from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd Commentary: Trust the Process

DWIGHT FLOYD
COMMENTARY

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- When I was a first line supervisor and had to train some of the staff, I often found myself saying “trust the process.” I didn’t realize then that what I was really saying is “trust me.” It was hard for them to trust because they had never experienced what I was trying to get them to do. For me, the pleasure came from watching their reaction when they did trust the process and produce the desired results.

As Milton Overton leaves the position of athletic director at Florida A&M, one of the messages he is leaving is to trust the process. Beside leaving FAMU with the means to maintain a balanced budget, Overton began the process to elevate the program, so that FAMU can one day hire head coaches to match the direction of the program, rather than seek a Moses to take us to the promised land.

Those words, “Trust the Process,” bare repeating. You see, within that quote are the means to break the downward spiral that has been the fault of every Division 1 HBCU since integration. So much has changed within the universities and our communities since integration that HBCUs in the MEAC and SWAC have struggled to maintain. We have reached a point where we elevate coaches to genius status when they maintain a winning record, though the standard for so long a time was about being champions.

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Dixon is first GCAC Player of Week in 2017-18 season

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Jeff Dixon, who helped the Gold Rush earn a pair of road victories against ranked teams, is the first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week in the 2017-18 men's basketball season.

Dixon — a 6-foot-2 junior guard from New Orleans and a former McMain High School and Delgado Community College standout — averaged 12.5 points and a team-best 4.5 assists and shot 50 percent from the floor in XULA victories at St. Thomas (Fla.) Friday and Florida Memorial Saturday.

St. Thomas is ranked 20th in NAIA Division II, and Florida Memorial is 14th. It was the first time since January 2002 that XULA won consecutive games in the same season against ranked opponents.

"It was great to finally see Jeff on the floor," XULA head coach Alfred Williams said. "He set the table to help us achieve success."

Dixon was enrolled at XULA last season but did not play. He averaged 13.6 points, two assists and 1.2 steals per game at Delgado in 2015-16.

The next two Gold Rush games will be against NCAA Division II opponents — 4 p.m. Saturday against LeMoyne-Owen in Memphis, Tenn., then the XULA home opener at 7 p.m. Monday against Miles at the Convocation Center.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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Nuggets sweep GCAC weekly awards for 6th time in 2017

NEW ORLEANS — For the sixth time in 10 opportunities this season, Xavier University of Louisiana has won all three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week awards in volleyball.

Kayla Black is Attacker of the Week for the third time, Eva Le Guillou is Setter of the Week for the third time, and Anna Dalla Vecchia is Defender of the Week for the sixth time. All three are freshmen.

These awards are for the week of Oct. 23-29. Le Guillou and Dalla Vecchia earned their honors for the second consecutive week.

Black, from Magnolia, Texas, and a graduate of St. Pius X High School in Houston, hit .478 with a match-high 12 kills in XULA's home victory against SUNO that clinched for the Gold Nuggets the GCAC regular-season championship outright. Black also had eight digs and a career-best four blocks.

Le Guillou, from Velizy-Villacoublay, France, had 23 assists, six digs and an ace against SUNO.

Dalla Vecchia, from Vicenza, Italy, led the Nuggets with 12 digs and was part of a defensive effort that limited SUNO to a .053 hitting percentage.

XULA (20-2, 11-0) will conclude the regular season with a 6 p.m. Thursday GCAC match at city rival Dillard (19-15, 9-2). The Gold Nuggets have earned the No. 1 seed for the GCAC Tournament next week at SUNO, and they will play their first match in the semifinals the afternoon of Nov. 10.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd: The Rattlers Will Win If . . .

DWIGHT FLOYD
GAME REPORT

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- What’s the major difference between Howard and Florida A&M football teams? The answer is Howard has won the games they were supposed to win while FAMU struggles regardless of who they play.

They both beat Morgan State. Howard won 39-14 during their homecoming and FAMU beat Morgan State in Maryland by just three points. They both lost to the other like opponent to-date, North Carolina Central. FAMU lost at home on a Thursday night 21-14. Howard lost on their home field 13-7. As much as FAMU has struggled against the run of late, they are stronger against the run than they are the pass. They lost their starting safety earlier in the season and are vulnerable at that position, starting a freshman who is still learning the ropes.

This game is all about stopping the run. FAMU has found that it can run against most anybody in the MEAC. They need to reconsider their play calling in the red zone because they can’t afford to waste scoring opportunities. When Howard wins it because they are able to run and set up the pass. The FAMU defense has been particularly vulnerable against the run of late, but will need to figure it out if they want to win.

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Culver: FAMU shouldn't give up on Overton's vision

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Make no mistake, losing Milton Overton Jr. to Kennesaw State is a huge blow to Florida A&M’s athletic department.

Overton came to FAMU as an energetic, confident senior administrator from Alabama. The Crimson Tide consistently demonstrate how to do collegiate athletics, and for years, Overton was key part of the success.

Overton wanted to bring that success to FAMU. He tried to bring that success to FAMU. For a while, it seemed like whenever FAMU experienced a measure of that success, it would be Overton at the helm.

But family won out, as it should. Overton expressed a desire to spend more time with his sons, who live with their mother in Tuscaloosa. He'll get that chance at Kennesaw State, which is almost three hours closer than Florida A&M is to Tuscaloosa.

It’s impossible to blame Overton for wanting to be a family man and if going to Kennesaw State means he can spend more time with his boys, aged 16 and 13, then his choice was a no-brainer.

Another no-brainer is this: Whoever takes over FAMU’s struggling athletic department, whoever becomes the school’s next permanent athletic director, must continue with Overton’s vision.

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FAMU Athletic Director Milton Overton Announces Resignation, New Role at Kennesaw State University

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Earlier today, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletic Director Milton Overton notified Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., of his plans to accept a position at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia as athletic director. Overton’s last day at FAMU is December 1, 2017. He began his tenure at FAMU in August 2015.

“We are highly appreciative of the work AD Overton has done during his tenure at FAMU and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Robinson said. “This opportunity moves him closer to his family.”

Overton thanked Dr. Robinson, Board of Trustees Chairman Kelvin Lawson, and the FAMU community “for embracing our department’s effort to build champions in the classroom, on the field and in life with academic excellence and integrity.”

Robinson has named FAMU graduate John Eason as the interim athletic director. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FAMU and served as a member of the Rattler football team. He retired at the end of 2015 from the University of Georgia as its director of player development.

“Mr. Eason is well-equipped to help keep our program moving forward,” said Robinson, who announced that he would immediately launch a national search for Overton’s permanent replacement.

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Milton Overton Named Director of Athletics at Kennesaw State

KENNESAW, Georgia -- — Kennesaw State University President Sam Olens announced Tuesday that Milton Overton has been named as the new director of athletics.

Overton, a 25-year veteran of college athletics administration, has spent the last two years as director of athletics at Florida A&M University. He will be formally introduced at a press conference on KSU's campus Thursday, November 9 at 10 a.m. He is the fourth individual to hold the position at Kennesaw State.

"Milton Overton brings extensive skills and experience to our growing athletics program," said Olens. "We are confident that he will provide the leadership needed to continue Kennesaw State's competitive spirit for athletics and take the Owls to greater heights in collegiate sports."

Following a six-year stint as senior associate athletics director at the University of Alabama, and six years prior as associate athletics director at Texas A&M University, Overton was hired to lead Florida A&M Athletics in June 2015.

Overton has guided a remarkable transformation at FAMU. By instilling a sense of accountability and fiscal responsibility, the Rattlers made monumental strides in the areas of fundraising and fan development. For the first time in more than decade, the athletics department boasted a balanced budget in 2016-17, while achieving three consecutive years of record-breaking fundraising and ticket-sales growth.

"Kennesaw State University is uniquely positioned to reach extraordinary heights and I am proud to have an opportunity to play a role in the University's success through the Department of Athletics," said Overton. "President Olens' vision for KSU and his passion for academics and athletic excellence clearly align with my own personal mission to inspire difference-making leaders in our nation and across the globe. I believe a comprehensive world-class education, combined with a great college athletic experience, helps mold champions in life and on the field. I look forward to serving Owl Nation as we build champions together."

Florida A&M's revenue has increased by $2 million dollars under Overton's watch and fan participation has soared with the football team finishing among the top five in FCS attendance in 2015 and top three in 2016. One of his benchmark initiatives was the establishment of FAMU's giving program, "Investing In Champions," that was a key component of the increased revenue.

Thanks in part to Overton's emphasis on academics and NCAA compliance, FAMU boasted higher team grade point averages and increased APR scores across every sport. Under his watch, each Rattler team remained eligible for NCAA postseason competition for the first time in several years.

At Alabama from 2009 to 2015, Overton provided oversight for $25 million in budgets and equipment, while producing $6 million in new revenue-generation and cost-saving initiatives. He oversaw seven units, including the No. 1 trademark licensing program for intercollegiate athletics – Crimson Tide Productions – marketing and branding, outbound ticket sales, photography, coaches film video group, athletics information and event technology, track and field, and cross country.

As a member of Texas A&M's senior staff, he raised $250,000 for men's tennis facility upgrades and led the technology renovations and construction for several other facilities, including Kyle Field. He also provided oversight of seven TAMU sports programs.

Overton is a 2009 graduate of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Pathway Program – formerly known as the NCAA's Fellows Leadership Development Program. The Pathway Program provides senior-level athletics administrators with a rigorous curriculum and mentorship for preparation on becoming a director of athletics. As a 2007-2008 NCAA Fellow, Overton participated in a yearlong, intensive learning opportunity for 12 selected senior leaders representing NCAA Divisions I, II, and III.

A four-year starter as an offensive lineman at the University of Oklahoma, Overton earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1995. He then went on to earn two master's degrees from OU in 1998, one in higher education and administration and the other in human relations. Overton worked in academic services and as the CHAMPS/LifeSkills Coordinator for OU before joining the athletics department at Texas Christian University in 1999. Overton was director of academic support at TCU, where he also served as an adjunct professor.

Overton was the founder and CEO of Enki System Inc., from 2000-2011, which provided software solutions for athletic and academic support programs across the country, generating over $1 million in gross sales.

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Overton has two sons—Micaiah and Lebbeus.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT OVERTON...

Eric Hyman, Former Director of Athletics, Texas A&M University
"Congratulations to President Olens, Board of Trustees and Kennesaw State University on selecting Milton Overton as your new Director of Athletics. Milton and I worked together at Texas Christian University to raise the level of academic achievement and retention among our 350 student-athletes. Milton's genuine commitment to the overall welfare of our student-athletes, his work ethic and innovative programs made a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes. I have no doubt that Milton will make a positive contribution towards the success of Kennesaw State University."

Dave Hart, Former Director of Athletics, University of Tennessee and Florida State University
"Congratulations to President Olens and Kennesaw State University on the hiring of Milton Overton as Director of Athletics. Milton is a very bright, creative administrator who will prioritize the mission of the University while building upon the vision of the athletics department."

About Kennesaw State University
With 35,000 students, Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia and one of the fifty largest public universities in the country. KSU offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and boasts more than 100,000 alumni. The Owls offer 18 Division-I intercollegiate sports, including a football program that debuted in 2015. KSU competes in the ASUN Conference and is a member of the Big South Conference for football. Kennesaw State teams have won 20 conference titles and made 23 NCAA postseason appearances over the last seven seasons.

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Interim coach Hill-Eley 'definitely' wants to remain at ASU

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Donald Hill-Eley would love to stay at Alabama State beyond the Turkey Day Classic.

“Definitely,” said Hill-Eley when asked during Monday’s SWAC coaches’ teleconference if he wanted to be ASU’s head coach next season. “It’s an opening and I’m a head coach that’s available. So why not?

Hill-Eley is 2-0 as ASU’s interim head coach since replacing Brian Jenkins, who was fired after an 0-5 start this season. Coming off a 21-16 win over Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic last week, the Hornets (2-5, 2-2 SWAC) look to remain undefeated under Hill-Eley when they play Saturday at Jackson State (1-7, 1-3).

“Any time you have a coaching change in the middle of the season, there’s a lot of things that go into it that can be negative, but he has turned everything positive,” Jackson State coach Tony Hughes said about Hill-Eley. “The kids are playing hard.”

Jenkins hired Hill-Eley, a longtime head coach at Morgan State (2002-13), in 2015 to coach wide receivers after one season at Norfolk State where he coached the same position and served as associate head coach.

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Recruiting season heating up for Jackson State despite 1-7 start

JACKSON, Mississippi -- It goes without saying — it's not easy recruiting when you aren't winning.

But that's the task JSU coach Tony Hughes and his staff are undertaking this month ahead of the early signing period that begins December 20.

The Tigers are 1-7 overall and 1-3 in the SWAC. That's not inspiring confidence in potential signees, but they've recently gained a little momentum thanks to a 24-5 win over Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena.

"We're making progress," Hughes said Tuesday. "You're always going to have interest from guys who grew up in the area and have always wanted to be a Jackson State Tiger, but we're starting to make some inroad in other parts of the state as well."

Jackson State currently has three commits, about the same number it had at this time last year.

The first to jump on board was Louisville defensive back Lakevias Daniel. Daniel committed at the Tiger's Night Under the Lights event back in July.

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Rush defeat ranked opponent for 2nd consecutive day

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana used a late first-half surge Saturday to spark a 71-49 men's basketball victory against Florida Memorial.

It's the first time since January 2002 that the Gold Rush (2-0) won consecutive games in the same season against ranked opponents. Florida Memorial (1-1) is ranked 14th in NAIA Division II. XULA won 75-73 Friday at St. Thomas, ranked 20th in NAIA D2.

XULA was 1-11 against ranked opponents last season.

"Still have a long way to go, but we're taking some positive steps," second-year XULA coach Alfred Williams said. "Our guys are buying into their roles. It's coming together."

XULA trailed 20-13 through 13 minutes, then made five 3-pointers — two apiece by Jerry Gibson and Jeff Dixon — during an 18-2 run that gave it a 31-22 halftime lead. The Lions never got closer than five points in the second half, and XULA led by double digits for the final 9:28.

Jalen David scored 15 points, Dixon 14 and Virgil Davison 12 for XULA. Davison scored all his points in the second half, all on 3-pointers. Elex Carter grabbed eight rebounds, and David and Galen Smith had six apiece. Dixon had four assists, and Donovan Armstrong had three.

Omar Outar scored 13 points, and Travis Mitchell had 11 points and seven rebounds for Florida Memorial.

Gibson scored all eight of his points in the first half and did not miss a shot.

XULA limited Florida Memorial to its fewest points at home in nearly three years. The Gold Rush outshot the Lions 41.2 to 26.2 percent from the floor.

"This group has a chance to be one of the best defensive teams we've had in a long time," Williams said. "Their intensity level and basketball savvy are high. They understand what other teams are trying to do against them. They play together and swarm around the ball."

XULA finished with 12 3-pointers, its most in a victory since February 2008. Dixon made three treys, and David made two.

XULA will be back on the road next Saturday for a 4 p.m. matchup with LeMoyne-Owen of NCAA Division II. Start time of that game was pushed up 3 1/2 hours. The Gold Rush home opener will start at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 against another NCAA D2 member, Miles, at the Convocation Center.

Box Score

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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S.C. STATE FOOTBALL: AD urges support for Pough, program

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina --These are uncharted waters for the South Carolina State football program — enduring a second consecutive losing season, concerned about the direction of the team in coming years.

With Saturday's 28-20 homecoming loss to Howard, the Bulldogs (2-6 overall, 1-5 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play) are at the bottom of conference standings and entered this, their bye week, with two games left on the schedule and more questions than answers.

On Monday, Buddy Pough -- in his 16th season at the helm for S.C. State -- tried to answer some of those questions while dealing with just his third losing campaign with the Bulldogs. And perhaps more importantly, first-year Bulldogs Director of Athletics Stacey Danley gave his support for Pough and the program through the remainder of the season.

"We are here to support; we don't really talk contracts during the middle of a season," Danley said. "We have two more games that we expect to win, and we are going to go out and compete with that expectation.

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With finances improving, SC State athletics is still examining everything - including football

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- It's decision time in Orangeburg.

Buddy Pough's roamed the sidelines as SC State's leading man for 16 football seasons. If there's to be a 17th, the Bulldogs must extend his contract at the end of this season.

Pough's enjoyed tremendous success as the Bulldogs head coach. He's guided the Bulldogs to six conference titles and ranks second on the program's all-time wins list. However, the Bulldogs are 2-6 overall this season.

Stacy Danley's been sitting in SC State's Director of Athletic chair for nearly six months. He's charged with deciding Buddy Pough's future.

"People ask me all the time what you're going to do with your coach? I'm going to support him," Danley said. "Give him all the support he can get from my seat."

"As far as I know I'll be back," Pough said. "If that's what you're trying to get at. I tell our guys we will still be here until they tell us differently."

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Unbeaten North Carolina A&T returns to chase history against mourning Norfolk State

GREENSBORO, North Carolina — N.C. A&T will drive to Virginia chasing history Saturday.

Norfolk State simply wants normalcy, to make sense of the senseless.

The Aggies (8-0, 5-0 MEAC) are alone in first place in the conference standings, and they’ll play the host Spartans (3-5, 3-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Price Stadium.

No A&T team in the program’s 93-year history has ever been 9-0. It’s the Aggies’ final road trip of the regular season.



And they’ll play a heartbroken team.

Nick Ackies, a freshman defensive lineman for the Spartans, was shot and killed Friday night at an off-campus apartment. Jaquan Anderson, a 22-year-old Norfolk State graduate and former defensive back for the football team, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the shooting.

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XULA women collect 4 GCAC awards for Oct. 16-22

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana earned four Gulf Coast Athletic Conference awards, three in volleyball, for Oct. 16-22.
     
Lauryn Taylor received her first Hitter of the Week award, Anna Dalla Vecchia was named Defender of the Week for the fifth time, and Eva Le Guillou claimed her second Setter of the Week honor. All three are freshmen.
     
Junior Maliya Vaughan was named Runner of the Week in women's cross country after winning the 5,000-meter run at the GCAC Championships in Clinton, Miss. It was Vaughan's first GCAC weekly award.
    
Taylor, from the Atlanta suburb of Fairburn, Ga., and a graduate of Booker T. Washingtion High School, hit .379 and averaged 3.11 kills and 0.67 blocks per set in three GCAC road matches, all of which XULA won. Taylor had 11 kills and a .556 hitting percentage, both career highs, at Philander Smith. Then Taylor had 10 kills and hit .450 to help Xavier win at Talladega and clinch a tie for the GCAC regular-season championship.
    
Dalla Vecchia, from Vicenza, Italy, averaged 6.44 digs per set and had just one reception error in 51 attempts. She tied the school record for digs in a match — 31 (in three sets) at Tougaloo, and she had 13 digs in the third and final set. Against Talladega she became the third XULA freshman all-time to reach 300 digs.
     
Le Guillou, from Velizy-Villacoublay, France, averaged a GCAC-best 7.11 assists per set during her week, and she tied her career high of 25 digs at Talladega. Le Guillou averaged 1.33 digs (12 total) and served two aces.
     
Vaughan, from Elk Grove, Calif., and a graduate of West Campus High School, won the GCAC title in 20 minutes, 43.50 seconds and led the Gold Nuggets to their 11th consecutive GCAC team championship. She beat teammate and runner-up Taylor Price, the 2016 GCAC champion, by nearly nine seconds. A year earlier, Vaughan was second to Price and 34 seconds from the lead.
     
XULA volleyball (19-2, 11-0) will close its regular season this week with a pair of 6 p.m. matches at city rivals — Tuesday against Loyola (non-conference), then Thursday at Dillard (GCAC). The GCAC Tournament will be Nov. 10-11, but no announcement has been made about the venue.
     
Next for XULA women's cross country will be the NAIA National Championships Nov. 18 at Vancouver, Wash. The Gold Nuggets qualified automatically by winning the GCAC team title.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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Defense improves, but Nuggets still get burned by Fire

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana gained 31 turnovers Sunday, but shot-making again was an issue in a 60-39 women's basketball loss to Southeastern (Fla.).

The Gold Nuggets, a 19-game winner last season and a perennial NAIA national tourney contender, are 0-2 for just the fourth time during the Title IX era.

XULA's Mikayla Bates had 13 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in her first collegiate double-double. Bates, a starter for the third straight season, also had three assists and two steals.

Ana Richter scored 15 points, Jaycee Coe 13 and Marlene Schmidt 11 for Southeastern (3-0), the fourth-ranked team in NAIA Division II. It was the Southeastern's 31st victory in its last 32 games.
Despite a plus-6 advantage in turnovers, XULA was outscored 26-16 in points off of turnovers. The Gold Nuggets shot 13 percent from the floor in the first half and finished at 26.5 percent for the game. Southeastern shot 64.7 percent from the floor, 73.3 percent in the first half.

The Fire led 28-13 at halftime.

BOX SCORE

XULA shot 17.9 percent from the floor Thursday in a 76-45 loss at city rival Loyola.
"I thought our defense and our effort were much improved from the Loyola game," XULA coach Bo Browder said, "but we still couldn't make shots. If we had shot it a little better, this might have been a different game."

XULA limited Southeastern to its fewest points in its last 35 games, but the Gold Nuggets negated that performance by scoring their fewest points since a 38-37 home victory Feb. 28, 2007, against William Carey in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

The Gold Nuggets made 9-of-20 free throws on their home floor after making 14-of-15 on the road in their opener.

XULA will visit NCAA Divisi
on I Louisiana-Lafayette at 2 p.m. Saturday in an exhibition for both teams.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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How NCCU football can win the league title, make a bowl – even with two losses

DURHAM, North Carolina -- A few upsets across the MEAC this weekend helped improve N.C. Central’s chances of returning to its postseason bowl on Dec. 16.

When the Eagles lost to Norfolk State, 28-21, at home on Oct. 21, their goal of winning a fourth straight MEAC was still obtainable, so was a return to the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, but that picture wasn’t as clear.



But Bethune-Cookman and Savannah State did N.C. Central some favors this past weekend. The Wildcats upset Hampton, which was previously undefeated in the MEAC, 24-21, while Savannah State knocked off Norfolk State, 27-9, handing the Spartans their second conference loss. That leaves N.C. Central, Hampton and Howard, all 4-1 in the MEAC, in a tie for second place in the league. N.C. Central, which defeated Delaware State, 42-14, this past weekend, travels to Hampton on Saturday for the first matchup between the two schools since 2014.

That game will basically serve as an elimination game. The loser will then have two losses, making it difficult to share the league title. However, there is precedent for a split with at least two losses. In 2014 there was a five-way share for the MEAC title.

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Five takeaways from FCS Week 9

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – There were enough games matching two teams in the STATS FCS Top 25 that having 10 nationally ranked teams fall on Saturday was surprisingly typical.



The number of unbeaten teams dropped from four to three as Columbia fell 23-6 to Yale in the Ivy League. Top-ranked James Madison, No. 2 North Dakota State and No. 7 North Carolina A&T each take an 8-0 record into November. Jackson State, Savannah State and Tennessee Tech notched their first wins, leaving VMI (0-9), Cal Poly (0-8), Portland State (0-8), Indiana State (0-8) and Texas Southern (0-7) as the five winless teams in the FCS.

As always, the season’s biggest FCS crowd – an announced 61,221 – turned out for the “Magic City Classic” between Alabama A&M and Alabama State at Birmingham’s Legion Field. Alabama State won the defensive battle 21-16, forcing two turnovers and controlling the game clock with its rushing (221 yards). The Hornets, who are 2-5 overall, but 2-0 under interim coach Donald Hill-Eley, will now root for its rival A&M, which visits SWAC East Division leader Alcorn State next Saturday. If Alcorn wins, it will be on cruise control to a fourth straight division crown. An A&M win makes it a three-team fight to the finish.

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Passing game peaking at right time for Grambling State

GRAMBLING, Louisiana – The offensive coaching staff at Grambling State has played the waiting game through the first two months of football season.

During preseason camp, head coach Broderick Fobbs knew patience would be key for a Tigers offensive unit that felt the loss of the majority of their yardage and production at the receiver position with the departure of Chad Williams to the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals as well as their other two top targets in Verlan Hunter and Dominique Leake, combining for 172 receptions and 2,443 yards.



Quarterback DeVante Kincade delivered the ball to the trio last season, completing 64 percent of his throws overall while averaging 251.9 yards a game through the air with 31 touchdowns. The new senior signal caller has spent first seven contests this year searching for the right chemistry with his receiving corps, passing for 211.4 yards per game at a 59.4 completion rate (104-for-175) with just 10 passing touchdowns.

After the aerial outburst in the 50-24 homecoming victory Saturday against Texas Southern – the first time the team has scored 50 this season – the waiting game may be over for Grambling State (7-1, 4-0).

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Southern and Prairie View have combined to score almost 400 points against each other the last four years

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- If recent history is a useful indicator, the A.W. Mumford Stadium scoreboard operator may be busy at this Saturday’s game between Southern and Prairie View A&M.

The two teams have combined to score 346 points in their last four meetings (86.5 points per game), including barnburners like the 62-59 Southern win in 2013 and the 47-42 Prairie View win in 2015.

Only once in the last four seasons has either Prairie View or Southern failed to crack 34 points in the game, when the Panthers were held to 24 points in 2014.

The reason, Southern coach Dawson Odums said, was obvious.

“It’s because you had some really explosive football players and two very good offenses,” Odums said on the Southwestern Athletic Conference coaches teleconference Monday.

Perhaps that is why both Odums and his counterpart, Prairie View A&M coach Willie Simmons, stressed the importance the defenses will play in Saturday’s matchup.



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HBCU Football Judgement Day Scoreboard - Week 9

OCTOBER 28, 2017

OVC
Tennessee Tech 30, Tennessee State 26

SWAC
Prairie View A&M 34, Bacone College 17
Grambling State 50, Texas Southern 24
Jackson State 24, Mississippi Valley State 5
Alabama State 21, Alabama A&M 16
Southern 47, Arkansas Pine Bluff 40

MEAC
Florida A&M 34, Morgan State 31
Howard 28, South Carolina State 20
North Carolina Central 42, Delaware State 14
Savannah State 27, Norfolk State 9
Bethune-Cookman 24, Hampton 21

CIAA
Virginia State 26, Chowan 23
Bowie State 86, Lincoln (PA) 14
Saint Augustine's 24, Johnson C. Smith 0
Virginia Union 37, Elizabeth City State 21
Fayetteville State 28, Livingstone 26
Winston-Salem State 27, Shaw 21 O.T.

SIAC
Miles 38, Clark Atlanta 17
Tuskegee 45, Central State (OH) 0
Fort Valley State 52, Morehouse 7
Kentucky State 32, Lane 5
Benedict 17, Albany State 12

CSFL
Langston 27. Pmanhandle State 14
Arizona Christian 56, Texas College 0

PSAC
Millersville 59, Cheyney 7

GLVC
McKendree 36, Lincoln (MO) 12

MOUNTAIN EAST
Fairmont State 34, West Virginia State 27

Southern beats Arkansas-Pine Bluff 47-40 behind record-tying day from Austin Howard

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- On a day the Southern defense allowed too many points for comfort against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, senior quarterback Austin Howard turned in a performance as crisp as the autumn weather Saturday.

Howard matched his career high with five touchdown passes, tying Dray Joseph’s school record with 73, and leading Southern to a wild 47-40 win Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.

“We needed him to play well tonight,” Jaguars coach Dawson Odums said.

It was the best performance of the season for the senior, who missed two games with a knee injury in September and dealt with rust and limited mobility for several weeks after that.

Howard finished the game 22 of 32 with 245 yards and his five touchdowns. Four of those touchdowns came in the first half, when he was especially sharp.

“He had full command of what we were trying to do, and I was pleased with that,” Odums said.

And Southern (5-3, 3-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) needed that performance Saturday, as the struggling Golden Lions (2-6, 1-3) were determined not to be pushovers.



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Southern grappling with sudden death of beloved volunteer, Dr. Debra Fountain. 'We are going to miss her dearly'

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- Southern coach Dawson Odums struggled to keep his voice from breaking as he answered questions following his team’s 47-40 win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday.

It had been a difficult 24 hours, he said. His team was about to return to Baton Rouge short one beloved member. Dr. Debra Fountain, née Brown, Southern’s unofficial team psychologist, died in Southern’s team hotel Friday afternoon.

Fountain was 63. The crowd at War Memorial Stadium observed a moment of silence midway through the contest to pay respects.

“It’s been very difficult,” Odums said. “I think there have been some challenges mentally. I can’t really say where they were mentally today. It’s been difficult for me, but I’ve been trying to be strong for them and be there for them.”

It happened after Southern returned from a team walkthrough Friday at War Memorial Stadium. Fountain was found unresponsive at Southern’s team hotel. Paramedics rushed her to the nearby University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences hospital but were unable to revive her.

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Prairie View A&M Panthers Post Homecoming Win Over Bacone

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M University football team posted a homecoming win with a 34-17 triumph over Bacone College Saturday at Panther Stadium.

QB Neiko Hollins threw a pair of touchdown passes, both to WR Khadarel Hodge, and RB Sta'fon McCray rushed for a touchdown. Defensively, CB Ju'Anthony Parker returned an interception for a touchdown as the Panthers improved to 3-4 on the season in a contest in which the teams agreed to play two 10-minute quarters in the second half.

"It was good to get a win after two straight losses," Prairie View A&M head coach Willie Simmons said. "It's good to end the game on the positive side of the scoreboard as opposed to the negative. I'm happy about that, but we have to play a lot better. Again, poor execution across the board. Special teams made some plays, but again allowed a kickoff return for touchdown. That's definitely something we have to fix. The defense held up in the first half. I thought in the second half, we played some younger guys and gave up some plays. Offensively, after halftime we only scored three points."

Prairie View A&M scored on five of its seven first-half possessions, including touchdowns on the first two drives. Following a forced three-and-out by the Panthers' defense, it took only three plays to score. McCray's 54-yard scoring run on the third offensive play gave PVAMU a 7-0 lead less than 90 seconds into the game.

After the defense forced a second straight three-and-out, Markcus Hardy blocked a punt which was recovered by RB Caleb Broach at the Bacone nine-yard line. Hodge caught a touchdown pass from Hollins on the ensuing play to give PVAMU a 14-0 lead with 12:08 to play in the first quarter.

Later in the quarter, a 54-yard punt return by Darius Floyd set up a 45-yard Zach Elder field goal for a 17-0 lead with 2:27 to play in the first quarter.

Just over a minute into the second quarter, Parker's 44-yard interception return extended the PVAMU lead to 24-0.

On the Panthers' next offensive possession, it took PVAMU only two plays to score. Hollins and Hodge connected on a 30-yard scoring pass for a 31-0 lead with just over 11 minutes to play until halftime.

"(Bacone Head) Coach (Lawrence) Livingston and I got together at halftime," Simmons said of the decision to shorten the game. "He wanted to make sure his guys got out of the game healthy. He felt like the game was getting out of hand, and we made the decision to shorten the game. They don't have a big roster numbers-wise. Of course, we're a bigger, faster, stronger team and we wanted to allow them to finish out their season strong, so we made the decision to go to the 10-minute quarters for the second half."

Prairie View A&M football returns to action Saturday at Southern at 4 p.m.



PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Norfolk State DL Nick Ackies Killed, Ex-NSU Player Jaquan Anderson Arrested

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State defensive lineman Nicholas Jerome Ackies was shot and killed Friday night, according to Ryan Murphy and Lee Tolliver of The Virginian-Pilot.

Ackies, a freshman, was 18.

According to Murphy and Tolliver, Norfolk State announced former football player Jaquan Anderson, 22, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

"This is such a tragic situation," Norfolk State athletic director Marty Miller said in a statement, per Murphy and Tolliver. "Our prayers are with Nick's family during this very difficult time."

Anderson is reportedly being held in jail without bond.

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Norfolk State University

15 hrs · 

Norfolk State University Statement Regarding Death of Student

(NSU Newsroom—Oct. 28, 2017)—Officials at Norfolk State University regret to report the death of Nicholas Jerome Ackies, a student, who passed away on Friday after he was the victim of a homicide in Norfolk.

Ackies, 18, of Richmond, was a freshman criminal justice major. He was a defensive lineman for the NSU Football team. NSU Athletics Director Marty L. Miller expressed his condolences regarding the loss of Ackies.

"This is such a tragic situation. Our prayers are with Nick's family during this very difficult time," Miller said. "He will be dearly missed by the entire Norfolk State University family."

Norfolk Police have arrested JayQuan Anderson, 22, of Richmond, in connection to the incident. Anderson, an NSU graduate, has been charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond in the Norfolk City Jail. As the investigation continues, police ask anyone with information about the homicide to call the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

The NSU Football team will hold a moment of silence to honor Ackies in advance of today’s Homecoming game against Savannah State University. The game will begin at 2 p.m. The NSU Office of Student Affairs will update the campus community when funeral arrangements have been finalized.

The NSU Counseling Center staff is available to provide counseling services for students, faculty and staff affected by this tragedy. The center is located inside the Student Services Center, Suite 312. Appointments are available by calling 757-823-8173. For immediate assistance, call 757-823-9000 to speak with an on-call counselor.

Savannah State Wins First Game of Season

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Jaylen McCloud rushed for a career-high 132 yards and scored a touchdown to help Savannah State beat Norfolk State 27-9, in a game played at Dick Price Stadium.

The crowd of 17,218 saw the Tigers snap a ten game losing streak as well as win their first road game since 2011.

Savannah State had their best offensive and defensive effort of the season. The Tigers produced 382 yards of offense while holding NSU to just nine points.

Norfolk State, who was celebrating their Homecoming, scored on their first possession of the contest when Jwan Carter ran for a three yard touchdown with seven minutes left in the first quarter. The Spartans led 6-0 after Bo Lomax missed the extra point attempt.

The Tigers (1-7,-4 MEAC) found pay-dirt on their third drive of the second quarter when D;Vonn Gibbons threw a 19 yard touchdown pass to Derek Kirkland. Giovanni Lugo's extra point attempt was blocked and the scored was knotted at 6-6 with 16 seconds remaining before intermission. During the eight play, 48 yard possession, Kirkland caught a 14 yard pass from Gibbons.

Late in the third quarter a 24 yard punt return by JaMichael Baldwin gave SSU a first and ten from their own 48. That led to McCloud's five yard touchdown run with 18 seconds left in the quarter. Lugo's extra point kick was good and the Tigers led 13-6. McCloud had a 18 yard run on that scoring drive.

Norfolk State pulled within 13-9 when their first drive of the fourth quarter stalled at the SSU ten. Josh Nardone kicked a 27 yard field goal to draw the Spartans within four with 8:32 remaining.

Savannah State's Elijah Shah returned the ensuing kickoff 30 yards to the SSU 41 which set up a two yard touchdown run by Gibbons with 4:20 left. McCloud ripped off a 12 yard run on that drive and Gibbons threw a 24 yard completion to Tyler Hagan. Lugo's extra point kick increased the Tigers lead to 20-9.

Norfolk State's next possession was stopped after SSU's Donald Rutledge intercepted a pass and returned it 22 yards to the Spartan 37.

That set up a five yard touchdown run by Nicholas Bentley with 52 seconds left to cap a six play, 47 yard drive. Lugo's extra point sealed the 27-9 victory. Bently had a nine yard run on the possession and McCloud had a 22 yard scamper.

Gibbons added 89 yards yards on the ground while completing 11 of 17 passes for 120 yards. Baldwin caught four passes for 46 yards while Kirkland hauled in two receptions for 33 yards. Isaiah Bennett led the SSU defense with nine tackles.

Both teams had balanced offensive attacks. SSU had 22 first downs while running for 262 of their 382 offensive yards while the Spartans had 20 first downs. 179 of their 302 yards came via the air.

Savannah State also scored each time they reached the red zone (4 for 4).

SSU's only flaws were getting nine penalties for 80 yards and giving up five sacks.

CJ Jones led the Spartans (3-5, 3-2 MEAC) run game with 51 yards, Carter threw for 150 yards while Marcus Taylor had seven receptions for 43 yards. Anthony Smith was in on ten tackles.

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NCCU Celebrates Homecoming with 42-14 Win over DSU

DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central University celebrated homecoming with a 42-14 victory over Delaware State University in front of a capacity crowd of 14,117 fans inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium on Saturday.

NCCU senior wide receiver Jacen Murphy collected 10 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns. His 10 catches ties for fifth in Eagles' single-game history, while 189 receiving yards ties for ninth all-time at NCCU.



NCCU (6-2, 4-1 MEAC) amassed 401 yards of total offense with freshman quarterback Chauncey Caldwell accounting for 252 total yards and four scores. The Durham, North Carolina native completed 17-of-29 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 10 yards and a pair of trips to the end zone.

Wide receiver David Miller grabbed three passes for 58 yards and a score for the Eagles, running back Ramone Simpson bulled his way into the end zone from a yard out, and quarterback Naiil Ramadan tossed a 36-yard touchdown.

Defensively, NCCU recorded four sacks and three interceptions. Junior safety Davanta Reynolds picked off his fourth interception of the season and added four tackles and a pass break-up. Junior cornerback De'Mario Evans tallied six takedowns and an interception, while sophomore defensive end Kawuan Cox contributed six stops with two sacks.

Delaware State (1-7, 1-5 MEAC) was led by sophomore linebacker Brian Cavicante with 16 tackles, including 3.0 hits for a loss. Wide receivers Trey Gross (8 catches, 71 yards) and Kwannah Kollie (3 receptions, 107 yards) each caught touchdown passes for the Hornets.

Up next, NCCU travels to Hampton University on Nov. 4 at 1 p.m.

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