Florida A&M Rattlers at Morgan State Bears

Photo: r-freshman Eddie Battle (6-2/215, Titusville, FL Astronaunt H.S. ) should get his first start at Morgan State University on Saturday.

Florida A&M University Rattlers (2-5, 1-3) are scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. football contest with the Morgan State University Bears (4-4, 3-2) on Saturday. FAMU will be there in force with East Coast Rattlers' fans. However, the question is will Morgan State come ready to play?

It appears that Morgan State heads may still be mentally stuck on the game that got away last week in Dover, Delaware at conference co-leader, Delaware State University. The DSU Hornets are currently ranked #12 in the Football Championship Subdivision, tied with a 5-0 conference record with FCS #23 ranked, Norfolk State University Spartans.

Reports have been published today by both the Baltimore Sun and The Baltimore Examiner, respectively, that MSU athletic director Floyd Kerr and head football coach Donald Hill-Eley have asked Dennis Thomas, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) commissioner to declare the MSU versus DSU game a "no contest."

Kerr also has asked university president Dr. Earl S. Richardson to become "involved" in the appeal process. Morgan State loss to Delaware State 25-17 in the televised homecoming game for the Hornets.

The MEAC admits that its officials did make two incorrect calls in the game. One call denied the Bears a touchdown, that was ruled on the field as a MSU fumble at the goal line, with a DSU recovery that was run back 100 yards for a Hornet touchdown. The other call was on the recovery of a block DSU punt, that was recovered by MSU, fumbled by MSU and recovered by DSU. Delaware State scored a field goal two plays later.

For crying out loud--this is the worst whining we have ever seen in the MEAC or SWAC. Before the MEAC commissioner attempts to initiate instant replays whereas, 99 percent of the conference games are not televised nor audio/video streamed over the Internet, that we first invest in getting the latter item accomplished for the conference fans. Currently, the MEAC and SWAC only televises a few games a season on ESPNU or ESPN Classic that does not reach all cable systems within the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions.

Head football coaches Donald Hill-Eley, Morgan State (MEAC) and Henry Frazier III, Prairie View A&M (SWAC) names are becoming synonymous with the word, "whining." No conference is perfect and every coach deals with bad or incorrect official calls at one point or another.

It appears that the Rattlers are facing the Bears at the right time with their minds mentally tuned in to the DSU Hornets and the MEAC commissioner's office.

Expect FAMU to start red shirt-freshman quarterback Eddie Battle, who has completed 60 percent of his passes in the last two games against Norfolk State and South Carolina State in very limited action. Battle does not have to win this game himself as he has available a stable of good running backs lead by freshman Philip Sylvester who has rushed for 696 yards on 119 carries in seven games.

Sylvester is the fourth leading rusher in the MEAC and first in all-purpose yards averaging 182.1 yards per contest.

FAMU will need to play a mistake free game, which is expected to be played on a wet field turf surface with 90 percent chance of rain. The Baltimore/Washington region has been in a drenching rain pattern since Wednesday with temperatures in the mid-50's at night and 62-67 during the day. More of the same is expected by game time.

FAMU's thin defense will have to step up to contain senior running back Chad Simpson. He is averaging 124.1 yards per game and runs with tremendous power and speed. Simpson leads the MEAC in rushing with 993 yards in eight games, ahead of Norfolk State's Daryl Jones, who burst loose for 256 yards against the Rattlers last week.

Morgan State junior starting quarterback Mario Melton has completed 47.4 percent of his passes (55 of 116, 3 TD, 7 INT) for 666 yards. Senior quarterback Byron Selby has completed 52.1 percent of his passes (38 of 73, 3TD, 2 INT) for 530 yards, and serves as the other half of Coach Hill-Eley two quarterback system.

Photo: Morgan State University Head Coach Donald Hill-Eley will try to get the Bears back on the winning track as the Bears host FAMU Saturday.

Here is what we can expect:

Morgan State Offense vs. FAMU Defense

Morgan State averages 26.2 points per game on offense (4th in MEAC), 149.6 yards per game in passing (5th in MEAC) and 233.8 in rushing yards (2nd in MEAC). The Bears strength is the Rattlers primary weakness-- inability to stop the run. Morgan has only scored 6 touchdowns by the pass and 17 by the run. More importantly, the Bears lead the league in Red Zone Offense converting 85.3 percent of their opportunities into scores.

FAMU defense gives up an average of 28 points per game, 169.3 yards passing (6th in MEAC), 228.7 rushing (9th in MEAC) and 398.0 yards per game in total defense (9th in MEAC). MEAC offenses have averaged 5.9 yards per play and 26 TD which gives FAMU the rank as the MEAC worst defense.

ADVANTAGE: MSU

FAMU Offense vs. Morgan State Defense

FAMU has been inconsistent in the quarterback position for the entire season. The Rattlers are scoring at an average of 20.9 points per game (#7 MEAC) and completing 47.8 percent of their passes for a 149.6 yard average (#4 MEAC). The FAMU ground game is averaging 156.0 yards per game (#5 MEAC). However, turnovers have plagued the Rattlers with seven fumbles and ten interceptions (#6 MEAC) for a turnover margin of -0.43 per game.

FAMU special teams play has been very good and the Rattlers lead the conference in punt returns averaging 17.5 (#1 MEAC). But the Rattlers are at the bottom of the conference in both Red Zone Offense (#7 MEAC) 66.7 percent and last in Red Zone Defense (#9 MEAC) 89.7 percent.

Morgan State is #1 MEAC in Red Zone Offense (85.3 percent) and #5 MEAC in Red Zone Defense (74.1 percent). Translation: Morgan State will run the ball down FAMU's throat in scoring position and FAMU will be unable to stop them. In other words, watch Chad Simpson run and watch James Meade kick field goals.

ADVANTAGE: Morgan State

Special Teams

FAMU Wesley Taylor will need a breakout game in order for FAMU to have a chance to pull out a victory. The old Wesley Taylor needs to show up and control field position on punts and kickoffs. Taylor must also make every PAT and field goal attempt. Morgan State is a team with 16-18 Floridians that would love to knock off FAMU. Expect Philip Sylvester and company to produce and set up the FAMU offense in scoring position.

ADVANTAGE: FAMU

Outlook

The Rattlers must play mistake free football for four quarters and tackle the ball carriers on the first hit. Morgan State is a solid defensive team that FAMU should be able to beat with team speed, special teams and their running game. FAMU has seen bad MEAC officiating forever, so that should not distract from the mission at hand. Expect Morgan State to continue to pile up drive stopping penalties. The pressure is on Carter to find a way to get the Rattlers back on the winning track. The FAMU offensive line will be the key to the Rattlers success in Baltimore. Expect the FAMU defense to show some Rattlers pride and stop Chad Simpson for under 100 yards rushing.

Expect the MEAC officials to stay consistent and make three bad calls. Coach Hill-Eley can continue his silly path of trying to overturn conference games by filing formal protests with the league office, but it will not change the game day outcome of getting beat. Bad calls are just a part of the college football landscape and no one should be surprised by a human error.

Final Score Prediction: FAMU 24, Morgan State 20

-beepbeep

Norfolk State University 33, FAMU Rattlers 27

Photo: Norfolk State University Head Football Coach Pete Adrian has made winners of the Spartans in his third season, fulfilling his promise to the NSU administration.

by beepbeep

The Florida A&M University Rattlers learned first hand Thursday evening that the Spartans of Norfolk State University are for real and will be a major player in determining the MEAC championship for this season. What's more amazing is this team has knocked off Hampton, South Carolina State, Bethune Cookman and FAMU in the same season. These teams may have better overall talent that NSU, but the Spartans execute their plays with superior passion and precision.

With the upset of FBS #2 ranked South Florida by Rutgers, who blanked NSU 59-0 last month, the Spartans have proven that they are a very good football team with a powerful running game. Daryl Jones, soon to become MEAC player of the week, rumbled for 256 yards on 38 carries with one 9 yard touchdown run.

The Rattlers could not tackle Jones and when they did, he always pushed the pile of bodies forward for an extra 2-3 yards. I have not witness this type of bull running since Earl Campbell played at Texas. Jones is around 5-10/250 pounds but can turn the corner on you quickly and get into the secondary which he did repeatedly to FAMU.

Never mind that game conditions included a major downpour of rain, standing water on spot areas of the football field and 12,287 faithful Rattlers' fans in attendance. Norfolk State came to play and win, showed determination on overcoming every miscue. Quarterback Casey Hansen had a sub par game completing 8 of 21 passes for 133 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT, making for an interesting last 2 minutes of the game.

FAMU had a chance to overtake the Spartans when NSU could not run out the clock on their next to last possession. An interception of a FAMU pass in the final minute by NSU defense preserved the victory for the Spartans. This victory ends the 9-0 win streak that FAMU had over Norfolk State.

The only teams that are now standing in the way of NSU for its first MEAC championship is Morgan State and Delaware State. Howard and Winston Salem State may not be able to match the strength of the NSU defense, but you cannot count out any MEAC team with the parity of the league, today.

Photo: RB Daryl Jones is a surprise leader in MEAC rushing yards (#2, 818 yards/7 games) as he runs away from Hampton University's top NFL draft prospect, All-American/All-MEAC DE Kendall Langford in last week's game.

Morgan has a better running back in conference rushing leader Chad Simpson who leads the MEAC with 994 rushing yards, 10 TDs and a 4.9 yard average. Daryl Jones is second in the conference at 818 rushing yards, 10 TDs, and a 4.7 yard average.

Norfolk State will get the opportunity to face Morgan State's Chad Simpson on November 3rd and Delaware State's Kareen Jones on November 10th. Both are stronger than FAMU and NSU will have to play better on the road in order to win the MEAC title.

Norfolk State's coach Pete Adrian deserves MEAC Coach of the Year honors for moving his perennial cellar dwellers from the bottom of the conference to the very top in less than three years. Daryl Jones is a serious contender for MEAC offensive player of the year honors, as I have not watched a more determined runner in football this season.

Jones rushed for 256 or the total 272 yards achieved by Norfolk State on the ground and helped the Spartans control the clock for about 10 minutes more in time of possession. Without out his hard running and production, this game would have been won by FAMU.

For a team that was fore casted to finish near the bottom of the MEAC standings, Norfolk State is the surprise team of the season in the MEAC that will have their first winning season in Division I, since their move up ten years ago.

The Spartans are now 6-1 overall with a 5-0 record in the MEAC. Way to go Norfolk State!
Behold, the Green and Gold.

Today's Game: Grambling State at Jackson State

Photo: Member of GSU band performs at Half-time.

by beepbeep

Today's rivalry game with the only two undefeated conference teams in the SWAC has created a championship buzz and excitement second only to the final SWAC championship game itself. Grambling State University with a 5-1 overall record (5-0 SWAC), will face Jackson State Tigers, 4-2 overall, 4-0 SWAC in a celebration that will commemorate the 40th year of Grambling and JSU playing at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

This game will also honor the late Grambling coach Eddie Robinson. Members of Coach Rob's family (wife, Doris Robinson and son Eddie Robinson Jr.) are expected to attend the game to receive honors on his behalf. Members of the 1967 JSU football team and former JSU coach Rod Paige, who later served the country as a political appointee and Secretary, over the U.S. Department of Education will also be honored.

But best of all, this rivalry game will be a classic with the Tigers band of Grambling State University and the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band doing non-stop battle in the stands, on the field and in the 5th Quarter. All the SWAC bands are great, but these two schools takes it to the highest level when they face off at half-time, and you don't want to miss these memorable performances that will be talked about by fans for the next 40 years.

Photo: JSU Sonic Boom of the South band is ready for the world famous GSU Tigers Band.

Yes, this game will be televised today at 12:00 p.m. Central Time, (1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time) on ESPN Classic and via the Internet online at ESPN 360.

Expect the football to be great also, with Rod Broadway's Grambling Tigers and Rick Comegy's Jackson State Tigers fighting for bragging rights to the SWAC championship.

This one is too close to call and you just have to watch it or be there to see who will become the favorite for the SWAC Championship.

However, to get you in the spirit here are a few excepts for your enjoyment from the bands of GSU and JSU. Enjoy!

Grambling State University Tigers Marching Band (10/13/07)



Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band (10/13/2007)

Mike Gillespie hired as head coach Jacksonville Jam, PBL

Photo: Mike Gillespie makes final cuts on the nets after FAMU Rattlers won 2007 MEAC Tournament Championship and the conference automatic bid to NCAA Tournament.

from Jacksonville Jam Press Release

Premier Basketball League (PBL) Jacksonville Jam

Jacksonville, Fla., - The Jacksonville JAM, Jacksonville's professional basketball team announced that former Florida A&M head coach Mike Gillespie will be joining the JAM coaching staff as Head Coach for the upcoming 2007-2008 Premier Basketball League season.

"Mike Gillespie is one of the most outstanding basketball minds in the country and his presence here with the Jam will help elevate an already impressive roster that we are forming for the upcoming season." stated Jam GM Felix Krupczynski. "It is a rare opportunity to bring in the experience, drive and knowledge that someone like Coach Gillespie brings to an organization."

The Joliet, Illinois native began his impressive coaching career on the high school level in his home state, winning 223 games from 1974 through 1987. Then he moved south to Florida, beginning his college coaching career at St. Leo College (now University) in St. Leo, Florida (just north of Tampa). There, he won 26 games in two seasons (1988-89 to 1989-90), including a 15-12 mark his first year. Gillespie then moved to Tallahassee, where he built the now nationally-renowned Tallahassee Community College program from scratch. From 1991-92 to 2000-01, Gillespie spun gold in Tallahassee, guiding the Eagles to 258 wins in 10 seasons. He compiled back-to-back 30-plus win seasons in 1995-96 (30-2) and 1996-97 (35-2), and his teams were annually ranked among the nation's best junior college programs.

He then moved down the road to Division I Florida A&M, where over the last six seasons, he compiled a record of 60-64, won two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championships, and made two NCAA tournament appearances in 2004 and 2007. This past season he led the Rattlers to their first 20-win season since 1989-1990.

Photo: Mike Gillespie coaching the FAMU Rattlers during timeout with Delaware State Hornets at 2007 MEAC Championship game. Gillespie took the Rattlers to two automatic bids to the NCAA Championship Tournament.

"I am extremely excited about having Coach Gillespie join our organization" stated associate head coach Scott Cooper. "I have known Coach G for over 15 years and he has been a mentor to me throughout my basketball career". "His guidance and savvy will certainly be a tremendous asset in our drive to attain a championship for the City of Jacksonville."

The Jacksonville JAM successfully launched its inaugural season in the 2006-2007 American Basketball Association. The JAM emerged on the scene as a premier sports and entertainment organization entertaining and delighting their fans throughout Jacksonville and beyond. The Jam will now tip-off their second season at the University of North Florida as a member of the Premier Basketball League.

WJXE TV-15 will now broadcast all of the JAM games throughout the season for both home and road games. The team's pre-season and regular season schedule will be released later this month. For information on season tickets, log on to www.jaxjam.com/contact/tickets.html or call 904-302-5323. For more information on the excitement and buzz being created by your Jacksonville JAM, visit us at www.jaxjam.com.

FAMU Notebook: FAMU Rattlers vs. Norfolk State Spartans tonight

Compiled by BEEPBEEP, MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street

Photo: The "Welcome" signs are out for MEAC foe Norfolk State University and the Spartans maybe just what the doctor ordered to get the FAMU Rattlers healthy and back on the winning track. The Rattlers are 9-0 lifetime against the NSU Spartans.

The stormy weather that is coming into the Tallahassee area this evening, shifts the game favorite from Norfolk State University to our FAMU Rattlers. Let it rain, let it rain--to stop that MEAC #2 ranked passer in QB Casey Hansen and the NSU #3 ranked offense. Not that we don't have faith in the Rattlers, but every element from God helps.

The Rattlers received good and bad news yesterday as follows:

• WR Willie Hayward may be back from grieving the passing of this grandmother. If so, what kind of mental shape is he in for playing the game tonight? If he is in fact back and plays, don't count on Hayward to be a factor this evening (period).


• Robert Love, r-freshman QB has been officially ruled academically ineligible to play this season. Love is the message board coaching experts favorite to lead the Rattlers to the championship promise land, but that plan was derailed by a preseason suspension which carried over to the first three games. Love may become the best quarterback in Rattler- lore that never plays a down of football for FAMU, unless he is able to get on track.


• Freshman QB Gregory Tobias Lee will be unavailable for tonight's game. Coach Rubin Carter was quoted as stating, "Lee has a university-related issue that he needs to get taken care of." "This will keep him from participating in all activities of the team," as was stated in an article from the Tallahassee Democrat. There is more accuracy of the FAMU situation coming from the TDO message board than from our beat writers. The "MB coaches" indicates that Lee will be red shirted as he has not played in any games this season. We all like the size and strength of Lee and he needs time to develop.


• Who says Coach Rubin Carter does not accept tranfers? FAMU has a new name to get accustomed to in Football Bowl Subdivision (1-A) Troy University transfer QB Jeb Tyre from Class 1A Vernon High School. Tyre was on the 1A All-State second team in 2004. He is a walked-on FAMU player and will be activated as the third string QB for tonight's game. Who? What? That theory is now dead regarding 1-A transfers coming to FAMU.


• Four starters will be back for NSU game: DE Tyrone McGriff, DE Carlos Rolle, SS Ernest Williams and LB Victoriano Arboleda.

Photo: Norfolk State University QB Casey Hansen, #3 is a marked man in tonights game. Hansen has completed 96 of 180 passes for 1255 yards and 4 TDs on the season.

The MB coaches says Albert Chester II wants to return to the Rattlers. As a supporter of Chester, I say, depart from us--we never knew you! I rather the Rattlers fail with class as a team than let that selfish AC2 come back and make a greater mess of the present situation.

The greater question is how will all of this impact the Rattlers tonight? Our guess is the Rattlers will play their best game tonight to regain respect by knocking off FCS #25 ranked Norfolk State University. Just run the damn ball down NSU throat! NSU can't stop the run and FAMU can control the clock. If FAMU plays conservative and Norfolk State will crack like they did last year in that 36-33 OT loss to the Rattlers. QB Casey Hansen is a load, but he can be stopped if pressure is put on him from the defensive line. We expect FAMU to sack Hansen like a 235 pound bag of sugar.

This all should make for an exciting Thursday night game, but remember--NOT on ESPNU so you have to go to this game.

THE GAME WILL BE ON FAMCAST ON THE INTERNET LIVE AT 7:00 P.M. TONIGHT AT: http://www.famu.edu/?a=famcast

Florida A&M University Incomparable Marching 100 --(Playing: All we do is think of you (Rattlers))

Gallery: ALL MEAC DE Kendall Langford, Hampton University Pirates

Photo Gallery: Kendall Langford, All-American/All-MEAC Defensive Player of the Year (preseason), #98, 6-6/294 DE, Sr. Petersburg, VA, Petersburg H.S.

What are they saying about this big guy....

• Hampton's top tackler, 39 in six games.
• Plays with passion of a "big cat" that will not be denied at 6-6/294 and runs with speed and power.
• Made 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks against rival Norfolk State in the Battle of the Bay game last week.
• Enough speed to run down running backs from behind.
• Consistent performer and leader of Hampton's defense; can beat double and triple team and impossible to stop one-on-one without illegal holding.
• NFL Pro scouts have discovered him and projects a possible 3rd or 4th round draft position.
• Solid student, outstanding player, excellent All-MEAC performer that is taking care of business in the classroom and on the football field.
  
  Definitely a division I level talent that selected Hampton University for academics first, and football. Kendall Langford may surprise all of us and get drafted higher by a smart NFL general manager. He is traveling the same path as last year's 3-Time All-MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, Jacksonville Jaguars ILB, Justin Durant (Hampton University), who was drafted #48, NFL second round pick.
  
  --beepbeep

Grambling State Band: How are they this season?

If you have not heard the famous band from the deep, deep South--here is a clip for your listening pleasure. We all know Grambling football team is headed for the SWAC Championship but is the band up to their usual championship quality? Holla back and let me know your opinions....

Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band (@ UAPB 10/13/07)