – Wilcox (College of San Mateo)). A Porter pass to Bailey picked up another 13, bringing EMU to the MVSU 32, while Vann bulldozed his way through the line for 21 yards, moving the chains to the eight. Dropping back to pass on third-and-goal, Porter found Kilby in the end zone to put seven more on the board after the extra point from Fricano. This marked Kilby's first career touchdown, and furthered Porter's total to three on the day.

A solid return gave the Delta Devils the ball around the 40, however an illegal block brought the ball back to the nine. After a short rush, another penalty pushed MVSU back to the four-yard line. A sack from redshirt senior Ike Spearman (Saint John, Ind. – Lake Central) and junior Jason Beck (Indianapolis, Ind. – Arsenal Technical) then forced another MVSU punt near the goal line, allowing EMU to get the ball back with good field position at the MVSU 38.

Porter then threw up a fade to Kilby, who came down with it for a gain of 28 despite tough coverage from the Delta Devils. Although the EMU drive stalled, the Eagles still put points on the board behind Fricano's first career field goal, which came from 35-yards out. With three more on the board, the Eagles increased their lead to 38-0.

The stout defense continued on the next drive, as sophomore Jaylen Pickett (Zephyrhills, Fla. – Zephyrhills) forced another MVSU fumble, which along with a penalty, brought the Delta Devils back to the two-yard line. After a near interception from freshman Jalen Phelps (Marietta, Ga.-Hillgrove), MVSU was forced to punt from the three. A delay of game pushed the ball back even further, and the Delta Devils followed by snapping the ball through the end zone, giving the Eagles a safety, their first since 2005, and two more points on the board to make it 40-0.

Following the safety, Banham posted a huge return of 69 yards to give the Eagles the ball at the MVSU four-yard line. On the first offensive play of the series, Banham got the handoff and carried it into the end zone for EMU's sixth TD on the day. With 5:33 to go in the third, the Green and White commanded a 47-0 lead over the Delta Devils.

MVSU was then able to get across the 50 for the second time on the day, but were unable to move any further. After a punt from the Delta Devils, Eastern got the ball back at their 12-yard line. On the first play of the drive, Vann rumbled his way down the field for a huge gain of 58 yards after breaking a few tackles and tip-toeing his way down the sideline. He kept the trend going, picking up another 13 to put EMU into the red zone, after which he picked up his second touchdown of the day. Fricano's extra point then made the score 54-0 in favor of Eastern.

With the clock winding down to zero on the third quarter, the Eagles went into the final frame holding a 54-0 lead. The Delta Devils were then able to get a drive going, getting into EMU territory for the third time. Pass interference penalties kept the drive alive for MVSU, pushing them to the EMU 26. A short pass to Simms gave the Delta Devils another first down, after which Banks caught MVSU's first touchdown of the day.  With 12:28 to go in the half, Eastern still commanded a 54-7 lead.

The MVSU kick off saw redshirt senior Austin Sanders (Ypsilanti, Mich. – Ypsilanti (Michigan State))return the ball 51 yards with blazing speed to the Delta Devils 49. Eriksen continued to bulldoze his way down the field, picking up 34 yards on four tough rushes up the middle to put EMU within the 10. He was then rewarded for his effort, fighting his way into the end zone for his second touchdown of the day, putting the Eagles up 61-7 after the extra point.

The Delta Devils then put together another solid drive, getting to the EMU one-yard line after a pass from Bray to Banks. From there, Bray dove over the line to give MVSU another touchdown, making it 61-14 with 5:35 left to play.

The Eagles promptly responded with a long drive of their own behind shovel passes from redshirt freshman James Pensyl (Land O'Lakes, Fla. – Land O'Lakes) to Antoine Porter, as well as rushes from Banham and redshirt sophomore Alec Hullibarger (Temperance, Mich. – Bedford Senior). Eastern continued to bleed down the clock with consecutive rushes. After taking a knee with 30 seconds to go, the Eagles walked away with a dominating 61-14 victory over MVSU.  

The Eagles continue their 2016 campaign next Saturday, Sept. 10, on the road at the University of Missouri. Kickoff from Columbia is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT.

BOX SCORE

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU Football Preview: At Miami Hurricanes

Florida A&M vs University of Miami
Saturday, Sept. 3, 6:00 p.m. ET
Hard Rock Stadium (70,000),Miami Gardens, FL

TV: ESPN3. Announcers will be Joel Meyers (PxP) and Rene Ingoglia (Analyst)

FAMU GAME NOTES

RADIO: WHBX-FM 96.1 JAMZ, is the flagship station for the Rattler Radio Network. The Alex Wood Pregame Show will air 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Joshua Jackson (By-Play), Michael Thomas (Expert Analyst) will describe the action.



COACHES’ SHOW: The Alex Wood Show, a 30-minute recap of the week’s action, hosted by Elton Gumbel, will air statewide in Florida on FOX SPORTS ONE (Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.), and on FOX49 in Tallahassee (Thursdays), at 11 p.m.

THE SERIES HISTORICAL
Miami leads the all-time serieswith Florida A&M, 9-1-0, with a 41-7 over the Rattlers in their last
meeting in 2014... FAMU’s lone win came in 1979, 16-13.

THE COACHING MATCHUP
* FAMU’s Alex Wood (Iowa, 1978) is in his 2nd season at FAMU... He has a 26-34 career record as a head coach at James Madison (23-22), Buffalo (2-2) and FAMU (1-10).

*Miami’s Mark Richt (Miami, 1982) is in his 1st year at his alma mater, coming from Georgia, where he was 145-51 in 15 years.

TALE OF THE TAPE: FAMU v. MIAMI (2015 Stats):
FLORIDA A&M
Record... 1-10, 1-7 MEAC
Ntl Rank ..............None
Pts/Game ........... 14.6
Pts Allowed/PG ... 33.5
Rush Yds/Gm .....76.6
Pass Yds/Gm ..... 184.8
Total Off/Gm ......261.5
Total Def/Gm .....469.4

UNIV. OF MIAMI
Record... 8-5, 5-3 ACC
Ntl Rank ..............None
Pts/Game ........... 28.9
Pts Allowed/PG ... 28.8
Rush Yds/Gm ....119.5
Pass Yds/Gm .....281.9
Total Off/Gm .....401.4
Total Def/Gm .....407.2

PLAYERS TO WATCH/FAMU
RUSHING
Devin Bowers, RB
82/430 yds, 2 TD, 47.8 ypg

PASSING
Kenneth Coleman, QB
61/123, 607 yds, 3TD, 4iNT

RECEIVING
Brandon Norwood, WR
49 c/442 yds, 2 TD, 40.2 pg

DEFENSE
Jacques Bryant, DB
52 Tackles (34 solo), INT

PLAYERS TO WATCH/MIAMI
RUSHING
Joe Yearby, RB
205/1002 yds, 6 TDs, 78.2 ypg

PASSING
Brad Kaaya, QB
238/389, 3238 yds, 16 TDs

RECEIVING
Stacy Coley, WR
47c, 689 yds, 4 TDs, 14.7 avg

DEFENSE
Jermaine Grace, LB
76 Tcks (42 solo), 6 TFL/2 Sks
FAMU-MIAMI GAME NOTEBOOK

Rattler Football Turns 109: The FAMU Football Program marks its’ 109th season of varsity play (dating back to 1906) this fall, and the Rattlers’ 560-plus all-time wins place them in the Top 25 in NCAA Division I FCS in both overall wins and winning percentage…. FAMU has 12 national titles and 36 conference pennants to its’ credit since winning its’ first league football crown in 1937…. The program, which won the first-ever NCAA FCS national title in 1978, has won five playoff games all-time, the most of any FCS HBCU.

Year Six In FAMU History: 2016 marks several anniversary milestones in FAMU Athletics and the university at-large… This Fall marks the 70th anniversary of the world famous “Marching 100” Band, founded in 1946 by the late, legendary Dr. Patrick Foster….

On the weekend of September 23-24, FAMU celebrates the 40th Anniversary of its’ Sports Hall of Fame, whose 1976 inaugural class featured the likes of tennis pioneer Althea Gibson, NFL Hall of Fame WR Bob Hayes, College Football Hall of Fame RB Willie Galimore, College Hall of Fame coach Jake Gaither, and Bill Lucas, the first African American major league team executive/general manager….

Speaking of Althea Gibson, it was in 1956 that she won her first major tennis title at the Australian Open…. Twenty years ago (1996), the College Football Hall of Fame inducted its’ first-ever class of small college players, a group which included three-time Rattler All-American guard Tyrone McGriff…

In 1936 (80 years ago), FAMU hired Ohio State All-American guard Bill Bell as its’ head football coach. He would partner two years later with a young coach, Jake Gaither to bring FAMU its’ first national title in 1938. The duo would combine to bring three national titles (1938, 1940, 1942) to FAMU, before Gaither would take the reins in 1945, bringing home six (6) more national crowns…

Rugged Schedule Ahead For FAMU: With FAMU’s storied history has come the proverbial bull’s eye on their backs, as each week, the Rattler gridders have had to take the “A” game of their opponents who sought to get their licks in on the Men of Orange and Green…
   The past four years have been especially tough on the Rattlers, who have won just 11 games during that span, including a one-win campaign a year ago….
   Along with the zeal that opponents bring to every game comes the degree of difficulty of the FAMU schedules year in and year out….
   2016 will be no different as the Rattlers open the season against FBS Miami, followed by a pair of 2015 playoff teams, Coastal Carolina and Tuskegee, both of which advanced to the national quarterfinals as at-large teams….
     The Rattlers open MEAC play against league king pin South Carolina State, which has won 12 of the last 13 games in the series, followed by Savannah State, which will likely be aiming for a repeat of their 37-27 upset of FAMU a year ago…
    The MEAC schedule for FAMU will be daunting all around, as they will face all five of the clubs which tied for the league title in 2014 – S.C. State, NCCU, Morgan State, North Carolina A&T and Bethune-Cookman… The B-CU ‘Cats have especially enjoyed the recent reversal of fortunes on the gridiron against their in-state rivals, having won five straight against FAMU….

Pro Rattler Notes: Six Rattlers are either in NFL Training Camps or on active Canadian League Football Rosters as of this writing…. LBs Brandon Hepburn (Dallas) and Akil Blount (Miami) are vying for spots on the 53-man rosters of their respective NFL clubs. along with wide receiver Brian Tyms (Indianapolis), while North of the Border, the trio of WR Kevin Elliott (Toronto), DL Padric Scott (Winnepeg) and DB John Ojo (Edmonton).

Homecoming for 20 Something Rattlers: Long known as a hotbed for high school talent, Miami and the South Florida area are well represented on the 2016 FAMU Football team... Over a dozen players are of the first year variety as Coach Alex Wood and his staff begin the long rebuilding or rebooting process.... In addition to the young guns, FAMU has several starters from the South Florida area, including senior guard Keonte Cash, center/guard Osman Aguilera, defensive end Calvin Darville, and budding redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Stanley

FAMU, UM crossing paths: The FAMU-UM series has always had a bit of a different flavor than most FBS-FCS matchups.... Before AppState escaped the Big House in AnnArbor with their signature upset over Michigan  in the late 1990s, FAMU’s 16-13 win over the ‘Canes at FSU’s .Doak Campbell Stadium in 1979 was one of the earliest (if not the earliest) upset.... New UM head coach Mark Richt was a freshman on that 1979 Miami team....FAMU coach Alex Wood worked a four-year stint at UM (1989-92) as Receivers coach during which the ‘Canes won national titles in 1989 and 1992.... Current UM Receivers coach Ron Dugans is no stranger to FAMU, as he played his high school ball at FAMU High School, which played its’ home games at FAMU’s Bragg Stadium... Dugans was one of the first FAMU High players to play across town at Florida State... Current Rattler tight ends coach Stephen Field was a member of the UM defensive staff from 2006 to 2008. He also served as head coach at area prep power Miami Northwestern High School (2011-14)....

PRIDE IS AT STAKE IN 2016: The proud FAMU Football Program has endured four (4) straight losing seasons, something which had not happened since the program’s early days in the 1920s... With the excellent recruiting class landed by Coach Wood and his staff last winter now in hand, coupled with their first class of recruits from 2015, expectations of improved play are driving the players and coaches this offeseason.... One factor lighting a bit of a fire under the Rattlers is the fan support they received in 2015 during a tumultous 1-10 season... FAMU finished #11 in Division I FCS in home attendance, averaging over 13,000 fans per home game, including crowds of better than 18,000 for their home opener after an 0-3 start, and 23,000 for Homecoming.

THE CITY OF MIAMI AND FAMU: The Rattlers and the City of Miami have a long-standing relationship dating back to the 1940s, when the fabled Orange Blossom Classic was transplanted into the venerable Orange Bowl Stadium in 1947.... Over the next three decades, the OBC became the true forerunner of the modern day Black College Football Classics, often doubling as the de facto HBCU championship game... Thanks to the massive numbers of FAMU alumni in Dade and Broward counties, FAMU games must see events, especially during the OBC’s heyday in the 1950s and 60s, when HBCU powerhouses like Grambling, Tennessee State, Jackson State, Alcorn and Morgan State dueled with Jake Gaither’s vaunted Rattlers... In 1983, the Pro Football Hall of Fame honored the Classic during its’ 50th anniversary for its’ role in showcasing Black College talent for professional scouts. Numerous players signed pro contracts following those games.

SNAKEBITES: FAMU head coach Alex Wood will be a media star of sorts prior to Saturday’s game as he will tape a “throw back to the studio” spot for The Weather Channel to air during their Saturday coverage.... Fox Sports NFL Sideline veteran Pam Oliver (a FAMU Track All-America in the 1980s) wil be inducted along the members of the 1984 All-America 4x400 relay into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 23.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers continue their comeback tour next week against aspiring FBS transitioner Coastal Carolina (7:00 p.m.). 

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

Tennessee State Game Notes | Arkansas-Pine Bluff Game Notes
2016 Tennessee State Media Guide | Live Stats

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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.

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