Savannah, Georgia -- An ugly game looked pretty to Savannah State for 30 minutes. But the Tigers couldn’t generate offense in the second half, and a strong defensive effort was wasted during a 22-5 loss to Hampton on SSU’s homecoming at T.A. Wright Stadium on Saturday.
Savannah State dropped its fourth game in a row and fell to 1-7 overall, 1-4 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play.
Hampton, which played without MEAC passing leader quarterback David Legree, has won two straight while improving to 5-3, 3-2 in conference play.
“Any loss, whether you play well or not, it’s a not a great feeling,” said SSU linebacker Nate Clay, who had a game-high 16 tackles, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and a tackle for loss that resulted in a safety.
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SSU NOTEBOOK: Tigers defense plays well despite loss to Hampton
Savannah, Georgia -- Savannah State’s defense played its best game of the season Saturday against Hampton University. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough.
The visiting Pirates scored 19 points during the final 16 minutes and 35 seconds and defeated the Tigers, 22-5, before SSU’s announced homecoming crowd of 10,375 at T.A. Wright Stadium.
After an opening 56-yard drive that resulted in a field goal, SSU held Hampton scoreless and to just 141 yards for the next 38 minutes.
The Pirates played without MEAC-leading passer David Legree, but a week ago beat North Carolina Central when Travis Champion came off the bench and led the team to two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime.
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Click here to view photos from the game.
Monday, October 31, 2011
B-CU Wildcats win 3rd straight, 34-6 over NCCU Eagles
DURHAM, North Carolina -- It's not unusual for a team to get a lopsided victory in a homecoming game. What is unusual is when it's the visiting team that puts the big numbers on the scoreboard.
Bethune-Cookman did just that Saturday, drilling a struggling North Carolina Central team 34-6 to spoil the Eagles' homecoming at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. It was the first time in six years that North Carolina Central lost its homecoming game.
B-CU (5-3, 3-2 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) scored the first 34 points of the game. Running back Anthony Jordan had two touchdown runs, running back Rodney Scott and quarterback Jackie Wilson each had one rushing TD and receiver Patrick Harris caught a scoring pass for the Wildcats.
"Our guys operated the scheme that they were coached to do and were successful at it," said B-CU coach Brian Jenkins, who saw the Wildcats amass 525 yards of offense. "The main thing is we were careful with the football, and that was a positive factor in the game, and that's why we were effective offensively."
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WILDCATS CAPTURE CONVINCING WIN AT NCCU HOMECOMING GAME
DURHAM, N.C. – Bethune-Cookman University sophomore quarterback Jackie Wilson passed for 183 yards and ran for another 113 yards to spark the Wildcats to 525 total yards and a 34-6 victory over North Carolina Central University inside a packed O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium celebrating NCCU’s homecoming.
Wilson completed 12-of-15 passes for 183 yards and an 11-yard touchdown strike to Patrick Harris in the third quarter. His team-high 113 ground yards came on just nine carries, including a 3-yard touchdown scamper right before halftime.
B-CU sophomore running back Isidore Jackson also surpassed the century mark with 108 rushing yards, while Anthony Jordan found the end zone twice and Rodney Scott had 57 rushing yards and a score. As a team, the Wildcats rushed for 333 yards, averaging 7.2 yards per carry.
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Bethune-Cookman did just that Saturday, drilling a struggling North Carolina Central team 34-6 to spoil the Eagles' homecoming at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. It was the first time in six years that North Carolina Central lost its homecoming game.
B-CU (5-3, 3-2 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) scored the first 34 points of the game. Running back Anthony Jordan had two touchdown runs, running back Rodney Scott and quarterback Jackie Wilson each had one rushing TD and receiver Patrick Harris caught a scoring pass for the Wildcats.
"Our guys operated the scheme that they were coached to do and were successful at it," said B-CU coach Brian Jenkins, who saw the Wildcats amass 525 yards of offense. "The main thing is we were careful with the football, and that was a positive factor in the game, and that's why we were effective offensively."
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WILDCATS CAPTURE CONVINCING WIN AT NCCU HOMECOMING GAME
DURHAM, N.C. – Bethune-Cookman University sophomore quarterback Jackie Wilson passed for 183 yards and ran for another 113 yards to spark the Wildcats to 525 total yards and a 34-6 victory over North Carolina Central University inside a packed O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium celebrating NCCU’s homecoming.
Wilson completed 12-of-15 passes for 183 yards and an 11-yard touchdown strike to Patrick Harris in the third quarter. His team-high 113 ground yards came on just nine carries, including a 3-yard touchdown scamper right before halftime.
B-CU sophomore running back Isidore Jackson also surpassed the century mark with 108 rushing yards, while Anthony Jordan found the end zone twice and Rodney Scott had 57 rushing yards and a score. As a team, the Wildcats rushed for 333 yards, averaging 7.2 yards per carry.
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Bowie State Falls in the Snow to Shepherd
Shepherd, West Virginia -- Finally … Bowie State University’s (BSU) six-week football road trip has ended. But unfortunately for Bowie, it ended with a defeat in the snow to the Shepherd University Rams, 38-17 Oct. 29.
Shepherd kicker Eric Dobratz put the first points on the board for the Rams with a 35-yard field goal at the 10:28 mark of the first quarter. Running back Kenny Williams punched it in from seven yards out to extend the Rams lead to 10-0 with 6:10 left in the opening quarter.
Bowie State senior quarterback Clifton Budd tiptoed around the right end for a six-yard touchdown and fellow senior Michael Gagne kicked the extra point, trimming the early deficit to 10-7. However, William McKenzie took the ensuing kickoff 70 yards to the house, giving Shepherd a 17-7 lead.
Budd flipped a pass to junior receiver Reginald McIntyre for a seven-yard touchdown and Gagne's extra point made the score 17-14 with 12:59 remaining in the second quarter.
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Shepherd kicker Eric Dobratz put the first points on the board for the Rams with a 35-yard field goal at the 10:28 mark of the first quarter. Running back Kenny Williams punched it in from seven yards out to extend the Rams lead to 10-0 with 6:10 left in the opening quarter.
Bowie State senior quarterback Clifton Budd tiptoed around the right end for a six-yard touchdown and fellow senior Michael Gagne kicked the extra point, trimming the early deficit to 10-7. However, William McKenzie took the ensuing kickoff 70 yards to the house, giving Shepherd a 17-7 lead.
Budd flipped a pass to junior receiver Reginald McIntyre for a seven-yard touchdown and Gagne's extra point made the score 17-14 with 12:59 remaining in the second quarter.
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Norfolk State Spartans win, stays in first place in MEAC
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Linebacker Corwin Hammond got everything he asked for. Brutal conditions for an offense. Ideal for a defense seeking redemption. Cold weather, wind and a crucial MEAC win.
The Spartans beat North Carolina A&T 14-10 on Saturday in front of 18,752 fans thanks to a dominant defensive effort that included seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
Clinging to a 14-10 lead in the second half, the Spartan defense, with help from a 22-mph wind, held the Aggies scoreless despite three trips inside the NSU 13-yard-line. "Everyone remembers these kinds of games," Hammond said. "The rain, even if the fans leave, it's what we had to do to redeem ourselves."
As the game approached and weather reports worsened, Hammond was practically giddy about the prospect, despite the chaos the conditions could, and did, play on NSU's pass-first offense.
"Man, let it rain, let it rain," Hammond said earlier this week, still steamed after giving up 245 yards on the ground to Bethune-Cookman. "Let it rain. We'll see who's tough. Let them run the ball."
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Aggies' last drive falls incomplete
Norfolk, Virginia -- N.C. A&T is 13 yards short of first place in the MEAC. Randy Maynes scored on a 3-yard touchdown run with 7:12 left to lead Norfolk State to a come-from-behind 14-10 victory over the Aggies at Dick Price Stadium on Saturday.
A&T's last chance to win ended with three consecutive incomplete passes from the Norfolk State 13-yard line in the final 47 seconds.
A&T wide receiver Torrian Warren, a Dudley graduate, got his hands on the fourth-down attempt. But he couldn't hang on, his bid for a diving catch in the end zone failing when the ball jarred loose on impact with the ground.
"We should have won this ballgame, just like we should have won last week's ball game (at Howard)," A&T coach Rod Broadway said. "We've got to teach our guys how to win. They don't know how to win or how to finish right now. That's (the coaches) responsibility. They're playing fairly hard. We're just not putting them in a good enough position to win."
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Morgan Bears remain in MEAC hunt, shut down DSU Hornets
In just his fourth college game, Tracy Martin ran for a game-high 154 yards on 38 carries and scored the only points of the game, helping the Bears grind out a 12-0 victory over Delaware State and stretch their winning streak to three straight.
As a result of the win, the Bears are in a tie for first place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with Norfolk State. MSU's remaining games are against Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 5), Norfolk State (Nov. 12) and Hampton (Nov. 19).
The Bears played smash-mouth football throughout most of the ballgame and simply dominated the time of possession (39:53 - 20:07) -- recording their first shutout since October 7, 2006 when they posted a 32-0 win on the road against North Carolina A&T.
MSU (5-3, 4-1 MEAC) has won four of its last five and the defense has not allowed an opponent to crack the scoreboard for the last seven quarters.
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Howard Bison Shut Out at Home Against S.C. State Bulldogs 31-0
Washington, D.C. -- After a momentum-building win the previous week in their homecoming game against North Carolina A&T, the Howard Bison was looking to go over .500 for the first time this season in a home affair with the South Carolina State Bulldogs on Oct. 29 at Greene Stadium.But a slow start buried the Bison in a 17-0 first quarter hole as the Bulldogs went on to shut out the Bison 31-0 in front of a disappointed and cold crowd on a rainy, dreary afternoon at Howard’s Senior Day and final home game of the season.
“This was the worst game we have played all season,” first-year Howard head coach Gary Harrell told reporters after the game. (South Carolina) State has been a great program for years in this conference and you just cannot give them the kind of opportunities we gave them early in the game.”
Rain, sleet and wind helped the Bison commit a series of first half miscues. A botched snap and a fumble highlighted Howard’s first two possessions, setting the Bulldogs up with short fields and easy scoring opportunities. By the time Howard settled in on offense, the weather had gotten to freshman signal caller Greg McGhee, whose hands reportedly numbed up due to the freezing weather, according to Harrell. “Greg’s hand numbed up and he struggled all day,” Harrell revealed to Bison reporters. “He did not have a good game today.”
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Big plays key in Shorter's 44-21 blowout of Edward Waters
Jacksonville, Florida -- The big play has become a staple of the Shorter University football program since its Mid-South Conference championship season in 2008. Noticeably absent over the past few weeks, the big play made a return for the Hawks on Saturday.
Shorter rushed for 343 yards and forced three turnovers as part of a 21-point second quarter in a 44-21 rout of Edward Waters College Jacksonville.
Kenny Foster ran for 89 yards and two touchdowns and T.J. Telfair chipped in with 66 yards and a score for the Hawks (5-3), who scored on three plays of 20 yards or more in rebounding from its worst rushing output in school history a week ago in a loss to Cumberlands
"We have to have big plays," said Shorter head coach Phil Jones. "When you run the ball as much as we do, you have to take advantage of big play opportunities when they present themselves. We did that today.
"I am proud to come down here and get a victory," Jones added. "What Edward Waters has done with that new staff and those talented players is amazing. You have to tip your hats to them."
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Shorter rushed for 343 yards and forced three turnovers as part of a 21-point second quarter in a 44-21 rout of Edward Waters College Jacksonville.
Kenny Foster ran for 89 yards and two touchdowns and T.J. Telfair chipped in with 66 yards and a score for the Hawks (5-3), who scored on three plays of 20 yards or more in rebounding from its worst rushing output in school history a week ago in a loss to Cumberlands
"We have to have big plays," said Shorter head coach Phil Jones. "When you run the ball as much as we do, you have to take advantage of big play opportunities when they present themselves. We did that today.
"I am proud to come down here and get a victory," Jones added. "What Edward Waters has done with that new staff and those talented players is amazing. You have to tip your hats to them."
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ECSU win streak runs to seven with 26-9 win over Chowan
MURFREESBORO, North Carolina -- Elizabeth City State University extended their win streak to seven games with a convincing 26-9 win over the Chowan University Hawks Saturday afternoon. ECSU took the game's opening drive 55 yards in 7 plays and scored on a 24 yard run by Kevin Swain.The Vikings successfully kept the Hawks (2-7, CIAA 1-5) in check for the majority of the afternoon. A Rickey Jarman punt from the back of the end zone gave the Hawks the ball deep in ECSU territory and with 28 seconds left in the game Cameron Stover ran the ball in from 5 yards out for their lone touchdown of the day.
Their only other points came courtesy of a 26-yard field goal by Ryan Murphy with 14:47 left in the first half.
Aside from that, the ECSU defense terrorized Stover and the Hawk offense throughout the game. After throwing for close to 400 yards on his previous outing, Stover was limited to 195 yards on 14-41 passing. Most notably he was constantly under pressure all day and was ultimately sacked by Viking defenders on 8 different occasions.
Additionally the defense only gave up 62 yards on the ground. After leading 13-3 at halftime, Daronte McNeill punched in his second rushing score of the day in the third quarter for a 20-3 advantage. McNeill only went for 93 yards but had two rushing scores and is 12 yards away from becoming the Vikings' all-time leading rusher.
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VSU Trojans strike early defeating VUU Panthers on Homecoming
Petersburg, Virginia -- Senior running back, Antwain Lyde scored 2 early rushing touchdowns in a 39-14 win over rival Virginia Union University on Saturday, Oct. 29th in Rogers Stadium. Lyde led the Trojans with 26 rushes for 92 total yards.
The Trojans offense scored 4 touchdowns, the defense returned a 57 yard interception for another score, and senior kicker, William Rudd nailed a 44 yard FG to seal a homecoming victory for VSU. The Trojans rushed for 109 total yards and passed for 88 yards. Defensively, VSU forced one fumble and picked of 3 passes.
Senior defensive back, Howard Spencer, Jr. intercepted a pass from the VUU offense and returned it 57 yards giving the Trojans an early 22-0 lead with 1:31 left in the first quarter. Junior linebacker, Thomas Sykes and senior defensive back, Larry Armstead both had interceptions.
Junior quarterback, Jarred Battle threw a season high 2 touchdown passes against the Panthers. He finished the game7 of 8 passing for a total of 88 yards with a long of 25 yards to sophomore wide receiver, Dion Futch. Futch caught 4 passes for 47 yards and scored on an 11 yard catch in the third quarter. Sophomore wide receiver, Thaditguss Lewis caught 2 passes for 28 yards and also scored on a 10 yard pass from Battle.
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The Trojans offense scored 4 touchdowns, the defense returned a 57 yard interception for another score, and senior kicker, William Rudd nailed a 44 yard FG to seal a homecoming victory for VSU. The Trojans rushed for 109 total yards and passed for 88 yards. Defensively, VSU forced one fumble and picked of 3 passes.
Senior defensive back, Howard Spencer, Jr. intercepted a pass from the VUU offense and returned it 57 yards giving the Trojans an early 22-0 lead with 1:31 left in the first quarter. Junior linebacker, Thomas Sykes and senior defensive back, Larry Armstead both had interceptions.
Junior quarterback, Jarred Battle threw a season high 2 touchdown passes against the Panthers. He finished the game7 of 8 passing for a total of 88 yards with a long of 25 yards to sophomore wide receiver, Dion Futch. Futch caught 4 passes for 47 yards and scored on an 11 yard catch in the third quarter. Sophomore wide receiver, Thaditguss Lewis caught 2 passes for 28 yards and also scored on a 10 yard pass from Battle.
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JCSU Golden Bulls Topped 44-23 by FSU in home finale
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Johnson C. Smith University football team came up short in a 44-23 loss against Fayetteville State University on Saturday afternoon inside the Irwin Belk Complex. JCSU moves to 4-5 overall and 3-3 in the CIAA; the Broncos improve to 4-5 overall and 4-2 in the conference. The Golden Bulls had 16 seniors honored in their final performances on McGirt Field.These two teams traded big play scores to start the contest. Fayetteville State scored first off a 47 yard pass from Chauncey Concepcion to Antonio Allen. JCSU quickly responded on the next drive with a connection from freshman quarterback Keahn Wallace (Homestead, FL) to junior receiver Matthew Jeffries (Gainesville, GA).
Wallace hit the receiver streaking and Jeffries went 60 yards downfield for the touchdown. FSU broke the 7-7 tie with a 41 yard field goal with 3:35 remaining in the first quarter.
The Golden Bulls' defense forced a safety in the second quarter off bad snap to Concepcion. Fayetteville State held a 17-9 lead at halftime. Ironically, a bad snap to Wallace inside the FSU 5-yard line led to a 70 yard fumble return for a touchdown.
JCSU was outscored 20-7 in the third quarter. Senior defensive back Lamarr Person (Atlanta, GA) returned a fumble 97 yards for a score to bring Johnson C. Smith within two possessions (30-16). The Broncos scored twice more after Person's return to account for the 44-23 final.
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Saint Augustine's 45, Livingstone 14
DURHAM, North Carolina — Livingstone’s football team fell to the Saint Augustine’s Falcons 45-14 on Saturday at Durham County Stadium.Livingstone’s defense boosted the Blue Bears at the start the game by forcing a three-and-out and forcing a punt. The poor punt gave Livingstone field position at the Saint Augustine’s 46-yard line.
Livingstone then took a 7-0 lead on quarterback Craig Murdock’s 22-yard rush and his 24-yard TD pass to Carl James.
Saint Augustine’s tied the game on its third possession, a 15-play, 82-yard drive that spanned more than five minutes .
The Falcons extended their lead early in the second quarter with a 39-yard field goal.
A Murdock fumble handed St. Aug’s the ball on the LC 17, and the Falcons punched in another score for a 17-7 halftime lead.
Livingstone couldn’t move the ball at the outset of the second half, and Saint Augustine’s opened a 24-7 lead with a 16-play, 67-yard drive that took eight minutes off the clock.
Another Livingstone fumble, this one recovered at the Blue Bears’ 21, led to another St. Aug’s TD and a 31-7 lead.
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Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons knocks off Lincoln Lions
Roanoke, Virginia -- Mac Shinhoster rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns to lead Virginia University of Lynchburg to an 18-2 win over Lincoln (Pa.) on Saturday in the 12th annual Western Virginia Education Classic at William Fleming Stadium in Roanoke.The victory was the Dragons third in their last four games, making coach Willard Bailey optimistic for the remainder of the season.
“You know, we have a chance to finish this season with a .500 record,” he said after the game. “That isn’t bad for a school that hasn’t had a team since 1954.”
While Shinhoster was sparking the offense, VUL’s defense shut down the Lions attack. The Dragons allowed just 110 yards in total offense, picked off three passes and had five quarterback sacks. The Dragons had been giving up an average of 25.9 points per game.
Lincoln’s lone score came on a safety in the third quarter when Tim Green tackled VUL quarterback Delonte Williams in the end zone.
VUL improves to 3-5 and has games against Concordia (Ala.) and George Mason remaining.
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GSU claims big SWAC win over UAPB Golden Lions
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — Grambling State overcame an early deficit as the Tigers roared back in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship race, taking a 27-20 road win at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Saturday at Golden Lions Stadium.
The win evened Grambling's record at 4-4 and put the Tigers in the thick of the SWAC's Western Division race at 3-3. Prairie View A&M leads the SWAC West after losing Saturday at Jackson State, while UAPB is also 3-3.
"Give this whole team credit," GSU coach Doug Williams said following the contest. "The offense struggled but never gave up and finally got things moving for the comeback while the defense did the things it needed to do to help us get this win.
"And this was a big win in an emotional game and puts us right back in the SWAC race."
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The win evened Grambling's record at 4-4 and put the Tigers in the thick of the SWAC's Western Division race at 3-3. Prairie View A&M leads the SWAC West after losing Saturday at Jackson State, while UAPB is also 3-3.
"Give this whole team credit," GSU coach Doug Williams said following the contest. "The offense struggled but never gave up and finally got things moving for the comeback while the defense did the things it needed to do to help us get this win.
"And this was a big win in an emotional game and puts us right back in the SWAC race."
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409 Wins? The Coach Who Has Paterno Beat
COLLEGEVILLE, Minnesota - Joe Paterno continues to make history.
On Saturday, Paterno, the 84-year-old Penn State football coach, passed Eddie Robinson for the most victories in the history of Division I college football. Penn State’s victory over Illinois was the 409th of a head-coaching career than spans more than four decades — all of them at one institution. In an emotional presentation after the game, Paterno accepted congratulations and praised the memory of Robinson, the Grambling State coach who died in 2007.
While Paterno stands alone among Division I football coaches, there is one coach whom he stands behind: John Gagliardi at St. John’s University in Minnesota. As Paterno celebrated a high-profile accomplishment at Penn State, Gagliardi was adding to a victory total that Paterno, in all likelihood, will never surpass. With a 47-14 victory over Carleton College on Saturday, Gagliardi has won 482 games in a head-coaching career that covers more than six decades.
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On Saturday, Paterno, the 84-year-old Penn State football coach, passed Eddie Robinson for the most victories in the history of Division I college football. Penn State’s victory over Illinois was the 409th of a head-coaching career than spans more than four decades — all of them at one institution. In an emotional presentation after the game, Paterno accepted congratulations and praised the memory of Robinson, the Grambling State coach who died in 2007.
While Paterno stands alone among Division I football coaches, there is one coach whom he stands behind: John Gagliardi at St. John’s University in Minnesota. As Paterno celebrated a high-profile accomplishment at Penn State, Gagliardi was adding to a victory total that Paterno, in all likelihood, will never surpass. With a 47-14 victory over Carleton College on Saturday, Gagliardi has won 482 games in a head-coaching career that covers more than six decades.
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Sunday, October 30, 2011
Paterno passes Eddie Robinson on career victories list; acknowledges impact of Jake Gaither (FAMU) and Coach Rob
STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania -- If it's Joe Paterno's final season -- one spent mostly away from the field on game day, sitting high up in the press box -- fans might see a coach out of touch with his players. He doesn't stand on the sidelines. He doesn't wear headphones. He doesn't call plays.
But his staff -- particularly his son -- sees it differently.
"This might be one of the best jobs Joe's done of coaching, getting kids to buy into team-first, just win, the whole 9 yards," Penn State assistant Jay Paterno said. "Don't worry about personal accolades, personal statistics. Don't worry about playing time. Just (concentrate on) we're going to continue to win. We've got plain uniforms. This is vintage Joe Paterno. "And you know what, if it keeps working, why mess with it?"
Paterno picked up another honor, passing former Grambling State University coach Eddie Robinson by recording his 409th career victory and becoming the all-time victories leader in NCAA Division I football. Paterno held the distinction of winning more games than any coach in major college football before the season began, but Robinson's teams -- although not considered major -- went 408-165-15 from 1941 through 1997. Paterno's teams improved to 409-136-3 during his 46 seasons as a head coach.
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But his staff -- particularly his son -- sees it differently.
"This might be one of the best jobs Joe's done of coaching, getting kids to buy into team-first, just win, the whole 9 yards," Penn State assistant Jay Paterno said. "Don't worry about personal accolades, personal statistics. Don't worry about playing time. Just (concentrate on) we're going to continue to win. We've got plain uniforms. This is vintage Joe Paterno. "And you know what, if it keeps working, why mess with it?"
Paterno picked up another honor, passing former Grambling State University coach Eddie Robinson by recording his 409th career victory and becoming the all-time victories leader in NCAA Division I football. Paterno held the distinction of winning more games than any coach in major college football before the season began, but Robinson's teams -- although not considered major -- went 408-165-15 from 1941 through 1997. Paterno's teams improved to 409-136-3 during his 46 seasons as a head coach.
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Mississippi Valley State 12, Texas Southern 9
ITTA BENA, Mississippi - The Delta Devils built a 12-2 lead and then held on to snap their 19-game losing streak and hand Karl Morgan his first victory during his second season as the MVSU coach.
A stout defense and effective special teams sparked the Delta Devils, who won despite gaining just 101 total yards.
With the scored tied 2-2, Garrick Jones capped off a five-play, 36-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Thurman to give Valley (1-8, 1-7 Southwestern Athletic Conference) a 9-2 lead at halftime.
Carlos Sanchez added a 25-yard field goal late in the third quarter to extend the Delta Devils' lead to 12-2.
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A stout defense and effective special teams sparked the Delta Devils, who won despite gaining just 101 total yards.
With the scored tied 2-2, Garrick Jones capped off a five-play, 36-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Thurman to give Valley (1-8, 1-7 Southwestern Athletic Conference) a 9-2 lead at halftime.
Carlos Sanchez added a 25-yard field goal late in the third quarter to extend the Delta Devils' lead to 12-2.
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Alabama State wins Battle of the Bands at the Magic City Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Alabama A&M may have beaten Alabama State 20-19 in the 70th annual Magic City Classic at Legion Field today, but Alabama State claimed the Battle of the Bands title.
AT&T sponsored a contest in which game attendees could vote to decide who won the Battle of the Bands, and the Marching Hornets came away the victors. The prize was $1,500 for the school.
The 70,000-seat Legion Field was nearly full at halftime as the crowd roared for the two bands. The crowd appeared to be bigger at halftime than for the game itself.
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AT&T sponsored a contest in which game attendees could vote to decide who won the Battle of the Bands, and the Marching Hornets came away the victors. The prize was $1,500 for the school.
The 70,000-seat Legion Field was nearly full at halftime as the crowd roared for the two bands. The crowd appeared to be bigger at halftime than for the game itself.
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Alabama A&M trips up Alabama State in classic Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Alabama State entered today's 70th annual Magic City Classic as the No. 1 team in black college football. When the new polls come out Monday, Alabama A&M may find itself there. The Bulldogs, behind the play of running back Kaderius Lacey, an inspired defense and a couple of huge special teams plays, knocked off the Hornets 20-19 before an announced crowd of 66,473 at Legion Field.
"I'm very proud of my football team," said A&M coach Anthony Jones, who ran his record to 8-2 against Alabama State. "We had to come up with a terrific effort to beat the No. 1 team in black college football and we did that. "We punished them running the football and jumped out on top. Our defense took over after that, but they made some plays, but we were able to hang on for the victory."
A&M, which has won six straight games after starting 0-2, improved to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division. Alabama State fell to 6-2 and 6-1. It was the Hornets' first loss since a 14-7 setback at Eastern Michigan on Sept. 10.
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Lacey leads the way for A&M in narrow Classic victory
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The question isn't if Kaderius Lacey is hurting today. The question is where isn't Kaderius Lacey hurting today. However, as the lights surrounding Legion Field dimmed and the party outside the venerable stadium shifted into high gear early this evening, the Alabama A&M junior running back didn't feel much of anything. Other than pure elation.
"I have so much adrenaline right now," said Lacey, "it's all good."
Speaking of which, so are the Bulldogs, who defeated rival Alabama State 20-19 at the 70th Magic City Classic in front of a crowd announced at 66,473, although it required the usual educated guesswork given the tens of thousands roaming Graymont Avenue and beyond.
The 6-foot, 230-pounder was the primary mover and shaker in sending everyone in A&M maroon home happy in this de facto for-first-place-in-the-SWAC-East game, dishing out continual blunt force trauma on the Hornets defense.
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Alabama State notebook: Andrews breaks record
BIRMINGHAM -- Nick Andrews did all he could to win the 70th Magic City Classic, but it wasn't enough. Andrews, the senior from Maplesville, who hasn't dazzled fans in his past three games with Alabama A&M, put on a spectacular show for the 66,473 fans at Legion Field, hauling in nine passes for 134 yards.
The nine catches were one shy of his single-game high and marked the fifth time this season he has recorded nine of more receptions in a game. His 134-yard performance was his third-best showing this season, but it was enough to help him pass head coach Reggie Barlow on the school's career receiving yardage mark.
Andrews now has 187 receptions for 2,563 yards and 26 touchdowns. All three are school records.
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Hornets try to handle loss
BIRMINGHAM -- Alabama State senior defensive tackle Kynjee Cotton walked around in circles for several minutes outside the locker room, trying to get his emotions in check after a gut-wrenching 20-19 loss to Alabama A&M here Saturday afternoon. He talked softly, paused a few seconds and tried to find just the right words.
"It's tough," he said. "For the last four years to work this hard and to come this close, no words can describe it."
The Hornets, ranked No. 1 in all three of the Black College Football national rankings, had their six-game winning streak snapped and fell to 6-2 overall, 6-1 in the SWAC. More importantly, they lost to A&M for the sixth time in the past seven years in the Magic City Classic.
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Magic City Classic Bests and Worsts
Best way to revive Legion Field's glorious past -- Fill the stands with Magic City Classic fans. Fill the air with delicious smells of food. For two days a year -- don't forget the BBVA Compass Bowl -- the Old Lady on Graymont looks to be in her prime again.
Best homecoming -- Kaderius Lacey grew up in Calera and came back to Birmingham, leaving Legion Field with the Offensive MVP trophy after bulling his way for nearly 200 yards rushing.
Best way to end the Magic City Classic -- How do you top a day of tailgating, barbecuing, good football and greater marching bands? With a postgame concert that drives away the funk on a chilly night.
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"I'm very proud of my football team," said A&M coach Anthony Jones, who ran his record to 8-2 against Alabama State. "We had to come up with a terrific effort to beat the No. 1 team in black college football and we did that. "We punished them running the football and jumped out on top. Our defense took over after that, but they made some plays, but we were able to hang on for the victory."
A&M, which has won six straight games after starting 0-2, improved to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division. Alabama State fell to 6-2 and 6-1. It was the Hornets' first loss since a 14-7 setback at Eastern Michigan on Sept. 10.
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Lacey leads the way for A&M in narrow Classic victory
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The question isn't if Kaderius Lacey is hurting today. The question is where isn't Kaderius Lacey hurting today. However, as the lights surrounding Legion Field dimmed and the party outside the venerable stadium shifted into high gear early this evening, the Alabama A&M junior running back didn't feel much of anything. Other than pure elation.
"I have so much adrenaline right now," said Lacey, "it's all good."
Speaking of which, so are the Bulldogs, who defeated rival Alabama State 20-19 at the 70th Magic City Classic in front of a crowd announced at 66,473, although it required the usual educated guesswork given the tens of thousands roaming Graymont Avenue and beyond.
The 6-foot, 230-pounder was the primary mover and shaker in sending everyone in A&M maroon home happy in this de facto for-first-place-in-the-SWAC-East game, dishing out continual blunt force trauma on the Hornets defense.
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Alabama State notebook: Andrews breaks record
BIRMINGHAM -- Nick Andrews did all he could to win the 70th Magic City Classic, but it wasn't enough. Andrews, the senior from Maplesville, who hasn't dazzled fans in his past three games with Alabama A&M, put on a spectacular show for the 66,473 fans at Legion Field, hauling in nine passes for 134 yards.
The nine catches were one shy of his single-game high and marked the fifth time this season he has recorded nine of more receptions in a game. His 134-yard performance was his third-best showing this season, but it was enough to help him pass head coach Reggie Barlow on the school's career receiving yardage mark.
Andrews now has 187 receptions for 2,563 yards and 26 touchdowns. All three are school records.
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Hornets try to handle loss
BIRMINGHAM -- Alabama State senior defensive tackle Kynjee Cotton walked around in circles for several minutes outside the locker room, trying to get his emotions in check after a gut-wrenching 20-19 loss to Alabama A&M here Saturday afternoon. He talked softly, paused a few seconds and tried to find just the right words.
"It's tough," he said. "For the last four years to work this hard and to come this close, no words can describe it."
The Hornets, ranked No. 1 in all three of the Black College Football national rankings, had their six-game winning streak snapped and fell to 6-2 overall, 6-1 in the SWAC. More importantly, they lost to A&M for the sixth time in the past seven years in the Magic City Classic.
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Magic City Classic Bests and Worsts
Best way to revive Legion Field's glorious past -- Fill the stands with Magic City Classic fans. Fill the air with delicious smells of food. For two days a year -- don't forget the BBVA Compass Bowl -- the Old Lady on Graymont looks to be in her prime again.
Best homecoming -- Kaderius Lacey grew up in Calera and came back to Birmingham, leaving Legion Field with the Offensive MVP trophy after bulling his way for nearly 200 yards rushing.
Best way to end the Magic City Classic -- How do you top a day of tailgating, barbecuing, good football and greater marching bands? With a postgame concert that drives away the funk on a chilly night.
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SU comes through with homecoming win over Alcorn Braves
Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- With one last chance to win at A.W. Mumford Stadium, a group of seniors on Southern’s football team held an impromptu meeting. This homecoming game against Alcorn State, they said, was a gift. It was senior night. It was the home finale.
Saturday night, the seniors didn’t want to blow it. “We gathered up and said, ‘We’re not going to lose our homecoming,’” receiver LaQuinton Evans recalled. “It was up to the players, whether or not we were going to win tonight.” And win they did.
The Jaguars got a steely performance from their defense, scored three lightning-quick touchdowns and overcame a sloppy second half en route to an easy 30-14 victory over the Braves.
“I’m glad we came out with the victory,” Evans said. “Nobody wants to lose on homecoming and on senior night. So I’m glad. I’m glad.” Of course, Evans had a big hand in the win.
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Miscues doom Alcorn State
It took just less than 11 minutes before Alcorn State dug itself into an enormous hole, en route to a 30-14 defeat against Southern University on Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. On Alcorn’s first three drives, the Braves had three three-and-outs. It was a different story for SU. The Jaguars converted their first three drives into touchdowns.
J.P. Douglas scrambled 50 yards for the Jaguars’ first score, followed by his touchdown passes to Mike Berry from 59 yards out and a 25-yard toss to LaQuinton Evans.
On all three scores, the Braves made mistakes defensively that could have been avoided. First, it was missed tackles against Douglas, then broken coverage against Berry and tangled feet by cornerback Jamison Knox on Evans down the sideline.
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Southern defense steps up
Southern University’s defense was missing three key players Saturday night against Southwest Athletic Conference rival Alcorn State, but the Jaguars turned in an effort that was anything but short-handed.
Behind Southern’s best defensive performance of the Stump Mitchell era, the Jaguars dominated Alcorn’s offense on the way to a 30-14 homecoming win at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
Southern held Alcorn to 219 total yards, well below its 315-yard average. Most importantly, Southern’s defense pitched a “shutout” as both Alcorn touchdowns came off of special teams miscues.
“The defense played well,” Mitchell said. “They didn’t give up any points, so that’s definitely a bright spot. I don’t think (Alcorn State) had too many big plays against us.”
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Southern gets 30-14 homecoming win over Alcorn
J.P. Douglas threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as Southern scored the game's first 30 points and held on for a 30-14 win over Alcorn State Saturday in Southern's homecoming at Mumford Stadium.
Douglas threw touchcown passes of 25 yards to LaQuinton Evans and 60 yards to Mike Berry as SU (3-5, 3-3) snapped a two-game losing streak. Alcorn dropped to 2-5, 1-5.
Sylvester Nzekwe added a 58-yard touchdown run for Southern, which led 23-0 at halftime and increased the lead to 30-0 in the third quarter.
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Saturday night, the seniors didn’t want to blow it. “We gathered up and said, ‘We’re not going to lose our homecoming,’” receiver LaQuinton Evans recalled. “It was up to the players, whether or not we were going to win tonight.” And win they did.
The Jaguars got a steely performance from their defense, scored three lightning-quick touchdowns and overcame a sloppy second half en route to an easy 30-14 victory over the Braves.
“I’m glad we came out with the victory,” Evans said. “Nobody wants to lose on homecoming and on senior night. So I’m glad. I’m glad.” Of course, Evans had a big hand in the win.
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Miscues doom Alcorn State
It took just less than 11 minutes before Alcorn State dug itself into an enormous hole, en route to a 30-14 defeat against Southern University on Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. On Alcorn’s first three drives, the Braves had three three-and-outs. It was a different story for SU. The Jaguars converted their first three drives into touchdowns.
J.P. Douglas scrambled 50 yards for the Jaguars’ first score, followed by his touchdown passes to Mike Berry from 59 yards out and a 25-yard toss to LaQuinton Evans.
On all three scores, the Braves made mistakes defensively that could have been avoided. First, it was missed tackles against Douglas, then broken coverage against Berry and tangled feet by cornerback Jamison Knox on Evans down the sideline.
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Southern defense steps up
Southern University’s defense was missing three key players Saturday night against Southwest Athletic Conference rival Alcorn State, but the Jaguars turned in an effort that was anything but short-handed.
Behind Southern’s best defensive performance of the Stump Mitchell era, the Jaguars dominated Alcorn’s offense on the way to a 30-14 homecoming win at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
Southern held Alcorn to 219 total yards, well below its 315-yard average. Most importantly, Southern’s defense pitched a “shutout” as both Alcorn touchdowns came off of special teams miscues.
“The defense played well,” Mitchell said. “They didn’t give up any points, so that’s definitely a bright spot. I don’t think (Alcorn State) had too many big plays against us.”
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Southern gets 30-14 homecoming win over Alcorn
J.P. Douglas threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as Southern scored the game's first 30 points and held on for a 30-14 win over Alcorn State Saturday in Southern's homecoming at Mumford Stadium.
Douglas threw touchcown passes of 25 yards to LaQuinton Evans and 60 yards to Mike Berry as SU (3-5, 3-3) snapped a two-game losing streak. Alcorn dropped to 2-5, 1-5.
Sylvester Nzekwe added a 58-yard touchdown run for Southern, which led 23-0 at halftime and increased the lead to 30-0 in the third quarter.
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Therriault's running reopens JSU passing game
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault had enough of defenses dropping five and six defensive backs 30 yards or more down the field. They respect my arm, he said. But they don't respect my feet. Maybe now, they will.
Therriault showed his wheels in JSU's 44-14 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday at Independence Stadium, gaining 91 yards on 17 carries. "It kind of offended me when people try to drop that deep into coverage," Therriault said. "That was my plan, to go ahead and get them to start respecting me as a runner."
Defenses this season - especially two weeks ago in a 17-16 victory over Mississippi Valley - have dropped up to four defensive backs 15 to 30 yards downfield, stifling JSU's vertical passing game. So, the quarterback, not known much for running, ran.
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The case for No. 1
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Jackson State football coach Rick Comegy hoisted the 3-foot high, gold-and-green trophy high above his head. Players gathered around, each wanting a touch of the inaugural Shreveport Classic prize.
Outside of the raucous gathering, Jackson State offensive lineman Rodrick Gladney knew an even better reward for the Tigers' 44-14 trouncing of Prairie View A&M on Saturday.
"We're No. 1!" he yelled. "We're No. 1!" Black college football, meet your new No. 1 team.
While JSU was rolling up 722 yards - while quarterback Casey Therriault was accounting for six touchdowns, while JSU defenders were hounding a pair of Prairie View quarterbacks - Alabama State, No. 1 in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network poll, was losing.
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Tigers make State-ment in Classic
The way Jackson State played the first 30 minutes of Saturday's Shreveport Classic against Prairie View, the Tigers didn't seem to lack for motivation. Just for good measure, coach Rick Comegy gave them some at halftime when he told his team Alabama State, the Southwestern Athletic Conference East leader, was losing to Alabama A&M.
That was enough to make sure the Tigers didn't coast in what turned out to be an easy 44-14 victory over Prairie View at Independence Stadium.
"We didn't know about the loss until our game was over, but we heard they were losing," Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault said. "A couple of us (knew), but we didn't talk about it. We tried to keep it on the down low and play our game. Coach told us at halftime just to re-motivate us."
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Therriault showed his wheels in JSU's 44-14 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday at Independence Stadium, gaining 91 yards on 17 carries. "It kind of offended me when people try to drop that deep into coverage," Therriault said. "That was my plan, to go ahead and get them to start respecting me as a runner."
Defenses this season - especially two weeks ago in a 17-16 victory over Mississippi Valley - have dropped up to four defensive backs 15 to 30 yards downfield, stifling JSU's vertical passing game. So, the quarterback, not known much for running, ran.
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The case for No. 1
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Jackson State football coach Rick Comegy hoisted the 3-foot high, gold-and-green trophy high above his head. Players gathered around, each wanting a touch of the inaugural Shreveport Classic prize.
Outside of the raucous gathering, Jackson State offensive lineman Rodrick Gladney knew an even better reward for the Tigers' 44-14 trouncing of Prairie View A&M on Saturday.
"We're No. 1!" he yelled. "We're No. 1!" Black college football, meet your new No. 1 team.
While JSU was rolling up 722 yards - while quarterback Casey Therriault was accounting for six touchdowns, while JSU defenders were hounding a pair of Prairie View quarterbacks - Alabama State, No. 1 in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network poll, was losing.
READ MORE
Tigers make State-ment in Classic
The way Jackson State played the first 30 minutes of Saturday's Shreveport Classic against Prairie View, the Tigers didn't seem to lack for motivation. Just for good measure, coach Rick Comegy gave them some at halftime when he told his team Alabama State, the Southwestern Athletic Conference East leader, was losing to Alabama A&M.
That was enough to make sure the Tigers didn't coast in what turned out to be an easy 44-14 victory over Prairie View at Independence Stadium.
"We didn't know about the loss until our game was over, but we heard they were losing," Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault said. "A couple of us (knew), but we didn't talk about it. We tried to keep it on the down low and play our game. Coach told us at halftime just to re-motivate us."
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