MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Senior safety Jonah McCutcheon returned a 46 yard interception for a touchdown with 10:57 left in the fourth quarter and Tuskegee pulled away from Alabama State for a 14-6 victory in Montgomery at ASU Stadium.
A sellout crowd of 25,442 witnessed the Golden Tigers improved to 2-0 over the Hornets in its fairly new stadium that opened in 2012.
Both teams struggled offensively and played through a scoreless first quarter until TU Quarterback Jamarcus Ezell completed a 55 yard pass to Peyton Ramzy with 1:28 left in the first half to take a 7-0 lead. That score marked the 11th time out of the last 13 games against ASU that the Golden Tigers have scored first.
Ezell finished the evening going 7-of-17 for 139 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Ramzy hauled in 66 yards on a pair of catches on the night.
Defensively, preseason All-American Osband Thompson led the Golden Tigers with 14 tackles, two QB hurries, and one forced fumble. Thompson had 10 of those stops at halftime. McCutcheon and Kevin Dawson each had seven tackles while Darnell Hill and Kenderrius Whitehead totaled six tackles apiece. Terance Leatherwood notched TU's lone sack on the evening.
Punter Dalton Hall came up huge for the Golden Tigers. The Hartsville, South Carolina native punted 10 times for 392 yards landing three inside the 20 yard line. He also finished with a long of 48.
ASU's only score came with 1:26 left in the game when Kobie Jones connected with Alex Johnson for a 3-yd touchdown pass.
The Golden Tigers will face Albany State in Phenix City next Saturday for the annual Labor Day Classic. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. EDT.
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION
Sunday, September 3, 2017
No. 25 North Carolina A&T Cruises to Season-Opening Win Over GWU
BOILING SPRINGS, North Carolina -- Despite the loss of legendary running back Tari Cohen, there was perhaps less heartburn concerning the North Carolina A&T football team’s offense going into the 2017 season than their defense. At least the offense returned an All-MEAC quarterback, a conference rookie of the year wide receiver and a running back who had 11 career touchdowns despite being a backup.
For one Saturday night at least, the Aggies have now elevated a lot of concern about their defense. The 25th-ranked Aggies held Gardner-Webb to 114 yards of total offense while compiling 414 yards of offense themselves to down the Bulldogs 45-3 at Spangler Stadium. Then there was All-American punt returner Khris Garden who had five returns for 150 yards including an 88-yard touchdown return for his fifth career punt return for touchdown.
N.C. A&T’s defense was so outstanding, they did not allow the Bulldogs to cross midfield until there was 12:32 remaining in the game. GWU quarterback Tyrell Maxwell, the Big South’s preseason player of the year and the conference’s 2016 player of the year, threw for 34 yards and an interception on 6-for-15 passing. Maxwell, the Bulldogs leading rusher last season, mustered only 11 yards rushing on Saturday.
“We wanted to attack him. We wanted to go at him and make him make quick decisions,” said N.C. A&T coach Rod Broadway. “We knocked them off the ball in the first half and made some things happen in their backfield. Even on passing plays, I thought our guys did a good job of really getting up field and putting pressure on him.
Once we made him one dimensional it became an easier game. I was afraid of him coming into the game because he can make so many plays.”
N.C. A&T quarterback, redshirt junior Lamar Raynard, was a scary sight for the Bulldogs. He threw for a career-high 321 yards to go along with three touchdown passes. He also ran one in to account for four of the Aggies seven touchdowns. In the process, Raynard completed 19 of 22 passes and posted an impressive 253.93 quarterback efficiency rating.
Raynard’s favorite two targets were 2016 MEAC Rookie of the Year Elijah Bell and Appalachian State graduate transfer Jaquil Capel. Bell caught five passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Capel posted five receptions for 91 yards. Redshirt junior running back Marquell Cartwright added 58 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
“He started right where he left off (last season),” said Broadway. “We were able to spread the ball around quite a bit. We have so many people capable of becoming big-time playmakers for us. I thought Raynard was sharp tonight in getting the ball out of his hand and getting it to individuals where they can catch it.
He has a lot to work with, so he just has to continue to grow and develop as a player and a leader.”
Raynard completed passes to seven different receivers Saturday night. He completed his first five passes and then completed 13 in a row between the second and third quarters as the Aggies scored on five of their six first-half drives. The biggest pass play of the night came on a 61-yard deep ball from Raynard to redshirt junior Malik Wilson for a 19-0 Aggies lead in the first quarter.
It was the longest completion of Raynard’s career. Gardner-Webb was finally able to stop the Aggies on their ensuing drive to force a punt. But even that went sour when on the first play of GWU’s drive, Maxwell threw a pass that ricocheted off the hands of Aggies cornerback Mac McCain and into the arms of inside linebacker Joshua Patrick for an interception.
Two plays later Raynard connected with Bell on a quick out route. Bell turned up field and ran through three GWU defenders on his way to a 35-yard touchdown. He also scored on the two-point conversion to give N.C. A&T a 27-0 second-quarter lead.
The Aggies then put together a 10-play, 94-yard drive capped off by a Bell 8-yard TD reception to end the half. They then complemented that drive by opening the second half with a 16-play, 75-yard drive that ate up 9:15 off the clock before Jaquil Capel finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown run to give N.C. A&T a 39-0 lead.
Despite the success of the offense, the defense and the punt return team, the Aggies did miss four extra points with two of them being blocked.
“I thought we played good in spurts and bad in spurts. I thought we played an outstanding first half. I was a little disappointed in the second half because I don’t think we followed through with a killer instinct. The most disappointing point is that we missed some extra points. Our protection on extra point has got to get fixed.”
The Aggies will face Division II Mars Hill 6 p.m., Saturday at Aggie Stadium. Tickets are on sale at www.ncataggies.com. Follow Aggies football on Twitter (@ncat_football). Follow Aggie Athletics on Facebook (@ncatathletics), Instagram (@ncatathletics) and Twitter (@ncataggies).
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
For one Saturday night at least, the Aggies have now elevated a lot of concern about their defense. The 25th-ranked Aggies held Gardner-Webb to 114 yards of total offense while compiling 414 yards of offense themselves to down the Bulldogs 45-3 at Spangler Stadium. Then there was All-American punt returner Khris Garden who had five returns for 150 yards including an 88-yard touchdown return for his fifth career punt return for touchdown.
N.C. A&T’s defense was so outstanding, they did not allow the Bulldogs to cross midfield until there was 12:32 remaining in the game. GWU quarterback Tyrell Maxwell, the Big South’s preseason player of the year and the conference’s 2016 player of the year, threw for 34 yards and an interception on 6-for-15 passing. Maxwell, the Bulldogs leading rusher last season, mustered only 11 yards rushing on Saturday.
“We wanted to attack him. We wanted to go at him and make him make quick decisions,” said N.C. A&T coach Rod Broadway. “We knocked them off the ball in the first half and made some things happen in their backfield. Even on passing plays, I thought our guys did a good job of really getting up field and putting pressure on him.
Once we made him one dimensional it became an easier game. I was afraid of him coming into the game because he can make so many plays.”
N.C. A&T quarterback, redshirt junior Lamar Raynard, was a scary sight for the Bulldogs. He threw for a career-high 321 yards to go along with three touchdown passes. He also ran one in to account for four of the Aggies seven touchdowns. In the process, Raynard completed 19 of 22 passes and posted an impressive 253.93 quarterback efficiency rating.
Raynard’s favorite two targets were 2016 MEAC Rookie of the Year Elijah Bell and Appalachian State graduate transfer Jaquil Capel. Bell caught five passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Capel posted five receptions for 91 yards. Redshirt junior running back Marquell Cartwright added 58 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
“He started right where he left off (last season),” said Broadway. “We were able to spread the ball around quite a bit. We have so many people capable of becoming big-time playmakers for us. I thought Raynard was sharp tonight in getting the ball out of his hand and getting it to individuals where they can catch it.
He has a lot to work with, so he just has to continue to grow and develop as a player and a leader.”
Raynard completed passes to seven different receivers Saturday night. He completed his first five passes and then completed 13 in a row between the second and third quarters as the Aggies scored on five of their six first-half drives. The biggest pass play of the night came on a 61-yard deep ball from Raynard to redshirt junior Malik Wilson for a 19-0 Aggies lead in the first quarter.
It was the longest completion of Raynard’s career. Gardner-Webb was finally able to stop the Aggies on their ensuing drive to force a punt. But even that went sour when on the first play of GWU’s drive, Maxwell threw a pass that ricocheted off the hands of Aggies cornerback Mac McCain and into the arms of inside linebacker Joshua Patrick for an interception.
Two plays later Raynard connected with Bell on a quick out route. Bell turned up field and ran through three GWU defenders on his way to a 35-yard touchdown. He also scored on the two-point conversion to give N.C. A&T a 27-0 second-quarter lead.
The Aggies then put together a 10-play, 94-yard drive capped off by a Bell 8-yard TD reception to end the half. They then complemented that drive by opening the second half with a 16-play, 75-yard drive that ate up 9:15 off the clock before Jaquil Capel finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown run to give N.C. A&T a 39-0 lead.
Despite the success of the offense, the defense and the punt return team, the Aggies did miss four extra points with two of them being blocked.
“I thought we played good in spurts and bad in spurts. I thought we played an outstanding first half. I was a little disappointed in the second half because I don’t think we followed through with a killer instinct. The most disappointing point is that we missed some extra points. Our protection on extra point has got to get fixed.”
The Aggies will face Division II Mars Hill 6 p.m., Saturday at Aggie Stadium. Tickets are on sale at www.ncataggies.com. Follow Aggies football on Twitter (@ncat_football). Follow Aggie Athletics on Facebook (@ncatathletics), Instagram (@ncatathletics) and Twitter (@ncataggies).
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Virginia State Trojans Take Down Norfolk State Football at ABNB Labor Day Classic
NORFOLK, Virginia -- – In front of a crowd of 10,221, the Virginia State University Trojans Football team opened its 2017 season with a 14-10 victory on the road against Norfolk State University .
After a five year hiatus of the Labor Day Classic, the Trojans were able to secure the victory over NSU for the first time since 2005.
FINAL: Trojans 14, NSU 10
Virginia State's quarterback Cordelral Cook (Atlanta, GA) moved the chain for 11-plays and securing a 1-yard touchdown run at the 10:41 mark in the first quarter. The Spartans as safety Bobby Price's interception in the Trojans territory set up a 28-yard field goal by Josh Nardone with 3:46 left in the first quarter. VSU had a strong 7-3 led over NSU at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter favored Norfolk State where NSU punter Taylor Goettie's 32-yard punt pinned VSU at the 1-yard line as heavy rain begin to fall. One play later, Cook fumbled a snap in the end zone and NSU defensive end Nigel Chavis fell on it for a touchdown. The Spartans held a 10-7 lead, which they took into halftime.
Securing the last points of game, Cook ran in a 2 yard touchdown with 5:40 left in the third quarter.
The Trojans outgained the Spartans, 275-214 yards, including a 190-98 edge on the ground. Individually for VSU, Cook finished with 74 yards on a 12-for-19 performance while throwing two interception. Cook also rushed for 22 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Trenton Cannon finished the game with a total of 145 rushing yards for the Trojans.
Virginia State University will return to action next week, as they traveling to take on the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University in a nonconference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. from the Irwin Belk Complex.
For the most up-to-date information on VSU Football please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY TROJANS SPORTS INFORMATION
After a five year hiatus of the Labor Day Classic, the Trojans were able to secure the victory over NSU for the first time since 2005.
FINAL: Trojans 14, NSU 10
Virginia State's quarterback Cordelral Cook (Atlanta, GA) moved the chain for 11-plays and securing a 1-yard touchdown run at the 10:41 mark in the first quarter. The Spartans as safety Bobby Price's interception in the Trojans territory set up a 28-yard field goal by Josh Nardone with 3:46 left in the first quarter. VSU had a strong 7-3 led over NSU at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter favored Norfolk State where NSU punter Taylor Goettie's 32-yard punt pinned VSU at the 1-yard line as heavy rain begin to fall. One play later, Cook fumbled a snap in the end zone and NSU defensive end Nigel Chavis fell on it for a touchdown. The Spartans held a 10-7 lead, which they took into halftime.
Securing the last points of game, Cook ran in a 2 yard touchdown with 5:40 left in the third quarter.
The Trojans outgained the Spartans, 275-214 yards, including a 190-98 edge on the ground. Individually for VSU, Cook finished with 74 yards on a 12-for-19 performance while throwing two interception. Cook also rushed for 22 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Trenton Cannon finished the game with a total of 145 rushing yards for the Trojans.
Virginia State University will return to action next week, as they traveling to take on the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University in a nonconference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. from the Irwin Belk Complex.
For the most up-to-date information on VSU Football please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY TROJANS SPORTS INFORMATION
Howard Bison Stun UNLV Rebels In Historic Season Opener
LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- In his coaching debut, Coach Mike London and the Howard Football team stunned FBS foe UNLV with a 43-40 victory at Sam Boyd Stadium.
With the victory, HU picked up its first season opening win in more than a decade. Furthermore, Howard earned its first victory over a FBS foe in program history.
The win is also marked as one of the biggest upsets in college football history.
Offensively, the Bison amassed 449 yards, including 309 on the ground.
In his collegiate debut, freshman quarterback Caylin Newton displayed his duel-threat abilities as he rushed for 190 yards while throwing for 140 yards. The Atlanta native also accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing and one passing).
HU scored on the opening drive in five plays, highlighted by a 52-yard run from Newton, 7-0. UNLV answered with two field goals and pulled within one after the first period, 7-6.
Early into the second, Newton connected with Kyle Anthony on a 1-yard touchdown, which capped a 13-play, 75-yard drive, 14-6.
After UNLV's Evan Pantels drilled a 26-yard field goal, the Rebels were looking for more until junior linebacker David Hudson stripped the ball carrier and Devin Rollins picked up and ran for a 75-yard touchdown, 21-9.
UNLV responded, scoring 10 unanswered to close out the half, 21-19.
Anthony Philyaw, the league's Preseason Player of the Year, had 133 all-purpose yards and two rushing touchdowns.
After intermission, the Rebels' momentum continued as they took their first lead with a 25-yard pass from Devonte Boyd to Armani Rogers, 26-21.
With less than seven minutes left in the third, a 1-yard run from Charles Williams ballooned UNLV's lead to double-digits, 33-21.
On Howard's next possession, the Bison manufactured a 14-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by a 3-yard run from Philyaw, 33-28.
Less than a minute into the fourth, HU regained the advantage after Philyaw's 11-yard run. Newton converted the two-point play and gave the Bison a three-point lead, 36-33.
UNLV's Lexington Thomas put the Rebels back in front with a 3-yard run at the 10:12 mark, 40-36.
Midway through the fourth, Newton took HU down the field and scored the go-ahead touchdown, 43-40.
With time running down, UNLV stopped the Bison on 4-and-1. A play later, Drew Tejchman forced the fumble and Tye Freeland recovered to seal the deal.
Defensively, Leland Lassiter recorded a team-best 11 tackles in the victory.
For UNLV (0-1), they amassed 564 total offense. On the ground, Thomas rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort.
On Sept. 9, HU meets another FBS foe in Ohio where Kent State awaits. Game-time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Season tickets for the 2017 year are on sale now starting at just $110, for all football home games. To purchase season tickets, click here.
Furthermore, the Rise Up Bison season ticket package offers fans the option to purchase a football and basketball package at a discounted rate. Access to the football home-opener VIP tent, pre-reception for Bison Madness (men's & women's basketball), and the spring-sport kickoff luncheon. To purchase season tickets, click here.
For complete recaps, results and news of Bison athletics, please visit www.HUBison.com.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
With the victory, HU picked up its first season opening win in more than a decade. Furthermore, Howard earned its first victory over a FBS foe in program history.
The win is also marked as one of the biggest upsets in college football history.
Offensively, the Bison amassed 449 yards, including 309 on the ground.
In his collegiate debut, freshman quarterback Caylin Newton displayed his duel-threat abilities as he rushed for 190 yards while throwing for 140 yards. The Atlanta native also accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing and one passing).
HU scored on the opening drive in five plays, highlighted by a 52-yard run from Newton, 7-0. UNLV answered with two field goals and pulled within one after the first period, 7-6.
Early into the second, Newton connected with Kyle Anthony on a 1-yard touchdown, which capped a 13-play, 75-yard drive, 14-6.
After UNLV's Evan Pantels drilled a 26-yard field goal, the Rebels were looking for more until junior linebacker David Hudson stripped the ball carrier and Devin Rollins picked up and ran for a 75-yard touchdown, 21-9.
UNLV responded, scoring 10 unanswered to close out the half, 21-19.
Anthony Philyaw, the league's Preseason Player of the Year, had 133 all-purpose yards and two rushing touchdowns.
After intermission, the Rebels' momentum continued as they took their first lead with a 25-yard pass from Devonte Boyd to Armani Rogers, 26-21.
With less than seven minutes left in the third, a 1-yard run from Charles Williams ballooned UNLV's lead to double-digits, 33-21.
On Howard's next possession, the Bison manufactured a 14-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by a 3-yard run from Philyaw, 33-28.
Less than a minute into the fourth, HU regained the advantage after Philyaw's 11-yard run. Newton converted the two-point play and gave the Bison a three-point lead, 36-33.
UNLV's Lexington Thomas put the Rebels back in front with a 3-yard run at the 10:12 mark, 40-36.
Midway through the fourth, Newton took HU down the field and scored the go-ahead touchdown, 43-40.
With time running down, UNLV stopped the Bison on 4-and-1. A play later, Drew Tejchman forced the fumble and Tye Freeland recovered to seal the deal.
Defensively, Leland Lassiter recorded a team-best 11 tackles in the victory.
For UNLV (0-1), they amassed 564 total offense. On the ground, Thomas rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort.
On Sept. 9, HU meets another FBS foe in Ohio where Kent State awaits. Game-time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Season tickets for the 2017 year are on sale now starting at just $110, for all football home games. To purchase season tickets, click here.
Furthermore, the Rise Up Bison season ticket package offers fans the option to purchase a football and basketball package at a discounted rate. Access to the football home-opener VIP tent, pre-reception for Bison Madness (men's & women's basketball), and the spring-sport kickoff luncheon. To purchase season tickets, click here.
For complete recaps, results and news of Bison athletics, please visit www.HUBison.com.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Money and restrictive schedules have made Classics harder to come by, but Southern athletic director Roman Banks is hopeful that changes
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is not officially termed a “Classic,” but Southern Athletic Director Roman Banks is hopeful he sees a little bit of the Classic mentality out on the Bluff this weekend.
The simplest way he could encapsulate the classic spirit was to say “it’s a big celebration of love in a competitive spirit.”
That competition extends well beyond the playing field for the parties involved.
“Traditionally, HBCUs celebrate themselves a little differently,” Banks said. “People come together and they’re tailgating out there, but also sharing. You get a chance to enjoy my gumbo while I tell you why I’m better than you.”
Banks enjoys these types of affairs. He is hopeful they can be a more frequent occurrence at Southern under his direction.
It is Southern’s first game against a school from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, its fellow HBCU conference, since ...
CONTINUE READING
The simplest way he could encapsulate the classic spirit was to say “it’s a big celebration of love in a competitive spirit.”
That competition extends well beyond the playing field for the parties involved.
“Traditionally, HBCUs celebrate themselves a little differently,” Banks said. “People come together and they’re tailgating out there, but also sharing. You get a chance to enjoy my gumbo while I tell you why I’m better than you.”
Banks enjoys these types of affairs. He is hopeful they can be a more frequent occurrence at Southern under his direction.
It is Southern’s first game against a school from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, its fellow HBCU conference, since ...
CONTINUE READING
Hall of Famers and icons: Southern bringing back eight football 'legends' to celebrate return of football season
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana--It won’t matter if there are rain clouds in the area Friday night — the stars will be shining on Southern’s campus.
Eight iconic former Southern football players will be on hand at the F.G. Clark Activity Center on Friday night for an event Southern is dubbing the “Kickoff Extravaganza.”
Pro football Hall of Famers Aeneas Williams and Mel Blount will be there, as will Harold Carmichael, Ken Ellis, Frank Pitts, Rufus Porter, Rich “Tombstone” Jackson and Isiah “Butch” Robinson.
This whole idea was concocted by Southern Athletic Director Roman Banks as a way to celebrate the Jaguars' rich football history.
“Any time you can open your doors up and welcome your athletic alumni back, and recognize them for the hard work they’ve done here, and not only here, but they went off and continued their legacy and represented the university in a grand fashion, that speaks volumes,” Banks said.
“Ultimately what you’re doing is telling your story not only to the fans and the public, but to the student athletes to try and get them to emulate some of the things these guys have done.”
CONTINUE READING
Eight iconic former Southern football players will be on hand at the F.G. Clark Activity Center on Friday night for an event Southern is dubbing the “Kickoff Extravaganza.”
Pro football Hall of Famers Aeneas Williams and Mel Blount will be there, as will Harold Carmichael, Ken Ellis, Frank Pitts, Rufus Porter, Rich “Tombstone” Jackson and Isiah “Butch” Robinson.
This whole idea was concocted by Southern Athletic Director Roman Banks as a way to celebrate the Jaguars' rich football history.
“Any time you can open your doors up and welcome your athletic alumni back, and recognize them for the hard work they’ve done here, and not only here, but they went off and continued their legacy and represented the university in a grand fashion, that speaks volumes,” Banks said.
“Ultimately what you’re doing is telling your story not only to the fans and the public, but to the student athletes to try and get them to emulate some of the things these guys have done.”
CONTINUE READING
National opportunity: ESPN2 features SCSU Bulldogs in opener at 2:30 Sunday
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- For South Carolina State head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough, this could be more than just a working holiday weekend -- and perhaps even better than a relaxing getaway.It could be a great start to a new season in which the Bulldogs utilize a solid defense and an emerging offense to post wins.
Pough’s team knows all football fans will have one live game to choose from on television Sunday afternoon.
S.C. State plays Southern University at Ace W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The game will also be aired on 90.3 FM WSSB.
“It’s always fun to be a part of the ESPN package this way,” Pough said, entering his 16th season at the helm in Orangeburg. “I think they put this together at a time where we are the only football game on.
CONTINUE READING
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