MEAC/SWAC Two Minute Drill

by beepbeep

The implied competition between Florida State University and Florida A&M University is inevitable based on their location, less than one mile apart in Tallahassee. In football, the FBC FSU Seminoles are now trying to keep pace with the FCS FAMU Rattlers at the NFL level as it relates to the quarterback position. Both schools have one signal caller in the NFL, but FAMU’s quarterback Quinn Gray, Jacksonville Jaguars is the only one to have started a game, leading his team to victory over Tampa Bay last Sunday 24-23. Quinn is 28 years old in his fourth year with the Jaguars and this was his first start as an NFL quarterback. Brad Johnson, who is 39 years old played for the Seminoles in 1988-91 and is currently a backup on the Dallas Cowboys in his 16th NFL season. The big question that everyone wants to know is what has FSU been doing with all those blue chip high school All-Americans since 1991?...

Photo: Former MEAC and current Jaguar QB Quinn Gray appeared in NFL Europe in 2003 and led the Frankfurt Galaxy to the World Bowl Championship.

Talking about losing streaks, a few are totally baffling in our view. North Carolina A&T Aggies now has the fourth longest streak in NCAA Football Championship Subdivision history at 25 straight losses. They are playing at Florida A&M’s homecoming this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. This would not be a good time for the Aggies to end their streak as the Rattlers are battling their own problems with a four game losing streak. This makes for a very interesting subplot to the FAMU vs. NCA&T game this weekend, as someone’s streak will end. Who will it be--Aggies or Rattlers?...

Don’t laugh at the MEAC as the SWAC has its own losing streaks. Steve Wilson’s Texas Southern University Tiger squad losing streak has hit 11 consecutive games. The Tigers are 0-8 this season and are scheduled to face the Southern Jaguars this Saturday at home in Reliant Stadium. Wilson may be headed in the wrong direction, as he holds the distinction of having a combined 4-37 record at TSU. This season, he has served as his own offensive coordinator, but his Tigers record is worst than last year's record as shown below:

• 2004 0-11
• 2005 1-10
• 2006 3-8
• 2007 0-8

The Tigers are nowhere near to being a decent team and will have to improve play significantly to beat Southern, Arkansas-Pine Bluff or the University of Houston that are remaining on their schedule for 2007...

Jackson State University all-star basketball player Trey Johnson was cut this week by the New Orleans Hornets. Based on published reports and comments by Coach Byron Scott, Trey played well, had a basketball IQ off the charts and can play at this level. You may recall that Johnson averaged 29.1 at JSU and led the Tigers to the SWAC championship and into the NCAA tournament last season. Coach Scott was quoted in the Times-Picayune, "he knows everything we’re doing already; he knows the plays better than some of the guys who have been here a couple of years which is scary, and that’s the truth.” Johnson averaged 13.8 minutes in five exhibition games, shot 40% for 4 points with 1.8 assists per game. No reason was given for the cut other than the Hornets wants to keep a roster spot vacant in case someone gets injured on their 14 man squad. All NBA teams can carry up to 15 players and the Hornets are carrying 14 guaranteed contracts already on the roster. Johnson and his agent are now evaluating other opportunities to play overseas or in the NBA developmental league...

What’s wrong with the leadership at Morgan State University? Donald-Hill-Eley is in the final year of his contract and negotiations have stalled over the university’s offer of a one-year contract extension. Hill-Eley has nearly completed six years in rebuilding the Bears football program to total respectability. Morgan State earned their first victory in 13 years against Florida A&M University this past Saturday for a life-time record against the Rattlers of 4-18. Without a long term contract, Hill-Eley will be placed in an impossible position for recruiting outstanding student-athletes to the Morgan program. He has had three winning seasons and has increased the graduation rate of his players to 61 percent. The 38 year old head coach holds a Master’s degree in Counseling which has become very useful in working with students coming from non-traditional backgrounds. We know people come and go all the time, but Hill-Eley brings a special quality of leadership to the Baltimore community and to the university. It is about more than wins and losses, which are important but not the sole measure of a good coach...

Tennessee State University starting quarterback Antonio Heffner right ankle injury was worst than expected. When surgeons opened up his ankle last Friday, they discovered two fractures on two different bones, which required installing screws and a plate. Coach James Webster indicated that Heffner is expected to be fully recovered for the 2008 season, but will be unavailable for spring practice as more time in needed for proper healing and recovery. Heffner was having an outstanding season before the injury happened in the Eastern Kentucky game. He was the Ohio Valley Conference leading passer completing 96 of 171 passes for 1486 yards and 10 touchdowns...

Photo: TSU junior quarter back Antonio Heffner surgery is completed and he is in recovery for the 2008.

The 2007 Magic City Classic which features Alabama A&M University Bulldogs and Alabama State University Hornets in their annual battle for state SWAC supremacy has moved up the economic ladder with 68,593 in attendance. The Birmingham classic out performed the 2007 Atlanta Football Classic by 11,603 fans, which had 56,990 in attendance to see Tennessee State University (OVC) and FAMU (MEAC) in their annual neutral site battle. Only the Bayou Classic featuring Grambling State and Southern University and the Florida Classic, featuring FAMU and Bethune Cookman are in a position to surpass this attendance number on the HBCU circuit for this season...

The Volusia County medical examiner’s office has released the medical report regarding the death of 20 year old Avery Atkins who died on July 5, 2007. Atkins was a former football player at Bethune Cookman University, transferring to the Wildcats from the University of Florida Gators. The medical examiner’s report rules his death as accidental after ingesting too much of the drug Ecstasy. Port Orange police Lt. Frank Surmaczewicz said Friday that Atkins’ death has been ruled accidental and that his department has closed the case. “This was definitely not a suicide, but a drug overdose.” he said. The findings also showed that Atkins inhaled some carbon monoxide but not enough to kill him. He was found dead in a car inside his aunt’s garage around 8:30 a.m. on July 5. Atkins played only three games for Bethune Cookman University before dropping out of school and attempting to return to the University of Florida program. Atkins won the Orlando Sentinel's 2004 Central Florida Defensive Player of the Year Award and signed with UF Coach Urban Meyer as a cornerstone of Meyer's first recruiting class...

The MEAC leading rusher, senior Chad Simpson, Morgan State University broke the one thousand yard barrier by rushing for 69 yards and one touchdown last Saturday against Florida A&M. In nine games, Simpson has rushed for 1056 yards on 216 attempts for 11 touchdown, with a 117.3 yards per game average. His longest run from scrimmage was 56 yards. Simpson averages 4.9 yards per carry and is second in the conference in all purpose yards averaging 152.7 yards per game. He trails only FAMU's fabulous freshman running back Philip Sylvester who leads the MEAC with 170.8 yards per game in all purpose yards...

Photo above: Chad Simpson breaks one against Hampton University.

Florida A&M Volleyball knocks off Mercer Bears

Macon, Georgia - The FAMU Lady Rattlers Volleyball team improved to 12-5 on the season as they defeated the Mercer University Bears of the Atlantic Sun Conference 3-2 (30-22, 32-34, 28-30, 30-22 and 15-9)this afternoon. The Bears put up a gallant battle and were led by sophomore Jen Darty who had a career-high 11 blocks and 11 kills for her first double-double of the season. Her efforts however, was not enough to overcome the strength of the Lady Rattlers as the Bears fell to 8-17 on the season.

For the Lady Rattlers, Jovana Blazeski and Iva Lakic led the way, tallying 27 and 26 kills, respectively. Five players recorded double-digit digs, led by Susan Egoavil with 28 and Zaira Manzo with 21. Manzo also dished out a match-high 65 assists to notch a double-double for FAMU. The Bears did have a good night at the net out-blocking the Lady Rattlers 18-6.

The Bears dominated early on in the first game of the match, taking a 10-3 lead over the Lady Rattlers, who were able to close within three to trail 14-11. Mercer then scored four consecutive points and extended it to a 10 point lead. FAMU freshman Jovana Blazeski took over when the score reached 27-17 and the Lady Rattlers went on a four point run. Several kills by Mercer's Drennan Dexheimer and an error by Blazeski provided the gift Mercer needed to win the first match 30-22.

The Lady Rattlers quickly re-focused and battled Mercer in game two with 24 ties, 10 lead changes and did enough to win the match 34-32.

FAMU jumped all over the Bears in game three taking a 15-5 lead, but let up on Mercer who climbed back into the contest with a 4-0 run, and 8-1 run to narrow the Lady Rattlers score to 29-28. A kill was converted by Lakic to take the win for FAMU 30-28 in the third set.

The Lady Rattlers played poorly in the fourth set, allowing Mercer to take a 12-9 lead, and after two runs by the Bears of 8-1 and 8-2, FAMU fell 22-30.

The Lady Rattlers took an early 6-2 lead in the final game and three straight kills by FAMU the lead. FAMU cruised to a 15-9 win giving the Lady Ratters the 3-2 victory for the contest.

“It wasn’t for lack of effort because we out-blocked and out-aced our opponent, but we were not disciplined enough to finished games every opportunity we had,” said Mercer Volleyball head coach Noelle Hughes. “It was a close, hard-fought match and we proved to ourselves once again that we can play with the best of them.”

The Lady Rattlers stars were: Cinthya Corzo, Maria Gomez,Zaira Manzo, Hannah Huckelmann,Jovana Blazeski, Iva Lakic, Susan Egoavil and Coach "Tony" Tanio Trifonov.

Photo: The Lady Rattlers celebrate their 96 match winning streak in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference over SCSU on Oct 19th.

FAMU next match is on the road at Austin, Texas facing the University of Texas at 6:00 p.m. ET. The Lady Rattlers next home contest is November 6, 2007, 6:00 p.m. in Tallahassee Gaither Gymnasium against the University of North Florida.


Volleyball Box Score

Florida A&M vs Mercer (Oct 30, 2007 at Macon, Ga.)


Florida A&M ATTACK SET SERVE SRVDEF BLOCK GEN
## Name GP K E TA PCT A SA SE REDIGBS BA BEBHE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CORZO,Cinthya....... 5 4 0 13 .308 3 2 0 1 11 0 1 0 0
9 GOMEZ,Maria......... 5 11 6 22 .227 1 0 2 0 4 1 1 0 0
10 MANZO,Zaira......... 5 4 2 8 .250 65 0 1 0 21 0 4 0 4
12 UCKELMANN,Hannah.... 5 8 4 22 .182 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 0 0
15 BLAZESKI,Jovana..... 5 27 20 82 .085 1 1 1 0 20 0 0 1 0
16 LAKIC,Iva........... 5 26 12 72 .194 3 1 0 2 11 0 0 0 0
7 EGOAVIL,Susan....... 5 1 0 1 1.000 1 2 0 4 28 0 0 0 0
TEAM................ 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals.............. 5 81 44 220 .168 74 6 4 8 99 1 10 1 4

TEAM ATTACK PER GAME TOTAL TEAM BLOCKS: 6.0
Game K E TA Pct
1 16 11 50 .100 GAME SCORES 1 2 3 4 5 TEAM RECORDS
2 22 9 59 .220 Florida A&M......... (3) 22 34 30 22 15 12-5
3 19 9 45 .222 Mercer.............. (2) 30 32 28 30 9 8-17
4 14 13 47 .021
5 10 2 19 .421

Mercer ATTACK SET SERVE SRVDEF BLOCK GEN
## Name GP K E TA PCT A SA SE REDIGBS BA BEBHE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 HANSCH, Libby....... 2 0 1 11 -.091 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0
4 DARTY, Julie........ 5 16 6 41 .244 2 1 0 0 1 0 6 0 2
5 DORRIS, Karen....... 5 23 4 62 .306 3 1 1 2 8 0 3 1 0
8 JANSEN, Kelly....... 5 4 1 8 .375 55 1 1 0 11 0 6 0 7
11 DARTY, Jen.......... 5 11 2 29 .310 0 2 1 0 5 2 9 1 0
12 DEXHEIMER, Drennan.. 5 9 2 32 .219 1 1 1 0 10 0 0 0 0
3 VRVILO, Erica....... 2 1 2 8 -.125 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
7 TUCKER, Claire...... 5 0 1 1-1.000 1 0 1 1 25 0 0 0 0
9 GEBBEN, Chelsea..... 5 0 0 1 .000 2 1 2 2 8 0 0 0 0
14 DAVIS, Allison...... 5 0 0 0 .000 0 1 0 1 8 0 0 0 0
16 HURLEY, Krista...... 3 3 0 6 .500 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0
17 THOMAS, Autumn...... 1 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals.............. 5 67 19 199 .241 64 8 7 6 77 2 32 2 9

TEAM ATTACK PER GAME TOTAL TEAM BLOCKS: 18.0
Game K E TA Pct
1 15 1 44 .318 Site: Macon, Ga. (University Center)
2 20 6 57 .246 Date: Oct 30, 2007 Attend: 68 Time: 2:12
3 12 7 41 .122 Referees: Tim Meyers, Mark Prater
4 15 4 36 .306 Game 5-Yellow Card to FAMU Coach
5 5 1 21 .190

2007 Magic City Classic: Battle of the Bands- ASU Hornets vs. AAMU Bulldogs

A record crowd of 68,593 came to Legion Field this past Saturday to enjoy the battle between the Bulldogs and the Hornets in the Magic City Classic. Alabama A&M University won the football game 13-9 and the winner of the battle of the bands is still undecided. You pick the winner of that contest...

Alabama State University Marching Hornets and Stingettes


Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon and White Band and the Dancing Divas


AAMU Band vs. ASU Band, The 5th Quarter - Magic City Classic 2007, Part I


ASU Band vs. AAMU Band, The 5th Quarter - Magic City Classic 2007, Part II

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.