Oklahoma State Cowboys 52, Grambling State Tigers 6

Cowboys climb two spots in AP poll

Following Saturday's 56-6 win over Grambling State, the Oklahoma State Cowboys improved two spots in this week's Associated Press poll, released Sunday. OSU (3-1) is ranked No. 14 after spending the last two weeks at No. 16. The Cowboys reached a high of No. 5 in the AP after beating Georgia to start the season, but fell to 16th with the loss to Houston. The Cougars, who beat Texas Tech Saturday night, are No. 12 this week. Florida remained No. 1, with Texas second, Alabama third, LSU fourth and Boise State fifth.




Slideshow: Oklahoma State Football vs Grambling

Offensive line gets back to the basics in victory

Oklahoma State running back Keith Toston’s only job is to run through the gaps that his offensive line makes, so he knows those spaces well. Against Grambling State on Saturday, he noticed his job was somewhat easier than usual. “The holes were a little bit bigger than normal,” he said. OSU’s much-needed crushing of Grambling State helped to improve the performance and mood of the Cowboy offensive line, but there’s still a long way to go. OSU racked up 56 points on the Tigers’ defense and totaled 587 yards of total offense. The running game, where offensive lines shine in their blocking ability, was key for OSU’s victory. The Cowboys had 43 carries for 321 yards.

“Of course, those are the type of numbers you like, we prefer not to pass that ball at all,” senior offensive tackle Russell Okung said. “You’re just seeing things all come together and things starting to work. We are still a ways off, but we are seeing improvement each week.” But all of the line’s responsibilities don’t lie within the running game. Quarterback Zac Robinson needs time to make a read and find the right receiver in the passing game. The O-line fended off the GSU defense, allowing Robinson to go 13 of 16 for 189 of OSU’s 266 passing yards.



Rookies play well

If Oklahoma State had any questions about the future of its running attack, they were answered on Saturday night. True freshman Jeremy Smith saw the first action of his collegiate career and set a record for the most rushing yards ever by an Oklahoma State freshman in his first game. The Tulsa Union product carried the ball 15 times for 160 yards and one touchdown, becoming the third Oklahoma State running back to record more than 100 yards in a freshman debut. Smith is at the top of the list.

Terry Miller held the previous record of 128 yards against Wichita State in 1974. Vernand Morency ran for 108 yards against Louisiana Tech in 2002. But Oklahoma State expected this from the running back, whose redshirt was removed Saturday. “I think everybody on the team saw that one coming,” quarterback Zac Robinson said. “He can make you miss and has great speed.”

Oklahoma State rolls past Grambling 56-6

Saturday night went about as expected. Oklahoma State dominated the football game. Grambling State’s marching band dominated halftime. Next up for the 16th-ranked Cowboys after their 56-6 rout over the lower-division Tigers is some much-needed rest. Perhaps never before in the history of OSU football could a bye week have been more well-timed. With all due respect to the visitors from northern Louisiana, getting to play Grambling essentially equates to a bye-and-a-half for the Cowboys as they enter Big 12 play with a 3-1 record. OSU is nicked up, and among the injured are three players who many categorized as preseason All-Americans — wide receiver Dez Bryant (hamstring), cornerback/kick returner Perrish Cox (shoulder) and running back Kendall Hunter (ankle). None of the aforementioned played against the Tigers, nor did starting defensive end Jermiah Price.



OSU notebook: Cowboys defense shines, too

While the OSU offense featured old and new stars in rolling up big yards and points, the Cowboys defense did its job, too. Grambling State managed just 156 total yards, 66 of which came in the fourth quarter against mostly reserves. The Tigers scored with two field goals, one coming after an OSU turnover. "I think anytime you play a game, you’d like to get a shutout,” said Cowboys defensive coordinator Bill Young. "We didn’t get that done. But we hold them to two field goals, and we feel awful good about that. And we were able to play a lot of people.” For what it’s worth, the Tigers entered the game as the second-ranked scoring offense in the SWAC, averaging 32 points a game.

Loud and proud
The Grambling band, considered quite a bonus in the visit by the Louisiana program, did not disappoint, although there was some concern before the game even began. The band actually exited the stadium just before kickoff. While gone, OSU security and police emptied a scattering of fans from the section devoted to the visiting band. Eventually, the Grambling band returned and delivered on its halftime show to a rousing response, playing – and dancing – to Michael Jackson’s "Thriller.”

Just what the doctor ordered

Two of Oklahoma State’s preseason All-Americans attended the game in street clothes. Several other Cowboys also were no-shows Saturday against Grambling State. The highlight for many of the record crowd of 56,901 came when neither team was on the field (Grambling State’s Tiger Band was worth the price of a ticket, by the way). And with all the that the game against the Tigers couldn’t have gone any better if OSU coach Mike Gundy had scripted it. Well, maybe he did. I would imagine in his dreams he envisioned something like a 56-6 win where everybody wearing an OSU uniform got a chance to play and nobody got hurt any more than they already were.

Saturday’s victory over Grambling was the perfect cure to what had been ailing the Cowboys the past two weeks. It was a win that should put a little swagger back in a team that had plenty of it coming off its win against Georgia to open the season.

Pickens Drills Deep Into Pockets for Oklahoma State Victories

Stillwater, OK -- T. Boone Pickens has donated $284 million to Oklahoma State University’s sports program the past six years and the billionaire oilman and hedge-fund manager says he’s confident his investment is about to pay off. His money renovated the stadium that bears his name, beefed up recruiting and now is helping win more football games. The Cowboys, ranked No. 9 by the Associated Press before the season started, opened with a 24-10 victory over No. 13 University of Georgia.

Pickens, a 1951 graduate of the Stillwater, Oklahoma, school, said the money has been spent well. Now the 81-year-old, who Forbes magazine reported in March had a net worth of $2 billion, is looking for the Cowboys to earn a slot in one of the five Bowl Championship Series postseason games. “I expect to get there,” Pickens said in an interview Sept. 4. “We have a good football team this year. If we can stay healthy, we’re going to be tough.”

Oklahoma State’s bid for a trip to this season’s national championship game took a hit in the second game of the season after it blew a fourth-quarter lead and lost to the University of Houston, 45-35. The Cowboys are ranked 16th in the AP poll this week after beating Rice, 41-24, Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium.

ATTENDANCE: (Stadium Record): 56,901 Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK.

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Delaware State Hornets 21, Hampton Pirates 6

DSU athletic director Derek A. Carter

DSU fights for first win

HAMPTON, Va. -- There would be no last-second heartbreak for Delaware State this year. A year after a late touchdown gave Hampton a win in Alumni Stadium, Delaware State's Olusegun Ayanbiola snatched an interception and ran it back 13 yards for a touchdown to seal the Hornets' 21-6 win over Hampton at Armstrong Stadium. A glance at the stats would indicate domination by Hampton, which had 390 yards of offense to the Hornets' 277. The Pirates also had more first downs and forced six punts. The Pirates also were flagged 14 times for 141 yards and were picked off three times.

Mistakes, flags doom Pirates

HAMPTON - It's tough to beat a quality team when you give away yards and the ball. That was the theme of the day as Hampton fell to Delaware State 21-6 at Armstrong Stadium. Hampton was flagged 14 times for 141 yards and intercepted off three times. "We kept shooting ourselves in the foot, but my hat goes off to them because they obviously did enough to win," Hampton coach Donovan Rose said. "I thought our offense was doing fine, but every time we got a good drive going, we'd get a big penalty or give the ball away. I know it's disappointing to our guys right now, but it's not the end of the world."

The statistics indicate domination by Hampton, which had 390 yards of offense to the Hornets' 277. The Pirates also had more first downs and forced six punts. Yet every time they seemed poised to break out, something held them back. Hampton threatened in the first quarter after a 31-yard run by LaMarcus Coker gave it the ball on the Hornets' 18. The Pirates lost three yards on the next three plays before Jordan Stovall came up short on a 38-yard field-goal try.

Attendance: 4,632 Armstrong Stadium, Hampton, VA

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Morgan State Bears 12. Towson Tigers 9

Morgan State's defense saves the day vs. Towson

Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley went conservative in Saturday's game with Towson. The rain started in the first quarter and got harder as time went on, so Hill-Eley decided to play the field-position game - and his plan worked perfectly. Darren McKhan returned a blocked extra point for a two-point conversion and made a crucial fourth-quarter interception, and Morgan's defense came up with several key plays late to help the Bears hang on for a 12-9 victory over Towson at Hughes Stadium. This was the Bears' first victory against the Tigers since 2003. Hill-Eley's plan worked because his defense came up big several times.

Morgan State Bears RB Darren McKhan scores one against Towson.

Towson ran up 344 yards of total offense, but the Bears forced three turnovers, blocked the extra point and limited the Tigers to two of 13 third-down conversions. Punter Nicholas Adams made a number of good kicks to pin Towson deep. "I didn't want to do anything that would give them any energy," Hill-Eley said. "Some coaches don't take it into consideration, but with me, we always take Mother Nature into consideration." The Morgan offense never really got going, finishing with only six first downs and 161 yards but had just one turnover. All three of Towson's turnovers came in the fourth quarter, ending its last three drives and handing the Tigers a 13th straight road loss.

Attendance: 4,307 at Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, MD

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Alabama A&M Bulldogs 28, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff 7

LIONS BATTERED BY THE BULLDOGS

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —Arkansas-Pine Bluff dominated Mississippi Valley State last week in its Southwestern Athletic Conference opener. The Golden Lions were so dominant that coach Monte Coleman said he thought his team was on the verge of turning the corner. After Saturday’s beat down by Alabama A&M, Coleman is probably re-thinking that statement. The Golden Lions, who entered the game leading the league in rushing and total defense, had no answers for the Bulldogs, who gave UAPB a dose of its own medicine Saturday inside Louis Crews Stadium on homecoming.

A&M dominated UAPB, finishing with 448 yards in total offense en route to a workmanlike 28-7 victory before an announced crowd of 4,414. Coleman was at a loss for words. “This was very surprising,” he said. “They manhandled us today. For a team to beat us up the way we were beat up today, that’s very alarming and disappointing.” The loss, which snapped UAPB’s two-game winning streak, dropped the Golden Lions to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in league play. A&M improved to 3-1 and 1-0.

TAKEDOWN

Bulldogs shred SWAC's top-rated defense in homecoming romp ... Arkansas-Pine Bluff came to town with the Southwestern Athletic Conference's top-rated defense. The Golden Lions led the league in rushing and total defense and had dominated Mississippi Valley State a week ago. Those numbers took a beating Saturday. Alabama A&M, looking to send a message to the rest of the league in its conference opener, gave UAPB a dose of its own medicine at Louis Crews Stadium.

The Bulldogs dominated the Golden Lions, finishing with 448 yards in total offense en route to a workmanlike 28-7 homecoming win before an announced crowd of 4,414. "It was pretty easy," said A&M running back Ulysses Banks after rushing for 177 yards on a career-high 34 carries and scoring two touchdowns. "My offensive line blocked for me. They always block for me. I like those guys." The Bulldogs improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in league play. The Golden Lions fell to 2-2 and 1-1.

Huge cleats to fill

Junior Afu Okosun eager to step into role as one of great A&M linebackers ...
Afu Okosun heard so much about former Alabama A&M linebacker Jamaal Ware that it almost made him sick. Ware was the first great inside linebacker during the Anthony Jones era at A&M, earning first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors in 2002. It was like Coach (Jay) Martin had a man crush," Okosun said, laughing.

Okosun was on a visit in 2005 when he got a chance to watch former A&M standout Johnny Baldwin. Okosun was a freshman on the Bulldogs' 2006 SWAC championship team and got a chance to see Baldwin up close and personal on a daily basis. Baldwin, a two-time first-team All-SWAC selection, was drafted in the fifth round by the Detroit Lions in 2007. "Johnny set the standard," Martin said. "Everybody that comes along will be compared to him."

Attendance: 4,414 at Louis Crews Stadium, Huntsville, AL

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Texas State Bobcats 52, Texas Southern Tigers 18

Texas Southern Coach Johnnie Cole Tigers get overwhelmed by Southland Conference power Texas State.

George shatters Bobcats' passing mark

SAN MARCOS — Texas Southern's four laterals that resulted in a 90-yard touchdown return off of a blocked field goal might be a candidate for the football highlight of the week. However, the effort ended up playing second fiddle to Texas State quarterback Bradley George's record-breaking performance in the Bobcats' 52-18 victory Saturday at Bobcat Stadium. The senior from New Braunfels Canyon became Texas State's career passing leader by throwing for 325 yards and two touchdowns to increase his total to 7,287 yards and eclipse Barrick Nealy's mark of 7,206 yards set between 2003-05.

George also threw three interceptions for the first time since his freshman year, but he was still sharp enough to keep the Bobcats (2-1) in control. His favorite receiver was Da'Marcus Griggs, who came within one reception of tying the single-game record after finishing with 11 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. “I think the three picks are what stand out in my mind,” George said. “But we won and that means something. To be mentioned in the same breath as Barrick Nealy is still an honor. But records aren't what you shoot for in sports. I have a couple (Southland Conference) rings, and I would like to get a third.”

Texas State routs Tigers 52-18

SAN MARCOS — Statistics don’t always tell the story, especially on the football field. Texas State’s defense made a huge impact in forcing four fumbles and an interception that led to 28 points in the Bobcats’ 52-18 win Saturday at home over Texas Southern. But Texas State coach Brad Wright points to one play that will stick in his mind — one of the only defensive faux pas all game. “It was one of those games where so much happened, I don’t even know what we did right and what we did wrong,” said coach Brad Wright, “The only play that comes to mind is that blocked field goal right before half time. The guys in the locker room (at half time) looked like they just had a trophy stolen from them.”

The play in question was a bit of razzle dazzle by the Tigers as time expired in the first half.Texas Southern’s John Cole blocked a Justi Garelick field goal attempt with three seconds left on the clock. Tigers’ Harry Brown recovered the ball and four Texas Southern players would touch the ball — on a series of laterals — before DeMa Washington scampered 24 yards for the touchdown and cut the Bobcat lead to 24-12. “I’m sure I’ll catch that play on (ESPN) Sports Center,” Texas State quarterback Bradley George said. “I’d like to see it again though; it looked like he was down to me.”

Complete Game Statistics in PDF Format

Attendance: 12,048 at Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, TX

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Duke Blue Devils 49, NCCU Eagles 14

Devils rule in cross-town romp

DURHAM, N.C. Early last week, Duke coach David Cutcliffe said the Blue Devils were not a "good" football team - a candid remark that represented the team's ineffectiveness and inconsistency in three previous games. On Saturday against N.C. Central, the Devils made strides to change their coaches' perspective, pounding the Eagles to capture a 49-14 victory at Wallace Wade Stadium in the first game between the neighboring schools.

The game, billed as the "Bull City Gridiron Classic," attracted 26,390 fans, many who showed up early to tailgate and enjoy the joint festivities planned by the two schools. A steady downpour did not turn away the faithful, who had talked about this game for weeks. The Eagles, who are in their third year of a transition from NCAA Division II to Division I, pulled the score to within a touchdown in the second quarter, cutting Duke's early lead to 21-14. Thereafter points were harder to acquire, with the Devils standing firm on defense and opening the game with an offensive outburst that continued into the fourth quarter.



Photo Gallery: Full Slideshow
Game summary

Rucker Understands What Tonight's Game Was All About

Kinney Rucker, more than any other Duke player -- with the possible exception of freshman running back Desmond Scott -- understood what the first Bull City Classic was all about. The Blue Devils' senior defensive tackle reveled in the moment as he walked out to the center of the field before the kickoff of Duke's 49-14 victory over North Carolina Central. The Durham native was appointed a co-captain for the first historic meeting between Durham's two universities. "I moved down here in the sixth grade," Rucker said. "I went to Central games. I went to Duke games. For this to happen, is huge. "I went to the pep rally Thursday, just to see the camaraderie. It is amazing how much this community has come together and how much times have changed. Growing up, you never thought you'd see Duke and Central playing on the same field. As they moved up another division, it made it possible."

NCCU Eagles Tim Shankle scores on 1-yard TD run against the Duke Blue Devils.

'A LONG TIME IN COMING'

DURHAM -- The rain fell, but it did not seem to bother Duke and N.C. Central University alumni who gathered late Saturday before the historic first meeting of the Blue Devils and the Eagles football teams at Wallace Wade Stadium. In addition to the rain, beer flowed, and there was plenty of chicken, barbecue and other good picnic food as fans gathered at Blue Devil Alley for the pregame tailgate parties for the historic first meeting of the two schools' teams. Much has been said and written about this game as an event that bridges a historical divide between Duke and historically black NCCU. Members of the Omega Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity -- the first black fraternity at Duke, established in 1974 -- were on hand celebrating that historic milestone along with the evening's game.

Attendance: 26,390 at Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, N.C.

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Howard Bison 14, Georgetown Hoyas 11

Howard Ends Its Skid vs. Hoyas

As the seconds ticked off the clock on Howard's 14-11 victory over Georgetown at Multi-Sport Field on Saturday afternoon, Bison players Keith Pough and Darrin Christy grabbed a cooler of Gatorade, sneaked up behind Coach Carey Bailey and, when the buzzer sounded, doused their coach. A Gatorade shower may seem a bit over the top for winning the D.C. Cup, but not for Howard, which finally won a game, snapping its nine-game losing streak that dated from last season.

"Oh, man, we needed this win," Howard defensive end Will Croner said. "Just for the team morale, we needed it. After last year's loss [to Georgetown], we had a chip on our shoulder." Between Brandon Sherman catching a 35-yard touchdown pass from Floyd Haigler and Kenneth Austin-Bruce scoring on a five-yard run, Howard (1-2) did just enough to win. "Georgetown did a [heck] of a job, but I thought we had opportunities to score at least three more times that we didn't take advantage of," Bailey said.

Howard University Showtime Marching Band

Georgetown Hoyas Football: HoyaSaxa.com

Howard 14, Georgetown 11
When the story of the 2009 season is written, a lasting memory will come down Saturday's 14-11 loss to Howard. Not to falling victim to onside kicks, not to three interceptions, and not even to three intentional grounding calls. No, just two yards. Two yards may have separated Georgetown from its first win in 2009, and could be the closest they come to a win for a long time to come.

A restless Homecoming crowd and a steady rain proved to be less than ideal conditions before a full house on the Georgetown side of the spartan Multi-Sport Field and a surprising lack of turnout from the visitors across town. But to its credit, Georgetown started off strong, as freshman QB Isaiah Kempf completed four straight passes in a 12 play, 59 yard drive that ended with a Jose-Pablo Buerba field goal and an 3-0 lead. The weather conditions foretold a close game, but each team had their chances early.

Howard moved into Georgetown territory in its second possession, driving to the GU 27 and missing on a 44 yard field goal. The Hoyas offense reverted to its old habits, gaining five yards in its next two series and setting up the winless Bison at its 44. Aided by 27 yards rushing from Howard RB Charles Brice and 30 yards in Georgetown defensive penalties, the Bison moved 50 yards in five plays for its first touchdown, 7-3. With the Hoyas rattled, Howard picked up an onside kick moments later and drove 60 yards in seven plays, with a 35 yards pass to open the score to 14-3. Whether as a show of dissatisfaction, a retreat to drier climates, or both, a noticeable number of Georgetown students summarily packed up and left the Multi-Sport Field thereafter, leaving a crowd of 800 or so by the second quarter.

One student was asked if he was staying around. "What for?" he responded.

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Attendance: 2,630 at Harbin Field-Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Concordia College Hornets 23, Savannah State Tigers 21

Concordia wins on final play

Harrison Ellison kicked a 35-yard field goal as time expired to give Concordia College, of Selma, Ala., a 23-21 victory over Savannah State University on Saturday night in the Southern Georgia Heritage Classic. As the ball sailed toward the goal post and through the uprights, Ellison was mobbed by his jubilant teammates. Several Savannah State players dropped to their knees or fell flat on their backs and stomachs. Some Tigers shed tears as they watched the Hornets, an NAIA-level team, celebrate in front of a nearly empty David Dupree Field at Lucy C. Laney Memorial Stadium. The official attendance was listed as 1,333.

SSU QB Kurvin Curry avoids Concordia College defense.

Before the final play, Savannah State called a timeout with 4.8 seconds remaining in an attempt to shake Ellison, who missed a 25-yard field goal wide to the left in the third quarter. As Savannah State and Concordia players huddled with their coaches on their respective sidelines, Ellison remained the lone player on the field. He peeked up at the goal post a couple of times as he waited for play to resume.

Photo Gallery: Click for Game Photos

Attendance: 1,333 at Lucy C. Laney Memorial Stadium, Augusta, GA

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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