Homecoming, Senior Day and Albany State Mean Huge Game for CAU

INTERNET BROADCAST: ESPN3, 2 PM

ATLANTA, Georgia  -- To say that Clark Atlanta University head coach and his Panthers football team are excited about Saturday's game against Albany State University would be an understatement.

It's Homecoming Day; it's Senior Day; the game will be broadcast live on ESPN3; and it's a game with huge implications in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's East Division race. Kickoff at CAU Panther Staidum is 2 p.m.

"It's homecoming and there's no better atmosphere to be in than a Clark Atlanta University homecoming," Ramsey said. "You couldn't have a better opponent than Albany State – they are on a roll, undefeated in the conference; playing well. Head Coach Gabe Giardina has been doing a good job with those guys in his first year.

"This is our last home game so we'll be sending out 14 seniors," Ramsey said. "So, it's a pinnacle for them and getting all the energy together towards sending those guys off right."

CAU is 3-4 overall, 0-2 in the SIAC East after their 14-3 loss at Benedict last week. But only two games separate the top and bottom of the division, meaning the race is still tight for the division crown and the SIAC Championship Game berth that goes with it.

"You know how this division is," Ramsey said. "A year ago, Fort Valley State ended up doing just that. So from here on, we have to take it one game at a time. Our big game now is this homecoming game and Albany State.

The Golden Rams are 5-2, but more importantly, are 2-0 and in first place in the East Division. They utilize a run offense ranked No. 1 in the SIAC and is powered by the conference's leading rusher, McKinley Habersham (737 yards, 105 yards a game).

They sport the conference's top scoring offense, averaging 27.1 yards per game, just a little over a yard more than the second-best offensive scoring team, Clark Atlanta.

On defense, the Golden Rams have the third-best defense in the conference (CAU is fourth). Albany State is led by Emmanuel Brown, who has 53 tackles and 1.5 sacks this season.

The CAU offense will be looking to get back on track after they were stymied for the first time this season. The Panthers are second in scoring offense, total offense and pass offense. Johnathon McCrary continues to lead the SIAC passing and total offense. Deandre Jackson and Jonathan Sander are tied for third in receptions.

"We've been getting the ball downfield," Ramsey said. "We've been able to get [running back] Roger Thomas going, and I think that's what's pivotal for us. We've really got to get him going because his is a weapon for us. The running game sets up the passing game and we've got to be able to run."

On defense, the Panthers have been led by linebackers Harding Harper and Jaquatin Victrum. Harper is the SIAC's third-leading tackler, while Victrum has 49 tackles and two sacks.

"One of the best group of linebackers I've ever been around because they are so athletic," Ramsey said. "Primarily with Victrum and Harding, the leadership that those guys provide for those younger kids, primarily our defensive front, we've been really growing. Those guys have really been melding together as a defensive unit overall. We've just got to create more turnovers to really get our offense going too. That's what's been pivotal for us – getting turnovers to create a short field for our offense to attack quickly."

It all makes for a big game.

"The guys are juiced," Ramsey said. "This is one of those deals where the stage is set. The hay is in the barn. Let's go!"

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Howard Bison Host Morgan State For HU Homecoming

INTERNET BROADCAST: ESPN3  -  1 PM

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After a big road win at Delaware State (DSU), Coach Mike London and the Howard University Football team return to the Mecca where they host Morgan State (MSU) for HU Homecoming. Kickoff starts 1 p.m. at Greene Stadium.

SPORTSfever will be broadcasting the game live. Phil Schoener will handle play-by-play duties with color analyst Emory Hunt and Danielle Podlaski will be the sideline reporter.

Along with the ability to listen to the game live with play-by-play from Trevin A. Jones and his color analyst Tiffany Hoyd. Tune in to the WHBC96.3HD3; SiriusXM Channel 142; or Resident Network Channel 51 for all Bison's football coverage.



MATCHUP PREVIEW

Saturday's matchup marks the 71st meeting between HU and MSU with the Bears leading the all-time series, 43-26-1, since 1931. Last season, Morgan State defeated Howard, 28-24 in Baltimore; however, the Bison were victorious in their last meeting at Greene Stadium in 2013, 28-14.

Morgan State (1-5, 1-2 MEAC) scored a season-high 48 points in their homecoming win over Savannah State, 48-28. Redshirt quarterback Elijah Staley led the Bears, tossing for three touchdowns in the victory.

"He's a big guy that can make all the throws," London referring to Staley on Tuesday's teleconference. "We're going to have to make sure our rush lanes are in place."

After Week Seven, the Bears rank No. 1 in the FCS in total tackles for loss (59) and No. 14 in passing yards allowed (168.3). Defensively, Morgan State is led by senior Jai Franklin and sophomore Rico Kennedy IV.

For Howard (3-3, 2-1 MEAC), they rank among the nation's best in total offense (19th), rushing (18th) and passing yards per completion (5th). Newton, reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Player & Rookie of the Week, leads the league in passing yards per completion (17.4).

"I believe confidence has been gained through demonstrated performance," London said. "He's been able to get the ball to our playmakers. He's earned a lot of respect from his teammates."

Anglin and redshirt senior Devin Rollins lead the Bison defense. Anglin, reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Week, has a team-leading tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (3) while Rollins has posted 42 tackles (33 solo), three tackles for loss, a pass breakup and fumble recovery.

LAST TIMEOUT

HU scored 35 points in the second half to dominate DSU, 52-23, at Alumni Stadium. As a result, Howard scored 50 points in a game for the first time since 2014.

"We made a lot opportunities work for us," London stated. "We had more opportunities resulting in big plays. We were able to put together long drives and make explosive plays."

The squad racked up a season-high 628 total yards, including 342 in the air. Freshman Caylin Newton threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns. The Georgia native also rushed for 81 yards in the victory.

Sophomores Kyle Anthony and Jequez Ezzard each had 100-yard receiving performances. Anthony registered a team-high 135 yards on six catches while Ezzard caught four balls for 104 yards in the victory.

Defensively, the Bison recorded 12 tackles for losses and five sacks. Anglin filled the stat sheet with nine tackles (six solo), four tackle for losses, two sacks, and a 96-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.

THEME

This year, Howard University celebrates its 150th anniversary with students, faculty, staff, community members and alumni from around the world. The week-long schedule of events includes something for everyone, including the Howard University Homecoming Golf Classic, the incomparable YardFest, and notably the Annual Day of Community Service.

Coach London discussed his experience at Monday's prep rally.

"It was an unbelievable atmosphere," London stated. "I can't describe the energy from the student body. It was amazing."

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

HU hits the road to Orangeburg, S.C. where the South Carolina State Bulldogs await. Kickoff begins 1:30 p.m.

Fans unable to attend will have a chance to follow all the action via Live Video and/or Live Audio.

TICKETS

Single-game tickets for HU Homecoming are available at just $30. To purchase homecoming football tickets, click here.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

North Carolina A&T Aggies Host Bethune-Cookman, Chase 8-0

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- *No. 11/No. 12 North Carolina A&T (7-0, 4-0 MEAC) vs. Bethune-Cookman (3-3, 2-1 MEAC)
*FCS Coaches Poll/STATS Media Poll
Date: Oct. 21, 2017
Time: 1 p.m.
Facility: Aggie Stadium (21,500)
Series: BCU leads, 22-16
Radio: ESPN Triad Radio (1320 AM, 93.7 FM, 104.9 FM, 1230 AM); Play-by-play – Donal Ware, Analysts – Al Swann
TV: ESPN3 Live; ESPNU tape delayed (10:30 p.m.)

OFFENSIVE STARTERS FROM LAST GAME: WR Elijah Bell (6-2, 221, So., needs one TD catch to tie the school’s single-season record); LT Brandon Parker (6-7, 309, R-Sr., will play in his 44th straight game as an Aggie); LG Joshua Mattocks (6-3, 331, R-Sr., he will be vital against a tough BCU D-Line); C Darriel Mack (6-2, 293, R-Sr., continues to have a superb senior season); RG Daquan Blake (6-1, 290, Sr., despite his physical play, he has been durable for the A&T); RT Marcus Pettiford (6-3, 274, R-So., steady O-lineman who gets very few penalties); WR Jaquil Capel (5-11, 190, Gr., who knows where this gentleman may lineup on the field; he’s that versatile); WR Xavier Griffin (6-1, 202, R-Sr., has three TD catches over the last three weeks); FB William Hollingsworth (5-9, 229, Jr., he gives Marquell Cartwright another excellent blocker); QB Lamar Raynard (6-4, 200, R-Jr., Raynard was just added to the Walter Payton Watch List for FCS Offensive Player of the Year) RB Marquell Cartwright (5-8, 201, R-Jr., If Cartwright reaches 1,000 yards it will be the seventh time in eight years an Aggie has rushed for 1,000 yards).

DEFENSIVE STARTERS FROM LAST GAME: DE Sam Blue (6-1, 247, R-Jr., one of three Aggies with more than five tackles for loss); NG Jermaine Williams (6-1, 301, R-So., Williams has filled in nicely for All-MEAC defensive lineman Julian McKnight); DT Kadarius Kendrick (6-4, 277, Jr., he has also proven the Aggies have depth in the trenches); DE Darryl Johnson (6-5, 226, R-So., he is marching toward an all-conference season); LB Julius Reynolds (5-9, 226, R-Jr., made two tackles at FAMU last week); LB Kiaundric Richardson (6-0, 214, R-Jr., mans the middle of the Aggies defense); LB Marcus Albert (5-10, 205, R-Sr., third-leading tackler on the team); FS Najee Reams (6-2, 180, R-Fr., in his first start he led the Aggies in tackles with eight); CB Mac McCain (5-11, 174, R-Fr., leads the nation in INTs per game); ROV Jeremy Taylor (5-11, 190, R-Sr., has three forced fumbles and three INTs on the season); CB Timadre Abram (5-10, 168, R-Jr., Abram is a good coverage man and a good tackler).

The Game: The 2017 N.C. A&T football team will try to become the first Aggies in 90 years to be 8-0. The 1927 team finished their season 8-0, earning the program’s first-ever conference championship (CIAA). With two more wins, the Aggies will secure four straight nine-win seasons, which has never been done in the history of Aggies football. N.C. A&T had three straight nine-win seasons from 1990-92. Reaching those goals will be difficult as the Aggies face a difficult opponent in the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. BCU’s passing offense was a problem for the Aggies last season as Larry Brihm threw for 378 yards and four touchdowns in a 52-35 shootout that the Aggies won in Daytona Beach. Both of Brihm’s 100-yard receivers from last season’s game are back in Jawill Davis and Frank Brown.

N.C. A&T is coming off a grinding, heat-filled 31-20 win over Florida A&M at FAMU’s homecoming. An offensive explosion in the second quarter helped the Aggies overcome the Rattlers. N.C. A&T outscored the Rattlers 21-0 in the second quarter by compiling 159 yards and earning nine first downs. Despite the win, the Aggies failed to compile more than 400 yards of offense for the first time this season. Lamar Raynard still threw for 215 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions on 20-for-32 passing. Three different Aggies caught touchdown passes from Raynard last Saturday and Seven different Aggies have touchdown receptions on the season. Fourteen different receivers have caught passes in 2017.

News & Notes

• Lamar Raynard is 152 yards shy of becoming just the fifth Aggie to throw for 2,000 yards in a season. If he accomplishes the feat, he will be the first Aggie to do so since Lewis Kindle threw for more than 2,000 yards in 2011. The other Aggie QBs who have done it include Maseo Bolin, Alan Hooker and Ellsworth Turner. He needs 415 yards to break Bolin’s single-season passing record which stands at 2,262 yards.
• Rod Broadway won his 54th game as the head coach of N.C. A&T. He is now two wins shy of becoming second on the Aggies all-time wins list. If he were to stop coaching today, he would leave N.C. A&T with the best winning percentage of all time (.711). Bill Hayes held the previous high mark with a .624 winning percentage.
• The Aggies are in the midst of their sixth straight winning season. It is the longest such streak in the MEAC. The next longest streak in the MEAC is North Carolina Central who are after their fourth straight winning season on Saturday against Norfolk State. 
• N.C. A&T is 23-3 at home against MEAC opponents since Rod Broadway became the head coach in 2011. The Aggies are 30-5 at home under Broadway overall with two of those losses to Coastal Carolina.

 Opposing Point of View

 “They’re very talented all around. They’re disciplined, and you can tell they are well coached. They don’t make mistakes. When you watch them play, you realize they’re not going to do a whole lot. But what they do, they do it very well, and they capitalize on the mistakes of their opponents. That’s what good football teams do. You definitely have to be concerned about the quarterback because he can extend plays with his legs, and he can definitely throw the football and manage the game. Then he’s got a bunch of receivers who can go catch the football.  Then when you look at their defense, those guys create a lot of turnovers by swarming to the football. You have a lot of concerns when you play a football team like this, you just have to make sure that you’re on your ‘A’ game, and that you play a mistake-free game.”

 Bethune-Cookman head coach Terry Sims on playing the Aggies

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

from THE EDITOR; Would You Frequent a MEAC/SWAC Television Network?

DWIGHT FLOYD
GAME REPORT

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- There are a lot of MEAC/SWAC sports events that are worth watching. On Saturday the Bethune Cookman Wildcats will visit the North Carolina A&T Aggies. Morgan State will play at Howard University. Those games will be streamed live on ESPN3. The game of the week will feature the Alcorn State Braves at the Grambling State Tigers. Most of us will not be able to see that game because it will not be broadcast nationally. The MEAC or the SWAC alone does not have a large enough fan base to maintain a conference television network. Combine the two conferences and you have a very entertaining sports package year-round. There is the potential that we could even see more inter conference play in football and other sports like baseball, volleyball, and basketball.

Would you frequent a MEAC/SWAC sports Network?

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Vaughan leads Gold Nuggets to 11th straight GCAC title

CLINTON, Mississippi — Maliya Vaughan dethroned teammate Taylor Price and led Xavier University of Louisiana to an 11th consecutive Gulf Coast Athletic Conference team championship in women's cross country Friday morning.

Vaughan, a junior from Elk Grove, Calif., ran 5,000 meters in 20 minutes, 43.50 seconds to become the sixth Gold Nugget to win the GCAC individual title. Price, a sophomore, was second in 20:52.48.
XULA junior Brianna Pace was next in 21:47.82, giving her a second straight third-place finish at conference. The Gold Nuggets swept the top three spots at this meet for the second consecutive year.
XULA won the women's team scoring with 23 points, followed by Edward Waters with 50 and Dillard with 71.

In the 8,000-meter men's
race, freshman Camren Sewell led most of the distance before finishing second in 29:27.13. Edward Waters outscored the Gold Rush 45-64 to end XULA's 10-season reign as men's team champion. A year ago XULA outscored Edward Waters 35-36 for the title.

Results:  Men    Women

The Gold Nuggets and Sewell qualified for the NAIA National Championships Nov. 18 at Vancouver, Wash — the Gold Nuggets by virtue of their GCAC team title, Sewell as one of the top four men's finishers not on the winning EWC team.

Earning All-GCAC honors because of top-10 individual finishes were Vaughan, Price, Pace, Carlie Calais (seventh place, 22:22.06) and Hajjia Mohammed (10th, 23:11.07) of the Nuggets and Sewell and Darrick Williams (10th, 31:15.79) of the Rush.

XULA's Joseph Moses was voted GCAC Coach of the Year on the women's side for the eighth consecutive season and the 10th time in 11 seasons.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
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Rattlers Visits Pirates for Homecoming

DWIGHT FLOYD
GAME REPORT

HAMPTON, Virginia -- What does Hampton have to be concerned about against the Rattlers? The Rattlers have yet to put together a complete game and have the potential to be explosive should they ever do. What should Hampton find encouraging? After seven games the Rattlers have yet to put together a complete game. FAMU has played a tough seven game schedule thus far. Four of the five games were against Arkansas, Tennessee State, North Carolina A&T, and North Carolina Central, games they were not expected to win. The one loss that was not expected was against Norfolk State, a team the Pirates defeated last week.

This game is extremely important for both teams. The Pirates are undefeated in the MEAC and tied for the conference lead. They played two good teams in Ohio and Monmouth, and lost to both. The wins against Savannah State, Livingstone, Delaware State, and Norfolk State were not as tough. A 2-5 FAMU desperately needs a win. They have been both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in each of the last two games, which leaves opponents in a quandary, not knowing what to expect.

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What will JSU look like against Southern?

JACKSON, Mississippi -- We're headed into the seventh game of the season, and while we have clues, we don't know which Jackson State team will show up for Saturday's home tilt with Southern.

Will it be the Tigers who played Tennessee State and Grambling State tight on the road, or will it be the team that fell flat in last week's 33-7 loss to Tuskegee in Mobile?



"It’s a rivalry game," Southern coach Dawson Odums said Monday. "You can throw records out the window. I know their season is not going the way they’d like, but if you look at the film, it’s different. You don't know what to expect. You watch them against Tennessee State and Grambling, you see a completely different team than you saw against Tuskegee."

Odums and his club are preparing for the former, The team was within a score of winning three games before let downs against Prairie View A&M and Tuskegee.

They are preparing to face a different-looking offense under elevated co-offensive coordinator Derrick McCall — an offense that plays to its strengths, takes advantage of double teams and isn't afraid to take shots down the field.

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