Magic City Classic to stay in Birmingham through 2022

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Magic City Classic is remaining in Birmingham and at Legion Field for the time being.

Mayor Randall Woodfin, Alabama A&M University President Dr. Andrew Hugine, Alabama State University President Dr. Quentin Ross and Harold Mitchell, chairman of Birmingham Parks and Recreation, signed a four-year agreement to keep the Magic City Classic in Birmingham through 2022.

The new contract calls for an increase in direct payments to both A&M and Alabama State, as under the current contract, both schools receive $212,500 directly from the city of Birmingham. That amount will rise in each year of the contract, hitting $400,000 by 2022.

The contract will also require the game will be played at Legion Field for all four years, which is notable since the new downtown stadium at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is expected to open in 2021.

The Birmingham City Council approved the contracts at an earlier council meeting.

Below is the amount each school will receive each year.

2018: $212,500 (final year of current contract)
2019: $325,000
2020 $350,000
2021: $375,000
2022: $400,000

CONTINUE READING

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BJCC Stadium: Birmingham City Council approves $90M commitment to project
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NOTE: The new Birmingham open-air stadium (BJCC) will seat 45,000 and up to 55,000 for special events.  The 2018 Magic City Classic attendance was 65,906 in 2018 and 61,221 in 2017.

Bethune-Cookman 'Cats Win SSU Tiger Fall Invite Trophy

POOLER, Georgia – In the final event of the 2018 fall season, the Bethune-Cookman Men's Golf team captured the Savannah State Tiger Fall Invitational at Crosswinds Golf Course in Pooler, Georgia. The event took place October 28-30, and was hosted by Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member institution Savannah State.

Bethune-Cookman (297-292-306=895, +31) used five golfers in the event for scoring, including the first event of the year for Darragh Crawford.

Sophomore Jake Lane (74-73-72=219, +3) finished the tournament in second place after lowering his scores each day. He would finish just two strokes off a share of the title.

Dante Davis (74-73-76=223, +7), a senior from Brandon, Florida, grabbed a top five finish as he finished fourth overall after firing a final round 4-over par 76. He was second on the Maroon and Gold for scoring.

Tiger Fall Invite Final Results (PDF)

Timothius Tamardi (74-73-78=225, +9) garnered a top 10 finish, as he finished in sixth place. He claimed his best round on the second day with a 1-over 73.

Also finishing in the top 10 was junior Christian Hovstadius (77-73-80=230, +14) as he shot a second round 1-over 73 for one of his best rounds of the fall season.

The final golfer for the Wildcats was senior Darragh Crawford (75-78-82=235, +19) playing in his first event of the 2018-19 campaign. He would take a 15th place finish overall on the final leaderboard.

Florida A&M (301-305-302=908, +44) was in second place, followed by host Savannah State (312-312-308=932, +68) in third. It was the Tigers' Zach Otto (72-72-73=217, +1) taking home the individual medalist award for the tournament.

Bethune-Cookman Men's Golf is back in action when the spring season opens up February 16-17 at the Invite at Savannah Harbor hosted by The College of William & Mary.

Follow Bethune-Cookman Golf on Twitter (@BCUGolf) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Texas College Lady Steers Win In Season Opener

TYLER, Texas --  In their season opener vs SUNO the lady Steers put together some strong stretches of defense while clicking on offense shooting 50% from the field and 5 of 9 from deep ending the first quarter 27 to 13. In the second quarter they would not let up putting up 21 points while only allowing 14 bringing the score to 48-27 at halftime.

After the half TC would allow the Knights to get back into the game by playing sloppy turning the ball over 10 times in the quarter.

Texas College would ultimately held on to the lead to go on and win their season opener 78-70. 

TOP PERFORMANCES

• Tameal Jones (SR/Tyler, TX) led the team in scoring with 25 points on 58% shooting from the field 50% from the 3pt line, she also grabbed nine rebounds.
• Paris Townsend (SR/Waxahachie, TX) was second in scoring pouring in 22 points of her own, with 44% from the field and 57% shooting from the 3pt line. She also grabbed 10 rebounds and had 9 steals, one steal away from a triple double.
• Kiara Williams (SO/Humble, TX) added 12 points shooting 60% from the field, with 2 of 3 of her shots made were from downtown.
• Jazmyne Hicks (FR/Tyler, TX) had a nice stat line scoring only 4 points but led the team with six assist and 12 rebounds.

 

UP NEXT

They will travel to Waxahachie, TX to play in the SAGU Classic and will face No.10 ranked Oklahoma City University beginning at 6:00PM Fri, Nov. 9, 2018.

TEXAS COLLEGE STEERS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Lincoln Closes Non-League Slate at No. 8 Tarleton State

Complete Game Notes

Game 10: Lincoln (3-6) at #8 Tarleton State (8-0)
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 3 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Stephenville, Texas
Stadium (Capacity): Tarleton Memorial Stadium (7,000)
Tickets: Available at Site
Streaming - https://tarletonsports.com/watch/?Live=1112&type=Live
Audiocast - https://tarletonsports.com/watch/?Live=1111&type=Live
Live Stats - http://stats.statbroadcast.com/statmonitr/?id=220978
Series - First Meeting

THE KICKOFF  
The Lincoln football team ends its non-conference schedule by beginning a new rivalry when the Blue Tigers play Tarleton State on Saturday (Nov. 3). Kickoff in Stephenville, Texas is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT as LU also plays its final road game of 2018.

Lincoln is 1-2 in non-GLVC games this year and 3-6 on the season after falling to Missouri S&T, 45-7, on Saturday night (Oct. 27). LU's non-league win was an out-of-state victory over Lane in Memphis, Tenn. at the beginning of the season, and Lincoln will try to pick up another victory away from the Show Me State this weekend.

Tarleton State is 8-0 on the season after pulling out a 35-34 overtime win at Midwestern State this past weekend. The Texans are currently ranked No. 8 in the American Football Coaches Association's NCAA Division II rankings, and own a 4-0 mark in home games in 2018.

QUICK HITS  
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Lincoln and Tarleton State.

- Tarleton State is one of two first-time opponent on the Blue Tigers' 2018 schedule. Lincoln previously hosted Wisconsin-Oshkosh, falling 17-7 on Sept. 15.

- A victory over the Texans would give Lincoln multiple true road wins in a season since 2005, when the Blue Tigers beat both Central State and Edward Waters.

- This is Lincoln's first trip to the Longhorn State since 2010, when the Blue Tigers played Prairie View A&M in Prairie View, Texas. LU dropped that game, 45-12.

- Lincoln's last game against a team from Texas was in 2014, when the LU beat Texas College, 62-6, at home.

- With the Blue Tigers beating Lane at the start of the 2018 season, Lincoln is seeking multiple non-conference wins in a season for the first time since beating both Haskell and Southern Virginia during the 2007 season.

- Lincoln will try to end the non-conference portion of its schedule with a win for the first time since 2016, when LU beat Lane in its final non-league contest.

- Tarleton State, ranked No. 8 in the country, is the second ranked opponent LU faces on its 2018 schedule, joining Indianapolis, which was rated No. 22 back on Sept. 29.

- The Blue Tigers enter Saturday with an all-time record of 256-458-24.

- Steven Smith is in his second season as the head coach of the Blue Tigers and has a career record of 4-15.

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

- This is the 88th season of Lincoln football. The Blue Tigers first fielded a team in 1920 and played every year until 1943, when Lincoln took a year off due to World War II. LU then played each season from 1944-1989. The football program was disbanded at that point, but was brought back in 2000.

BLUE TIGERS TO WATCH

OFFENSE - Henry Ogala has been very efficient as Lincoln's starting quarterback, completing 124 passes for 1,504 yards and nine touchdowns. Blake Tibbs caught 42 of those passes and leads LU with 743 yards while Justin Korakakos and Ezekiel Langeach have two touchdown receptions. On the ground, Kimbo Ferguson leads LU with 457 yards while Hosea Franklin is next with 216. Terry Hunter, meanwhile, has rushed for 201 yards and four touchdowns. 

DEFENSE - The Lincoln defense was outstanding in LU's opening win, forcing three turnovers while holding Lane to just 123 yards of total offense. The Blue Tigers made three sacks and five tackles for loss, and broke up five passes with a pair of picks. 

Saint Durassaint leads LU with 72 tackles, and has compiled 5.0 tackles for loss, a fumble return for a touchdown and an interception. Isaiah Gray leads Lincoln with 9.0 tackles for loss, while Amani Nelson has made 63 tackles and Victor Williams, who has seven quarterback hurries, is next with 54. Nelson and Williams have combined for 8.5 TFL.

Joseph Madrigal has one of Lincoln's interceptions, as he picked off a late fourth quarter pass by Lane to help the Blue Tigers seal the season-opening win. Quan Mason has been a force as a pass-rusher, notching three sacks and seven hurries. JaJuan Chambers, meanwhile, has provided 29 tackles and five hurries while Chavon Gross has made 34 tackles, including 4.5 for loss.

SPECIAL TEAMS - Fernando Ramirez made his Blue Tiger debut a memorable one, scoring LU's first points of the game on a 44-yard field goal to give Lincoln a first quarter lead over Lane that it would never relinquish. Ramirez, who has six field goals on the year, has converted on 16 of his 17 point-after tries, and also kicked a 47-yard FG that is the seocnd-longest in the GLVC this season.

Wolky Belancourt is Lincoln's holder as well as its punter, and he is averaging 35.5 yards with a long of 50 this season.Brenton Wrigley is Lincoln's long-snapper, and Hasan Muhammad-Rogers is the GLVC leader in kick returns with an average of 23.4 yards per return.

TARLETON STATE AT A GLANCE
Tarleton State boasts one of the top scoring offenses in NCAA Division II, averaging 45.8 points per game with 50 total touchdowns. Quarterback Ben Holmes holds an excellent QB rating of 178.54 and has completed 61.6-percent of his passes for 1,774 yards and 20 touchdowns while throwing only four interceptions. The ground game has been particularly potent, however, as the Texans have gained 2,558 yards running the ball, averaging 5.6 yards per carry with 25 scores.

Twelve of those rushing touchdowns belong to Xavier Turner, who leads the Texans with 800 yards on 122 attempts. Four TSU players are averaging more than five yards per carry, with Daniel McCants gaining 732 yards on 103 attempts with five scores. In the passing game, the Texans are led by Zimari Manning, who has nine TD grabs and 643 yards on 32 catches.

EJ Speed lives up to his last name on defense, tallying 10.0 tackles for loss, four sacks, 57 total tackles, five hurries and two forced fumbles. Jai Edwards leads TSU with 61 tackles, and Ronnell Wilson has 57 while Prince Robinson has 44, including five for a loss. As a team, Tarleton State has generated 70 quarterback hurries, 20 sacks, 69 TFL, 12 interceptions and six fumble recoveries.

Joanly Martinez has yet to miss a field goal, going 8-8 with a long of 36 yards, and Ron Reid averages 40.8 yards punting with a long of 57. On kickoffs, Reid averages 58.9 yards with 15 touchbacks.

THE COACHES 
Steven Smith was named the 22nd head coach of the Blue Tigers last December after a successful four-year run as the offensive coordinator of Albany State. Smith, who has also coached at Tennessee State, Delta State and Virginia State, helped Albany State go undefeated in league play in three of his four seasons. Smith's teams have made for NCAA Division II playoff appearances and he has coached 21 all-conference honorees and eight All-Americans. Smith additionally has coached with six NFL teams, most recently serving as an assistant under Romeo Crennel with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012.

Todd Whitten has had three separate tenures with TSU and is the winningest coach in Tarleton State history. In eight years with the Texans, Whitten has compiled 64 wins and is a four-time Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year.

HISTORIC WIN: Lincoln posted one of its most significant wins in recent memory on Oct. 20 at William Jewell. It was the first road league victory ever for LU as a member of the GLVC; it was the first road win for Lincoln against a team from the state of Missouri since 1983; and it was LU's first road conference win since 1975.

DON'T PICK AGAINST US:  Henry Ogala has started every game at quarterback and has done a terrific job of taking care of the football, with his efficiency rating of 132.2 rating as one of the best in the GLVC. Ogala's main strength has been in his pass selection, as Ogala has attempted 207 passes but has thrown only three interceptions. As a team, LU is tied for sixth in Division II for fewest picks thrown in 2018.

THE RUNDOWN:  Lincoln had four rushing TDs against Southwest Baptist, with Kimbo Ferguson running for two of those scores. Ferguson, son of former MMA fighter Kimbo Slice, has gained 457 yards this season with a 3.9 average per carry. Both of those numbers lead the team this year, with LU averaging 111.2 yards per contest.

SHUTDOWN DEFENSE:  The Blue Tigers have one of the top defenses in the GLVC, ranking third in the conference by allowing an average of 343.7 yards per game. That total also ranks 56th in NCAA Division II. Teams have struggled to pass against Lincoln, as LU is fourth in the league and 55th in the nation with just 193.7 yards allowed per contest.

FIRST DEFENSE:  LU has particularly excelled in the first quarter of games, as the Blue Tigers have shut out opponents four times in the opening stanza this season. In eight of Lincoln's nine games, the Blue Tigers have allowed seven points or fewer in the first quarter and have either led or been tied at the end of the first period six times.

NATIONALLY RANKED:  Lincoln's defense also has been sharp in the red zone, ranking fourth in the GLVC and 62nd in the country with a success rate of 75.0-percent. LU also ranks 74th nationally in scoring defense (24.8) as the Blue Tigers have held six opponents to 20 points or fewer. Finally, LU is 49th in DII with 155 first downs allowed.

INDIVIDUAL STARS:  Blake Tibbs is second in the GLVC in receiving yards (742) and yards per game (82.4), and ranks 37th and 41st, respectively, in Division II in those stats. Henry Ogala ranks 88th in the county in yards per completion (12.2), and Hasan Muhammad-Rogers is 45th in the country in combined kick return yardage (478). On defense, Saint Durassaint is seventh in the GLVC with 8.1 tackles per contest.

BALL CONTROL:  Lincoln's offense was good at controlling the clock last year, as LU led in time of possession in six of its 10 games, finishing 21st in DII with 32:08 minutes of possession per game. That trend has continued in 2018, as Lincoln leads the GLVC and is ranked 17th in NCAA Division II in time of possession at 33:05.

PASSING GRADE:  Henry Ogala has been particularly efficient as Lincoln starter, compiling a total efficiency rating of 132.3. In addition to owning the GLVC's fourth-best efficiency rating, Ogala, who also has completed 59.9-percent of his passes, rates 44th nationally in that stat and 62nd in DII in passing efficiency. Lincoln is high in both stats in the NCAA team rankings as well, at 40th nationally in completion percentage and 69th in team passing efficiency.

ANY TEAM, ANYWHERE: Lincoln has one of the most diverse schedules in the country, as the Blue Tigers have already played teams from NCAA Division I (Missouri State), Division II (Lane) and Division III (Wisconsin-Oshkosh). Lincoln also has had success in a variety of different locations, as LU is the only GLVC program with wins at home (vs. Southwest Baptist), at a neutral site (Lane) and in a true road game (at William Jewell).

ON THE AIR:  Blue Tiger football is back on KJLU, as six of Lincoln's 11 games will be broadcast this season. All four of Lincoln's home contests, as well as the road games at Truman State on Oct. 13 and Missouri S&T on Oct. 27, will air on 88.9 FM in Jefferson City.

GEAR UP FOR THE GAME:  LU fans can get everything they need for the game at www.BlueTigersStore.com, the official online store for LU athletics. Everything from jerseys to office supplies can be found on the site, with a portion of all sales going to benefit Lincoln athletics.

UP NEXT:  The Blue Tigers conclude the 2018 season at home next Saturday (Nov. 10) as LU hosts McKendree for Senior Day at 12:00 p.m. CT.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

B-CU Women's Golf Finishes Fall Season Victorious

POOLER, Georgia – The Bethune-Cookman Women's Golf Team completed the 2018 fall campaign with a victory at the SSU Tiger Fall Invitational on Tuesday evening. The three-day event was hosted by Savannah State at Crosswinds Golf Course in Pooler, Georgia.

Bethune-Cookman (296-296-306=898, +34) took the first three spots on the final leaderboard en route to the women's team title.


BCU senior Yudika Rodriguez (68-70-77=215, -1) claimed her first under-par tournament performance of the season, garnering the individual medalist award with a 1-under par final scorecard.

Just behind Rodriguez in the scoring was Plymouth, England freshman Caitlin Evans-Brand (74-74-75=223, +7), earning her highest tournament finish of her young Maroon and Gold career in Daytona Beach.

2018 SSU Tiger Fall Invitational Final Results (PDF)

Sumie Francois (76-73-78=227, +11), a sophomore transfer from Vancouver, British Columbia, finished third overall in the field after firing a second-round 1-over 73 during Monday's second round.

Junior golfer Isabela Miravite (79-79-76=234, +18) was sixth on the final tournament leaderboard, as the Markina City, Philippines native lowered her scorecard in Tuesday's championship round, firing a 4-over 76 on the day.

Rounding out the scoring for the Wildcats was Svedala, Sweden freshman Isabell Friberg (78-79-78=235, +19) as she finished seventh in the field. It was also her highest finish of the fall season with the Maroon and Gold.

North Carolina A&T took second place as a team, while Hampton was third. The Aggies' duo of Christyn Carr (78-74-80=228, +12) and Madison Harriman (78-74-79=231, +15) rounded out the top five individual performers.

The Wildcats are back in action after the winter break as BCU opens the spring season in 2019 with a trip to the Edwin Watts/Kiawah Island Classic in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The event takes place February 24-26, 2019, and is hosted by the College of Charleston.

Follow Bethune-Cookman Golf on Twitter (@BCUGolf) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram I@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

McBride Named MEAC Volleyball Rookie Of The Week For A Fifth Time

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Morgan State freshman volleyball player Zoe McBride was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week as announced by the conference office today. It is the second straight and fifth total MEAC weekly honor for McBride, who also earned the honor for three consecutive weeks in September (3, 10, 17), as well as last week (October 22).

McBride recorded a double-double in both of the Lady Bears' matches over the weekend, averaging 4.7 points per set in the process. The Ridgefield, Wash. native began the weekend with a 15-kill, 15-dig four-ace, three-block performance against Howard (10/26). McBride then hit .286 against Norfolk State, finishing with 11 kills and 12 digs. It was the eighth double-double this season for McBride.

The Lady Bears return to the court on Sunday, Nov. 4, when they close out their home slate against crosstown rival Coppin State. The contest will also be Senior Day for four Lady Bears. First serve is at 3 p.m. at Hill Field House.

Morgan State (12-12, 4-3 MEAC) currently sits in third in the MEAC Northern Division standings, while Coppin State (8-9, 3-4 MEAC) is in fourth.

 By: Kevin C. Paige, MSU Athletic Communication
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONSns

This Is Game Week: Morgan State vs. Bethune-Cookman

 Morgan State Notes  |     Bethune-Cookman Notes (PDF) |    MEAC Notes (PDF) |   Purchase Tickets (PDF) |
 MEAC Teleconference Audio  |     GAMEDAYGuide   
 Facebook.com/MorganStateBears   |    @MorganStBears


GAME TIME
Morgan State (2-6, 1-3) returns to the gridiron when they host Bethune-Cookman (4-5, 2-2). The match-up will kick off in Hughes Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. and will be televised live by ESPN3 and  broadcast by WEAA, 88.9 FM. The Bears enter the 2018 season under the leadership of interim head coach Ernest T. Jones. Bethune-Cookman completed the 2017 season with a 7-4 overall mark and went 6-2 in the MEAC. The Wildcats will enter the contest fresh off of a break from conference action when they fell to Nebraska 45-9 last Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska.

GAME COVERAGE

TELEVISION: SPORTSfever Television Network (STN) will be broadcasting the game live ... Geoff Arnold will handle the play-by-play duties with color analyst Varun Raghupathi.

•  The game will also be broadcast live on three television networks, including on WBAL 11.2 MeTV in the Baltimore area.  The contest will also be on WHP 21.2 My Network in the Harrisburg-Lancaster (Pa.) region and on Erie News Now ENN+ in the city of Erie (Pa.).

•  In addition, there will be two tape delay broadcasts in other areas.  WPHL 17 in Philadelphia will show the game at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 2nd, while Sports Time Ohio, serving several cities in the state including Cleveland, will air that game on Sunday at noon.

LIVE STREAM: ESPN3

RADIO: WEAA, 88.9 FM is the flagship station for the Morgan State Bears ... Lamont Germany will call the play-by-play with Renard Stubbs and Kelvin Bridgers in the booth. The game will be broadcast live on 88.9 FM and streamed on WEAA.org. 

LIVE STATS: Click Here

SOCIAL NETWORKS
Fans can keep up-to-date with all MSU Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/MorganStBears and @MorganStateFootball. You can also become a fan of the Bears on Facebook at Facebook.com/MorganStateBears.

TICKETS
Season ticket plans—which include a ticket to all five home games, including homecoming start at only $95. Premium seats are now available for purchase by calling 443.885.1522 or visiting MSU Student Center Athletics Ticket Office during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or visit  morganstatebears.com/tickets.

THE SERIES
• Saturday's matchup marks the 31st meeting between the two schools.
• The Wildcats lead the overall series 23-7 since 1986...and have a 6-game winning streak against the Bears dating back to 2010.
• B-CU posted a 41-28 victory in the last meeting in Daytona in 2017.
• The Bears fell 41-10 in the Wildcats' last visit to Hughes Stadium on Nov. 5, 2016.

THE COACHES
•  Morgan State - Ernest T. Jones (Alcorn State, '95) joined the Bears as the Defensive Coordinator in 2016 and was previously a JUCO head coach at ASA Miami (2015 - 8-2 record); he has also worked at Connecticut, Notre Dame, Univ. of Buffalo, Cincinnati, Alcorn State, Central Michigan, Oberlin, Kentucky State and Concordia. CAREER RECORD (12-18, 2 yrs); RECORD AT MSU (2-6, 1st yr).
•  Bethune-Cookman - Terry Sims (Knoxville, '94) enters his fourth season as head coach at Bethune-Cookman. He has been a part of the Wildcats' unprecedented run of five conference titles in seven years. RECORD AT B-CU (24-17, 4th yr), CAREER RECORD (same).

QUICK HITS
• Both Bear QBs shared time on the field at Florida A&M. Junior signal-caller DeAndre Harriscompleted 5-of-11 passes for 55 yards, while r-freshman DJ Golatt Jr. threw for a season-best 148 yards on 15 of 22 passing.
• MSU's top two targets through the air have been WRs Corey Holmes (23 rec., 275 yds, TD) and Deontaye White (20 rec., 165 yds). 
• QB DeAndre Harris is only 52 yards shy of 1,000 passing yards for the season, and just 17 yards shy of 2,000 passing yards for his MSU career.
• The Bears recorded a season-high 229 yards on the ground against UAlbany and had 226 vs. Howard.
• Against Howard, junior RB Josh Chase finished with a season-high 115 yards on 20 carries, including a 22-yard TD run.
• Three players on defense have totaled 30 or more tackles thus far, led by senior LB Damare' Whitaker, who ranks second in the MEAC with 68 total tackles (45 solo). LB Ian McBorrough (54 tackles, 7 TFLs, 5 sacks) and LB Rico Kennedy (45 tackles, 7 TFLs, 2.5 sacks) are second and third in tackles, respectively.
• MSU's defense ranks T-No. 1 in the MEAC in turnovers gained with 15 (12 interceptions, 5 fumbles).
• The Bears defense held #4 NCAT to 1 of 12 in 3rd down conversions.
• Ernest T. Jones' Bears are predicted to finish 9th in the MEAC's 2018 Preseason Order of Finish.

LAST TIME vs. BETHUNE-COOKMAN - NOV. 4, 2017
DAYTONA, Fla. -- Larry Brihm, Jr. threw for a season- and career-high matching 354 yards and a career-high five touchdowns to lead Bethune-Cookman to a 41-28 win over Morgan State on Saturday at Municipal Stadium. 
• Brihm, a redshirt senor signal caller from Delray Beach, Florida, finished 23-for-30 passing and spread the ball around, connecting with a different receiver on each touchdown. Jamaruz Thompkins added a 20-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
• In all, Brihm would match a school record with five (5) passing touchdowns. He would connect with eight different receivers overall in the contest.
• MSU out-gained the Wildcats in total yardage, 504 to 471, and got a career-high 218 yards and two touchdowns from the elusive and speedy running back Eric Harrell, who had 19 carries. Sophomore QB DeAndre Harris had TD throws to DuShon David and Manassah Bailey following starting quarterback Elijah Staley exiting the game early-on.

A WIN WOULD ... 
...give Ernest T. Jones his second win as MSU's head coach and his 13th career win.
... mark the Bears' first win against Bethune-Cookman since a 24-13 win on Oct. 3, 2009 in Daytona, Fla.
... mark the Bears' first win against the Wildcats in Hughes Stadium since a 28-14 victory on Sept. 30, 2006. 
... mark MSU's first home win of the season.
... trim the Wildcats' all-time series record lead to 22-9 since 1986.
... mark the Bears third win of the season - matching the most wins since 2016.

A GLANCE AT THE WILDCATS
•  Bethune-Cookman finished 2017 with an overall mark of 7-4 and went 6-2 in conference play. The Wildcats finished 4-0 in MEAC home contests.
•  B-CU enters Saturday's contest coming off of a 45-9 loss to Nebraska. 
•  Head coach Terry Sims' (Knoxville, 94) offense ranks No. 3 in the league averaging 364.2 yards of total offense (152.4 rushing; 211.8 passing). They have scored 15 rushing TDs and 15 passing. The Wildcats average 29.8 points per contest (No. 2 in MEAC).
•  BCU's offense is led by r-junior QB Akevious Williams. The 6-2, 188-pound Madison (Fla.) product has completed 116-of-185 passes (62.7%)  for 1,435 yards (Ranks No. 4), with 12 TDs and 6 INTs. He also leads the Wildcats ground attack with 71 carries for 347 yards and 8 TDs. 
• R-Freshman RB Isaac Washington is averaging 4.5 yards per carry with a TD. The 6-1, 205 pound senior has 332 yards on 73 carries, while junior Tupac Isme (5-11, 179) has 67 carries for 255 yards and a TD.
• Senior wideout Keavon Mitchell (5-9, 173) and r-junior Malique Jackson (5-10, 165) are two of B-CU's top receivers. Mitchell has 32 catches for 397 yards (42.9 avg/g) and 5 TDS, while Jackson has 21 catches for 355 yards (39.4 avg/g) and 2 TDs. 
• B-CU is allowing 394.9 yards of total offense (rushing 152.4; passing 211.8). The Wildcats have also forced 16 turnovers (12 INTs; 4 FR). Opponents are averaging 5.6 yards per play. B-CU has recorded 51 tackles for loss and 18 sacks.
• B-CU's D is led by junior linebacker Marquis Hendrix (Ft. Worth, Texas) and sophomore linebacker Devin James. Hendrix, (6-1, 230) ranks No. 14 in the league with 56 tackles and has two INTs and a sack, while James (6-1, 226) ranks No.18 with 54 stops to go along with 2.0 TFL.

NOTABLE NATIONAL NOTES
Here are a few 2018 FCS national statistics of note on offense, defense and special teams that pertained to the Bears:
• Senior LB Damare' Whitaker ranks T-No. 17 nationally in solo tackles (45).
• Sophomore CB Donte Small ranks T-No. 7 nationally in interceptions per game (0.5; 4 ints) and No. 4 in passes defended (13).
• Senior DL Ayodeji Agbelese ranks T-No. 9 nationally in fumble recoveries (2).
• Freshman DE Colby Warrior ranks T-No. 8 nationally in blocked kicks (2).
• MSU ranks T-No. 15 nationally in turnovers gained (18) and T-No. 8 in passes intercepted (12).
• The Bears rank T-No. 15 nationally in 3rd down conversion defense (.298).
• The Bears rank No. 18 nationally in passing efficiency defense (111.17).
• The Bears rank T-No. 19 nationally in defensive TDs (2).
• MSU ranks T-No. 14 nationally in red zone defense (.714).
• MSU ranks T-No. 35 nationally in team sacks (19).

PRESEASON PICKED 9TH 
Morgan State was picked to finish ninth (9th) to MEAC defending champion and Preseason #1 North Carolina A&T and #2 Howard.

BEARS OPEN 120th SEASON OF FOOTBALL SINCE 1898
MSU enters its 120th season of football and will open the 2018 campaign under interim head coach Ernest T. Jones, set to enter his first year at the helm and his third year at Morgan State.
 
RETURN MEN 
The 2018 Morgan State Bears return 37 letterwinners, including 16 starters - 7 on offense, 8 on defense and 1 on special teams.
 
CAMPAIGNING FOR SUCCESS 
The Bears enter the 2018 season looking to post their first winning season since going 6-5 in 2009. MSU's 7-6 record in 2014 was vacated. 
 
MORGAN'S 1968 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM TO BE HONORED 
Morgan State's 1968 CIAA Championship Football team celebrates its 50th Year Anniversary for its historic Morgan vs. Grambling football game was held on September 28, 1968.
• Morgan's 1968 CIAA Championship team compiled a record of 8 wins and 1 loss to end the winning streak record of 32 victories and 1 loss from 1964 thru 1968.
• The team will be honored at halftime of the Morgan State vs. Bethune-Cookman contest on Nov. 3rd at Hughes Stadium.

MSU LEGEND EDDIE P. HURT NAMED TO 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOT
76 players and six coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 32 coaches from the divisional ranks make-up the 2019 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.  Morgan State head coach Eddie P. Hurt is among the list of nominees.
•  Hurt led Morgan's football teams to six Black College National Championships and won 14 CIAA titles. 
• Eleven of his squads executed undefeated seasons, including a non-losing string of games from 1932 to 1938. 
•  His 1943 team did not allow a score from a single opponent.
 
FOLLOW US IN CYBERSPACE 
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official web site of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more. 
• Follow us on social media:
            Facebook: /MorganStateBears
            Twitter: @MorganStBears
            Instagram: /MorganStateBears

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

VSU Trojans Ranked 16th in the National Association of Basketball Coaches NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Preseason Rankings

ETTRICK, Virginia – The Virginia State University men's basketball team is ranked 16th in the preseason men's basketball NABC NCAA Division II Ranking released yesterday.

The Virginia State University men's basketball program is coming off the best season in school history with a 26-5 overall record. The Trojans were ranked the number one team in the Atlantic Region, and hosted the 2018 NCAA Atlantic Region Men's Basketball tournament, where they advanced to the Regional Semi-Finals. During the past season at one point the Trojans were 17-1 and ranked eighth in the nation.

This year's 2018-2019 program returns nine players including starters Cyonte Melvin (6-3/Guard/Hampton, Va.) and Walter Williams (6-4/Guard/Richmond, Va.), who have started and played significant minutes since they were freshmen. VSU also returns sharp-shooter Brandon Holley (6-2/Guard/Richmond, Va.), who was injured a large part of the season, junior Andrew Corum (6-7/Forward/Leesburg, Va.), sophomore William Vedder (6-9/Forward/Washington. DC), who came up huge for us in some big games as freshman. Senior Philip Owens (5-11/Combo Guard/Virginia Beach, Va.), sophomore Lual Rahama (6-5/Forward/Khartoum, Sudan), sophomore James Smith (6-1/Guard/South Boston, Va.) will all be key players. The Trojans also return two players who sat out the past year senior Jalen Jackson (6-2/Combo Guard/Cleveland, OH) and senior Tony Richardson (6-9/Center/Sterling, Va.).

We also have an outstanding recruiting class coming in the 2018-19 season that includes Kevin Holmes (6-9/Forward/Virginia Beach, Va.) a transfer from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Azariah Sykes (6-8/Forward/Richmond, Va.) a transfer from Morgan State University, Cedric Wiggins (6-0/Guard/Richmond, Va.) a transfer from North Carolina Central, and Armond Griebe (6-7/Forward/Woodbridge, Va.) a transfer from the University of Mount Olive. Also added to the roster is freshman Dallas Wilson (6-7/Forward/Portsmouth, Va.) and All-State, 3A Player of the Year (Antwan Miles (6-0/guard/Hampton, Va.) who has a chance of having a tremendous career here at Virginia State University.

NABC/ Division II Rankings
Oct. 30, 2018 (Pre-Season Poll)

Rank School Record Pts Previous
1 Bellarmine, Ky. (14) 29-3 398 4
2 West Liberty, W.Va. (1) 26-4 364 12
3 Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. 32-2 347 1
4 West Texas A&M 32-4 332 11
5 Northwest Missouri State (1) 27-4 277 5
6 Saint Anselm, N.H. 22-9 272 NR
7 Queens, N.C. 32-4 259 7
8 Indiana, Pa. 22-8 231 NR
9 Cal Poly Pomona 23-7 225 25
10 Southern Nazarene, Okla. 27-3 207 8
11 Valdosta State, Ga. 26-5 196 15
12 West Florida 28-4 195 9
13 Ferris State, Mich. 38-1 183 2
14 Western Washington 21-8 182 NR
15 East Stroudsburg, Pa. 27-6 162 NR
16 Virginia State 25-5 148 17
17 Morehouse, Ga. 25-3 138 10
18 St. Cloud State, Minn. 24-9 113 NR
19 Regis, Colo. 27-6 110 22
20 Southwest Minnesota State 25-9 93 NR
21 Dallas Baptist, Texas 26-6 92 16
22 Florida Southern 21-11 81 NR
23 Findlay, Ohio 28-5 75 13
24 UC San Diego 21-11 63 NR
25 Missouri Southern 20-10 58 NR

Others receiving votes: Clayton State (Ga.) 40, Fairmont State (W.Va.) 38, UNC Pembroke 35, Point Loma (Calif.) 34, Saint Martin's (Wash.) 32, Northern State (S.D.) 27, Nova Southeastern (Fla.) 19, Barry (Fla.) 18, Minnesota State 18, Texas A&M-Commerce 17, Drury (Mo.) 13, Shaw (N.C.) 13, Azusa Pacific (Calif.) 12, Dominican (N.Y.) 12, Ashland (Ohio) 11, Lees-McRae (N.C.) 13, Tarleton State (Texas) 10, Claflin (S.C.) 9, Daemen (N.Y.) 8, Fort Lewis (Colo.) 4, Merrimack (Mass.) 4, Chico State (Calif.) 3, King (Tenn.) 3, Clark Atlanta (Ga.) 2, Stanislaus State (Calif.) 2, Colorado School of Mines 1, Dixie State (Utah) 1.

Records are final from 2017-18 season. Last ranking was from the final 2017-18 poll.

The Virginia State University Men's Basketball team rounds out exhibition play Friday, Nov. 2 as they travel to face the Spartans of Norfolk State University in Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall. The contest is set for a 7 p.m. tipoff.

For the most up-to-date information on VSU men's basketball, visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojan Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY TROJANS SPORTS INFORMATION

Commissioner McWilliams Delivers Keynote at Heart of A Woman Conference

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- On October 24, Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams served as the keynote speaker at the Heart of a Woman Conference (HOAW) which took place at the Charlotte Speedway Club @ the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The event included a slate of powerful and influential women in the Charlotte region celebrating their personal and professional success with a goal of giving back to women in business.

The event included a morning conversation with Grammy Award Winner Fantasia Barrino Taylor followed by an early morning plenary session entitled “Women Who Lead with a Purpose” l with a panel discussion led by strong women leaders in the region. A variety of breakout sessions throughout the day focusing on four experience tracks including professional development, entrepreneurship, life-style mind & body and industry.

“The gathering was a time to remind women of their power through their heart to serve, lead and make a difference,” Commissioner McWilliams said. “Our power relies our natural ability to be our most authentic self to pursue our passion through our position. I was grateful to be part of this amazing uplifting, powerful and power-filled conference”.

The HOAW Conference presented by the Women’s Business Center of Charlotte (WBCC), is a holistic conference empowering woman with the tools necessary to succeed in the various aspects of her life helping her to realize that she is not alone, but there are partners and resources available to her.

The WBCC empowers women with the tools needed to establish businesses, stabilize their companies, generate sustainable profits, strategize for future growth, and contribute in the growth and economic development of the community.

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS