Lenard Tillery and the usual suspects power Southern's 44-34 win in Prairie View, Jaguars seventh straight win

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- This win, Southern’s seventh straight, took on a little extra meaning for Southern coach Dawson Odums.

As the Human Jukebox thundered on behind him, Odums got emotional thinking about what his Southern team has overcome to put itself in its current position.

After Saturday's 44-34 victory over Prairie View, the Jaguars remained in control of their own destiny in the race for a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.

“Nobody has had to go through what we’ve had to go through, and we’re doing it the right way,” Odums said. “We’ve got some special guys. We’ve been through a lot together, and I love them for it, because they stayed the course and they’re reaping the rewards from it.”

As has been the case throughout much of the Jaguars’ win streak, those special guys stepped up Saturday.

Despite getting off to a slow start as the Panthers keyed on his every move, Lenard Tillery ran for a career-high 245 yards — 106 of which came on runs of 52 and 54 yards that set up scoring opportunities.



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Coach Sandy Pugh unsatisfied with Southern women's 68-53 win over Spring Hill in season opener

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern women's basketball team defeated Spring Hill 68-53 to claim its season opener in commanding fashion Saturday in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

For most teams, starting a season with a 15-point victory would be cause for celebration, but the Jaguars' reaction after the game was anything but.

Southern coach Sandy Pugh said she was unimpressed with her team’s performance against its Division-II opponent, knowing it won’t be enough to get the Jaguars through the next month of a schedule that includes trips to some of the nation’s top programs.

She liked that Southern went after the Badgers with 66 field goal attempts, but she didn’t like that 14 of them were from 3-point range. She was pleased with the effort Southern showed late, but less so that it took a strong talking-to during the first half to bring it out.

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Grambling pitches shutout at Alabama State

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana -- Although some might claim the fame, there aren’t many bands in the land that can match the Grambling State University marching band.

Best band in the land? Hard to argue with them when it comes to entertainment value. While most bands simply perform at halftime, the Tiger band celebrates with their fans, bringing them to their feet with pom-poms waving.

But the thing is, the Grambling football team, built into household name under the late great Eddie Robinson, is showing it can continue to hold its own as a SWAC power under coach Broderick Fobbs and continues to expand fame of its own.

After dispatching Alabama State 21-0 Saturday afternoon at Independence Stadium in somewhat subdued fashion, the Tigers (7-1, 7-0 SWAC) now boast a 16-game SWAC win streak that dates back a couple of years when these same Hornets (3-7, 3-6) won 45-32 in Robinson Stadium.



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Stanley Rallies FAMU Rattlers Past Morgan State, 22-21

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Stanley fired two touchdown passes in a three-minute span late in the fourth quarter to help lift Florida A&M past Morgan State, 22-21 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game at Bragg Stadium Saturday evening.

Stanley, the Pembroke Pines, Florida product who has led FAMU (4-6, 4-3 MEAC) to four wins in his six collegiate starts, got off to a slow start, as did the rest of the Rattler squad coming off a bye week, Nov. 5, but heated up in the final stanza when it counted, going 5-for-6 passing for 54 yards and two TDs, while rushing for 49 yards on five carries in the final period.

The redshirt freshman finished the game with 264 passing yards on 25 of 42 passes, with three touchdowns against one interception. He also rushed 15 times for 59 yards, giving him 323 total yards Saturday.

The sluggish Rattlers seemed out of sync until their backs were against the wall in the fourth, trailing a struggling Morgan State (2-7, 2-5 MEAC) squad, 21-9 headed into the fourth period.

FAMU made its’ move, aided by the Rattler Defense, which forced a turnover deep in Morgan territory, when Auburn transfer end Raashad Kennion shook the ball loose from Bear quarterback Chris Andrews on the MSU 23.

Four plays later, Stanley tossed an 11-yard strike to halfback Devin Bowers to cut the deficit to 21-16 with 8:55 left.



The Rattler Defense would force Morgan to punt after a stirring stand aided by a raucous Bragg Stadium crowd, whose noise levels caused a false start, and seemed to unnerve the Bears.

FAMU would take the lead with 5:40 left on Stanley’s third scoring toss, a two-yard aerial to Brandon Norwood, putting the Rattlers ahead for the first time in the game. Stanley was the key player on that five play, 57-yard drive, dashing 30 yards on a quarterback keeper down to the two-yard line, a daring move which nearly brought the house down.

The visiting Bears were forced to punt after their next possession, and the Rattlers ran out the clock to preserve the win, although the end of the game was marred by a brawl which took place with 39 seconds left.

Four players were ejected, including FAMU’s T.J. Jones, the starting left tackle, and reserve running back Kevin Newman, along with Morgan State linebacker Malachi Washington and defensive back William King.

Morgan used their special teams and defense to garner great field position and take the early lead, as William King returned th game’s opening kickoff 87 yards to the FAMU two yard line, from where Eric Harrell took the ball into the end zone for a two-yard score and a 7-0 lead with 14:45 left in the first period.

Stanley drove the Rattlers 80 yards in six plays capping things off with a 29-yard swing pass to speedy Devin Bowers, who raced through the Morgan defense for the touchdown. Colby Blanton’s PAT try failed, leaving the Rattlers down one.



With seconds remaining in the first, linebacker Jai Franklin sacked Stanley, forcing a fumble which Franklin took into the end zone for a 14-6 lead.

Blanton would nail a 19-yard field goal with 13:04 left in the second quarter to draw the Rattlers closer at 14-9, but Morgan QB Chris Andrews capped a five-play, 70-yard Bears drive with 1:58 left in the third to stake his club to a 21-9 advantage, setting the stage for FAMU’s fourth quarter awakening.

POST GAME NOTES: The Rattler Nation faithful turned out 16,879 strong to send off the 12 seniors and the Rattler Football team as a whole toward their final regular season game next Saturday in Orlando against archrival Bethune-Cookman… The two turnovers by Ryan Stanley (fumble, interception) were his first as a starter, as he came into Saturday with five straight starts without a turnover…. FAMU outgained the Bears offensively, 419 to 212, and had a huge edge in first downs, 24-11….

Devin Bowers led FAMU on the ground with 88 yards on 18 carries, while he caught three passes for 47 yards, and two TDs… Montavious Williams led the Rattlers with eight catches for 51 yards…. QB Chris Andrews led the Bears in rushing with 71 yards on 13 tries and a TD, while throwing for 58 yards on 7-of-16 passes…

Morgan’s kickoff return trio William King (1 for 87), Deadrick Jones (2 for 95, long of 76 yards), and Dushon David (2 for 18, long of 13), kept the Bears ahead of the game with great field position…. Jones led the Bears defensively with seven tackles (six solos), while linebacker Jakaris Wilson topped the Rattler tackle charts with seven tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss…. Both teams finished with four sacks, with FAMU’s Calvin Darville scoring a pair of quarterback takedowns.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: The four FAMU wins is the most for the Rattlers since their 4-7 finish in 2012, and a win Saturday against Bethune-Cookman would push them to five victories, the most for the Rattlers since 2011 (7-4)…. It was FAMU’s fourth win in six games after an 0-4 start., and Saturday's win vaulted the Rattlers into fourth place in the MEAC at 4-3, behind North Carolina A&T and NCCU (both 7-0), and Hampton (5-2).

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers close the 2016 regular season seeking to end a five-game losing slide in the Florida Blue Florida Classic to archrival Bethune-Cookman. The game will be televised by ESPN Classic and ESPN3.com, starting at 2:30 p.m. from Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU Defeats Howard to Remain Unbeaten in MEAC

Victories by NCCU and Rival NC A&T Delivers Showdown in Durham on Nov. 19 for MEAC Championship

DURHAM, North Carolina – Senior quarterback Malcolm Bell amassed 345 yards of total offense and accounted for three touchdowns to lead No. 25 North Carolina Central University to a 30-21 victory over Howard University on Saturday inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

NCCU (8-2, 7-0 MEAC) remains unbeaten in the MEAC with its 14th straight conference victory. Wins by the Eagles and North Carolina A&T (9-1, 7-0 MEAC) on Saturday, sets up a showdown between the rivals on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium with the winner claiming the league's first outright conference championship title since 2012.

Bell's 223 yards and a touchdown through the air against Howard moves the three-year starter into second on NCCU's career passing list with 5,916 yards. The Richmond, Virginia native is also second among the school's career leaders with 7,258 yards of total offense.

With an average of 11.1 yards per carry and two touchdown runs against the Bison, Bell's 122 rushing yards on Saturday are the most by an NCCU quarterback since September 1999.



NCCU sophomore running back Ramone Simpson rushed for 81 yards and a score, while redshirt freshman Torri Cotton contributed 45 yards rushing, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.

Jalen Wilkes caught five passes for 64 yards to top the Eagles, followed by LaVontis Smith with four receptions for 58 yards. David Miller had three grabs for 36 yards, including a diving catch in the end zone, and freshman tight end Maleek Henderson also tallied three receptions for 36 yards.

Senior linebacker LeGrande Harley recorded a team-high nine tackles, including a huge stop for a loss on third down and short yardage to spark NCCU. Safety Alden McClellon collected eight takedowns, while Mike Jones, Jeremy Miles and Reggie Hunter chipped in six tackles each. Hunter closed out the game with his team-best fourth interception of the season, all coming in the last three outings. Antonio Brown had four tackles with two solo sacks to bring his season total to 7.0 sacks, tops on the squad.

NCCU finished the contest with 477 yards of total offense (254 rushing, 223 passing), while Howard posted 422 total yards.

Howard (1-9, 1-6 MEAC) was topped by running back Anthony Philyaw with 139 yards and a touchdown rushing and 45 yards receiving for 184 all-purpose yards. Quarterback Kalen Johnson completed 22-of-34 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bison defense was charged by linebacker Jalen Day with a game-high 11 tackles.

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WSSU Rams Capture 2016 CIAA Football Championship

SALEM, Virginia – The Winston-Salem State University football team captured the 2016 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Championship with a 43-33 victory over Bowie State University on Saturday, November 12th at the Salem Football Stadium. WSSU improves to 9-2 overall after winning their second consecutive title and fourth championship since 2011. The Bulldogs move to 7-4 in the standings after suffering their second straight loss in the championship game.

Bowie State opened up the contest with the first offensive possession. Sophomore quarterback and CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Amir Hall drove the Bulldogs into WSSU territory. Hall had a pass intended for Nyme Manns intercepted in the end zone with one hand by freshman defensive back Tyrell Flemming. Following the turnover, the Rams wasted no time scoring.

Redshirt quarterback Rod Tinsley threw a 50-yard strike to freshman wide receiver Will Walton for a touchdown. Walton scored with 11:30 remaining in the first quarter. Bowie State stalled on offense their next two possessions. WSSU tacked on another TD in the opening quarter. Senior running back Justus Picket found a wide open running hole for a 42-yard TD with 3:17 left in the first.



Before the end of the opening quarter, Hall connected with redshirt freshman wide receiver Geordan Clark for a 39 yard touchdown reception. Bowie State trailed 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Bulldogs tied the game 14-14 off a three yard score from sophomore running back Robert Chesson.

On the ensuing kickoff, junior wide receiver Canard Brown returned the kick 87 yards for the score. Later in the second, the Rams added to their advantage with a 39 yard TD reception from Tinsley to Walton again. Winston-Salem led 28-14 at halftime.

In the third quarter, both teams scored with a touchdown throw. Hall completed a 27-yard pass to redshirt senior tight end Jordan Garrison with 3:10 on the clock in the third. Tinsley answered with a 36 yard scoring pass to senior wide receiver Reggie Wilkins on the following drive. WSSU recorded a safety earlier in the quarter due to a BSU holding penalty on the goal line. Bowie State trailed 37-21 at the end of the third.

In the fourth, BSU capped a 16 play drive that last over five minutes with a three yard pass from Hall to Chesson. The Bulldogs only faced a 37-27 deficit with 11:08 left to play. However, WSSU produced a back-breaking 68-yard TD run by redshirt sophomore running back Kerrion Moore.

Moore rushed for 177 yards off 22 carries with one TD. He set a new CIAA Championship game rushing record and was named Championship Game MVP.

Bowie State scored another touchdown with less than two minutes remaining. The Rams ran out the clock on the next possession and claimed their 12th CIAA title in school history.

Tinsley completed 11-of-25 passes for 194 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions for WSSU. Walton had two catches for 89 yards and two TDs. Defensively, Flemming finished with three interceptions and two tackles. Xavier Gregory had a team-high 11 tackles (8 solo).

Hall ended the evening with 348 yards off 27-46 passing with three touchdowns and four interceptions. Chesson had 107 yards and one TD. Manns caught 10 passes for 176 yards, followed by Garrison with six catches for 111 yards and one score. Senior defensive lineman Rahsaan Moore had four solo tackles, including two sacks.

The Rams will await the NCAA Division II Regional Rankings to see if their season continues. Rankings will be announced on Sunday, November 13th at 5:00 p.m. EST.

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Eight HBCU Bands Selected to Perform at 15th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands Celebration

TORRANCE, Califorinia  –  Students, alumni and fans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) rocked the vote for an epic lineup of bands to perform in the 15th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase on January 28, 2017 at the Georgia Dome.

The 2017 lineup features bands that have historically performed at the annual showcase, plus newcomers who are gearing up for their debut at the marching band event of the year. The following eight bands will perform at the 2017 HBOB Invitational Showcase celebration:

• Alabama A&M University, Marching Maroon & White (Southwestern Athletic Conference) – 4th appearance
• Alabama State University, Mighty Marching Hornets (Southwestern Athletic Conference) – 5th appearance
• Benedict College, Marching Band of Distinction (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) – 1st appearance
• Bethune-Cookman University, Marching Wildcats (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) – 12th appearance
• Jackson State University, Sonic Boom of the South (Southwestern Athletic Conference) – 8th appearance
• North Carolina A&T State University, Blue and Gold Marching Machine (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) – 5th appearance
• Texas Southern University, Ocean of Soul (Southwestern Athletic Conference) – 2nd appearance
• Winston-Salem State University, Red Sea of Sound (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) – 6th appearance

These bands were selected through a process that included online fan voting, as well as feedback from band directors, HBCU school presidents and Honda representatives. Each of the final eight bands will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Invitational Showcase, and their universities will receive a $20,000 grant from Honda to support their music education programs. And as a thank-you to all the bands who participated in this year’s voting process, Honda will donate $1,000 to their respective schools’ music programs.

“Honda is excited to have the final eight bands take the field at our fifteenth annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase,” said Alexandra Warnier, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility for Honda. “We hope fans will join us for this milestone celebration that promises to deliver some fantastic performances.”

Tickets to the HBOB Invitational Showcase are available for purchase on the official website, starting at $10. In addition to performances by the final eight bands, Honda will honor one special nominee with the third annual HBCU Power of Dreams Award at the Invitational Showcase. Students, alumni and fans are invited to nominate exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond to help their HBCU community. Nominations can be submitted online at hondabattleofthebands.com/power-of-dreams through November 14.

Fans can follow each band’s journey to the Georgia Dome via official HBOB social media channels and join the conversation using #HBOB.

• Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands
• Twitter – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda
• Instagram – @the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda
• YouTube - 2016 Invitational Showcase Highlights

For more information on the 2017 Honda Battle of the Bands and the HBCU Power of Dreams Award, visit HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

About Honda

Honda seeks to be a company that society wants to exist, creating products and technologies that improve the lives of people while minimizing the environmental impacts of its products and business operations to ensure a sustainable future. Honda also is committed to making positive contributions to the communities where it does business, to socially responsible business practices and to the promotion of diversity in its workforce. From Honda’s involvement in STEM education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to its support of pediatric brain tumor research and volunteer efforts by Honda associates – including environmental clean-up activities – Honda believes in giving back to the communities where its associates live and work. Learn more at csr.honda.com.

Robert Colon Sinks Concord With Last Second Shot To Give WSSU A 93-90 OT Win

ATHENS, West Virginia -- WSSU's Robert Colon, hit a game winning three pointer with .4 seconds left, as the Rams came away with a 93-90 ocertime win over Concord University on Saturday night in the MEC-CIAA challenge in Athens, WV.

With the win, WSSU moves to 1-1 on the season, while Concord falls to 1-1.

The WSSU Rams battled back from a 44-42 half time deficit to outscore the Mountain Lions, by two points in the second half to tie the game at the end of regulation and force an extra period, where they outscored Concord 16-13 in the overtime period, and got a big time shot from Robert Colon with .4 seconds left to give WSSU a 93-90 win on the road.

WSSU was led by freshman, Robert Colon, who finished with 26 points, while TJ Wilson added 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Carlos Rankins added 18 points and seven rebounds. williams Crandell scored nine points and pulled down four rebounds, and Jamel McAllister added seven points and six rebounds.

WSSU will return to action on Tuesday evening in the Gaines Center, as the Rams will opne their home campaign, at 7:00pm when they host Lees McRae.

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Fort Valley State University 2016 SIAC Champions

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Fort Valley State University Wildcats football team is the 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Champions for the thirteenth time since 1999 with a 33-30 double overtime victory over Kentucky State University Saturday night at the Cramton Bowl. Junior running back Chauncey Jackson was named Most Valuable Player and Kevin Porter the Outstanding Coach of the Game Award.

FVSU collected 20 first downs in the game to KSU's 15, KSU out gained the Wildcats 265 yards to 106 on the ground, FVSU added 254 yards in the air to 119 yards for KSU. The Wildcats had 360 yards of Total Offense on 76 plays to 384 yards on 67 plays for the Thorobreds. In penalties, the team had nine for 75 yards and KSU were rewarded with 10 for 101 yards, while time of possession went to FVSU with 46.32 to KSU's 28.18.

Senior quarterback Otis Brown led the Wildcats in rushing with 52 yards, followed by Jackson's 43 yards, one touchdown and freshman running back Jamari Clark 19 yards. Brown completed 17-of-32 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. Sophomore wide receiver Christopher Weems grabbed four catches for 65 yards to lead the team, while Clark finished with three catches, 46 yards, junior wide receiver Bodarius Johnson 43 yards, three catches, Jackson three catches, 43 yards, one touchdown, junior kicker/punter Juan Serna punted four times for 161 yards and a long of 60 yards, while making a 37 and 43 yard field goal. Senior defensive end Brian Walker returned three punts for 20 yards, three kickoffs for 144 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, senior linebacker Ryan Bowman had nine tackles (seven solos), one tackle-for-losses (one yard), one interception (four yards) and three quarterback hurries, while freshman defensive back Camron Young grabbed nine tackles (six solos), a half tackle –for-losses (one yard), one pass break up and junior linebacker Cannon Thomas with six tackles (five solos),a half tackle-for-losses and one forced fumble.

In the first quarter, KSU put up two quick scores, Reginal Harris 40 yard touchdown pass from Julian St. Ge and with 6:41 left Lavelle Cloyd rushed 58 yards for the second (KSU 14 – FVSU 0).

Brown completed a pass to Weems for 32 yards, placing the ball on the two yard line. Then with 3:17 on the clock, Jackson went up the middle for the two yard touchdown to complete an 8 play, 72 yard drive, junior kicker/punter Juan Serna kick attempt good (FVSU 7 – KSU 14).

At the 6:51 mark KSU's Darmontre Warr rushed around the right side for five yard and a touchdown, Bill Rose kick attempt good (KSU 21 – FVSU 7).

Rose kicked off to the FVSU's 10 yard line, senior defensive end/punt and kick returner Brian Walker returned the ball 90 yards for a touchdown, Serna kick attempt good (FVSU 14 – KSU 21).

With 7:05 left in the third quarter, Brown tied the game with a 16 yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Bolden Davis, completing a 5 play, 55 yard drive, Serna kick attempt good (FVSU 21 – KSU 21).

KSU's Rose completed a 7 play, 34 yard drive with a 45 yard field good as time run out in the quarter (KSU 24 – FVSU 21).

Serna's 24 yard field goal attempt went wide to the left with 10:10 on the clock which would have tied the game, but he was given a second shot from 37 yards out with 8:32 remaining (FVSU 24 – KSU 24).

First overtime, the Wildcats received first and after seven plays, Serna kicked a 43 yard field goal (FVSU 27 – KSU 24). KSU answered with Rose 32 yard field goal (KSU 27 – FVSU 27).

Second overtime KSU's ball and the Wildcats defense held forcing KSU's Rose to kick a 32 yard field goal (KSU 30 – FVSU 27).

Next drive for the Wildcats, Brown completed a seven yard pass to Weems moving the ball to the three yard line, Brown rush failed to gain and losing eight yards to the 11 yard line. After two time outs, Brown threw an 11 yard touchdown pass to Jackson for the championship win (FVSU33 – KSU 30).

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Virginia State Trojans Defeats Tuskegee in Extended Season Game

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The VSU Trojan Football team rounded out their extended season with a 45-35 victory over the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University on November 12.

Senior Tarian Ayres completed 13 passes for 150 yards and a single touch down, while teammate sophomore Josh Harris led the team with 1 reception touchdown. The dynamic duo of All-CIAA first team pick junior running back Trenton Cannon and senior Kavon Bellamy, remained unstoppable in the matchup. Cannon collected 2 touchdowns on 99 net rushing yards while Bellamy was not too far behind with 82 net rushing yards.

Leading the defense was All-CIAA first team pick linebacker Geo Feggins with 12 total tackles. CIAA Defensive Player of the Year Bryant Frazier tallied in 8 tackles and a single sack.
Despite a pass interception by Tuskegee in the first quarter, the Trojans regained possession with a forced fumble with 7:32 left in the quarter. The Trojans path to the end zone was denied resulting a good field goal kick to give VSU the 3-0 lead.

Tuskegee was able to push pass the VSU at the beginning of the second quarter with a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The Golden Tigers would connect for a 16 yard pass to take the 7-3 lead over VSU.

The Trojans started their drive with 5:12 left until halftime, in hopes of securing a touchdown. After a 4 yard rush by Bellamy followed by and 11 yard rush by Ayers to secure the 1st and 10, Ayres found junior wide receiver Willie Stubblefield for a 62 yard connection. A pass completion to Josh Harris gave the Trojans a 10-7 lead. As the clocked ticked away with under 3 minutes left until half time, Tuskegee was not successful on the offensive side of the ball. A 35 yard punt at the Trojans 21 yard line gave sophomore wide receiver Marcus VanHook the chance to secure a 79 yard punt return to extend the Trojans lead to 17-7 to round out the first half.

The Trojans started the second half off with no hesitations as Trenton Cannon advance to the end zone off of a 75 yard kickoff return. A good kick by Hillquist moved VSU to a 24-7 lead. Tuskegee would score on their next drive to close the gap 24-14, but the Trojans would quickly answer back with Ayres running in for a 17 yard touchdown. The games call and response continued as the Golden Tiger grasp 7 additional points on their next drive. As the clocked ticked away with under 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, the Trojan has a 31-21 lead. VSU put a halt to Tuskegee with a blocked field goal by senior Daishun Jackson and recovered by junior Tyquante Simms. At the Golden Tigers 25 yard line, Cannon rushed for a touchdown giving VSU a solid 38-21 lead. Tuskegee made a quick play to advance to the end zone and make the final touchdown of the quarter.

Enter the 4th quarter, the Trojans held a 38-28 lead. VSU pressed their way down the field on the quarters opening drive. Despite VSU picking up a 5 yard delay of game penalty, pushing them back to Tuskegee 12 yard line, Cannon changed the tone tacking on an additional touchdown for the Trojans. The home team would make the final touchdown of the game to bring the score to 45-35.

Originally adding VSU to the schedule for their 10th game in hopes of improving their record as they are in the midst of competing for a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive year in NCAA Division II, Tuskegee fell to a 8-2 overall season record.

After an unexpected 11th game addition to the schedule, VSU rounds out the 2016 season with a 9-2 overall record under the leadership of Reggie Barlow.

For more information on VSU football, visit govsutrojans.com, c
all 804-524-5030, or follow Trojan Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.

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VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Cohen, NCA&T Aggies set up showdown for MEAC title

DOVER, Delaware -- Tarik Cohen crossed the final victim off his list Saturday afternoon.

Cohen rushed for a pair of touchdowns and 221 yards on just 13 carries as N.C. A&T downed Delaware State 45-14 in a MEAC contest. The Aggies remained unbeaten in the MEAC at 7-0 and improved to 9-1 overall.

Cohen now has scored a touchdown against every team in the MEAC in his career.

“It goes to show the hard work I put in has paid off,” Cohen said. “When I first got here, I wasn’t expected to be the premier running back here or in the MEAC. That motivated me to become the running back I am today.”

The Aggies set themselves up for a winner-take-all matchup next Saturday at 2 p.m. at N.C. Central (7-0, 8-2) for the MEAC title.

“Delaware State gave us a really hard game,” Cohen said. “That will prepare us for how Central is going to play. We can’t make any mistakes. It’s all or nothing.”

Delaware State (0-7, 0-10) scored on its first drive before the Aggies responded with 28 unanswered points.

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Virginia State Basketball wins season opener over Cal (Pa.) 78-53

ETTRICK, Virginia - The Virginia State Men's Basketball team and defending CIAA Champions opened their season with a bang, out-scoring the University of California (PA) 40-24 in the first half on the way to winning 78-53.

The Trojans' season opener marked the first of two games of the Trojan Tip-Off Classic that were held this weekend at Virginia State University in Ettrick, with the second game on Saturday against Mansfield finishing after an early press deadline.

Brice Rowe and Richard Granberry led the way for VSU with 11 points apiece. Teammate Walter Williams (10) joined them in the double-digits. Trey Brown led the team defensively with eight rebounds, followed by Rowe with six and Elijah Moore with five.

Kevin Williams and Cyonte Melvin each made two steals.

Moore led the way with three blocks.

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Hampton Pirates hold off Savannah State to win 28-24

HAMPTON, Virginia — The Hampton Pirates escaped a spirited comeback charge from an improving Savannah State team, and held on for a 28-24 win Saturday at Armstrong Stadium.

In the end, it took a defensive stand by Hampton to hold off the Tigers, who entered the game with a 3-4 record.

With fourth-and-20 at the HU 37 and 2:01 remaining in the game, freshman quarterback J.J. Bell dropped back to pass. However, sophomore linebacker Devon Johnson broke through the line and dropped Bell at midfield, sealing the game for the Pirates (5-4, 5-2 MEAC).

For coach Cornell Maynor, the ferocity of the Tigers' comeback was not a surprise.

"Our hats are off to Savannah State. They are a much improved team," said Maynor, who is now one win away from completing a second straight winning season with Hampton. "They gave us a four quarter battle, and we knew they would. But we never quit in the second half, and mounted a drive after they took the lead (24-21 in fourth). And we made a defensive stand at the end, so I'm proud of our team for overcoming adversity."

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Grambling State Tigers on the prowl again

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Fans of a certain generation undoubtedly enjoyed hearing the World Famed Grambling State University Marching Band go old-school during the Oct. 29 homecoming morning parade — Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire — and again at halftime of that afternoon’s 70-0 stomping of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, with I’ll Be There by the Jackson 5.

The band should have gone back further, to the theme song for Franklin Roosevelt’s initial presidential campaign in 1932: Happy Days Are Here Again.

The Tigers are 6-1 overall, unbeaten and barely tested in six Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) games, and appear headed for a return trip to the conference championship game — assuming they can fend off a challenge from archrival Southern in the Bayou Classic. A win in the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl that matches the champions of the SWAC and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and a 15th black college football title – the first since 2008 – certainly aren’t out of the question.

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Gold Nuggets rally for 71-67 upset of No. 3 OLLU

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Ireyon Keith's first career double-double, 17 points and 13 rebounds, rallied Xavier University of Louisiana to a 71-67 women's basketball upset of NAIA No. 3 Our Lady of the Lake in the opening game of the LSUS Classic Friday.
     
Keith's free throw with 4:12 remaining put the Gold Nuggets (3-0) ahead to stay, 63-62. The redshirt sophomore from Tickfaw, La., closed the scoring with a pair of free throws with seven seconds remaining.
     
"Our defense was outstanding, and we were able to make some big shots down the stretch," XULA coach Bo Browder said. "We've been preaching work hard, work together, stay together and be positive at all times. It was a great win for our program."
     
Keith, who also had four assists and three steals, was XULA's only double-figure scorer. Freshman guard Rosie Davis scored nine points — she made 3-of-6 second-half 3-pointers and made back-to-back 3s to tie the score at 62 — and Bianca Brown scored eight. Another freshman guard, Maya Trench, had six assists, eight rebounds and — for the third consecutive game — five steals.
     
Keith, who did not start, entered the game with career averages of 3.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. She scored five times in double figures in 2014-15, then sat out last season because of an injury.
     
"I just felt like I had to go out there and bring the energy," Keith said. "As long as we win, I'm good."
     
Nakia Page scored a career-high 21 points, 17 in the first half, for OLLU (1-1). Three teammates scored nine points apiece.
     
An 8-1 run in the final 3:11 gave the Gold Nuggets a 19-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Saints opened the next period with a 16-2 run and led 38-30 at halftime.
     
OLLU outshot XULA 38.7 to 31.7 percent from the floor. XULA outrebounded the Saints 64-49, and the Gold Nuggets grabbed their most rebounds in a game since January 2013.
     
Browder, in his 18th season, earned his first victory against an opponent ranked among the top three nationally. It was the second straight year that the Gold Nuggets came from behind to defeat a top-10 OLLU team in this event.
     
The Gold Nuggets will play LSU-Shreveport at 5 p.m. Saturday on the second and final day of this event. LSUS lost 49-46 to NAIA No. 9 Lyon after leading by 11 points through three quarters.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Rush drop road exhibition to NCAA DI Jackson State

JACKSON, Mississippi — Edric Denis scored 13 of his 21 points in the second half Friday to lead Jackson State to a 66-54 men's basketball victory against NAIA No. 25 Xavier University of Louisiana.
     
It was the regular-season opener of the Tigers, who compete in NCAA Division I. XULA (1-2) designated the game as an exhibition in its records and statistics.
     
Denis scored a basket and assisted on two others during a 14-0 first-half run that put the Tigers ahead to stay. The surge included back-to-back Yettra Specks 3-pointers during the 11th minute.
     
After surrendering the first seven points, XULA rallied to take its only lead, 9-8, on a pair of Seth Jackson free throws at 12:15.
     
Freshman guard Mike Williams led the Gold Rush with 18 points, including 3-of-5 3-pointers. Jackson scored 12 points and had five rebounds and two assists. Hakeem Simon led XULA with seven rebounds and two blocked shots.
     
Jalen David, who entered the game with a Gold Rush-leading 18.3 scoring average, was 1-of-5 from the floor and scored five points in 26 minutes.
     
Denis also grabbed nine rebounds and led the Tigers with four assists and three steals. Chace Franklin scored 13 points, Specks had 10, and Janarius Middleton grabbed 10 rebounds.
     
XULA trailed 33-20 at halftime and got no closer than eight points in the second half. The final eight-point deficit was at 62-54 on a pair of David free throws with 2:41 remaining.
     
Jackson State outshot XULA 34.3 to 32.5 percent from the floor and had a 42-39 rebound advantage. The Tigers were plus-18 in turnovers, committing seven and gaining 25. XULA excelled at the line, making 23-of-27 free throws to Jackson State's 13-of-22. Gold Rush freshman Donovan Armstrong made all six of his free throws.
     
XULA shot 19 percent from the floor in the first half but improved to 47.4 percent in the second half. Williams and Leland Alexander combined to make 6-of-7 shots after halftime.
     
XULA will return to Mississippi Saturday to play NAIA No. 10 William Carey at 6 p.m. in Hattiesburg. The next Gold Rush home game will start at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday against city rival Loyola.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Gregg Popovich goes on passionate tirade in wake of Trump election: 'We are Rome'

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Many NBA coaches, players and commentators have shared their thoughts on President-elect Donald Trump this week. Gregg Popovich provided what I believe is the lengthiest response yet, prior to the Spurs game against the Pistons on Friday night.

The crazy thing is that it started with a reporter telling Popovich that many are wondering what his thoughts are on the election and Trump, and the Spurs coach replied, “I don’t think my voice is that important.”

As the reporter told him, no, his voice does matter, Popovich went on to explain what was going through his head — he went on for just under six minutes. Popovich talks about why the entire Trump campaign scares him, and why he’s so disgusted that so many Americans voted for Trump.

“I’m a rich white guy, and I’m sick to my stomach thinking about it,” he says.

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GW Men's Basketball Opens Season With Win Over UMES, 75-71

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In the season opener at the Charles E. Smith Center, the George Washington men's basketball team wasted no time in getting in the win column, taking the first game of the 2016-17 campaign, 75-71, from the visiting Hawks of Maryland-Eastern Shore.

Tyler Cavanaugh led the way for the Colonials with game-high totals of 24 points and 10 rebounds, while also connecting at a perfect 9-of-9 clip at the free throw line.

It was at the charity stripe where GW secured the game, as led by Cavanaugh and Yuta Watanabe's 10-of-12 effort from the line, the Colonials canned 29-of-34 foul shots (85.3%). The defending NIT Champions made a living last season by making more free throws than the opposition attempted, and the squad was up to their old tricks by easily outdistancing the Hawks' 12-of-14 line at the line.

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Watanabe finished with 18 points and six boards, while taking only four shots from the field (3-of-4). The junior from Japan was one of three Colonials to drain multiple three-pointers, as Cavanaugh connected on three triples in seven attempts, and junior point guard Jaren Sina hit his two threes in the second half to help GW build a 19-point lead at its largest.

Watanabe picked four of his rebounds off the offensive glass and also swatted a pair of shots on the defensive end in a strong two-way effort. The GW defense harassed UMES into a .368 shooting night from the floor (25-of-68).

UMES got 21 points from Bakari Copeland in his 25 minutes of play before fouling out. Ryan Andino (11) and Thomas Rivera (10) also threw in double figures for the Hawks, who made a late run by forcing the Colonials into 13 second-half turnovers.

"We have to make sure we do the things we're supposed to do, we do the things that we practice," said interim head coach Maurice Joseph, who was victorious in his head coaching debut. "Luckily we had the poise to finish out the game -- we hit a lot of free throws down the stretch. That's a huge thing for us and I'm happy about that. I'm happy about the win. We have a lot to still work on."

Senior Matt Hart tied with Sina for game-high assist honors with four, as the unselfish Colonials assisted on 16 of 19 made field goals.

Prior to the game, the 2016 NIT Championship banner was unveiled while players and coaches received their championship rings. Patricio Garino, who is playing for the Austin Spurs of the NBA Developmental League, was on hand, as was current Director of Player Development Joe McDonald to unveil the banner.

"That was great, we had a great season last year," Watanabe said of the ceremony. "We want to be even better this year. We have to make sure we play hard until the end and make sure we're always getting better."

GW will look to run its record to 2-0 on Tuesday night against Siena at 7 p.m. at the Smith Center,

BOX SCORE

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Projecting the FCS playoff field

LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Thanks to the Football Championship Subdivision selection committee releasing its top-10 rankings for the second straight week, we have a pretty good understanding of how the committee is rewarding seeds. Teams that play challenging schedules and are part of the stronger conferences are looked upon favorably in seeding purposes (i.e., No. 1 Sam Houston State drawing a No. 5 for playoff seeding).

With two weekends remaining, there are compelling games to determine how the top eight will shake out, but we are taking a look at right now as they stand.

Before we get into that, the MEAC, which doesn’t have a playoff bid thanks to its place in the Celebration Bowl against the SWAC champion, is trying to shake up the playoff field.

North Carolina Central presents a strong resume to receive an at-large bid. The Eagles’ two losses are to Duke and Western Michigan, and they can reach the seven-win DI plateau this weekend against Howard to set up a showdown for the MEAC title against North Carolina A&T. That is a resume that can’t be overlooked, even with four- and five-loss teams from the stronger FCS conferences looking to get in.

For those wondering, the Big South will likely be a one-bid league this season. Liberty gets the nod right now thanks to its lead in the conference standings.

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ECSU Head Coach Wilson Earns 2016 Football Coach of the Year

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), along with its Football Coaches Association and Sports Information Directors Association, announces Elizabeth City State University Head Coach Earnest Wilson III the 2016 CIAA Football Coach of the Year.

In his first year at the helm of the Vikings' football program, Coach Wilson led his team to a 5-5 overall record, going 4-3 in conference play and 3-2 in the Northern Division. Throughout the season, Elizabeth City State climbed the rankings in the Northern Division and had a run to appear at the 2016 CIAA Football Championship after upsetting division rivals Chowan University (40-21) and Virginia Union University (24-21).

Offensively, Elizabeth City State averaged 28.3 points per conference game while marking 220.1 passing and 167.3 rushing yards. The Vikings defense ranked second in the CIAA in sacks (19) and grabbed a total of 424 conference tackles on the season.

2016 marked Wilson's 25th year of coaching. He joined ECSU with a strong background in college and professional coaching experiences, most recently from Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member Savannah State University where he served as the head football coach since 2013. Prior to SSU, Wilson served as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Hampton University in 2012.

For more information regarding CIAA football, including the 2016 Championship in Salem, Virginia, visit www.theciaa.com or follow the conference on Facebook (The CIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), Instagram (@CIAASports), and Snapchat (@CIAASports).

COURTESY CIAA.COM

SSU looking to continue winning ways against Hampton

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Lately, Savannah State football games are accompanied by searches through the school’s record books.

The latest question the Tigers hope to be asked today against Hampton University: When was the last time SSU won three consecutive games?

That would be 1998.

Slow down, says the Tigers even-keeled, first-year coach Erik Raeburn, not looking past the 1 p.m. tilt at Armstrong Stadium in Hampton, Va.

“Obviously, (the players) are excited about winning two games in a row and having some momentum, but they know they could have easily lost those two games,” said Raeburn about victories over Howard and Norfolk State. “Our margin for error is really small and we have to play at our very best or near it to have a chance to win.”

But forgive SSU fans if they want to party like it’s 1998 — the last time the Tigers also had a winning season at 7-4. SSU (3-4, 3-2 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) is basking in similar rarefied air, having won three MEAC games this season for the first time since joining the league in 2011.

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N.C. A&T Tries to Remain Undefeated In MEAC

No. 10/9 North Carolina A&T (8-1, 6-0 MEAC) at Delaware State (0-9, 0-6 MEAC)
Date: Nov. 12, 2016
Time: 2 p.m.
Facility: Alumni Stadium (7,193)
Series: Series is tied, 22-22-1
Radio: 1320 AM/93.7 FM WCOG; Play-by-play – Donal Ware, Analysts – Al Swann
*FCS media poll listed first/coaches’ poll listed next

LAST GAME’S OFFENSIVE STARTERS: WR Denzel Keyes (6-4, 215, Sr., 4 rec., 61 yards);   LT Brandon Parker (6-7, 299, R-Jr., 4x MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week ); LG Joshua Mattocks (6-3, 332, R-Jr.); C Darriel Mack (6-2, 291, R-Jr.); RG Daquan Blake (6-3, 315, Jr.); RT Wes Cole (6-6, 335, Sr.); WR Michael Weaver, Jr. (5-7, 163, Sr.); RB Tarik Cohen (5-6, 179, Sr., scored first career TD vs. SCSU); QB Lamar Raynard (6-4, 176, R-So., threw two touchdown passes); FB Anthony McMinn II (6-1, 241, R-Sr.); TE Leroy Hill (6-3, 239, R-So.). 

LAST GAME’S DEFENSIVE STARTERS: DE Angelo Keyes (6-1, 270, R-Sr., 1PBU); DT Marquis Ragland (6-3, 277, R-Sr., 5 tackles vs. SCSU); NG Julian McKnight (6-3, 291, R-So.); DE Kenneth Melton (6-2, 220, R-Jr.); LB Deion Jones (5-11, 207, R-So., 7 tackles); LB Kiaundric Richardson (6-0, 207, So., 5 tackles, 1 sack); LB Jeremy Taylor (5-11, 181, R-Jr., led Aggies with 12 tackles); ROV Marcus Albert(5-10, 207, R-Jr.); CB  Zerius Lockhart (5-10, 175, R-Jr., 9 tackles); CB Marquis Willis (5-8, 153, R-So., 29-yard INT return for TD); FS Tyree Andrews (6-1, 194, R-Sr.).

The Game: N.C. A&T is set to play the first of two road games to finish the regular season. It starts with a game at Delaware State. No matter what happens on Saturday, the Aggies will get a chance to play for their third straight MEAC title the following week at N.C. Central. The only question that remains is whether N.C. A&T and N.C. Central, both 6-0 in the conference, will be playing for the outright title or another share after sharing the title the previous two seasons. A win by both teams on Saturday will mean the at NCCU on Nov. 19 will be for the outright title. But playing at Alumni Stadium has not been easy for N.C. A&T. The Aggies did win there in 2014, but prior to that win, the Aggies had lost five straight in Dover, Del., including 7 of 10.

In the last eight games at Alumni Stadium, the Hornets are averaging 27.8 points per game. The series has been so even, that the Aggies have scored 933 points and the Hornets have scored 909 points in the 45 games they have played against one another. Delaware State, however, has run into some rough times. The Hornets finished 6-5 in 2012. The Hornets are 8-35 since that time including losing 24 out of their last 25 games. In their last 32 games, the Hornets have surrendered 35.5 points per game including 40.7 points per game this season. The Aggies are coming off a big 30-20 win over S.C. State in which they overcame their second fourth-quarter deficit of the season. Two more wins and the Aggies will put together their first-ever back-to-back double-digit win seasons.

The Aggie Minute vs. SCSU

A&T Game Notes vs. DSU

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News & Notes

• Cohen fumbled at the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter at N.C. Central on Nov. 22, 2014. Cohen hasn’t fumbled since. Cohen has now had 482 straight touches without a fumble.
• N.C. A&T is after the school’s second undefeated season in the MEAC since joining the conference in 1971. The only other time the Aggies finished undefeated in the MEAC was in 1999. The Aggies had four undefeated seasons in the CIAA — 1950, 1958, 1959 and 1964. The Aggies are 18-2 in their last 20 conference games.
• Quarterback Lamar Raynard completed 18 passes against S.C. State last Saturday. He is 35 completions shy of breaking Alan Hooker’s single-season completion record of 169.
• Raynard has completed 64.6 percent of his passes this season. Raynard leads the MEAC in completion percentage and is 14^th in the nation. He is also first in the MEAC in passing efficiency and 26th nationally with a 140.8 passer rating with 14 touchdown passes and six interceptions.
• Freshman receiver Elijah Bell caught two touchdown passes against S.C. State, including the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. He was rewarded with the most recent MEAC Rookie of the Week award from the conference.      

Opposing Point of View

“Everything worries me about A&T. It starts at the top. I am a huge fan of Rod Broadway. I think he is one of the best football coaches in the country at any level. He has had great success in every place that he has been because he clearly knows how to reestablish a program and build in to something that is very, very special. And you can see the excitement and the juice his program has. It jumps off the film at you. But we don’t look at their program as a worry, we look at it as an aspiration. We tell our players, look at what North Carolina Central does, look at A&T does, and those teams are in our league. Those things are obtainable. When you can model teams in your own league, you know you’re in the right league.”

Delaware State coach Kenny Carter on the Aggies program  

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Salem special: CIAA title on the line for Bowie State and Winston-Salem State

SALEM, Virginia -- There’s a lot more at stake for Winston-Salem State and Bowie State in Saturday’s 2 p.m. Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship game at Salem Stadium.

Sure, the CIAA title would be nice, but the winner will also get a shot at qualifying for the Division II playoffs.

“We definitely know what’s at stake so we’ve been in playoff mode for the last few weeks,” said Winston-Salem State defensive lineman Amyl Smith.

The Rams (8-2) are riding a seven-game win streak and Bowie State (7-3) would love to derail the dominance the Rams have shown in the last six seasons in the CIAA. The Rams can win back-to-back CIAA titles for the sixth time in school history and can win their 12th title overall.

The Rams are also going for their fourth conference title in the last six seasons. While the Rams have been in the championship game for the last six years, the Bulldogs are hoping to win their first CIAA title. The Bulldogs won the title in 1989 but it was rescinded because Bowie State used an ineligible player.

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Southern women start the season with Spring Hill on Saturday before moving on to difficult preconference run

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- A brutal preconference schedule has been a staple of the Sandy Pugh era at Southern, which is now in its 17th year.

Pugh relishes the idea of putting her women's basketball team up against some of the nation’s best programs to prepare the Jaguars for Southwestern Athletic Conference play.

It forces the players to come together and pushes them to their limits so that, when they play teams at their own level, there’s no intimidation or concern about the other side.

The tradition continues in 2016.

Southern travels to Michigan State, No. 9 UCLA, No. 7 Ohio State and Texas A&M, all before Christmas. Pugh will quickly discover what her team is made of.

But before the Jaguars hit the road to East Lansing, Michigan, on Tuesday, they’ll host Division II Spring Hill in their season opener at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

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Southern, Prairie View fighting for position in crucial final month of the season

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- November is a time for movers.

It's the final month of college football’s regular season, and it's the month when the contenders separate themselves from the pack. That much is true Saturday, when SWAC West heavyweights Southern and host Prairie View collide in a matchup of teams with a combined record of 12-1 in league play.

The winner will stay alive in the league championship race, and the loser will face a difficult uphill climb with two weeks left.



Buckle up.

“Your postseason aspirations all depend on how well you play in this month,” said Prairie View coach Willie Simmons, whose Panthers’ lone conference loss came to undefeated Grambling.

If anybody can speak to the importance of playing well in November, it’s Southern coach Dawson Odums.

His Jaguars teams have lost just one November game — last year’s Bayou Classic — since he took over as the full-time coach before the 2013 season. In each of those years, his team had a chance in the SWAC title race, and twice his teams reached the championship game.

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