LOL: Things that make you go hummmmmm...

I'm sure everyone that has played an instrument in a high school band has aspirations of playing in a better band. This film clip shows a few students and their reaction to seeing and hearing the opponent band performing a half-time dance routine. The unseen performing band, the Tennessee State University Marching Aristocrat of Bands, and the fans on the video clip--members of the Austin Peay State University Marching Band drum section on Sept. 15, 2007, in Clarksville, TN. TSU beat APSU 33-32 in overtime, but I'm sure these fellows didn't care as they were looking forward to the 5th quarter so they could get their grove on with the TSU Band.

Draw your own conclusions...welcome to the Ohio Valley Football Conference, y'all!

Austin Peay State University Marching Governors Band

MEAC/SWAC Scoreboard (Oct. 27, 2007)

Howard University (4-4, 3-3) 17, Norfolk State University (6-2, 5-1) 10

The Norfolk State University Spartans got a lesson in Big 10 styled smash mouth football as the seminar was taught by the Howard Bison in front of 15,548 homecoming fans at Dick Price Stadium. The Bison defense limited the Spartans to minus 15 rushing yards on 17 attempts. The number two ranked MEAC leading rusher, Daryl Jones was held to 4 yards on 6 carries. No NSU back gained more than 7 yards and did not score a touchdown. Jones had rushed for 256 yards against FAMU the previous week and averaged over 135 yards per game.

Howard coach Carey Bailey is now the new big kahuna in the MEAC. Bailey proved the mental toughness of his Bison by going for first down on a 4th and 3 yards, at his own 34 yard line in the 3rd quarter. The Bison made it and continued their drive. Quarterback Brian Johnson played a masterful game and kept the Spartan defense off balance guessing whether he would pass or run. Bailey showed several times in this game that he will go for it on 4th down, when common sense says--punt.

The Bison scored first on a Brian Johnson pass of 17 yards to Jarahn Williams in the first quarter. Williams also caught a 53 yard TD pass from Johnson in the third quarter as the Bison held a 17-7 lead over NSU. The Spartans closed the gap to seven points with a 23 yard Justin Castellat field goal in the third quarter. John Mendoza kicked a 40 yard Howard field goal in the 2nd quarter to complete the scoring for the Bison.

Casey Hansen was able to score only one touchdown on a four yard pass to Jeremy Wicker at the five minute mark in the first quarter with Justin Castellat kicking the PAT. Hansen completed 17/32 passes for 238 yards and one touchdown. Thereafter, the Bison no named defense took over the game.

Delaware State Hornets (7-1, 6-0) 17, South Carolina State Bulldogs (4-4, 4-2) 16

Down 17-6 at the start of the fourth quarter, Delaware State fought back to score on a one yard run by Adam Shrewsbury and a 38 yard field goal by Peter Gaertner with two second remaining in the game. The Hornets are now in first place (alone) in their chase of the MEAC championship and the FCS Playoff bid. A homecoming crowd of 15,388 was disappointed with the DSU rally, which has knocked SCSU out of contention for the MEAC championship.

Morgan State Bears (4-4, 4-2) 14, Florida A&M University 12 (2-6, 1-5) 12

Quarterback Byron Selby was able to overcome the Rattler defense to complete a 9 yard touchdown pass to Roderick Wolfe at the 11 minute mark in the fourth quarter to give Morgan State a 14-12 lead. The Bears defense then came to life and held the Rattlers out of the endzone to preserve the victory. Leon Camel started for FAMU with r-freshman Eddie Battle playing the entire second quarter. Both quarterbacks from FAMU was held to 11/21 for 90 total yards in the game. The attendance was 3,478 on what turned out to be a sunny and breezy afternoon.

The Rattlers lead at the half 9-7 on a Westley Taylor field goal and a 24 yard Philip Sylvester run.

Bethune Cookman University ( 3-5, 1-5) 24, North Carolina A&T University (0-9, 0-7) 20

BCU came from behind in the last two minutes of the game on a Justin Brannon touchdown run to overtake the Aggies who was leading 20-17. The Aggies streak continues with 24 straight losses without a win. A homecoming crowd of 20, 013 was in attendance.

Winston Salem State University (5-3, 5-2) 20, Hampton University (4-4, 3-4) 19

Edward Waters College (4-5 NAIA) 24, Savannah State University (1-7) 7

Eastern Illinois University (6-3, 5-1 OVC) 38, Tennessee State University (3-5, 2-2 OVC) 35

Tennessee State battled EIU for nearly 60 minutes and lost on a 30 yard field goal by Tyler Wilke as time expired. Two EIU passes were intercepted and run back for long touchdowns by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, 69 yards and Marquez Hall, 78 yards to propel TSU to an early lead. True freshman Calvin McNaril started at quarterback and played well completing 8/16, 189 yards with one interception and 11 rushed for 45 yards with one touchdown.

Grambling State University (7-1, 7-0) 57, Texas Southern University (0-8, 0-7) 9

The Grambling State defense showed improvement over last week, holding the TSU offense to a total of 20 yards rushing for the game. Jackson State only gained 25 yards last week on the ground against the GSU Tigers. TSU was no match for the G-men high powered offense and defense. But, 19,639 homecoming fans enjoyed the air show put on by TSU quarterback Cornelius Harmon, 21/38 passes, 250 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions and Grambling's Brandon Landers, 13/19 passes, 223 yards, five touchdown and no interceptions.

Prairie View A&M University (5-2, 4-2) 26, Mississippi Valley State University (2-6, 2-5) 21

Alabama A&M University (7-1, 5-1) 13, Alabama State University (4-4, 3-4) 9

A record crowd of 68,593 came to Legion Field to enjoy the battle between the Bulldogs and the Hornets in the Magic City Classic. A pass interception by AAMU Al Donaldson at the Bulldogs 29 yard line with less than a 90 seconds remaining in the game reserved the victory for Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs lead the Hornets 10-9 at the half.

Jackson State University (5-3, 5-1) 17, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-7, 1-5) 6

Western Kentucky (5-3) 50, North Carolina Central University (6-3) 14

-beepbeep

Today's SWAC & FCS Independents Football Games (Oct. 27, 2007)

Photo: Red-shirt Senior RB Jay Peck leads the SWAC in rushing with 155 attempts/706 yards (7 games)/3 TD for 100.9 yards per game average.

by beepbeep

It appears that Grambling State University and Alabama A&M University fans can go ahead and book their reservations today for the SWAC Championship game in Birmingham. My greater disappointments have been the Hornets of Alabama State and the Jackson State Tigers who I thought at the beginning of the season would put up a greater battle for the Eastern Division title. But, when you rush for only 25 yards like Jackson State did last week against the Grambling State defense, all it not well in JSU Tigerland. JSU was beaten 30-20 by Grambling in that contest.

Alabama State was upset by Prairie View A&M 17-6 in Montgomery when their high powered offense became a no-show. The Hornets have a three game streak loosing consecutive games to Prairie View, Jackson State (32-20) and Southern (21-2).

Grambling State is currently ranked #21 in the FCS Top-25 Football Poll by The Sports Network. The MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street believes that Coach Rod Broadway Tigers are good enough on defense to be ranked in the top ten programs in the FCS. Alabama A&M did receive 211 votes, but did not crack the top 25.

Here is what we can expect today:

Texas Southern (0-7, 0-6) at Grambling State (6-1, 6-0) 2 p.m. (Homecoming) CSTV Tape Delayed

We all need to pray for Steve Wilson's Texas Southern University Tigers. Wilson is currently 4-36 (4th year) and we do not expect the TSU Tigers to pull off an upset at Grambling's homecoming game. Although TSU nearly pulled off the upset at Mississippi Valley last week losing 37-35, this game will not be close. Grambling is just too powerful on defense and offense for TSU to win. The Texas Southern Tigers are giving up 34.6 points per game on average on defense and scoring on average 17.4 points per game. Grambling on the other hand is scoring 27 points per game (average) and holding opponents to 15.4 points per game (average).

However, Steve Wilson's passing offense is good enough to lead the SWAC averaging 233.6. yards per game. But, the Tigers have no running game, residing in last position in the conference with only 338 rushing yards in 196 carries, or 1.7 yard average per carry, 2 rushing touchdown and 48.3 yards rushing per game average. TSU is dead last in conference turnover margin with 9 lost fumbles and 16 interceptions in addition to averaging only averaging 27.9 yards per punt. Inspite of what the stats says, quarterback Tino Edgecombe (118-219-12, 1313 yds., 10 TD) and Brent Wilson (81 car., 237 yds, 2 TD) will be ready for Grambling, which has won the 7 out of the last eight meetings. Grambling won last year's game 33-28 in Houston.
Don't expect a close game this time, but anything can happen.

Prediction: Grambling 45, Texas Southern 14

Mississippi Valley State University (2-5, 2-4) at Prairie View A&M University (4-2, 3-2) 2 p.m. (Homecoming)

Prairie View confidence is soaring after their big road victory last week at Alabama State. I don't expect Henry Frazier's Panthers to ease up on the Valley, although this one will be a battle for one or two quarters. The Valley defense is giving up 37.1 points per game and is last in scoring defense in the SWAC. Prairie View is first in scoring defense limiting their opponents to 10.5 points per game. The Devils have won the last five games in this series including a 14-10 victory in 2006 at Itta Bena. Defense wins games, offense makes homecoming fans happy. No contest even with MVSU defensive coordinator Dennis "Dirt" Winston on the Devils sideline.

Prediction: Prairie View 33, MVSU 9

Alabama A&M University (6-1, 4-1) vs. Alabama State University (4-3, 3-3) in Birmingham, 2:30 p.m.

Its Magic City Classic time and it will take a lot of magic for Alabama State to beat the Bulldogs today. The reality is ASU does not have enough offense to get the job done. AAMU has scored 253 points on the season and ASU only 113. Both defenses are about equal with AAMU opponents scoring 144 points to ASU's opponents 134. But, this is a rivalry game and you can throw the stats out the window. The momentum favors the Bulldogs and we don't expect the Hornets defense to contain the offensive weapons of Alabama A&M.

The AAMU Bulldogs have won the last two meetings and Coach Anthony Jones has a 47-19 record/65-32 overall record in his ninth season as a collegiate head coach. Alabama State Coach Reggie Barlow is 4-3 career as a head coach. RB Jay Peck (155 car, 706 yds, 3 TD) leads the Hornet offense along with WR Fred Ragsdale (15 rec, 204 yards, 3 TD) and QB Chris Mitchell (57-129-8, 736 yds, 6 TD). QB Kelcy Luke (122-216-6, 1510 yds, 17 TD), RB Ulysses Banks (100 car, 620 yds, 5 TD) and WR Thomas Harris (28 rec, 509 yds, 5TD) leads the high powered Bulldog offense.

Prediction: AAMU 41, ASU 24

University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-6. 1-4) at Jackson State University (4-3, 4-1) (Homecoming) 3:00 p.m.

Rick Comegy's JSU team was embarrassed last week by Grambling's defense. Expect improvements on the offensive line play and at running back. UAPB has been a disappointment after having a great season last year. LB Tim Turner leads the Golden Lions with 69 total tackles but he will help from his offense for UAPB to pull off the upset. The offense has only scored 98 total points (14.0 ppg average) on the season, which is not good enough to beat the Tigers who are averaging 27 points per game. It will take a few more recruitment seasons for defensive coordinator Monte Coleman (former Washington Redskins star LB) to get the kind of players he needs to make UAPB a consistent winner. The Golden Lions defense is giving up an average of 322.6 yards per game.

More production is needed from JSU running back Erik Haw (98 car, 464 yds, 6 TD) to help quarterback Jimmy Oliver (80-138-5, 1160 yds, 8 TD) and Chris Johnson (17 rec, 373 yds, 2 TD).

Prediction: JSU 33, UAPB 14

Alcorn State - Idle

Southern - Idle

Photo: Grambling Junior QB Brandon Landers leads the SWAC in passing yards with 133 Cmp/237 Att/ 10 INT/12 TD/ 1619 yards/231.3 average per game/56.1 completion percentage.

FCS HBCU Independents

Edward Waters (3-6 NAIA) at Savannah State University (1-6, 1-2 home) 2:00 p.m.

This should be an evenly matched game with lower division Edward Waters College, but its the 117th homecoming of Savannah State University, so anything can happen. The Tigers only victory came at the expense of Johnson C. Smith University (CIAA/Division II), so expect SSU to handle its business today and get victory number 2. Former FAMU offensive coordinator Jimmy Joe is the OC for Savannah State. The Savannah State defense is giving up over 30 points per game while the offense is averaging less than 15 points per game. Interesting!

Prediction: SSU 20, EWC 14

North Carolina Central (6-2 FCS) at Western Kentucky (4-3 FBS-IA Indep.) 7:00 p.m.

Both North Carolina Central University and Western Kentucky University are in NCAA transition in moving up a division. The WKU Hilltoppers are NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (1-A) provisional and NCCU Eagles are Football Championship Subdivision (1-AA) provisional. That's where the similarities end.

The former Black National Champion Eagles have had their problems this season beating Division II teams like Albany State (L-16-10), provisional FCS Presbyterian (L-34-27) and escaping with wins over over Division II St. Augustine's (W 6-0), Fayetteville State (W 17-0), North Greenville (W 17-14) and Elizabeth City (W 18-10). The Eagles only real test was against 0-24 FCS North Carolina A&T that has not won since 2005 (W 27-22) where the Aggies threw an interception at the 8 yard line with first and goal with 27 seconds remaining in the game to give the Eagles a gift victory. The Eagles were able to defeat their only other FCS opponent, Savannah State (W 30-14).

No doubt, the Eagles have played a bunch of cupcakes and have not shown the championship form from last season, under new head coach Mose Rison.

On the other hand, Western Kentucky has knocked off OVC leader Eastern Kentucky (ranked #17 FCS) on the road (W 26-6) and beat Sun Belt Conference Middle Tennessee (W 20-17) on the road as their signature victories. The Hilltoppers stomped West Virginia Tech at home 87-0 in its only September home appearance and played a paycheck game at the Florida Gators to open their season (L 49-3).

Unfortunately, North Carolina Central has not experienced a team with the playing experience of WKU and will be undermanned going against an 85 scholarship program with a history of dominating on the FCS level. Gateway Conference Indiana State was smashed by WKU on their home field 56-7 last week. Expect more of the same today, just worst for NCCU if the Hilltoppers decide to run up the score.

Prediction: WKU 62, NCCU 3

Eastern Illinois University (5-3, 4-1) at Tennessee State University (3-4, 2-1), 4:00 P.M.

Tennessee State University Tigers will be breaking in true freshman quarterback Calvin McNairl (6-0/210, Henry County H.S., Paris, TN) today, along with Sophomore RB Terrance Wright (71 carr, 290 yds, 4 TD) against FCS #25 ranked Eastern Illinois. TSU was hit with the injury bug last week against Eastern Kentucky University. The Tigers lost starting Junior QB and OVC Passing Leader Antonio Heffner for the season to an ankle injury. Heffner underwent surgery on October 26 to repair damage.

Starting running back Javarris Williams was also injured when he was kicked in the side (ribs) on a block in the EKU game. He has experienced swelling and soreness and Coach Webster indicated that he did not practice this week in preparation for EIU. Williams is not expected to play. Both Heffner and Williams combined for 85.5 percent of TSU offense on the season and had scored 18 of the 23 total touchdowns scored by the team.

Calvin McNairl has played in four previous games before taking over for the injured Heffner and is expected to operate within the TSU scheme without major adjustments. McNairl passed for 6544 yards and 64 TDs in high school and was recruited by Memphis, Middle Tennessee and TSU. Expect TSU to rally around McNairl and Wright and stay focused on the OVC title goal with WR Chris Johnson and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie taking a more active leadership role on the team.

Eastern Illinois is riding high after winning four of their last five games, having lost on the road at Eastern Kentucky (21-28) on October 6th. TSU was defeated by EKU 49-7 last week.

Today's MEAC Football Games (Oct. 27, 2007)

by beepbeep

Photo: Hampton University MEAC Leading Passer, #4, Sophomore quarterback T.J. Mitchell (121 of 244, 1765 yards, 12TD, 6 INT, 49.6%, 252.1 yards per game).

Howard (3-4, 1-3) at Norfolk State (6-1, 5-0), 1:00 p.m, ESPNU

The Howard Bison did the impossible last week in fighting back from a 27-15 deficient with 10 minutes remaining in their homecoming game. The Bison were able to score 20 unanswered points on the Aggies who had beat Howard University in every phase of the game, except finishing. The Bison will be playing the top of the MEAC this week in Norfolk State University. What a difference does a year makes as the Spartans are looking ahead to the show down with Delaware State for conference and FCS playoff honors. This game should be a real test for Norfolk State as Howard's senior quarterback Brian Johnson is a difficult passer and runner to defend. Bison running back Terry Perry can get tough yards to keep the Bison offense moving. The Bison defense can stop the running of Daryl Jones. Expect a Bison upset.

Prediction: Howard 30, Norfolk State 24

Bethune Cookman (2-5, 0-5) at North Carolina A&T (0-8, 0-6) 1:30 p.m.

Finally, the Aggies gets a win and break the string of 23 or 24 straight losses. I've loss count, but they are a long ways away from 80 that was recorded by non-scholarship Prairie View A&M University. The BCU Wildcats have not played well all season and the Wyattbone has only beaten non-scholarship Jacksonville University and lowly Savannah State Tigers. Expect the Wildcats to fumble their way out of the game in the first half. The Aggies will finish this game and win.

Prediction: NCAT 22, BCU 14

Delaware State (6-1, 5-0) at South Carolina State (4-3, 4-1)

Not even homecoming can help Buddy Pough and the SCSU Bulldogs. DSU is coming prepared for payback for the 10-9 loss last year in Dover, Delaware that knocked the Hornets out of MEAC race and the automatic bid to the NCAA FCS Playoffs. Expect this to be a knock down, drag out contest with the Hornets finding a way to win on the road. Delaware has a strong defense and QB Vashon Winton, WR Shaheer McBride and RB Kareem Jones will show why NFL scouts have been making a path to Dover.

The Hornet defense does not make many mistakes and will find a way to contain Bulldog running and passing QB, Cleve McCoy. McCoy will be forced to beat the Hornets with the pass. This will be one of the better games of the MEAC season, but with no television for the conference favorite, SCSU. SCSU Marching 101 Band wins the half-time and 5th quarter without breaking a sweat.

Prediction: DSU 20, SCSU 14

FAMU (2-5, 1-3) at Morgan State (4-4, 3-2), 4:00 p.m.

Morgan State Bears are going no where and their chances of winning the MEAC is non existent. The Rattlers have the Bears numbers and will win this one in the rain with a defense that finally shows up and stops MEAC leading rusher Chad Simpson. Morgan has not proven that they can beat anyone with their passing game. Count this one as a road victory for FAMU who will play a lot of underclassmen in preparation for next season. Rattlers playing for pride only in this one.

Prediction: FAMU 24, MSU 20

Hampton University (4-3, 3-3) at Winston Salem State (4-3, 4-2)

Hampton is out of the MEAC race but don't expect HU Coach Joe Taylor to take the weekend off. Winston Salem has not played a team with the defensive speed of Hampton nor a future NFL second/third round draft pick in DE Kendall Langford. Expect the one dimensional WSSU ground game to get derailed and baptised by the three time MEAC champions, Pirates. Without an effective running game, Hampton will be able to score at will using faster players at the skill positions and special teams. Welcome to the MEAC, Winston Salem State!

Prediction: Hampton 42, WSSU Rams 10

Photo: Morgan State University's MEAC Leading Rusher, Chad Simpson (993 yards) should go well over 1000 yards on the season verses FAMU on Saturday.

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)