Middle Tennessee falls to McNeese State in season opener

A game that should have been won by Middle Tennessee went to FCS McNeese State. What happen to the team that wanted to bounce back after a disappointing season last year, are we headed for the same season?

A furious fourth quarter comeback by Middle Tennessee fell short as the McNeese State Cowboys escaped Floyd Stadium with a 27-21 victory Thursday evening.

Middle Tennessee Anthony Amos

The Blue Raiders (0-1) outscored the Cowboys (1-0) 15-to-3 in the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, Middle Tennessee completed a 97-yard drive to make it a 24-14 contest. With less than five minutes remaining, MT used an 85-yard kick return by Reggie Whatley to put the Blue Raider offense in prime scoring position. Just one play later, Logan Kilgore connected to Kyle Griswould for 15 yards to put the Raiders within six.

On the next offensive possession, McNeese State used the clock to its advantage before punting back to MT. An attempted lateral play did not work for the Blue Raiders, as Middle Tennessee fell short in the season opener.

Middle Tennessee jumped out to a six-point lead early in the second quarter. However, McNeese State answered with 24 consecutive points. The Pokes used a strong offensive performance, totaling 450 yards. McNeese State used seven tailbacks to combine for 298 rushing yards. Marcus Wiltz led the rushing attack with 20 carries and 105 yards. Cody Stroud completed 10 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown.

Kilgore completed 27 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. The redshirt junior finished just a completion short of his career-best 28 set last season against Florida Atlantic and Troy. Anthony Amos grabbed eight passes for a team-best 70 yards and a touchdown. Griswould added five catches for 63 yards and a touchdown grab in the loss. The MT offense completed the game with 383 offensive yards.

Defensively, three Blue Raiders reached double-digit

tackles. Jajuan Harley,Christian Henry and Kevin Byard all totaled 11 tackles. Harley added a team-best five solo tackles. Right end Omar McLendon picked up two tackles-for-loss totaling eight yards. Shubert Bastien managed a sack and a TFL with a total of four tackles.

McNeese State controlled the time of possession, totaling 36:05 minutes compared to just 23:55 for the Raiders. Middle Tennessee set a school record in total kick return yards during a game. Thursday's total of 241 yards broke a previous best of 220 set against Louisville on Oct. 6, 2006.

The Blue Raiders look to regroup when they open Sun Belt Conference play against Florida Atlantic at Floyd Stadium next Saturday, Sept. 8. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.

Head Coach had this to say about his team….”On tonight's game...It was disappointing tonight. We tackled very well, and they also out-leveraged us. There were two critical plays in the first quarter when we drove all the way down and had to settle for field goals. Then we drove down in the second quarter and threw the interception. Then we forced them to punt in the third quarter and the punt hits our guy, and they get it on the plus side of the field.”

“On the defensive play...Our corners didn't do a very good job in the run game when they got outside of us. But we didn't tackle very well at all and it's disappointing we didn't do a better job with that.”

The Blue Raider’s really going to have to step their game up in the coming week to prove they are serious. 

McNeese State vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction for Season Opener tonight

It’s officially football season, are you ready for some football?

Middle Tennessee is looking to begin the 2012 season with a positive outlook from all players and the game overall. Floyd Stadium should be full of excitement tonight.

Here is my prediction for this season opener tonight Thursday, August 30, 2012.

Point Spread: -10

Over/Under: 47

Predicted Score: Middle Tennessee 30
                                 McNeese State 17

 

 

Five running backs working hard for snaps in new FAU offense; season opener is Friday against Wagner

With a new up-tempo offense in place, new coach, new stadium and new spirit; FAU is now looking for a improved season to prove many that they two can win.

There was no mystery to the FAU offense last season. Running back Alfred Morris was the workhorse, and seemingly all positive offensive yardage was gained by the senior.

Though the Owls won only one game in 2011, Morris was had a good year. He rushed for 1,188 yards and was selected by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Morris has shined in the preseason, legitimately challenging for the starting running back job.

Replacing Morris is perhaps too big of a job for just one player. Luckily, the 2012 FAU Owls have five who are up to the challenge.

Junior running backs Jonathan Wallace, Martese Jackson and Travis Jones, along with sophomore Damian Fortner and redshirt freshman Tony Moore will rotate snaps this season, with the Owls riding the player that is most successful in any given game.

The change from a run-first, second and third offense to a pass-happy spread formation has been the biggest challenge of the Owls preseason preparations, but it didn't take long for the running back crew to recognize that everyone was going to be evolved.

The Owls have been frequently using a "full house" package in practice. With the quarterback either in a full shotgun position or a half-shotgun "pistol" position with two, sometimes three running backs in the backfield.

"Every guy is useful in some aspect of the game," running backs coach Kerry Dixon said. "We just keep it as a competition. We give out equal reps in practice to make sure that everybody is getting a quality opportunity and giving quality as well."

Owls prepare for Wagner

FAU will open the season in their new stadium on tomorrow night against FCS foe Wagner of New York. This should be a win to begin their 2012 season on a good note.

But as preseason camp closed and week one preparations have begun, Pelini is getting back to the basics. Hopefully, Pelini said, many of plethora of lessons stuck — they'll be needed later.

For the time being, the FAU playbook is being cut down to include only those plays that can be run effectively every time they are called.

While perception is that a lower-division team might provide some slack for the Owls, Pelini said he doesn't believe that perception can be applied to week one opponent Wagner.

"They're a good, physical, [Division] 1-AA team," Pelini said of the Seahawks. "They're not a pushover team. They're not out there. They're very good at what they do. They execute."

ASU announces 14 new radio affiliates carrying ASU Athletics

Arkansas State University and East Arkansas Broadcasters announced Friday their list of EAB Sports Network affiliates for the 2012 season. The network will feature a record 14 affiliates for the coming season.

EAB’s 100,000-watt 107.9 KFIN will once again serve as the flagship station of the network. The station’s signal blankets Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri, while also reaching into Memphis. For the first time, Red Wolves football games will be carried on KTRQ Oldies 102.3 out ofColt/Memphis, which will provide coverage to the entire Memphis area.

A-State also announced Friday that it has a new Central Arkansas affiliate for the EAB Sports Network. Crain Media-owned Fresh Talk93.3 will carry all games in football and men’s basketball, as well as head football coach Gus Malzahn’s weekly radio show.

-Another Crain Media station, KEAZ “Eazy” 100.7 out of Searcy/Heber Springs, will also carry A-State football games this fall.

“The excitement surrounding A-State Athletics is pretty obvious around Central Arkansas, and we are looking forward to being the home of the Red Wolves in this part of the state,” said Neal Gladner, Vice President and General Manager of the Crain Media Group.

Other new EAB Sports Network affiliates for 2012 are KCCB 1260 AM in Corning and KFLI Cool 104.7 FM in Searcy. Also new for 2012, football broadcasts in the Mountain Home area will be carried on KCTT Classic hits 101.7, which covers the Twin Lakes region as well as reaching Harrison and the Branson, MO, area.

Other longtime network affiliates returning this year are KWYN 1400 AM in Wynne, KRLW AM (1320) and FM (106.3) in Walnut Ridge/Pocahontas, KWAK 105.5 FM in Stuttgart, KQEW 102.3 FM in Fordyce, KOOU 104.7 FM in Hardy and KOTN 102.5 FM in Gould/Monticello.

“We are thrilled to be expanding the EAB Sports Network, not only with a record number of affiliates, but by reaching all these new markets,” said Bobby Caldwell, Owner and CEO of East Arkansas Broadcasters. “It has been and continues to be EAB’s goal to make this network as good as any university’s in this state or in the Sun Belt Conference. We feel that’s what Arkansas State University deserves.”

Audio broadcasts of all games will also be available for free on the school’s official athletics website,www.AStateRedWolves.com.

The broadcast team for football will remain the same for the eighth-straight year. Matt Stolz returns for his eighth season of play-by-play coverage while Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame member Bill Keedy will provide color commentary for the 13th year. Brad Bobo, Director of Broadcast, Licensing & New Media for A-State Athletics, enters his 10th season as broadcast producer.

A record number of stations will also be carrying Arkansas State’s weekly football coach’s radio show. “Live at the Brickhouse with Gus Malzahn” will premiere Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 7-8 p.m.

The broadcast will originate each week from the Brickhouse Grill at 218 South Main Street in Downtown Jonesboro and will be carried locally on 107.9 KFIN. Other EAB Sports Network affiliates carrying “Live at the Brickhouse with Gus Malzahn” include Fresh Talk 93.3 in Little Rock, KCCT 101.7 FM in Mountain Home, KWAK 105.5 FM in Stuttgart, KWYN 1400 AM in Wynne and KOTN 102.5 FM in Gould/Monticello. The show will be broadcast online at www.KFIN.com.

Hilltoppers Set For Season Opener Saturday Against Austin Peay In Live United White Out Game

Western Kentucky Football 

The much anticipated 2012 WKU Football season finally gets underway on Saturday as long-time foe Austin Peay visits Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium for a 6 p.m. (CDT) kickoff in a game televised on ESPN3. 

This will mark the 42nd all-time meeting between the Hilltoppers and Governors in a series that dates back to 1940. WKU has never lost to APSU in Bowling Green (20-0-1), and has won 10 of the last 12 meetings between the two schools.

Saturday's season opener has been designated as the Live United White Out Game. Fans are encouraged to wear white to the game, and the first 4,000 Fans will receive a free "Live United" White Out t-shirt as they enter the game courtesy of WKU Athletics, United Way, Fruit of the Loom and U.S. Bank.

Rare Home Opener

 Saturday's game with Austin Peay marks the first time the Hilltoppers have opened a season at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium since 2005.  Ironically, that is also the last time WKU started a year 1-0 as it opened that season with a 63-3 win over West Virginia Tech. The Hilltoppers are 54-33-5 (61.4%) all time on opening day - no score is available for the first game of 1916.

Stat Leaders Return  

Outside of all-time leading rusher Bobby Rainey, the Hilltoppers return every statistical leader 

from the 2011 season.  Senior quarterback Kawaun Jakes is back for his fourth season under center after tallying 1,854 passing yards and 2,015 yards of total offense a year ago.  His main target - senior tight end Jack Doyle - is back after hauling in 52 catches for 614 yards.  Junior linebacker Andrew Jackson emerged on the scene last year, leading the Toppers with 109 tackles, while junior punter Hendrix Brakefield ranked among the league leaders averaging 41.6 yards per punt.

Veteran Toppers

Compared to his first two seasons as head coach, Willie Taggart will be able to rely on a much larger veteran presence on his 2012 squad.  Nearly half of this year's roster (50 of 104) enter either their junior or senior season of eligibility.  That trend is only natural considering that in 2011 only 34 of 103 players (33%) were "upperclassmen", and just 29 of 102 Hilltoppers (28%) fell in that category in 2010.

Three Toppers Named Preseason All-SBC

 When the Sun Belt Conference announced its official preseason all-conference team in July, the Hilltoppers were represented by three of their top returning weapons.  Offensively, senior tight end Jack Doyle earned all-league honors after pacing WKU in receptions in 2011.  A pair of defensive stoppers were also named to the team as junior Andrew Jackson - WKU's top tackler in 2011 - was one of three linebackers selected, while senior Quanterus Smith was named among the league's top four defensive linemen after ranking second in the conference in sacks last year.

Watch Out

Over a 10-day stretch in July, the National College Football Awards Association released the preseason watch lists for 15 of their awards.  WKU was represented more than ever in 2012 as three Hilltoppers were named to the preseason list for four of those trophies.  For the second straight year, senior tight end Jack Doyle was recognized among the best at his position as a candidate for the John Mackey Award.  He was also selected to the first ever Senior Bowl watch list earlier this month.  Junior linebacker Andrew Jackson was rewarded for his outstanding 2011 season by earning a spot on the list for the Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker) and Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's best defensive player).  Jackson earned a spot on a third watch list as he joined senior offensive lineman Adam Smith as preseason candidates for the Rotary Lombardi Trophy (nation's best lineman or linebacker).

Toppers On The Tube

 As the season gets underway, nine of WKU's 12 games during the 2012 season are scheduled to be televised.  Opportunities for the other three contests (ULM, FIU and ULL) could be announced at later dates.  Three games - Austin Peay, Southern Miss and Arkansas State - will be available exclusively online at ESPN3.com, while the Hilltoppers will have a trio of regionally televised games at Alabama (SEC Network), and at home against Florida Atlantic and North Texas (Sun Belt Network).  WKU will also appear on three nationally televised games on ESPNU at Kentucky, at Troy, and home against Middle Tennessee.  The contests with Troy and MTSU will be Thursday night games.

Western Kentucky seems as if they don’t want to look back to poor seasons, it’s all about winning now.

Arkansas State's Lucas dismissed from team and suspends Houston before season opener

ASU Wide Receiver Earl Lucas 

Just before the season opener for Arkansas State, there is a dismissal and a suspended.

Arkansas State coach Gus Malzahn says wide receiver Earl Lucas has been dismissed from the football team for violating team rules.

Lucas, a sophomore from Prattville, Ala., had 20 catches for 225 yards last season for the Red Wolves on their way to a 10-3 season and Sun Belt Conference championship.

The announcement follows Friday's suspension of another wide receiver, Tres Houston, for the entire season, also for violating team rules. Also, former Auburn running back Michael Dyer was dismissed from the team last month.

South Alabama vs. UTSA game moved to Saturday

It official that the South Alabama vs Texas-San Antonio game has been moved to Saturday, September 1 with kickoff scheduled for 1pm at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. 

The game was originally scheduled for kick-off on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 6:00pm. 
Due to storm Issac, the game has been rescheduled. 


More information will be coming soon on this change. 

UL-Louisiana Hosts Lamar To Open 2012 Season

The battle is on for the 12th Annual Herbert Heymann Classic to feature “Tussle For The Sabine Shoe.”

UL-Lafayette 

After almost a month of preseason drills, Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns football team will open the 2012 season hosting Lamar on Saturday, Sept. 1 with kickoff slated for 6:00 p.m. CDT in Cajun Field; the game, which is sponsored by Sonic Drive-Inn, will be televised by the Ragin’ Cajuns Network with Jeff Palermo, Scott Brazda and Erin Cofiell providing commentary. . . the contest marks the beginning of the 111th season of intercollegiate football at UL with Louisiana owning a 62-37-5 record in the 104 previous home openers (UL did not play at home in six seasons) from 1907-18... the game will also serve as the 12th annual Herbert Heymann Classic, honoring the prominent Acadiana businessman, community pillar and Cajun fan who passed away in 2001 . . . UL owns a 22-11 lead in the all-time series with Lamar, but the two teams have not met since 1989. . . after not offering football from 1990-2009, Lamar reinstated the program in 2010 and has gone 5-6 and 4-7 in the last two years. . . the winner of the game will take home the Sabine Shoe, a traveling trophy named after the Sabine river, which helps to form the border between Texas & Louisiana. . . the Cajuns return 13 starters and every specialist return from the 2011 team that went 9-4 and won the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. . . nine of the starters back are back from the offense that set the school record with 420 points and was just the second to total over 5,000 yards of total offense (5,130).

The Battle For The Sabine Shoe:

The winning team in Saturday’s game will take home the Sabine Shoe, a traveling trophy that goes to the winner of the UL-Lamar football game.  Awarded for the first time in 1937, there is very little information available about the bronze trophy origin.  It was named after the Sabine River, the 510-mile estuary of the Gulf of Mexico which helps to form part of the border between the states of Texas and Louisiana.  The series has been idle since 1989 with UL having possession of the trophy.  It currently sits in the trophy case in the main lobby of the Cox Communications Athletic Center.

Series vs. Lamar:

Saturday’s game marks the 34th meeting between UL and Lamar with the Ragin’ Cajuns owning a 22-11 lead.  The  series began in 1923 with UL winning eight of the first nine meetings (seven with Lamar playing as South Park JC).  After a 15-year layoff, the series resumed in 1952 with the Cajuns going 2-4 in the 1950’s.  The teams played every season from 1965-83 with both schools being members of the Southland Conference from 1971-83.  The schools last met in 1989 with UL (then USL) claiming a 42-33 victory. After that season, Lamar dropped football and did not sponsor the sport until 2010.

12th Annual Herbert Heymann Classic:

The home opener for the Cajuns each year serves as the Herbert Heymann Classic with Saturday’s game vs. Lamar being the 12th edition.  It serves to honor the prominent Acadiana businessman, community pillar and Cajuns fan who passed away in 2001.  Heymann is credited with having the largest impact on UL athletics for any non-university employee.  He served on the committee that was responsible for building Cajun Field.  His fund-raiser tournament helped bankroll UL’s golf team for many years while his behind-the-scenes philanthropy helped the program grow in countless ways.  UL is 8-3 in Heymann Classic games.

Cajuns Have Players To “Watch”:

After a 9-4 record in 2011, the college football experts took notice of the talent on the UL roster with five Cajuns being named to the various Watch Lists for the 2012 major college football awards.  The list includes:

Player  Award (Honors)

Brett Baer      Lou Groza Award (Kicker)
Blaine Gautier  Manning Award (QB)
 Andre Huval     Rimington Trophy (Center)
Darryl Surgent  Paul Hornung Award (All-Around)
Darryl Surgent  Jet Award (Returns Specialist)
Melvin White    Senior Bowl (All-Star Game)

The Line That Plays Together, Stays Together:

Blaine Gautier should feel comfortable under center this year as four of the five starters on the offensive line return, each of whom played in almost 95-percent of the snaps last year.  The quartet of seniors Leonardo Bates (LT) and Jaron Odom (RT), junior Andre Huval (C) and sophomore Daniel Quave (RG).  The foursome combine to have made 68 career starts, including all 13 games last year.  Odom and Huval each played 925 of the 936 offensive snaps last year with Quave (890) and Bates (887) being not far behind.  The fifth starter on the unit this year will be Mykhael Quave, the younger brother of Daniel.

Next Up:

The Cajuns take to the road for the first time in 2012, opening up Sun Belt Conference play with a 6:00 p.m. contest at Troy on Saturday, Sept. 8.  The game will be available nationwide on ESPN3.com.

Malzahn announces two deep depth chart; ready to face Oregon for season opener

ASU Coach Gus Malzahn 

Arkansas State Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn held his first press conference of the regular season here Monday, with one of the biggest things coming out today was the release of a two deep depth chart.

It’s no secret that Malzahn Red Wolves will be major underdogs against the No. 5 Oregon Ducks this coming Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Some are predicting Oregon to be favored by more than 35 points.

Malzahn told the ASU local media Monday that he is convinced that the Duck’s defense is better than it was two years ago when Auburn defeated Oregon for the National Championship.

“I think their defense is better than it was in 2010,” Malzahn said. “I thought they were pretty good then, they are even better now. They are really big and physical.”

Oregon has three defensive linemen listed over 6’7 and taller, giving Arkansas State’s offensive line coach J.B. Grimes a tough assignment this week.

“I didn’t know they grew defensive line that big,” Grimes said after Sunday’s Practice. “There is no doubt that they are very talented, very big and very physical. They will give us a tremendous challenge.”

According to Grimes, his group must be fundamentally sound against a bigger Oregon team.

“It will be a challenge,” Grimes said. “Against a two gap team like these guys, we have to be down in our steps.

You can’t take a bad step. We all have to be on the same page on our footwork. We are going to have to use a lot of good technique against these guys.”

Malzahn released the season’s first official two deep depth chart, but was quick to mention that this was just a starting point for his team.

“Several of these guys will see action on Saturday,” Malzahn said. “We will be really specific with all three running backs, all three of them are still learning our offense. A lot of guys on our two deep will get some playing time. There is still some competition going on at certain positions.”

One position that has been up for grabs is the running back position.

Junior transfer from the University of Tennessee is listed as the starter with Frankie Jackson and Sirgregory Thornton both listed at No. 2.

Another battle during fall camp has been at Quarterback for the No. 2 position behind Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year Ryan Aplin. The battle has been between Phillip Butterfield and Fredi Knighten, with the red-shirt junior being listed first on today’s depth chart.

ARKANSAS STATE v.OREGON SERIES: Saturday’s game will mark the first ever meeting between Arkansas State and Oregon. It will also be the first time that an ASU football team has played a game in the state of Oregon.

A-STATE vs. THE PAC-12: This will be Arkansas State’s first ever meeting against a Pacific-12 school. 

STARTING STRONG: Guz Malzahn will have the opportunity to accomplish something that hasn’t been done by an ASU coach since 1979 when the Red Wolves play Oregon, and that’s to win his first game. Larry Lacewell was ASU’s last coach to win his debut game, leading A-State to a 24-14 victory over east Texas State 33 years ago. ASU’s previous six head coaches all suffered setbacks in their first game, including Al Kincaid, Ray Perkins, John Bobo, Joe Hollis, Steve Roberts and Hugh Freeze.

LITTLE ROCK GAME IN PROGRESS: Gus Malzahn said in today’s press conference that game in Little Rock in the near future was something that was being worked on as he spoke. He stated that they were working on securing an opponent for game there as soon as next season.

COACHING RECOGNITION:  First-year Arkansas State Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn was recognized as one of the top hires in the nation this offseason, named as the No. 4 best hire and No. 2 most intriguing hire in the nation by CBSSports.com.  He was also one of two head coaches in the nation to receive a grade of A+ among new hires for the 2012 season by the Sporting News.  Bleacher Report’s “Over/Under Victories” for every new head coach places A-State at nine victories, one of the tops listed in the report.

RETURNING ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS:  A-State returns five 2011 All-Sun Belt Conference players this season, including the league’s Player of the Year in senior quarterback Ryan Aplin.  Aplin was a first-team selection and was joined by second-team choices Josh Jarboe (Sr., WR) and Nathan Herrold (Sr.,LB).  Returning as honorable mention choices are senior wideout Taylor Stockemer and senior punter Neely Sullivent.

APLIN ON NUMEROUS WATCH LISTS:  An All-America and Heisman candidate, senior quarterback Ryan Aplin has garnered a significant amount of national attention this preseason as he is listed on the Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List, Davey O’Brien Award Watch List, Johnny Unitas Award Watch List and the Manning Award Watch List.  Video, action photos and biographical information for Aplin are all available on a Facebook Page, maintained by the ASU?Sports Information Department, called “Ryan Aplin All-America and Heisman Campaign.”  Fans and media will be able to follow Aplin’s 2012 season on the page, where updates will be posted throughout fall camp and the upcoming season.

OREGON TO MAKE HISTORY SATURDAY: It will be the first time in 21 years a freshman has started at Quarterback for the Ducks. Red-shirt Freshman Marcus Mariotta was named as the starter by Chip Kelly last Friday.

DUCKS ARE TWEETING: Former Duck standout running back LaMichael James tweeted out that Mariotta will be the best quarterback in the history of Oregon. James probably wasn’t born when Dan Fouts played the game for the Ducks.

Offense Two Deep Arkansas State

LT- Aaron Williams-Kevin Galindo

LG-Steven Haunga-Tyler Greve

Center-Eric Allen-Bryce Giddens

RG-Cliff Mitchell-Alan Wright

RT-Zach McKnight-Steven Stevens

QB-Ryan Aplin-Phillip Butterfield or Fredi Knighten

Running Back- David Oku- Frankie Jackson or Sirgregory Thornton

WR Josh Jarboe-Derek Keaton

WR Taylor Stockemer-J.D. McKissic

WR Carlos McCants or Allen Muse

TE-HBack-Anthony Kincy or Andre Smith or Darrion Griswold or Kenny Raines

Defense Two Deep Arkansas State

DE Tim Starson-Darius Dunaway

DT Amos Draper-Ronnell Wright

DT Ryan Carrethers-Dexter Blackmon

DE Shervarius Jackson-Chris Stone

WLB Nick Nelms-Eddie Porter

Mike LB Nathan Herrold-Qushaun Lee

Sting LB Don Jones-Kyle Coleman

Cornerback 1 Chaz Scales- Jonathan Victorian or Terrioius Triplett

FS Sterling Young-Cole Lorigan

SS-Chris Humes or Tausean Holmes

Cornerback 2 Andrew Tyron, Artez Brown or Rocky Hayes

 This game against Oregon which is a national televised game on ESPN will be the true testimony of where Arkansas State and new head coach Gus Malzahn match up in non-conference play, and where they are heading in the future. 

UL-Lafayette James Butler is ready to return to the field

After missing a season and much of practices this year, UL Ragin' Cajun receiver James Butler had no idea just how bad things really were that late-August day last year, when a costly misstep wound up revealing an even costlier miss.

James Butler @ Hahnville High

"I cut the wrong way, and it (his left knee) gave out on me," Butler said. "I still played the rest of the scrimmage, and the next day it just swelled up."

It was the final scrimmage of UL's 2011 preseason camp. And, as it turned out, it was the last day of the season for the Hahnville High product.

He had torn meniscus, or knee cartilage.

But there is much more to that, which made it more serious.  "Actually, I tore my ACL in high school — and I didn't know about it," he said.

An MRI exam for the meniscus tear showed the additional damage.

"The doctor was like, 'Well, you have a torn ACL — but it seems like it happened a long time ago, because there's no bone bruise,' " Butler said. "So, I'd just been playing for three years with a torn ACL."

He even played with his entire 2010 true-freshman season at UL — when he caught 14 passes or 200 yards and one touchdown, including three straight catches and the TD, the first three grabs of his career, on successive plays against then-No. 22 Oklahoma State and another six catches against UL Monroe— with a torn ACL.

"No pain, no nothing," Butler said. "I just was playing with it."

The doctors told me my hamstring and my quads were so strong," he said, "that it compensated for it the whole time."

"We thought he was gonna be in the mix big-time last year," Cajuns coach Mark Hudspeth said. "When we lost him, we just lost a lot of depth — and those other guys had to go the whole year."

After missing a season Butler cheered on his team after finishing 3-9 in 2010, the Ragin Cajuns go on to finish 9-4 in 2011 and expecting to better things this upcoming season.

"I've got to give kudos," Butler added, "to (quarterback) Blaine (Gautier and) the whole receiving corps. Javone Lawson. Harry Peoples. Darryl Surgent. Ross Goodlett. Jamal (Robinson). All the receivers that played last year."

"I knew I would be in a rotation and I would catching a couple balls. And I was here at a time (in 2010) when the (Cajun Field) stands weren't filled. Just to see the stands filled, and I wasn't able to play; you know, you had that hurt.

"But then it became a reality that I'm gonna have another chance to play," Butler added. "So when I get my opportunity, get my opportunity to get back on the field, I have to get my spot back. I have to get back into the rotation, and right now I'm fighting to do that."

So far, the battle is being won. And Butler is ready to return to the field this season and give it all that he has.

"He's getting better every day," Hudspeth said. "He'll play a lot."

Butler should have his shot come Sept. 1, when UL opens at home against Lamar.

ULM Warhawks Return to Practice After Their First Scrimmage

A day after completing the first of two scrimmages during fall camp, the ULM football team returned to practice Sunday afternoon.

The squad due to Sunday night rain practiced at Malone Stadium rather than the practice fields as originally scheduled.  The Warhawks, dressed in shells, completed a 105-minute practice on the turf.

ULM opened practice with special teams work before shifting to release and skills pass rush drills.  Following individual and red zone/goal line work, ULM closed out practice with skelton/pass rush, 11-on-11 work and kickoff coverage.

Warhawk head coach Todd Berry also released an updated two-deep roster Sunday.

Offense:

T - J. Burton            J. Danley

G - J. Fisher            B. Risenhoover

C - J. Allen             C. Mitchell

G - J. Gill               E. Hilliard

T - D. Burkett         J. Treadwell

TE - K. Milton       H. Scioneaux OR K. Steed

WR - J. Hamm       T. Cook

WR - B. Leonard    T. Cain

WR - C. Harper      J. Griffin

WR - T. Maye        R. Ceaser

RB - J. Edwards     C. Donald

QB - K. Browning  C. Wells

Defense:

DE - K. Caldwell     M. Edmond

NT - G. Johnson      E. Jefferies

DE - J. Guatney       D. Lively

LB - D. Ford            R. Stovall

LB - R. Young         A. Moss

LB - C. Blakes         C. Robinson

CB - O. Peterson      T. Caldwell

S - C. Smith             H. Mitchell

H - M. Lane             B. Hardy

S - I. Newsome        R. Veal

CB - V. Eddie          R. Lewis

Special Teams:

K - J. Manton           C. Gammel

P - C. Fryoux           C. Gammel

LS - M. Tharp          B. Risenhoover

SS - B. Risenhoover M. Tharp

H - C. Wells             C. Fryoux

PR - T. Cain             B. Leonard

KR - C. Davis           J. Edwards

Riles has signed with UL-Lafayette to play football

Lakeshore’s High Al Damion Riles has signed with UL- Lafayette to play football for the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Al Damion Riles 

Riles had verbally committed to Florida International University, but said things didn’t work out, so he explored his options.

Riles, who will be a safety for the Ragin’ Cajuns, said his decision came down to UL Lafayette and Tulane.

“Tulane was close to home, but I wanted new scenery,” Riles said. “I also wanted to go to a winning program. Tulane is building an awesome program, but UL was bringing more to the table.”

Last season, the Ragin’ Cajuns finished 9-4 overall and 6-2 in Sun Belt Conference play, which was good for third. Arkansas State captured the league title at 8-0. The Ragin’ Cajuns took home the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, topping San Diego State 32-30 on a last second 50-yard field goal by Brett Baer.

Riles said he watched the Ragin’ Cajuns play in the bowl game.

Last season, Riles was a quarterback and kick returner for Lakeshore. He threw for 987 yards with six touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He showed off his speed on the ground, running for 1,271 yards on 161 carries (7.8 per carry) and 22 touchdowns. Riles added a kickoff return to his scoring ledger, giving him 29 total TDs.

Riles was a first team player at both positions and was selected to play in the 10th annual Texas/Louisiana Bayou Bowl. The contest finished in a 23-23 tie. Riles was a running back.

Riles said he’s enjoyed his time in college so far.

“I went to summer school and got some classes out of the way,” Riles said. “Everyone here is so dedicated, which is what you need in order to do what we do. The upperclassmen really look out for you.”

Riles named Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Michael Vick his favorite NFL player and the Eagles his top team.

Riles plans on majoring in Kinesiology with the emphasis on athletic training.

North Texas defense shines in final preseason scrimmage

North Texas held its final scrimmage of preseason on Saturday, as they prepare for their season and exit from the Sun Belt Conference. The Mean Grean is also preparing for their season opener against LSU.

North Texas Mean Green’s players realize why it’s final full scrimmage of fall practice Saturday at Apogee Stadium so important — and such an encouraging sign for UNT’s defense.

Freshman safety David Busby returned an interception 67 yards for a touchdown to highlight an approximately 100-play scrimmage that UNT’s defense controlled most of the way.

McCarney has emphasized being physical, creating turnovers and making big plays throughout the offseason. During preseason practice the team have made improvements on the defensive side of the ball.

North Texas defense had that opportunity late in the scrimmage when the team worked on several situations, including third down, red zone plays, goal-line situations, 2-point conversions and the two-minute drill.

McCarney said UNT’s defense controlled those situations.  

“We collapsed the pocket better, tackled better, broke on some balls and got our hands on balls in the air,” McCarney said. “Busby had a big, big play returning an interception for a touchdown in the two-minute drill. There is no question he will play this year.”

The change is just one adjustment UNT is making this fall, and it isn’t the biggest one. UNT’s defense is still getting used to working under new coordinator John Skladany.

“Every day we have so much to do,” McCarney said. “When you are playing against the No. 1 team in the country, against all that talent and coach [Les] Miles, the urgency I have is off the charts. I come in every day and see things that we need to get better at.”

North Texas offense came up with a few big plays during Saturday’s scrimmage, but not nearly enough to satisfy McCarney or wide receiver Brelan Chancellor.

Brandin Byrd and Jeremy Brown both posted 70-yard touchdown runs, while redshirt freshman tight end Cooper Jones caught a 58-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Andrew McNulty.

As the defense look to have improved, the offense is not quite their according to Chancellor, one of the veteran leaders of UNT’s offense. “It didn’t come together the way we hoped. We were not physical enough. We have to pick it up.”

Troy Football Host Its Second Scrimmage of 2012

Troy took to the field on Saturday morning for its second inter-squad scrimmage of the year with the season-opener looming for UAB.

“I thought the defense did some good things,” said head coach Larry Blakeney. “We didn't give up as many big plays. We're a better football team now than we've been.”

The Trojans ran about 100 plays on the day, with the defense and special teams performing tremendously early on. Both Chris Davis and Zach Miller had interceptions, with Davis taking down a jump ball in the back of the endzone.

Will Scott nailed a 40-yard field goal for the second-team offense, followed by a 22-yard field goal by Jed Solomon.

Corey Robinson and Chandler Worthy were very successful together on the day. The duo teamed up for a 56-yard reception early on and added an 18-yard touchdown on a screen pass later in the scrimmage.

“We're maturing, more than anything,” said Worthy. “We're coming along as a team.”

“We're still getting some stuff together, getting some new guys reps,” said Robinson. “It's all about getting the news guys acclimated to our speed.”

Freshman running back Brandon Burks picked up a pair of touchdowns from inside the red zone, his first coming from four yards out and his second coming from one yard

Troy will open its regular season against UAB. 

South Alabama completes its second scrimmage of the preseason

Demtre Baker trys to break loose 

South Alabama Jaguars offense and defense seems to be ready for action this fall, as they enter in Division 1 and the Sun Belt Conference. Several players got their shine on and some is left in questioned. Overall the team is ready after a improved offseason, spring practice, summer workouts and now preseason camp.

 Now that school is back in session, and preseason camp is almost over. Players can focus on education and winning football games. But it want be a easy task, South Alabama has to face some tough competition this year in Mississippi State, North Carolina State, Hawaii, and then they come inside of conference play and face Arkansas State, Troy, and FIU.

Running back Brandon Ross returned to the field at Ladd Pebbles Stadium to take part in the South Alabama scrimmage after being out for nearly two years. Ross, was the Jaguars' leading rusher in 2009 and in 2010 before he suffered a knee injury, had 62 yards on just 4 carries, including TD runs of 55, 4 and 2 yards. That’s a impressive return by Brandon Ross.

Quarterback C.J. Bennett continued to show that he is able to pass the ball in the new spread offense, Bennett led the first-team offense 97 yards in 11 plays on its initial possession of the day, completing all six pass attempts for 80 yards on the march.  He opened with a seven-yard completion to T.J. Glover, Howton and Bryant Lavender twice for 13 yards and hit Tyrone Bivins for a 12-yard gain while guiding the unit to midfield.  After a two-yard run from Demetre Baker, Bennett found Jake for a 23-yard completion before hitting Cameron Broadnax on a 25-yard touchdown pass.

Also on offense Terrance Timmons carried five times for 29 yards, Ellis Hill supplied 18 yards on four rushes and Baker collected 17 yards rushing.  Broadnax, Glover and Lavender, along with Nathan Sassaman, all recorded two receptions as four USA quarterbacks threw for 181 yards.

New offensive coordinator Robert Matthews said progress has been made but he wants to see more before the Aug. 30 opener against Texas-San Antonio.

"I think fundamentally we have improved a lot since camp started and we're able to execute the base plays that we want to execute," he said.

"I think our guys know what to do, now it's just getting them to do it at the speed and the tempo that we expect."

South Alabama defense is not letting up either, they are ranked 12th by SI.com and coaches at South seems to be somewhat pleased.

Safety B.J. Scott said he felt Saturday's scrimmage was better than the first one of the preseason.

"We just had that in the back of our heads and we came out here and just got after it," he said. "I think we all as a whole feel a little bit more comfortable and focused. It's all mental at this point. We're pretty much done beating up on each other."

Ben Giles and Anthony Taylor had 7 tackles each to lead the defense. While Michel Chapuseaux kicked field goals of 37, 42 and 39 yards while freshman kicker Aleem Sunanon had a 32-yarder.

Randon Carnathan and Enrique Williams posted three stops each, while Davin Hawkins led the reserves with five tackles.

“We are evaluating our players and will see where we are on the depth chart, and make those decisions this weekend,” Jones stated.  “Monday we’ll starting putting the game plan in for Texas-San Antonio, we’ll have a few extra days to getting ready for them.”