CRAWFORD's CORNER

Back on the court

2009-10-17T08:46:00.002-04:00

Ben Miller felt what it was like to coach UNCP's men's basketball team last season. Entering his second year at the helm, Miller likes what he sees so far from his young team . . .

Braves open basketball practice

Braves football hits bye

2009-10-17T08:44:00.003-04:00

UNCP has won three consecutive games and the defense is ranked in the nation for fewest points and yards allowed. Is this the perfect time for a bye week? Pete Shinnick thinks so . ..

Streaking Braves enjoy bye week

Jalaquon McNeill has been through it all

2009-10-17T08:42:00.001-04:00

Lumberton senior linebacker Jalaquon McNeill talks about the struggles of growing up without a father and how football has become an avenue for changing his life . . .

McNeill and the game of life

Prep Playoff Predictions

2009-10-17T08:41:00.002-04:00

Write a column on Swett losing to Richmond and get hate mail. Say the game is unwinnable and you'll most likely receive death threats . . .

Mustangs, Pirates race toward 2nd place

Surprise? UNCP is ranked

2009-10-07T07:20:00.001-04:00

My thoughts on UNCP's first national ranking and why the Braves are a legit power in Division II football . . .

Winning brings high expectations

Smith headlines the UNCP spread

2009-10-07T07:17:00.004-04:00

How is UNCP averaging 35 points per game this season? Cory Smith. The junior quarterback is now 16-3 as a starter following Saturday's 30-3 homecoming pasting of Webber International AND Smith has the Braves ranked for the first time in school history . . .

Smith leads the UNCP offense

Lumberton rolls past Laney, 34-7

2009-09-30T08:50:00.001-04:00

Pirates running back Maurice Lewis picks up 229 yards against the Buccaneers, in the first half . . .

Brill, Pirates win in Wilmington

Fairmont native goes PRO

2009-09-30T08:47:00.003-04:00

Fairmont's Gini Grimsley signed a professional contract to play basketball in Germany. She played her first game last Saturday . . .

Grimsley plays for Terner TC

Purnell Swett is 6-0, not ranked

2009-09-30T08:45:00.003-04:00

Mark Heil's Purnell Swett Rams are 6-0 and it's because of a talented defense loaded with underclassmen . . .

Defense key in Swett's unbeaten start

REDEMPTION: Braves face Wingate

2009-09-12T10:53:00.002-04:00

Can UNCP shrug off history and beat the Bulldogs? Wingate has won the first two games in the series by a combined score of 80-30. . . Game is a 2 p.m. and will be streamed LIVE on UNCPBraves.com

UNCP battles Wingate today at 2 p.m. in Pembroke

Bulldogs show spurts of success

2009-09-09T13:44:00.002-04:00

St. Pauls has a pair of talented quarterbacks, but a defense that gives up too many yards . .. .

Hunt excels under center for the Bulldogs

UNCP shuts out St. Paul's 37-0

2009-09-06T14:10:00.003-04:00

UNCP posted its third shut out in 3 seasons Saturday, blanking the St. Paul's College Tigers 37-0 in Pembroke. A crowd of 2,300 snapped a four-game sellout streak. I assume most of the students are away enjoying Labor Day weekend. Also, QB Matt Evans has moved up the depth chart to the No. 2 position, overtaking Garrett Sutphen. Evans completed three passes for 49 yards in the fourth quarter Saturday in his first action of the season.

Hann picks off two passes as Braves roll

Braves set for home opener

2009-09-04T17:56:00.003-04:00

St. Paul's has had four days to prepare for UNCP, winners of nine straight games. The Tigers received helmets and pads on Monday. Think St. Paul's has a shot at tackling WR Jamal Williams and RB Travis Daniels with little practice? Tomorrow's game in Pembroke may get ugly. . . fast . . .

UNCP plays Tigers in home opener

Gamecock defense shuts down 'Pack

2009-09-04T17:53:00.003-04:00

Steve Spurrier still doesn't have a reliable unit on offense. Fortunately for the Gamecocks, the defense played outstanding in Thursday's season-opener . . .

Cocks hold State to 133 total yards on ESPN

Missed chances doom 'Pack

2009-09-04T17:50:00.002-04:00

The bad thing is, Russell Wilson showed he's not as fast against the SEC's speedy defenders. The good thing is, the Gamecocks are 1-0 . . . The 'Pack has scored 3 points the last two games vs. South Carolina.

State doesn't get past SC's 25-yard line

Wilson, 'Pack in for stellar season

2009-09-02T12:27:00.003-04:00

Heisman hopeful? You can bet on it.

Read above on why I think Russell Wilson is not only the ACC's top quarterback, but possibly the No. 1 playmaker in the nation. I am covering SC-NCSU tomorrow night in Raleigh, stay tuned to the blog on Friday for my analysis on the season-opener for both teams.

Daniels makes most of opportunity

2009-08-30T09:23:00.002-04:00

FAYETTEVILLE – In front of 8,300 fans Saturday night in the Two Rivers Classic, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke running back Travis Daniels wanted to make the most of his opportunity.

Locked in a battle with last season’s starter Rashon Kennedy throughout spring and fall practice, Daniels made the most of his 25 attempts versus the Broncos in UNCP’s wild 41-34 double overtime win.

The 5-foot-10 native of Washington, N.C. notched a school-record 229 all-purpose yards, including 213 on the ground. Daniels chewed up the field turf at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium, providing the game’s most stunning highlight – an 89-yard touchdown scamper with 4:50 to play in the fourth quarter.

After clearing the Broncos defensive line with his initial burst, Daniels put a move on two defenders at midfield and sprinted down the right sideline for the score causing an eruption of cheers from UNCP supporters.

His second touchdown of the contest silenced the home crowd and gave his team a 28-21 lead.

“I knew when my number was called I had to make the most of it,” Daniels said. “Coach told me during practice I would get a lot more carries this season. I just wanted to do my best out there.”

Bruised and beaten after the final horn, Daniels said he had to trust in himself and his teammates.

“I just try to run hard,” Daniels said. “I put a lot of work in this fall and during two-a-days. I tried to prepare for this season as best as possible. My team was able to open up running lanes tonight.”

Head coach Pete Shinnick raved about Daniels and Kennedy’s talents after each fall scrimmage and gave each running back his own share of carries in the season-opener.

Kennedy gained 101 yards on 23 carries as the Braves rolled up 353 rushing yards as a team. Shinnick called 57 rushing plays to just 24 through the air.

“We preached to our guys all through the preseason that we were going to be in great shape and that we were going to wear on people, and I am proud of them because they had one more play in them than Fayetteville State did tonight,” Shinnick said. “I think our defense was caught off guard on a couple of things that they did tonight, but I think our offense has a lot more confidence this year and we were able to get it done on that side of the ball.”

Braves win Two Rivers in 2 OTs

2009-08-30T09:02:00.001-04:00

More coverage coming later . . .

Jamal Williams' TD wins it for the Braves

Column: Williams leads UNCP

2009-08-26T12:09:00.001-04:00

First column ever, printed this morning.

Crawford's Corner Wednesday Column

Rivalry game set for Saturday

2009-08-25T11:14:00.002-04:00

INFO from the Media/Press luncheon yesterday at FSU's Capel Arena . . .

Broncos, Braves vie for Two Rivers Cup

FSU All-American OUT for Saturday

2009-08-25T11:07:00.004-04:00

Fayetteville State's Richard Medlin will not play Saturday against UNCP in the Two Rivers Classic. The All-American running back from Raleigh is being held out of action by the CIAA after a fight against Livingstone in 2008 . . .

Medlin suspended for Saturday's Two Rivers Classic

Two Rivers Classic Coverage

2009-08-23T12:54:00.002-04:00

Stay tuned for UNCP at Fayetteville State coverage in this week's Robesonian newspaper as our sports staff prepares our readers for Saturday's inaugural Classic in Fayetteville:

Tuesday - Media Day Coverage
Wednesday - Column on UNCP player
Thursday - Feature
Friday - Story
Saturday - Two Rivers Classic Preview w/ lineups, spotlights and prediction
Sunday - Game wrapup, postgame analysis

Swett beats E.E. Smith in Fayetteville

2009-08-22T09:31:00.001-04:00

It took nearly 3 1/2 quarters, but Purnell Swett's offense finally woke up in the fourth frame, scoring the game's final 14 points for a 20-6 win Friday.

Ethan Clark's two TDs leads Swett past Bulls

Robeson County Preps Jamboree

2009-08-13T19:49:00.002-04:00

Robeson County's inaugural football jamboree will be held Friday evening at UNCP. Purnell Swett will be the first team to scrimmage starting at 6:30 p.m.

Swett, Lumberton included in Friday's scrimmage lineup

UNCP starts Two-A-Days

2009-08-12T12:51:00.001-04:00

My first story as a Robesonian staff writer.

UNCP begins full contact with pads

Job Update

2009-08-11T18:28:00.002-04:00

I am now a staff writer at The Robesonian (N.C.) newspaper in Lumberton, North Carolina. My primary coverage duties will by UNCP athletics and high school football.

Check out my first story (UNCP Two-a-days) at The Robesonian in Wednesday morning's print and online edition.

Coastal Plain League UNCP Update

2009-06-04T09:54:00.002-04:00

Pardon the month long delay between posts. I've been busy with work while still scratching my head as to why UNCP didn't receive an NCAA DII Regionals' bid. Anyway, here's a look at the happenings of UNCP players in the Coastal Plain League's first week:

Jason Coker, 2B, Columbia Blowfish - leads his team in hitting at a .454 clip in 15 at-bats, including a homerun and five RBIs. Coker's two-run single off Josh Bagley (UNCP) Wednesday night helped push Columbia past Fayetteville 11-0. Coker has four starts for the Blowfish (3-3).

Matt McGovern, SP, Fayetteville SwampDogs - after winning the Peach Belt Conference equilvanlent to the Cy Young award two weeks ago, McGovern began this summer as Fayetteville's ace. After two starts for the SwampDogs, the Ottawa native is 0-1, with a 3.97 ERA. Expect McGovern's ERA to dwindle in the all-wood bat league.

Brian Willis, SP, Fayetteville SwampDogs - the former South View High ace from Hope Mills has a no decision in one start with Fayetteville, holding a 4.15 ERA with five strikeouts and three earned runs in four innings. This summer is Willis's second stint with the SwampDogs after pitching in 2007.

Josh Bagley, RP, Fayetteville SwampDogs - Bagley, the third pitcher from Pembroke playing for Fayetteville this summer, has two appearances and is second on the squad with nine innings pitched. He has given up five earned for a 4.55 ERA. Bagley signed a conditional contract with Fayetteville, meaning he may not have a roster spot after the College World Series.

Recent Press on Braves Baseball

UNCP ranked in final Collegiate Baseball Poll

Dietrich, Kivett and McGovern named to All-NC team

Dietrich and McGovern notch region awards

Braves fall short in Aiken, SC

2009-05-11T09:38:00.002-04:00

AIKEN, SC - UNCP saw its 2009 Peach Belt Conference Tournament run end early on the diamond Sunday afternoon with a 12-9 loss in Game No. 5 to Francis Marion. The Braves took an early 4-0 lead in the third inning but couldn't withstand an eight-run push by Francis Marion in the top of the fourth.

The Braves advanced in Saturday's first round after a 15-6 victory over Georgia College. In that game, PBC-Pitcher of the Year Matt McGovern (9-0 this season) pitched six strong innings to notch the victory, yielding 10 hits and three runs
runs.

UNCP (37-17) will now play the waiting game with DII Regional Officials as the Braves are hoping for an at-large postseason berth, despite finished near the middle of the Peach Belt Conference. Following yesterday's loss to FMU, UNCP coach Paul O'Neil told his team their chances of receiving a bid remain at 80-percent.

7 Gamecocks taken in 2009 NFL Draft

2009-04-26T20:13:00.002-04:00

Seven University of South Carolina football players were taken today during Day 2 of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Jared Cook's name was the first to be called, going late in the 3rd round to the Tennessee Titans. After Cook, WR Kenny McKinley, LB Jasper Brinkley and OL Jamon Meredith were all 5th round picks.

CB Captain Munnerlyn and CB Stoney Woodson were taken taken a few picks before Mr. Irrelevant K Ryan Succop.

The Gamecocks' 7-player draft class was second in the nation to Southern Cal's 11. Albeit most of the Trojans' stars were selected on the first day, headlined by No. 5 Mark Sanchez's contract with the New York Jets. Go Cocks!

Braves ranked in national D2 poll

2009-04-20T20:28:00.006-04:00

After taking 2-of-3 this weekend from No. 8 North Georgia in Pembroke, UNCP was voted into the Division-II Collegiate Baseball poll for the first time since 2005 on Monday. The Braves have a school record 35 wins this season and are a game over .500 in conference play (12-11).

Notables on offense over the weekend include PBC Player-of-the-Week Joe Mangum. Mangum homered five times over the final two games with North Georgia including a three-dinger game in Sunday's 16-4 victory. Senior Kevin Dietrich saw his 18-game hitting streak snapped in the rubber game but did walk twice and scored three runs.

The No. 24 Braves will fight for Peach Belt Tournament seeding this weekend as they host top-ranked region power USC Aiken (No. 7 in DII College Baseball Poll). The Pacers have won 13 straight games heading into tomorrow's two-game set with Pfeiffer. Presumably, Matt McGovern (7-0, 2.93 ERA) Brian Willis (4-3, 4.55) and Jonathan Rivera (6-1, 2.78) will gets the starts for UNCP. McGovern, right, is unbeaten in his collegiate career and has solidified his spot in the rotation as the Braves' top starter.

Unfortunately for the Braves, the conference tournament is a single-elimination tournament. Since the tournament will be expanded to eight teams in 2009, UNCP will have little room for error in Aiken, S.C., the first weekend of May.

UNCP HR TALLY THROUGH 49 GAMES = 62

Diamond Braves tie record, 11th win

2009-04-16T21:14:00.003-04:00

11 consecutive wins and counting for the UNCP baseball squad. The Braves won 10-7 at Catawba this evening, with Jake Dailey getting his fourth win this season. Ryan Kirkman pitched a 1-2-3 9th for his eighth save. Both Jason Coker and Kevin Dietrich extended their hitting streaks to 15 games. At 33-13, the Braves also tied the single season wins record (33) and have six Peach Belt Conference games over the next two weekends to break it.

Despite rain, Braves win 10th straight

2009-04-15T12:41:00.002-04:00

The UNCP Braves are on fire. After sliding past St. Andrews 6-2 on a soggy Tuesday night, UNCP (32-13, 10-10 PBC) have won 10 straight and are poised for a seed in the PBC tournament in two weeks.

How close are the Braves to an overall wins record? Ten wins in a row isn't a record-breaking accomplishment according to coach Paul O'Neil. O'Neil says his team won 11 consecutive games in the 2005 season. A win Thursday at Catawba ties that mark.

UNCP beats St. Andrews 6-2

Dietrich a possible POY candidate

2009-04-09T10:40:00.003-04:00

The UNCP Braves' baseball team has won six consecutive games due in large part to senior Kevin Dietrich. Playing in his final few weeks in a Braves uniform, Dietrich is hitting .435 for the season and homered in three straight games. Depending on the Braves' success over the final three weekends in Peach Belt Conference play, Dietrich will definitely be a factor in Player of the Year talks.

UNCP (28-13, 7-10 PBC) swept Georgia Southwestern over the weekend for their first series win in conference play. The Braves made it six wins in a row this week after winning a pair of mid-week battles with Chowan. UNCP is now 10-2 in mid-week affairs this season.

Matt McGovern, Bryan Willis and Jonathan Rivera will get the starts this weekend for the Braves as they travel to Lander for a pivotal three-game series. Lander is 8-8 in league play while UNCP is 7-10. Lander hold a one game lead over the Braves for seventh place in the Peach Belt. The top eight teams earn a trip to the conference tournament in May.

Braves beat Chowan in game one 9-3

Locklear delivers in 11 innings for UNCP

Going Deep with UNCP - Fifth Entry

2009-03-31T15:03:00.002-04:00

After dropping its fifth consecutive Peach Belt Conference series over the weekend, UNCP once power-happy offense has fallen into a mid-season slump. It was the Armstrong Atlantic State Pirates that brought the long ball to Pembroke, crushing eight round trippers in three games.

Braves' senior outfielder Kevin Dietrich is still swinging a hot bat, clubbing two homeruns in a three-game set against AASU to give him a team-leading eight this season to go along with 44 RBIs. His solo blast in the first inning of game three put the Braves on the scoreboard.

UNCP's HR TALLY THROUGH 35 GAMES = 40

UNCP drops fifth straight PBC series

2009-03-31T14:58:00.005-04:00

The bullpen is a mess and the middle of the lineup isn't hitting.

Both malfunctions led to the Braves' series loss over the weekend to Armstrong Atlantic State. UNCP, now at 4-10 in the Peach Belt Conference, have an uphill battle toward the postseason. "I don't have a crystal ball to tell me what's going on right now," head coach Paul O'Neil said after Monday's loss.

AASU win game three over UNCP 10-6

Braves split PBC series with AASU

2009-03-30T11:09:00.001-04:00

PEMBROKE – After snapping Armstrong Atlantic State’s 18-game winning streak in the opening contest with a 5-4 victory, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke had a chance to sweep a conference doubleheader Saturday at Sammy Cox Field for the first time all season.

Clinging to a 3-1 lead in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and one out in the nightcap, Braves’ head coach Paul O’Neil met with starting pitcher Brian Willis before a crucial at-bat against Peach Belt slugger, Alex Wyche.

“I just tried to giving Brian a few words of encouragement,” O’Neil said. “Obviously, the guy (Wyche) got a pitch he could drive and didn’t miss.”

The meeting on the mound backfired as Wyche crushed the second pitch he saw over the right field wall for a grand slam, supplying his team with a 5-3 cushion. The Pirates would go on to score a total of eight runs on nine hits in the inning, including a two-run homer from Drew Walker, before winning the second game 8-5.

Wyche is hitting .440 for the Pirates with 40 RBIs.

UNCP (22-12, 4-9 PBC) fell to 0-5 in the second game of Peach Belt doubleheaders with the defeat. The Braves left a total of 22 runners on the basepaths in both games.

“I don’t what is about the second game when we play two,” Braves’ coach Paul O’Neil said. “We allowed a big inning and that hurt us. We made too many mistakes that never seem to show up in the boxscore.”

Despite the setback, the Braves’ tallied 10 hits for the third straight game. Kevin Dietrich had two hits and three RBIs, while belting his seventh homerun of the season with a two-run shot in the second.

Josh Bagley pitched well in relief for UNCP, allowing just two runs in four and 2/3 innings.

Playing in just their second road series of the season after 29 home games, the Pirates (25-9, 5-6 PBC) got a strong pitching performance in game two from Cody Walden. Walden (7-1, 3.47 ERA) gave up five runs in eight innings while striking out eight. He threw 146 total pitches.

“Swinging at bad pitches killed us again,” O’Neil added. “We chose too many balls and too many pitches out of the strikezone.”

The Braves and Pirates combined for eight homeruns on Saturday in a wind-propelled day of deep fly balls. With gusts hitting 25 mph left-to-right, high flies to right field seemed to carry each time toward the warning track.

Jonathan Rivera (3-1, 2.41 ERA) will take the mound for the Braves in today’s third and decisive game at 2 p.m. as UNCP tries to avoid losing its five consecutive Peach Belt Conference series.

Sportstalk with Crawford and Kelley

2009-03-25T12:00:00.003-04:00

By Scott Bigelow, Editor of UNCP Today

On March 23 before their live afternoon broadcast, Brad Crawford and Robert Kelley were warming up by tossing the football around outside.

“The first shows were pretty bumpy, and we brought a lot of notes in with us,” Kelley said. “Now that we know what we’re doing now, it’s pretty smooth.”

Getting used to radio – with its “intros” and “outros” – was a steep learning curv for the pair, who are both journalism majors and former sports editors for The Pine Needle.

These guys know sports, and they have a great time talking about it. Today, they will talk about the NCAA basketball tournament, the NFL draft and a section on UNCP sports. Crawford is covering UNCP baseball for his internship with The Robesonian, the daily newspaper in Lumberton.

A sports stringer for The Fayetteville Observer, he also does commentary for live Internet streaming of UNCP football and baseball. Both say the opportunities and experiences they have had as undergraduates are unique and helpful in the job market too.

“It’s an opportunity I wouldn’t have had at UNC or NC State,” Crawford said. “I’ve been able to build relationships with coaches, players and the media.”

Kelley, who is considering a career in radio (“They pay you to sit around and talk about sports?”), agrees that working at WNCP Radio is a unique experience.

“Being at a smaller school allows us to have experiences like this,” Kelley said. “They actually asked us if we would do a show, and we jumped at the chance.

Coker's walkoff gives UNCP win

2009-03-22T08:58:00.002-04:00

UNCP (20-10, 3-7 PBC) split a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader with North Georgia on Saturday by scores of 7-5 and 2-1 (10 innings). Jason Coker won the first game for the Braves with a two-run walkoff homerun after Seth Kivett's RBI single to right a batter earlier tied the game at five.

The Braves managed just four hits in the second game as the Saints evened the series at one apiece with a single run in the top of the 10th off Braves closer Ryan Kirkman. Coach Paul O'Neil had this to say about Saturday's action: "Our team lacks intensity in the second game of doubleheaders. For whatever reason, I guys never want to win game two. We need to come out with more intensity, but we're just not hungry enough yet to be successful in the Peach Belt Conference.

Braves split doubleheader

Jordan Pegram leads the Braves

2009-03-21T10:56:00.003-04:00

PEMBROKE – Jordan Pegram’s 33-inch Demarini bat speaks louder than his words.

Never one to brag after a multi-hit game or gawk at a flashy snare at shortstop, Pegram’s presence at the plate has been a welcomed addition to The University of North Carolina at Pembroke starting lineup.

Starting all 28 games for the Braves, Pegram helped his team jump out to their best 21-game start in school history (16-5) and currently has UNCP (19-9, 2-6 PBC) fighting for a spot near the middle of the treacherous Peach Belt Conference.

“I thank God for the opportunity to play at a program like this,” Pegram said. “He gave me the skills necessary to play baseball in college.

Pegram is hitting .398 with 12 multi-hit games and 22 RBIs. He has contributed three of UNCP’s conference-leading 31 homeruns. Contact is a strongpoint as opposing pitchers have retired Pegram via strikeout just 11 times in 121 plate appearances.

“He’s definitely one of our most valuable players,” head coach Paul O’Neil said. “He has quality, productive at-bats. He drives in runs and knows how to move runners over to help our team.”

Tagged as a newcomer to watch by O’Neil in the preseason, the junior transfer from Greensboro, N.C., leads the Braves in nearly every offensive category at the season’s halfway point including hits, doubles and runs scored.

His 45 total hits puts him into a three-way tie for third in the Peach Belt Conference while his 10 doubles trails only North Georgia’s Andre Airich for the top spot.

Pegram’s approach in the batter’s box is simple. See it and hit it.

“I just try to line up the pitch and go up the middle,” Pegram said. “Each situation is different, every at-bat. The most important thing is putting the ball in play to advance the runner.”

O’Neil notes Pegram’s best asset might be his defense, as the 5-11 shortstop has committed just six errors and holds a .955 fielding percentage. He has helped turn 19 double plays.

“He’s been extremely consistent in the field,” O’Neil said. “What he’s done defensively this season has been phenomenal.”

Pegram picked UNCP over a list of schools in the early signing period because of the baseball program’s tradition and a chance to play in the Peach Belt Conference.

“The Peach Belt is arguably the most competitive conference in Division-II baseball,” Pegram said. “You see tough, good pitching with everyone throwing in the mid-80s with a lot of breaking balls. You have to perform at your best everyday.”

Despite great success in the first two months, flirting with a .400 batting average is a bit of a shock to Pegram, who says he is still getting adjusted to the cleanup spot.

“I normally hit in the three hole and I see more fastballs,” Pegram said, referring to past games as a player at Belmont Abbey and Guilford Tech. “But I just want to help my team win. Wherever Coach O’Neil wants me, I’m excited to hit.”

Saddled with a low-key demeanor, Pegram does manage a smile when recalling this season’s at-bats against his the Wingate Bulldogs. In two games versus Wingate, Pegram is 7-for-9 with two homeruns, five RBIs and five runs scored.

“I see the ball really well against their pitchers for some reason,” Pegram said. “I had two homers against Wingate my freshman year at Belmont (Abbey) too. I’d be an All-American if we played those guys everyday.”

Off the diamond, Pegram relishes in another sport; basketball and lots of it. According to Braves’ starting pitcher Josh Bagley, choosing Pegram as his roommate when he arrived on campus last fall was a no-brainer.

“We’re the only Duke fans in our apartment so we had to stick together,” Bagley said. “We’re hoping our guys can do damage in the NCAA’s this year.”

Pegram's power leads UNCP

Going Deep with UNCP - Fourth Entry

2009-03-18T09:26:00.004-04:00

Tuesday's 15-6 win over Wingate, UNCP's 12th consecutive victory over the Bulldogs, included long balls from seniors Kevin Dietrich and Edmund Locklear.

Locklear's first homerun of the season, an eighth inning bomb to right off a Wingate reliever, was out of the park off the bat. Dietrich's three-run blast in the seventh gave his team an 11-0 lead. The senior from Charlotte drove in five runs to give him a team-leading 36 this season. Dietrich and Seth Kivett are tied for the team-lead in round trippers with six.

Coach Paul O'Neil stressed the importance of Locklear's regained confidence after Tuesday's game. "It's great to see Locklear square up pitches," O'Neil said. "If we want to be good as a team, Ed has to come through for us."

UNCP HR TALLY THROUGH 27 GAMES - 31

NCAA Tournament Breakdown

2009-03-17T09:10:00.003-04:00

Busy scribbling teams out in the Sweet 16 and finishing up your tournament brackets? Here's my formula to March Madness victory, free of charge to my blog readers.

Louisville, Memphis, UNC and either Duke/Tenn will be in the Final Four. I haven't decided whether or not to go with a Duke/UNC national semifinal or a Heels-Vols battle.

I liked Memphis before the season started because of Freshman PG Tyreke Evans. I like Memphis as much, if not more now, to cut down the nets in Detroit. Plus one for Calipari's group. A group that plays great defense, displays its athleticism nightly and is better at the charity stripe compared to last year's runner-up team.

Pittsburgh/UConn tie for being the weakest one seeds. The loss of Dyson will inevitably stop the Huskies and Pittsburgh has too much trouble scoring. Don't have either in your Final Four. I have No. 9 Tennessee over the Panthers in round two. Gutsy? I know.

Office Pool Rules from Crawford's Corner:

1. Don't pick your favorite team or by conference allegiance
2. Rely on perimeter shooting, rebounding and point guard play.
3. Don't look for the Cinderella. Like all Cinderella's, you will most likely pick the wrong one.
4. Pick squads that have been on a roll or won/played well in their conference tournament.
5. Last but not least, remember the big game coaches (Pitino, Calhoun, K, Williams, Boeheim, Izzo).

Be leary of upsets this season. After pondering the 2009 field, I don't expect too many upsets in the opening round. Siena over Ohio State seems plausible, as does No.12 Western Kentucky over the 5th-seeded Fighting Illini. Outside of those two matchups, I'm not sure of too many teams fitting the glass slipper.

We all love Eric Maynor. (similar to America's love affair with Steph Curry last March) But let's face it, UCLA is better than VCU. UCLA has made three straight trips to the Final Four. UCLA has one of the best defensive guards in the nation in Darren Collison. Please don't pick the Rams in this 11/6 contest.

ACC fans, Wake Forest has the best shot outside the big two to make a deep run. Florida State is inexperienced, Maryland's defense is shotty at times and Clemson is, well, Clemson. Boston College will lose to a red-hot California team in the first round.

Duke needs to be careful with Texas while UNC has a chance at being upset by Trent Johnson's Tigers in the second round. If Ty Lawson is 100%, the Heels advance to the National Title Game to face Memphis.

As I predicted nearly correct last season, Calipari gets a National Championship at Ford Field in Detroit in April.

Braves end streak, blast St. Andrews

2009-03-13T11:17:00.004-04:00

UNCP improved its mark to 3-0 vs. St. Andrews this season with a 14-2 win yesterday in Laurinburg. Kevin Dietrich led the charge for the Black and Gold with four hits and 6RBIs while Seth Kivett and Jordan Pegram each enjoyed multi-hit games. Freshman hurler Jake Dailey notched his second win of the season after allowing two runs in five innings of work. The Braves (17-7, 2-4 PBC) travel to Columbus, Ga. this weekend for a three-game series with Columbus State (11-10).

Braves blister St. Andrews 14-2

Spring break trip to Columbia

2009-03-10T17:43:00.005-04:00

Savanna and I were finally able to check out the new 36-million dollar baseball stadium at The University of South Carolina this weekend.

Beautiful weather and a great weekend for baseball. I've included a few pics of Savanna and I, just facebook me for the rest. Go Cocks!

Recent Robesonian Publications

2009-03-09T01:08:00.003-04:00

Here's my most recent articles from this semester's internship at The Robesonian. I think I'm missing a few, but here's the online editions. Most baseball game stories are in the printed edition, not online.

Braves fall in final minute - MBB

UNCP hopes for better season - BB

Spring practice begins - CFB

Braves drop heartbreaker - MBB

UNCP rally falls short - MBB

Football Signing Day - CFB

Going Deep with UNCP - Third Entry

2009-03-03T10:23:00.003-05:00

The Peach Belt Conference's most prolific homerun-hitting team rudely welcomed Post University to Sammy Cox Field last weekend in a bomb-happy sweep.

In 5-4 and 12-5 wins, the Braves connected on five round-trippers, including Keith Whitman and Seth Kivett's 5th HRs on the season. Kivett's bomb hit midway up the scoreboard in right center. Caleb Sutton connected his first homerun of the season in the 12-5 victory, a 3-run job that cleared the wall in right in the 5th inning. Jason Coker also went yard and had two hits in UNCP's four-homer game two.

The Braves are now 13-4 this season and play Clarion today in a doubleheader beginning at 1pm.

UNCP HR TALLY THROUGH 17 GAMES = 25

UNCP Weekend Sports Watch

2009-02-26T10:09:00.004-05:00

UNCP Baseball opens a four-game series Friday at home vs. Post. The Braves (11-4, 1-2 PBC)are fresh off a 14-6 victory over Wingate on Wednesday. UNCP HOMERUN TALLY is now at 20 in 15 games. Seven players have at least 12 RBIs for the Braves this season.

UNCP Men's Basketball wraps ups its 2008-09 season Saturday at Columbus State. The Black and Gold have struggled in Ben Miller's first season as head coach and have a 5-21 record, including a 2-17 mark in Peach Belt Conference play. Wednesday's 80-78 loss to Georgia College at the Jones Center spoiled Senior Night and brought a disappointing end to the career of four Braves' seniors.

Braves lose heartbreaker 80-78

UNCP FOOTBALL opened spring practice Tuesday afternoon, returning 21-of-22 starters from last season's 9-1 squad. The Braves practiced in helmets and shorts and are expected to play in full pads on March 9. All spring drills are open to the public.

UNCP Football opens spring practice

MLB Season Preview 2009

2009-02-23T14:39:00.007-05:00

Just so you know, it's not happening this year Rays' fans. The Chicago Cubs are beating the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in six games next October to break the World Series curse.

After a few days of studying pitching staffs, projected opening day lineups and last season's top performers, I'm ready to publish my 2009 Major League Baseball Fearless Forecast. Let's get right to it . . .

NATIONAL LEAGUE PREDICTIONS

West – Arizona Diamondbacks. (Brandon Webb 22-7 and Dan Haren 16-8) Pair of potential 20-game winners. Scoring runs might be a problem for Arizona, but not much run support is needed when Webb and Haren step on the mound.

East – Philadelphia Phillies. (obviously the bats and Hamels, great bullpen)

Central – Chicago Cubs will have MLB’s best record (best 3-4-5 in NL, Derek Lee, M. Bradley, A. Ramirez) 3 guys capable of 30 HRs each. Fukudome and Soto, pair of allstars in Chicago. The NL Central is the lowest/ugliest/worst division in baseball.

Wild Card – Florida Marlins (the youth movement, young pitchers, young stars Dan Uggla and Hanley Ramirez) Marlins rotation = Rickey Nolasco 15-8 last season 26 yrs old, Josh Johnson 7-1, 23 yrs old, Chris Volstad 6-4, 2.88 ERA, 22 yrs, Anibel Sanchez 2-5, 25 yrs old 50 Ks in 50 innings. Solid young arms. Look for the Marlins to be this year's Tampa Bay Rays.

Phillies over DBacks in the Divisional Round, Cubs over Marlins in the other Divisional Round, Cubs over Phillies in the NLCS.

NL CY YOUNG = Carlos Zambrano P Chicago Cubs

NL MVP = Hanley Ramirez SS Florida Marlins

AMERICAN LEAGUE PREDICTIONS

East – New York Yankees. The Yankees have a chance to theoretically do what the Marlins did a decade ago, buy a World Series. After spending half a billion, that’s right half a billion in the offseason, their staff could be the best in MLB. Wang, Sabathia, Burnett, Chamberlain, it’s ridiculous. And you know they’re good on offense with Rodriguez and Mark Teixiera.

West – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Defending AL West Champs. Bobby Abreu in left field is an upgrade from Garret Anderson in my opinion and already makes an explosive liveup that much stronger. Rangers definitely have the offense to win the West, but the pitching isn’t there after Kevin Millwood and Vincente Padilla. Too many questions marks in the bullpen for Texas.

Central – Chicago White Sox. Power hitters in the outfield and and a solid bullpen. Bobby Jenks as the closer and Octavio Dotel as the setup man? That’s good. Buerhle, Colon, Gavin Floyd in the rotation. The hardest division in baseball to project in my opinion.

AL Wild Card – Boston Red Sox.

Angels over Red Sox in the Divisional Round, Yankees over White Sox in the other Divisional Round, Angels over Yankees in the ALCS.

AL Cy Young = Chien Ming Wang P Yankees

AL MVP = Vladimir Guerrero RF Anaheim Angels

Just for giggles, AL Comeback POY = Dontrelle Willis P Detroit Tigers

Braves lose weekend series to Patriots, 2-1

2009-02-22T17:23:00.003-05:00

The UNCP baseball team fell to 10-4 (1-2 PBC) over the weekend after staving off a three-game sweep Sunday in a series in Florence, SC against Francis Marion.The Braves fell 6-5 and 8-5 on Saturday before winning today’s contest 10-7.

Seth Kivett's 4-for-5 day at the plate with a homerun highlighted the Braves' offense in today's 10-7 win. Jason Coker also HR'ed, pushing UNCP's tally to 17 this season through 14 games.

UNCP travels to Wingate Wednesday before returning to Sammy Cox Field next weekend to host Post for a four-game series.

UNCP HR TALLY THROUGH 14 GAMES = 17

Gamecocks prepare for Duquesne

2009-02-19T16:05:00.003-05:00

A year removed from last season's star-studded starting nine, the University of South Carolina baseball team is set to open the season on Saturday in Columbia against Duquesne. (3-game series)

Coach Ray Tanner and the Gamecocks will be playing in the first game at the brand-new state-of-the-art Carolina Baseball Stadium. South Carolina's new venue sits nearly 9,000 and costs $36 million to construct over the last two years. It should be confines suitable for the long ball.

Baseball writers have pegged this year's squad 4th in the SEC East, a surprise if you follow Gamecocks' baseball. South Carolina has made a postseason regional eight consecutive years and earned a trip to the College World Series three times since 2000. The Gamecocks have won the SEC twice during that span. (NCAA runner-up in 2002, 12-6 loss to Texas)

Without 1B Justin Smoak, C Phil Disher, SS Reese Havens and 3B James Darnell (all current pro's and draft picks last season), it may be a long year for the Garnet and Black offense. As always though, pitching wins championships.

Junior heading back to Seattle

2009-02-19T09:14:00.002-05:00

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution gets it wrong . . . again.

A few weeks after reporting Rafael Furcal is coming back to Atlanta (he re-signed with Los Angeles) Tuesday's report of Griffey to the Braves was all but a sure thing. Wrong. Griffey signed a one-year $2 mil deal with the Seattle Mariners yesterday, saying no to a previous offer from the Braves. Griffey said the AJC's story on him agreeing to an ATL contract was "completely false".

Can a newspaper really affect a player's decisionto sign with the Braves? That's twice the AJC has dropped the ball.

Braves in talks with The Kid

2009-02-15T08:48:00.002-05:00

Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren and Ken Griffey Jr.'s agent have began talks about the possibility of bringing Jr. to Atlanta for the 2009 season.

Griffey said he is willing to split time in left field with Matt Diaz.

The former Seattle Mariners' phenom lives in Orlando, home of Atlanta's spring training site at Disney's Wide World of Sports. It would be great to see Griffey come to Atlanta, but it's about 5-7 years too late . . .

Going Deep with UNCP - Second Entry

2009-02-13T19:22:00.003-05:00

UNCP senior Kevin Dietrich un-officially has the Black and Gold's longest homer at Sammy Cox Field this season.

Dietrich's gargantuan blast to left in the bottom of the fourth this afternoon was his second of the game, giving the Braves a 10-5 lead. UNCP would go on to beat Millersville in the first game of a weekend series, 17-7. It was Dietrich's first multi-homer game of his career.

Dietrich lifted a high fastball on a 1-1 pitch into the pine trees about 15 feet above the wall. Coach Paul O'Neil's quote after the game: "Diets hit a tape-measure shot. That ball is still stuck in the mud out there somewhere."

Tom Porricelli added a solo homer to left in the third. The Braves' 17 runs was the highest total this season. Game one of tomorrow's doubleheader starts at 1 p.m.

UNCP BASEBALL Robesonian Preview

UNCP HR TALLY THROUGH SEVEN GAMES = 12

A few recent story links

2009-02-12T11:36:00.002-05:00

Here's a few links to recent UNCP articles in The Robesonian newspaper. I'm doing an internship there this spring:

Braves lose in final minute

UNCP rally falls short

UNCP Signing Day

Going Deep with UNCP - First Entry

2009-02-11T15:46:00.004-05:00

If Nike’s late-90s “chicks dig the long ball” phrase still has life, co-eds should be flocking to Sammy Cox Field at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke this season.

I've decided to make a season-long homerun tally blog that charts each dinger the Braves hit this season. I'll try to describe each bomb as best as I can if I see it live. Let's see if anyone can eclipse some of Jason Morales' moonshots last season.

Braves (4-2) batters have shown an early knack for power through the first six games, connecting on nine homeruns including three dingers from returning slugger Keith Whitman (pictured left).

I have only seen one homer LIVE and that was in yesterday's 13-9 loss to Pfeiffer. Seth Kivett went deep to right on the first pitch he saw from a Falcons' middle relief pitcher. More to come following UNCP's four-game set with Millersville this weekend.

UNCP HR TALLY THROUGH SIX GAMES = 9

UNCP Baseball opens 4-2 in Week 1

2009-02-11T10:32:00.002-05:00

Black and Gold baseball is under way at Sammy Cox Field in Pembroke and the Braves are 4-2 through their first full week, including a doubleheader sweep of St. Andrews to open the 2009 schedule.

After winning four straight, the Braves have dropped back-to-back decisions to Anderson and Pfeiffer despite having the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the ninth in both contests.

Coach Paul O'Neil said he'll be able to really see where the team's at following this weekend's four-game set with Millersville. Right now, O'Neil is busy switching around the lineup and figuring out the starting rotation.

I will be covering most of UNCP's home games this season for The Robesonian and may go to a few away games as well. Look for game stories and features throughout the spring.

UNCP will play host to Millersville this weekend in a four-game series beginning Friday at 3pm. Saturday features a doubleheader with a 1pm first pitch and Sunday's noon start will finish the series.

Complete UNCP Recruiting Report

2009-02-05T14:41:00.002-05:00

My article from today's Robesonian newspaper:

The first Wednesday in February has now become the official day to reload for The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s football program, not rebuild. As the Braves’ inaugural signee in 2006 Brandon McLaurin put it, “it’s just another day to add some extra weapons to our arsenal.”

Following last season’s surprising 9-1 campaign, Braves head coach Pete Shinnick welcomed a new crop of 26 freshman and five transfers Wednesday afternoon at Bob Caton Fieldhouse, spotlighting Robeson County’s version of national signing day.

“We are very excited and pleased with this year’s class,” Shinnick said, after UNCP’s 2009 signing day included a record list of players. “This is the most complete class we’ve ever put together and our staff has put in a lot of hard work bringing these guys in.”

After addressing size and team speed in previous years, Shinnick said the philosophy this season was to bring in players that best fit the program and its future.

“We went back to square one with this year’s class,” Shinnick said. “We return 21 of 22 starters from last season, so most of these guys knew red-shirting is a possibility. It was the first time we’ve recruited with that guideline.”

Headlining the roster of new Braves is South View High defensive back Quinton Pate. The 5-foot-10 play maker from Cumberland County intercepted three passes as a senior and has been a key target for UNCP since his sophomore year.

“He’s a dynamic and physical guy,” Shinnick said. “We identified him as one of the top guys in this region early on. We’re glad he decided to be a part of this program.”

The Braves tapped into Cumberland County again for 4-A state champion teammates Devante Bush and Kris Jackson. Both were three-year starters and All Mid-Southeastern Conference selections last season for Bob Paroli’s Seventy-First Falcons.

“We start with the 910 area code and spread out from there,” Shinnick said. “These three guys from Fayetteville will be an excellent addition to our program.”

Northern Carolina’s 2-A player of the year Justin Rodgers is another highly-touted Braves commit. The 5-foot-11, 230-pound fullback-linebacker hybrid from Bunn rushed for 1,670 yards last season and scored 16 touchdowns for the Wildcats.

Wednesday’s class included five transfers who have already enrolled at the University for the spring semester. Linebacker Anthony McDonald was invited to the junior college all-star game last year after a stellar season at East Central Community College in East Central, MS. Offensive lineman Brandon Holland, who stands at a massive 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, played in three games as freshman at Virginia Tech in 2006.

Another transfer, offensive lineman Deshaun Dilworth from Shaw University, was originally contacted by the Braves’ coaching staff two years ago but picked the Bears over the Braves on signing day.

“Deshaun decided to come back to us and he fills a need for our program on the offensive line,” Shinnick said.

A pair of quarterbacks also signed with UNCP on Wednesday, a necessity according to Shinnick. Since the Braves only have three scholarship signal-callers returning, it was vital to add two more players to the mix under center. Dual threat athlete Teland Todd and pocket-passer Luke Charles both signed letters-of-intent to call plays at quarterback for the Braves, strengthening a prolific offense that averaged 32.6 points per game in 2008.

“We feel we have a complete team now,” Shinnick said. “The future of our program looks great as long as our guys continue to grow and develop.”

Recruiting Central: Braves and Gamecocks

2009-02-04T10:40:00.005-05:00

No big surprises thus far for South Carolina on national signing day besides WR Alshon Jeffrey changing his mind from Southern Cal and committing to the Gamecocks. The 6-3 wideout from Calhoun County, SC chose to stay close to home. Jeffrey was another ESPN Under Armour All-American, giving the Gamecocks 7 players out of ESPNU's Top 150.

The Gamecocks have stock piled defense in this year's classes including four star safeties Chris Payne, Stephon Gilmore, Devonte Holloman and Demario Jeffrey. Holloman and Jeffrey may moved to linebacker this spring for Spurrier's bunch.

Complete coverage of UNCP's 2009 class will be posted between 5 and 6pm following today's press conference at Bob Caton Fieldhouse. Stay tuned.

Just finished with the press conference and here's my initial report, check out the story in tomorrow's Robesonian print edition.

Shinnick announced 31 new players, including 5 transfers (2 junior college guys). Headlining the list are three guys from Fayetteville, including a pair from Seventy-First and a DB from South View.

Two quarterbacks were added, including a dual threat guy and a pocket passer. Overall Shinnick seemed excited about this year's class. "Our coaching staff put in alot of hard work this offseason," Shinnick said during Wednesday's press conference. "We started with the 910 area and worked our way across the state of North Carolina."

Interesting note: All 26 freshman are from North Carolina but not a single one is from Robeson County. Shinnick said that most of the guys they were looking at weren't big enough and did not qualify academically.

Tuesday tilt: Gamecocks @ Gators ESPN

2009-02-02T13:45:00.003-05:00

Following Saturday's 78-77 win in Lexington, only the second victory ever at Rupp for the Gamecocks, South Carolina (16-4, 5-2 SEC) has vaulted itself to the top of the SEC standings at the season's midway point.

Senior guard Devan Downey has quickly elevated himself on everyone's "best player you've never heard of" list to be the SEC's second leading scorer at 19.8 points per game. His jumper with 3 seconds left at Kentucky gave South Carolina its third 1-point win this season.

"You should take us real serious," Downey told ESPN's Andy Katz by phone from Lexington on Saturday. "We're playing real hard and I feel like we're one of the real bright spots in the SEC."

Coach Darrin Horn's group has beaten three ranked teams this season, the first time that's happened since the NCAA tournament team in 2006. The Gamecocks look to extend their SEC-winning streak to five in Gainesville Tuesday night (9pm tip, ESPN) I'm sure Billy Donovan's group will have revenge on their minds, especially after watching the first game between these teams slip away at the buzzer.

As for my prediction toward South Carolina's Big Dance dreams, I simply ask the question: Why not us?

FSU v. UNCP coined the Two Rivers Classic

2009-01-29T17:18:00.003-05:00

There's a new name to the UNCP/Fayetteville State gridiron rivalry set to begin Aug. 29 (Labor Day Weekend) at Nick Jeralds Stadium in Fayetteville: The Two Rivers Classic.

Umm, come again? Yeah, it makes sense since the Lumbee and Cape Fear are near both Universities, but c'mon. How about a fan vote? Some suggestions maybe? I thought the I-95 Divide had a nice ring to it. Maybe the Blue-Gold Showdown?

More details and information coming on this blog after the official press luncheon Feb. 6.

FayObserver's notes on rivalry

Pacers too tall for Braves

2009-01-29T11:19:00.005-05:00

Here's a few further comments I have from the USC Aiken/UNCP Men's basketball contest that didn't make The Robesonian's print edition Thursday.

After winning two of its last three Peach Belt Conference games, UNCP returned home Wednesday for a battle with nationally-ranked USC Aiken. The 14th-ranked Pacers proceeded to click on all cylinders offensively after tip-off, scoring 32 points in transition and 40 in the paint.

After jumping out to a 24-point halftime lead, USC Aiken limited UNCP to just 18 field goals in an 87-60 rout in front of 1,700 fans, the largest crowd at the Jones Center this season on "Pack the House" night.

For Braves fans, the losses continue to mount against teams from the Peach Belt. You know it's a long night when your best defender, Cortez Brown, fouls out with 15 minutes to play in the second half. That's right, 15 minutes. The Braves were beaten down the floor and were beaten on the boards. USC Aiken's front court towered over UNCP, who's tallest player on the floor was 6-6 forward Brandon Thomas. Mismatches in the paint caused problems most of the first half for the Braves as they fell behind 46-22 at intermission.

One positive I noticed for the Braves was first-year coach Ben Miller's ability to never stop instructing. With the Braves down 36 points midway through the second half, Miller called a timeout to try and settle the troops, a chore easier said than done for recent Pembroke basketball.

"Coach just told us to ignore the scoreboard," UNCP forward David Moore said. "He said to just play in five minutes increments and try to win those. We tried to put the score out of our minds."

That really says alot about the players' respect for coach Miller. The latest words of encouragement coming from a senior transfer who was one of many Braves bruised and battered inside against the Pacers. The old addage "keep your head up" still has life it seems. The Peach Belt Conference's leading scorer, Chris Commons scored 25 points to pace USC Aiken. The 6-8 senior displayed an array of spinning low-post moves and an occasional look off the glass. After each basket, Commons would come down court laughing at the Braves bench.

It was that kind of night on the hardwood for the Black and Gold.

BOX SCORE

Downey, Fredrick's heroics down Gators

2009-01-22T10:09:00.003-05:00

Just when I thought I was witnessing another close loss on the hardwood by the Gamecocks, the basketball Gods shined down on Frank Maguire court Wednesday night in Columbia.

After senior guard Zam Fredrick missed a game-tying free throw attempt with 3.3 seconds left, his layup as time expired gave South Carolina a 70-69 victory over Florida, its first win over the Gators in 10 tries. The win was South Carolina's second victory over a top-25 team this season, including a close victory at Baylor in early January.

Fellow backcourt mate Devan Downey helped spark a seven-point turnaround in the game's final minute, nailing a fadeaway 3-pointer with 27 seconds to play to pull the Gamecocks within a deuce.

At 13-4, 3-2 in the SEC, maybe the Gamecocks can be one of the last four teams to make it into the Big Dance come March.

Tebow, Harvin deliver for BCS Title Gators

2009-01-09T10:17:00.005-05:00

It’s great to be a Florida Gator, or at least be blessed with talented players such as Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin.

The SEC flexed its muscles last night in the FedEx BCS National Championship in Miami as the No. 2 Florida Gators upended top-ranked Oklahoma 24-14. Florida scored the game’s final 10 points for the win and held the Sooners 40 points below their season average.

Tebow and Harvin combined for 462 of Florida’s 480 yards of offense and three touchdowns as the favored-Gators delivered the emphatic national championship victory.

The SEC is now 5-0 in BCS Title Games, 12-5 overall in BCS contests. Florida has won two of the last three national championships and Urban Meyer may have just passed Steve Spurrier as Florida’s all-time greatest coach. The Sooners on the other hand are winless in their last five BCS games.

Percy Harvin said it best, when describing his team’s toughness and ability to all but shutdown a powerful Oklahoma offense.

"Everybody wondered about how tough we were," said Harvin, whose two-yard touchdown run on a direct snap in the third quarter gave Florida a 14-7 lead. "I think we answered that question. We were the tougher team, and that's why we're national champions.

I watched the game in Cinedigm Live 3D, a new technologiy created by 3ality and Sony that brought the BCS Title Game Live in 3D to a theatre audience for the first time ever. It was an awesome experience and something I insist on everyone witnessing for live sporting events.

Most Valuable Player – This is a tough call, Percy Harvin and Tebow are both well-deserving. But it was Tebow’s final drive and 108 yards rushing that proved to be the difference in sinking the Sooners and exciting Gator Nation.

Best Oooh/Ahhh Moment – Florida’s Chris Rainey notched a highlight-worthy gain in the second quarter, side-stepping OU’s Nic Harris and falling out-of-bounds near the first down marker. He tweaked his right knee on the juke and did not return.

Staggering Stat – Florida converted 12-of-17 third down attempts, most of which coming via Tebow’s legs or his ability to throw on the run.

After passing for 257 yards and two touchdowns, Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford is expected to announce his early exit out of CFB soon, projected by most to be the Detroit Lions’ No. 1 pick in April’s NFL Draft.

Bradford finished with 50 touchdown passes this season, becoming only the second sophomore ever to win the Heisman trophy. (See Tebow, 2007)

Could the Gators repeat as BCS Champs?

It’s never too early to look at next season’s top squads and projected finish. Here are my predictions for college football’s Top 5 teams in 2009.

1. Florida Gators (If Tebow returns, the loss of Harvin won’t be devastating)
2. Texas Longhorns (Colt McCoy has to be the Heisman front-runner)
3. USC (The Trojans will go undefeated, unless they slip up in the PAC10)
4. Ohio State (QB Pryor has a year under his belt and the Big-Ten to thank)
5. Oklahoma State (Surprise sleeper, the Cowboys return everyone on offense)

Just outside the Top 5 will be the Sooners, Nittany Lions, LSU Tigers and Utah Utes. It wouldn't surprise me if Georgia reloads either, despite losing Knowshon Moreno and Matt Stafford to the NFL Draft.

Norwood returns for senior year

2009-01-06T09:38:00.002-05:00

After declaring for the NFL Draft immediately after South Carolina's 31-10 bowl loss Jan. 1, junior linebacker Eric Norwood has decided to come back and finish his college career at USC.

Norwood, who the NFL's Early Draft Advisory Committee projected as a 4th-7th rounder, will return as the Gamecocks top defensive player. Norwood said his situation is similar to Wake Forest's Aaron Curry. Curry came back for his senior season and is now expected to be taken in the Top 5 in this year's draft after being named the nation's top linebacker.

Signing Day Countdown: UNCP and SCAR

2009-01-05T09:50:00.004-05:00

I hope readers of my blog didn’t think I gave up on my 7-6 Steve Spurrier-led Gamecocks . . .

What’s done is done for 2008 season. As disappointing as it may have been, it’s time to shed light on a few positives we have to look forward to for next year and beyond.

South Carolina Gamecocks

As Captain Munnerlyn, Eric Norwood, Jasper Brinkley, Jared Cook and Emmanuel Cook played their last games for the Garnet and Black on Jan. 1st in Tampa, a few soon-to-be USC standouts watched from workouts at the Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando.

As it stands according to ESPNU Recruiting, South Carolina has five players in the Top 90, headlined by South Point High stars Devonte Holloman and Stephon Gilmore. Both are expected to compete for playing time at the safety positions alongside returners Chris Culliver and Darian Stewart. I’d like to see Gilmore put at the Spur position in Ellis Johnson’s 3-3-5 look.

Both Holloman and Gilmore played fantastic in last night’s all-star game. Holloman collected three tackles and a pass deflection while Gilmore made a diving interception in the north endzone in the third quarter. Safety Damario Jeffrey for the Gamecocks also got an invitation, but was in street clothes on the sidelines due to injury.

The Gamecocks are set to have a Top 10 class it looks like, if all 25 high school senior commits indeed sign the dotted line in February. ESPNU’s No. 2 all-purpose player, Jarvis Giles from Tampa, Fla., is enrolling at South Carolina this week and will certainly challenge RBs Eric Baker and Bryan Maddox for the starting nod next season.

Giles wasn’t much of a factor in the UA game, tallying six carries for 12 yards unofficially. Giles’ squad lost to Holloman and Gilmore 27-16. He chose the Gamecocks over offers from Tennessee and Nebraska.

UNC-Pembroke Braves

ATTN: Fayetteville State, you’ve been warned. Division-II’s newest college football rivalry won’t kickoff till September, but UNCP has staked its claim as the new recruiting behemoth in the I-95 rivalry. Pete Shinnick and the Braves are expected to reload this offseason with much talent if everything goes according to plan on signing day. Following a 9-1 record and NCAA Independents coach-of-the-year accolades in 2008, Shinnick has the Braves geared up for a possible postseason berth in 2009 with nearly every starter returning on both sides of the ball.

Last season’s diamond in the rough, Jamal Williams, saw extensive action on offense and special teams for the Braves and accounted for nine total touchdowns. I’ll call him the Devin Hester of Pembroke if I may. At 5’6, Williams darted his way through defenses and averaged nearly 30 yards-per-touch as a return threat.

Wonder who this year’s Jamal Williams will be?

A New Year's Day Blooming Onion

2008-12-07T20:32:00.000-05:00

The Outback Bowl it is for South Carolina.

But didn't we know this about a month ago? Oh well, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Gamecocks will go to battle at 11am in Tampa, Jan. 1st 2009.

Palmetto State Rivalry Renewed Nov. 29

2008-11-23T10:09:00.004-05:00

No need to circle this game on calendars in August for football fans in the state of South Carolina. Throw out the records, throw out the stats. Just call it the Palmetto War.

In recent memory, this matchup has been one-sided. In 2005, Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst became the only QB in the rivalry to win all four games in a career. Since 2002, South Carolina has beaten the Tigers once, an unforgettable win in Death Valley in 2006.

Gamecocks fans will never forget Jad Dean's FG miss that season in USC's slim 31-28 win. Saturday will mark the Gamecocks return trip to Howard Rock and hopefully second consecutive victory on the road vs. the Tigers.

WHAT's AT STAKE, BRAGGIN RIGHTS

Clemson - A win makes the Tigers bowl eligible. Clemson has won three in a row for head coach Dabo Swinney and a win against the Gamecocks may give Swinney the head coaching job for next season.

South Carolina - Eight wins and a New Year's Day bowl. Steve Spurrier is 1-2 against Clemson in his first three years as the Gamecocks' head coach and South Carolina would love to shake off the Florida loss with a win at Clemson.

KEY FOR A GAMECOCKS WIN

Turnovers. Turnovers. Turnovers. Oh, and Mike Davis. If South Carolina can show some balance on offense and throw it around without interceptions, the Gamecocks could roll over the Tigers. But we all know that's not the case with a senior back averaging 3 yards a carry and a sophomore QB (Smelley) that has a habit of throwing it to the wrong team.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

One of the nation's most underrated rivalries (insert Brawl in 2004) will almost certainly be a game coming down to the wire. Between your leftover turkey and glass of sweet tea, check out the Gamecocks and Tigers in Death Valley.

CJ Spiller, pictured, will be Clemson's main weapon against the Garnet and Black defese. Can the Gamecocks stop the 1-2 punch and speed of Spiller and senior James Davis? It'll be a dog fight in the trenches.

WHO WILL WIN

Based on history, Clemson wins this game. Based on recent ineptitude on offense for USC, Clemson wins this game. Based on a gut feeling and SOS's record in Death Valley, I'm going with the Gamecocks 23-20.

Outback or Chick-Fil-A Destiny

2008-11-19T09:58:00.005-05:00

I'm going to say one thing about Saturday's 56-6 loss to Florida as I try to forget that I watched it. That 50-point defeat just set our program back about 10 years. Here I am thinking the Gamecocks may have turned the corner and all that loss proves is that we are the same middle of the road team as advertised. The loss even sparked rumors of SOS's retirement. Can you blame him? Comments anyone?

Onto the big game in two weeks. The Clemson game. Is an underachieving 5-6 Clemson squad going to ruin another USC season? I sure hope not. A win in Death Valley assures us of an Outback bowl berth vs. Michigan State, Iowa or Northwestern. A loss, means the Chick-Fil-A bowl in Atlanta against possibly, North Carolina. For USC's sake, we need to beat Clemson and then get to 9-4 in Tampa. After the poor showing against Florida though, I doubt I'll be paying money to see the Gamecocks play on 12/31 or New Year's Day.

Next season's football recruiting class looks good . . . on defense (Holloman's recent verbal). While we have a talented, fast D, Spurrier needs to recruit some offense now. We have ZERO weapons on offense and both quarterbacks can't play any worse. I myself can not wait till Mike Davis graduates. Anyone in agreeance?

Hey the Gamecocks' basketball team is 2-0 and faces USC Upstate on Saturday. Hopefully I can make the game against College of Charleston next Friday night Charleston, if I go back home for Thanksgiving. The emergence of C Mike Holmes has really helped the Gamecocks in the early going.

Reservations to Florida? Let's go Bowling!

2008-11-06T08:45:00.004-05:00

I know there are a few Gamecocks fans out there reading this blog and this one's for you. Here we are going into the Arkansas weekend with a 6-3 record and an EXCELLENT shot at a New Year's Day Bowl in Florida.

It looks like USC will have to beat Arkansas and Clemson to play in the Capitol One Bowl in Orlando. On the other hand, a win against Arkansas this weekend almost assures the Gamecocks of a spot in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, a bowl we're getting accustomed to (remember the back-to-back Ohio State wins?) If we win this week, start eyeing hotels in the Sunshine State.

As it stands, USC wins on Saturday over Arkansas 24-14.

In ACC action, the Georgia Tech/UNC game in Chapel Hill this weekend may decide a representative in the ACC Championship Game Dec. 1 in Tampa. Who would've thought in Butch Davis' second year that he could've have pushed the Heels to the conference title game?

Gamecocks 6-3, Braves improve to 8-1

2008-11-01T23:29:00.002-04:00

Breathe easy Gamecocks fans, Stephen Garcia's knee is OK.

Just a deep knee bruise according to Spurrier, but Jean Pierre looks to be done for the season with his knee injury.

USC beats Tennessee 27-6 and UNCP wins 57-0 over Concord. Great day for college football.

GAMEDAY REPORT: Tennessee @ USC

2008-10-28T11:31:00.002-04:00

Are we really arguing over quarterbacks again coach Spurrier? Apparently the Ole Ball Coach didn't watch the LSU game and the fourth quarter of South Carolina's win at Kentucky.

What more do you want from Stephen Garcia coach? Sorry but he's not Rex Grossman or Jesse Palmer, yet. Why don't you go out and sign some offensive linemen, that's a start. Ok, onto this week's game in Columbia.

Preview: Tennessee (3-5) at South Carolina (5-3) 7pm ESPN2

Once again, like in Spurrier's previous three seasons, the Gamecocks enter the "orange crush" portion of their schedule with the Vols on Saturday night and upcoming games against Florida and Clemson. South Carolina fans are thinking, at best, 8-4 at this point with a berth in the Outback Bowl Jan. 1, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. That wouldn't be so bad would it?

I'm predicting a 7-5 finish, with the Gamecocks losing one of two to either the Vols or those Tigers in November. Rumors continue to swirl on whether or not Captain Munnerlyn and Emanuel Cook stay for their senior campaigns, I sure hope so.

Breaking it down by position, these under-achieving teams are almost dead even:

Quarterbacks: Both teams are plagued with inexperienced signal callers but at least the Gamecocks are a little more mobile. Advantage: South Carolina

Running backs: Seriously? Mike Davis needs to graduate, NOW. Advantage: Tennessee

Wide Receivers: Both teams have question marks at the wideout position, but the Vols' Josh Briscoe is the real deal. Hopefully, Jared Cook plays well against the Tennessee secondary. Advantage: Even

Offense: Tennessee ranks 112th in the nation in total offense. South Carolina leads the nation in interceptions thrown. Advantage: Even

Defensive line: The Gamecocks are struggling with sacking the quarterback. Once again, USC ranks amogst the SEC's lowest in that department. Advantage: Tennessee

Linebackers: Rodney Paulk and Jasper Brinkley lead a talented crew of linebackers who will have no problem against UT's rushing attack. Advantage: South Carolina

Secondary: Captain Munnerlyn is healthy and Cook is a tackling machine for the nation's 6th-ranked pass defense. Advantage: South Carolina

Defense: South Carolina has been solid all season long on defense and the Vols are having trouble putting the ball in the endzone. Advantage: South Carolina

Special Teams: Ryan Succop has had one ugly senior season for the Garnet and Black. Not to mention he's struggled against the Vols. Advantage: Tennessee

Prediction: This will be disappointing for Gamecock fans. 83,000 will go home unhappy, thankfully I'll be watching from the couch. Fulmer keeps his job with the orange crush for another week as Tennessee improves to 26-3 versus South Carolina all-time.

Volunteers 24 Gamecocks 17

LISTEN TO the official breakdown of Saturday's bout in Columbia at 6 or 10pm Friday on Crawford and Kelley Sportstalk. CLICK HERE.

Local High School Squads Eye Postseason

2008-10-28T09:27:00.002-04:00

As county teams enter the regular season's final two weeks, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape for the Mid-Southeastern and Two Rivers 4-A Conferences.

Jack Britt (8-1, 4-1), Seventy-First (8-1, 4-1) and Douglas Byrd (7-2, 4-1) are tied at the top of the Mid-Southeastern, all with one conference loss each. Britt travels to Byrd this Friday and a win for the Bucs will put them in the driver's seat for their first outright conference title in the school's 8-year history.

Britt owns a tie-breaker over Seventy-First in case both teams finish with identical records. The Bucs beat the Falcons 14-0 three weeks ago in Fayetteville behind a strong defensive showing.

Defending Two Rivers champion South View (6-4, 4-1) seeks to capture another conference title with a win Friday against winless E.E. Smith (0-9, 0-5). The Tigers' 37-13 win over Cape Fear last night assured South View at least a share of this season's hardware.

Jack Britt and Seventy-First will be Cumberland County's best squads in the playoffs with both team's ranked in the state's top 15 as of Friday's games. Britt QB Everett Proctor has a sore knee, but all indications point to the signal-caller returning against Douglas Byrd this Friday.

Purnell Swett (5-4, 2-2) enjoyed the return of All-Two Rivers linebacker JoJo Blanks. Last season's Defensive Player of the Year intercepted a pass in the third quarter to help the Rams beat Terry Sanford 48-28 last night. The surprise of this victory? The win gave Swett its first at home since the second round of the state playoffs in 2007.

Mid-Southeastern and Two Rivers Standings

Cumberland County Statistical Leaders

Here are a few of my most recent HSFB publications from The Fayetteville Observer:

Oct. 28 - Purnell Swett wins high scoring homecoming affair

Oct. 25 - Douglas Byrd rolls as Rowe scores four touchdowns

Oct. 27 - Falcons shut out Scotland County

Oct. 10 - Lumberton clips Purnell Swett in Robeson Rivalry

CFB: The Weekend Ahead Fills The Belly

2008-10-27T12:03:00.003-04:00

The college football menu for Saturday, Nov. 1 looks, dare I say, delicious . . .

Shrimp cocktail anyone? Join CBS at 3:30 for the world's largest outdoor cocktail party between the No. 5 Florida Gators and No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs. Both coming off big wins, these SEC East powers have alot to prove and a score to settle.

Like watching pass-happy offense? Tune into ABC at 8:00pm for No. 1 Texas against the No. 6 Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock. Can TT QB Graham Harrell outshine Colt McCoy and make his mark on the wide-open Heisman race? We'll see.

Passing through Lumberton? Then mosey on down to Pembroke for some high-quality football. UNCP at 7-1 looks to dismantle winless Concord, scheduled for a 1pm kickoff.

Orange crush returns to the Brice With just three wins all-time in 25 meetings with the Volunteers, the 5-3 South Carolina Gamecocks need this one bad in hopes of a New Year's Day bowl game. Anyone remember the Outback Bowl with sweet Lou? 7:00pm, ESPN2.

Cocks' pick up another Clemson Commit

2008-10-21T09:31:00.002-04:00

From THE STATE, Columbia, S.C.: Running back Ben Axon (6-1, 200) of Bradenton, Fla., has decommitted from Clemson and committed to USC.

Axon had committed to the Tigers in June, but after the resignation of Tommy Bowden, his commitment weakened considerably.

It was just the sudden downfall of the Clemson program," Axon said. "They are going downhill. They lost to Georgia Tech, which I thought was very important to coach Swinney. It just didn't seem right for me to go up there. I was a Tiger and I was committed to Clemson. Clemson felt like home to me. But I've made my decision and I hope everybody respects that."

Axon said USC also was one of the first schools to offer him and he always remained interested in the Gamecocks.

"Instant playing time and the difference between the SEC and the ACC," he said in giving reasons for going with USC. "At Clemson, I was guaranteed a little playing time if I worked hard, but at South Carolina I was guaranteed the starting job if I work hard. Watching them play LSU this weekend made me think even harder about being a Gamecock. The only thing they didn't have was a running game."

Free safety, ranked No. 1 at his position, Devonte Holloman has not verballed to USC, but might in November.

Streaking Braves crush Edward Waters

2008-10-19T13:52:00.005-04:00

Now with an outside shot at a Division-II playoff berth, the UNCP Braves are two victories away from finishing 9-1 in just their second season of college football.

Head coach Pete Shinnick's team are winners of five in a row dating back to a 22-21 win over Jacksonville in September. Quarterback Cory Smith has 13 TDs and 3 INTs this season while freshman Jamal Williams continues to fill up the stat sheet with all-purpose yardage. His 158 yards receving in Saturday's 43-8 win over Edward Waters was a season-high for the first year player.

Notables from Saturday's 43-8 win over Edward Waters

Quarterbacks: Cory Smith threw for a touchdown pass and ran for another as the Braves built a 30-0 halftime lead. Backup Garrett Sutphen played the second half for the Black and Gold and threw a scoring pass to Jamal Williams in the fourth quarter. "Our guys made plays today," Smith said. "The line did an excellent job of blocking and the quarterbacks had time in the pocket."

Running backs: Rashon Kennedy led the Braves on the ground with 78 yards and two touchdowns. South View High product Brandon McLaurin had an average of 7.1 yards-per-carry on four touches.

Receiving Corp: Do-it-all freshman Jamal Williams had a season-high eight receptions for 158 yards and a fourth quarter TD. "I'm just lucky to get the opportunity to play for these guys and coach Shinnick," Williams said. "Coach tries to get me touches anyway possible and I try to make things happen." Josh Humphries caught three passes for 27 yards, two of which gave the Braves first downs. Travis Daniels added three grabs for 40 yards.

The Black and Gold defense almost recorded its second shutout of the season, limiting the Tigers to just 124 total yards of offense. JT McCoy and Caylon Hann led UNCP with five tackles each and the Braves as a team, registered 12 tackles-for-loss.

Interested in more post game analysis? Listen to my radio show, Sportstalk with Crawford and Kelley, Fridays at 6pm HERE.

Grading Garcia's First Start vs. LSU

2008-10-19T13:36:00.002-04:00

Saturday night marked the game all Gamecock fans have been waiting for, Stephen Garcia's first collegiate start. Unfortunately, it was against the 13t-ranked LSU Tigers and ended with another tough loss for Spurrier's men.

It was another frustrating loss for Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks. South Carolina is 2-9at home against top 25 teams in the coach's four years in Columbia.

The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Gamecocks, who have lost at least three SEC games in each of Spurrier's seasons. Only once in his 12 years in Florida did his teams lose three league games.

At 5-3, Arkansas and Tennessee are must wins for a decent bowl bid. Hopefully, Carlos Thomas and Captain Munnerlyn's injuries are minor.

Grading Garcia

Grade: B. While Garcia didn't win the game, he certainly didn't lose it either. Played a little better than I thought he would against one of the SEC's top defenses.

Pros: Ran well out of the pocket and had a pair of 20+ yard runs. One of the most crucial plays of the game was his throw to McKinley in the fourth quarter, a pass that was dropped in LSU territory on 3rd-and-13. The freshman QB made a few nice crossing route throws to Jared Cook and Wesley Saunders, the latter coming on a second quarter touchdown.

Cons: Forget the fumble and the interception. Garcia must learn how to throw the ball away and not take a sack. Alot of that falls on the offensive line, but Garcia has to call timeout when he sees the blitz, rather than lose 7-10 yards behind the line.

After losing sleep again after a close Gamecock loss, I've told myself it's just a football game. Let's go out and beat the Vols in two weeks in Columbia.

Can the Gamecocks upset LSU? Yes, they can.

2008-10-16T09:02:00.006-04:00

Rewind to Friday, September 5,2008. The morning after "The Vandy Game".

Gamecock Nation feels crushed after a 24-17 upset loss in Nashville on Thursday night to the SEC-bottom dwelling Commodores. (We didn't know Vandy would be this good.)

Fast forward to Thursday, October 16, 2008. The Gamecocks are two daya away from playing their most important game of the season, possibly most pivotal in Spurrier's tenure at USC, a home game against the 13th-ranked LSU Tigers. South Carolina sits at 5-2, 2-2 in the conference while LSU looks to rebound from a 51-21 behind-the-woodshed beating by Florida.

The Ole' Ball Coach has finally found his quarterback, it appears, in redshirt freshman Stephen Garcia. "We didn't expect Stephen to play so well," Spurrier said, following USC's 24-17 come-from-behind win at Kentucky last week. Garcia came off the bench with 170 yards passing and a touchdown to Wesley Saunders to put the Cocks' up for good in the fourth quarter.

Saturday's game may come down to how well South Carolina can stop the run. The Gamecocks lead the SEC in pass defense and rank second nationally, so don't expect Les Miles to torch USC through the air with QB Jarrett Lee. Instead, the Tigers will rely on a rushing attack that has notched success against South Carolina in the past.

This is the Gamecocks' time to shine on ESPN in front of a national audience. Let's get it done boys. Succop makes up for his 1-5 showing in Lexington with the game-winning field goal in the waning seconds.

South Carolina 27 LSU 24

ESPN's interpretation of Saturday's bout with the Bayou Bengals.

CFB Week 7: Texas owns OU, grabs No. 1

2008-10-12T20:49:00.006-04:00

Fresh off a 45-35 win over Oklahoma Saturday, sports writers from across the nation awarded the Texas Longhorns a No. 1 ranking in the AP poll released Sunday afternoon. Mack Brown finally got that much-needed win against the Sooners in Dallas.

Alabama, who was idle, remains at No. 2 while Penn State's impressive 48-7 win at Wisconsin vaults the Lions into the No. 3 spot.

The Florida Gators showed why some voters had UF in the Top 5 at season's start. UF rolled over LSU 51-21 and gave Les Miles and staff its only loss this year. Percy Harvin scored twice for the Gators and Brandon Spikes sealed the game in the fourth with an interception return for a TD. LSU travels to Columbia next Sat. night for a 7:45 ESPN-televised kickoff with the Gamecocks.

Vanderbilt's cinderella campaign is over. The Commodores mustered just 100 total yards in a 17-14 UPSET loss to Miss. St.

South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier improved to 16-0 against Kentucky with a 24-17 come-from-behind win against the Wildcats in Lexington Sat. afternoon. Freshman QB Stephen Garcia came off the bench in the fourth quarter to lead a pair of scoring drives.

HELMET STICKERS - NATIONALLY

The Florida Gators Offense - UF torched the fourth-ranked Bayou Bengals of LSU Sat. nite to the tune of 51 points and 475 yards of total offense. Florida has shook off an upset loss to Ole Miss with back-to-back explosive SEC victories. Meyer has Gator Nation believing, again.

Quan Sturdivant, LB, North Carolina - On Notre Dame's opening possession of the second half at North Carolina Sat. afternoon, Sturdivant stepped in front of a Jimmy Clausen pass and returned the interception 32 yards for a Tarheel score. Sturdivant's TD brought the Heels to within one at 17-16 early in the second half.

Captain Munnerlyn, CB, South Carolina - The Captain makes it happen. The 5-10 junior's 81-yard blocked field goal return in the second quarter helped the Gamecocks grab at 14-7 lead before halftime. Munnerlyn added a 90-yard kickoff return in the first period to setup a Kenny McKinley touchdown reception.

EXTRA POINTS

- Michigan's 13-10 loss in Ann Arbor to Toledo was the first for the Wolverines in 25 all-time games against teams from the MAC conference.

- Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel went 27-31 in the second half against Oke. St. Sat. night but threw three interceptions in his four incompletions as the Cowboys shocked the Tigers.

- Despite four turnovers, Oregon State scored 66 points on Wash St. with 550 yards of total offense and nine touchdowns to even its record this season at 3-3.

- UNCP improved to 6-1 with its third straight road win Saturday. Quarterback Cory Smith threw five touchdowns passes in a 36-14 win at West Virginia Wesleyan.

CFB Week 6: Big 12, SEC East flex their muscles

2008-10-05T16:14:00.008-04:00

While SEC teams rely on a strong running game and a tenacious defense, Big 12 squads are continuing to air it out.

After Missouri's 52-17 win at Nebraska, Texas Tech's 58-28 drubbing of Kansas St. and OU's 49-17 win over Baylor, a trio of Big 12 quarterbacks have stepped into the Heisman front-runner race.

By the numbers (Top 3 Big 12 QBs)

Sam Bradford - Oklahoma: 1,665 yards, 18 TDs, 3 INT, 204.97 rating

Graham Harrell - Texas Tech: 2,027 yards, 18 TDs, 3 INT, 161.04 rating

Chase Daniel - Missouri: 1,665 yards, 15 TDs, INT, 196.38

Both the Sooners and the Red Raiders had 33 first downs and 600+ yards of total offense.

No. 1 Oklahoma faces No. 5 Texas this Saturday in the Red River Shootout in Dallas. It will be Big 12’s most important conference clash so far this season.

SEC East schools rebounded from a bad Week 5 with a 4-1 record Saturday, including Vanderbilt's upset of 13th-ranked Auburn in Nashville. South Carolina went into Oxford and won 31-24 while Kentucky had Alabama on the ropes before falling 17-14. Florida and Tennessee each handled Arkansas and Northern Illinois, respectively.

HELMET STICKERS - NATIONALLY

Terrell Pryor, QB, Ohio State: Don't rule out the Buckeyes (5-1, No. 12) at a shot to earn a spot in the BCS National Championship game. Ohio State won a hard-fought 20-17 game in Madison Saturday night against the Badgers behind Pryor's play down the stretch. The 6-foot-6 freshman's TD run with 1:14 remaining gave OSU a come-from-behind win.

Bruce Carter, LB, UNC: Carter blocked an unprecendented three punts Saturday night against UConn as the Heels rolled 38-12. UNC is ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in three seasons under Butch Davis at No. 21.

Chris Smelley, QB, South Carolina: After taking a back seat to freshman Stephen Garcia last week against UAB and in the media this week, Smelley threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-24 win at Ole Miss. The Gamecocks stand at 4-2 with a road game at Kentucky next week.

EXTRA POINTS

- For the first time in program history, Ball State is nationally ranked after a 6-0 start.

- Unbeaten Oklahoma State has scored 50 or more points in four straight games, a school record. Wide receiver Dez Bryant caught three touchdowns and returned a punt for another as Oke St. cruised to a 56-28 win over Tex. A & M.

- UConn’s Donald Brown scored his nation-leading 12th TD against the Tar Heels Saturday night, recording 150 + rushing yards for the fifth time this season in the process.

- Missouri sophomore tailback Derrick Washington has scored multiple touchdowns in every game this season for the 5-0 Tigers.

Spurrier surprises Gamecock faithful AGAIN?!

2008-10-03T09:40:00.005-04:00

After saying quarterback Stephen Garcia would start at Ole Miss Saturday during Monday's USC weekly press conference, Steve Spurrier backed off his proclamation yesterday afternoon in Columbia in favor of inconsistent sophomore Chris Smelley.

What's the matter Ole Ball Coach? Is Garcia not ready for an SEC game? Is your offensive coordinator (most likely himself) drawing up a few plays exclusively for Garcia to use in the pocket?

It's time to give Gamecock fans what they want, and what they want is Garcia as the starting quarterback. We'll take a 5-7 season, but please let Stephen play; or either pick a starting quarterback and let this carousel end.

Grading the Atlantic Coast Conference

2008-10-02T11:11:00.002-04:00

Coastal Division

Virginia Tech (4-1, 2-0 ACC) – The Hokies vaulted themselves to the top of the ACC the last two weeks, with wins at North Carolina and on the road against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Frank Beamer’s decision to un-redshirt Tyrod Taylor has uplifted a dreadful offense in the season’s first two games.

North Carolina (3-1, 1-1 ACC) – After losing 20 consecutive games out of state since 2002, the Heels have won back-to-back road contests against Rutgers and Miami despite T.J. Yates’ injury at quarterback. Brandon Tate is a threat every time he touches the
football and will be an All-ACC first teamer.

Duke (3-1, 1-0) – The Blue Devils recently snapped a 25-game conference losing streak with a 31-3 win against Virginia, the ACC’s new bottom dweller. Wide receiver Eron Riley ranks among the nation’s best at his position with six touchdown receptions. This weekend’s matchup with Georgia Tech will test the Dookies.

Georgia Tech (3-1, 1-1 ACC) – The Yellow Jackets are led by one of the ACC’s best redzone defenses and a rushing attack that’s averaging just over 300 yards a game. Add the throwback jerseys for the 2008 season and Ga. Tech looks for real.

Miami (2-2, 0-1 ACC) – Randy Shannon’s Hurricanes suffered a tough loss to North Carolina last Saturday in Miami, blowing a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter. Can the Canes’ bounce back with two freshman quarterbacks? Only time will tell.

Virginia (1-3, 0-1 ACC) – The Cavaliers are officially bad. Four touchdowns and four field goals in four games spells doom for Virginia.

Atlantic Division

Maryland (4-1, 1-0 ACC) – If the season ended today, the Terps and Hokies would meet in Tampa for the ACC Championship game. Maryland has quality wins over then-ranked Cal and in Death Valley against the Clemson Tigers, a team many predicted as the Atlantic Division’s winner this season.

N.C. State (2-3, 0-1 ACC) – Russell Wilson’s injury at the quarterback position has forced turnover-prone Harrison Beck into the starting role. Beck’s numbers this season are subpar with two touchdown passes and six interceptions. A key win against East Carolina’s helps the Wolfpack’s cause, but it’ll be another year or so before Tom O’Brien and his crew bring back winning ways to Raleigh.

Wake Forest (3-1, 1-0 ACC) – A 12-3 win at Florida State assured Wake Forest it was here to stay, the Deacons’ third straight win over the Noles’. Fast-forward a week later and Riley Skinner throws four INTs in a 24-17 loss to Navy. The Deacons’ final game of the season against Vanderbilt will be a crucial contest for the Commodores’ bowl hopes.

Clemson (3-2, 1-1 ACC) – So much for BCS Championship hopes Tiger fans. Clemson will now struggle to make a New Year’s Day bowl with early losses to Bama’ and Maryland. Tommy Bowden’s job might be on the line if the Tigers lose to South Carolina in November. Despite All-American caliber running backs in James Davis and C. J. Spiller, the Tigers are under achieving yet again.

Boston College (3-1, 0-1 ACC) – Armed with quite possibly the ACC’s best defense, Boston College has intercepted 10 passes this season and hasn’t allowed a single touchdown pass in four games.

Florida State (3-1, 0-1 ACC) – Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles still have a chance to make it to Tampa in December but they need a few upsets along the way. The Noles’ host Va. Tech Oct. 25 in Tallahassee and play Miami this weekend in pivotal matchups.

Garcia makes debut, Braves win again

2008-09-29T08:59:00.005-04:00

A fabulous weekend of college football just unfolded before my very eyes.

Southern Cal gets upset in Corvallis, Florida goes down in the Swamp and Georgia’s “blackout” is turned inside out by the Crimson Tide. Where do my teams fall into this Top 25 shakeup?

Nowhere important, but it was still an exciting Saturday.

South Carolina’s bout with UAB marked the significant debut of hyped-quarterback Stephen Garcia. Garcia’s final numbers were far from pedestrian with 86 rushing yards, 130-something through the air and two touchdowns as the Gamecocks won 26-13.

Up next for South Carolina (3-2, 0-2 SEC) is the Ole Miss Rebels next weekend in Oxford. Could it be a possible letdown for Houston Nutt’s squad perhaps? Early Prediction: South Carolina 27 Ole Miss 20

The UNCP Braves were victorious again, this time winning on the road.

That phrase is pretty common in year two of Black and Gold football. Despite the Braves’ (4-1) picking up just 190 yards of total offense Saturday night, UNCP scored three non-offensive touchdowns in Jackson, TN to blowout Lane 47-28. The Braves set a school-record for points (47) and Jamal Williams returned the first ever punt for a touchdown in school history. Go Braves.

Braves not exactly rebuilding in Year Two

2008-09-21T18:47:00.005-04:00

When asked to predict his team’s overall success in the upcoming season at UNCP’s football media day in early August, Braves’ head coach Pete Shinnick was optimistic but not too excited about the Black and Gold’s grueling 2008 slate.

“We’re only playing one team we beat last season in Webber International,” Shinnick said. “We have seven games against opponents that beat us. We definitely have our work cut out for us.”

Speaking in terms of off-season improvements, Shinnick said the Braves had picked up faster athletes within the signing class, including Jamal Williams, but early tests against Division I – FCS opponents Davidson and Jacksonville would provide the measuring stick toward a successful campaign.

So far, the Braves have aced both assignments with flying colors.

At the season’s halfway point, the Black and Gold hold a 3-1 record with surprising come-from-behind wins against a pair of quality opponents from the Pioneer League while narrowly missing a road win at Wingate on Sept. 13.

UNCP erased last season’s 55-10 loss to Jacksonville from memory on Sept. 20 at Grace P. Johnson Stadium with a 22-21 win over the Dolphins. The Braves forced five turnovers, including Caylon Hann’s fourth and fifth interceptions of the season.

“We’re starting to come together as a group and that’s big for us,” UNCP defensive end DeWayne James said, following his team’s narrow victory over the Dolphins. “We’re starting to click on both sides of the ball and that’s key for a successful season.”

The Braves are now in the midst of a two week road trip with travel arrangements to West Virginia Wesleyan and Webber International. UNCP will return home Oct. 18 to match up with Edward Waters for homecoming.

“Our guys are starting to believe in our system and they are starting to realize we’re a family,” Shinnick said. “Our defense has come together in our second season and we’re trusting in them late in the game.”

UNCP’s defense is much improved from a year ago, allowing just 13.2 points per game compared to 28.8 in 2007. Defensive coordinator Shane Richardson should be commended for masterminding a force that has 15 takeaways in four games, including 10 interceptions.

MID SEASON AWARDS

Offensive MVP - let's call this one a tie between quarterback Garrett Sutphen and running back Rashon Kennedy. Kennedy's four total touchdowns leads the team and Sutphen's remarkable second half against Jacksonville helped the Braves down the Dolphins 22-21. Sutphen is completing passes at an alarming 68 percent clip.

Defensive MVP - since this is an individual award I'llhave to give it to Caylon Hann (I didn't forget yall defensive line). Originally slated at quarterback after transferring from Bethune-Cookman, Hann has found a home at safety for the Black and Gold and picked off five passes in four games. Caylon, let's take one of these interceptions to the house shall we?

Hardest Hitter - tough call for me on this one, but I'm giving it to Bo Noah. The senior transfer from Catawba can been seen laying the wood at linebacker and on special teams; buckle your chinstrap when No. 52 comes runnin'.

INDIVIDUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Play of the Year - let's face it, Taylor Baskett's game-winning field goal with a minute and some change remaining to beat Jacksonville resulted in the loudest cheer ever at Grace P. Johnson Stadium. Jamal Williams' 48-yard sideline scamper versus Brevard comes in a close second.

Did you see that - in case you missed it, A.C. Boykin's baptizing hit on Jacksonville quarterback Josh McGregor Sept. 20 may have been the "We just put UNCP on the map" play of the season. Boykin blizted into the pocket, uncovered from his left cornerback position, and laid a viscious hit to McGregor's chin.

Catch of the Year - Jamar Dials' 36-yard grab in the third quarter versus Jacksonville helped UNCP manufacture its first touchdown against the Dolphins. Blanketed by a JU defensive back, Dials' pulled in the floater pass for the first down in the Dolphins' 20-yard line.

UNCP's win, USC's blunder

2008-09-20T21:19:00.002-04:00

Well here it is 5:08 to play in the fourth quarter and my Gamecocks are clinging to a 16-13 lead against Wofford. That's right . . . WOFFORD.

I'm tired of this team and really tired of Steve Spurrier. No excuses, we have the players and they still make the same dumb mistakes South Carolina players always have.

Edit* We finally won, bring on UAB. Early prediction: UAB 3, South Carolina 2.

In other news, UNCP football is streaking. With three straight road games coming up after today's last-second 22-21 win over Jacksonville, the Braves' 3-1 record will be tested. As always, good luck to the Black and Gold.

Blake Shelton - Raleigh - Sat. Sept. 13

2008-09-14T22:12:00.003-04:00

So my girlfriend and I were lucky enough to get 5th row for Blake Shelton on Saturday night, we both loved the concert and here's some video I took:

Shelton was the final artist out of six at the 2008 NC Agricultural Jam at Walnut Creek. He went on about 945pm and played for almost an hour. Fan favorite of course.

TOP 25 College Football Picks - Week 3

2008-09-13T08:44:00.004-04:00

So I'm a little late this season to start my first week of college football predictions. I'm starting with a clean slate and hopefully my Gamecocks will start to play a little better for a bowl shot.

Better late than never right? Fourteen games on slate for today and 0-0 for the season. Onto the picks for this week . . .

No. 5 Ohio State @ No. 1 USC - Not that the addition of Beanie Wells would've mattered all that much . . . Southern California 27 Ohio State 17.

No. 2 Georgia @ South Carolina - Usually a close game between these two SEC East division rivals, today will be no different . . . Georgia 24 South Carolina 17

No. 3 Oklahoma @ Washington - Can Jake Locker and company rebound from last week's disappointing loss to BYU? Not against the Sooners . . . Oklahoma 34 Washington 17

Nevada @ No. 5 Missouri - Chase Daniel and the Tigers keep it rolling . . . Missouri 45 Nevada 24

North Texas @ No. 7 LSU - Finally a home game on schedule for the Bayou Bengals . . . LSU 42 North Texas 7

No. 9 Auburn @ Miss. St. - Upset of the week in SEC play? Nah . . . Auburn 27 Miss St. 23

No. 10 Wisconsin @ No. 21 Fresno St. - Upset special . . . Fresno St. 27 Wisconsin 20

No. 14 East Carolina @ Tulane - When will the Pirates lose a game their not supposed to? It won't be Tulane Green Wave . . . East Carolina 38 Tulane 24

No. 16 Oregon @ Purdue - Curtis Painter gets 300+ through the air to upset the Ducks . . . Purdue 34 Oregon 31

No. 17 Penn State @ Syracuse - Syracuse continues its tumble toward D1's worse team . . . Penn State 44 Cuse' 17

UCLA @ No. 18 BYU - Don't let the win over Tennesee fool you, the Bruins aren't much good . . . BYU 27 UCLA 17

No. 23 California @ Maryland - Another bad loss for the ACC at home . . . Cal 24 Maryland 23

ACC Matchups

North Carolina St. @ Clemson - This could get ugly for the Wolfpack . . . Clemson 45 NC St. 14

Georgia Tech @ Virginia Tech - VaTech isn't as good as advertised . . . Ga. Tech 27 Va Tech 24

UNCP Football: Can the Braves push to 3-0?

2008-09-08T20:29:00.006-04:00

All the sudden, a winning season in Year Two of UNCP football doesn't seem so unobtainable.

A matchup of undefeated teams is set for this Saturday in Wingate, N.C., as the 2-0 Braves take on the 2-0 Bulldogs at 1:30 p.m. at Irwin Belk Stadium.

The Braves come into this week hot, fresh off of a 21-9 upset victory over Davidson in Pembroke Saturday night. The Black and Gold defense forced three interceptions and scored 21 unanswered points to beat the Wildcats and spoil their season opener.

Will UNCP's defense, a squad that has allowed just nine points in two games, be confident enough to stop a powerful Wingate offense?

Prediction: As much as I want to take my Braves in this one, look for Wingate to get on the scoreboard early in its 2008 home opener. The Black and Gold will suffer their first loss of the season after a huge win last week against Davidson. Wingate's offense proves too much for the UNCP secondary as the Bulldogs win 31 - 21.

Your thoughts on Saturday's contest at Wingate?