SIAC coaches and sports information directors voted on the players selected for each team as well as the league’s Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year.

Miles College guard Alvin Miles was named the SIAC Player of the Year while Golden Bears head coach Fred Watson earned Coach of the Year honors. Fort Valley State forward Hassane Diallo earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, Lane guard Elijah Greer Dawson received Newcomer of the Year, Edward Waters forward Myles Hosten notched Freshman of the Year honors while Morehouse guard Cedric Taylor III earned Elite 16 honors.

Miles, a native of Memphis, Tenn., was one of the SIAC’s top 10 scorers this season, averaging 15.9 points per game (10th in the conference). He became the first player in program to earn the league’s top player award since Avery Brown accomplished the feat in 2020. Miles was the only SIAC player this season to score 400 points, grab 100 rebounds and notch 100 assists. He finished with double-figure production in 22 of the Golden Bears’ 26 contests while recording seven games of 20 or more points.

Diallo registered 177 rebounds with 120 coming on the defensive side of the ball in 28 games this season. He also finished second in the league in blocked shots (42) while registering 22 steals and averaging 10.5 points per contest.

Dawson averaged 16.8 points while shooting 44.4% from the field, dishing 3.0 assists and connecting on 76.9% from the free throw line per game in 18 contests this season. Beyond his scoring, Dawson averaged 4.1 rebounds per game while tallying a total of 39 steals and six blocks on defense.

Hosten averaged 8.0 points while shooting 38.8% from the floor and notched 4.8 rebounds in 13 games this season.

Watson registered his third Coach of the Year honors at Miles and the ninth of his career. He led Miles to a SIAC-best 23-3 mark that includes a 19-1 record in conference play and a perfect 12-0 mark at home, the Golden Bears best record inside Knox-Windham Gymnasium in program history.

Player of the Year

Alvin Miles

Defensive Player of the Year

Hassane Diallo

Newcomer of the Year

Elijah Greer Dawson

Freshman of the Year

Coach of the Year

Myles Hosten

The complete listing of the SIAC all-conference selections and individual awards winners can be found below.

All-SIAC First Team

• Shakur Poteat, Albany State
• Alvin Miles, Miles
• Walter Peggs, Jr., Miles
• Cedric Taylor III, Morehouse
• Lavar Miller Jr., Kentucky State

All-SIAC Second Team

• Kevin Sesberry, Tuskegee
• Jalen Williams, Clark Atlanta
• Prince Davies III, Edward Waters
• Kusamae Draper, Tuskegee
• Blaise Wallace, Albany State

All-SIAC Third Team

• Steven Lyles, Spring Hill
• Shemani Fuller, Clark Atlanta
• Corey Trotter, Miles
• Aziel Blackwell, Kentucky State
• Khalil Genwright, LeMoyne-Owen

All-SIAC Freshman Team

• Myles Hosten, Edward Waters
• Rocco Lamuno, Spring Hill
• Abdoul Sacko, LeMoyne-Owen
• Brandon Peters, Morehouse
• Christian Gary, Albany State

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CHICAGO, IL — Kentucky State University Football returns to the Chicago Football Classic on September 21 against the Morehouse Maroon Tigers in Chicago, Illinois. the Frankfort, KY HBCU moves its September 21 home contest against Morehouse College to the historic Soldier Field for the 2024 Chicago Football Classic in Chicago, Illinois. 
 
“This is a great opportunity for KSU’s football team. We are proud of our players and the amazing job they do. I support the guidance of our athletic director, Mr. Stepp, and KSU’s Chicago Alumni Chapter as they take part in the annual Chicago Football Classic.” Kentucky State University President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo said.
  
“We are excited to compete in the 25th annual Chicago Football Classic allowing our student-athletes to compete in an historic NFL venue like Soldier Field. I can’t wait to join our amazing alumni fans in cheering our Thorobreds to victory!” Athletic Director Grant Stepp said. 
  
The two HBCU programs met last season on Oct. 28 in Atlanta, Ga., with Kentucky State defeating Morehouse College 23-21.
  
For more information tickets for the Chicago Football Classic will be on sale soon and for more information on the classic visit chicagofootballclassic.org.  

 
About Kentucky State University 

Kentucky State University is a public, comprehensive, HBCU committed to advancing the Commonwealth of Kentucky, enhancing society, and impacting individuals by providing quality teaching with a foundation in liberal studies, scholarly research, and public service to enable productive lives within the diverse global economy. The cornerstone of Student Health Services’ mission is to support optimal mental, emotional, and physical health of students to achieve excellence in learning.

About the Chicago Classic

The Chicago Football Classic, Inc (CFC) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire African-American high school and college students through support for programs, initiatives, and events that increase awareness of opportunities to achieve educational excellence. CFC events influence students and parents to consider the rich academic and cultural opportunities offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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“Chris Paul’s unwavering advocacy for HBCU athletes reflects his deep commitment to their empowerment and success. The Basketball Hall of Fame is honored to collaborate with Chris to promote opportunities for these talented student-athletes,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “We eagerly anticipate bringing all eight teams and their fans together under one roof at Mohegan Sun Arena in December and bringing HBCU culture to New England.” 

Thursday’s Division II games will be a pair of inter-conference matchups. Kentucky State will play SIAC foe Benedict, while Lincoln University and Winston-Salem State will face off in the other semifinal. The winners of each game will meet for the title of champion.  The CIAA game will be a matchup of the last two conference champions. Winston-Salem State won last year’s Chris Paul HBCU Tip-Off, defeating Virginia Union. 

The Division I matchups are set in stone with the MEAC taking on the SWAC. Norfolk State will take on Alabama State on Thursday while Delaware State will take on Grambling State in the other game. Then Norfolk State will take on Grambling State, the reigning SWAC Champions – while Delaware State takes on Alabama State. 

“I’m excited to continue to grow the game of basketball through our HBCU tournaments,” said Paul. “These games present a unique opportunity for student athletes to play on a national stage and receive their well deserved recognition. Collaborating with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Mohegan Sun, and our partners provides the commitment needed to support HBCU schools and student athletes.” 

Paul is a 2022 graduate of Winston-Salem State University. 

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Miles led by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter before SSU mounted a furious comeback to tie the game at 55 and force overtime. The overtime was all Miles as it outscored the home team 13-0 in the extra session. Iemiyah Harris led the way with 29 points for Miles. 

Kentucky State was led by Taleah Dilworth who scored 18 points in the win. 

Miles College (21-6) and Kentucky State (22-6) played twice during the regular season, with the two teams splitting the series. Both teams won on the road, with Miles winning 70-61 in Frankfort while KYSU picked up a 63-56 win in Fairfield. 

This time, however, is for all the marbles.

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Jackson State leads the SWAC with nearly 30k. That’s an impressive number, but it is a significant drop from its 2022 number. Norfolk State got a slight bump as it led the MEAC. North Carolina A&T got another sellout it’s first season in the CAA.

Here are the numbers of attendance at each HBCU homecoming game. All numbers were taken from official box scores from each school’s athletic website.

MEAC

Norfolk State-24,976

South Carolina State-22,269

North Carolina Central-13,626

Howard-7,684

Delaware State-6,300

Morgan State-Canceled

SWAC

Jackson State-30,947

Alabama A&M-26,391

Florida A&M-22,338

Southern-21,492

Alcorn State-21,012

Alabama State-17,995

Prairie View A&M-14,224

Arkansas-Pine Bluff-13,469

Bethune-Cookman-9,458

Mississippi Valley State-8,752

Grambling State-8,657

Texas Southern-6,352

CAA

North Carolina A&T-21,500

Hampton-13,811

CIAA

Winston-Salem State-8,200

Virginia Union-5,250

Shaw-5,022

Livingstone – 4,501

Bowie State-4,395

St. Augustine’s-3,719

Fayetteville State-3,680

Elizabeth City State-3,579

Johnson C. Smith-3,452

Virginia State-3,409

Lincoln (PA)-2,117

Bluefield State-N/A

SIAC

Tuskegee-31,726

Clark Atlanta-19,597

Savannah State-12,723

Fort Valley State-12,113

Morehouse-10,213

Benedict-8,589

Albany State-8,371

Kentucky State-2,898

Edward Waters-2,472

Lane-1,753

Allen-905

Central State-N/A

Miles-N/A

Other

Tennessee State-13,975

West Virginia State-3,954

Lincoln (MO)-3,333

Virginia University-Lynchburg-1,753

Florida Memorial-1,200

Langston-N/A

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Originally posted by a TikTok account named hbcualum, the video starts with a Kentucky State symbolist leading a chant with an epic mean mug. She’s then followed by a series of increasingly meaner mugs as her bandmates march past the camera one by one.

With the ESPN’s Band of The Year HBCU Band championship being less than 80 days away, could this viral moment catapult The Thorobred Marching Band of Kentucky State into the rankings before the next round of voting?

Hopefully, y’all enjoy some of these responses as much as we did.

ABOUT ESPN BAND RANKINGS

Performances are judged on an individual basis, with judges giving scores for specific areas only. Bands are encouraged to submit a performance to be judged monthly. The committee is co-chaired by Jackson State Director of Bands Emeritus, Professor Dowell Taylor, and Dr. Julian E. White, FAMU Director of Bands Emeritus.

The next update will come in late October as the top 15 will be reduced to the top 10 overall in each division. The November ranking will list the top five in each division. The final ranking will award the top two teams in each division a shot at the ESPN BoTYtitle, which will be determined Dec. 15 in the Mercedes-Benz Dome in Atlanta, GA with the show starting at 6 PM EST. It will be simulcast on ESPN3 and ESPN Plus. 

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BESSEMER, Ala. — Three rounds under par lead Micah Stangebye to an individual win and propels Kentucky State University men’s golf to a team victory at the 2023 PGA Works Division II Collegiate Championship in Bessemer, Alabama. 
 
The Thorobreds opened the championship on the Bent Brook Golf Course and fired a three-under team score of 281. Stangebye led the way with a 67, and his teammate Max Dufey fired a 70. Both Robert Johnson and Jean-Marc Chevrotiere shot a 72. Ryan Khounlavong opened the tournament with a 77. 
 
In the second round, Kentucky State University continued to dominate the field, leading and finishing the round with a team total of 301. Stangebye improved from his first-round score with a 66. Johnson was next with a 75, followed by his teammate Duffey finishing the day with a 78. Khounlavong rounded out the team total with an 82. Chevrotiere rounded out the day with an 84. 
 
Stangebye had his third straight round in the ’60s with a final round 69; his teammate Johnson led the Thorobreds with a 68. Chevrotiere had his best round of the tournament with a 69. Dufey completed the team score with a 74, and Ryan rounded out the day with a 77. 
 
Alongside individual winner Stangebye, Johnson finished fourth, Dufey placed seventh, and Chevrotiere tied for ninth.

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The unnamed student-athlete was improperly certified and went on to play in eight games for Kentucky State, which ended a 12-game losing streak and compiled a 7-3 record during the 2019 season under first-year head coach Charlie Jackson. That record, however, will be vacated.

Here are the sanctions that the NCAA and Kentucky State agreed to:

— Two years of probation
— A $2,000 fine
— Vacating all records from games in which the aforementioned student-athlete competed
— A 2-year show-cause for the former president
— An external audit of Kentucky State’s compliance program and eligibility processes, to be conducted during the 2-year probation

The enforcement staff concluded that the former athletics director was not included in the violations due to the totality of the circumstances, including the direction from the former president and the compliance officer’s safety concerns following the eligibility encounter with the student-athlete.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. — Head Football Coach Felton Huggins Jr. is near the end of his first spring practice schedule at the helm of the Kentucky State Football team. 
 
Coach Huggins has begun to set his foundation on to do things early (on task that were most important to instill within his program), “We are working on closing the G.A.P. (Grit, Attitude, and Preparation) (We are building this football team through our Thorobred Values, which we call it “Closing The G.A.P”).  Like today we talked about our Kentucky State Football mission with our guys and how it translate not just on the field but off of it as well.  Our guys have been buying into what we are trying to instill within this program on and off the field”  Coach Huggins said. Like today we talked about the Kentucky State mission and our guys are buying into that what we are trying to do within the program on and off the field.” Coach Huggins said. 

While laying his foundation for his team, he postponed practice for the first two week so that his student-athletes could focus on their academics, which led to improving their G.P.A. (grade point average). “We are starting to see that shift; they are starting to communicate when they have a test or something they need to take care of. That stuff doesn’t always have to be about the scheme or who the playmaker is. It’s about the little things, that guys are being are holding themselves and teammates accountable and communicating. They are starting to understand the little things are the difference between passing or failing that English class or Picking up a first down on 3^rd and short.  Putting an emphasis on these two items on and off the field will show that we are on the right track to be a really good football going forward and in the future.” the things they need to do on and off the field that will show that we will be a good program that we want to be going forward and in the future.” Coach Felton Huggins said about his time laying his foundation.

Spring Football Standouts

During the 2022 season Jimmy Edmonds had 5.5 sacks for a loss of 40 yards along with 28 tackles, “Jimmy is a super athletic player we found out that he played quarterback, and we want to challenge him to a leadership role and he has really been buying into that role. We are also challenging Jimmy to play at the next level, guys like him that can run like him and with size like him can run like the wind and very strong we want to take his game to another level.” Coach Felton Huggins said.

Jaylen Johnson has caught the attention of Coach Huggins early after 2022 season with 63 tackle and one interception as he builds off that momentum during the spring. He’s big and very pivotal, he is a really good kid to be around. He has spent a lot of time with our defensive coaches learning the defense and getting a lot better with his footwork. Johnson is growing into his role as a leader.” Coach Huggins said about Jaylen Johnson
 
Sophomore Linebacker Bobby Hayes Jr. is another player that has stood out this spring, “I’m excited to see what Bobby has in him he is biting at the bit to return to play. He has stepped up to the plate as a leader and he is not afraid to challenge those around him. He has been doing great about picking up schemes, he is very athletic and can maneuver bobby around at a lot of different places.” Huggins said. 

Returning running back Devonte Bankston has impressed Coach Huggins, “Bankston has the body of a division I athlete. He is very athletic, runs like the wind very good sense of direction can catch the ball out of the back field. I have never had a back in my offense with his size and speed.” Huggins said. 
 
Senior returner Brandon Wade has showed Coach Huggins how versatile he can be, “He has the size and is very mature, he has great speed and very versatile he size the to play safety but also has the speed to play corner and we can get him down in the box to play nickel also.” Huggins said. 
 
The defensive side of the ball will have returning senior Jeremiah Owens and is another defensive player to watch, “He has all the talent in the world and he has done a lot better this spring about keeping that switch on.” Huggins said. 

Wide receiver Jalen Silver has picked up things quickly this spring, “He picked up the offense really well, he is very quick has very good hands and will make those tough catches in traffic but also has that speed when he gets into those open spaces. He has impressed me a lot and I am excited to see how he develops.” Felton Huggins said.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. — Kentucky State men’s basketball goes on a 28-6 run in the second half to defeat the Tuskegee Golden Tigers 81-67 at the 2023 TIAA SIAC Basketball Championship in Savannah, Ga. 
 
Montrell Jacobs led the Thorobreds will 24 points, followed by his teammates Jalon Andrews with 15, and Kong Kong and Jay Murrell scored 14 points. 
 
Tyson Brooks led the Thorobreds with nine rebounds as Murrell finished the contest with eight. 

How it happened

Jalon Andrews scored the first points for Kentucky State on a three-pointer at the top of the key to give the Thorobreds a 3-2 lead at 18:36 in the first half. 
 
A three-pointer by Jay Murrell led to a 6-0 run and an 11-5 lead with 14:49 remaining in the first half.
 
Kong made a floating jump shot at 10:53 to give the Thorobreds a 20-12 lead. 
 
Two made free throws by the Golden Tigers tied the game 20-20 with 7:53 remaining in the first half. 

Tuskegee went on a run late in the first half to lead 30-21 as 3:38 remained in the half.
 
The Golden Tigers held a 38-29 lead at the end of the first half. 
 
Six points from Montrell Jacobs led to a 12-2 run bringing them to within one of the 38-37 Tuskegee lead with 16:45 remaining in the second half. 
 
Ten straight points and a bucket layup by Jalon Andrews led to a 39-38 Kentucky State lead at 16:01 in the second half. 
 
Kong Kong made one free throw to extend the Kentucky State run to 15-0 and a 44-38 lead with 12:32 remaining in the second half. 

Kentucky State went on a 28-6 run with eight points from Montrell Jacobs to lead Tuskegee 51-40 at 10:17 in the second half.
 
Jacobs hit a three-pointer at 6:49 in the second half to extend the Kentucky State lead by 15 points (65-50). 
 
Murrell scored the final three points at the free-throw line to secure an 81-67 victory. 

Up Next

Kentucky State men’s basketball will play the winner of the winner of Savannah State and Benedict on Friday, March 3 at 5 p.m. inside Tiger Arena in Savannah, Georgia.

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One remarkable thing about Davis’ career is the fact that it could have played out at an HBCU. Davis committed to Texas Southern University back in 2018 when his father, Mike Davis, was head coach at the Houston-based HBCU.  He actually committed to the University of Houston first, but later decided to join his father at Texas Southern. 

His father had already done a masterful job at Texas Southern with four SWAC regular season titles and three in the postseason, with another one on the horizon that fall. Securing Davis, a solid three-star prospect, along with Damon Harge had it looking like TSU would continue to rule the SWAC and possibly break through the glass ceiling that HBCUs have been forced to deal with at the NCAA. 

But, that was not to be. The elder Davis was lured to Detroit Mercy, and his prolific scoring son followed suit. Texas Southern replaced Davis with Johnny Jones, who has led the school to back-to-back wins in the First Four over the past two seasons. 

Davis currently leads Division I in scoring at 28.1 points per game. And he did much of his damage from the 3-point line, as he is now the all-time leader in 3-pointers made.

Observers will note that Antoine Davis has actually had five seasons (due to COVID) to break the 3,667 points “Pistol Pete” scored in three seasons – with no 3-point line. What observers fail to note or mention is that Maravich isn’t the top scorer in NCAA history. That honor is held by Travis Grant, who played his college ball at HBCU Kentucky State around the same time Maravich played in a lilly-white SEC. Grant scored 4,045 points and led his team to three NAIA titles (teams could compete in both NCAA and NAIA Tournaments at the time).

Davis’ scoring acumen is truly historic and to be celebrated. But there is some irony to the fact that it could have happened at an HBCU. But we’ve still got Travis Grant.

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SAVANNAH, GA (February 27, 2023) — The 2023 TIAA SIAC Basketball Tournament presented by Cricket Wireless brought a few upsets to the second opening round on Monday featuring a pair of men’s and women’s matchups at Savannah State University. Check out the recaps from the third day of SIAC Hoops action inside of Tiger Arena.

Game 6 (Men)
#4E (Albany State), 70 v. Kentucky State, 83
Box Score

Kentucky State opened the second round of the 2023 TIAA SIAC Basketball Championship defeating Albany State 83-70 in a midday contest inside the Tiger Arena. Kentucky State’s guard Kong led all scorers with 21 points to help the Breds survive another day with a win over Albany State in the second opening round of matchups. Kong shot 100% from the field(8-of-8), three-point line(2-of-2), and at the free-throw line(3-of-3).

The Golden Rams went 3-of-4 from the field to take a 12-10 lead at 14:49 in the first half. A layup by Shamon Mosley led to an 11-2 run by Kentucky State at 9:15 in the first half. The Thorobreds held a 37-31 lead over the Golden Rams going into halftime shooting a perfect 100% from the free-throw line. Kentucky State was dominant in the paint scoring 20 points holding the lead for a full 14:00 minutes in the first half. 

In the second half, Albany State went on a nine-point run with 11:30 remaining in the contest. The Golden Rams shot 42.9 percent (15-of-35) from the field, including 50 percent (5-of-10) from beyond the arc. The Golden Rams were led by Malik Parker with 19 points and three rebounds. SIAC Freshman of the Year Terin Wofford added 10 points and three boards.

Up Next: Kentucky State will head to the quarterfinals, where they will play #1W Tuskegee on Wednesday, March 1 at 5 p.m.

Game 7 (Men)
#4W (Lane), 73 v. #5E (Clark Atlanta), 61
Box Score

The Dragons jumped on Clark Atlanta early when Justin Sylver drilled a pull up jumper just eight seconds into the game. Lane would lead from tip-off to final whistle as the margin grew to as many as 20 points en route to a 73-61 win over the Panthers.
 
Kelvin Allen led all scorers with 19 points while pulling in six rebounds. Sylver finished with 14 points and six boards while Maximillion Bell chipped in 11 points. Jesse Payne had 10 points to go along with four steals and three assists.

Clark Atlanta’s  Justin Longstreet and  Gwarren Douglas each added 13 points shooting over 60 percent from the free-throw line.
 
Up Next: Lane moves on to the quarterfinals where they will take on Morehouse College on Wednesday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Game 8 (Women)
#4E (Allen), 68 v. #5W (Central State), 79
Box Score

#5W Central State toppled the #4E Allen 79-68 in the women’s basketball second round of the 2023 TIAA SIAC Basketball Tournament presented by Cricket at Savannah State on Monday.
 
Central State had four players score in double figures led by SIAC First-Team All-Conference honoree, Kailyn Nash, with a double-double 16 points and 10 rebounds. Dashanti Miller added 14 points and grabbed 17 rebounds while Naomi Shorts finished with 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds. Laurene Tere contributed 13 points, six board, and two assists in the win.

Allen’s Keyshuna Fair, Destinee Jamison-Whitfield, and Ananda Mayhew scored 18, 12, and 11 points, respectively. Talayah Boxley grabbed nine rebounds for the Yellow Jackets.
 
Up Next: Central State punched their ticket to the quarterfinals and will advance to face #1W Tuskegee on Wednesday, March 1 at 12:00 p.m.

Game 9 (Women)
#4W (Lane), 53 v. #5E (Albany State), 50
Box Score

Brailyn Tate posted a double-double (14 points and 14 rebounds) and Kayla Simmons, SIAC All-Conference honoree, scored 18 points to lead the Dragons to a second-round victory over Albany State. The duo dominated in the paint as Lane outscored the Golden Rams 32-20 in that category. Simmons had a game-high 18 points while Tate scored 14 points and pulled in 14 rebounds.

The Dragons battled back in a close fourth quarter holding the Golden Rams at 11 points. In the final quarter, the Lane College Dragons shot 87.5 percent (7-of-8) from the free-throw line to push past Albany State in a 53-50 win.

During the close matchup, Milana Holmes of Albany State outscored all players with 23 points while adding nine rebounds. Ka’Shay Hankerson and Kayla Milner each added eight points. Despite the Golden Rams success in converting 25 of 26 of Lane’s turnovers into points, they came up short as Lane’s final three free-throws sealed their win.

Up Next: The Dragons advance to the quarterfinals where they will face Clark Atlanta on Wednesday, March 1, at 2:30 p.m.

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SAVANNAH, GA  — The 2023 TIAA SIAC Basketball Tournament presented by Cricket Wireless hosted opening rounds at Savannah State University on February 25. Check out the recaps from the first day of play inside of Tiger Arena.

SIAC Game 1 (Men)
#6W (Spring Hill), 55 v. #7E (Edward Waters), 78
Box Score
 

No. 7 in the East Division, Edward Waters, started the 2023 TIAA SIAC Basketball Tournament presented by Cricket as they defeated the Spring Hill Badgers, 78-65. The Badgers held a 34-29 lead at halftime after shooting 44 percent (12-of-27) from the floor and 87 percent (7-of-8) from the free throw line. The Tigers mounted a second-half comeback to defeat the Badgers and secure their first postseason win in the SIAC. Beril Kabamba led scoring for the Badgers and posted his 10th double-double of the season with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Cahlib Edwards led EWU with 23 points. Cahlib Edwards led the offensive effort for the Tigers with 23 points and Jonathan Kanyanga collected four points and 12 rebounds to lead the Tigers to victory.
 
Up Next: The EWU Tigers advanced to the second opening round when they will take on No. 3 seed Fort Valley State on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.

SIAC Game 2 (Men)
#6E (Benedict), 79 v. #7W (Central State), 67
Box Score
 

The No. 6 seed, Benedict College Tigers, built as much as a 13-point lead in the first half and then held off a late rally by Central State to take a 79-67 victory in the first round of the 2023 TIAA SIAC Basketball Tournament presented by Cricket, held at Savannah State University. The Tigers pulled away from a 17-16 game midway through the first half to build a 35-22 lead with 1:44 left in the half after a fast-break dunk by Malachi McCoy. Benedict had a 38-28 lead at the half. The Marauders cut the lead to 45-40 with 14:49 left in the game. The Tigers stormed back, and Brandon Smith gave Benedict a 65-52 lead on a 3-pointer with 7:23 remaining. 
 
The Marauders went on a 12-3 run to cut the lead to 68-64 with 3:33 left in the game. Asanti Price answered with a jumper, but Central State followed with a 3-pointer to make it 70-67 with 2:22 remaining. Benedict scored the final nine points of the game, getting a big 3-pointer by Dontavius King to start the run. King led Benedict, now 19-9 overall, with 15 points. Tim Moore added 11 points and Brandon Smith chipped in 10 points. For the Marauders, Steven Key II led their offensive effort with 23 points and Raevon Thomas added 11 points and eight rebounds.
 
Up Next: The BC Tigers advances to face LeMoyne-Owen, the third seed in the West Division, at 12 noon on Tuesday.

SIAC Game 3 (Men)
#5W (Kentucky State), 82 v. #8E (Allen), 72
Box Score
 

No. 5 seed in the West, Kentucky State, relied on a consistent second half to lift them over the Allen Yellow Jackets for an 82-72 win inside Tiger Arena in their first matchup of the tournament. In the first ten minutes of the game, both teams tied three times, one by Kentucky State at 16:08 (6-6) and two by Allen at 13:30 (12-12) and 12:12 (14-14). Four points by Brandon Hill and a three-pointer by Elijiah Lockhart led to an 8-0 28-17 Kentucky State lead with 6:41 remaining in the first half.  The Thorobreds went on an 11-2 run going 100% (4-of-4) at the charity stripe in the first five of the last ten minutes in the first half.
 
Allen came to within one of the 36-35 lead at the end of the first half. Mosley found his rhythm and converted an and-one play that extended the Kentucky State lead to a six-point 46-60 at 12:52 in the second half. Jacobs hit a three-pointer to go 3-of-3 at long range for the night, giving his team a 72-59 lead. 
 
The final points of the night came on a dunk from Jacobs to secure an 82-72 victory. Chase Cook and Cameron Sembly of Allen Yellow Jackets led their scoring effort with 24 and 18 points, respectively. Kentucky State’s Shamon Mosley led the Thorobreds with 20 points and six rebounds and Montrell Jacobs added another 19 points. Andrews and Brooks each contributed nine rebounds in the win.
 
Up Next: Kentucky State will face Albany State on Monday, Feb. 27, at 12 noon.

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“Several qualified candidates were interested in becoming the next head football coach at KSU. Still, none of them had the depth of experience, energy, knowledge and the ability to connect with our student-athletes like Huggins,” said KSU athletic director Ramon Johnson. “I’m confident that his knowledge of our conference and the current football landscape will make our program highly competitive while helping our student-athletics lead with high character.”

Prior to McNeese State, he served as the offensive coordinator and inside wide receivers coach at Charleston Southern University in 2019. He arrived at Charleston Southern after six years at LaGrange College in Georgia, where he was the associate head coach, offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and academic coordinator.

In his first season calling plays for Charleston Southern, Huggins put numerous student-athletes in the top 100 in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in multiple offensive categories, including pass efficiency, passing touchdowns, passing yards, points, receiving touchdowns, scoring and yards per attempt. In addition, wide receiver Kameron Brown set the Charleston Southern single-season receiving touchdown record (10), while the Bucs posted the second-most first downs per game in Charleston Southern history (20.1).

Charleston State posted a trio of All-Big South Second Team selections (Kameron Brown—WR, Zack Evans—OL, Stephen Haralambis—OL) as the Bucs recorded the third-most total offensive yards in a CSU single season (4,341). Additionally, a CSU record 21 different receivers caught passes in the 2019 season as well, with five different receivers hauling in at least 20 catches.

Huggins’ offenses at LaGrange were often among the best in the USA South conference. In his six years with the team, the Panthers ranked top five in the conference in the total offense all but one year and finished as high as second in 2017 when they averaged 408.6 yards per game.

During the 2013 season, the Panthers’ receivers broke or tied all of the team’s receiving records. Sophomore Marsalis Jackson was named the USA South Offensive Rookie of the Year after setting school records of 902 receiving yards and 12 touchdown receptions. Freshman Ervens Oge (713) and junior Griffin Roelle (675) also broke the previous season’s record for receiving yards in a season (450).

In 2014, Huggins saw senior receiver Griffin Roelle earn USA South All-Conference honors. Rolle broke his own single season record with 67 pass receptions and graduated as the Panthers’ leading receiver with 126 receptions.

Huggins played collegiately at Southeastern Louisiana University. He started for three years and finished his collegiate career as the career leader in receptions (162) and receiving yards (2,350). He still holds school records for catches in a season (84) and receiving yards in a season (1,313). In addition, Huggins is tied for the most catches in a game (13) and has the single game receiving yards record of 266. He received third-team All-America, and All-Conference honors his junior and senior years.

Huggins made his collegiate debut at Grambling State University, where numerous family members attended.

Huggins played six seasons of professional football between the Jacksonville Jaguars, Frankfurt Galaxy, Buffalo Bills and Montreal Alouettes.

“First and foremost, I want to thank my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, because none of this would be possible without him. Words can’t describe how excited I am for this opportunity to lead KSU football into this next phase. My journey to this point has not always been easy, but my journey molded me for this moment. I’m ready to pour my all into our players, school and community and bring a championship back to KSU,” said Huggins.

“What I am looking to bring to this program is to foster a culture of developing high-character individuals and leaders in the community, in the classroom, and on the playing field through our core values. The foundation of our core values will be based on faith, family, football and fun.”

The search committee consisted of the following individuals:

Chair, Jacqueline Duvall, Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator
Dr. Patrece Nesbitt, Chair of the Physical Education Department
Dr. Phillip Clay, Faculty Athletic Representative
Dr. Corey Hicks, Representative of the K-Club
President Richard Graves, Kentucky State University National Alumni Association
Ms. Devin Agnew, Office of Student Engagement
Mr. Jerome Costner, Director of Football Operations

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The post Kentucky State upsets Miles appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

 
How It Happened
The Thorobreds went a 14-2 run led by six points from Kong alongside four points from Jacobs, and both Andrews and Brooks earned two points as 15:02 remained in the first half. 
 
Central State earned their first lead of 21-20 on a mid-range jumper at 8:49 in the first half. 
 
Jacobs tied the game 23-23 on a three-pointer at 6:04 in the first half. Central State took back the lead 25-24 for a moment on a jumper as Jacobs would tie the game and give the Thorobreds a 26-25 lead on a pair of made free throws with 4:37 remaining in the first half. 
 
The Marauders gained back a 27-26 lead on a layup before Kong responded with a dunk at 4:00 in the first half giving his team a 28-27 lead. 
 
Kentucky State went on a brief 6-0 run to end the first half with a three-point 34-31 lead. 
 
Central State came to within two (43-41) on a dunk, and Kong responded with a layup that gave the Thorobreds a 45-41 lead with 14:16 remaining in the second half. 
 
A free throw brought Central State to within three (63-60) at the five-minute mark in the second half. 
 
The Thorobreds were able to hold the Marauders off and win the game 75-71. 
 
Up Next
Kentucky State men’s basketball will travel to Miles College on Monday, Jan. 16, for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
 

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With two weeks left in the football regular season of the two NCAA Div. II HBCU conferences — the SIAC and CIAA —  contenders have been separated from pretenders. 

Leaders in both leagues’ divisional races can clinch division titles and championship game berths with wins this week. But it won’t be easy. Each will face a stiff challenge.

Here’s the HBCU Football rundown.

HBCU Football Rundown: SIAC East

Undefeated and nationally-ranked Benedict (8-0, 5-0 SIAC E) can clinch the SIAC East Division title and a berth in the Nov. 12 SIAC championship game with a win Saturday. The Tigers of second-year head coach Chennis Berry play at home at 2 p.m. in Columbia, S. C. vs. Clark Atlanta (3-5, 2-4 E). 

The winner of the East Division title will host this season’s Nov. 12 SIAC Championship Game.

Berry has led the surprising Tigers to a No. 15 ranking in both the NCAA Div. II d2football.com and AFCA Coaches polls.

Bendict- Clark Atlanta match up

Taking out Clark Atlanta and veteran head coach Willie Slater in his first year leading the Panthers will not be easy. In 15 years before taking over the Panthers’ program, Slater led Tuskegee to seven SIAC titles and five West Division crowns. He will have CAU ready to play spoiler.

Benedict is led by left-handed quarterback Eric Phoenix, who has passed for 1,054 yards and nine touchdowns with just one interception. Phoenix leads the league with a 63.3 completion percentage (93 of 147). His complement at running back is freshman Zaire Scotland who has rushed for 538 yards and six TDs. The Benedict offense is second in scoring in the SIAC at 29.1 points per game.

Clark Atlanta is coming off a 41-21 loss last week to Fort Valley State. In its last win, 21-12 on Oct. 15 over Savannah State, CAU broke a five-game losing streak to the Tigers. QB Shariff Brown threw for 123 yards and one score and Daquan Kincey ran for 172 yards and one touchdown.

Fort Valley State (7-1) and Albany State (6-2) both have 4-1 records in the conference and only stay alive if they win and Benedict loses. ASU is hosting winless Morehouse (2 p.m.) while FVSU is at Savannah State (3-5, 2-4 E) (6 p.m.).

Benedict, who has wins over FVSU and Albany State, can lose to Clark Atlanta and take the division title with a win next week at home over Allen.

HBCU Football undown: Showdown in the SIAC West

In the SIAC West, Tuskegee (6-2) is atop the division with an unblemished 5-0 league mark. After a shaky 0-2 start, Tuskegee is on a six-game winning streak.

The Golden Tigers have a 1 p.m. showdown at second-place Kentucky State (4-4, 4-1 W), the only other team still alive for the division title. A Tuskegee win clinches the division title.

The Golden Tigers are in their first year under head coach Reginald Ruffin. The former Miles head coach led the Golden Bears to four SIAC titles and five championship game appearances in nine years.

KSU, obscure after an 0-4 start, has run off four straight wins under new interim head coach Paul Hamilton. A win by the Thorobreds puts them in the driver’s seat for the division title.

KSU closes next week (Nov. 5) on the road at Central State. Tuskegee closes the regular season next week at home vs. Miles.

The Tuskegee vs. Kentucky State match up

Kentucky State is averaging an SIAC-best 216.4 rushing yards per game. They are last in SIAC passing at 66.1 yards per game.

The ground attack is led by rugged 6-2, 245-pound senior running back Christian Coneway who has rushed for 513 yards (64.1 yards per game), averaging 5.5 yards per carry with seven rushing touchdowns.

In last week’s 35-7 win over Miles, KSU rushed the ball 53 times for 327 yards. KSU junior quarterback Jaylen Myers threw just one pass, completing it for 18 yards. The Breds have rushed for over 200 yards in each of their four straight wins. Tuskegee is giving up 185.0 rushing yards per game.

Expect KSU to pound the Golden Tigers on the ground.

During its five-game win streak, junior quarterback Bryson Williams and senior running back Taurean Taylor have been stellar for Tuskegee.

Taylor (684 yards, 92 carries, 7.4 yards per carry, 97.7 ypg. 6 TDs) is second in SIAC rushing to FVSU’s Emanuel Wilson. He has had two 200-yard rushing efforts during the win streak — 234 rushing yards and four TDs in a 49-34 win over Central State and 218 yards yards and a TD vs. Clark Atlanta.

In the five-game streak, Williams has thrown for 790 yards and seven TDs with just two interceptions.

HBCU Football Rundown: CIAA North

Virginia Union (8-0, 6-0 N), under head coach Dr. Alvin Parker, is undefeated and ranked 11th nationally in the d2football.com poll and tenth in the AFCA Div. II Coaches poll. The Panthers are also on top of the CIAA North Division race as they host Chowan (5-3, 5-1 N) Saturday in a showdown at VUU’s Hovey Field (1 p.m.).

Chowan is the only other team with a shot at the division title. A VUU win clinches the North Division title and a spot in the Nov. 12 CIAA Championship Game in Salem, Virginia. Chowan is in the driver’s seat for the division title with a win. CU closes next week hosting Elizabeth City State while VUU closes at Virginia State.

The Virginia Union vs. Chowan match up

Chowan, under second-year head coach Mark Hall, has come from literally nowhere to challenge VUU.

After a series of close wins and losses in a 3-3 start, the team has pulled off close, down-to-the-wire wins over Lincoln, Pa. (16-14 on Oc. 8), Virginia State (45-43 on Oct. 15) and three-time defending CIAA North and conference champion Bowie State (21-15 last week, Oct. 22). It isn’t an HBCU football program, but it could play for the championship of the oldest HBCU football conference if it keeps winning.

Junior quarterback Rashad McKee has sparked Chowan in its last three wins. He came off the bench to lead his team to a late field goal that was the difference in the win over Lincoln. Rashad ran for 139 yards and a touchdown and led the team to a game-winning touchdown vs. VSU. He then passed for 270 yards and all three Chowan scores of 73, 11 and 61 yards in its upset of Bowie State last week.

The Byers effect

VUU has been led all season by CIAA, Div. II and HBCU football rushing leader, sophomore Jada Byers. If you throw out his 98-yard effort in a 77-0 blowout of Virginia-Lynchburg to open the season, the 5-9, 180-pound dynamo’s average would be 208.4 yards per game.

As it is, he has topped 100 yards in every game since with one 300-yard game (319 in an early season win over No. 3 Valdosta tate), two with over 200 yards (205 vs. Elizabeth City State and 277 vs. Bowie State) and 199- and 187-yard efforts (vs. Livingstone and Lincoln Pa.). His lowest output since has been 114 yards in 12 carries in a blowout win vs. Saint Augustine’s.

In total, he has amassed 1,604 rushing yards on 215 carries. He is averaging 7.3 yards per carry and 195.0 rushing yards per game. He is tied for the lead nationally with 18 rushing touchdowns.

HBCU Football Rundown: CIAA South

In the CIAA South, Fayetteville State (6-2, 5-1 S) can clinch its fifth straight division title and Nov. 12 Championship Game berth with a win at home over Shaw (3-5, 3-3 S). 

Shaw and Winston-Salem State (2-6, 2-3 W) are still alive for the division title but would both have to beat FSU — Shaw this week and WSSU next week — to have a chance. WSSU hosts J. C. Smith Saturday (1 p.m.). WSSU closes at home on Nov. 5 vs. FSU while Shaw plays at Saint Augustine’s.

The FSU vs. Shaw match up

Going into the 2022 season, most thought Shaw would be the greatest challenge to Fayetteville State’s South Division supremacy. Turns out, that’s certainly one of the scenarios in play.

The Bears, in their fifth-season under head coach Adrian Jones, have see-sawed back and forth all season. They lost their first two games, won two straight and then lost three in a row. Last week they beat Livingtone 28-14 to stay in contention in the South. Their biggest win was handing Bowie State its first loss in 18 CIAA games, 17-14 on Sept. 17.

Junior running back Andre Brandon Jr. (5-10, 182) ran 49 times for 306 yards in last week’s win over Livingstone. He more than doubled the total output in his previous five games and is now third in CIAA rushing stats with 479 yards (87.7 yards per game.). Expect Coach Jones to feature Brandon vs. FSU.

The Broncos and sixth-year head coach Richard Hayes Jr. are closing the season with redshirt freshman Caden Davis and true freshman Demari Daniels taking most of the snaps at quarterback. Senior starting QB Khari Lane got in for a handful of snaps vs. J. C. Smith (a 21-13 FSU win last week) and played sparingly the previous week in a win over Livingstone. He sat out the Oct. 8 win over St. Augustine’s. His last start was Sept. 29 in a 13-10 win over Chowan.

SIAC and CIAA games for this week

SIAC

Thursday, October 27

Edward Waters 22, Miles 16

Saturday, October 29

Kentucky State vs  Tuskegee in Frankfort, KY – ESPN+ 1p 

Lane vs. Central State in Jackson, TN 2p 

Benedict vs. Clark Atlanta in Columbia, SC 2p

Albany State vs. Morehouse in Albany, GA – ESPN+ 2p

Savannah State vs. Fort Valley State in Macon, GA 6p

CIAA

Saturday, October 29

Elizabeth City State vs. Bowie State in Eliz. City, NC 1p

Lincoln (PA) vs. Virginia State in Lincoln University, PA 1p

Saint Augustine’s vs. Livingstone in Raleigh, NC 1p

Virginia Union vs. Chowan in Richmond, VA – HBCUGO 1p

Winston-Salem State vs. J. C. Smith in W-S, NC – AspireTV 1p

Fayetteville State vs. Shaw in Fayetteville, NC 4p

The post HBCU Football rundown: SIAC, CIAA leaders poised to clinch appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The division champs will meet on Nov. 12 at the home of the East champion in the Nov. 12 SIAC Championship game.

HBCU Football Rundown – SIAC East

The surprisingly undefeated Benedict Tigers (7-0, 5-0 SIAC East) have already knocked off their biggest East Division contenders. They handled then undefeated Fort Valley State (45-13 on Oct. 1) at the Wildcats’ homecoming. They then took down defending division and conference champion Albany State (24-20 last week) at the Golden Rams’ homecoming.

This week, the Tigers have a chance to spoil another homecoming in Atlanta (2 p.m.) facing winless Morehouse (0-7. 0-4 E). A win against the Maroon Tigers would leave only FVSU (6-1, 3-1 E) and Albany State (5-2, 3-1 E) still alive with Benedict for the East title.

FVSU plays this week at Clark Atlanta (2-4, 2-3 E) while Albany State plays at Savannah State (3-4, 2-3 E). A loss by either ends their title hopes.

Benedict is up from 23rd nationally in both the AFCA Div. II Coaches Poll and the d2football.com poll. The Tigers are now 18th in the AFCA and 17th in d2football.com.

The Chennis Berry story

The Benedict saga is the lead story in the SIAC this season.

The remarkable turnaround has been engineered and led by second-year head coach and HBCU vet Chennis Berry. Listening to Berry is like taking in a fiery Sunday sermon as he enthusiastically and loudly lays out his prayers for the Benedict program. He did that at the preseason SIAC football Media Day in Atlanta. Those prayers have been answered.

It has taken only two years for Berry to instill that enthusiasm and spirit into his team. It comes from the former Savannah State player getting his first turn as a head coach after 26 years as a valued offensive assistant or associate head coach. He worked in those capacities at eight different HBCU programs — Southern, Howard, NC A&T, Morgan State, Kentucky State, Fort Valley State, Kentucky State and Morris Brown. He has also interned with six different NFL teams.

The Tigers have not won an SIAC football title since re-introducing the sport in 2006 after a 29-year absence.

Benedict in the driver’s seat

Currently, they lead the SIAC giving up just 227.3 yards per game and are second surrendering only 7.4 points per game. Junior defensive end Loobert Denelus has been the defensive standout as he leads the SIAC with 8 sacks and is second in tackles for loss (11.5)

Left-handed junior QB Eric Phoenix has completed 64.9% of his 134 passes for 989 yards and nine TDs with just one interception. Redshirt freshman RB Zaire Scotland has augmented the air attack with 507 yards and 6 TDs on the ground.

Benedict’s final two games are at home. The Tigers’ homecoming game is next week (Oct. 29, 2 p.m.) vs. ClarkAtlanta where they hope to officially lay claim to the division title. They close the regular season on Nov. 5 hosting Allen at Columbia’s (S.C.) Westwood High School.

HBCU Football Rundown – SIAC West

After an 0-2 start, former Miles and new Tuskegee Athletics Director and head coach Regionald Ruffin has worked his magic. The man that won four SIAC titles in nine years at Miles has engineered five straight wins including back-to-back double overtime wins against Allen (35-27 on Sept. 24) and against former Tuskegee head coach Willie Slater now at Clark Atlanta (45-43 on Oct. 1). The five-game win streak has landed the 5-2 Golden Tigers atop the West Division race with a 4-0 league mark.

Tuskegee heads to Jackson, Tn. Saturday (2 p.m.) to face Lane (4-3, 3-1 W), who along with Kentucky State (3-4, 3-1 W) are the only teams that have a chance to catch Tuskegee in the West. KSU is at Miles (1-6, 1-3 W) Saturday (2 p.m.). A loss by either Lane or Kentucky State eliminates them from W. Div. title contention.

The Golden Tigers emerge

Tuskegee is fifth in the SIAC in scoring at just 21.1 points per game but has averaged 40.3 ppg. over its four straight conference wins.

Five-seven, 180-pound senior running back Taurean Taylor has been the standout recently. Taylor has rushed for 533 yards in the last three games (177.3 ypg.) including a 232-yard effort last week in a 49-34 win over Central State. He scored on 29- and 93-yard TD runs to close out the game. He racked up 218 rushing yards in the big win at CAU’s homecoming.

Six-foot, 225-pound bruiser RB Donte Edwards has also been effective (69.3 ypg., 4 TDs) with 100-yard games vs. CAU (18 carries, 118 yds.,1 TD) and Central State (17 car., 144 yds., 2 TDs). Juniors Bryson Williams and Malik Davis have led the Tigers to victories from the quarterback position.

HBCU Football Rundown: Don’t count Lane out

Lane, under new head coach Vyron Brown, has won four of its last five games including a 28-27 non-conference stunner over FCS Ohio Valley Conference member Tennessee State on Oct. 1. The Dragons also threw a scare into East Div. leader Benedict in a non-conference tilt before coming up short 14-0 back on Sept. 10. The Golden Dragons’ only loss in the division was a close 31-26 decision to Kentucky State on Oct. 8.

Lane will feature redshirt senior QB Michael Huntley (1,152 passing yards, 11 TDs, 4 ints.) who is among the leaders in SIAC passing stats. Sophomore wideouts Jacquez Jones (27 rec., 524 yds., 7 TDs) and Virgil Young (25 rec., 411 yds., 3 TDs) have been the main recipients of Huntley’s aerials. Jones is the SIAC’s receiving yardage (87.3 ypg.) and TD receptions leader.

Redshirt senior defensive end Andrew Farmer is a terror. Farmer has amassed 49 tackles, 35 solos, with five sacks and leads the SIAC with 22.5 tackles for loss.

SIAC Games this week

EAST

Allen (HC) vs. Bluefield State in Blythewood, SC      1p

Morehouse (HC) vs. Benedict in Atlanta, GA 2p

Clark Atlanta vs. Fort Valley State in Atlanta, GA      4p

Savannah State vs. Albany State in Sav., GA – ESPN+  5p

WEST

Central State vs. Edward Waters in Wilberforce, OH 1p

Lane vs. Tuskegee in Jackson, TN               2p

Miles vs. Kentucky State in Fairfield, AL – ESPN+    2p

The post HBCU Football Rundown – SIAC appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The 3rd annual National Battle of the Bands took place in Houston’s NRG Stadium on August 27th.
This year featured an exciting change of format as the bands were allowed to face different sides of the stadium during field performances.

Fans of all ages enjoyed performances from Alabama A&M- Marching Maroon and White Band, Alcorn State- Sound of Dyn-O-mite, Bethune Cookman- Marching Wild Cats, Grambling State- World Famed Tiger Marching Band, Kentucky State- Mighty Marching Thorobreds, North Carolina A&T- Blue and Gold Marching Machine, Prairie View A&M- Marching Storm, and Southern University- Human Jukebox.

This year, immediately following the battle of the bands, fans were treated to a concert by Migos.

HBCU Drum Majors: They lead, excite, and entertain with their own unique style.

What would an HBCU band be without its dance team?

Heart and soul: The sounds you love and things you see wouldn’t be possible without these groups.

Lastly, the bands would cease to exist without these men and women who organize and lead.

In the words of Migos, “we gone.”

About the NBOTB

The “National Battle of the Bands” event was created to be the nation’s best kick-off to the fall marching band season by showcasing new performances of the country’s top marching bands. This event starts the season off with a BANG! It offers unmatched exposure to the marching bands of Historically Black College’s & Universities, and demonstrates its broad appeal with attendance by a multitude of demographics- teens, young adults, families, college educated professionals, blue collar working class and even the active elderly.

Thanks to the support of Harris County Houston Sports Authority and the City of Houston, the “National Battle of the Bands” event will attract thousands of fans, alumni and students. The vision of the event’s creator, Derek Webber, is to strengthen the connection of the community to Historically Black Colleges and Universities by showcasing select marching bands and the role they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders.

The National Battle of the Bands’ mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $700,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities.

The post PHOTO GALLERY: 2022 National Battle of The Bands appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State Athletics announces their 2022 Football Schedule. The Thorobreds will meet NCAA Division I opponent, the University of Dayton, and host three home contests.
 
The season will open to a non-conference opponent Delta State on September 3, at 1 p.m. at Alumni Stadium for Frankfort Day. The Statesmen finished the 2021 season with an overall record of 5-6.
 
Kentucky State will travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to play Fort Valley State in the Scenic City Classic on September 11.

They will play their next four games on the road beginning at the University of Dayton on September 17. The Thorobreds will travel to Columbia, South Carolina, to meet league opponent Benedict College on September 24. Followed by another SIAC opponent Savannah State on October 1. Kentucky State will close out the road games with Lane College on October 8.
 
The Thorobreds will host league opponent Allen on October 15, at 2 p.m. for Homecoming.
 
Following Homecoming, the Thorobreds will head to Alabama to play SIAC opponent Miles College.

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The 2022 home schedule will close to Tuskegee on October 29, for Senior Day, and the regular season will conclude at rival Central State on November 5.
 
Season Passes are not on sale yet, and all 2021 season ticket holders will have priority access to their season tickets. All season passes and single-game tickets will be available at www.ksuthorobreds.com/tickets . Season passes will only be available online, and single-game tickets will be available online or at the gate through debit card only; cash will not be accepted.

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Without going too long, HBCU Gameday is introducing its inaugural staff polls for FCS and Division II/NAIA HBCU Football. Our polls will come out weekly throughout the season as we watch and vote.

Points were assigned for each vote, with a first-place vote being worth ten points and a 10th place vote being worth one point. Points were tabulated to compile the top 10. 

The FCS poll results can be found here.

Without further ado, here is the inaugural HBCU Gameday Preseason D2 HBCU Football poll as voted on by our staff. 

HBCU Gameday Staff D2 Poll

10. Lane College
Lane showed its teeth early in the 2021 season but the Dragons soon ran out of fuel. Can it maintain it and make its move this year?

9. Kentucky State
Kentucky State had some moments in 2021, but it will be heading into 2022 with a new head coach.

8. Benedict College
Benedict made some strides under Chennis Berry last year, so some expect them to be the top challenger to Albany State in the SIAC East. 

7. Tuskegee
The Reginald Ruffin Show is here for a good time, but not a long time. Will it be enough to get the Golden Tigers back in the hunt? 

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6. Savannah State
Savannah State is starting over with a new head coach and has seen an exodus of many of its key players. 

5. Miles College
Reginald Ruffin has left the building, and headed down the street. Can Miles still keep the West on lock?

T-4. Shaw
Shaw has been the bridesmaid to the bridesmaid in the CIAA South. Can it ruin the Broncos planned coronation?

T-4. Va. Union
Virginia Union has been waiting in the wings of the CIAA North for nearly a decade. If not now – when? 

3. Albany State (one first-place votes)
After rising to the top of the SIAC, Albany State now has the task of staying on top of the conference. 

2. Bowie State (Two first-place votes)
Bowie State has undergone massive change since last season. From its head coach to its defensive coordinator to many of its top players. All eyes are now on Prince George’s County. 

1. Fayetteville State (Two first-place votes)
Fayetteville State has been the bridesmaid in the CIAA for the last half-decade. Is this the year it finally breaks through and claims the big prize?  At least two of our voters think so. 

Receiving votes: Virginia State, Langston and Morehouse

The post HBCU Gameday staff debuts 2022 D2/NAIA football poll appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The infamous District 29

The NAIA, primarily because of the lobbying work of the National Athletic Steering Committee, led by NC College head coach and administrator John McLendon, and other entities, accepted its first HBCU institutions in 1951. But by 1953, the NAIA placed all the HBCUs, regardless of location, in one District — the infamous District 29.

The NAIA then set up an eight-team HBCU tournament to determine the team that would advance to Kansas City. The eight-team HBCU format was known as the National Athletic Steering Committee or District 29 championship. This was another form of segregation. While the predominantly white teams played in 31 regional districts around the nation, the HBCUs all had to play each other to choose a HBCU or NASC national champion before going to Kansas City.

Additionally, HBCU teams did not stay in the same hotels as the HWCU (Historically White Colleges and Universities) once in Kansas City. Their players had to stay in black hotels and eat in black-owned restaurants. McLendon and his cohorts were determined to end all these discriminatory practices.

HBCU hoops: It begins

In 1953 and 1954, Tennessee A&I (now State), then coached by Clarence Cash, defeated the other HBCUs to win the District 29 title. The Tigers won the NASC championship in 1953 over Floyd Brown’s NCC squad (94-90) that included HBCU and future NBA and Boston Celtics legend Sam Jones.

In the 1953 national NAIA Tournament, Cash’s team won in the first round 89-88 over Geneva (Pa.), prevailed over St. Benedict’s in the second round (79-56) before falling to East Texas State (now Texas A&M-Commerce), 72-67 in the Elite Eight.

In 1954 after winning the NASC title again over Brown’s NCC team, Cash’s troops fell in the first round in Kansas City to Regis (Colo.), 61-58. McLendon left Hampton to become the coach at Tennessee State in 1955.

HBCU Hoops: McLendon on the scene

In 1955, it was Texas Southern, coached by Ed Adams and led by Woody Saulsberry, Benny Roy and Benny Swain, who emerged as the District 29 or NASC championship winner and made it to the national tournament. TSU posted a first round win over Adrian (102-83) before succumbing in the second round to Gustavos Adolphus (67-55).

In 1956, District 29 was split into East and West Divisions. While still having all the HBCUs, the district now had Historically White Colleges and Universities (HWCUs) from the regions in the divisions. Adams and TSU won the West Division and prevailed over East Tennessee State for the district title. 

In the national tournament, Texas Southern beat Hastings (108-61), Rockhurst (64-61), Midwestern State (85-82) and Wheaton (82-73) to reach the championship game. It was the first time an HBCU reached a national tournament title game. The Tigers fell to McNeese State, 60-55 for the national NAIA title. McLendon’s squad at Tennessee State also made the tournament and lost to McNeese State in the Sweet 16 (76-68)

According to Milton Katz’s book on Coach McLendon, “Breaking Through” published in 2007, the coach lobbied NAIA President Al Duer prior to his 1956 team coming to the national tournament to end the segregated lodging for the teams. Some accounts say McLendon lobbied to end both District 29 and the housing discrimination as early as 1954.

McLendon, Tennessee State break through

In 1957, with Dick Barnett, John Barnhill and James Satterwhite leading the squad, Tennessee State became the first HBCU to win the national NAIA Tournament.

After beating Big House Gaines’ WSSU squad (100-90) in the region finals, McLendon’s charges (31-4) came in unseeded but proceeded to whip Adrian, MI, 87-69, Portland State 87-70 and Western Illinois, 90-88. They met no. 1 seed Pacific Lutheran in the semifinals and came away with a thrilling 71-70 win. TSU defeated SE Oklahoma, 72-53 in the finals.

Texas Southern also made the 32-team field in Kansas City and won two games before succumbing to Pacific Lutheran (91-72) in the Elite Eight.

McLendon told this reporter that he told NAIA officials that he would not bring his championship winning team back to the Kansas City if the same lodging was not open to all teams.

TSU title No. 2

In 1958, Tennessee State (A&I) and Texas Southern both returned to Kansas City. 

Little All Americans Barnett and Barnhill led the charge as McLendon’s team downed Northern Michigan 113-45, Anderson 77-56 and East Texas State 81-62.

Unseeded Texas Southern, led by their star player Benny Swain, beat Oklahoma Baptist, 79-68; Drury 91-61 and Coe College 98-78.  

The two TSUs met in the semifinals — the first time two HBCU teams met in the NAIA tournament. Tennessee State (31-3) ran past Texas Southern, 110-85 before defeating Western Illinios 85-73 for its second straight NAIA championship.  Barnett won his first of two NAIA MVP trophies, the Chuck Taylor Award. McLendon was awarded Coach of the Year honors.

HBCU Hoops: Tennessee State three-peat

An unprecedented three HBCUs made it to the NAIA Big Dance in 1959. McLendon’s Tennessee State team was joined by fourth-seed Grambling under Fred Hobdy and Kentucky State.

Both Grambling (88-81 to Lenoir Rhyne) and Kentucky State (72-65 to Central Oklahoma) bowed out in the first round.

The veteran TSU squad (32-1), seeded first in the tournament, got by Nebraska Wesleyan (75-57), Youngstown State (89-80), Illinois Normal (131-74) and Southwest Texas (64-62). They handled No. 3 Pacific Lutheran 97-87 for their unprecedented third national NAIA title.

Barnett, who was on board for all three titles, repeated as winner of the Chuck Taylor Award. Over the three seasons, the left-handed Barnett with the fold-up jumper where he kicked his legs while in the air, averaged 25.1 points per game in the three national tournaments. He scored 3,209 points in his TSU career. That record has stood since 1959. As a professional, Barnett also won the MVP award in the American Basketball League (ABL) and two NBA titles with HBCU legends Willis Reed and Earl Monroe with the New York Knicks.

McLendon is the only person to be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as both a coach and a contributor. He left Tennessee State after the 1959 title to become the first professional African-American basketball coach with the Cleveland/Pittsburgh Pipers.

HBCU NAIA dominance opens doors to the NCAA

Between 1956 — when Texas Southern became the first HBCU to appear in the NAIA national championship game — through 1957 to 1959 when coach McLendon and Tennessee A&I won its unprecedented three national NAIA titles, to 1980, a span of 24 years, HBCUs appeared in 16 NAIA national championship games, winning 12 national crowns. 

After the success of McLendon and his cohorts in the NAIA, the NCAA responded in 1956-57 by creating a small college (later Division II) national tournament and accepting HBCU’s as members.  Jackson State participated in the first round of the 1957 tournament but was forced by white segregationists to withdraw when it was matched against a white team from the Midwest.

Ten years later in 1967, Winston-Salem State with head coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines and star Earl “The Pearl” Monroe won the NCAA Small College National title.

Race relations and sports

The way Texas-El Paso Associate History Professor Charles H. Martin in a 2011 blog post of his book, Benching Jim Crow, The Rise and Fall of the Color Line in Southern College Sports, 1890-1990 says it, “In order to compete with the NAIA, the NCAA responded in 1956-57 by creating a small college (later Div. II) national tournament and accepting HBCUs as members.The NCAA Tournament had begun in 1938.”

Martin continues, “Eventually most HBCUs joined the NCAA and (many) moved up to Division I status. There, due to the loss of the top African American athletes to white universities and the limited financial resources made available to them by tight-fisted state legislatures, HBCU teams fell back into the shadows of national competition. Nonetheless, their earlier history, mostly forgotten today, reveals part of the complicated history of American race relations and college sports.”

Part III chronicles the great HBCU teams and coaches that went on to make the NAIA finals or win NAIA national titles.

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Jackson began as the Kentucky State football head coach in January 2019 and led the Thorobreds to a 14-7 record through two complete seasons. The Thorobreds were 0-10 in 2018, the season prior to Jackson’s arrival.  

“We thank Coach Jackson for leading the program the last three years,” Kentucky State University Acting President Clara Ross Stamps said. “We appreciate that he not only led on the field but provided an example as a positive male role model and exposed our students to cultural experiences and a better understanding of their heritage. The University wishes Coach Jackson and his family all the best.” 

Prior to his arrival at Kentucky State, Jackson was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Falcons for their 2017 and 2018 campaigns.  

Jackson, a veteran Air Force officer, has a long history with the National Football League (NFL) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Prior to coaching with the Falcons, Jackson served on the NCAA national office staff as a member of the college football rules enforcement group. His background includes roles with the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks. He has collegiate experience at Colorado, UCLA, Utah State, Buffalo, and the United States Air Force Academy. 

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We’re In

Bowie State in the CIAA North, Fayetteville State in the CIAA South and Albany State in the SIAC East clinched division titles and championship game berths in their respective conferences with wins Saturday.

That means Bowie State and Fayetteville State will face off for the third straight year in the CIAA Championship Game in two weeks (Nov. 13) in Salem, Va. 

The last team to earn a spot in HBCU Div. II championship games will come out of the SIAC West Division and face Albany State for the SIAC championship game on Nov. 13. Three teams — Kentucky State, Miles and Lane — will go into the final week of regular season play this week tied with 3-2 conference marks and with a shot at the division title.

HBCU Football Rundown – Season-enders

Head coach Reginald Ruffin and Miles (5-4, 3-2 W), who have close wins this season over both Kentucky State (28-21) and Lane (34-31), clinch their third consecutive SIAC West Division title and championship game berth with a win at home Saturday (2 p.m.) over in-state rival Tuskegee (3-6, 2-3 W). 

The Miles-Tuskegee battle is right up there with the greatest of season-ending HBCU in-state rivalries.

Columbus, Georgia is the site of another season-closing SIAC gem this week, the 31st annual Fountain City Classic, that pits Georgia in-state rivals Albany State and Fort Valley State (2 p.m.). Included among them is the Virginia State vs. Virginia Union showdown to close out regular season play in the CIAA this Saturday (2 p.m.). The upcoming in-state Louisiana battle between Southern and Grambling State on Thanksgiving Saturday (Nov. 27) dubbed the Bayou Classic brings a close to the SWAC regular season.

Before this year, NC A&T and NC Central closed out the MEAC regular season. That ended this year as A&T bolted to join the Big South Conference.

Miles vs. Tuskegee history

Tuskegee, under 16-year head coach Willie Slater, has won six of the last ten games with Miles. But Miles has won the last two and split the last six.

Ruffin, in his tenth year at Miles, spent the previous five years under Slater as defensive coordinator at Tuskegee. Since coming to Miles, he has turned around the rivalry once dominated by Tuskegee. Over the last ten years, Tuskegee and Miles each has won four SIAC championship games and represented the West Division (Miles 5, Tuskegee 4) in all but one of the title games. Ruffin’s Golden Bears have won the last two SIAC championships.

Miles will come in as the favorite after winning its last three games. Tuskegee has lost three of its last four. A Miles loss will open the door for either Lane or Kentucky State to take the West title and championship game berth.

Kentucky State hosts Central State Saturday (1 p.m.) while Lane plays at Benedict (3 p.m.). KSU has a 49-14 win over Lane in head-to-head competition this season. 

HBCU Football Rundown – MEAC

Preseason MEAC favorite S. C. State (4-4, 3-0 MEAC) and second choice Norfolk State (6-2, 2-0) are both undefeated in conference play and could be headed for a season-ending showdown on Nov. 20. But each has a couple more hurdles to get there in a conference where teams appear to be evenly matched.  

SC State is hosting Howard (2-6, 1-2) this Saturday (1:30 p.m.) while Norfolk State visits N. C. Central (3-5, 1-1).

Delaware State (4-4, 1-1) has just one loss in MEAC play and is still in it as it travels to Morgan State for a Thursday night (7:30 p.m.) game.    

HBCU Football Rundown – SWAC

East Division leader Jackson State (7-1, 5-0 E) goes into its third game Saturday without head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. The Tigers, after surviving 28-19 at Mississippi Valley State last week, are hosting a dangerous Texas Southern (2-5, 2-3 E) team Saturday (1 p.m.). The game comes amidst new reports that Sanders’ name has been mentioned for another FBS job (at TCU).

Florida A&M (6-2, 4-1 E) is traveling to Baton Rouge, La. (6 p.m.) to face Southern (4-4, 3-2 W). The Jaguars are riding high after halting Alcorn State’s four-game win streak Saturday, 38-35. 

FAMU is coming off a 26-3 homecoming win last week over Grambling but is catching some flak for security at the game.

West Division leader Prairie View A&M (6-1, 5-0 W) is welcoming new interim head coach Travis Pearson and the Hornets of Alabama State (3-4, 2-3 E) for homecoming Saturday (2 p.m.).     

HBCU Football Rundown – Independents

Perhaps the biggest game this week involves Tennessee State and head coach Eddie George.

While “Coach Prime” Sanders and Jackson State have been soaking up most of the headlines, first-year head coach George and his Tigers of Tennessee State (5-3, 3-1) have now won four straight games and sit tied for second in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The Tigers have their biggest test yet as they meet OVC leader UT-Marin (7-1, 3-0) on the road Saturday (2 p.m.). 

On the flip side, NC A&T (3-5, 2-3) will be looking to break a three-game Big South Conference losing streak on the road at Charleston Southern (3-4, 2-3).

GAMES THIS WEEK

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2021

Delaware State vs. Morgan State in Baltimore, MD (ESPN2) 7:30 pm ET

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2021
Livingstone vs. J. C. Smith in Charlotte, NC 1 pm ET

Shaw vs. Saint Augustine’s in Raleigh, NC 1 pm ET
Lincoln (Pa.) vs. Chowan in Murfreesboro, NC 1 pm ET

Elizabeth City State vs. Bowie State in Bowie, MD 1 pm ET

Central State vs. Kentucky State in Frankfort, KY 1 pm ET

Lincoln (Mo.) vs. Emporia State in Emporia, KS 1 pm ET

Virginia State vs. Virginia Union in Richmond, VA 2 pm ET

Winston-Salem State vs. Fayetteville State in Fayv., NC 2 pm ET
Morehouse vs. Clark Atlanta in Atlanta 2 pm ET

Arizona Christian vs. Langston in Langston, OK 2 pm ET

West Va. State vs. West Liberty in W. Liberty, WV 2 pm ET

Lane vs. Benedict in Columbia, SC 3 pm ET

Edward Waters vs. Savannah State in Savannah, GA 5 pm ET

SW Assemblies vs. Texas College 6 pm ET

STREAMING GAMES (All on ESPN+ except one)

Alcorn State vs. Bethune-Cookman in Dayt. Beach, FL 11 am ET

Texas Southern vs. Jackson State in Jackson, MS 1 pm ET

Miss. Valley State vs. Alabama A&M in Huntsville, AL 1 pm ET

Gardner-Webb vs. Hampton in Hampton, VA 1 pm ET

NC A&T vs. Charleston Southern in Charleston, SC 1 pm ET

Howard vs. South Carolina State in Orangeburg, SC 1:30 pm ET

Norfolk State vs. NC Central in Durham, NC (ESPN3) 2 pm ET

Grambling State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, AR 2 pm ET

Tuskegee vs. Miles in Fairfield, AL 2 pm ET

Tennessee State vs. UT-Martin in Martin,TN 2 pm ET

Florida A&M vs. Southern in Baton Rouge, LA 6 pm ET

CLASSIC GAMES

31st Fountain City Classic (ESPN+)

Fort Valley State vs. Albany State in Columbus, GA 2 pm ET

HOMECOMINGS

Webber Int’l vs. Florida Memorial in Miami, FL 1:30 pm

Alabama State vs. Prairie View A&M in Pr. View, TX (ESPN+) 2 pm ET

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“This is truly an honor to be invited to take part in the Circle City Classic,” said Willie Washington, Benedict College Director of Athletics. “The Circle City Classic is regarded as one of the premier HBCU Classic games in the country, and our team, the Benedict College Marching Band of Distinction, and our alumni and fans are all excited to be a part of this historic event.”

The game will be played inside the 67,000-seat Lucas Oil Stadium, one of the NFL’s premier venues. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

“It will definitely be a good experience for our players,” said Benedict head football coach Chennis Berry. “I was fortunate enough to play and coach in the Circle City Classic. It’s a great venue, and they do a great job at the Lucas Oil Stadium. It will be a really good experience for our players, our student body, and our band to be able to go up there and compete in a great venue and a great city like Indianapolis.”

The Classic started in 1984, and has raised over $4.6 million in scholarships.

The Classic will host a weekend of special activities, including a parade through downtown Indianapolis. Pageantry, celebrities, floats and marching bands make this one of top parades in the country. Nearly 100,000 spectators watch the Classic Parade weave its way through downtown Indianapolis.

The annual Circle City Classic weekend is a celebration of cultural excellence and educational achievement while showcasing the spirit, energy and tradition of America’s historically black colleges and universities.

The Classic draws an average of 175,000 people from across the country annually to be a part of an electrifying weekend that includes a spectacular parade, pep rally, musical performances, well-known celebrities, a battle of the bands and two historically black college football teams colliding head-to-head in Lucas Oil Stadium.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky State University Athletic Department is excited to officially announce its 2021 football schedule. 

Head Coach Charlie Jackson said, “…there is a lot of positive energy with the release of this schedule. This schedule is filled with games against many elite-level football programs, including two contests against Central State. We are excited to represent our university.”

Their season will consist of 11 contests that will host seven Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contests, two classics, and six home contests. 

The Thorobreds will open their season on the road at the HBCU Classic for Columbus against Central State on Aug. 28.

Organizers say that the Classic For Columbus (CFC) will be a weeklong celebration of educational, existential, cultural and entertainment events that complement a rivalry football game showcasing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They expect $300,000 to be raised in scholarship money for the participating universities, something that likely would not have happened had the August 28th game been on either campus.

The game was originally slated to take place at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus. But COVID-19 restrictions limited the 20,000 seat field. Enter “The Horshoe,” home to The Ohio State University’s football program. The stadium has a capacity of over 100,000.

After a Bye Week, the Thorobreds will open their home campaign to Kentucky Wesleyan on Sept. 11.

From there, the Thorobreds will compete in the John Merritt Classic against NCAA Division I Tennessee State on Sept. 18. 

The Thorobreds will return home for three weeks as they host Benedict College on Sept. 25, Savannah State on Oct. 2, and Lane College on Oct. 9. 

Kentucky State will travel to Edward Waters on Oct. 16 and will return home on Oct. 23 against Miles. The Thorobreds will travel to Tuskegee on Oct. 30 and conclude their home schedule to rival Central State Nov. 6. 

The Thorobreds will travel to Erskine on November 13, if they are not playing in the SIAC Football Championship. 

Ticket Sales will be announced at a later date.

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Organizers say that the Classic For Columbus (CFC) will be a weeklong celebration of educational, existential, cultural and entertainment events that complement a rivalry football game showcasing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They expect $300,000 to be raised in scholarship money for the participating universities, something that likely would not have happened had the August 28th game been on either campus.

The game was originally slated to take place at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus. But COVID-19 restrictions limited the 20,000 seat field. Enter “The Horshoe,” home to The Ohio State University’s football program. The stadium has a capacity of over 100,000.

But its clear that the scholarship dollar numbers are most important.

“The scholarship dollars generated from the entire week are so beneficial to so many people, and that’s why we embraced it,” OSU athletic director Gene Smith told the Columbus Dispatch. “We’re going to do everything we can to host Central State and Kentucky State as best we can in The Shoe and make sure those student-athletes, first and foremost, have a quality experience in the game.”

OSU has been a part of the planning for the Classic For Columbus for a while. The Ohio State University graduate school of sports marketing drafted a plan to make the classic the most diverse classic in the country. 

“We’re going to do it by attracting 15 percent non-African Americans,” organizers said at the press conference on Thursday. “The days of seeing only African-Americans at an African-American coffer event are done.”

Shannon G. Harding is the Columbus City Council President. As a Morehouse alumnus, he’s looking forward to the game having success.

“If you’ve never experienced an HBCU football game and its festivities, we encourage you to come out and enjoy this experience,” he said in a message during the press conference. “And if you have, then we welcome you back.”

This classic was birthed in the early 1990s and was there through 1996. It was then rebranded as the Ohio Classic and spent time in Cleveland and Cincinnati. It has been on a 16-year hiatus. 

New Central State President Dr. Jack Thomas is an Alabama native, and he said he knows a thing or two about classics. And he’s hoping that this classic can turn into a consistent one.

“As you look across the country and you look at the enrollment of HBCUs, you’ll see that it’s growing. You’ll see that many athletes aren’t going to those major institutions, they’re coming to HBCUs. They are coming because of things like this. I know it is growing because of things like this in terms of classics.”

Certainly, the “Classic for Columbus” is not “The Bayou Classic” or “The Magic City Classic,” but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a purpose. Both universities will have the opportunity to get their brands out in front of thousands of prospective students and parents, as well as garner six-figures in scholarship monies for them. The classic will also shine a light on both institutions in terms of media coverage. That’s something that any HBCU, much less two Division II HBCUs, has to take advantage of.

Tickets range from $15 to $45 dollars. 

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The game, which will be played as a non-conference contest in Ohio Stadium, features a CSU-KSU rivalry dating back to 1947 with CSU leading the all-time series, 36-23-1.

Due to the global pandemic, Central State did not participate in athletic competition during the 2019-2020 season. CSU Director of Athletics Tara A. Owens expressed gratitude and excitement about Central State’s return to the field in August.

“We have been anxiously waiting for the day when we can safely return to competition,” Owens says. “With a new staff led by head coach Bobby Rome and a roster full of re-energized and motivated student-athletes, we can’t wait to represent and showcase Central State University at the Classic for Columbus.”

Rome II, who was named the Central State’s head coach in February of 2020, will make his CSU coaching debut on August 28.

“It is an exciting time for Central State football. We have spent the time away from the field recruiting and developing talented and versatile players who possess championship mentalities and unmatched passion for the game of football,” Rome says. “The Classic for Columbus is a great opportunity for us to return to action in a world-class venue. Central State is a program and a university that’s on the rise and we look forward to kicking off our season on August 28^th in Ohio Stadium.”

Senior linebacker Kailen Abrams, a two-time Don Hansen All-America selection, echoed his new coach’s excitement for the upcoming season.

“We are all ready to be back out on that field again,” Abrams says. “It has been difficult being away from the game. We have all made sacrifices and persevered to get to this point and I am thankful for the opportunity to finally be able to compete and play alongside my teammates.”

In addition to the football game, there will be over 20 other CFC associated events and activities held throughout the week beginning on Wednesday, August 25. Event organizers are hoping to draw an audience from a 350-mile radius to the City of Columbus at the home of Ohio State.

Tickets for the Classic for Columbus available online at – https://am.ticketmaster.com/buckeyes/ism/MjFDQ0ZC?#/

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Source: Kentucky State put out feelers, MEAC agreed to waive membership fee

A source tells HBCU Gameday that Kentucky State requested a feasibility study on moving up to DI last fall. The MEAC reportedly agreed to waive the $250k fee to join the conference if the school made the move in 2021. The $1.7 million fee to join Division I is not waivable.  

The feasibility study was completed earlier this year and delivered to KYSU.

“There have been conversations. No decision has been made. The University is weighing the opportunity,” KYSU President Dr. M. Christopher Brown II told HBCU Sports. “There are strengths to remaining in the SIAC and exciting opportunities in shifting to the MEAC.”

Kentucky State’s enrollment was listed at just above 2,220 in Fall of 2020. A move up to Divison I would likely force those students to pay higher athletic fees.

Virginia State official: Move would require fee raise and enrollment increase

Virginia State University, according to multiple sources, was contacted by the MEAC about its interest in joining the league after the start of the pandemic. The school has completed a feasibility study, which has yet to be presented to the Board of Visitors.

The school, located in Ettrick, Virginia, has been speculated for years as the next CIAA school to make the jump to Division I via the MEAC. A VSU official tells HBCU Gameday that the money to make the leap is there, thanks in large part to the $30 million gift from MacKenzie Scott. The official also believes the MEAC would waive the conference entrance fee as well. However, there are concerns about the long-term costs of moving up for the university as a whole.

A move up to Division I requires not only the one-time fee, but an upgrade in scholarships in both men’s and women’s sports.

“This feasibility study has shown us a path, but in order to have the athletic budget that we want to be able to compete, we probably have to do both – raise fees and increase enrollment,” the official said.

And the VSU source believes that raising the fees would send the wrong message to the state, and could hurt funding in other ways.

Peggy Davis, VSU’s Director of Athletics, confirmed that the feasibility study had been done. Davis said that it was done to align with VSU’s 2020-2025 strategic plan that calls for defining the department’s brand moving forward.

“Virginia State has been around for a long time. And we want to continue to provide the best opportunities for not only our student-athletes, but our students, our faculty and our staff. So the way to do that, of course, is to complete a feasibility study for continued growth within the athletic program to go along with the growth of the institution.”

Davis wanted to make it clear where the athletics department stands currently.

“We’re fully committed to the CIAA and to NCAA Division II membership.”

Source: Chicago State wants in, conference lukewarm

There is one school that is very interested in joining the league, according to a source with knowledge on all three programs. Chicago State is reportedly willing to join the MEAC. CSU is a predominantly black university. 

CSU, according to this source, is agreeable to a deal that would make it a full MEAC member for three years. After that time is up, it can either stay on as a full member or move to another conference.

There are two issues that make Chicago State a MEAC long shot. One being its location. It is located securely in the midwest, which would dramatically expand the conference’s footprint. It also does not have a football program.

The MEAC, according to the source, has offered CSU an associate member status in one sport.

HBCU Gameday has reached out to Chicago State officials.

We have reached out to the MEAC for comment regarding expansion.

Taking on schools moving up from D2 to DI has been a mixed bag for the MEAC throughout history. Hampton, with MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas as its AD, successfully made the move in the mid-1990s, followed by Norfolk State. Winston-Salem State and North Carolina Central did the same the following decade, but WSSU eventually discarded its attempt. Savannah State spent a decade looking for a home after leaving the SIAC, eventually spending most of the 2010s in the MEAC before heading back to D2.

The league will lose three key members when Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M and North Carolina A&T exit on June 30. It will be down to just six football members and will have just four baseball programs as NC Central is disbanding its program.

With re-alignment a reality across the college athletics landscape, things can and are changing quickly. The source tells us that there could be mutual interest between a few current MEAC programs and the American East, which just lost Hartford as it moved to DIII.

With schools having to set future intentions into motion by the end of June, the next few months could prove very hectic, and important to the MEAC’s future.

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Kentucky State University senior track and field/cross country student-athlete Cameron Galloway has been honored by the Institute for Sports & Social Justice.

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The only collegiate student-athlete recipient, Galloway will be officially honored as a 2020 National STUDENT-Athlete Day Giants Steps Honoree as a Civic Leader during the organization’s gala. Due to the pandemic, the gala date hasn’t been announced.

“I’m honestly honored to accept this award because I was selected from student-athletes worldwide,” said Galloway. “Out of all the nominees, I was the best candidate for this award. It also means a lot to me due to my determination to make others situation better through my own experiences.

“Winning this award puts me up there with names like four-time Olympian Chaunte Lowe, which shows the significance behind this award,” Galloway continued. “I’m always downplaying my life’s successes, but this is one that I am VERY PROUD to accept and honored to be mentioned as a Civic Leader.”

Giant Steps Honorees are chosen in conjunction with the annual celebration of National STUDENT-Athlete Day. National STUDENT-Athlete Day takes place on April 6^th and honors high school and college student-athletes who have achieved excellence in academics and athletics, while contributing to their communities.

He was nominated for the award by his coach, Fatimah Shabazz.

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“I found out about the Institute for Sports & Social Justice and immediately thought of Cameron as I read the Mission, Vision and Core Values,” said Shabazz. “Cameron exemplifies the holistic student-athlete in every phase of his life and has acquired and maintained leadership roles in each respective area.

“Cameron has overcome many endeavors over the last 20 years where he could have easily fallen victim to circumstance,” Shabazz continued. “Instead he has risen as a change agent for the Foster Care System, a leader of the Kentucky State University cross country and track & field teams, and most importantly a mentor for the community of children around him. I am excited that ISSJ chose Cameron for this award and I know that he will continue to represent Kentucky State University at the highest levels of leadership.”

Last year, Galloway had the opportunity to speak in front of the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee about House Bill 158. For Galloway, who spent time in five foster homes during his four years of high school, one aspect of the bill really hit home.

One of those bill of rights, according to Galloway, would allow the child to stay in one school district and enable them to choose whether they participate in extracurricular activities.

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“It’s very important to use my platform for social change,” said Galloway. “People never realize how important their voice is so I want to be the example of how one should use their voice. With everything I’m involved in, they all know I’m the first one to speak up and say how I feel. It’s really an honor to get acknowledged for speaking and advocating on topics that correlate with my life and my passion.”

In addition to being a three-sport student-athlete, Galloway is a cadet in the Kentucky State University ROTC program. Following his graduation in May 2021, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.

The pull on his time isn’t affecting his work in the classroom. The social work major currently holds a 3.78 grade point average. Following the 2019-20 season, in which he earned SIAC All-Conference honors in cross country, Galloway was named to the SIAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team.

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The Kentucky State University football program has announced its schedule for the 2020 football season.

“This is likely the most difficult football schedule in Kentucky State University history,” said Kentucky State University head football coach Charlie Jackson. “We will start the season with four consecutive road games which amount to over 4,600 miles of bus travel. Southwest Baptist will be a tremendous challenge. Valdosta State will likely be ranked #1 in the country. Lincoln is on the rise, and Tuskegee is as dominant as ever. The conference schedule is extremely difficult. Our resolve will be tested every week of the season, but we are looking forward to the competition.”

The schedule features four home games, including the Homecoming Game meeting with Lane on October 17.

Kentucky State University kicks off the season with a road contest at Southwest Baptist on September 5.  The Bearcats are coming off a 3-8 season, but posted a 38-3 victory over SIAC-rival Central State in 2019. The game in Bolivar, Mo. kicks off four straight road games to begin the season.

KSU travels to nationally-ranked and defending Gulf South Conference champion Valdosta State on September 12. It will be the season opener for the Blazers, who are coming off a 10-1 season. The Blazers’ lone loss came in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs to eventual national champion West Florida.

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A trip to Lincoln University is next on the Thorobreds’ agenda to take on a Lions team coached by former KSU head coach Josh Dean. After finishing 0-10 last season, the Lions enter the 2020 campaign on a 13-game losing streak.

The Thorobreds begin Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action with a road game at Tuskegee on September 26. The Maroon Tigers have won three straight meetings, including a 13-7 win in 2019.   Kentucky State ends the season with six SIAC games over the final seven contests.

After a month on the road, Kentucky State christens its new turf playing surface October 3 against Morehouse, which has won eight straight in the series. The Thorobreds return to the road October 10 to face Clark Atlanta. Kentucky State defeated the Panthers, 35-24, on Homecoming 2019.

Lane comes to Alumni Stadium October 17 as part of the school’s Homecoming celebration. The teams have split the last 10 games, including a 40-20 KSU victory last season.

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Kentucky State steps away from SIAC action for a visit to Edward Waters on October 24. The Thorobreds beat the Tigers last season, 12-0.

Back-to-back SIAC champion Miles visits Frankfort on October 31. Kentucky State has lost nine of the last 10 meetings to the Golden Bears, including a 17-0 setback in 2019.

The final regular-season game of the year brings rival-Central State to Alumni Stadium. The Thorobreds have dominated the recent series winning 11 of the last 12 meetings. Kentucky State opened the game with 21 straight points en route to a 34-28 win.

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Tyler Singleton led the Panthers and all scorers with 23 points on Tuesday afternoon. Clark Atlanta will face Central State University in the quarterfinals on Thursday. The Marauders beat Fort Valley State earlier in the day.

Jordan Little led Kentucky State with 18 points. The Thorobreds finish the year with a 10-17 record.

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Senior Orlando Fikes wasn’t going to allow the Kentucky State University men’s basketball team to lose at home Monday.

Fikes (Detroit, Mich.) drilled a three-pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime, drained another triple in the extra session, and then assisted on a junior Kevin Wharton-Price (Pittsburgh, Pa.) three-pointer to give Kentucky State to a seven-point overtime lead.

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The Thorobreds overcame 2-of-10 shooting from the foul line to secure the 78-75 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory over Benedict.

Kentucky State trailed by seven points midway through the first half, and trailed for most of the opening stanza. However, the Thorobreds went on a 16-5 spurt to take its first lead – and its largest lead (seven) of the half.

Back-to-back three-pointers from Fikes kick-started the aforementioned run. Kentucky State’s defense limited Benedict to just 4-of-12 down the stretch of the first half.

KSU maintained the lead with some key baskets, and led by as much as seven with 4:25 remaining. It was then Fikes went to the bench for a quick breather, and Benedict skyrocketed back into the contest. Back-to-back turnovers against the BC press energized the visitors, and before you knew it, the Tigers led by two.

Freshman Jalen Fisher (Ypsilanti, Mich.) gave the ‘Breds a brief lead, and four straight Benedict free throws had the Tigers leading by three with 49 seconds remaining.

Fikes missed his first attempt, but a team offensive rebound allowed KSU to keep possession. Another offensive rebound by senior Jordan Little (Jersey City, N.J.), who found Fikes at the top of the key for the tying three-pointer.

It was a career night for Fikes, who finished with a career-high 19 points, three assists and no turnovers in career-high 28 minutes of action. Little recorded back-to-back double-doubles with 18 points and 11 rebounds to go along with three assists and three blocks. It was his sixth double-double of the season.

Wharton-Price finished with 11 points and seven rebounds, while senior Shaq Athie (Cincinnati, Ohio) continues to attack the boards – pulling down 11 rebounds. He has recorded double-figure rebounds five times this season.

Kentucky State (5-5 overall, 2-1 SIAC) travels to Albany State 7:30 p.m. Thursday for a SIAC road contest.

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The Kentucky State University football team rattled off 33 unanswered points and held off a late charge to post the 33-25 victory over Jackson State in the 33rd Annual Circle City Classic held at the Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday.

It marks the first time in school history Division II Kentucky State has recorded multiple Division I wins.

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The Thorobreds racked up 353 yards rushing on 48 attempts for a robust 7.4 yards per carry. Redshirt sophomore Jaylen Myers (Maryville, Tenn.) lead the team with 92 yards on 13 attempts and one touchdown. He added a 31 yards touchdown pass.

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Next Saturday, Kentucky State will travel to Atlanta to face conference foe Morehouse College.

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That task was not an issue as the Thorobreds scored 13 unanswered points to shock the Colonials, 13-7.

It was a rough start as the Colonials drove down the field for a 78-yard touchdown drive in the middle of the first quarter. Jaylen Myers led KSU down the field on a touchdown drive at the end of the second quarter. It wasn’t a normal drive as the Thorobreds went on a 94-yard drive that took over 11 minutes to complete. Deeper in the 3rd quarter, the same thing happened. Israel Fields finished an 80-yard drive with a touchdown on that drive.

It was a close game moving forward but a fumble recovery by Earnest Austin in the middle of the 4th quarter saved the lead and eventually the win for KSU.

The divisional difference did not matter as the Thorobreds possessed the ball for a little under 36 minutes during the contest. They also ran more plays and had more rushing yards. Brett Sylve held his own with 88 rushing yards on 20 attempts. Jaylen Myers gained 70 yards in the air and 65 yards on the ground as well.

In their first win since 2017, the Thorobreds picked up a big one. Tuskegee will be their next opponent on next Saturday.

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The Kentucky State University softball team connected on 10 extra base hits, including five home runs, as the Thorobreds swept the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader from LeMoyne-Owen Sunday.

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“I’m very proud of the team today, we dictated the pace at the plate,” said Kentucky State University head coach David Morton. “We worked on attacking pitching in the zone all week and we did that today. I’m also extremely proud of the team for the effort they put in for the Leukemia awareness game. They were out at businesses around town and doing the leg work that made today possible.”

It marked the program’s Strikeout Cancer game in which the team reached its fundraising goal of $1000. Prior to the contest, Charles Graham, the father of freshman Janae Graham threw out the first pitch in honor of his son Justin Graham. Justin passed away April 8, 2018 from Leukemia.

GAME ONE: KENTUCKY STATE 15, LEMOYNE-OWEN 0 (5 INNINGS)
Senior pitcher Paola Flores, 5-8, (San Lorenzo, PR) allowed just one hit, a second-inning double, as Kentucky State run-ruled the Magicians, 15-0.

The second-inning extra base hit was the LeMoyne-Owen batter to reach base as Flores finished with nine strikeouts over five innings of work.

While Flores was mowing down the Magicians, the KSU offense was humming.

Senior Jackie Zubiate (Riverside, CA) got the scoring going with a two-run bomb in the bottom of the first inning, and after senior Jittaun Thompson (Pomona, CA) scored on a wild pitch, another two-run homerun – this one by junior Sasha Allen (West Covina, CA) – capped the first-inning scoring.

Kentucky State tacked on eight more runs in the second inning with the biggest blow coming off the bat of freshman Olivia Steward (Salem, IN). She hit her second homer of the season, a two-out, three-run shot to left center field.

Senior Natalia Bocanegra (Covina, CA) had two triples in the inning, the latter driving in a run, while six different players recorded RBI in the frame.

The Thorobreds tacked on two unearned runs in the third inning to conclude the scoring.

Bocanegra finished the game 3-for-3 with two triples, three runs scored and two RBI, while freshman Olivia Saylor (Lancaster, KY) was 3-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI. Zubiate, Thompson and freshman Katelyn Hurley (Elizabeth, IN) all finished with a pair of hits.

GAME TWO: KENTUCKY STATE 12, LEMOYNE-OWEN 4 (6 INNINGS)
Kentucky State scored a run in every inning, including a four-run sixth inning, as the Thorobreds completed the sweep in the run-ruled victory.

Bocanegra was in the middle of a lot of the offense, going 4-for-5 with a double, run scored and three RBI.

Zubiate hit her sixth homer of the season, while Steward went yard for the third time this year. Pinner, Steward and junior Katie Barter (Louisville, KY) each tallied two RBI in the victory.

Senior Casey Grant, 2-3, (Ft. Mitchell, KY) allowed four runs (one earned) on eight hits with four strikeouts in five innings of work.

Kentucky State University (13-14 overall, 6-4 SIAC) concludes the three-game series with an 11 a.m. contest against LeMoyne-Owen.

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Charlie Jackson, a defensive assistant and defensive backs coach for the Atlanta Falcons in their 2017 and 2018 campaigns, has been named the University’s new coach.

Jackson says his goal for Kentucky State University football is simple: to compete against perfection.

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“Every member of our football operation will demonstrate an all-consuming mindset to maximize his or her God-given potential, and we will do the same as a team,” Jackson said. 

“I am ecstatic to accept the head football coach position at Kentucky State. President Brown and Athletic Director Etienne Thomas speak my language. My minimum standard is graduating student-athletes, but I am extremely encouraged to know that achieving excellence, across the board, with regard to the student-athlete experience, is a priority for this administration.” 

Jackson, a veteran Air Force officer, has a long history with the National Football League (NFL) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Prior to coaching with the Falcons, Jackson served on the NCAA national office staff as a member of the college football rules enforcement group. He led and was directly responsible for the football rules development efforts in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His background includes multiple defensive coaching roles with the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos, as well as coaching fellowships with the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams. He also served as a college scout for the Seattle Seahawks organization. He has collegiate experience at Colorado, UCLA, Utah State, Buffalo, and the United States Air Force Academy.

Jackson accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, where he participated in football and indoor track and field. During his football playing career at Air Force, the Falcons were a consistent member of the national top 25 rankings, including a top-10 final ranking and conference championship in 1998.

President M. Christopher Brown II affirms that it is a new day for football on the hill.

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“This is a new era for Kentucky State University football,” President Brown said. “Coach Jackson’s impressive mentorship of students on and off the field aligns with our belief of developing the whole person. He recognizes that we are not just interested in winning football games, but we are fully committed to building a championship program and addressing the campus-wide ambition to reclassify with the NCAA in the near future.”

Brown continued, “My personal motto remains ‘excellence without excuse.’ Coach Jackson’s vision of athletic competition aligns with my own. Even more, he has a clear intention to support on-time graduation and gainful employment after college. His coaching philosophy embodies the NCAA’s articulate aims of sportsmanship, amateurism and a balanced life.”

Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in management from the United States Air Force Academy. He has a master’s degree in management and sports studies from California State University, Long Beach.

Jackson is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). His professional associations include the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), NFL Coaches Association (NFLCA), National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), National Association of Athletics Compliance (NAAC), Minority Coaches Association of Georgia (MCAofGA), and the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA).

Athletic Director Thomas is elated to welcome Coach Jackson as the next leader of the Thorobred football program.

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KYSU coach Terrance Slater has been placed on administrative leave after Wynter Webb’s parents claim that her injuries, suffered late last month, were at the hands of the coaching staff.

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Webb’s parents say Slater used excessive force with a dummy pad, knocking her to the floor.

“She was injured at practice and it wasn’t by one of her teammates, it was by the coaching staff,” said Webb’s father, D.J. via Gwinnett Prep Sports. “She was injured in practice. It wasn’t in a game and she wasn’t injured by one of her peers.”

Webb, who also plays softball at the SIAC school, has neck and back injuries similar to whiplash according to reports. She also suffered a bruised arm during a practice layup drill.

“We are trusting in the school that they are going to do the right thing for her and the program,” Webb said.

Athletic Director Etienne Thomas said Slater had been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation in a statement on the school’s website.

“Kentucky State University is committed to the safety and well-being of our students. We must have complete confidence in Kentucky State University employees to supervise our students responsively and that all students are treated with dignity and respect.”

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“I want to thank Coach Smith for bringing his time, talents and his dedication to the Hill and the football student-athletes at Kentucky State University and for his sincere commitment to higher education and ‘Life in the Balance,'” Kentucky State University Director of Athletics Etienne M. Thomas said. “I have enjoyed the brief time we have served together at Kentucky State and pray for all God’s blessings for he and his family in this next chapter.

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Thomas says that defensive coordinator Kevin Weston will serve as interim head coach.

Smith made news by accepting the Kentucky State job back in December 2015, after head coaching stops at power five schools like Louisville, Michigan State, and Arkansas. He noted at the time that the job gave him an opportunity to be closer to his grandchildren in Kentucky.

Kentucky State shook up the SIAC in 2016 by upsetting Tuskegee at its homecoming and advancing to the conference championship game. The Thorobreds eventually lost to Fort Valley State in overtime in the championship, but Smith went on to win the 2016 SIAC Coach of the Year award.

KSU wouldn’t make it back to the championship game under Smith’s watch and he ultimately finished 9-25 in three seasons. The Thorobreds were 0-10 this past season.

Smith came to Kentucky State with over 40 years of college coaching experience, more than 20 of those as a head coach. His career coaching record was 150-113 before his time at KSU. In 2003 Smith was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year while at Michigan State.

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Thomas formally takes the place of William Graham who announced earlier in the spring that he would retire. However, she’s the second person who was in position for the job.  In June Trayvean Scott was announced as the new AD but he withdrew his application, citing family reasons.

@KyStateU announce the addition of Etienne M. Thomas as the University’s new athletic director. pic.twitter.com/PfYEBb5y6W

— Kentucky State U. (@KyStateU) July 20, 2018

KSU President Christopher M. Brown II says he wanted Thomas to apply the first time around but she couldn’t due to other obligations. The second time around however the timing was right.

Thomas served as the associate athletics director for student life while at Kansas.  She has worked in administrative positions previously at North Carolina Central University, Howard, Saint Paul’s College, and San Jose State. During her time at NCCU, she helped the Eagles make the move from the CIAA to the MEAC.  Thomas is an NCCU alum.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the director of athletics at Kentucky State University,” Thomas said. “President (M. Christopher) Brown is the right president for me. He has a vision. He’s intentional. He doesn’t believe in excuses,” Thomas said at her press conference.

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Thomas apparently isn’t coming to Frankfort to play small ball. Her 18 month to do list includes finding an on-campus home for the softball team and adding tennis, soccer, and swimming to the athletic program.

I can’t yell loud enough about how excited I am for Etienne!! @KYSUAthletics has gotten them a proven leader. Yeeessss!!! @WomenLeadersCS https://t.co/F8hLyk0fSp

— Dr. Kristene Kelly ?? (@DrKKelly) July 20, 2018

“When we remember that the work that we do in higher education is about students and making them the best that they can be now and in the future, then we are doing our work correctly,” Thomas said.

It was also a good day for President Brown. The board of regents voted to extend his contract at the university through July of 2022.

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Balanced Scoring

Morehouse scored in each quarter in what quarterback Kivon Taylor called the first complete game of the season for the Maroon Tigers.  Taylor kicked it off with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Frank Bailey to put Morehouse ahead early.

Kentucky State responded later in the first with a nine play 73-yard drive to tie it at seven.  Paul Campbell sealed the drive with a six-yard touchdown to Jordan White.

Both teams exchanged scores in the second quarter with Taylor first finding Amyr Smith for a 24-yard score.  Kentucky State responded three minutes later when Brett Sylve mishandled a punt but caught it off the bounce and raced 85 yards for the score. The bobble threw off the timing of the defense just enough to give Sylve a wide open lane all the way down the field.  Morehouse took a 17-14 lead into the break after a 37-yard Fernando Sdelamora field goal.

Brett Sylve with a 85 yard punt return to tie game at 14. @MaroonTigers @KYSUAthletics 2nd qtr pic.twitter.com/4mwIEFzi6o

— HBCU Gameday (@HBCUGameday) September 30, 2017

Second Half

Kentucky State took its first lead of the game early in the third when Sylve torched the Morehouse defense on a 24-yard run.  But the lead wouldn’t last for long.

Taylor put together a quick hitting drive two possessions later that ended with Ricci Nuckles getting behind the secondary for a 78-yard touchdown.  Morehouse went up 24-21 at that point and the vibe in the AUC felt like whoever had the ball last might pull it out.

The defenses held for the rest of the third and most of the fourth period with three points still separating the teams.  With just over six minutes to go, Sylve was back to field a Morehouse punt and the ball bounced off his chest as he waved for the fair catch.  Unlike the first half, there wouldn’t be a lucky bounce this time for Sylve.  Morehouse scooped up the loose ball at the Kentucky State 34 yard line with great field position and momentum.

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Finishing Drive

Taylor, who passed for 373 yards on Saturday, put together the final scoring drive of the day. He hit Tremell Gooden for a 32-yard touchdown that put Morehouse up by ten and that was enough for the win.

.@MaroonTigers 31 @KYSUAthletics 21 with 4 mins to go in game pic.twitter.com/42cGziqnY8

— HBCU Gameday (@HBCUGameday) September 30, 2017

Morehouse moves on to Columbus, GA next weekend for the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic.  Coach Richard Freeman told me after the game that Columbus is more like a home away from home for Willie Slater and his Tuskegee team because of Slater’s ability to recruit that area.  But that’s classic Freeman, serving up praise for his opponents publicly, while passionately getting his team up for the challenge in private.

Kentucky State ends a two-game road trip for a brief return home to Frankfort.  They will take on West Virginia State next Saturday for Senior Day.

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Indianapolis, Ind.-Kentucky State University football extended its win streak to 10-games over rival Central State University 34-22 in the 34th annual Circle City Classic at Lucas Oil Field on Saturday afternoon.

The Thorobreds (2-2, 1-0) opened their conference schedule with a win for the second time in three years, the previous being in 2015 against CSU. The Marauders (0-4, 0-3) continue to struggle as they’ve lost their first three games against SIAC opponents.
KSU struck first and never trailed throughout the contest. Junior kicker Turner Warren connected on two first-quarter field goals from 29 yards and 26 yards to put KSU up 6-0.

ICYMI: @KyStateU won the #circlecityclassic AGAIN!!! Oops…and we did it with class and Thorobred style. #KSUForward pic.twitter.com/DeN5S2LnpD

— M. C. Brown II (@DrMCB2) September 24, 2017

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As the Thorobreds’ defense kept the Marauders docked, the offense capitalized on mistakes, beginning with a second-half touchdown from junior quarterback Paul Campbell to sophomore wide receiver Jonathan Powell for a six-yard score. The 13-0 advantage didn’t last long as CSU answered with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, pulling back within six.

KSU responded to the special teams score with a 13 play, 62-yard drive, ending with fake field goal touchdown. As Warren lined up for a 28-yard field goal attempt, he broke to his left after the snap, as junior wide receiver Cort Groathouse flipped the ball to Warren. The Louisville, Kentucky native eluded a tackler for his first career rushing touchdown putting KSU up 20-7.

CSU connected for a 32-yard field goal try, bringing the score within 10, going into the locker at halftime, 20-10.

Shout out to the men and women of the @centralstate87 Invincible Marching Marauders for WINNING the @CircCityClassic Battle of the Bands pic.twitter.com/xcRSnzZux4

— Central State Athletics (@GO_MARAUDERS) September 24, 2017

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Sophomore running back Brett Sylve, the reigning SIAC Newcomer of the week, started off the third quarter with a four-yard touchdown run following a seven play, 65-yard drive, putting back KSU on top 27-10.

The Marauders fought to bring the game back within reach with a score following the Sylve touchdown, at 27-16, but it was an error by CSU in the fourth quarter, sealing the deal for the Thorobreds.

As CSU searched for a spark, KSU brought pressure causing a bad snap into the Marauders’ end zone at the 6:31 mark of the final frame. Senior defensive lineman Donovan Cecil fell on the ball for his first career touchdown. KSU allowed another CSU touchdown in the closing minutes of the quarter, finishing off the Marauders with the victory formation in the last two minutes.

Kentucky State visits Morehouse next Saturday with a 4 pm kickoff.  Central State is on the road to Columbia to face Benedict in a 6 pm kickoff.

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SIAC

Tuskegee over Clark Atlanta
Morehouse over Central State
Kentucky State over Kentucky Wesleyan
Miles over Fort Valley State
Benedict over Lane
Albany State over North Greenville

SWAC 

Alcorn State over McNeese State
Nicholls State over Prairie View
Grambling over Jackson State
South Alabama over Alabama A&M
UTSA over Southern
Arkansas State over UAPB
Kennesaw State over Alabama State

CIAA

Alderson Broaddus over Lincoln
Bowie State over St. Aug
Shaw over Malone
South Carolina State over Johnson C. Smith
Fayetteville State over Elizabeth City State
West Florida over Chowan
Hampton over Livingstone
Winston-Salem State over Virginia Union

MEAC

Howard over Richmond
Rutgers over Morgan State
James Madison over Norfolk State
Montana over Norfolk State
North Carolina A&T over Charlotte
Bethune-Cookman over Florida Atlantic
Tennessee State over FAMU

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A New Thorobred

Lavelle Cloyd didn’t have more than 12 rushing yards in a game during the first seven contests last year.  In the last three games of the year against Lane, Benedict and Fort Valley State he averaged a whopping 93 yards per game.  Now that their secret weapon is out of the bag he should begin the season as their lead running back.

“I’m very excited, for them to put me in this position and give me the opportunity to play running back it’s amazing,” Cloyd said earlier this summer at the SIAC Media Day. “I’ve been asking to do it for a while. I capitalized on my opportunities they gave me, we’ll see what happens this year.”

Cloyd is a big running back by any standards. He’s 6’3″ and 216 pounds, opponents will spot him as soon as he steps off the bus.  Cloyd is quick to point out that he’s fast and the stats back up his claims of breakaway speed.  He had long runs of 66, 27 and 58 yards in his last three games respectively.

The senior from Lexington, Kentucky has studied the running styles of taller backs like Eddie George, Eric Dickerson and Steven Jackson, but also tries to emulate famed scatbacks like Marshall Faulk.

“Running straight ahead and bull-rushing through everybody is good and all but you got to have some moves too.  You got to be elusive.  I would say I’m a balance type of guy.  Pretty fast too.  Not to gloat,” Cloyd added with a smirk.

Rookie of the Year on the move

KSU quarterback Jules St. Ge was named SIAC Freshman of the Year last season, which normally might equate to job security.  Smith was very clear at media day however that he’s going to have an open competition at quarterback and St. Ge could appear on the field at other positions.

“We’re going to experiment and do some things with Jules this year.  You may see him play at some other spots, because he’s that good of an athlete. We just have to get the ball in his hands,” Smith said.

St. Ge was seventh in passing yards per game in the SIAC last year and ninth in passing efficiency.  When you see him play however you can see the speed and agility that has Smith considering moving him into some open space opportunities on the field.  If the new quarterbacks don’t pan out then KSU has the advantage of moving an experienced player back under center.

Underdog has left the building

The Thorobreds won’t have the luxury of playing the role of “little ol’ Kentucky State” anymore.  They grabbed the attention of everyone with the composure they showed in defeating Tuskegee on its home field.  Even though they led a good portion of the championship game until the very end, history may point back to the Tuskegee game as their crown jewel of 2016.

Once you knock the king from the top of the hill, even just one time, people tend not to overlook you anymore.

KSU placed six players total on the preseason all conference teams in the SIAC, with St. Ge and Cloyd making the second team. Kentucky State opens up with three nonconference games before the Circle City Classic against Central State on September 23rd.

Their homecoming game this year shouldn’t need any manufactured hype or overselling. Tuskegee rolls into Frankfort on October 21st.

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