Chicago Football Classic: MVSU Delta Devils 10, Alabama State Hornet 3

Mississippi Valley tips Alabama State 10-3

Chris Mitchell's pass floated through the evening sky toward Robert Childers. There was no time left to play Saturday night, and an announced crowd of 46,000 for the 12th annual Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field collectively held its breath. Alabama State's Childers leaped high and got his hands on the ball. If he had come down with it, the Hornets could have sent the game to overtime. Instead, as the ball bounded away, Mississippi Valley State was a 10-3 winner in dramatic and improbable fashion.

The Delta Devils (1-2, 1-0 South Western Athletic Conference) had been outscored in their first two games 88-7. No wonder they charged the field and celebrated like they had just won a national title. "I couldn't watch the last drive," said Mississippi Valley quarterback Paul Roberts, who completed 20 of 34 passes for 210 yards and the game's lone touchdown. "One of my teammates standing next to me asked me what I was doing, and I said I didn't want to watch. After I heard my side cheering, that's when I knew it was good news."

Valley gets first win of the year

Paul Roberts threw for 210 yards and the game's only touchdown as Mississippi Valley State defeated Alabama State 10-3 here Saturday in the Chicago Football Classic. Roberts' 44-yard TD pass to Paul Cox with 9:53 remaining in the second quarter broke a 3-3 tie and gave the Delta Devils (1-2, 1-1 Southwestern Athletic) their first win of the season. Rahmod Traylor finished with 91 yards rushing for the Hornets (3-1, 0-1) who lost despite outgaining Mississippi Valley State 363-263 in offensive yards.

After the teams combined to score on three of their first five possessions, the game turned into a defensive struggle. Alabama state put together a solid drive in last two minutes, moving the ball 63 yards on nine plays, but Chris Mitchell's final pass fell incomplete and time ran out with the ball on Mississippi Valley State's 20-yard line.

Attendance: 42,600 @Soldier Field, Lake Forest, IL

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South Carolina State Bulldogs 27, Winston Salem State Rams 10

Long Leads #14 SCSU Over WSSU 27-10

ORANGEBURG, SC- Junior Malcolm Long led the air attack connecting 22 for 33 and 274 yards and one touchdown, while senior Oliver Tre' Young led the receiving corps with 148 yards and one touchdown on nine catches to lead SC State to a 27-10 victory over Winston-Salem State at Oliver C. Dawson on Saturday. "I am happy to come away with a win over a tough Winston-Salem State team tonight," stated Pough. "Play on the field is not as good as in practice so we need to work on a few things."

The Bulldogs jumped out to 10-0 lead off a 23-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Blake Erickson for the first score of the game in the first quarter. Long then connected with wide receiver Tre' Young on a 14-yard touchdown score to close out the first-half. SC State would start off the third quarter on 28-yard field goal by Erickson to extend the lead to 13-3 at the 12:06 mark. The Bulldogs took control of the lead on a 3-yard punch by All-MEAC running back Will Ford with 6:58 left in the third to make the score 20-3.



The Rams scored their only touchdown on the night on a 6-yard pass from Brian Wynn to Dustin Jarrett to pull within ten, 20-10 with 8:00 minutes left in the game. Ford sealed the deal with a 30-yard touchdown scamper with 2:58 left and the Bulldogs cruised to a 27-10 non-conference victory. "Penalties really hurt us I think so we need to be smarter about the plays we make," stated Pough. We didn't get as much out our special teams as I would have liked but we got our work cut out for us next week against South Carolina.

South Carolina State racked up 454 total yards on offense and improved to 3-0 overall, 1-0 in the MEAC. Ford finished the day with 104 yards and two touchdowns. Senior linebacker David Erby led the Bulldog defense with nine tackles. SC State returns to action on Saturday as the travel to face intrastate rival University of South Carolina in a 7p.m. showdown. The game will be televised live on ESPN Classic.

Courtesy: SC State

Rams lose again, fall to 0-4

Winston-Salem State was its own worst enemy Saturday night against S.C. State. The Rams had more penalties (13) than first downs (12) in a 27-10 loss to the Bulldogs in front of 15,903 at Dawson Stadium. As Coach Kermit Blount of the Rams walked off the field between two South Carolina state troopers his head was down after watching his team make mistake after mistake on offense. The Rams had six false-start penalties from their young offensive line, and many of those killed the momentum on several drives.

S.C. State Tre Young makes big gain on the Rams.

"I don't know," Blount said about why his team had so many false starts. "I guess playing with a freshman center, but he should have all those kinks worked out by now. But I'm not one to make excuses, we had opportunities all night long and we just didn't capitalize." The Rams fell to 0-4 and have now lost six straight going back to last season. It's the longest losing streak in Blount's 17-year career at WSSU. The Bulldogs (3-0) rolled up 454 yards of offense with quarterback Malcolm Long doing most of the damage. Long was 22 of 33 for 274 yards and a touchdown pass.

Bulldogs defeat Winston-Salem State, 27-10

The numbers both did and didn’t tell the complete story for South Carolina State Saturday night. An estimated 15,903 fans inside Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, the most for a home opener in over a decade, witnessed the 14th-ranked Bulldogs remain undefeated with a 27-10 victory over Winston-Salem State. S.C. State (3-0, 1-0) posted a season-high 454 total yards as quarterback Malcolm Long had a career game against the school he chose the Bulldogs over with 279 yards on 22 of 33 passing and a touchdown. Charleston native Tre Young was the recipient of many of Long’s throws with nine catches for 148 yards.

This was also the first 100-plus yard game for senior tailback Will Ford. The Travelers Rest native had 104 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to move past Hampton’s Montrell Coley into fourth place on the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s career-rushing list. The Bulldog defense once again excelled as it held the winless Rams (0-4) to 10 points for the fourth consecutive game and allowed just 80 passing yards. Yet for all the gaudy numbers, head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough was less than satisfied with the victory. In fact, he was more than candid about his team’s chance this season if they do not show improvement soon.

One-on-One with Charlene Johnson

Charlene Johnson has been South Carolina State University's athletic director since 2005 and her association with the school spans 25 years. An Allendale County native, Johnson played a key role on S.C. State's 1979 AIAW national championship basketball team. She has been an S.C. State volleyball and tennis head coach, and an assistant basketball coach. Away from work, Johnson enjoys spending time with her husband Virgin and children Taylor and Trey and likes to watch sporting events and HGTV. While fielding ticket requests for S.C. State's game at South Carolina on Saturday night, she spoke with The Post and Courier's Gene Sapakoff.

I'm guessing you didn't go around as a kid saying, "I want to be a college athletic director when I grow up." "The thought never crossed my mind growing up. But after being at South Carolina State and being a Health and Physical Education major, I knew I wanted to coach and I kept thinking that as I matriculated through college."

What is it like being one of the only women serving as an athletic director in college sports? "When I was first named interim athletic director back in 2004, it was like I was kind of thrown into the water, sink or swim. Then being exposed to the folks in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference -- all the coaches, athletic directors and commissioners -- you learn a lot in a hurry. Having coached and being the first female on the (S.C. State) staff at the time, I had a lot of early training. So by the time I advanced to being athletic director, I had already had a baptism by fire. And I really didn't have too much time to think 'Oh, gosh, I'm a female.' I just had to roll up my sleeves and go to work."

SC State wins, but Bulldogs not happy

On paper at least, South Carolina State had a good showing in its home opener on Saturday night before 15,903 fans at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. The defending MEAC champion Bulldogs improved to 3-0 with a 27-10 victory against winless Winston-Salem State. Quarterback Malcolm Long had a career-high 272 yards passing, receiver Tre' Young had a career night with nine catches for 148 yards and All-America running back Will Ford had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. The Bulldogs finished with 23 first downs and 454 yards on offense, and the defense limited the Rams to 10 first downs and 202 yards.

S.C. State Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough was not happy with the Bulldog performance. Up Next: at South Carolina Gamecocks

But the Bulldogs' body language as they trudged off the field to the locker room told a different story. There were few smiles on the faces of the winners and none of the horseplay and interaction with the crowd that is typical after a 17-point win. S.C. State Buddy Pough painted a bleak picture after the game, making it crystal clear that the performance was not merely an isolated case of a team coming out flat against a lackluster opponent. "If we don't start playing better than we are right now, this will be a three-or-four loss team by the end of the season, no doubt about it," was his stark assessment.

Gallery: S.C. State vs. Winston-Salem State

Attendance: 15,903 at Dawson Bulldog Stadium, Orangeburg, SC

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Atlanta Football Classic: Florida A&M Rattlers vs. Tennessee State Tigers

FAMU, Tennessee St. prepare for Dome showdown

It’s that time of year again for the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome. Florida A&M and Tennessee State square off Saturday at 3 p.m. in a contest which highlights a weekend of parades, step shows, tailgating and good ‘ol reminiscing. The scene at the Dome tomorrow will likely rival that of an Atlanta Falcons home game. So with thousands coming north from Florida and south from Tennessee to the ATL for the game, there’s one burning question that remains – is this the year Tennessee State finally breaks the drought?

TSU hopes quarterback brings points to offense

Maybe having two quarterbacks with starting experience will provide the boost Tennessee State's offense needs. Dominic Grooms, who started the opener, returned to practice this week and will be available along with Calvin McNairl, who replaced him, for today's 2:30 p.m. game against Florida A&M (3-0) in the Atlanta Classic at the Georgia Dome. The Tigers (1-2) are 112th out of 118 Football Championship Subdivision teams in passing (106.7 yards) and 102nd in total offense (239.7).

McNairl, a sophomore who recovered from a preseason knee injury and started the last two games, took most of the snaps with the first team in practice this week and will start today. McNairl is the Tigers' leading rusher with 187 yards on 25 carries and has passed for 129 yards on 13 of 36 completions with three interceptions. The coaching staff also plans to get Grooms, a junior transfer from Missouri, back in the mix, see how his hamstring holds up, and try to get the passing game off the ground again.

Keys to the game: Florida A&M vs. Tennessee State

When FAMU has the ball...Curtis Pulley has been the MEAC's Offensive Player of the Week three times already this season. The senior leads the conference in total yards per game and second in rushing. In the Rattlers' 48-10 victory over Howard last week, there were numerous drops from the wide receivers. Kevin Elliott texted Joe Taylor after that victory and promised such an episode will not happen again.

Tennessee State's defense has kept the Tigers within striking distance in each game this season. Despite allowing 361 yards per game, the Tigers' defense has been able to limit big plays. Defensive ends Kellen Woodard and Rodney Fritz have harassed quarterbacks and each have three sacks on the young season. Overall, opponents have scored only eight times is 14 opportunities, though seven of those scores have been for touchdowns. Of the seven touchdowns allowed, six have been through the air so Elliott, Isaac West, Adrian Smith and others may have a chance to atone for the Howard performance.

Tennessee State won't avoid proficient punt returner

Special attention is being paid to the special teams at Tennessee State this week. That's because the Tigers face Florida A&M's LeRoy Vann, who has captured national attention with four punt returns for touchdowns in the past two games. TSU (1-2) meets Florida A&M (3-0) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome. The 5-foot-9 burner had runbacks for 95 and 80 yards for touchdowns in the Rattlers' Sept. 10 win over Winston-Salem State and two more from 40 and 66 yards in a Sept. 17 win against Howard.

Vann's returns were featured each week on ESPN's "Top Plays," he was a topic of discussion on the network's Around The Horn and was interviewed this week by former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard for Saturday's College GameDay. He also was featured in Sports Illustrated and The New York Times. "Everybody in the country is talking about the guy,'' TSU Coach James Webster said. "He's one of the best, if not the best, punt returners in all of college football."

FAMU's RB Philip Sylvester is the forgotten man with blazing speed and a passion for destroying the TSU defense.

Recession doesn't look to slow FAMU, TSU fans at Atlanta Classic

The longstanding rivalry between Florida A&M and Tennessee State has not only been competitive, it's been quite lucrative. Despite the longest recession in the past 80 years, the Atlanta Football Classic will generate yet another $20 million for the metro Atlanta economy, according to the Atlanta Sports Council. This is quite a jump from the $3 million in economic impact the Tallahassee area sees for the typical FAMU home football game. Hoteliers, restaurants and retailers have not been the only beneficiaries, according to the 100 Black Men of Atlanta Inc. The game has raised $2.1 million for the athletic departments of the competing schools, and another $2.9 million for the organization's Project Share program over the past five years.

Fans need right TV plan to see FSU, FAMU

Local fans can watch the Florida State and Florida A&M football games on television today — if they have the right cable or satellite package. VERSUS, the channel carrying today's game between Tennessee State and FAMU at 3:30 p.m. in Atlanta is part of the digital starter package and is on channel 55 or channel 448 in high definition. Comcast recently added ESPNU, the channel carrying today's game between South Florida and FSU at noon. ESPNU is channel 735 or channel 396 in high definition. The channel is also available on DirecTV and Dish Network.

FAMU's Creary bounces back from injury

When FAMU safety Michael Creary put the stop on Alabama State's receiver Cedric Harris midway through the second quarter of their game last season, Creary had no clue about the consequence of the hit. The pain he felt afterward was enough to get him out of the game. He thought he'd get to continue the great game he was having up to that point with five tackles. But the longer he waited for the pain to subside, the larger the swelling around his left knee got. He wouldn't play another down, as he watched the Rattlers finish 9-3.

Watching the unfolding of the turnaround season for the team was agonizing from the sidelines, he said. As the team won, he watched on crutches following surgery to his damaged ACL. It was agonizing for the redshirt junior, to say the least. "I was happy for my team but I was down about it because I was prepared," Creary said. "I had really prepared for the season and I really wanted to be part of it. It was tough."



TSU (1-2) VS. FLORIDA A&M (3-0)
Where. Georgia Dome, Atlanta.
When. 3:30 p.m. EST. today
TV/radio. Versus/1470-AM
Last meeting. FAMU 28, TSU 21 (2008)
Story lines. Florida A&M has beaten TSU seven consecutive years. After giving up six sacks in the first two games TSU’s offensive line did not allow a sack in last week’s 21-17 loss at Southern. The Rattlers feature the nation’s top Football Championship Series punt returner in LeRoy Vann, who has four for TDs in the last two games.

FAMU's Vann does it again, wins weekly award

Florida A&M returnman Leroy Vann, Liberty quarterback Mike Brown and Richmond defensive tackle Nicholas Battle have been named The Sports Network's FCS national players of the week.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK Leroy Vann, Florida A&M, 5-9, 185, Senior, KR/PR-DB, Tampa, FL. Vann led Florida A&M to its second-straight nationally-televised victory with two punt returns as the Rattlers beat Howard 48-10 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest. It is the second week in a row that Vann has been named national special teams player of the week after returning two kicks for touchdowns. Vann tied an NCAA Division I career record with seven punt returns for touchdowns and tied the single-season FAMU mark of four punt returns for TDs, which had previously been established by Howard Huckaby (1985-88). The NCAA mark was originally set by Kenny Shedd of Northern Iowa (1989-92).

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Towson Tigers at Morgan State Bears

All-MEAC RB Devan James,#34 is ready to bust loose on cross-town rival Tigers.

Their players eat at the same restaurants, shop at the same malls and date women from each other's campuses. But pit Towson against Morgan State in football and get set for a row. The schools square off Saturday for the 22nd time in their intracity rivalry at Morgan's Hughes Stadium at 4 p.m. Both teams are 1-1. Lineups of Tigers and Bears, oh my. Let the battle for North Baltimore begin.

"It's easy to get juiced for Morgan," said Dan Bridges, Towson's 290-pound offensive tackle. "

It's one of those games that we don't want to lose the most."Ditto, says Morgan."I saw a couple of [Towson] players at Wal-mart last week, but I just kept movin'," said Devan James, Morgan's star running back. "Can't be too friendly because it's time to go to war."Five miles separate the colleges, which first met in football in 1979. Towson leads the series 16-5, with four straight wins. Last year, the Tigers rallied after halftime and held on, 21-16, as Morgan failed to score on three consecutive plays from Towson's 1-yard line in the fourth quarter. Two years ago, a late interception sparked the Tigers, 28-21.

College football: Towson, Morgan not very neighborly

Rivalry is intense between teams separated by five miles
Their players eat at the same restaurants, shop at the same malls and date women from each other's campuses. But pit Towson against Morgan State in football and get set for a row. The schools square off Saturday for the 22nd time in their intracity rivalry at Morgan's Hughes Stadium at 4 p.m. Both teams are 1-1. Lineups of Tigers and Bears, oh my. Let the battle for North Baltimore begin.

"It's easy to get juiced for Morgan," said Dan Bridges, Towson's 290-pound offensive tackle. "It's one of those games that we don't want to lose the most."Ditto, says Morgan."I saw a couple of [Towson] players at Wal-mart last week, but I just kept movin'," said Devan James, Morgan's star running back. "Can't be too friendly because it's time to go to war." Five miles separate the colleges, which first met in football in 1979. Towson leads the series 16-5, with four straight wins. Last year, the Tigers rallied after halftime and held on, 21-16, as Morgan failed to score on three consecutive plays from Towson's 1-yard line in the fourth quarter. Two years ago, a late interception sparked the Tigers, 28-21.

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Texas Southern Tigers at Texas State Bobcats

Texas State wary of Texas Southern

On paper, Texas State, ranked 23rd in FCS, seems to have a clear advantage over Texas Southern, winless in eight games against the Bobcats. The Tigers lost their first two games this season against Southwestern Athletic Conference rivals by a combined 75-7 tally before beating Texas College, an NAIA school, 75-6. The injury bug – which has bitten the Bobcats' offensive playmakers hard – could even things out a bit for the Tigers. The Bobcats will miss running back Karrington Bush (knee), who has been out after missing all but the first quarter of the opener. Also out is speedy slot receiver Cedric Alexander (pulled quadricep), while starting receiver Mishak Rivas has been nursing a foot injury. However, Wright said he expects Rivas and linebacker Joe Bell, who also hasn't played a down this season, to return tonight Wright said Texas Southern is a team to be reckoned with.

"They're scary," Wright said. "They're extremely athletic. Coach (Johnnie) Cole has done a great job in all three phases of the game. More than anything, they're a throwing team." Wright said the offense, run by the quarterback tandem of Arvell Nelson and Gino Simoni, runs out of a spread formation, similar to the Bobcats', and will throw the ball 40-50 times, at least. Defensively, the linemen and linebackers are the strength, Wright said, using a variety of line twists and blitzes to stay unpredictable.

TSU second year Coach Johnnie Cole.

College Football: Bobcat Record Breaker

San Marcos — Bradley George was ready to sign with Louisiana Tech. He already planned to sleep on a graduate assistant’s couch while trying to find a place of his own. George had signed up for classes and prepared to begin classes in early January. Then he got a phone call from former Texas State head coach David Bailiff. “I was packed up and ready to go,” George said. “Bailiff called me and said ‘Hey, I hear you’re coming back to football. Why don’t you give me a call?’ I didn’t want to, because I had a Division I mindset and wanted to try that.” Something beyond George’s control pulled him to the Bobcats.

Maybe it was because his parents are alums. Or, it could have been that his hometown is 15 minutes down I-35 in New Braunfels. His brother Reagan (a former quarterback with the Bobcats) might have talked to him or heck, maybe he’d miss his grandmother’s homemade cookies Whatever the reason, George signed with Texas State and was ready to begin his collegiate career – at 22-years old. George spent five years after high school in the Cincinnati Reds’ minor league system. He felt his best chance at stardom was on the diamond, but his arm wouldn’t allow it.

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N.C. Central Eagles at Duke Blue Devils

Preview: Duke (1-2) v. NC Central (0-3)

For the first time NC Central and Duke will meet on the gridiron in what is being called the "Bull City Classic". In addition, this weekend's game will serve as Homecoming 2009 for the Blue Devils. Last Time: The two schools have never met on the gridiron. However the Eagles have played in Wallace Wade Stadium on three occasions, posting a 2-1 overall record on Duke's home field. The last time the Eagles were on the field they defeated North Carolina A&T by a score of 29-18 during the 1974 season. Duke has an all-time record of 42-35-3 when playing a team for the first time. .

What To Watch For On Offense: The Eagles' offensive unit has been largely ineffective through the first three contests of the season - averaging just 14.7 points per game. Some if it due to inexperience with several younger players being forced into action. Two positions were opened for in preseason drills when junior wide receiver Corey Harris dislocated his left clavicle. Soon after, senior offensive lineman Eric Stanley suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee. Both required season-ending surgery.

Duke and NCCU to meet for first time

A 'Classic' every year...Although schedule restrictions limit Duke and NCCU's ability to compete annually, University officials are hopeful that there will be a Bull City Classic every year. The contract between NCCU and Duke requires the two schools to meet every three years until the 2015 football season. The University hopes to fill the remaining gaps in the schedule with other Historically Black Colleges and Universities, such as Howard University and Morgan State University, hosting one school per year in the Classic.

"We're looking to build an affinity for Duke football," said Deputy Director of Athletics Stan Wilcox. "Within the Durham community, there are a number of individuals who probably have attended some of these historically black colleges that are in the region and it would give those individuals the opportunity to see their alma mater in Durham."

Bull City rivalry takes wing

You could hear the thumping drumbeat of the marching Sound Machine blocks away. It may not have felt like a football night -- "too hot and sticky," N.C. Central University fan Tony Chavis said -- but several thousand people crowded into Historic Durham Athletic Park on Thursday night for an old-fashioned pigskin party. The Bull City Football Fest celebrated in anticipation of Saturday night's first-ever football encounter between NCCU and Duke, "two great universities that unbelievably are just five miles apart," Blue Devil coach David Cutcliffe told the crowd.

The fest offered food and drink, activities for kids that included a climbing wall and a moon walk, and music from the Sound Machine, the Eagles' pep band, and the Blue Devil marching band. There were cheerleaders and mascots, hot dogs and barbecue.
Most of all, the event gave supporters of both schools a chance to mingle, talk a little trash and support their school.

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Howard Bison at Georgetown (D.C.) Hoyas

Bison, Hoyas Bring Dormant Offenses Into D.C. Cup Game

Nearly 176 minutes have elapsed off the game clock since Georgetown's offense last crossed the goal line. The Hoyas' only offensive touchdown of the season came on their first drive of their first game against Holy Cross on Sept. 5. Howard's offense hasn't fared much better. The Bison's lone offensive touchdown was in the second quarter of their season opener at Rutgers on Sept. 12, almost 100 minutes ago on the game clock. It's not surprising that both teams are winless given their struggles to put points on the scoreboard. Georgetown (0-3) has a total of 20 points in three games, while Howard (0-2) has 17 points in two games. When they meet in the second annual D.C. Cup game at Georgetown's Multi-Sport Field on Saturday afternoon, both the Hoyas and Bison will be looking to invigorate their lackluster offenses.

Jourdan Brooks, Rutgers runs past HU Bison CB Dante Martin. What a Bison to do?

Georgetown vs. Howard

Records: Hoyas 0-3; Bison 0-2.

ALL ABOUT THE W: Both teams desperately need a victory after slow starts to the season. Georgetown, which is celebrating homecoming this weekend, beat Howard, 12-7, in last year's inaugural D.C. Cup.

OFFENSIVE WOES: In a 31-10 loss to Yale last Saturday, freshman Isaiah Kempf became the first Georgetown quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards since 2007. Still, the Hoyas scored only 10 points and are averaging less than a touchdown per game (6.7 points). The Bison haven't had a 100-yard rusher since November 2006. Freshman running back Andra Williams has potential and has rushed for 54 yards on 11 carries, but he has fumbled three times in two games.

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Grambling State Tigers at Oklahoma State

Gundy says preparation for Grambling the same as for other games

When a major-college football team’s schedule includes a meeting with a Division I-AA opponent, it is a competition not usually viewed by fans or media as compelling.
Texas Tech coach Mike Leach puts into perspective the relevance of such a contest: “It is reckless and haphazard not to take those games seriously. If you don’t think it is a big game, try losing one of them and see how big of a game it is.”

For Oklahoma State, a loss to Division I-AA Grambling State would dissolve any shot at once again becoming nationally significant this season. The Cowboys’ confidence would be rocked before they delve into Big 12 play. The 16th-ranked Cowboys (2-1) and defending black college national champion Tigers (2-1) clash at 6 p.m. Saturday in Stillwater. Because of various promotions, a school-record crowd is expected at Boone Pickens Stadium. The record of 53,012 was set for the Sept. 5 Georgia game.

Grambling St.-Oklahoma St. Preview

Since a season-opening win over a ranked team catapulted Oklahoma State to its highest ranking in 24 years, the Cowboys have failed to live up to the high billing.
To rebound from two uninspired performances and get the season back on track, Oklahoma State will have to overcome more than just its disappointment. The No. 16 Cowboys have to deal with injuries to several key players as they host Grambling State in their non-conference finale Saturday night. Oklahoma State (2-1) climbed to No. 5 in the AP poll after a 24-10 win over then-No. 13 Georgia in its season opener. The Cowboys, though, suffered an immediate letdown, falling 45-35 to Houston the following week.

OSU hopes to sell stadium out for Grambling

The last time an OSU home football game was sold out, it was played in Lewis Field.
Officials in the Athletic Department want to make this Saturday’s game against Grambling State the first to sell out at the completed Boone Pickens Stadium. To spearhead the effort, the Athletic Department created a viral marketing campaign directed through the Web site http://www.selloutgrambling.com/ . The Athletic Department spent $4,000 on the campaign to create the site and make small yard signs and door hangers to advertise it. Those who visited the site were rewarded with half-price tickets to this weekend’s game. The half-price tickets are now sold out.

Associate Athletic Director Amy Weeks said the Athletic Department chose the Grambling State game because it appealed to more than just football fans. “We felt it would be a fan-friendly game,” she said. “The halftime show that our band and their band would put on would appeal to people who aren’t our regular customers.”

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Grambling coach to resign after player's death

Duckett’s one season: GSU went 6-23 overall and 4-14 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Grambling coach to resign after player's death

Grambling State men's basketball coach Rick Duckett will resign after one of his players died after reportedly suffering a heat-related illness during an off-season conditioning run on Aug. 14. The school announced the 52-year-old Duckett was placed on administrative leave through Oct. 31 — when his contract ends. Henry White, a 21-year-old junior college transfer from Milwaukee, died on Aug. 26 after spending 10 days in the hospital. Duckett had surgery the day White collapsed and, according to a source close to the situation, was not in attendance for a 30-minute run that was administered by an assistant coach to those players who showed up late.

Grambling men's basketball coach Rick Duckett to step down

Men's basketball coach Rick Duckett, on the job just over a year, will step down in the wake of the death of a transfer Grambling State University player. Henry White, a 21-year-old former Hill Junior College standout, became ill Aug. 14 at a preseason practice. He died at a Shreveport hospital a week later. Duckett has now been placed on administrative leave through Oct. 31 -- when his employment officially ends, university officials confirm.

GSU men's basketball coach released

The short-lived Ricky Duckett era for Grambling State’s men’s basketball program has ended.A release from the university sent out this morning said Duckett has been placed on administrative leave, effectively immediately, until Oct. 31 when his employment officially ends. GSU’s release added that no other information is available at this time. The move comes a month after the death of men’s basketball player Henry White, who died Aug. 26 in a Shreveport hospital, 11 days after reportedly suffering a heat-related illness during off-season conditioning drills under an assistant coach’s supervision.GSU said in a prepared statement at that time that a full investigation into the circumstances that may have contributed to White’s death is ongoing.

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MEAC/SWAC/OVC Week in Review

Last week held no surprises from my observation other than a continued drop in attendence at the HBCU stadiums. Not sure if it's a reflection of the product on the field, the match up or game time weather. You know how HBCU fans don't like to get their "outfits" wet. I have a simple solution--just wear the school colors in casual dress down Friday, and leave the Sunday best, gator and lizard shoes in the closet. Liz Taylor, Tommy, Kenneth and their fashion buddies can take the weekend off.

On the football front, McNeese State slammed Savannah State 56 to zip! But 13,912 showed up at Cowboy Stadium and no one left right after half-time. At the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama only 3,951 true Hornets made an appearance to see Alabama State steamroll Division II Edward Water, 38-6. Hey, a win is a win for Coach Barlow. In the OVC vs. SWAC Challenge (just kidding) at A.W. Mumford Stadium, the Southern Jaguars outlasted Tennessee State 21-17, with only 9,300 watching. I suppose the TSU fans were holding back to travel to Atlanta for their annual rivalry beat down with FAMU in the Atlanta Football Classic. FAMU (3-0) is the class of the MEAC with big games ahead with Miami and MEAC Champs South Carolina State. TSU--you are just a tune-up and Rattler bait!

All the Mississippi programs got a licking at the gate and on the field . University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions came to Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena and plummeted Mississippi Valley State 27-7, with only 2,200 in the stands. Coach Totten needs to reserve the U-Haul as there is another story behind the attendance numbers at Valley this season. In the annual Tiger rivalry game, Grambling State knocked out Jackson State 27-17 but only 10,905 bothered to show up at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. We're talking about a JSU program that averaged over 20,000 last season in home games.

Alcorn State was pounded in a "money game" at Central Michigan 48-0 in a no-contest before 18,323 screaming Chippewas. It was the Chips home opener after a big win last week over Michigan State, and their first shutout in 13 years with the Braves doing the honors.

FAMU's All-American, sensational return specialist LeRoy Vann, is the talk of the nation. Vann has run back four returns for touchdowns in the last two games with outstanding play from all of FAMU's special team players.

At O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium the Eagles of North Carolina Central University dropped a double O.T. game to Morehead State 13-10. Only 7,017 Eagle fans left disappointed but encouraged with the way NCCU kept coming back. Texas Southern purchased a win over lowly Texas College Steers (0-4) and beat the Red River Athletic Conference NAIA program 75-6. Only one question--Did the Tigers save anything for the remainder of the SWAC schedule?

Norfolk State got a solid dose of reality in facing #5 ranked William and Mary at Dick Price Stadium. The Spartans were outclassed 27-15 and only 10,005 fans even bothered to watch. It's anybody's guess on how many Spartans and Tribe fans watched "on the radio." Morgan State prevailed over tough Winston Salem State Rams 16-10 at Giant Stadium with 25,604 watching the Whitney Young Classic. There nothing Division II about WSSU scholarship players who are now creating good film for transfer to higher profile programs (next season), as the Rams drop back to the D-II and the CIAA.

All we can say is the Aggies are back--competitive, that is. Hampton kicked the North Carolina A&T Aggiess 24-14, but the AggieNation came out at 13,502 at Aggie Stadium. Give Coach Alonzo Lee time... but this is a dangerous team for the rest of the MEAC to play. Aggie Pride! Watch Out! Delaware and Delaware State got it on in Newark and the Hornets made a game of it. Delaware prevailed 27-17, and their 20,585 fans now know physical football is played in Dover.

And finally, Alabama A&M embarrassed themselves in Louis Crews Stadium in falling to Jacksonville State 45-13. It's bad to get stomped in your home stadium, but it's worst when only 2,906 showed up counting the band, cheerleaders and players. This definitely was a not made for TV game.

Talking about television, LeRoy Vann is becoming a household word. Vann scored on two punt returns for touchdowns leading the FAMU Rattlers in a rout over the Howard Bison 48-10 on a Thursday night ESPNU broadcast. But, where were the Rattler fans? 7,668 True Rattlers showed up along with 17,832 empty seats. Folks, let's get serious. The season is 1/3 over! Let's leave that TV alone and let's go watch some HBCU football at the stadium! HBCU programs need the $$$$$.

-beepbeep

Grambling State Tigers 27, Jackson State Tigers 17

GSU wins second straight game

JACKSON, Miss. — There wasn't much offense to speak of. For the second Saturday in a row, Grambling didn't need it. GSU beat Jackson State 27-17 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in a rematch of the last pair of Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Games. The win was sparked again by Grambling end Christian Anthony, the SWAC's defensive player of the year. Late in the first period, Anthony reeled in his third interception in two weeks, then rumbled 30 yards for his second touchdown of 2009 — and the first TD of the night.

Grambling defeats Jackson State

JACKSON, Miss. — Frank Warren ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns as Grambling State beat Jackson State 27-17 today. Grambling State (2-1, 1-0 Southwest Athletic Conference) relied on its defense to build a 20-3 halftime lead. The Tigers’ defense recorded two safeties and defensive end Christian Anthony intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers recovered five Jackson State fumbles and intercepted one pass. Warren scored on an 18-yard run in the second quarter and added a 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth. The Grambling State defense allowed Jackson State no yards rushing on 43 carries.

Is it still a rivalry if Grambling owns Jackson State?

JACKSON, Miss. — By record, this game isn’t a rivalry. Jackson State simply hasn’t beaten Grambling enough over the past three seasons. Coming into Saturday’s afternoon scrum at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, JSU had won just once through five meetings in this series since Rick Comegy took over. Jackson, after falling 27-17, is now 1-and-5 over that span.
JSU hasn't topped Grambling in a regular-season game since 2004, and hasn’t won consecutive games over GSU since 1998-99.

JSU Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band








Photo Galleries: Grambling vs. Jackson State

Tigers hurt cause

On a cloudy Saturday afternoon at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, there was at least one bit of sunshine (albeit a small one) for the Jackson State faithful. At least this worst-than-it-sounds 27-17 loss to SWAC nemesis Grambling doesn't count in the league standings. Other than that, there wasn't a whole to cheer about for the announced crowd of 10,905 who watched JSU fall to the G-Men for the sixth time in the last seven meetings, including last season's SWAC championship game. Although the score wasn't as one-sided as that 41-9 setback in Birmingham last December, the game was - at least in the first half when Jackson State managed just 18 yards of offense and fell into a 20-3 hole.

Transfer Johnson finding niche with Tigers

Jackson State defensive back Anthony Johnson, a Mississippi State transfer, experienced a bit of deja vu Saturday. Well, almost. It was late in the second half when Johnson picked off a pass in his own end zone and appeared headed for a 100-yard, momentum-swinging interception before being hit from the blind side after racing for 45 yards. It was just two seasons ago when Johnson did the same thing for MSU, returning a pass 104 yards (the longest in school history) right before the half to help the Bulldogs knock off Alabama. "I had a little flashback there," Johnson said. "I felt like I should have never given up the play a little earlier so I had to redeem myself. It was just a redeeming play."

Photo Gallery: Jackson State - Grambling

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Southern Jaguars 21, Tennessee State Tigers 17

Southern University Coach Pete Richardson at expanded A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Fired up Jaguars defense

While Southern University’s offense found stiff competition Saturday night against Tennessee State, the Jaguars defense roughed up the visiting Tigers even more. After playing opponents from different levels of college football the first two weeks of the season, Southern found itself on even footing against Tennessee State, and the Jaguars defense made sure their offense had all the chances needed to pull out a 21-17 win. “Tonight, we played a team on our level, and we knew it would be a dogfight,” Southern defensive coordinator Terrence Graves said. “These guys stepped up and made big plays. This is a testament to them and things to come this season.”

Photos: Southern 21, TSU 17

Jaguars get intense victory

Saturday night in A.W. Mumford Stadium, the Southern football team played hard, if not always sound. Yet as the offense huddled with 6:30 remaining, then Jaguars needed to score against a tough Tennessee State defense. Otherwise, the Jaguars’ three-hour struggle was destined to become a loss. So, as they geared up for what would become their fourth-quarter game-winning drive in front of 12,247 fans, quarterback Bryant Lee gave his teammates a simple message: Play with one heartbeat. “It was really intense in there,” tailback Brian Threat said. “A lot of yelling like, ‘Hey, we’ve got to get it. We’ve got to get amped up.’ We all came together, got amped up and executed well.”

House answers call, stars at safety

Free safety Jason House and strong safety Demetric Rogers started for the second straight game Saturday in Southern’s 21-17 victory over Tennessee State, stepping in for regular starters Anthony Wells and Gary Chatman. Wells is recovering from two knee surgeries and a pulled hamstring, which he suffered during the first half of SU’s season-opening loss at Louisiana-Lafayette. On Saturday, he walked the sideline in his game jersey and jeans. Chatman, who sprained his right ankle in the ULL game, dressed out Saturday but did not play.

Too many 3-and-outs

Tennessee State quarterback Calvin McNairl didn’t want to come off the field without a score. Tennessee State’s defense had just denied Bryant Lee enough yardage for a first down on fourth-and-1 inside the red zone and it was time for his Tigers to go to work. At the time, TSU was ahead by three and a touchdown would have made it a two-score game. With 8:20 left to play, the Tigers took over at their 16-yard line. McNairl hoped this drive would be different from five others that ended with three-and-outs. The worst case scenario? The Tennessee State quarterback hoped for a field goal. What he got was two decent gains from Preston Brown. But on third-and-3, the Tigers went backward as Brown was stopped for a 2-yard loss.

Southern uses late rally to defeat TSU

BATON ROUGE, La. — Tennessee State allowed Southern to go on a late fourth-quarter drive that led to a 21-17 Tigers loss on Saturday night. "We just gave up some big plays. Our offense had the chance to get some first downs and run the clock out," Tennessee State Coach James Webster said. "We just didn't get it done." TSU, which scored just two offensive touchdowns in its first two games, managed 255 yards of offense and squandered two scoring chances inside the Southern 20. But the Tigers (1-2) took a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter.

New TSU starter shows he's a leader

Now that he's the starting quarterback, Calvin McNairl is sending a message in more ways than one to Tennessee State's football team. Not only is the former Henry County star now talking about his ability to lead the Tigers, but he is also proving it on the field. He was the most valuable player in last week's 14-7 Southern Heritage Classic win over Jackson State and has carried himself with more resolve this week as TSU (1-1) prepared to visit Southern (1-1) at 6 tonight. "When Calvin first got here he wouldn't say, 'Boo,''' TSU Coach James Webster said. "But now he's talking. He's telling his offensive teammates where they need to be, what they need to do. The guys have responded and it's made a difference."

TSU's defense gets in groove

Tennessee State Coach James Webster hates to say I told you so, but…Webster did warn of the offensive struggles his team has experienced and told his defensive players to be prepared handle a heavier load. "I said that our defense was going to carry this football team until our offense could jell,'' Webster said. "I fully expected that." While the offense showed improvement in Saturday's 14-7 win over Jackson State, the defense is being counted on heavily as the Tigers (1-1) prepare for Saturday's game at Southern (1-1).

Attendance: 9,300 @ Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA.

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TSU Aristocrat of Bands vs. SU Human Juke Box

Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands and the Sophisticated Ladies 9/18/09 @ Baton Rouge, LA

Hampton Pirates 24, North Carolina A&T Aggies 14

Hampton deals A&T its first loss of season

GREENSBORO — Hampton hasn't needed extra motivation against N.C. A&T in recent years. The Pirates' averages of 46.6 points and 32-point margins of victory during five straight wins hardly necessitated it. But after reading some comments made by members of Aggies this week, Don Rose clipped out the statements anyway and passed them around the Pirates locker room. "I know with coach (Alonzo) Lee, I know he does a lot to motivate his team or whatever," Rose said. "But a lot of times by doing that, we just took advantage of it. We don't need that to necessarily get us going, but it was a little fire."

Watch Replay : ESPN 360 -- HU vs. NCA&T Game

HU awakens in second quarter, wins 24-14

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Hampton University needed some extra effort this time, but the final result looked familiar.After devouring North Carolina A&T by an average of 32 points in their previous five meetings, the Pirates scrapped through early offensive struggles Saturday before bouncing back with several momentum-swinging plays to pick up their sixth straight win over the Aggies, 24-14 at Aggie Stadium.Hampton quarterback Herb Bynes completed 11 of 20 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns in his first start of the season. HU (2-1, 1-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) rolled up 333 yards of offense against a defense that had given up a total of 391 in its first two games.

Bynes throws 2 touchdown passes to lead Hampton to 24-14 victory ...

Herbert Bynes threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns to lead Hampton to a 24-14 victory over North Carolina A&T on Saturday night.Bynes hit Damon McDaniel on touchdown passes of 62 and 23 yards and LaMarcus Coker rushed for 112 yards on 24 carries for the Pirates (2-1, 1-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference). McDaniel finished with five catches for 104 yards.Brand Roundtree scored on a 5-yard interception return for Hampton's other touchdown with 12:27 left in the game.

IMPROVEMENT STILL EVIDENT DESPITE LOSS

Hampton head coach Don Rose predicted the change in the days leading up to Saturday’s Hampton-North Carolina A&T football clash. “It is no longer as it once was; when you travel to play North Carolina A&T, you have to be ready to play,” Rose said in a Hampton press release early in the week. Saturday’s 24-14 win, though Hampton’s sixth straight in the series, could mark a shift in recent Pirates vs. Aggies history. Unlike some of the previous contests, the 2009 clash was competitive throughout. From 2006-08, Hampton outscored the Aggies 151-35. The Pirates’ average margin of victory in those three games was 38 points.

Attendance: 13,502@Aggie Stadium, Greensboro, N.C.

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William &Mary 27, Norfolk State 15

Late rally not enough for upset-minded NSU

They kept playing. They did some nice things in the downfield passing game for the first time in this young season. They allowed just six points after halftime. Anyone looking for positives from Norfolk State's 27-15 loss to William and Mary on Saturday night could take some comfort from those developments. As a building block, the game could have some value, as the Spartans head into the MEAC portion of their schedule. As a straight-up match-up, however, the game showed that NSU still has much ground to make up to compete with one of the top teams in the Football Championship Subdivision.

On a night when they were going to need to play error-free ball - or close to it - to have a chance at the upset, the Spartans (1-2) again made too many mistakes, especially early, falling behind 14-0 before some of the crowd of 10,005 had settled into their seats. It was 21-0 at the half, and 27-0 at the start of the fourth quarter. NSU ran just four plays in the entire third quarter, as No. 5 William and Mary (3-0) strung together a pair of long drives.



In W&M game, NSU shows needs to play consistently

Not that anybody thought suspense was in the forecast Saturday evening when William and Mary met Norfolk State at Dick Price Stadium. This one was your basic mismatches. The final score - 27-15 - doesn't do justice to the visitor's domination. One of Jimmye Laycock's best teams in his long career, William and Mary isn't overly dependent on the pass, as previous Tribe editions have been, and features a defense that is stronger than any from Williamsburg in years. Just ask U.Va. It was too much for Norfolk State, which, after its loss to North Carolina A&T last week, came into the game a work in progress. One thing Norfolk State couldn't afford to do was fall behind W&M early. But that's exactly what happened.

Archer leads William and Mary past Norfolk State

NORFOLK - If this is how R.J. Archer plays injured, watch out. Archer, William and Mary's senior quarterback who played with a brace on his injured left knee, directed two early touchdown drives that put the Tribe ahead to stay in a 27-15 victory at Norfolk State on Saturday night on his way to 153 passing yards and three touchdowns. Archer, who took a seat after the Tribe's initial possession of the fourth quarter, finished 15-of-20 after completing his first five passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns as William and Mary, ranked No. 5 in the country, opened the season 3-0 for the first time since 1998.

Tribe defense brings Spartans to near halt

The Tribe outgained Norfolk State 137 yards to 7 in the first quarter, running 21 plays to the Spartans' eight and not allowing Norfolk State to complete a pass while taking a 14-0 lead on a pair of touchdown passes from R.J. Archer. The Tribe also intercepted a first-quarter pass, amassed eight first downs to the Spartans' one and had the ball for nearly six minutes longer.

Rolling the dice
Jimmye Laycock probably hasn't been called a riverboat gambler often in his 30 years at William and Mary, but he went for it on fourth-and-1 from his own 23. Punter David Miller took the snap and rolled to his right for a rugby-style kick, but finding no defender within 15 yards of him, kept going, picking up 10 yards and keeping alive a touchdown drive. Laycock said Miller usually has the option to do that, but as he watched the play unfold, the coach had just one thought: "He better make it. And that was probably what went through his head, too."

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FAMU defense crucial to its success

Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor got a little commercial during his post-game news conference when he was acknowledging his defense for shutting out Howard University for three quarters. "They know they're like American Express," Taylor said after his team improved to 3-0 with Thursday's victory. "We're not going anywhere without them." That's for sure. FAMU will need every bit of the stubbornness its defense showed Thursday night in defeating the Bison 48-10. The Rattlers face Tennessee State next Saturday in the Atlanta Classic, followed by games at the University of Miami and at South Carolina State against the defending MEAC champion Bulldogs.

Depth at running back helping Rattlers

Joe Taylor has consistently spoken about the depth he has at running back. Thursday's game against Howard was yet another example of the bevy of backs Florida A&M can send into the game at any time as five different people had carries on the evening.This time it was Philip Sylvester, who saw his first action of the 2009 season in the Rattlers, who was the first to strike. On his second carry of the season, Sylvester found an opening along the left edge and finished the run with a 10-yard touchdown. Sylvester's touchdown added the first six points in what turned out to be a 48-10 victory for FAMU.

'Sky' sees bit of himself in Pulley

Jay Walker must have felt a little dejavu Thursday night behind the ESPNU microphone. On the day that Walker made his debut as a transfer quarterback at Howard University, a monsoon drenched the place. Howard lost, though not as badly as things turned out here Thursday night. Walker was in Tallahassee for his alma mater's matchup against FAMU as an analyst for ESPNU. The field was drenched from midday rain, though the rain let up for most of the game. Walker had a good view of FAMU quarterback Curtis Pulley, who directed the offense to 333 yards in a 48-10 victory over the Bison. Walker couldn't help but see a mirror of himself on the field Thursday night. Here's some perspective:

Hardee keeping FAMU on track

Even as a child Teresa Hardee wanted to be a numbers cruncher. She got her wish — and then some. Hardee, Florida A&M University’s chief financial officer, makes decisions daily on a budget of $421 million. She oversees between 300 and 400 people. A native of Loris, S.C., Hardee came to FAMU more than two years ago to fix a financially troubled university. The 44-year-old was asked to lead the university’s financial side by FAMU President James Ammons, who initially hired her as an internal auditor when he was chancellor at North Carolina Central University in Durham. The state’s auditor general recommended Hardee to Ammons — who needed an internal auditor to clean up a university plagued with poor financial audits.

In Tally, LeRoy Vann is the MAN

Wow, what more can you say about FAMU’s sensational return specialist LeRoy Vann, who just happens to be a Blake grad? On Thursday, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound senior DB ran back two punts for touchdowns in a 48-10 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win over archrival Howard. Vann first raced 40 yards for a score on the slick field in the first quarter. In the third, he bobbled a Howard punt, then recovered, darted left and raced 66 yards for another TD. As if that wasn’t enough … Vann also returned two kicks for TDs a week earlier. That’s just sick. Vann’s two TD returns against Howard allowed him to tie an NCAA Division I-AA career mark for punt returns for touchdowns (seven) with Northern Iowa’s Kenny Shedd (1989-92).

Video: FAMU Football Player Talks About Shooting

Nearly two weeks after FAMU running back LaVante Page was shot after leaving a home game, he was back with his teammates at Bragg Memorial Stadium. But this time, he was standing on the sidelines.

2009 FAMU Marching 100 vs. Delaware State

Florida A&M Rattlers 48, Howard Bison 10

LeRoy Vann adds 2 more returns for TDs as FAMU blasts the Bison

Just over two minutes were left in the third quarter when the dancing began in the stands at Bragg Stadium on Thursday night. There was plenty to celebrate by then, as FAMU was well on its way to a 48-10 victory over Howard University that insured the Rattlers would win three straight games to start a season for the first time in nine years. A national television audience saw this one on a night that LeRoy Vann returned two punts for touchdowns and quarterback Curtis Pulley connected with receiver Kevin Elliott twice in the first half to give the Rattlers a commanding 34-10 lead at halftime. Trevor Scott punctuated the first half with a near-record 51-yard field goal.

Attendance: 7,668 Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL (ESPNU Live)

Florida A&M easily handles Howard 48-10

LeRoy Vann scored on two punt returns for the second straight week and Florida A&M beat Howard 48-10 on Thursday night. Vann, who scored on returns of 40 and 66 yards, ran back two punts for touchdowns against Winston-Salem State last week. The senior has returned seven punts for touchdowns during his career, tying a Football Championship Subdivision record set by Northern Iowa's Kenny Shedd between 1989-1992. The Rattlers (3-0, 2-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) built a 34-10 halftime lead, highlighted by Curtis Pulley's touchdown throws to Kevin Elliott of 46 and 35 yards. Pulley finished with 182 yards passing.

Penalties still plaguing Rattlers

As much as FAMU football coach Joe Taylor and his staff tried all week to get the Rattlers to cut down on penalties, there were plenty of whistles against both teams Thursday night at Bragg Stadium. Coming into the game against Howard University, the Rattlers had been penalized 18 times for 166 yards in two games. The Rattlers were called for six more infractions for 55 yards against the Bison, who had five for loss of 35 yards halfway through the game. One of the most glaring penalties was a 15-yard penalty that put the Bison on FAMU's 23 after Fabian Wilson was whistled for a late hit. The Bison ended the drive with a 38-yard field goal by Denis Wiehberg.

Photo Galleries:
FAMU 48, Howard 10
FAMU vs. Howard first half
FAMU Pre game photos
FAN CAM - FAMU vs. Howard University
FAMU 21 Delaware State 12

Transfers finding a home at FAMU

Offensive lineman Brandon Curry couldn't have been happier. The big day had finally come for him to sign a college scholarship. He was off to Marshall University. Just like he'd been made to believe — a Division I school was where he belonged. But Curry didn't play one down in a game and he is now at FAMU, a much smaller school. He understands now that a small school might not have been a bad choice at first. The voices wouldn't let him, though, when he came out of Boyd Anderson High School.

"It's the hype," he said. "In high school, everybody is praising you for going to that big school. People don't understand that's it's D-I but that might not be the fit for you." Each year, hundreds of football players make the same move like Curry after signing with a big school. Why they leave depends on who you ask, but most would say it's over a lack of playing time. A philosophical difference with a coaching staff also is another popular reason.

FAMU's Vann running through records

Last season, Florida A&M University football return man LeRoy Vann (Blake High) was named first-team All-American. How could he top that for his senior season? Well, his performance last Thursday night was all-world. When the Rattlers defeated Winston-Salem State 34-10, Vann scored on punt returns of 95 and 80 yards, while continuing to rewrite the record books. It was the first time a FAMU player had two punt-return touchdowns in a game. It gave Vann the FAMU career mark for punt-return touchdowns with five, surpassing All-American Howard Huckaby (1986-89), who had four punt returns for scores (all in 1988). Vann's 95-yarder tied the FAMU record for longest punt return (Leroy Hardee against South Carolina State in 1958).

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FAMU Marching 100 Half-Time Show vs. Howard Bison 9/17/09