HAMPTON, Virginia – The Hampton University sailing team opened their 2017 fall schedule this weekend hosting the Edward Teach Memorial at Strawberry Banks and the Pirates came away with the team title in a seven-team regatta. Hampton put in two teams with the second team coming in sixth place.
The winning team had 55 points on the weekend with an A Division boat of Maximilian Kuester and Dario Abou Rjeili who accounted for 25 points, while the B Division boat of Luca Taglialegne and Elisabeth Kuester accounting for 30 points. Kuester and Abou Rjeili finished in the top three in nine of 10 races over the weekend and won six of those. Taglialegne and Elisabeth Kuester was in the top two in six of 10 races.
The sixth-place Pirates boat had Filip Sevanovic and Mercedes Mattlock in the A Division and they accumulated 69 points, while the B Division boat of Khari Parrish and Lance Sharpe accumulated 134 points. Sevanovic and Mattlock finished in the top four in four of the team races to lead the second group of Pirates.
Virginia also had two teams and they came in second (85 points) and third (128), while William & Mary (160), Salisbury (202), Hampton B (203) and Virginia Tech (220) rounded out the field.
Hampton will see action in two regattas next weekend as they'll be at the Laser South hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy and the Riley Cup hosted by Old Dominion.
Hampton University friends and alumni, join us throughout the year in celebrating the 150th anniversary of Hampton University and the 40th anniversary of our President Dr. William R. Harvey.
For more information on Hampton University sailing, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Ohio throttles Hampton 59-0 to win first game of season
ATHENS, Ohio -- Frank Solich was satisfied. His team hadn’t stopped scoring when it could have.
Ohio didn’t play a perfect game, but the game against Hampton on Saturday was as close as it could get.
The Bobcats defeated the Pirates 59-0 to open the season at Peden Stadium.
Ohio scored eight touchdowns, the most it's scored in a game since the Gardner-Webb game last season. The win against the Pirates also marked the Bobcats’ first shutout since a win over Kent State in November 2015.
The improvement on offense had materialized.
“Things can get a little sloppy sometimes in this kind of game, and we played a ton of guys,” Solich said. “It’s difficult sometimes to keep scoring and not having some turnovers, and then all of a sudden the game becomes a mess from your perspective as a coach.”
CONTINUE READING
Ohio didn’t play a perfect game, but the game against Hampton on Saturday was as close as it could get.
The Bobcats defeated the Pirates 59-0 to open the season at Peden Stadium.
Ohio scored eight touchdowns, the most it's scored in a game since the Gardner-Webb game last season. The win against the Pirates also marked the Bobcats’ first shutout since a win over Kent State in November 2015.
The improvement on offense had materialized.
“Things can get a little sloppy sometimes in this kind of game, and we played a ton of guys,” Solich said. “It’s difficult sometimes to keep scoring and not having some turnovers, and then all of a sudden the game becomes a mess from your perspective as a coach.”
CONTINUE READING
No. 18 Miami Defeats Bethune-Cookman, 41-13
Wildcats rack up 350 yards of offense
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida -- A close game got away from Bethune-Cookman Saturday as the Wildcats dropped a 41-13 decision in their 2017 opener to 18th-ranked Miami at Hard Rock Stadium.
Malik Rosier threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns and Mark Walton rushed for 148 yards and two scores as the Hurricanes scored on four consecutive possessions – touchdowns on the final three – to erase an early 3-0 deficit.
Larry Brihm, Jr., called into service at the last minute as the starting quarterback, completed his first nine passes and finished 22 of 35 for 212 yards.
Bethune-Cookman scored first on a 36-yard Uriel Hernandez field goal with 7:25 remaining in the opening period. Michael Jones got the drive off to a strong start with rushes of 19 and 11 yards, with Brihm hitting Frank Brown for 11- and 12-yard completions on the 12-play march.
After tying the game, Miami pulled away on a Walton 5-yard score and Rosier's touchdown passes to Lawrence Cager and Darrell Langham.
Hernandez connected on his second field goal – a 35-yarder with 53 seconds remaining that made it a 24-6 game at halftime.
The Wildcats found in the end zone in the third quarter on Jones' one-yard run with 6:16 remaining. Brihm connected with Jamaruz Thompkins for 41 yards to get the Wildcats in the red zone then hit Donald Johnson IV for 13 yards on third down to put the ball at the one.
Jones finished with 43 yards on the ground and seven catches for 51 yards. Jawill Davis extended his pass catching streak to 22 as he caught five passes for 48 yards.
My boy Suber calls his first game and the offense puts up 350 yards against what is supposed to be the best defense in the Atlantic Coast Conference, if not the entire FBS. The Canes were off-balance for several parts of the afternoon affair. There probably is some chewing out going on in Coral Gables as we speak.
Not bad, Suber.
Those glorious 15 or 20 minutes when we're up 3-0 or tied 3-3 and both the stadium and the social media are oh, so silent.
Mike Jones is back. Then again, we knew that in training camp. Totally different team with him in the backfield, aren't we?
We had 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 receivers who caught the ball (and two more). Receivers who caught the ball (and two more). Receivers who caught the ball (and two more). Yeah, I know, but since the rest of the media is finally getting around to us having a Tupac (Isme) and a Montel Jordan on the roster, I just gotta drop some 21 Savage lines to stay ahead of the curve.
Diquan Richardson. He and Walton were going at it the entire game. Afterwards, they talked for two minutes and it was ALL respect between two players who are expected to be the best at their respective positions in their respective leagues. Richardson's going to have a heck of a season if he keeps this pace.
Positives all-around.
The serious injuries list? Nada.
And most importantly: Week one is OVER.
Bethune-Cookman travels to Hammond, La., to meet Southeast Louisiana next Saturday at 8 p.m,
BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida -- A close game got away from Bethune-Cookman Saturday as the Wildcats dropped a 41-13 decision in their 2017 opener to 18th-ranked Miami at Hard Rock Stadium.
Malik Rosier threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns and Mark Walton rushed for 148 yards and two scores as the Hurricanes scored on four consecutive possessions – touchdowns on the final three – to erase an early 3-0 deficit.
Larry Brihm, Jr., called into service at the last minute as the starting quarterback, completed his first nine passes and finished 22 of 35 for 212 yards.
Bethune-Cookman scored first on a 36-yard Uriel Hernandez field goal with 7:25 remaining in the opening period. Michael Jones got the drive off to a strong start with rushes of 19 and 11 yards, with Brihm hitting Frank Brown for 11- and 12-yard completions on the 12-play march.
After tying the game, Miami pulled away on a Walton 5-yard score and Rosier's touchdown passes to Lawrence Cager and Darrell Langham.
Hernandez connected on his second field goal – a 35-yarder with 53 seconds remaining that made it a 24-6 game at halftime.
The Wildcats found in the end zone in the third quarter on Jones' one-yard run with 6:16 remaining. Brihm connected with Jamaruz Thompkins for 41 yards to get the Wildcats in the red zone then hit Donald Johnson IV for 13 yards on third down to put the ball at the one.
Jones finished with 43 yards on the ground and seven catches for 51 yards. Jawill Davis extended his pass catching streak to 22 as he caught five passes for 48 yards.
My boy Suber calls his first game and the offense puts up 350 yards against what is supposed to be the best defense in the Atlantic Coast Conference, if not the entire FBS. The Canes were off-balance for several parts of the afternoon affair. There probably is some chewing out going on in Coral Gables as we speak.
Not bad, Suber.
Those glorious 15 or 20 minutes when we're up 3-0 or tied 3-3 and both the stadium and the social media are oh, so silent.
Mike Jones is back. Then again, we knew that in training camp. Totally different team with him in the backfield, aren't we?
We had 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 receivers who caught the ball (and two more). Receivers who caught the ball (and two more). Receivers who caught the ball (and two more). Yeah, I know, but since the rest of the media is finally getting around to us having a Tupac (Isme) and a Montel Jordan on the roster, I just gotta drop some 21 Savage lines to stay ahead of the curve.
Diquan Richardson. He and Walton were going at it the entire game. Afterwards, they talked for two minutes and it was ALL respect between two players who are expected to be the best at their respective positions in their respective leagues. Richardson's going to have a heck of a season if he keeps this pace.
Positives all-around.
The serious injuries list? Nada.
And most importantly: Week one is OVER.
Bethune-Cookman travels to Hammond, La., to meet Southeast Louisiana next Saturday at 8 p.m,
BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Howard Bison, led by Cam Newton's brother, pulls biggest upset in college football history against UNLV
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Caylin Newton accounted for 330 total offensive yards and three touchdowns to lead 45-point underdog and FCS-member Howard to a stunning 43-40 win Saturday night in the season opener and debut for new Bison coach Mike London.
Howard spoiled the start of UNLV's 50th season of play with the biggest upset in college football history based on point spread. Stanford held the previous record when it was declared a 40-point underdog against USC in 2007 and beat the Trojans.
The Rebels started the game flagged for offside on the opening kickoff, and at one point, the officials stopped a play because UNLV's cheerleaders were still on the field.
As for the former Virginia coach, he inherited a team that was 3-19 in the last two seasons that included losses last year of 52-13 to Maryland, 52-14 against Rutgers, and in 2015, suffered a 49-0 loss to Appalachian State and a 76-0 defeat against Boston College.
Howard raced to a 21-9 lead when Devin Rollins returned a fumble for a 75-yard score. The Rebels responded by reeling off 24 consecutive points and led 33-21 when Charles Williams plunged in from a yard out with 6:45 left in the third.
CONTINUE READING
Howard spoiled the start of UNLV's 50th season of play with the biggest upset in college football history based on point spread. Stanford held the previous record when it was declared a 40-point underdog against USC in 2007 and beat the Trojans.
The Rebels started the game flagged for offside on the opening kickoff, and at one point, the officials stopped a play because UNLV's cheerleaders were still on the field.
As for the former Virginia coach, he inherited a team that was 3-19 in the last two seasons that included losses last year of 52-13 to Maryland, 52-14 against Rutgers, and in 2015, suffered a 49-0 loss to Appalachian State and a 76-0 defeat against Boston College.
Howard raced to a 21-9 lead when Devin Rollins returned a fumble for a 75-yard score. The Rebels responded by reeling off 24 consecutive points and led 33-21 when Charles Williams plunged in from a yard out with 6:45 left in the third.
CONTINUE READING
London Delivers Huge Upset in Debut as Howard's Coach
Cam Newton isn't the only quarterback in the family to lead a team to an improbable win.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Cam Newton isn't the only quarterback in the family to lead a team to an improbable win.
Younger brother Caylin made his college debut Saturday, leading Howard University to one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history, 43-40 over UNLV. He ran for 190 yards and two touchdowns, along with passing for another 140 yards with a TD and interception.
"Last night, he made a name for himself," Howard coach Mike London said about his QB. "Caylin did a good job of running the offense and made some fantastic runs, often with guys hanging on him."
The Bison, a Football Championship Subdivision school, were a 45-point underdog to the Rebels. According to Pregame.com, which supplies odds to The Associated Press, a $100 bet on Howard to win outright would have paid $55,000.
The previous largest upset was in 2007 when Stanford defeated USC as a 39-point underdog. That win also featured another first-year coach in Jim Harbaugh.
"We're all ruled by the psychology of results. In terms of culture, perception and being competitive this is huge," London told the AP in a phone interview. "To go on the road, cross country and play these guys toe to toe with their allotment of 80-plus scholarship guys and with my 57 plus is big."
The pairing of London and Howard couldn't come at a better time since both are looking for redemption. The Bison — who were picked ninth out of 11 teams in the preseason Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference poll, were 3-19 the past two seasons. They also have had only one winning season in 11 years (2012) and haven't posted back-to-back winning seasons since 1998. Going into Saturday's game, they had lost by an average of 38 points in their past seven games against Football Bowl Subdivision teams.
CONTINUE READING
LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Cam Newton isn't the only quarterback in the family to lead a team to an improbable win.
Younger brother Caylin made his college debut Saturday, leading Howard University to one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history, 43-40 over UNLV. He ran for 190 yards and two touchdowns, along with passing for another 140 yards with a TD and interception.
"Last night, he made a name for himself," Howard coach Mike London said about his QB. "Caylin did a good job of running the offense and made some fantastic runs, often with guys hanging on him."
The Bison, a Football Championship Subdivision school, were a 45-point underdog to the Rebels. According to Pregame.com, which supplies odds to The Associated Press, a $100 bet on Howard to win outright would have paid $55,000.
The previous largest upset was in 2007 when Stanford defeated USC as a 39-point underdog. That win also featured another first-year coach in Jim Harbaugh.
"We're all ruled by the psychology of results. In terms of culture, perception and being competitive this is huge," London told the AP in a phone interview. "To go on the road, cross country and play these guys toe to toe with their allotment of 80-plus scholarship guys and with my 57 plus is big."
The pairing of London and Howard couldn't come at a better time since both are looking for redemption. The Bison — who were picked ninth out of 11 teams in the preseason Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference poll, were 3-19 the past two seasons. They also have had only one winning season in 11 years (2012) and haven't posted back-to-back winning seasons since 1998. Going into Saturday's game, they had lost by an average of 38 points in their past seven games against Football Bowl Subdivision teams.
CONTINUE READING
45-point underdog Howard University pulled off the biggest upset against the spread in college football history
LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Howard University wasn't given much of a chance on Saturday in their matchup against UNLV.
As 45-point road underdogs, it was easy to think before the game that this would be little more than a tune-up match for the UNLV Rebels; a chance to put their team to a light test before taking on bigger schools on the schedule. Unfortunately for them, no one told the visitors that, and Howard University proved to be too much for UNLV to handle, winning the game 43-40.
Howard was led by Caylin Newton, younger brother of Cam Newton, and showed some of the same dual-attack ability his sibling is known for, finishing the game with 330 total yards and three touchdowns in the game. The upset came just a day after the ten-year anniversary of Appalachian State's wild upset over Michigan in Ann Arbor, but as ESPN notes, that game did not have a spread archived at the time it was played, making Howard's win the biggest upset in history in the context of Vegas lines.
While Las Vegas didn't offer a moneyline on the game, some online sportsbooks had Howard to win the game available at prices up to 600/1 ...
CONTINUE READING
As 45-point road underdogs, it was easy to think before the game that this would be little more than a tune-up match for the UNLV Rebels; a chance to put their team to a light test before taking on bigger schools on the schedule. Unfortunately for them, no one told the visitors that, and Howard University proved to be too much for UNLV to handle, winning the game 43-40.
Howard was led by Caylin Newton, younger brother of Cam Newton, and showed some of the same dual-attack ability his sibling is known for, finishing the game with 330 total yards and three touchdowns in the game. The upset came just a day after the ten-year anniversary of Appalachian State's wild upset over Michigan in Ann Arbor, but as ESPN notes, that game did not have a spread archived at the time it was played, making Howard's win the biggest upset in history in the context of Vegas lines.
While Las Vegas didn't offer a moneyline on the game, some online sportsbooks had Howard to win the game available at prices up to 600/1 ...
CONTINUE READING
TCU opens season with rout of Jackson State
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Coach Gary Patterson wasn't going to get overexcited about TCU's 63-0 victory against an FCS team on Saturday night.
Even with that win against Jackson State being the 150th victory of his career, Patterson was keeping everything in perspective after the lopsided victory.
''This next one is a test (against Arkansas),'' Patterson said. ''I'd be excited if I could get to 160 by the end of this season.''
That's why Patterson was able to nitpick after a big win on the scoreboard.
Final Stats | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery
He wants the offense to be crisper and avoid turnovers. The defense shouldn't have been pushed around on the opening drive by the Tigers, a Southwestern Athletic Conference team.
''We've got work to do,'' Patterson said. ''On to the next one.''
But while other Big 12 teams struggled on Saturday, Patterson had to acknowledge that his team took care of business as TCU won its 16th straight home opener, the nation's fifth-longest streak.
''I was proud of the group. Proud of how they handled themselves,'' Patterson said. ''They acted more like that was what we were supposed to, which probably excited me more than anything else.''
Quarterback Kenny Hill threw for 206 yards and four touchdowns, two to Desmon White, and helped TCU take a comfortable lead early on.
TCU scored on all three possessions in the first quarter, including a 13-yard touchdown in the first quarter where Kenedy Snell took shovel pass and broke five tackles on a weaving sideline-to-sideline run.
''The whole key to games like this, when you're playing an FBS opponent, it's tackling,'' Jackson State coach Tony Hughes said. ''We missed so many tackles.''
TCU posted its first shutout since 2014 and scored twice on defense as Ridwan Issahaku returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter and Arico Evans returned a fumble 32 yards in the third.
''A shutout is a shutout (no matter who),'' Issahaku said. ''We just want to win by one point, but it's good to see the hard work pay off.''
Hill completed 18 of 23 passes before being replaced by backup quarterback Shawn Robinson midway through the third quarter.
''Been waiting too long for this,'' Hill said. ''I feel comfortable in the offense, each game trying to get more comfortable, more confident in the offense and the game plan.''
Jackson State was limited to 24 yards rushing and 41 passing as it fell to 0-14 all-time against FBS competition.
Jackson State reached the TCU 7-yard line on the game's opening drive, but a fumbled snap led to a 28-yard loss and was followed up by a failed fake punt.
''The first drive we looked like we looked like we we're gonna win the national championship,'' Hughes said. ''We faked a punt right there hoping that it would inspire us or ignite us. Just trying to do something to get us going.''
THE TAKEAWAY
JACKSON STATE: Despite a strong start the Tigers were overpowered by their Big 12 foe for most of the game and didn't help themselves with missed tackles and special teams mistakes.
TCU: It's one thing to convert on explosive plays against an FCS opponent, will the Horned Frogs be able to generate similar results against evenly-matched competition?
ROBINSON IMPRESSES
Shawn Robinson, a true freshman, completed 5 of 7 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns in his collegiate debut. He also had three carries for 43 yards. Robinson was an early enrollee at TCU in January after he led DeSoto to a Texas High School state championship in Class 6A, the state's largest division, in December.
UP NEXT:
JACKSON STATE: The Tigers return to FCS play against Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic.
TCU: The Horned Frogs travel to Arkansas for a rematch with the Razorbacks, who won the 2016 meeting in 41-38 in double overtime.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Even with that win against Jackson State being the 150th victory of his career, Patterson was keeping everything in perspective after the lopsided victory.
''This next one is a test (against Arkansas),'' Patterson said. ''I'd be excited if I could get to 160 by the end of this season.''
That's why Patterson was able to nitpick after a big win on the scoreboard.
Final Stats | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery
He wants the offense to be crisper and avoid turnovers. The defense shouldn't have been pushed around on the opening drive by the Tigers, a Southwestern Athletic Conference team.
''We've got work to do,'' Patterson said. ''On to the next one.''
But while other Big 12 teams struggled on Saturday, Patterson had to acknowledge that his team took care of business as TCU won its 16th straight home opener, the nation's fifth-longest streak.
''I was proud of the group. Proud of how they handled themselves,'' Patterson said. ''They acted more like that was what we were supposed to, which probably excited me more than anything else.''
Quarterback Kenny Hill threw for 206 yards and four touchdowns, two to Desmon White, and helped TCU take a comfortable lead early on.
TCU scored on all three possessions in the first quarter, including a 13-yard touchdown in the first quarter where Kenedy Snell took shovel pass and broke five tackles on a weaving sideline-to-sideline run.
''The whole key to games like this, when you're playing an FBS opponent, it's tackling,'' Jackson State coach Tony Hughes said. ''We missed so many tackles.''
TCU posted its first shutout since 2014 and scored twice on defense as Ridwan Issahaku returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter and Arico Evans returned a fumble 32 yards in the third.
''A shutout is a shutout (no matter who),'' Issahaku said. ''We just want to win by one point, but it's good to see the hard work pay off.''
Hill completed 18 of 23 passes before being replaced by backup quarterback Shawn Robinson midway through the third quarter.
''Been waiting too long for this,'' Hill said. ''I feel comfortable in the offense, each game trying to get more comfortable, more confident in the offense and the game plan.''
Jackson State was limited to 24 yards rushing and 41 passing as it fell to 0-14 all-time against FBS competition.
Jackson State reached the TCU 7-yard line on the game's opening drive, but a fumbled snap led to a 28-yard loss and was followed up by a failed fake punt.
''The first drive we looked like we looked like we we're gonna win the national championship,'' Hughes said. ''We faked a punt right there hoping that it would inspire us or ignite us. Just trying to do something to get us going.''
THE TAKEAWAY
JACKSON STATE: Despite a strong start the Tigers were overpowered by their Big 12 foe for most of the game and didn't help themselves with missed tackles and special teams mistakes.
TCU: It's one thing to convert on explosive plays against an FCS opponent, will the Horned Frogs be able to generate similar results against evenly-matched competition?
ROBINSON IMPRESSES
Shawn Robinson, a true freshman, completed 5 of 7 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns in his collegiate debut. He also had three carries for 43 yards. Robinson was an early enrollee at TCU in January after he led DeSoto to a Texas High School state championship in Class 6A, the state's largest division, in December.
UP NEXT:
JACKSON STATE: The Tigers return to FCS play against Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic.
TCU: The Horned Frogs travel to Arkansas for a rematch with the Razorbacks, who won the 2016 meeting in 41-38 in double overtime.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Bison Down USF, Florida A&M to Take NDSU Classic
FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University defeated San Francisco 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-22) and Florida A&M 3-1 (25-15, 25-11, 20-25, 25-16) at the NDSU Classic presented by Hampton Inn & Doubletree by Hilton played Saturday, Sept. 2, before 671 spectators in the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.
The Bison took the NDSU Classic title with a 3-0 record and have won four in a row to improve to 4-2 overall. Brianna Rasmusson was named the Classic MVP, while Emily Halverson and Erika Gelzinyte were named to the all-Classic team.
North Dakota State is scheduled to play at North Dakota (8-1) for a 7 p.m. match Wednesday, Sept. 6, in Grand Forks. The will host George Washington (1-4) and Appalachian State (2-4) in the NDSU Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Erika Gelzinyte recorded her second 'double-double' of the season with 13 kills and 10 digs to lead a balanced offense in the 3-0 win over San Francisco in Saturday's first match before 656 fans. The Bison outhit the Dons .223 to .205 as Emily Halverson collected 12 kills and hit .667.
Brianna Rasmusson had plenty of options in recording 37 assists. Rasmusson also collected 12 digs, three kills, three blocks and a pair of service aces. She was one of five NDSU players to come up with double-figure digs. Emilee McGowan also had two aces.
Mikaela Purnell led the Bison with 15 digs reaching double-figures for the 25th straight match and 59th time in her career. McKenzie Burke had 11 digs and eight kills, while Abbi Klos and Gelzinyte each had 10. Bella Lienand Rasmusson each had three blocks.
Carly Lowry led USF with 11 kills and Camille Araujo came up with a match-high 18 digs. Erin Anthony had 33 assists and Laura Leap finished with three blocks.
North Dakota State hit over .350 in the first two sets against Florida A&M (1-6) to set the tone early. The Bison outhit the Rattlers .226 to .122 overall.
Rasmusson directed the balanced offense with 40 assists and also had six kills. McKenzie Burke led NDSU with 12 kills, while Gelzinyte had nine. Bella Lien had a strong net presence with seven kills and match-high seven blocks. Allie Mauch had six kills and five blocks, while Halverson added six kills.
North Dakota State had 11 service aces led by three apiece from Rasmusson and Gelzinyte, two each from Purnell and Klos. Purnell pocketed a match-high 22 digs, Gelzinyte came up with 13 and Klos added 13 digs.
Candelaria Herrera and Nicole Abreu led Florida A&M with 13 kills. Elena Dimitrova had 36 assists, while Valentina Carrasco came up with 15 digs.
NDSU Classic presented by Hampton Inn & Doubletree by Hilton
Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse, Fargo, N.D.
Saturday, Sept. 2
North Dakota State 3, Florida A&M 1 (25-15, 25-11, 20-25, 25-16)
Northern Colorado 3, Florida A&M 1(25-14, 22-25, 25-22, 25-18)
North Dakota State 3, San Francisco 0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-22)
Friday, Sept. 1
Northern Colorado 3, San Francisco 0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-21)
Florida A&M 3, San Francisco 0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-21)
North Dakota State 3, Northern Colorado 0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-18)
All-Classic Team
MVP – Brianna Rasmusson, North Dakota State
Emily Halverson, North Dakota State
Erika Gelzinyte, North Dakota State
Taylor Els, Northern Colorado
Emily O'Neil, Northern Colorado
Nicole Abreu, Florida A&M
Nora Buvarp-Lavik, San Francisco
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
The Bison took the NDSU Classic title with a 3-0 record and have won four in a row to improve to 4-2 overall. Brianna Rasmusson was named the Classic MVP, while Emily Halverson and Erika Gelzinyte were named to the all-Classic team.
North Dakota State is scheduled to play at North Dakota (8-1) for a 7 p.m. match Wednesday, Sept. 6, in Grand Forks. The will host George Washington (1-4) and Appalachian State (2-4) in the NDSU Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Erika Gelzinyte recorded her second 'double-double' of the season with 13 kills and 10 digs to lead a balanced offense in the 3-0 win over San Francisco in Saturday's first match before 656 fans. The Bison outhit the Dons .223 to .205 as Emily Halverson collected 12 kills and hit .667.
Brianna Rasmusson had plenty of options in recording 37 assists. Rasmusson also collected 12 digs, three kills, three blocks and a pair of service aces. She was one of five NDSU players to come up with double-figure digs. Emilee McGowan also had two aces.
Mikaela Purnell led the Bison with 15 digs reaching double-figures for the 25th straight match and 59th time in her career. McKenzie Burke had 11 digs and eight kills, while Abbi Klos and Gelzinyte each had 10. Bella Lienand Rasmusson each had three blocks.
Carly Lowry led USF with 11 kills and Camille Araujo came up with a match-high 18 digs. Erin Anthony had 33 assists and Laura Leap finished with three blocks.
North Dakota State hit over .350 in the first two sets against Florida A&M (1-6) to set the tone early. The Bison outhit the Rattlers .226 to .122 overall.
Rasmusson directed the balanced offense with 40 assists and also had six kills. McKenzie Burke led NDSU with 12 kills, while Gelzinyte had nine. Bella Lien had a strong net presence with seven kills and match-high seven blocks. Allie Mauch had six kills and five blocks, while Halverson added six kills.
North Dakota State had 11 service aces led by three apiece from Rasmusson and Gelzinyte, two each from Purnell and Klos. Purnell pocketed a match-high 22 digs, Gelzinyte came up with 13 and Klos added 13 digs.
Candelaria Herrera and Nicole Abreu led Florida A&M with 13 kills. Elena Dimitrova had 36 assists, while Valentina Carrasco came up with 15 digs.
NDSU Classic presented by Hampton Inn & Doubletree by Hilton
Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse, Fargo, N.D.
Saturday, Sept. 2
North Dakota State 3, Florida A&M 1 (25-15, 25-11, 20-25, 25-16)
Northern Colorado 3, Florida A&M 1(25-14, 22-25, 25-22, 25-18)
North Dakota State 3, San Francisco 0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-22)
Friday, Sept. 1
Northern Colorado 3, San Francisco 0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-21)
Florida A&M 3, San Francisco 0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-21)
North Dakota State 3, Northern Colorado 0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-18)
All-Classic Team
MVP – Brianna Rasmusson, North Dakota State
Emily Halverson, North Dakota State
Erika Gelzinyte, North Dakota State
Taylor Els, Northern Colorado
Emily O'Neil, Northern Colorado
Nicole Abreu, Florida A&M
Nora Buvarp-Lavik, San Francisco
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Rough Road Loss for MVSU Delta Devils at No. 2 North Dakota State
FARGO, North Dakota -- It was a rough opening day for the Delta Devils football team. The team traveled to Fargo, North Dakota, to face the number two seeded Bisons of North Dakota State University (#2 in the Football Championship Series).
The Delta Devils were able to score once in the second quarter to prevent the game from being a shut-out. Christopher Fowler scrambled into the end zone on a one-yard run for the Mississippi Valley touchdown. Ruben Piraquive tacked on the extra point to give MVSU seven. The scoring run capped a nine-play, 74-yard drive.
The scoring drive proves the Delta Devils have the grit to make big plays and it proved to be worthwhile. NDSU was able to put up 72-points over the course of the contest, forcing the MVSU defense to dig deep.
Inside the pocket, Fowler proved to be a formidable opponent, completing six of ten passed for 85-yards, despite giving up one interception. Kyle Harris recorded 47-yards on one reception, while Eric Collins, Jr. tallied 31-yards on three receptions.
Defensively, Patrick Harbin, Jr. paced the team with nine total tackles, five of which were solo. Four different Delta Devils recorded five total tackles.
Mississippi Valley is on the road to Carbondale, Illinois, to face Southern Illinois University on September 9th. Game time is set for 6:00 pm.
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MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
The Delta Devils were able to score once in the second quarter to prevent the game from being a shut-out. Christopher Fowler scrambled into the end zone on a one-yard run for the Mississippi Valley touchdown. Ruben Piraquive tacked on the extra point to give MVSU seven. The scoring run capped a nine-play, 74-yard drive.
The scoring drive proves the Delta Devils have the grit to make big plays and it proved to be worthwhile. NDSU was able to put up 72-points over the course of the contest, forcing the MVSU defense to dig deep.
Inside the pocket, Fowler proved to be a formidable opponent, completing six of ten passed for 85-yards, despite giving up one interception. Kyle Harris recorded 47-yards on one reception, while Eric Collins, Jr. tallied 31-yards on three receptions.
Defensively, Patrick Harbin, Jr. paced the team with nine total tackles, five of which were solo. Four different Delta Devils recorded five total tackles.
Mississippi Valley is on the road to Carbondale, Illinois, to face Southern Illinois University on September 9th. Game time is set for 6:00 pm.
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MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
AAMU Bulldogs competitive in loss to UAB
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- It wasn't quite the outcome the Bulldogs were looking for, but they proved to be competitive Saturday despite a 38-7 loss to UAB.
It was the season opener for both teams and the first game in two seasons for UAB, which had its program dropped after the 2014 season.
"The result was obviously not what we wanted," said Alabama A&M Head Coach James Spady. "But we are going to build ... and this game will help us going forward."
Nonetheless, Alabama A&M went toe-to-toe with the C-USA Blazers for the better of three quarters before UAB pulled away.
The Bulldogs and Blazers each were basically even in passing yards (A&M had 138 yards, UAB had 165) and time of possession (A&M - 29:44; UAB - 30:16) but the Blazers outrushed A&M 259-45 in the game.
"I felt we had a pretty good first half performance," Spady said. "I thought things were pretty even there in the first half (UAB lead 10-7 at halftime).
"Some things happened to us in the second half that led to a little breakdown here and there, however it wasn't a complete breakdown. Our guys still fought and were competitive."
The Blazers scored on their first possession of the game, moving downfield on a 14-play, 76-yard drive.
But, after that, the A&M defense adjusted to UAB and kept them out of the endzone again until about 6:37 left in the third quarter.
Linebacker Kenneth Davis led all tacklers with 10 tackles, including eight solo stops. He also had two sacks for minus-eight yards and two tackles for loss for minus-nine yards. Harvey Harris had eight tackles in his first game playing defense after a three-year career as a Bulldog running back.
Since this was UAB's first game in three years, the Bulldogs didn't have any film or scouting reports so, basically, they were going into the game blind.
"I want to give (UAB) Coach (Bill) Clark and his guys credit," Spady said. "That was a better game than I thought they would be and I'm really proud of our guys for competing."
The Bulldogs got on the board early in the second half when freshman quarterback Aqeel Glass connected with Roderick Randolph on a 46-yard catch-and-run touchdown pass. Nick Carden kicked the point-after and the game was tied 7-7 with 2:24 left in the first half.
However, UAB answered back with a field goal about a minute later for the 10-7 halftime lead.
Glass and Damion May split quarterback duties in the game. Glass was 7 of 17 for 101 yards. He had an interception and the TD pass to Randolph. May was 6-for-12 for 37 yards.
"I played the two guys I planned to play all along," Spady said. "Aqeel started, which I said would happen, and Damion played, which I also said would happen."
The Bulldogs continue their nonconference schedule next weekend with a trip to Vanderbilt on Saturday. Kickoff is 3 p.m.
Spady said the Bulldogs will be ready for the date in the Music City.
"We're playing an SEC opponent," he said. "Our guys will have no trouble getting motivated - not only because it's another football game but it's the chance to play an SEC opponent that made a bowl game last year."
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Totten’s TD Run Highlights NCCU Loss at Duke
DURHAM, North Carolina -- An 81-yard touchdown run by redshirt freshman Isaiah Totten highlighted North Carolina Central University's performance in a 60-7 setback against ACC opponent Duke University during the "Bull City Gridiron Classic" at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday.
Totten's second-quarter 81-yard race to the end zone is the 10th longest rush in NCCU history and the longest run by an Eagle since 2010, when Tony McCord posted a 93-yard touchdown scamper against Winston-Salem State.
New NCCU starting quarterback Micah Zanders completed 10 of 17 passes for 91 yards with an interception.
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Defensively, NCCU senior linebacker Reggie Hunter amassed a game-high 10 tackles (7 solo), including a stop for a loss. Junior safety Alden McClellon and senior transfer linebacker De'Niro Laster contributed nine takedowns apiece for the Eagles.
"We learned a lot from this game," said NCCU head coach Jerry Mack. "We learned exactly what not to do and what to do. We found out a lot about the character of our football team. We've got to take the time, learn and grow from this situation, but I think it was a really great teaching moment for them."
NCCU hosts Shaw University in the Eagles' home-opener on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. For ticket information, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
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Totten's second-quarter 81-yard race to the end zone is the 10th longest rush in NCCU history and the longest run by an Eagle since 2010, when Tony McCord posted a 93-yard touchdown scamper against Winston-Salem State.
New NCCU starting quarterback Micah Zanders completed 10 of 17 passes for 91 yards with an interception.
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Defensively, NCCU senior linebacker Reggie Hunter amassed a game-high 10 tackles (7 solo), including a stop for a loss. Junior safety Alden McClellon and senior transfer linebacker De'Niro Laster contributed nine takedowns apiece for the Eagles.
"We learned a lot from this game," said NCCU head coach Jerry Mack. "We learned exactly what not to do and what to do. We found out a lot about the character of our football team. We've got to take the time, learn and grow from this situation, but I think it was a really great teaching moment for them."
NCCU hosts Shaw University in the Eagles' home-opener on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. For ticket information, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Kentucky State Thorobreds Shows Determination in 42-21 Loss to Slippery Rock
FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- Kentucky State University football dropped its season opener to Slippery Rock University in a 42-21 loss at Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Thorobreds fell behind early, trailing as much as 28 in the opening moments of the third quarter, but the offense started to find its groove behind its new junior quarter back Paul Campbell.
At 4:08 on the clock in the third quarter, Campbell connected for a four-yard touchdown pass to fellow junior, Demetrius Anderson to put KSU on the board at 28-6. Campbell struck again with a four-yard rushing touchdown at the 13:00 mark of the 4th quarter, following a 13 play drive. The home squad went into its bag of tricks on a nifty two-point conversion, as Anderson took a hand-off an end around from junior wide receiver Cort Groathouse, to find Campbell open for a walk-in score, pulling the Thorobreds to a 28-14 defect.
SRU answered with back-to-back scores to go back up by 28, but the last touchdown of the game and highlight of the day belonged to sophomore running back Bret Sylve. The transfer from Louisiana College snagged the ball on a kickoff, found a hole in the middle of the field and scampered for a 93-yard touchdown, for a final score of 42-21.
Campell finished the game with 22-for-33 through the air and rushed for 35 yards on 15 carries. His favorite target on the day was Anderson as he pulled in 10 catches for 74 yards.
KSU will travel to Lebanon, Illinois next Saturday, Sept. 9 to play McKendree University, kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Morgan Bears Fall in Defensive Battle at Towson, 10-0, in inaugural Battle for Greater Baltimore
TOWSON, Maryland -- Morgan State's suffocating defense kept Towson in check, but it was the Bears offense that proved to be the deciding factor tonight at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Monty Fenner's interception set up the only touchdown which led to Towson beating Morgan State 10-0 in a defensive struggle as the cross-town rivals met in the Battle for Greater Baltimore on Saturday night in the season opener.
The game marked the first meeting between the two schools since 2011. Towson improved its series record against the Bears to 18-6 since 1979.
Fenner intercepted an Elijah Staley pass, returning it 32 yards to the Morgan State 2. Shane Simpson took a quick pitch in for the score on the next play. Aidan O'Neill's extra point gave the Tigers a 7-0 lead with 9:04 left in the first half.
Aidan O'Neill added a 42-yard field goal with nine seconds left in the first half. The Tiger defense picked off three Morgan State passes before halftime. Morgan Scroggins and Tyron McDade each had an interception.
Towson (1-0) quarterback Morgan Mahalak, an Oregon transfer, had his struggles also as he was picked off three times too. Brandon Griffin, Ian McBorrough and Cravon Rogers all grabbed one.
Both quarterbacks were sacked three times.
"Our defense dominated today," said sophomore linebacker McBorrough. "Our coaching staff did a good job of game-planning and they just expect excellence from us on defense. We spent a lot of time in the film room breaking down [Towson's] favorite plays and tendancies. Our defense executed tonight."
The Bears limited Towson to just 102 total yards, including 17 yards on the ground. It was the fewest amount of rushing yards allowed by Morgan State since holding Bowie State to -33 yards in 2010.
Griffen led the Bears with 8 tackles and a sack, while Malachi Washington added five tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Staley completed 23 of 46 passes for 185 yards, but the offense stalled when it came to scoring in the red-zone. The Bears finished the night 0-for-3 in scoring opportunities inside the 20.
Morgan State (0-1) finished with 234 yards overall, but committed four turnovers, finished with 15 penalties for 137 yards (93 yards in the 1st half) and missed both of their field-goal attempts. Towson had just four penalties for 30 yards.
"If we're going to be a good football team, there's no way we can play and have 15 penalties, turn the ball over a bunch of times," Morgan State coach Fred T. Farrier said. "I have to do a better job of ensuring that we're putting our kids in a better position to be successful."
Bear Bits
QB Elijah Staley completed passes to nine different receivers
WR Dushon David led the Bears with a game-high 6 receptions for 56 yards; WR Amonta Poteat had 5 catches for 47 yards
P Julian Jacobs averaged 32 yards on 6 punts, including a 48-yard long and two punts inside the 20
FS Carl Garnes averaged 8.8 yards on five punt returns
The last time Morgan State's defense recorded three interceptions in a game was against Savannah State in 2015
Morgan State's offense ran 84 total plays compared to Towson's 54.
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Monty Fenner's interception set up the only touchdown which led to Towson beating Morgan State 10-0 in a defensive struggle as the cross-town rivals met in the Battle for Greater Baltimore on Saturday night in the season opener.
The game marked the first meeting between the two schools since 2011. Towson improved its series record against the Bears to 18-6 since 1979.
Fenner intercepted an Elijah Staley pass, returning it 32 yards to the Morgan State 2. Shane Simpson took a quick pitch in for the score on the next play. Aidan O'Neill's extra point gave the Tigers a 7-0 lead with 9:04 left in the first half.
Aidan O'Neill added a 42-yard field goal with nine seconds left in the first half. The Tiger defense picked off three Morgan State passes before halftime. Morgan Scroggins and Tyron McDade each had an interception.
Towson (1-0) quarterback Morgan Mahalak, an Oregon transfer, had his struggles also as he was picked off three times too. Brandon Griffin, Ian McBorrough and Cravon Rogers all grabbed one.
Both quarterbacks were sacked three times.
"Our defense dominated today," said sophomore linebacker McBorrough. "Our coaching staff did a good job of game-planning and they just expect excellence from us on defense. We spent a lot of time in the film room breaking down [Towson's] favorite plays and tendancies. Our defense executed tonight."
The Bears limited Towson to just 102 total yards, including 17 yards on the ground. It was the fewest amount of rushing yards allowed by Morgan State since holding Bowie State to -33 yards in 2010.
Griffen led the Bears with 8 tackles and a sack, while Malachi Washington added five tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Staley completed 23 of 46 passes for 185 yards, but the offense stalled when it came to scoring in the red-zone. The Bears finished the night 0-for-3 in scoring opportunities inside the 20.
Morgan State (0-1) finished with 234 yards overall, but committed four turnovers, finished with 15 penalties for 137 yards (93 yards in the 1st half) and missed both of their field-goal attempts. Towson had just four penalties for 30 yards.
"If we're going to be a good football team, there's no way we can play and have 15 penalties, turn the ball over a bunch of times," Morgan State coach Fred T. Farrier said. "I have to do a better job of ensuring that we're putting our kids in a better position to be successful."
Bear Bits
QB Elijah Staley completed passes to nine different receivers
WR Dushon David led the Bears with a game-high 6 receptions for 56 yards; WR Amonta Poteat had 5 catches for 47 yards
P Julian Jacobs averaged 32 yards on 6 punts, including a 48-yard long and two punts inside the 20
FS Carl Garnes averaged 8.8 yards on five punt returns
The last time Morgan State's defense recorded three interceptions in a game was against Savannah State in 2015
Morgan State's offense ran 84 total plays compared to Towson's 54.
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Grambling State Tigers fall behind early in loss to Tulane
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana | Martez Carter scored a pair of second-half touchdowns, but it wasn't enough as Grambling State fell behind early and couldn't recover in the Tigers' 43-14 loss to Tulane on Saturday night at Yulman Stadium.
"At the end of the day, I thought they played better up front than we did," Grambling State head coach Broderick Fobbs said. "We could never get anything going and we were always starting behind the chains. We didn't execute like we needed to. They were the better team tonight. I thought they did an extremely great job running the football , but also mixing in man and zone screens. My hats off to them, they're a good team."
Tulane (1-0) scored on its first two drives to begin the game and quickly jumped out to a 14-0 lead.
After the Tigers were forced to punt on their first possession, the Green Wave marched 56 yards in five plays and took 2:45 off the clock as Jonathan Banks scored on a seven-yard touchdown scamper down the right side to give Tulane a 7-0 lead.
Grambling State (0-1) went three-and-out on its second possession and Tulane capitalized on good field position as the Green Wave went 51 yards in five plays, capped by Banks' 30-yard touchdown pass to Terren Encalade, giving Tulane a 14-0 advantage with 7:06 remaining in the opening quarter.
The Green Wave added to the lead in the second quarter as the Tigers defense held Tulane to a field goal. A Coby Neenan 21-yard field goal with 5:15 left in the first half, capped 12-play, 61-yard drive, giving the Green Wave a 17-0 lead.
Tulane put the game away with 3:16 remaining in the second quarter as Banks connected with Dontrell Hillard for a 62-yard touchdown as the Green Wave extended the advantage to 24-0.
The Green Wave began the third quarter with excellent starting position as Sherman Badie returned the opening kickoff 52 yards to the GSU 46. Tulane punched in its fourth touchdown of the night six plays later as Darnell Mooney caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Banks, giving the Green Wave a 31-0 lead with 12:06 left in the quarter.
Grambling State answered on the ensuing drive to get its first points of the season.
The Tigers took advantage of a penalty and converted on fourth-and-10 as Martez Carter, who had 11 rushing touchdowns last season, scored on a five-yard run, capping a 15-play, 82-yard drive, as Grambling State cut the deficit to 31-7 with 5:25 left in the third quarter.
The Green Wave answered on its next drive as Encalade rushed 58 yards down the right sideline to extend the lead to 37-7 with 14:49 remaining. But those points were quickly erased as Carter found the endzone for the second time as he rushed 51 yards past the Tulane defense to trim the margin to 37-14 with 14:27 left.
Tulane capped the scoring with 8:13 remaining as Darius Bradwell scored on a 27-yard run, which capped a 10-play, 77-yard drive to give the Green Wave a 43-14 lead.
Turning Point
Tulane took advantage of Grambling State mistakes in the first quarter as the Tigers committed five penalties for 45 yards.
Despite the number of penalties, the poor starting position took its toll on Grambling State in the first quarter. The Tigers average starting position was the 19 yard-line.
Grambling State started slowly out of the gate as the Tigers went backwards in the first two possessions with minus three yards. Tulane took advantage with its first two drives combining for 10 plays and 107 yards, along with two touchdowns, to jump out to the two-score lead.
Inside the Numbers
· Tulane controlled the first half with 226 yards, while Grambling State recorded 87, Devante Kincade's 48-yard pass to Darrell Clark late in the second quarter.
· The Green Wave amassed 481 total yards, including 286 on the ground.
· Grambling State finished the night with 225 total yards, including 148 in the air.
· Devante Kincade threw for 148 yards on 15-of-26 passing. He also rushed eight times for seven yards.
· Martez Carter rushed five times for 68 yards and averaged 13.6 yards per carry.
· Lyndemian Brooks caught three passes for 32 yards, including a long of 27 yards.
· Diante Bridgewater led the way defensively with nine tackles, including seven unassisted.
· Percy Cargo and De'Arius Christmas finished with four tackles.
· Jonathan Banks threw for 185 yards on 10-of-15 passing and three touchdowns. He added 69 yards on 16 rushes.
· Dontrell Hillard caught two passes for 77 yards for Tulane.
· Parry Nickerson led the Green Wave defensively with 5.5 tackles, including five unassisted.
· Grambling State went 1-for-1 in fourth-down conversions.
News & Notes
· With the loss on Saturday night, Grambling State continues to seek its first season-opening victory since 2011.
· The Tigers have lost to Lamar (Southland), California (Pac 12), Arizona (Pac 12) and Tulane (American) in the past four season openers.
· Grambling State came into the game ranked No. 21 in the FCS Coaches Preseason Poll and the STATS FCS Preseason Top 25.
· With the loss, the Tigers fell to 4-2 in televised games and 7-2 in games played in 30,000-seat stadiums in the past two seasons. Both losses came to Arizona and Tulane.
· Devante Kincade threw one interception in the loss. He didn't throw his first interception until Oct. 22 against Mississippi Valley State.
· Martez Carter had two multi-scoring rushing touchdowns last season (Texas Southern and Southern).
Up Next
Grambling State will celebrate its home opener on Sept. 9 at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium as Northwestern State comes to town. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Northwestern State began the 2017 season on Saturday with a 52-24 loss to Louisiana Tech.
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.
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"At the end of the day, I thought they played better up front than we did," Grambling State head coach Broderick Fobbs said. "We could never get anything going and we were always starting behind the chains. We didn't execute like we needed to. They were the better team tonight. I thought they did an extremely great job running the football , but also mixing in man and zone screens. My hats off to them, they're a good team."
Tulane (1-0) scored on its first two drives to begin the game and quickly jumped out to a 14-0 lead.
After the Tigers were forced to punt on their first possession, the Green Wave marched 56 yards in five plays and took 2:45 off the clock as Jonathan Banks scored on a seven-yard touchdown scamper down the right side to give Tulane a 7-0 lead.
Grambling State (0-1) went three-and-out on its second possession and Tulane capitalized on good field position as the Green Wave went 51 yards in five plays, capped by Banks' 30-yard touchdown pass to Terren Encalade, giving Tulane a 14-0 advantage with 7:06 remaining in the opening quarter.
The Green Wave added to the lead in the second quarter as the Tigers defense held Tulane to a field goal. A Coby Neenan 21-yard field goal with 5:15 left in the first half, capped 12-play, 61-yard drive, giving the Green Wave a 17-0 lead.
Tulane put the game away with 3:16 remaining in the second quarter as Banks connected with Dontrell Hillard for a 62-yard touchdown as the Green Wave extended the advantage to 24-0.
The Green Wave began the third quarter with excellent starting position as Sherman Badie returned the opening kickoff 52 yards to the GSU 46. Tulane punched in its fourth touchdown of the night six plays later as Darnell Mooney caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Banks, giving the Green Wave a 31-0 lead with 12:06 left in the quarter.
Grambling State answered on the ensuing drive to get its first points of the season.
The Tigers took advantage of a penalty and converted on fourth-and-10 as Martez Carter, who had 11 rushing touchdowns last season, scored on a five-yard run, capping a 15-play, 82-yard drive, as Grambling State cut the deficit to 31-7 with 5:25 left in the third quarter.
The Green Wave answered on its next drive as Encalade rushed 58 yards down the right sideline to extend the lead to 37-7 with 14:49 remaining. But those points were quickly erased as Carter found the endzone for the second time as he rushed 51 yards past the Tulane defense to trim the margin to 37-14 with 14:27 left.
Tulane capped the scoring with 8:13 remaining as Darius Bradwell scored on a 27-yard run, which capped a 10-play, 77-yard drive to give the Green Wave a 43-14 lead.
Turning Point
Tulane took advantage of Grambling State mistakes in the first quarter as the Tigers committed five penalties for 45 yards.
Despite the number of penalties, the poor starting position took its toll on Grambling State in the first quarter. The Tigers average starting position was the 19 yard-line.
Grambling State started slowly out of the gate as the Tigers went backwards in the first two possessions with minus three yards. Tulane took advantage with its first two drives combining for 10 plays and 107 yards, along with two touchdowns, to jump out to the two-score lead.
Inside the Numbers
· Tulane controlled the first half with 226 yards, while Grambling State recorded 87, Devante Kincade's 48-yard pass to Darrell Clark late in the second quarter.
· The Green Wave amassed 481 total yards, including 286 on the ground.
· Grambling State finished the night with 225 total yards, including 148 in the air.
· Devante Kincade threw for 148 yards on 15-of-26 passing. He also rushed eight times for seven yards.
· Martez Carter rushed five times for 68 yards and averaged 13.6 yards per carry.
· Lyndemian Brooks caught three passes for 32 yards, including a long of 27 yards.
· Diante Bridgewater led the way defensively with nine tackles, including seven unassisted.
· Percy Cargo and De'Arius Christmas finished with four tackles.
· Jonathan Banks threw for 185 yards on 10-of-15 passing and three touchdowns. He added 69 yards on 16 rushes.
· Dontrell Hillard caught two passes for 77 yards for Tulane.
· Parry Nickerson led the Green Wave defensively with 5.5 tackles, including five unassisted.
· Grambling State went 1-for-1 in fourth-down conversions.
News & Notes
· With the loss on Saturday night, Grambling State continues to seek its first season-opening victory since 2011.
· The Tigers have lost to Lamar (Southland), California (Pac 12), Arizona (Pac 12) and Tulane (American) in the past four season openers.
· Grambling State came into the game ranked No. 21 in the FCS Coaches Preseason Poll and the STATS FCS Preseason Top 25.
· With the loss, the Tigers fell to 4-2 in televised games and 7-2 in games played in 30,000-seat stadiums in the past two seasons. Both losses came to Arizona and Tulane.
· Devante Kincade threw one interception in the loss. He didn't throw his first interception until Oct. 22 against Mississippi Valley State.
· Martez Carter had two multi-scoring rushing touchdowns last season (Texas Southern and Southern).
Up Next
Grambling State will celebrate its home opener on Sept. 9 at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium as Northwestern State comes to town. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Northwestern State began the 2017 season on Saturday with a 52-24 loss to Louisiana Tech.
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.
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Collins, Sellers Named adidas OVC Player of the Week -Sept. 3
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Vincent Sellers and Chris Collins received adidas Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week honors for their performances in Tennessee State’s 17-10 win over Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) foe Georgia State. Sellers was selected as the Newcomer of the Week, while Collins earned a share of the Defensive Player of the Week with Jacksonville State’s Jonathan Hagler.
Sellers recorded 10 tackles, including a tackle-for-loss, during the Thursday night victory in Atlanta. His biggest stops of the night came in the second quarter, as he made a tackle at the two-yard line and followed with his tackle-for-loss which forced the Panthers to settle for a field goal. In the third quarter the freshman tracked down a GSU receiver on a 59-yard pass play, preventing a score, as Tennessee State’s defense held Georgia State scoreless on that drive.
Collins recorded 12 tackles (9 solo), had three tackles-for-loss, a sack and forced a fumble in the win. With GSU driving on the opening series of the game, the Fairburn, Ga. native knocked the ball loose two yards behind the scrimmage, allowing TSU to recover the ball on its own 25-yard line. In the third quarter the senior stopped a Georgia State runner at the four-yard line on fourth and goal to give TSU possession of the ball.
This marks the first OVC weekly honors for Collins and Sellers as the guided the Big Blue defense into holding their FBS opponent to just 10 points and 273 yards of total offense for the game.
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What we learned, trending now and final thoughts from Southern's 14-8 win against SC State
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- WHAT WE LEARNED
Southern can win games with its defense. With the Jaguars offense being held down in the second half of Sunday’s season opener, it was up to the defense to keep South Carolina State out of the end zone. Mission accomplished. Southern’s veteran-heavy defense swarmed to the football Sunday and carried over its trademark from last year: forcing important momentum-swinging turnovers. There are definitely some things that still need to be ironed out defensively, but Southern looks like it has made some big-time strides on that side of the ball. If that defense translates over to the SWAC side of things, where offense reigns supreme, this could be a boon for Southern’s chances.
TRENDING NOW
How about first-timers? Sophomore safety Montavius Gaines, making his first career start, earned Defensive MVP honors for Southern after making four tackles — two for loss — with a crucial fumble recovery and a pass broken up. Redshirt freshman Devon Benn took his first career carry for a 27-yard touchdown, then added a 33-yard catch and run on his second career touch. Benn finished with a team-high 88 total yards on just eight touches. Potential quarterback of the future Glendon “Bubba” McDaniel played most of the fourth quarter as Austin Howard was held out for precautionary reasons, and while he didn’t do anything special, he didn’t make any freshman mistakes in a tight game.
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Southern hangs on late for a 14-8 season-opening win against South Carolina State
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Trailing by six with less than two minutes to go, South Carolina State’s Jermaine Baxley slipped behind the Southern defense, and quarterback Dewann Ford floated a spiral his way.
What would’ve been a game-tying touchdown — and it would have served as a game-winner with a made extra point — slipped through Baxley’s hands.
A short while later, the Jaguars (1-0) were celebrating a hard-fought 14-8 victory in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge when Southern’s Danny Johnson batted down a desperation heave on fourth down.
It was a defensive battle, with neither team topping 350 yards of total offense.
Devon Benn scored Southern’s first touchdown of the season on the first carry of his career. The redshirt freshman allowed his blocks to set up, then zoomed through a crease, juking the safety off his feet on a 27-yard scamper.
On the next series, Southern motioned both tight ends to the right side of the line then faked a handoff to that direction, but quarterback Austin Howard kept it and moseyed into the end zone for an easy 6-yard touchdown.
CONTINUE READING
What would’ve been a game-tying touchdown — and it would have served as a game-winner with a made extra point — slipped through Baxley’s hands.
A short while later, the Jaguars (1-0) were celebrating a hard-fought 14-8 victory in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge when Southern’s Danny Johnson batted down a desperation heave on fourth down.
It was a defensive battle, with neither team topping 350 yards of total offense.
Devon Benn scored Southern’s first touchdown of the season on the first carry of his career. The redshirt freshman allowed his blocks to set up, then zoomed through a crease, juking the safety off his feet on a 27-yard scamper.
On the next series, Southern motioned both tight ends to the right side of the line then faked a handoff to that direction, but quarterback Austin Howard kept it and moseyed into the end zone for an easy 6-yard touchdown.
CONTINUE READING
HBCU Football Judgment Day Scoreboard - Week 1 Finals
SUNDAY, SEPT. 3
MEAC/SWAC Challenge
Southern 14, South Carolina State 8
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2
MEAC
Howard 43, UNLV 40
North Carolina A&T 45, Gardner-Webb 3
Virginia State 14, Norfolk State 10
Miami 41, Bethune-Cookman 13
Towson 10, Morgan State 0
Duke 60, North Carolina Central 7
Ohio 59, Hampton 0
SWAC
Tuskegee 14, Alabama State 6
North Dakota State 72, Mississippi Valley State 7
Alabama-Birmingham 38, Alabama A&M 7
Arkansas Pine Bluff 23, Morehouse 10
Alcorn State 50, Miles 21
Texas Christian 63, Jackson State 0
Tulane 43, Grambling State 14
Prairie View at Texas Southern - Postponed
OTHER
West Virginia State 51, Charleston (WV) 28
Langston 30, Lincoln (MO) 14
CIAA
Bowie State 48, Seton Hill 7
Cheyney 56, Lincoln (PA) 28
Elizabeth City State 34, Central State (OH) 23
LIU Post 42, Virginia Union 13
New Haven 31, Shaw 20
Benedict 28, Livingstone 15
Wingate 38, Johnson C. Smith 18
Fayetteville State 24, Chowan 21
SIAC
Albany State (Ga.) 29, Valdosta State 12
Lane 40, Texas College 20
Slippery Rock 42, Kentucky State 21
THURSDAY, AUGUST 31
Tennessee State 17, Georgia State 10
Winston-Salem State 34, UNC Pembroke 31
Clark Atlanta 32, Mississippi College 29
West Georgia 34, Fort Valley State 9
Catawba 49, Saint Augustine's 0
Delaware 22. Delaware State 3
Arkansas 49, Florida A&M 7
Fayetteville State Wins First Season-opener since 2008 with 24-21 win over Chowan
The last time FSU won its season-opener was in 2008 when the Broncos defeated North Carolina Central 33-22 in Durham. Fayetteville State controlled a 14-7 lead at halftime.
"We accomplished our goal!" cheered Head Coach Richard Hayes. "First game, we got a victory."
Chowan (0-1) scored on its first drive of the game with a 20-yard pass from Bryce Witt to Adrian McNeil.
Fayetteville State (1-0) responded on the next drive with a four-yard walk into the end zone by quarterback Kane Banner (Lumberton, NC) with 5:58 left in the first quarter. The 8-play, 58-yard drive was setup by a 40-yard kickoff return by Brandon Smith (Raeford, NC).
In the second quarter with 6:23 remaining, Donshel Jetton (Mooresville, NC) burst through the line of scrimmage to scamper 31 yards for a 14-7 lead, going into halftime.
The defense played its part throughout the game forcing four fumbles and recovering two. Keyante Baldwin (Fayetteville, NC) recovered the Hawks' last fumble of the game on an attempted punt return on Chowan's three-yard line. Fayetteville State capitalized on the turnover as Banner plunged into the end zone from one-yard out.
As time was about to expire in the third quarter with 38 seconds left, the Hawks picked up a touchdown to ease closer to the Broncos at 21-14. Witt connected with Michael Offutt, Jr. for a 32-yard passing touchdown.
Preseason All-CIAA Kicker David Lamb (Pineville, NC) split the uprights with a 27-yard field goal with 12:31 left in the game and a 24-14 lead.
Although Chowan scored its 21st point with 11:14 left in the game, the defense held its ground and preserved the victory. The score was a 50-yard pass from Witt to Torry Baker.
Stevie Green (Washington, NC), the 2016 CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year from, finished with 90 yards on 24 carries. His longest tote was for 23 yards. He shared snaps with Jetton who racked up 70 yards on nine carries and one touchdown. Jetton averaged 7.8 yards per carry.
Brandon Smith returned three kickoffs for 124 yards. His longest return was 42 yards. Fayetteville State had an average field position of the FSU's 38-yard line in the first half and the Fayetteville-40 in the second half.
Fayetteville State will play host to Wingate University (1-0), who defeated Johnson C. Smith 38-18, on Saturday, September 9th at 6:00 p.m. The Broncos will show gratitude to the Armed Services with Military Appreciation Night.
Final Stats
FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY BRONCOS SPORTS INFORMATION
Benedict Tigers Roll Over Livingstone In Palmetto Capital City Classic, 28-15
COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- The Benedict College Tigers opened the 2017 season with a 28-15 victory over the Livingstone College Blue Bears in the 16th annual Palmetto Capital City Classic on Saturday evening in Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.The Tigers jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half and then got an exciting 60-yard touchdown from Trini Charlton in the third quarter to help secure the season opening victory.
"We're better than we were last year; we're a little bit further along, but as you can see we've a long way to go to play a complete ballgame," said Benedict head coach Mike White. "I'm just happy we came out with more points than they did."
Benedict gained 248 yards on the ground, with Charlton doing the most damage with 126 yards on 15 carries. Charlton was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
The Tigers struck first when quarterback Dominique Harris pushed his way in from two yards out for a 6-0 lead with 7:12 left in the first quarter. At the start of the second quarter, the Tigers downed a 33-yard punt by Tory Mimbs at the 3-yard line. Two plays later, Jamal Heard and Amari Andrews sandwiched Livingstone quarterback Xavier Longerbeam in the end zone for a safety and an 8-0 lead with 14:50 left in the first half.
Later in the quarter, Mimbs booted a 44-yard punt, but Livingstone's Jeremy Lewis dropped the ball and Benedict's Raheem Jennings jumped on the loose ball in the end zone for a Tiger touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
The Blue Bears scored on their first possession of the second half when Thaddeus Bell, who replaced Longerbeam at quarterback, floated a 31-yard pass to Jarius Richardson. Justin Ruffin ran in the 2-point conversion to cut the lead to 14-8 with 10:37 remaining in the third quarter.
The Tigers deflated any momentum the Blue Bears may have gained. Starting from their own 18-yard line, Harris had passes of 12 and 9 yards to Wayne Brown and Okechi Ntiasagwe to move the ball to the Benedict 40-yard line. Charlton took a handoff through the left side of the line, found a hole and outran the coverage for a 60-yard score.
"It's the O-line. We've got a great O-Line," Charlton said. "I didn't do anything. They just opened the holes and I ran through them. I just saw green grass. It was wide open."
Harris guided the Tigers on a 61-yard drive in the fourth quarter. On the eight-play drive, he completed four of five pass attempts, including the final 16-yard pass to Wayne Brown in the back corner of the end zone. Harris, who has not played competitive football since 2012 at Northwest Community College, played the entire game under center and completed 10-of-25 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown while throwing two interceptions.
The Harris to Brown touchdown gave Benedict a 28-8 lead with 7:33 remaining on the clock. The Blue Bears went on a long 16-play, 78-yard drive with Spencer Ludin, the third Blue Bear quarterback of the game, completing a six-yard pass to Ruben Lawhorn for the touchdown with 1:03 left.
Benedict recovered the on-side kick attempt by Livingstone and the Tigers ran out the final minute of the clock.
Benedict gave up 264 yards of total offense to Livingstone. The Benedict defense held the Blue Bears to two first downs and 105 yards in the first half.
"We kept them from running, we put good pressure on the passer, but then we missed a few tackles and all of a sudden it changed the game," White said. "We've got to stay focused and, as they say, play it for four quarters."
Robert Cummings had eight tackles and two pass breakups to lead the Benedict defense. Xavier George added six tackles. Rickym Holmes had four tackles with 1.5 sacks as the Benedict defense recorded five sacks on the day.
Benedict travels to Gaffney, S.C. for next week's game to take on L
imestone College. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at The Reservation Stadium.
BOX SCORE
BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION
Texas College Steers show improvement in loss to Lane Dragons
TYLER, Texas -- Although the Charles Moss era at Texas College did not start off with a win, there were some good signs for the Steers football program.Lane College held off a young TC squad, 40-20, on a very hot and sunny afternoon on Saturday at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.
The contest was much closer than last year’s 44-6 loss to the Dragons in Jackson, Tennessee.
“I saw some positives and several things we can correct,” Moss said. “We had some breakdowns, but there were some encouraging signs.”
Some of those signs included quarterback Sean Stell, a senior from Fresno, California, hitting on 16 of 27 pass attempts for 112 yards with two TD passes (21 yards to Myles Hill and 4 yards to Cory Sherman). Stell also scored on a 1-yard dash.
The rushing attack totaled 136 yards, led by Jude St. Julian (10-63) and Carlos Mosby (19-59). St. Julian is a senior from St. Martinsville, Louisiana, while Mosby is a sophomore from Lake Providence, Georgia.
Hill, a junior from Atlanta, Georgia, added three catches for 34 yards. Sherman is a senior from Marlin. Marcus Holiday II led the Dragons with 148 yards and a TD on 19 carries.
CONTINUE READING
Former Lane College defensive end signs with Los Angeles Chargers
JACKSON, Tennessee -- It was announced Monday that Whitney Richardson, former Lane College defensive end, signed a free-agent contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Richardson, the 2016 NCAA Division II Player of the Year, recorded 17.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss during the 2016 season.
Dorsett Davis, Lane College defensive line coach said he's extremely proud of Richardson, especially considering the uncertainty about what position Richardson wanted to play initially.
"I remember when he was in between positions coming out of high school," Davis said. "He really didn't know what [position] he wanted to play.
"For him to take pride and be dedicated to a position and excel in it, that says a lot and I'm proud of him for sticking with it."
Richardson's best performance as a Dragon in 2016 came on October 8 against Benedict College during the Lane College homecoming game, when he recorded 15 tackles (14 solo), five for total loss and three sacks in a 19-18 win over the Tigers at Lane Field.
LANE COLLEGE DRAGONS SPORTS INFORMATION
Richardson, the 2016 NCAA Division II Player of the Year, recorded 17.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss during the 2016 season.
Dorsett Davis, Lane College defensive line coach said he's extremely proud of Richardson, especially considering the uncertainty about what position Richardson wanted to play initially.
"I remember when he was in between positions coming out of high school," Davis said. "He really didn't know what [position] he wanted to play.
"For him to take pride and be dedicated to a position and excel in it, that says a lot and I'm proud of him for sticking with it."
Richardson's best performance as a Dragon in 2016 came on October 8 against Benedict College during the Lane College homecoming game, when he recorded 15 tackles (14 solo), five for total loss and three sacks in a 19-18 win over the Tigers at Lane Field.
LANE COLLEGE DRAGONS SPORTS INFORMATION
Elizabeth City State Vikings Football Dominates Second Half Defeating Central State, 34-23 in Season Opener
WILBERFORCE, OHIO – A dominating second half from the Elizabeth City State University football team, gifted them a 34-23 victory over Central State University in McPherson Memorial Stadium, Saturday afternoon in its season opener.Elizabeth City State opened up the flood gates in the second half, recording two quick scores. Freshman quarterback Navarro Price came into the game after senior quarterback Dequan Neal had to set out for a play because of the helmet rule and hooked up with junior receiver Sayquan Holder for a 34-yard touchdown bomb that tighten the ballgame at 16-14, CSU.
An interception in the next series by sophomore defensive back BJ Harrington gave ECSU a boost and the ball at Central State’s 17 yard line. ECSU marched the ball down the field 78-yards in seven plays to record its second score in the third quarter off a junior receiver Brandon Flint 21-yard touchdown scamper from Neal.
Final Stats
A second interception from ECSU’s Harrington in CSU’s end zone, led to another ECSU touchdown. Neal connected with junior wide out Deon Yarborough on a five-yard touchdown pass, but the extra point was blocked, gifting the Vikings a 27-16 lead over Central State.
A two-yard scamper from Neal gave ECSU a commanding 34-16 lead over the Marauders. Central State scored again but it wasn’t enough to come back from an eleven-point deficit, 34-23. Harrington sealed the deal for ECSU with his third and record-setting interception on the day with 1:09 remaining in the contest.
ECSU fell behind quick in the first half, 14-0 before junior running back Gregory Bryan took a 64-yard run to the house for his first ECSU career touchdown with 6:58 remaining in the second quarter. Neal went 8-for-18 passing with one interception in the half.
Bryan finished the half with 86 yards in two rushes. Junior linebacker Vincent Thomas led the defensive charge going into the half with seven total tackles, including one for a loss.
Bryan led ECSU’s running game with 106 yards on four carries and a touchdown, while junior linebacker Miacah Cooper, III led the defense with 12 tackles, including a sack and a tackle for a loss. Neal finished the game with 231 yards on 20-for-35 passing, including an interception, two touchdowns passing and one rushing. Holder led all receivers with 98 yards and a score; while Yarborough added 78 yards on six catches and a score.
The Vikings will return home for its season home opener next week, hosting UNC-Pembroke for its Military/ECSU Alumni NFL Day. Game time is slated for 1 p.m.
Follow Elizabeth City State Athletics via its official website at: www.ecsuvikings.com to get pre and post-game stories and updates. Also follow us on twitter at: @ECSUVikings and on Instagram: @ecsusports
ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Explosive Offensive Plays Result in Opening Night Victory for Alcorn Braves 50-21
LORMAN, Mississippi -- To kick-off the 25th season at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium, the Alcorn State University football program scored six touchdowns en route to a 50-21 win over Miles College on Saturday evening in the season opener for both teams.
Senior De'Lance Turner registered a pair of touchdowns for the Braves (1-0) including one in the air and one on the ground. He finished with 128 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards. Senior quarterback Lenorris Footman tallied two rushing touchdowns and one throwing. He recorded 241 passing yards and 92 rushing.
Eight different receivers caught a pass in the game for the Braves. Senior Norlando Veals led the way with 81 yards, while junior Marquis Warford hauled in 69. Warford also tallied a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Defensively, sophomore Solomon Muhammad stood out with 10 tackles and a forced fumble. Junior Leishaun Ealey also finished in double-figures with 10 tackles.
Miles (0-1), a Division II program from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), was led by running back Justin Hardy who notched 111 rushing yards and a touchdown.
On the opening drive of the game, the Alcorn defense forced a three-and-out. The Braves offense followed it up with an 11-play, 64-yard drive to leap in front 7-0. The series featured completions to Veals, Warford and junior Charles Hughes. The scoring play was a 14-yard run down the right side by Footman.
Later in the quarter, a punt by sophomore Corey McCullough pinned the Bears at the one-yard line. On the very next play, Muhammad forced a fumble and junior Trae Ferrell pounced on it at the 13-yard line. Alcorn's ensuing offensive drive resulted in Footman's second rushing touchdown, a six-yard spurt through the middle to go up 14-0.
Near the end of the first quarter, Miles' Hardy broke loose for an 83-yard touchdown rush through the right side to make it a 14-7 game with 2:00 left.
Midway through the second quarter, McCullough drilled a 45-yard field goal right down the middle to give Alcorn a 17-7 edge. The opportunity was setup after a 20-yard pass to Turner got the Braves into the Bears territory.
The Braves got the ball back at their own two-yard line with 4:06 left in the half. Completions to Warford and junior Jaquaveon Boles got them out near midfield, and a trio of rushes by Footman put them at the Miles 20-yard line. With four seconds left, Footman threw a screen pass to Turner as he maneuvered his way down the left sideline and into the end zone. Alcorn carried a 24-7 lead at the half.
Miles started the second half on a high note after N'Ktaviou Floyd returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 24-14.
The Braves quickly responded after Turner zig-zagged his way down the field for an 88-yard touchdown run. He weaved left and right to get past the defense and then outran the secondary for about 40-yards to push the advantage back up to 31-14 at the 14:10 mark.
Alcorn was on the move again mid-way through the quarter after a pair of rushes by Turner resulted in 35 yards to put the team in the red zone. The Braves settled for a 27-yard field goal which was good by McCullough as Alcorn led 34-14.
With 2:55 left in the third, the Bears punted it away to Warford who shook a couple defenders and was off to the races for a 72-yard punt return touchdown. It pushed the lead up to 40-14.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Bears scored on a 47-yard pass from Li'Jon Cordier to Leonard Tyree through the middle which changed the score to 40-21.
Alcorn quickly responded with a big play of its own as junior P.J. Simmons darted for a 64-yard touchdown run down the right side to go back up 47-21 with 13:43 left.
The Braves tacked on a 26-yard field goal by McCullough with 6:53 remaining. It wrapped up a nine-play, 31-yard drive which included a 15-yard pass to Warford and a 13-yard rush by Simmons.
Alcorn will play its first road game next Saturday when it travels to FIU for a 6:30 p.m. (CT) kickoff. It will be the first-ever meeting between the Braves and the Panthers.
NOTES
- Alcorn improved to 70-51 all-time at Spinks-Casem Stadium
- The Braves won their season opener for the second year in a row after defeating Alabama State 21-18 last year.
- Alcorn posted its fifth consecutive home opening victory. The Braves defeated Alabama State 21-18 last season, Mississippi Valley State 55-14 in 2015, Lynchburg 55-7 in 2014 and Edward Waters 63-12 in 2013.
- The contest marked the first-ever meeting between Alcorn and Miles College.
- The Braves dominated in total offense, 582-243 including a 279-76 edge in passing. Alcorn also won the time of possession battle 34:38-25:22.
- With 92 rushing yards, Footman moved up to No. 11 all-time in career rushing in school history with 1,603 yards, surpassing Smith Reed (1961-64). Footman is also No. 11 in career touchdown passes with 22 and 13th in career passing yards with 2,613.
- Turner was one rushing yard shy of his career-high 129 set at Jackson State last season. His 88-yard run in the third quarter marked a career-long, upping his previous best of 69 against Grambling State in the 2016 SWAC Championship game.
- Warford inked 190 all-purpose yards which bested his previous career-high of 186 at Grambling State last year.
- Muhammad's 10 tackles doubled his previous career-high of five at Alabama A&M last season.
- Alcorn's captains were Brooks, Footman and McCullough. Miles won the toss and elected to receive.
Quoting Alcorn head coach Fred McNair
Opening Statement
"What can I say, Coach Ruffin brought a pretty good team here. I felt like they played a hard-fought ball game. On behalf of Braves football, we try and put a brand on what we do. I thought the first half we came out and executed somewhat well, we just had too many penalties. That's not what we teach here at Alcorn. That's not our brand of football and we're not going to tolerate that. It's kind of hurtful to get that many penalties in a ball game. Just think if we didn't get those penalties how the turnout would be. We're going to press that issue all week."
On getting the job done in all aspects of the game
"That's a part of the game plan. Every week we strive to do that as far as passing, running, special teams and playing great defense. We try to do it to perfection every week. We just have to delete some of these penalties. We played a great ball game without those. If we execute the way we should without penalties the outcome would be even better. Though we are definitely happy about the win."
On Lenorris Footman
"He's come out as a leader. As he goes, this offense goes. He had two rushing TD's but in the end zone he has to protect the ball. On that interception, I wish he would have just held the ball and ran it. We would have gotten a lot more yards if he would have just ran. We talked about it as a coaching staff and the things he can do with the football are electrifying and we're going to keep pressing the issue."
On Turner making an extra effort to score right before the half
"That's a big 14-point swing we are talking about there. Before half time you get a chance to score, and after the half we receive the ball for another chance to score again. I think De'Lance did a great job on receiving the ball and that's a thing he does well. Being able to catch the ball out the backfield and what he can do with it after the catch just shows off his athleticism."
BOX SCORE
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Senior De'Lance Turner registered a pair of touchdowns for the Braves (1-0) including one in the air and one on the ground. He finished with 128 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards. Senior quarterback Lenorris Footman tallied two rushing touchdowns and one throwing. He recorded 241 passing yards and 92 rushing.
Eight different receivers caught a pass in the game for the Braves. Senior Norlando Veals led the way with 81 yards, while junior Marquis Warford hauled in 69. Warford also tallied a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Defensively, sophomore Solomon Muhammad stood out with 10 tackles and a forced fumble. Junior Leishaun Ealey also finished in double-figures with 10 tackles.
Miles (0-1), a Division II program from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), was led by running back Justin Hardy who notched 111 rushing yards and a touchdown.
On the opening drive of the game, the Alcorn defense forced a three-and-out. The Braves offense followed it up with an 11-play, 64-yard drive to leap in front 7-0. The series featured completions to Veals, Warford and junior Charles Hughes. The scoring play was a 14-yard run down the right side by Footman.
Later in the quarter, a punt by sophomore Corey McCullough pinned the Bears at the one-yard line. On the very next play, Muhammad forced a fumble and junior Trae Ferrell pounced on it at the 13-yard line. Alcorn's ensuing offensive drive resulted in Footman's second rushing touchdown, a six-yard spurt through the middle to go up 14-0.
Near the end of the first quarter, Miles' Hardy broke loose for an 83-yard touchdown rush through the right side to make it a 14-7 game with 2:00 left.
Midway through the second quarter, McCullough drilled a 45-yard field goal right down the middle to give Alcorn a 17-7 edge. The opportunity was setup after a 20-yard pass to Turner got the Braves into the Bears territory.
The Braves got the ball back at their own two-yard line with 4:06 left in the half. Completions to Warford and junior Jaquaveon Boles got them out near midfield, and a trio of rushes by Footman put them at the Miles 20-yard line. With four seconds left, Footman threw a screen pass to Turner as he maneuvered his way down the left sideline and into the end zone. Alcorn carried a 24-7 lead at the half.
Miles started the second half on a high note after N'Ktaviou Floyd returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 24-14.
The Braves quickly responded after Turner zig-zagged his way down the field for an 88-yard touchdown run. He weaved left and right to get past the defense and then outran the secondary for about 40-yards to push the advantage back up to 31-14 at the 14:10 mark.
Alcorn was on the move again mid-way through the quarter after a pair of rushes by Turner resulted in 35 yards to put the team in the red zone. The Braves settled for a 27-yard field goal which was good by McCullough as Alcorn led 34-14.
With 2:55 left in the third, the Bears punted it away to Warford who shook a couple defenders and was off to the races for a 72-yard punt return touchdown. It pushed the lead up to 40-14.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Bears scored on a 47-yard pass from Li'Jon Cordier to Leonard Tyree through the middle which changed the score to 40-21.
Alcorn quickly responded with a big play of its own as junior P.J. Simmons darted for a 64-yard touchdown run down the right side to go back up 47-21 with 13:43 left.
The Braves tacked on a 26-yard field goal by McCullough with 6:53 remaining. It wrapped up a nine-play, 31-yard drive which included a 15-yard pass to Warford and a 13-yard rush by Simmons.
Alcorn will play its first road game next Saturday when it travels to FIU for a 6:30 p.m. (CT) kickoff. It will be the first-ever meeting between the Braves and the Panthers.
NOTES
- Alcorn improved to 70-51 all-time at Spinks-Casem Stadium
- The Braves won their season opener for the second year in a row after defeating Alabama State 21-18 last year.
- Alcorn posted its fifth consecutive home opening victory. The Braves defeated Alabama State 21-18 last season, Mississippi Valley State 55-14 in 2015, Lynchburg 55-7 in 2014 and Edward Waters 63-12 in 2013.
- The contest marked the first-ever meeting between Alcorn and Miles College.
- The Braves dominated in total offense, 582-243 including a 279-76 edge in passing. Alcorn also won the time of possession battle 34:38-25:22.
- With 92 rushing yards, Footman moved up to No. 11 all-time in career rushing in school history with 1,603 yards, surpassing Smith Reed (1961-64). Footman is also No. 11 in career touchdown passes with 22 and 13th in career passing yards with 2,613.
- Turner was one rushing yard shy of his career-high 129 set at Jackson State last season. His 88-yard run in the third quarter marked a career-long, upping his previous best of 69 against Grambling State in the 2016 SWAC Championship game.
- Warford inked 190 all-purpose yards which bested his previous career-high of 186 at Grambling State last year.
- Muhammad's 10 tackles doubled his previous career-high of five at Alabama A&M last season.
- Alcorn's captains were Brooks, Footman and McCullough. Miles won the toss and elected to receive.
Quoting Alcorn head coach Fred McNair
Opening Statement
"What can I say, Coach Ruffin brought a pretty good team here. I felt like they played a hard-fought ball game. On behalf of Braves football, we try and put a brand on what we do. I thought the first half we came out and executed somewhat well, we just had too many penalties. That's not what we teach here at Alcorn. That's not our brand of football and we're not going to tolerate that. It's kind of hurtful to get that many penalties in a ball game. Just think if we didn't get those penalties how the turnout would be. We're going to press that issue all week."
On getting the job done in all aspects of the game
"That's a part of the game plan. Every week we strive to do that as far as passing, running, special teams and playing great defense. We try to do it to perfection every week. We just have to delete some of these penalties. We played a great ball game without those. If we execute the way we should without penalties the outcome would be even better. Though we are definitely happy about the win."
On Lenorris Footman
"He's come out as a leader. As he goes, this offense goes. He had two rushing TD's but in the end zone he has to protect the ball. On that interception, I wish he would have just held the ball and ran it. We would have gotten a lot more yards if he would have just ran. We talked about it as a coaching staff and the things he can do with the football are electrifying and we're going to keep pressing the issue."
On Turner making an extra effort to score right before the half
"That's a big 14-point swing we are talking about there. Before half time you get a chance to score, and after the half we receive the ball for another chance to score again. I think De'Lance did a great job on receiving the ball and that's a thing he does well. Being able to catch the ball out the backfield and what he can do with it after the catch just shows off his athleticism."
BOX SCORE
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
UAPB Defeats Morehouse College 23-10 in Season Opener
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff didn't get off the fast start it was hoping for against Morehouse College on Saturday night, but the end result more than made up for it.The Golden Lions scored 23 unanswered points in the second half to knock off the Maroon Tigers 23-10 in front of a spirited crowd at Golden Lion Stadium.
Running back KeShawn Williams ran 17 times for 125 yards and 1 touchdown for UAPB (1-0), which scored 17 points in the third quarter to erase a 10-point deficit and win its season opener for the first time since beating Langston 17-14 in 2012.
"I told the team earlier in the week that you can't get two victories until you get one," UAPB Coach Monte Coleman said. "We had some good plays on special team and had some stops on defense when we needed them. Of course, we've got some things that we need to shore up, but it was a great overall team victory for us, and it feels good to get that first one out the way."
The Golden Lions finished with 344 yards of offense, but they can thank their defense for leading the way in putting an end to an eight-game losing streak. Morehouse (0-1) moved the ball effectively in the opening half but was shut down over the final two quarters. The Maroon Tigers finished with 279 yards of offense but had just 74 after halftime. They crossed midfield just twice in the second half, and both were a result of a turnover.
"It got a lot tougher for us in the second half," Morehouse Coach Rich Freeman said. "We missed two field goals in the first half that should've given us six points. But we had two crucial personal fouls penalties in the second half that kept drives alive for [UAPB], and I think those ultimately changed the momentum of the game.
"But you've gotta give [UAPB] credit. They played well on defense, particularly in the second half, and did the things they needed to do to win."
UAPB had four sacks in the second half and forced two turnovers in the fourth quarter to put away a Maroon Tiger team that held their own for much of the game before slowly running out of steam midway through the third quarter. But Morehouse did waste two prime opportunities to jump on UAPB early.
The Maroon Tigers came up empty after Alex Gonzalez missed a 43-yard field following a 12-play, 43-yard drive on their first possession. Morehouse got the ball back on the very next play when Treyvon Lucky recovered a fumble by UAPB wide receiver Paris Mack but eventually turned it over on downs at the Golden Lions' 13-yard line.
The Maroon Tigers managed to cash in two possessions later, though, when Gonzalez nailed a 24-yard field goal with 7:09 left in the second quarter to finish off a 15-play, 67-yard drive. Morehouse had another chance to add on to its lead but had a 34-yard field goal blocked just before halftime.
UAPB, on the other hand, failed to generate much of anything offensively in the first half. The Golden Lions punted on four of their six possessions and turned the ball over on the other two, including an interception by quarterback Brandon Duncan on their final drive of the half. But UAPB's defense never allowed Morehouse to get into the end zone despite giving up chunks of yardage on several occasions.
"Part of our defensive philosophy is to bend but don't break," Coleman said. "It could have been devastating had they punched those scores in. We held them to one field goal out of the times they got into the red zone. That was huge for us because turnovers put us in bad spots at times."
The Golden Lions' defense found themselves on their heels again almost immediately after halftime. Morehouse was forced to punt on the first series in the third quarter but got the ball right back after UAPB fumbled the punt on its own 10-yard line. The Maroon Tigers scored three plays later on quarterback Kivon Taylor's eight-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Aurelius Smith to push their lead to 10-0.
UAPB finally got going on its ensuing series to get back in the game. Duncan threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jaelen Collins to polish off a six-play, 68-yard with 10:18 left in the quarter.
Jamie Gillan pushed UAPB's lead to 17-10 with a 39-yard field goal with 1:11 remaining in the period. The Golden Lions struck again quickly on its next possession to grab their first lead of the game.
After forcing Morehouse into a three-and-out, Williams sprinted 37 yards for a touchdown on the next play to put UAPB ahead 14-10. Running back Christian Jordon added a 10-yard run with 3:58 left in the game to pad the Golden Lions' lead to 23-10. Morehouse threatened to inch closer late in the fourth quarter after defensive end Voris Bryant returned a fumble 88 yards before being caught from behind at UAPB's eight-yard line, but the Maroon Tigers failed to score on four consecutive plays.
The Golden Lions will be on the road next weekend Saturday Sept. 9, in Arkron, Ohio against Akron Zips at 6:30 PM.
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION
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