Week 9 SIAC by  Sofistakat October 19-21, 2006

All times local


Kentucky St. Thorobreds (3-2, 4-3) vs Miles Golden Bears (3-2, 4-3), Homecoming, Noon, Albert Sloan Memorial Stadium, Fairfield, AL (Live broadcast on Bham NBC 13)

The Ponies pranced over to Benedict and got smacked down by the SC Tigers 13-5. RB Roni Robinson only managed 60 yards on 16 carries and the offense only managed to gain 169 total yards (117 passing). The Bama Bears stomped up to Jackson and loss a close 21-20 decision to Lane in the CME Bowl. Miles led 20-14 late in the 4th qtr but allowed the Lizards to take the lead with just over 5 minutes left in the game. Once again, a turnover cost Miles the game. The Bears defense gave up 334 yards of offense (241 passing). If the same thing happens this homecoming weekend, look for smoke to fill the skies in North Bama. Miles over KSU

Albany St. Golden Rams (5-0, 5-2) vs Tuskegee Golden Tigers (4-1, 4-2) 1 p.m., Cleve Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, Tuskegee, AL (CSTV.com)

For the last several years, this game has determined the SIAC champion. Saturday's game should be no different. The top ranked offense vs the top ranked defense. The Golden Tigers should be well rested, coming off a bye week. Tuskegee defeated Morhouse 55-29 in the Tiger Classic in Columbus. Albany trailed CAU 13-10 at the half, but rallied for 2 TDs in the 2nd half for the 24-13 win. The Golden Rams had a total 368 yards (205 rushing). This will be the game of the week in the SIAC. The last time Albany was in the Bowl (2004), the Rams won the game on a Hail Mary pass. Special teams will play a major role in this game. Look for the Golden Cubbies to avenge that loss. 'Skegee over Albany 

Benedict Tigers (2-3, 3-4) vs Fort Valley St. Wildcats (1-3, 2-5), Homecoming, 1:30 p.m., Wildcat Stadium, Ft. Valley, GA 

The host Wildcats are coming off a bye week. Down in middle-GA, The Wildkittie faithful have become extremely restless. The dismal performance of the 2006 Wildcats have left many second guessing the timing of coaching changes made in the late spring. Benedict is roaring loudly after its 13-5 win over the Thorobreds. The SC Tigers defense held KSU to only 52 rushing yards while the offense gained 221 yards. It's hard to tell which team is going to show up. As I've said repeatedly, every team should win its homecoming game. I don't expect that to change this week. Look for the Wildcats to suck it up. Ft. Valley over Benedict

Stillman Tigers (1-4, 2-5) vs Lincoln (MO) Tigers (1-6), 2 p.m., Dwight T. Reed Stadium, Jefferson City, MO

The Bama Tigers fell behind early and trailed the Bama Hounds 21-0 at the half. QB Charles McCollum led the 2nd half comeback with TD passes of 7 yards and 8 yards. I must say that I feel bad for this young man who is very talented but has basically had to carry the team the entire year. If his receivers had helped earlier in the season and if there were any semblance of a running game, Stillman would be competing for the SIAC crown. McCollum was 11-29-1 for 258 yds. but the rushing stats show 23 rushes for -4 yards - total offense was 254 yards. Unfortunate. This offense should have a field day this weekend vs Lincoln. Bama Tigers over Missouri Tigers

Morehouse Maroon Tigers (1-5, 2-5) vs. Clark Atlanta Panthers (0-5, 2-5), 7 p.m., Panther Stadium, Atlanta, GA 

This game has been designated "AUC Unity Day" but there will be no unity during this katfight in the 'hood. Both of these next-door neighbors are having dismal season but this game is always hyped. The Panthers were Albany's homecoming guest and lost 24-13. Once again, the Black Kats jumped out to the early 7-0 lead on a 78 yard fumble return by LB Michael Porter and led 7-3 at the half. CAU took a 13-10 lead in the 3rd qtr on a 37-yd TD pass from QB Corey Jones to Gerard Latimore. Unfortunately, Albany scored 14 unanswered points in the 4th qtr to seal the deal. The Panthers were held to 183 total yards of offense (29 rushing yds). The Men of the 'House slunk back to ATL from Augusta after losing to the Orange Cousins from Savannah 24-20. The Maroon Cousins took a 20-6 lead on two TDs from RB Eddie Rowe (19- and 11 yards) and a 36 yd TD pass from QB Reuben Dupree to James Steadman. Turnovers proved costly to the Maroon Tigers (an interception and two fumbles). One fumble resulted in a 70-yd return for a Savannah TD. QB Dupree had a good game (25-38, 291 yards) while the offense racked up 464 total yards. Both of these teams have the same problem - defense. Look for a high scoring game with the Maroon Tigers holding on for the win. Maroon Tigers over Panthers

Lane College - Bye

Winston Salem State Rams (2-5) vs Savannah State Tigers (1-5), Homecoming, 2 p.m., Ted Wright Stadium, Savannah, GA

Let us fall down and thank God that the Orange Cousins finally snapped their 19-game losing streak. SSU trailed Morehouse 20-6 at the half. But it appears that a severe halftime tongue-lashing from Coach Lemon scared the team. The Marshkats scored on a 70 yd fumble return by Dominique Clark, a 13-yd pass from QB Garrett Williams and a 36-yd run by Chad Cone - all in the 4th qtr. The defense held the Maroon Cousins scoreless in the 2nd half. Sources at the game said that the Orange Cousins were so jubilant that tears were flowing from the team, coaches, alumni, parents - everybody. Someone facetiously said that Dr. Carlton Brown was doing cartwheels down the field (although my personal feeling is that he should have to suit up, play, and get beatdown for subjecting the student athletes to this BS for the past 6 years). Unfortunately, a new streak will begin this weekend with the NC Rams visiting the Marsh. WSSU is the newest member of the MEAC, and though the record doesn't show it, has been very competitive in its first year in Division I-AA. This won't be a happy homecoming in Savannah. NC Rams over GA Tigers 


Short shot: Since the Immaculate One screwed up the schedules, it will be interesting to see what type of tie breaker format he comes up with should there be a 2- or 3-way tie at the end of the season. 

Long pour: Offensive Player of the Week: Sherard Ellis - Lane (So, QB, 6-2, 195, Missouri City, TX); Co-Defensive Players of the Week: Alton Pettway - Albany State (Sr, DL, 6-3, 258, Bay Minette, AL) and Chaz Harris - Benedict (Sr, DL, 6-0, 245, Starkville, MS); Newcomer of the Week: Gary Neavins - Albany State (Fr, RB, 5-9, 190, Jacksonville, FL); Special Teams Player of the Week: Jacoby Jones - Lane (Sr, PR/KR, 6-4, 210, New Orleans, LA); Offensive Lineman of the Week: John Henry - Lane (Jr, C, 6-6, 320, Nashville, TN)


Last call: NCAA Division II playoffs begin November 18.