Jackson State riding five-game win streak into Saturday's SWAC title game

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  Jackson State coach Rick Comegy isn't making any excuses for the way his team started the season.

The Tigers dropped four of their first six games this season, giving up an average of 34 points per contest. In the final of those losses, a 34--24 defeat at Arkansas-Pine Bluff on October 6^th, they allowed 21 points in the second quarter alone.

But none of that matters anymore.

That game was the last one JSU dropped. Since then, it's reeled off five-straight victories, including wins at Alabama State, against Mississippi Valley State, at Grambling State, against Alabama A&M and at Alcorn State to find themselves to earn a Southwestern Athletic Conference eastern division crown.

The Tigers (7-4) will travel to Birmingham for Saturday's conference title game in a rematch against the last team that beat them. Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Legion Field and the game will be aired live on ESPNU.




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Odums, Jenkins among six head coach semi-finalists

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Southern University has narrowed its search for the future head football coach to six semi-finalists, athletics director Dr. William Broussard announced Monday.
The finalist pool includes coaches with an average of 18 years of NCAA coaching experience, includes 4 former or current head coaches who have won or appeared in multiple black college national championships and bowl games, extensive experience recruiting Louisiana prep student-athletes, and all 6 coaches have HBCU coaching experience.

Among the six candidates vying to fill Southern's coaching vacancy are Alabama State special teams coordinator John M. Hendrick, current Bethune-Cookman head coach Brian Jenkins, current SU interim coach Dawson Odums, Nevada offensive line coach James Spady, and two other finalists who wish to remain unidentified due to their respective seasons not yet coming to an end.

Broussard is scheduled to conduct a 30-minute phone interview with each of the candidates this week before condensing the six semi-finalists to as many as three who will potentially make on-campus visits.

Hendrick, a former Tulane assistant head coach and LSU tight ends coach, presently serves as the special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach at Alabama State. The University of Pittsburgh graduate helped produce two All-Conference USA defensive lineman while at Tulane from 2011-12 and was a member of Bill Synder's Kansas State coaching staff in 1991-92 that helped turnaround the worst program in college football history. Hendrick also served as Southern's offensive line coach in 1986.

Jenkins is widely considered a rising star in Division I coaching ranks after producing a 28-7 record at Bethune Cookman College which includes two MEAC championships and two FCS playoff appearances. In his first season as the Wildcats head coach, Jenkins led Bethune Cookman to the school's first-ever HBCU national championship and was named the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Region 2 Coach of the Year. Jenkins also spent seven years as the special teams coordinator and running backs coach at Louisiana-Lafayette from 2002-2009.

Odums' previous title of defensive coordinator changed to interim head coach two games into Southern's 2012 season. The North Carolina native and N.C. Central graduate proceeded to lead the Jaguars to a 4-5 finish after an 0-2 start, claiming signature wins over Jackson State, Florida A&M and Grambling. Odums arrived at Southern in 2011 after a 3-year stint at N.C. A&T where he served as the Aggies' co-defensive coordinator in 2010 and defensive line coach in 2009. Odums also served as the interim head coach at Clark Atlanta during the 2004 season and head coach in 2005.

Spady spent several seasons at some of black college football's elite programs before becoming the offensive tackles and tight ends coach at the University of Nevada, where the Wolfpack finished ranked #2 in FBS in total offense in 2010 and are currently in the Top 10 in several categories in 2012. Spady served as Grambling's offensive coordinator from 2007-2009 helping the Tigers win a SWAC title after an 11-2 record in 2008. Spady, who played four years as a center at Texas-El Paso, also helped win conference titles at N.C. Central in 2006, South Carolina State in 2004 and UTEP in 2000, while adding HBCU national championships in 2006 (NCCU) and 2008 (Grambling) to his resume.

Broussard expects to present his choice for Southern's next head coach at a Dec. 14 Board of Supervisors meeting on the Baton Rouge campus.


COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Dwight Floyd WEEKLY COMMENTARY: FAMU Interviews Potential Band Director

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  There is perhaps not a greater time in the history of Florida A&M than now, where the University finds itself in such a fragile position. The FAMU Board of Trustees must identify and approve a new university president.

Almost as important are applicants to be selected for the head football coaching position, Special Assistant to the President for Anti-Hazing, and director of bands. After identifying the top four candidates for the director of bands, the selection committee recently invited them to tour FAMU, work with selected band members and talk about the job.

Previous band directors
 P.A. Van Weller, 1892–1898
 Nathaniel C. Adderly, 1910–1918
 Leander A. Kirksey, 1930–1945
 Dr. William P. Foster, 1945–1998
 Dr. Julian E. White, 1998–2012



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Tennessee State Women's hoops prepares for Montana State

GAMEDAY

The Tennessee State University women's basketball team will conclude its three-game road stint at Montana State on Monday, Dec. 3. Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m. in Worthington Arena.

THE LADY TIGERS AT A GLANCE
The Lady Tigers (3-4) had won two straight before dropping its most recent game to Montana, 71-48, at the 32nd annual Lady Griz Classic. The Lady Tigers went 1-1 at the tournament after defeating Idaho in the first game. Simone Hopes and Kesi Hess were named to the All-Tournament team for TSU.

As a team, TSU is averaging 53.7 points per outing while shooting 33.9 percent from the field and 22.0 percent from beyond the arc. TSU is currently shooting only 67.2 percent from the free-throw line while committing an average of 17.9 turnovers per game.

TSU averages 38.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 9.9 steals per game.

LAST TIME OUT

Tennessee State suffered a 71-48 loss to Montana at the Lady Griz Classic Saturday night. TSU was outrebounded, 41-29, and got outscored, 37-22, in the second half. Simone Hopes was the lone Lady Tiger to post double-figures in scoring with 13 points to go with six rebounds. Kesi Hess followed with eight points and five steals. Hopes and Kesi Hess were named to the All-Tournament team.

ABOUT MONTANA STATE

Montana State is coming off a 71-65 win over Utah State on Saturday. The Bobcats had won three straight before falling to Southern Methodist, 71-70. The Big Sky member bounced back from the loss to SMU by defeating UM-Western and Utah State for consecutive victories.

In the win over Utah State, Kallie Durham paced the Bobcats with 18 points while Ashley Brumwell (14), Rachel Semansky (13) and Jackie Elliot (11) also scored in double-digits.

As a team, Montana State averages 68.5 ppg behind a .421 shooting percentage. The Bobcats are only shooting, .247 from three-point range and average 19.2 turnovers per game.

Durham leads the team in scoring with 14.5 ppg while Semasky follows with 13.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg.

TSU vs. MONTANA STATE

Tennessee State and Montana State will meet for the first time in the two programs' history.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

TSU will have a nearly a two week break before hosting Cleveland State on Dec. 16 in the Gentry Center.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Volusia County basketball rivals Stetson, Bethune-Cookman face off

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  — Both Stetson coach Casey Alexander and Bethune-Cookman coach Gravelle Craig say the geographical rivalry between their teams is good for both basketball programs.

But pride and bragging rights will take a back seat at 7 p.m. Monday when the Wildcats host the Hatters at Moore Gymnasium.

The coaches are more concerned with getting their teams straightened out for their upcoming conference schedules. While Stetson (2-3) is coming off its worst loss of the season — a 92-56 whipping at Virginia Commonwealth on Wednesday — B-CU (2-6) has lost three straight.

 

“We're starting over in a way,'' Alexander said. “We're not supposed to go to VCU and win, but you want to execute at a higher level and compete.''

Center Adam Pegg was held to one point before fouling out against the Rams, lowering his season average to 14.0 points per game. Leading scorer Aaron Graham (16.3 ppg) missed the game with a bruised foot and has been day-to-day since.

 

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St. Joseph's Men's Basketball Travels To Coppin State on Tuesday

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania  -  Saint Joseph's (4-2) will look to get back on the winning track when it visits Coppin State (1-6) on Tuesday evening. Game time at the Physical Education Complex in Baltimore is 7:30 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on SportsRadio 610 WIP with Matt Martucci and Joe Lunardi calling the action. Audio streaming of the game will be available on SJUHawks.com free of charge.

LISTEN LIVE

Fans can also access the broadcast on their mobile devices by going to IRadioPhilly.com.



COURTESY ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

 

WSSU's Connell Maynor, Bethune-Cookman's Brian Jenkins Named AFCA Regional Coach of the Year

WACO, Texas. -  Winston-Salem State University head football coach, Connell Maynor (CIAA) and Bethune-Cookman University (MEAC) head coach Brian Jenkins were selected as American Football Coaches Association's 2012 Regional Coach orf the Year winners.

 

Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly and first-time winner Dino Babers of Eastern Illinois highlight today’s announcement of the American Football Coaches Association’s 2012 Regional Coach of the Year winners.

The AFCA recognizes five regional Coach of the Year winners in each of the Association’s five divisions: Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III and NAIA. The winners are selected by Active members of the Association who vote for coaches in their respective regions and divisions.

The 2012 Regional Coach of the Year winners will be recognized at the AFCA Coach of the Year Dinner at the 2013 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8.

In just his third year as head coach of Notre Dame, Kelly has guided the Fighting Irish to a 12-0 record, a No. 1 ranking in the BCS standings and a spot in the BCS National Championship game.

Kelly is looking to lead Notre Dame to its first National Championship since 1988 and its first of the BCS era. Babers earned his first Regional Coach of the Year Award by leading Eastern Illinois to a 7-5 record a year after going 2-9. Babers led Eastern Illinois to the Ohio Valley Conference title and an appearance in the NCAA FCS playoffs in his first year as the Panther’s head coach.



2012 AFCA Regional Coach of the Year Winners

Football Bowl Subdivision
Region 1: Charlie Strong, University of Louisville
Region 2: Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M University*
Region 3: Brian Kelly, University of Notre Dame
Region 4: Bill Snyder, Kansas State University
Region 5: Mike Riley, Oregon State University

Football Championship Subdivision
Region 1: Sean McDonnell, University of New Hampshire
Region 2: Brian Jenkins, Bethune-Cookman University &
Chuck Priore, Stony Brook University (tie)
Region 3: Dino Babers, Eastern Illinois University
Region 4: Trent Miles, Indiana State University
Region 5: Rob Ash, Montana State University &
Willie Fritz, Sam Houston State University* (tie)

Division II
Region 1: Mark Maciejewski, Shippensburg University
Region 2: Connell Maynor, Winston-Salem State University
Region 3: Lee Owens, Ashland University
Region 4: Don Carthel, West Texas A&M University
Region 5: Aaron Keen, Minnesota State University-Mankato

Division III
Region 1: Mike Cragg, Hobart College
Region 2: Tom Watts, Ohio Wesleyan University
Region 3: Pete Fredenburg, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Region 4: Larry Kehres, University of Mount Union*
Region 5: Patrick Cerroni, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

NAIA
Region 1: Bill Cronin, Georgetown College (Ky.)*
Region 2: Ted Karras, Jr., Marian University*
Region 3: Paul Troth, Missouri Valley College
Region 4: Steve Ryan, Morningside College*
Region 5: Chuck Morrell, Montana Tech
*-2011 winner

 

Award History: The AFCA began recognizing district coaches of the year following the 1960 season. The awards were established the same year Eastman Kodak agreed to sponsor the AFCA Coach of the Year award. Prior to 1960, the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain had sponsored the program, which recognized one national Coach of the Year.

The AFCA first recognized eight district winners in each of two divisions: university and college. In 1972, a ninth district was added in each division.

In 1983, the award was changed to recognize regional winners instead of district winners, and the number of divisions was increased from two to four, and five regional winners were selected in each division. This resulted in a more equitable selection process and better represented the make-up of the membership. At the same time, the new system increased the number of honorees from 18 to 20.

In 2006, the AFCA Division II Award was split into separate Division II and NAIA divisions, giving us the 25 winners we now recognize.

Repeat Winners: Texas A&M’s Kevin Sumlin, Sam Houston State’s Willie Fritz, Mount Union’s Larry Kehres, Georgetown’s Bill Cronin, Marian’s Ted Karras and Morningside’s Steve Ryan are the repeat winners from 2011. Ryan added his third Regional honor in 2012.

Multiple Winners: Other multiple winners in the 2012 class are Pete Fredenburg (sixth; 2000-02-05-07-10-12), Brian Kelly (fifth; 1998-2001-08-09-12), Bill Snyder (fourth; 1993-98-99-12), Sean McDonnell (third; 2004-05-12), Chuck Priore (third; 2004-05-12), Paul Troth (third; 2006-07-12), Don Carthel (second; 2007-12), Mike Cragg (second; 2002-12), Brian Jenkins (second; 2010-12), Trent Miles (second; 2010-12) and Mike Riley (second; 2008-12).

First Time Winners: Ten coaches earned their first AFCA Regional Coach of the Year Award in 2012: Louisville’s Charlie Strong, Eastern Illinois’ Dino Babers, Montana State’s Rob Ash, Shippensburg’s Mark Maciejewski, Winston-Salem State’s Connell Maynor, Ashland’s Lee Owens, Minnesota State-Mankato’s Aaron Keen, Ohio Wesleyan’s Tom Watts, Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s Patrick Cerroni and Montana Tech’s Chuck Morrell.

AFCA National Coach of the Year: The AFCA will announce its five 2012 National Coach of the Year winners at the 2012 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. All head coaches who were eligible for regional honors are eligible for national honors as well.

COURTESY AMERICAN FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION

Former WSSU Ram Football Star is Now Living the Life

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. -- Back in his heyday Randy Bolton was a star collegiate running back -- a four-year, Winston-Salem State University letterman who helped the Rams go 11-1 in 1977 and again in 1978 en route to the Division II national semifinals.

Now known as Dr. Randy Bolton, the retired school principal still carries a competitive torch. Which is why 15 years ago, he and Charlotte neighbor Rick Martin decided to contest a golf outing around the Pinehurst area, based out of the Talamore Golf Resort.

In the first year, the "BoMar Open" as they called it attracted eight players. By 2007, their three-day shindig had grown to 80 participants, many of whom return year after year and have started adding an extra day onto the trip, coming from all over the map -- many as far away as New Hampshire and Chicago.

They have enjoyed many of the Sandhills area's most well-known golf designs, including the Rees Jones gem at Talamore, which Golf Digest named Best New Course in the South, and its Arnold Palmer-designed sister layout, Mid South Club.

Bolton says one night they will go out for dinner in the nearby Pinehurst Village, the next evening they will stay on site at either the Talamore Golf Villas or the well-appointed and luxurious Lodges at Mid South and cook their own meal following a fun and boisterous banquet at the Talamore clubhouse. Some play golf the entire time, others take time to relax and fish in the reservoir or play cards in the cabana.

"I could live right here in these condos," said Bolton. "We love Talamore. It's our home while we are here and they are fantastic. They make us feel so welcome."

Retired from General Motors, Jack Ives has been pulling together golf buddy trips for the past three decades, but once he and his group discovered Talamore, it has been their permanent home away from home. Now living in Fitchburg, Mass., about 30 miles northwest of Boston, Ives has resided in several different states during his professional career, and his golfing buddies come from as far away as the West Coast and Canada.

The Ives group comes to the Sandhills for a full week of golf and has grown from four players to a consistent count of 20-plus. "Friends invited friends," said Ives, "and once they came, they kept coming." Ives said his group prepares breakfast at the villas, lunch on the golf course and dinner somewhere in the vicinity of the Village of Pinehurst. Near the end of the week, they have an awards banquet where everyone walks away with something.

"The banquet tends to get lively. We were the floor show at Bonefish Grill one year," Ives said. "We give prizes for low score, high score, you name it. We definitely have a lot of laughs. Mostly, though, we play golf and tell some lies."

Another Talamore Golf Resort regular, John Williams from Richmond, Va., visits with his group of 16 friends in the middle of the summer, when the courses are not crowded and the price is right. "We get a two-bedroom condo that is really nice, and it costs less than a motel room," said Williams. "It is so convenient, of course, because you can be in the (Pinehurst) Village so quickly. We love to go to the restaurants in town."

They are among many golf aficionados who regularly visit Talamore Golf Resort, which dates back to 1991 and first made headlines for its famed stable of llama caddies, along with unparalleled customer service. Today, Talamore Golf Resort has grown to become one of the Pinehurst area's premier golf getaways, which is why more than 90 percent of Talamore's customers return or refer new business.

Talamore's clubhouse, pool and cabana are all conveniently located next to the Talamore Golf Villas, which offer top-shelf amenities and panoramic views, and were constructed soon after the club's opening. The Talamore golf and travel experts offer a wide variety of value-added packages and customized trips that not only include Talamore's 36 championship holes, but also more than 20 other premier golf courses around the famed Sandhills.

For information call (800) 552-6292 or visit www.TalamoreGolfResort.com

COURTESY TALAMORE GOLF RESORT MEDIA RELATIONS

Dec. 1 - HBCU Scorecard

NCAA Division II Football

Pioneer Bowl
Elizabeth City State 28, Tuskegee 13

NCAA Division II Playoffs Quarter-Finals
(13-0) Winston-Salem State 21,  (12-2) Indiana University (Pa.) 17


NCAA Division I Men's Basketball

MEAC
Delaware State 76, Maryland Eastern Shore 66
Hampton 58, Howard 50
Norfolk State 55, Savannah State 45
#1 Indiana 87, Coppin State 51
Florida A&M 75, Bethune-Cookman 67
Morgan State 81, Virginia Military 80 (OT)
North Carolina Central 66, North Carolina A&T 62

OVC
Tennessee State 83, Alabama A&M 72
Jacksonville State 56, Alcorn State 52
SIU-Edwardsville 71, Chicago State 57

SWAC
Oregon 80, Arkansas Pine Bluff 59
Southern 90, Champion Baptist 36

GCAC
Blue Mountain 76, Dillard 66
Florida Memorial 77, Edward Waters 70


NCAA Division I Women's Basketball

MEAC
Virginia Commonwealth 86, Florida A&M 57
Hampton 59, South Carolina State 46
North Carolina A&T 67, North Carolina Central 27
Savannah State 62, Norfolk State 55
Cornell 77, Morgan State 73
Delaware State 76, Maryland Eastern Shore 66

OVC
Eastern Kentucky 64, Jackson State 56
Montana 71, Tennessee State 48

SWAC
Grambling State 64, Stephen F. Austin 63
#18 Oklahoma State 91, Texas Southern 49
St. Bonaventure 56, Southern U. 36

GCAC
Florida Memorial 77, Edward Waters 76

No. 16 WT Buffs Upset Top-Ranked Colorado State-Pueblo in NCAA Quarterfinal, 34-13; Faces Winston-Salem State Next

PUEBLO, Colorado  –  The West Texas A&M football team exacted some revenge Saturday with a dominating performance on both sides of the ball as it upset top-ranked Colorado State-Pueblo at the Netta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl with a 34-13 win in the NCAA Quarterfinal. With the win the Buffs improved to 12-2 on the year, while CSU-Pueblo ended its season a 12-1.

The Buffs, who avenged a season-opening 44-34 loss to these same Thunderwolves Aug. 30, silenced the announced crowd of 10,217 midway through the first half. However, the Buffs had a nice contingent of fans of approximately 800 who made the five-hour trip from Canyon.

West Texas A&M should find out where and when it will play top-seeded out of Super Region One and second-ranked Winston-Salem State Sunday.

WT was led by junior quarterback Dustin Vaughan who passed for 324 yards and three scores on 24 of 38 passes with one interception. Senior running back Khiry Robinson tallied 181 yards on the ground and had two catches for 14 yards with a score. Junior wide receiver Nathan Slaughter came up with catch after catch after catch as he tallied 170 yards receiving and two touchdowns on seven receptions.

Defensively the Buffs dominated the CSU-Pueblo this time as it held the high-powered Thunderwolves' rushing offense to just 32 yards on the ground as CSUP had 265 yards on the ground in the first meeting in August. CSUP quarterback Ross Dausin didn't have a lot of time in the pocket as the relentless WT defense sacked him seven times for 46 yards led by junior defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks who had 2.5 sacks for 21 yards and a forced fumble. He now has a school-record 19 sacks on the season. Junior linebacker Taylor McCuller had 14 tackles in the game including eight solo stops as he broke the school-record for tackles in a season with 155 as Joe Calhoun had 151 in 1995.

WT amassed 517 yards of offense as they had 193 yards on the ground and 324 through the air and held CSUP to just 225 yards of total offense. For the second straight week, the Buffs have knocked off an undefeated and top five ranked team as WT won at No. 4 Ashland last week 33-28.

There was an energy and a confidence from the opening kick on the Buffalo sideline as the teams traded punts for the first three possessions and the Buffs turned the ball over on downs on a 4^th and 1 from the CSU-Pueblo 45 midway through the first quarter.

The WT defense came up big with a stop as junior linebacker Bryan Johnson came up with the first sack of the game forcing a punt.

That's went the WT offense started clicking as the Buffs marched a season-high 94 yards on three plays in just 1:19 of time as Vaughan completed two passes to Nathan Slaughter for 91 yards, including a 74-yard strike on a flea-flicker as Slaughter caught it on the near side and reversed field for a 7-0 lead.

The Thunderwolves went 3-and-out on their next possession as the momentum began to grow and the 800 or so WT fans continued to get louder and louder. The Buffs started inside the CSUP 40 as Vaughan completed pass to redshirt freshman Jarrian Rhone for 3 yards and a first down on a 3^rd and three to the 18. After the change of the quarter, Vaughan and Slaughter hooked up once again for a 14-0 lead on a 13-yard pass and score.

The Thunderwolves went 18 plays in 8:03, but the bend, but don't break WT defense came up huge once again as senior defensive lineman came up with a huge nine-yard sack on Dausin on a 3^rd and six from the WT eight yard line forcing a field goal.

The Buffaloes came right back with an 8-play, 71-yard drive as Vaughan and Slaugher hooked up once again on a 40-yard pass down the CSUP 31. Another 10-yard pass to Slaughter put the Buffs on the 17. On 3^rd and goal from the goal line, Vaughan threw a pass to Robinson in the end zone for a 21-3 lead.

WT took over late in the second quarter after senior defensive back Jordan Smith picked off Dausin for Smith's third interception of the season. The Buffs marched from their own 21 to the CSUP 28 as junior kicker Sergio Castillo, Jr., kicked a 45-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining in the half for a 24-3 lead.

CSUP drove to the WT 47 on the opening possession of the third quarter and punter Brandon Kliesen, who ranks second nationally in punting, placed the ball at the WT 1. On the first play from the one, the snap went wide of Vaughan, but Robinson was there to collect it and managed a two yard gain avoiding a disaster.

WT punted from its 22, but CSU-Pueblo return specialist Kieren Duncan returned the punt 46 yards to the WT 27 as the home crowd began to come to life.

The Buff “D” stepped up once again with good pressure on Dausin as he was sacked by Westbrooks and sophomore linebacker Shane Sobnosky for a seven yard loss as the Thunderwolves were on the doorstep. Greg O'Donnell kicked his second field goal of the game for a 24-6 score with 6:06 remaining in the third quarter.

A big pass interference penalty on CSUP kept the ensuing Buff drive alive as they marched to the CSUP 33 where Castillo kicked a 50-yard field goal for a 27-6 advantage.

WT put the game out of reach on the defensive side as Westbrooks sacked and forced a Dausin fumble as junior linebacker LeBrandon Mosley picked up the loose ball and ran in from 26-yards out on the ensuing CSUP possession for a 34-6 lead late in the third quarter. It was first fumble returned for a touchdown by the Buffs since Chris Metcalf returned one 25 yards versus Texas A&M-Kingsville in Cowboys Stadium earlier this season.

The longest run of the game from the Thunderwolves came late in the third as Matthews scampered 33 yards to the WT 42 on the next possession. Following the change of the quarter, CSUP marched down field on the shoulders of Matthews and Dausin connected on an 18-yard strike to Josh Sandoval for a score and a 34-13 Buff lead with 12:01 remaining.

Great clock management by the Buffs followed as they went on a season-high 16 play, 89-yard drive getting to the CSUP 6 as a Vaughan pass was intercepted in the end zone with 4:26 remaining.

Box Score

COURTESY  WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

THE SHOW: Sounds of Alabama A&M University vs. Auburn University

TSU Men's Basketball Defeats Alabama A&M, 83-72

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama  -- The Tennessee State men's basketball team won its first true road game of the season on Saturday night against Alabama A&M, 83-72.

Tennessee State (3-5) had a season-low 10 turnovers in the game, but forced the Bulldogs into 14 miscues.

The Tigers made the most of their good defense, scoring 21 points off of Alabama A&M (2-4) mistakes.

TSU had four players finish in double-figures in Robert Covington, Kellen Thornton, Patrick Miller and Jordan Cyphers. Covington led all scorers with 27 points while Thornton added 17.

Tennessee State head coach Travis Williams stressed taking good shots in practice during the week, and it showed, as the Tigers shot 51 percent (26-51) from the field and 79.4 percent (27-34) from the charity stripe.

TSU won the tip and Covington got off to a quick start, nailing his first shot of the game- a long three-pointer. Alabama A&M ran down the floor and countered with a jumper, beginning a fast-paced first half in which neither side took a timeout.

Covington continued to lead the Tigers on offense and scored seven of TSU's first eight points of the game. He finished the half with a team-high 14 points.

Covington may have been leading the charge, but Tennessee State also got strong first half play from Cyphers and Thornton.

Starting from the 15:43 mark, Cyphers canned six straight points for the Tigers during a one-minute span. Cypher's scoring flurry gave the Tigers a 14-8 lead.

Thornton, meanwhile, had eight points for the Tigers during the opening stanza on 4-7 shooting.

TSU finished the first half on a 9-2 run that started with 3:38 to go and led at the break, 39-31.

Both teams shot well from the field during the period, as TSU was 15-27 (55.6 percent) while Alabama A&M shot 14-27 (51.9 percent).

TSU came out of the gates with gusto, and eventually led by 13 when Thornton converted a layup with 17:27 left in the game.

The Tigers kept up the pressure and Miller nailed a jumper at the 8:52 mark to give the squad a 20-point cushion- its largest of the game.

Miller finished the game with 16 points on 4-9 shooting.

Alabama A&M whittled down the lead for the rest of the game, but couldn't get back within seven of the Tigers, and TSU walked away with an 83-72 victory.

Tennessee State had eight players finish with at least 15 minutes played.

The Tigers will go for three straight wins when they take on the Drexel Dragons at home on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

 

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Pioneer Bowl: Tuskegee and Elizabeth State both showcased big-time running backs

COLUMBUS, Georgia  --  Saturday's Pioneer Bowl at A.J. McClung's stadium was the final collegiate game for both Elizabeth City State's DaRonte McNeil and Tuskegee's Derrick Washington.

But it might not be the last time you see the star running backs do their thing. There's chance each of them could be selected in April's NFL draft and an even better chance they get invited to camp to audition for a roster spot if they aren't chosen.

Despite finishing their careers at Division II schools, both are Division I talents.

McNeil, who finished with 147 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries to help lead the Vikings to a 28-13 victory, began his career at East Carolina.

At chiseled 6-foot-1, 220-pounds, he certainly possesses the physique to bang with the big boys.

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Pioneer Bowl: Big strip turns sure touchdown into touchback in Tuskegee's 28-13 loss to Elizabeth City State

COLUMBUS, Georgia---Derrick Washington had done the hard part on the third quarter handoff.

The 6-foot, 215-pound Tuskegee running back had burst through Elizabeth City State's defensive line, made his move and accelerated beyond the Vikings' secondary.

There was nothing between him and six points but grass. But he let off the gas pedal at the 1-yard line where defensive back Josh Brooks chased him down from behind and knocked the ball away to force a touchback on what would've been a 69-yard touchdown in the Golden Tigers' 28-13 loss in the Pioneer Bowl at A.J. McClung Stadium Saturday .

"I slowed down. That's my fault," Washigton said. "I think that was the big momentum swing in the game right there and that's all one me. I should've just sprinted to the end zone. I could've eased up and coasted and he came and popped it out right at the 1. It was a good play."

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2-Minute Drill: Elizabeth City State 28, Tuskegee 13 (Pioneer Bowl)


WHY ELIZABETH CITY STATE WON

Elizabeth City State forced three turnovers and did what hardly anybody had anyone had done against Tuskegee--ran the football. The Vikings racked up 227 yards on the ground against the Tigers, the most the SIAC's stoutest defense gave up all season.

KEY MOMENT

Elizabeth City State defensive back Josh Brooks' strip of Tuskegee running back Derrick Washington at the 1-yard line erased what would've been a 69-yard touchdown and changed the complexion of the game. Vikings' running back DaRonte McNeil's 44-yard touchdown with 4:38 to play put Elizabeth City State in the driver's seat.


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NCAA Division II Quarterfinals: Winston-Salem State 21, Indiana (Pa.) 17

WSSU advances by beating Indiana (Pa.) 21-17

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Second-ranked Winston-Salem State lived to see another day in the Division II playoffs.

The Rams needed a late touchdown in front of 5,212 fans at Bowman Gray Stadium to hold off 11th-ranked Indiana (Pa.) 21-17 on Saturday afternoon.

The Rams (13-0) advanced to the semifinals for the second straight season and will play West Texas A&M this Saturday.  The #6 seeded A&M (12-2) defeated #1 seed Colorado State-Pueblo 34-13 to advance to the semifinals.

For just the second time all season the Rams trailed entering the fourth quarter but quarterback Kameron Smith, who hadn’t played since the first half of the CIAA championship game on Nov. 10 because of an injury, came in to rally his team.

Smith’s 1-yard touchdown pass with 3:51 left to fullback Ricky Rozier gave the Rams a 21-17 lead after Landen Thayer’s extra-point attempt was good.

The Crimson Hawks (12-2) weren’t done, however, and they came back and had three shots from the Rams’ 5-yard line with 1:07 to go but couldn’t score. On the fourth-and-goal with 34 seconds left quarterback Mike Box of the Hawks threw an incomplete pass when he was pressured and hit by linebacker Carlos Fields.

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Winston-Salem State Advances To NCAA DII Semifinals

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  For the second straight year, Winston-Salem State has advanced to the NCAA Division II Semifinals.

Head Coach Connell Maynor and the Rams beat Indiana (PA) 21-17.

Ricky Rozier put WSSU up 7-0 with the 1 yard TD run in the 2nd quarter.

The Crimson Hawks tie the game up when Mike Box and Terrill Barnes on the 36 yard pass and catch for the touchdown.

With :01 second left in the 1st half, WSSU's Anthony Carrothers rolls out, launches the pass into the air and 6'6 Kenneth Patterson makes the grab and scores.

The Rams lead 14-7 at half.

 

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Turner’s Time? Vikings may be without QB Jones

COLUMBUS, Georgia  --  While today’s Pioneer Bowl in Columbus, Ga. will bring down the curtain on the Elizabeth City State football season, it may also be raising one earlier than expected on the career of Casey Turner as the team’s starting quarterback.

Turner, a junior who lost an intense competition for the starting position to senior Namon Jones back in August and is the likely starter next year, may have to be the No. 1 guy today against Tuskegee (10-1).

“Namon has a bruised shoulder from the CIAA championship game and has not practiced much,” ECSU coach Waverly Tillar said. “We have Casey Turner and (third-strnger) Tyrell Houghton ready to go if he can’t play.”

While losing a quarterback before a postseason game might be a disaster for some teams, Tillar believes the Vikings (7-4), who are coming off a 34-19 loss to Winston-Salem State in the CIAA title game, will be just fine.

At the end of the duel between Jones, who backed up Creven Powell the previous two seasons, and Turner, a transfer who began his career at UConn, Tillar said that there was little difference between the two.

 

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IUP football faces big challenge on road

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Winston Salem State is 12-0, finished the regular season ranked No. 3 in the D2football.com poll and will be at home today for the NCAA Division II playoff regional final.

Mixed together, it makes perfect sense that the Rams are big favorites against IUP (12-1). But that doesn't mean much to IUP coach Curt Cignetti whose Crimson Hawks have been the underdogs several times this postseason but managed to advance.

"This is the third time in four games we are playing against an undefeated team," Cignetti said. "Winston-Salem is a great team; they have no weaknesses. But we've been able to overcome that and last weekend we did it on the road against New Haven.

"People may count us out or overlook us, but we are a good football team. We play hard, we're going to fight until the end, so we don't mind being sort of the underdog."

Cignetti said he isn't naive, however, and he knows what a challenge this game will be. After all, the Rams are playing at a bit of a higher level than most of the Division II teams because they dropped from Division I-AA to Division II in 2010.

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Morgan State University shooting: Keith Robertson arrested for campus shooting

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  A 20-year-old D.C.man is in custody for the shooting of a football player on the campus of Morgan State University in Baltimore.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says the shooting happened around 1 p.m. Friday near a residence hall. A spokesman for the university identified the victim of the shooting as a football player, and police say his injuries are not life-threatening.

Police also recovered a weapon.

Keith Robertson of the 4900 block of G Street is charged with "attempted first degree murder, assault and various handgun related charges", police say.

Robertson confessed to the crime, investigators add. They believe the shooting stemmed from a previous dispute.

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Lady Tigers battle from behind to knock off Idaho, 69-64

Missoula, Montana --- The Tennessee State University women's basketball team shook off a sluggish start and battled from behind to defeat the University of Idaho, 69-64, in Dahlberg Arena at the 32 annual Lady Griz Classic Friday night.

TSU (3-3) trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half before outscoring Idaho, 43-34, in the second stanza. The Lady Tigers forced the WAC opponent into 14 turnovers and held them to 26.9 percent from three-point range, a team that usually shoots over 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Simone Hopes led the Lady Tigers and recorded her second career double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Kesi Hess also registered a double-double, the first of her career, with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Jasmin Shuler added 14 points and six rebounds.
 

The start for Tennessee State was sluggish, as Idaho scored nine unanswered points to capture an early, 9-0, lead. TSU had only made 3-of-17 from the field through the first eight minutes while the opponent was shooting 50 percent from the floor.  

The Vandals increased their advantage to, 19-5, before back-to-back buckets from Simone Hopes pulled TSU to within 10.

Idaho maintained at least a nine-point lead for most of the first half but the TSU defense picked up and the Lady Tigers used a 7-0 run, during the last three minutes, to cut the deficit down to four.

TSU trailed, 30-26, at halftime.

With about five minutes ticked off the clock in the second frame, TSU closed within two behind a three-pointer by Chelsea Hudson. The Vandals, however, answered with consecutive triples and a break-away lay-up to go back up by double-digits.

The Lady Tigers continued to fight from behind and once again rallied to within two, 53-51, after Tanesha Stenson forced a turnover that allowed Simone Hopes to score on a break-away.

Another Hopes' bucket pulled the Lady Tigers even, 53-53 with 6:39 remaining. On the next play, Jasmin Shuler capped a 19-7 run that put TSU on top, 55-53.

With 2:52 remaining, the Lady Tigers managed to build their advantage up to, 66-60, but the Vandals responded with four straight to pull within two.

Idaho had possession with 31.4 seconds left in the game when TSU forced a turnover and got the ball back. Idaho was forced to foul and put Destiney Gaston on the line.

Gaston made the front-end of a 1-and-1 but missed the second to make the score, 67-64, in favor of TSU with 20.7 seconds remaining.

On the Vandals' next possession they attempted two three-pointers but came up empty on them both.

After being fouled, Kesi Hess stepped up to the line and knocked down two free-throws to ice the game.

The Lady Tigers return to action tomorrow against host Montana at 7 p.m. MT to conclude the Lady Griz Classic. The contest can be watched live on the Big Sky Network. 

 

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

TBR Approves Glenda Baskin Glover as TSU President

Glenda Baskin Glover, MBA, J.D., Ph.D.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  (Nov. 27, 2012) — The Tennessee Board of Regents unanimously approved Glenda Baskin Glover as the next president for Tennessee State University today.
Glover will assume her leadership role January 2 after the contract for Interim President Portia Shields expires.

The Board met via telephone at 1:30 p.m. to consider TBR Chancellor John Morgan’s recommendation for Glover, who currently serves as dean of the College of Business at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi.

Glover, a 1974 TSU graduate, was selected after an extensive nationwide search that began earlier this year. A licensed attorney and certified public accountant, Glover earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from TSU, an MBA from Clark Atlanta University, the J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her Ph.D. in business economics and policy from George Washington University. Her complete resume is available at http://tinyurl.com/tsuglover.

“I am truly honored and excited about returning to my alma mater, Tennessee State University, in this monumental leadership role,” Glover said after the vote. “It is indeed a privilege to be selected as president of such a historic institution that has enriched the lives of so many students, and empowered thousands of families and communities, and still continues to do so today.”

TSU, Tennessee’s only public HBCU (historically black colleges and universities), is a doctoral/research intensive institution located in Nashville. It recently earned a Top 20 ranking for HBCUs by U.S.News & World Report and has been listed as one of the Top HBCUs in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine. Washington Monthly named TSU as one of the nation’s top universities in its 2011 College Rankings because of its success in educating and graduating academically talented, low-income students who become service-oriented leaders in their professions and communities.

The TBR is the nation’s sixth largest higher education system, governing 46 post-secondary educational institutions, including TTU. The TBR system includes six universities, 13 two-year colleges and 27 technology centers, providing programs across Tennessee to more than 200,000 students.

 
About Tennessee State University

With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university and is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top Universities in the county by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912 Tennessee State University celebrates 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS
 
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Tennessee State Men's Basketball Aims to Extend Win Streak

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  After a brief one game homestand, the Tennessee State men's basketball team hits the road once again for a contest against Alabama A&M on Dec. 1 in Huntsville, Ala.

The Tigers made the most of their first time in Nashville this season, defeating Fisk by the largest margin since the 1998-99 season, 93-52.

"It was really important, especially when you have been on the road for six games, for our players to re-gain some confidence, stay focused and play well in front of the home crowd," Head Coach Travis Williams said about the big home win.

It was a big night for TSU's post players, especially seniors Robert Covington and Kellen Thornton, as Covington had a season-high 29 points and 14 rebounds while Thornton chipped in with 22 points of his own. The duo combined to shoot 21-27 from the field and helped the Tigers edge the Bulldogs 45-28 on the glass.

"It is very important to establish an inside presence if your team is going to be successful," Williams said. "[Covington and Thornton] give us that dynamic."

TSU is deep in the front-court, but the squad also features one of the premier point guards in the Ohio Valley Conference in Patrick Miller.

Miller has done it all for the Tigers this season, tallying 10.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest. He also ranks first in the OVC in both assists and steals per game with 6.9 and 2.7, respectively.

TSU's opponent, Alabama A&M comes into the game with a 2-3 record, having just lost to Evansville on Monday night by 26 points.

The Bulldogs feature two players who average ten points or more in Demarquelle Tabb (10.8) and Brandon Ellis (10.0). Tabb also leads the squad with 8.8 rebounds per contest.

Alabama A&M holds a 37 shooting percentage this season, while allowing opponents to drain 47 percent of their shots. The Bulldogs do, however, play a physical and fast-paced style that has allowed them to force 86 turnovers on the year.

"Alabama A&M plays hard and pushes the ball in transition," Williams said. "We expect their guards and forwards to use their athleticism and play aggressive.

"The main thing for us is focusing on what we need to do while making good decisions and taking good shots."

The Tigers square off against the Bulldogs on Saturday night at 7 p.m. and fans can follow the action here.

 

TSU v. Alabama A&M Game Notes

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION