Southern Goes South

Alabama A&M spoils homecoming for Jaguars

Oct. 8, 2007

By Eric N. Moore

Special to CSTV.com


	Eric Moore Eric contributes a twice-weekly HBCU column for CSTV.com. E-mail here!

Southern falls from the ranks of the undefeated, Virginia Union and Tuskegee keep rolling while Norfolk State takes another big step in its MEAC title quest.

Southern suffers first loss of the season

Alabama A&M proved to be an inhospitable homecoming guest as the Bulldogs handed Southern University its first loss of the season, 33-28.

Despite throwing two interceptions, AAMU QB Kelcy Luke completed 20 of 33 passes for 226 yards, leading an effort that accumulated 403 yards of total offense.

Southern QB Bryant Lee also had a productive day, completing 24 of 39 passes for 219 yards.

AAMU scored 21 first quarter points but despite the early deficit, the Jaguars fought back to within three points, 31-28, when Lee connected with Gerard Landry on a 14-yard TD pass with less than five minutes remaining.

After a four-play, 18-yard possession, A&M's Rashan Cyler put the Jaguars deep in their own territory when his punt was downed at the Southern 2-yard line.

On the first play from scrimmage, Lee was tackled in the end zone by Whitney Garrett for a safety, giving Alabama A&M their final winning margin.

The win helps even AAMU's Louisiana record at 1-1. The Bulldogs lost to Grambling on their last trip to the Bayou State two weeks ago.

With the loss, Southern falls a game behind Grambling in the SWAC Western Division race as they prepare to host SWAC East leader Jackson State next week.

Behold the Green and Gold

Norfolk State continued its resurgence in the MEAC with a nail-biting, 20-13 double-overtime win over MEAC preseason favorite South Carolina State.

The Spartans scored the winning touchdown on a halfback pass from Daryl Jones to Jamar Johnson to grab their first win over the Bulldogs in seven years. It also marks the first time ever that NSU has begun conference play at 3-0.

Norfolk State lost an opportunity to win earlier when the Spartans missed a 54-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation. They also missed a 32-yard attempt in the first overtime period.

Jones, the Spartans' leading rusher with 77 yards on the day, found Johnson in the end zone on a 25-yard pass in the second overtime period to give NSU the win.

With the loss, SC State falls out of first place in the MEAC, leaving Norfolk State tied with Delaware State. The Hornets knocked off Bethune-Cookman 24-10 on Thursday night, leaving them 3-0 in MEAC competition.

Golden Tigers and Panthers keep rolling

The nation's oldest HBCU Classic game finished the same way it has for the past five years, with Tuskegee beating Morehouse.

This year, the Golden Tigers scored 20 first-quarter points and cruised to a 33-10 victory. TU was up 27-0 before Morehouse scored.

Tuskegee was led by freshman RB John Pascley who picked up 91 yards on 15 carries. The Golden Tigers averaged 6.9 yards per offensive play to 4.0 yards per play for the Maroon Tigers from Atlanta.

The win keeps Tuskegee undefeated and on top of the SIAC title race, tied with Albany State.

Virginia Union continued its best start since 1990 when the Panthers knocked off Johnson C. Smith, 30-17, behind a ground attack that totaled 404 rushing yards.

VUU was led by sophomore RB Tarian Donaldson, who rushed 15 times for 183 yards and two touchdowns, and senior RB Elihu Smith, who had 157 yards and one TD in 22 attempts.

JCSU played the Panthers tough, but turnovers killed any hope of a Golden Bull victory.

HBCU Football Scoreboard

October 4

Delaware State 24, Bethune-Cookman 10

Lane 35, Kentucky State 24

October 6

Alabama A&M 33, Southern 28

Albany State 20, Miles 6

Bowie State 44, Livingstone 6

Central State 26, Lincoln (Mo.) 19

Charleston Southern 28, Savannah State 0

Clark Atlanta 21, Concordia (Ala.) 14