Sept. 28, 2005

Winston-Salem, NC - The Winston-Salem State University Rams football team will travel to Fayetteville, NC on Saturday afternoon to face the Broncos of Fayetteville State University in a CIAA league football contest that has championship-game implications.  The Rams look to win their third straight game and look to remain undefeated in CIAA play with a victory.

Kickoff...6:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time.    

Venue...Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium in Fayetteville, NC (Capacity - 6,000).

Television Coverage...There is no television coverage for this contest versus the Broncos of Fayetteville State University.  The Rams currently have no games in the 2005 season that are slated for television broadcasts, however there is discussion about televising the October 15th, 2005 contest versus the North Carolina Central University Eagles. 

Radio Coverage...This weekend's contest will be available to listeners in the greater Winston-Salem area live on WSNC, FM 90.5 with Doc Love and George Croom  calling all the action as well as live nationally on the internet at www.WSSU.edu by clicking on the link: "Listen to WSNC."  Fayetteville State University will broadcast the game via local radio as well.  For additional FSU radio information, contact the Bronco's Sports Information Department and Sports Information Director Marion Crowe at (910) 672-1349.

Live Statistical Broadcast Online...Can't make it to the game, but want to keep tabs on what the Rams are doing as it happens?  Then log on to the official live statistical broadcast of the game on GAMETRACKER.  Catch all WSSU home games as each one takes advantage of the Rams' enhanced partnership with College Sports Television as WSSU became the 72nd NCAA member school to use the GAMETRACKER software that enables a live statistical broadcast of the entire game to be seen on the World Wide Web.  To access the GAMETRACKER webcast, fans may visit the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com, accessing the football schedule page and then clicking on the GAMETRACKER link to view all the statistical action and information.

Setting The Scene...The matchup between the Rams and Broncos marks the sixth game of the season for both teams.  WSSU earned their second win of the season, and second consecutive victory, last weekend as they defeated the Panthers of Virginia Union University at Hovey Field in Richmond, VA by the score of 31-0 following a 203-yard and three touchdown day from running back Martin Hicks.  Fayetteville State is coming off of a loss to Virginia State University by the score of 22-14 in Fayetteville, NC.  WSSU is 2-3 on the season while FSU is 3-2 overall.  The Rams are 2-0 in the CIAA while FSU is 1-1.

The Series...The Rams and Broncos have met 57 times since the 1946 season with the Rams holding the advantage in the all-time series as WSSU has posted a 42-12-3 record overall versus FSU for a winning percentage of .736.  The largest WSSU win came in 1960 when WSSU defeated FSU 62-12  The Largest FSU win came in 1969 when Fayetteville State defeated the Rams 42-2.  WSSU's longest win streak versus the Broncos was a span of 10 games, occurring twice, most recently from 1984-1993.  The longest FSU win streak was a three-game span, occurring twice, most recently from 2002-2004.  WSSU has posted a 5-4-1 record versus FSU over the last 10 meetings, yet FSU has won the last three games, including a 30-26 four-overtime thriller during the 2002 season.

Fun Facts and Numbers...Since coming to Winston-Salem State University in 1993 to coach his alma mater, head football coach Kermit Blount is 6-5-1 versus the Broncos of Fayetteville State University.  He has faced FSU Head Coach Kenny Philips five times, posting a 2-3 record in the process.  He looks to even that record at 3-3 Saturday night.

Purvis Takes Over...With the conclusion of the 2004 season, the Rams lost the services of quarterback Joshua McGee, who has since moved on to become a member of the Ram coaching staff.  With the move from the playing field to the sidelines, the Rams have crowned a new starting quarterback in Parkland High School superstar, and sophomore (redshirt) Monte Purvis.  Purvis, who appeared in five games for the Rams last season, starting one, threw for 102 yards and a touchdown last season while rushing for 167 more.  Thus far in 2005, Purvis has started all five games for the Rams going 39 of 69 passing for 527 total yards.  He has thrown a pair of TD passes and has been intercepted five times.  He has been sacked a CIAA-worst 27 times. 

The Brothers Bynum...The Rams have a tradition of football excellence, and also have a tradition of family that permeates not only the football program, but the athletic program in general.  The Rams currently have two sets of brothers on the team, the most valuable of which are the Bynum Brothers.  The brothers, Darrian Bynum (sophomore LB), and Levern Bynum (senior LB), will both make starts during the 2005 season.  Levern has appeared in 34 games during his Ram career, starting 23 while Darrian appeared in eight games his freshman year in 2004, starting six, and has started all five games in 2005.  Darrian currently leads the Rams in tackles with 30 (22 solo, 8 assisted).  Levern has seven tackles thus far in 2005 (5 solo, 2 assisted).

The Coaches...The coaches for this game are very evenly matched-up and both captain two football programs rich in tradition, both of which are accustomed to winning.  The Rams are led by 13th-year man and  WSSU alum (1980), Kermit Blount.  Blount has an overall record of 73-56-3 overall for a winning percentage of .553.  He has faced the Broncos 12 times and has posted a record of 6-5-1 versus FSU over that span, for a winning percentage of .500.  FSU is led by Kenny Phillips who has faced the Rams and Kermit Blount five times posting a 3-2 record.  Phillips, who has won the last three meeting versus WSSU is 35-21 in his career (.625) and has two CIAA football titles (2002-03).

From Standard To Unconventional...The Rams are sporting a new defensive look this season as they have trashed the conventional 4-3 defensive scheme in favor of a more unconventional 3-5-3 defense under the tutelage of new defensive coordinator Mike Ketchum.  The 3-5-3 utilizes three defensive linemen, three linebackers, two "spurs" or strong safeties, and three defensive backs (two cover corners and a free safety).  The new look has posed matchup problems for the Rams first five opponents of 2005 as WSSU has had much better showings defensively than 2004's squad that finished near last in the CIAA in every defensive statistical category.  The Rams have recorded 18 pass break ups and six interceptions through five games and have given up only seven passing plays of 20 yards or more.  Cornerback Maurice Reid leads WSSU with four passes defended while Nathaniel Biggs has three interceptions (four pending video review).

Sophomore Sensation...The Rams' Darrian Bynum currently ranks 11th in the CIAA in tackles with 30.  He has tallied 22 solo tackles and eight assists with a sack and two tackles for loss.  He also ranks first in the CIAA with two forced fumbles (seven other players tied for second with one each).

Injury Update...The 2005 Rams have faced several injuries already, and will face the Broncos of  Fayetteville State with a few bumps and bruises.   On the offensive side of the ball Michael Helton (6'3", 290lb., r-Fr.) will make his fourth career start at center with week-one's starting center, Javon Hubbard (6'4", 260-lb., r-So.) being relegated to a back-up role (nagging ankle sprain).  E.J. Gilchrest (6'1", 195-lb, Fr.) has a high ankle sprain and has not practiced all week.  His status for the game versus WSSU is doubtful.  Ernest Blakley (5'11", 170-lb., r-Fr.) will make the start compete with Demetrius Rivers (5'1", 170-lb., So.) for playing time in a relief role for Gilchrest.   Raynard Crawley (6'1", 190-lb, Jr.) is questionable for Saturday's game with a sore hamstring and has not practiced all week.  He will be replaced on the depth chart by Joe Johnson (5'9", 175-lb., r-Fr.).  Linebackers Samuel Robinson (6'2", 220-lb., Jr.) and William Hayes (6'3", 260-lb., So.) are both probable for Saturday's game with ankle sprains.  They have both practiced all week long.  One unchanging injury update for the Rams is one that still has WSSU fans reeling as two-time All-CIAA punter Chad Oakley will be unavailable for the Rams until at least October 1st as he has been told by doctors that he needs four weeks off following surgery on his left shin.  Speculation is that the Rams will attempt to ask the NCAA for a medical redshirt year for Oakley who is a senior in the classroom and on the field in 2005.  The severity of Jed Bines' nagging ankle injury has been donwgraded and he will be available for Saturday's contest.  He spent last weekend at home in Winston-Salem, NC after breaking a team rule and not traveling to Richmond.

Note...In regards to injuries, "Doubtful" means that a player has only a 25% chance of playing in an upcoming game.  "Questionable" means that a player has a 50% chance of playing in an upcoming game.  "Probable" means a player has a 75% chance or more of playing in an upcoming game.

Perfect In The Red Zone...As any statistician can tell you, statistics can be deceiving  However, if one briefly looks at the Rams' stats for this season, one would notice that WSSU is a perfect 100% in the red-zone. The Rams are an unblemished eight-for-eight in the red zone in 2005.  In eight attempts, the Rams have recorded four touchdowns (three rushing, one passing) and four field goals.

Red-Zone Efficiency, On The Flipside...The Rams are a perfect 8-8 in the red zone this season, however, their opponents are also turning in an impressive red-zone efficiency of 76.5% as well as they are 13-for-17 inside the Rams' 20-yard line.  Catawba College was a perfect 4-for-4 in the first game of the season and Howard University was a perfect 3-for-3 oon September 3rd.  The Rams saw the Bulldogs of South Carolina State turn in a stellar six-for-six outing inside the red zone on September 10th as well.  The Rams have given up ten touchdowns (seven rushing, three passing) and three field goals over that three-game span.  However the past two weekends, the Rams stopped ECSU in the red zone three times (1 interception and two blocked kicks) and allowed Virginia Union only one trip inside the red zone (WSSU blocked the field goal attempt).

Eleven In Double Digits...The Rams have only eleven players who have ten or more tackles on the season.  Though 32 players have recorded at least one tackle through two games, only Darrian Bynum (24), Nathaniel Biggs (23), Thaddeus Griffin (23), Maurice Reid (16), Patrick Clark (15), Brandon McLellan (13), Demetrius Rivers (13), Sam Robinson (12), Chris Stowe (11), Raynard Crawley (10), and Jason Holman (10) have ten or more tackles thus far in 2005.

New Threads For The Rams...The Rams will have one set of new threads for the 2005 season as they have brand new Russell road white uniforms.  WSSU unveiled the new uniforms on September 3rd, 2005 when they traveled to Washington, DC to face MEAC member, and Division I-AA opponent Howard.  WSSU will wear the uniforms two more times this season, on October 1st, and October 8th.  The uniforms were designed following a collaborative effort between head coach Kermit Blount and 4th-year equipment manager Jay Robinson.  They are produced by Russell.

203 And Three, In Only Three...WSSU running back Martin Hicks seems to be up to his old tricks again as he has put together back-to-back rushing performances that remind many people of the past two seasons when he led the CIAA in rushing.  Last weekend Hicks record 203 yards and scored three secon-quarter touchdowns as he led the Rams to a 31-0 win over Virginia Union.  What is even more impressive is that he only played three quarters in the game as he sat out the fourth quarter.  Hicks nearly broke his career high in yardage as he tallied 203 yards.  His career high is 204 yard rushing.

Upcoming Opponents...Ram fans are in no way looking past this weekend's game with Fayetteville State as the two teams have a very storied, and very heated, rivalry, especially as of late.  However, the Rams are set to take to the road again next weekend as they look  to continue to show their dominance over the Livingstone College Blue Bears.  The Rams have won the last six meetings versus Livingstone, and have won six, lost three and tied one game in the last ten meetings.  Prior to that tie 10 games ago, the Rams had won 19 consecutive games over the Blue Bears (from 1976-1994) as the Rams have won 26 of the last 30 games.  The four non-wins during the last three decades have been three losses (1996-98) and one tie (1995).  

At Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium...Fayetteville State's home field has not been kind to the Rams in recent years.  WSSU has posted a 2-2-1 record versus the Broncos in Fayetteville, NC over the last five road games.  The Rams lost road contests in 1997 and 2003 and won road games in 1999 and 2001.  The two teams combined for a 17-17 tie in 1995.  However, since Kermit Blount has been the head coach at WSSU, the Rams are 3-2-1 versus the Broncos on the road in Fayetteville, NC.

Third Down Conversions...The Rams are 19 of 63 on third down this season.  WSSU is turning in a third-down conversion percentage of 30.2% on the season.  The Rams are currently ranked fourth in the CIAA in 3rd-dwn conversion percentage behind N.C. Central (37.9%), Bowie State (34.8%), and Shaw (33.8%).  WSSU is o-fer on fourth down this season as they have posted an 0-for-3 mark on fourth down in 2005, ranking tied for last in the conference with Virginia Union who is 0-for-5 on the season on fourth down. 

The Ram Coaching Staff Looks To Break A Three-Game Losing Streak Versus Fayetteville State

Plugging The Gaps...This season, the Rams are doing something that thye did not do last season, and that is, stop the run.  Last season, the Rams ranked ninth (out of 11 teams) in rushing defense.  This season, the Rams are ranked fifth in rushing defense as they are only allowing 129.6 yards rushing per game and have given up only nine rushing touchdowns.

Upcoming Highlights...North Carolina Central comes to Bowman Gray looking to avenge 2003's 52-0 drubbing on national television (BET).  The Eagles defeated the Rams last season in Durham, NC on an extra play with 00:00 on the clock due to a last-second pass interference call against the Rams.

Game Highs...The Rams are headed in the right direction as they get ready to square off against the Broncos of Fayetteville State University.  The Rams posted a season-high 241 yards rushing last week against Virginia Union.  As well, the Rams posted a season-high 5.7 yards per rush versus the Panthers.  Martin Hicks had a breakout game versus those same Panthers as he recorded a season-high 203 yards of rushing offense, scored three touchdowns and showed that the Rams' rushing game is alive and well.  As well, punter/placekicker Matt Hind recorded his season-high in terms of punting average as he turned in an average of 42.0 yards per punt.  The Rams' defense also recorded a pair of sacks versus the Panthers, something that they had only done one other time this season (on September 17th, 2005 versus Elizabeth City State University).  As well, the Rams look to continue to run the ball as Jed Bines returns to the lineup fresh off of his suspension for the violation of team rules.

Rams Picked Third...The verdict came in on July 21st, 2005 at the CIAA Football Kick-Off Luncheon that took place in Petersburg, VA, and to many Ram fans, it was a surprise.  The powerhouse Rams were picked to finish the 2005 season third in the ultra-competitive CIAA Western Division.  WSSU was picked to finish behind 2004 Western Division Champion Fayetteville State University, who was tabbed as the favorite to defend their Western Division title and the Rams were also, surprisingly, predicted to finish behind the Eagles of North Carolina Central University.  WSSU looks to prove the "experts" wrong in 2005 by winning the CIAA Western Division and the CIAA Championship.  The Rams have not won a CIAA title since winning back-to-back championships during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

South Atlantic AGAIN...The meeting between  WSSU and Catawba marked the fifth consecutive season that the Rams opened play versus a team from the South Atlantic Conference.  The past four seasons it was the Eagles of Carson-Newman that WSSU faced on opening-weekend.  The Rams have posted a 1-4 record over that span as they won the season opener during the 2001 season, a 27-16 win over nationally-ranked Carson-Newman.  The Rams are 1-6 versus the SAC during the Kermit Blount coaching era as he has led the Rams to wins over only Carson-Newman College (2001).

Only Scoring Once...The Rams' defense will have to step up in 2005 as WSSU only scored one defensive touchdown in 2004.  That touchdown, a 94-yard interception return for a TD versus Saint  Augustine's College by the since-departed Edwin Jones was the lone score for the Ram defense during the season.  The Rams posted a 1-0 record when the defense scored.  This season, the Rams have already recorded a defensive touchdown as freshman Andre Che' Wade blocked a punt and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown versus Howard University in WSSU's 20-6 loss on September 3rd, 2005 in Washington, DC.

WSSU Jumps Out Early...The 2004 Rams liked to jump out on opponents early as the Rams posted a 4-2 record when they scored the first points of the game.  This season, in the Rams' first two games, WSSU jumped out to early leads before relinquishing them both to their opponents before being saddled with losses.

1st 100-Yard Rusher...Two weeks ago marked the first time in 2005 that the Rams have recorded a 100-yard rusher, and WSSU earned the win because of it.  Martin Hicks recorded 153 yards on 15 carries which included touchdowns of 65 yards and 40 yards.  Jed Bines recorded 67 yards on 17 carries for WSSU.

Artificial Turf Isn't Kind...The Rams lost their only game played on the artificial turf surface.  WSSU has not won on turf since 2003 when they defeated West Virginia Tech 35-33 in Montgomery, WV.

Players To Watch (WSSU)...#1 Jed Bines, junior running back; #27 Martin Hicks, senior running back; #4 Monte Purvis, sophomore quarterback; #9 Brandon Hussey, senior wide receiver and kick returner; #7 Matt Hind, junior, punter/placekicker.

Weird Logic...The Rams turned the ball over five times versus ECSU, but were able to record the win.  WSSU has posted a 1-2 record in 2005 when recording more turnovers than their opponent.  WSSU currently has 14 turnovers while their opponents have recorded only 9 for a -5 turnover differential.

99 Problems, But Numbers Ain't One...The Rams are loaded...literally.  On August 27th, versus Catawba, the Rams had 97 players dressed in uniform.  That 97 players is only two short of the NCAA maximum of 99 players that can dress for a team's home games.  That means that the Rams have a roster that is 97.9% full.  According to head equipment manager Jay Robinson, the Rams may very well fill all 99 uniforms on Saturday, October 15th, when they host North Carolina Central University at Bowman Gray Stadium in WSSU's first home game after back-to-back-to-back road contests.

Running For Home...The Rams are very proficient at running the ball.  There is no doubt about that.  As a team, the Rams averaged 246.7 yards per game on the ground last season.  However, in home games, the Rams averaged a stunning 298.7 yards per game on the ground.  This season however, the Rams have only two 100-yard rushers in 2005's five contests.  Martin Hicks broke the drought versus ECSU as he recorded 155 yards and followed it up with 203 versus VUU last week.

Secondary Solution...If there was one glaring weakness in the 2004 Rams, it would have been the WSSU secondary.  The Rams were ranked second to last, or last, in every pass defense statistic in the CIAA.  WSSU has tried to remedy the situation by bringing in a new defensive coordinator in Mike Ketchum, and has switched from a 4-3 to a 3-5-3 formation on defense.  The change in formation yielded immediate dividends for the Rams as they batted away four passes and intercepted two more (one of which was called back due to an offsides penalty) versus Catawba on August 27th.  WSSU has defended 18 opponent's passes thus far during the 2005 season (12 PBU's and 6 INT's).

New Season, New Announcers...The 2005 season will mark the debut of the new WSNC Radio 90.5 FM radio broadcast crew.  The Rams' flagship station has recently revamped its entire WSSU Football broadcast crew.  Ram fans will now hear all the on-field action brought to them by George Croom and Doc Love.  The pair will combine for a tag-team play-by-play effort that will keep all those displaced Ram fans "in the know" with live action.  As well, the duo launched a live coaches show on August 29th, 2005.  The show airs Mondays on WSNC 90.5 FM at 6:30 pm.  For additional information, contact WSSU Assistant Director of Athletics for Marketing and Promotions, Chris Zona in the WSSU Office of Sports Information.

Storyline, Division I...The 2005 season marks the first time since the 2000 season that the Rams have faced two Division I football opponents.  That season, the Rams faced the Bulldogs of South Carolina State and the Pirates of Hampton.  That season, the Rams split with their two Division I opponents.  This season, the Rams dropped both decisions to their Division I opponents, losing to Howard University (September 3rd) 20-6 and South Carolina State (September 10th) 52-12.

Climbing Out Of The Offensive Cellar...The Rams of 2005, in stark contrast to last season's offensive juggernaut, are near the bottom of the CIAA's scoring offense cellar.  However, the Rams are climbing out of the cellar and have moved up to 8th in the CIAA's scoring offensive ranks as they are averaging only 16.6 points per game .

Chad Who?...The Rams, who are without the services of two-time All-CIAA punter Chad Oakley (Haw River, NC) who is still suffering from complications due to shin surgery, are faring very well with placekicker Matt Hind (Clemmons, NC) in a back-up capacity.  The Rams are currently ranked tied for second in the CIAA in punting with a 38.8 yard per punt average.  The Rams have a 33.7 yard per punt net average.  As well, Hind was a perfect three-for-three in his point-after tries last weekend.  He hit a 20-yard field goal to win WSSU's game versus ECSU two weeks ago as time expired earning WSSU a 24-23 win and earning himself CIAA Specialty Teams Player of the Week honors.

Where'd The Rushin' Go?...The Rams, who have led the CIAA in rushing yardage for the last six consecutive seasons, are currently, after fove games, ranked 5th in the conference in rushing.  The Rams have turned in, as of press time, only 705 yards of rushing offense for an average of 141.0 yards per game rushing.  This is in stark contrast to the 2004 Rams who recorded 247.2 rushing yards per game last season.

CIAA Weekly Honors...Martin Hicks and Matt Hind each earned CIAA weekly football honors two weeks ago as Hicks was named the CIAA's Offensive Bakc of the Week and Hind was named the CIAA's Specialty Teams Player of the Week.  Hicks, who has led the CIAA in rushing yardage for the past two years, awoke from a rushing slump as he recorded 155 yards on 15 carries (10.3 yards per carry) and scored a pair of touchdowns as the Rams defeated Elizabeth City State 24-23.  His longest touchdown was a 60-yarder in the first quarter.  He had a 45-yarder in the third quarter as well.  Hind, who has assumed the punting duties following two-time All-CIAA punter Chad Oakley's injury, also had a stellar week.  His 20-yard field goal that sailed perfectly through the uprights as time expired lifted the Rams to a 24-23 win over Elizabeth City State at Bowman Gray Stadium.  He was also a perfect three-for-three in the extra point category as well. 

Moving On Up...Now that the Rams have entered into conference play, and have begun facing Division II opponents again, they are climbing the offensive ranks.  WSSU's Martin Hicks and Jed Bines have seemingly awoken from their offensive slumps.  As of press time, Hicks is 3rd in the CIAA in rushing with 87.0 yards per game.  His teammate Bines is 7th in the CIAA with 64.0 yards rushing per game.

Receptions A Plenty...The Rams are definitely throwing the ball more this season.  Monte Purvis is starting to get comfortable in the pocket as of late and he has plenty of targets to hit on the flanksseems to be .  WSSU wide receiver Bradford Herring is comfortable in the new scheme as he has been the recipient of several Purvis passes, including a 35-yard touchdown reception two weekends ago. 

Don't Even Think About Throwing It There...WSSU cornerback Nathaniel Biggs is making the passing game very difficult for opposing teams as he has picked off three passes already this season (perhaps four after video review).  Biggs snared two interceptions versus Elizabeth City State and he currently ranks first in the CIAA in interceptions.  He is tied with Fayetteville State's Donte Wise and Elizabeth City State's Paul Crews for the conference lead in interceptions (with three).  He may have another interception, for which he was not credited, as video review of last weekend's contest is not yet complete.

Fill In?...Maybe Not...WSSU placekicker Matt Hind, who assumed the Rams' punting duties following the injury to two-time All-CIAA punter Chad Oakley has been extraordinary in a back-up role as he is currently ranked second in the CIAA in punting.  Hind is averaging 40.0 yards per kick and is tied for the longest punt in the conference this season, a 64-yarder which he booted following a high snap.  Despite the poor snap which forced him to drop back 15 yards deeper than normal, Hind booted the 64-yarder (from the line of scrimmage) down inside his opponent's 15-yard line.  He is a perfect 4-for-4 this season on his field goal attempts and has missed only one extra point.

Fumble Fingers?...The Rams may have a fumble problem this season.  Through five games of the 2005 season, the Rams have recorded 11 total fumbles for an average of 2.20 fumbles per contest.  Even more disheartening is the fact the Rams have lost posession of nine of those 11 fumbles (81.8%). 

Spreading It Around...This season, through five games, the Rams have spread the ball around well.  Monte Purvis has thrown the ball to seven receivers this season.  He has thrown only one touchdown pass, but has hit seven total receivers, and has hit six of those receivers multiple times in 2005 (only Jemaine Mack has a lone reception)

Blocking Kicks...The Rams are up to their old tricks again.  Versus Elizabeth City State WSSU blocked a pair of kicks, and has blocked four kicks thus far in 2005.  The Rams have a history of blocking kicks as WSSU holds the NCAA record for the most blocked kicks in one season with 27 total blocked kicks.  During the 1986 season, the Rams blocked 16 punts, seven field goals and four point-after tries for a total of 27 blocked kicks.  WSSU is also tied for another NCAA record with Southeastern Louisiana University as both schools have turned in games where they blocked five opponent's punts.  On October 4th, 1986, the Rams blocked five North Carolina Central University punts, thus tying them for the NCAA all-time record.

Martin Hicks, Who Rushed For 203 Yards And Three TD's Last Week Will Look To Continue His Rushing Dominance This Weekend

It Took FOREVER...The Elizabeth City State game, a three-hour, 25-minute marathon was the Rams' longest, non-television broadcast game in over three years.  The last time a game that was not broadcast on television took longer than three-hours and 20-minutes was the Rams 30-26 loss in four overtimes versus Fayetteville State on Homecoming Weekend during the 2002 season.  That contest took three hours and 37 minutes.

Getting Into The Backfield...The Rams' new 3-5-3 defensive formation is causing problems for WSSU's opponents.  If one needs proof of this, one needs to look no further than last September 17th's stat sheet as the Rams put severe pressure on ECSU's pair of quarterbacks.  The Rams recorded nine tackles for loss and recorded three sacks.  In addition to those startling numbers, the Rams hurried the pair of Viking passers three times.  When the Viking QB's finally got the ball into the air, the Rams were there as well, breaking up four passes, picking off three of them.

Weekly Press Conference Quotes:

Kermit Blount - WSSU Head Coach

Attitude-wise, the guys have got to be excited about being on a two-game win streak.  Talk about the attitude of this team right now.

What's amazing is, attitude-wise, it has always been the same throughout this whole season.  Even after we dropped the Catawba game, and we were getting ready for the Howard game, and after we dropped that one, and we were getting ready for the South Carolina State game, and after we dropped that one, I just didn't know where we would be mentally, but these guys have stayed consistent.  Once we talked about the turnovers, and how we gave the ball and the games away, the team came out that Monday (following the S.C. State game) with an attitude that is more positive than anything.  I think that they finally understand that people are starting to give them some credit.  This is a big week for us, because we need to get this win. 

You control your own destiny now, in the Western Division and all that, isn't that key?

I try not to say "control our own destiny" because every time I say that, we kind of get inconsistent.  So I am just going to say, we will take them one at a time and play our style of football, and we will get a win.

Playing there, in Fayetteville, NC, you have lost three games in a row, not horrible losses or anything like that.  But with Virginia State winning last week, and yourself and (VSU's Head Coach) Andrew Faison's close relationship, did you ask him what he did to get the win?

I mean, I heard about the blocked kick that they had, and sure, I talked to Faison, and I called to congratulate them, because that is a big win for them too.  We talked a little bit, and I wont disclose what we said (laughs) but we did speak.

I talked to Fayetteville State head coach Kenny Phillips yesterday and spoke with him about his team, but tell me what you think the keys are to beating this team.

Well, Kenny is the kind of head coach that will play opportunistically.  That is the kind of football that he is going push on his guys.  They will capitalize on all of our mistakes.  And I know, and our guys know, that if we don't make any mistakes, then they can't capitalize on them.  They are sound fundamentally.  They will play field position and try to control the clock.  They are not going to put themselves into any position where they are helping us in any way by making mistakes.  They are going to play us not to make any mistakes, and are going to try to get us to make some mistakes, and capitalize on those.

You guys didn't have any turnovers last week though, right?

Not any.  And that is what we have to do this week.  I know that Martin (Hicks), Jed (Bines), Monte (Purvis), Tionti (Powell) will do their best to take care of the ball.  We just can not turn it over.  We cannot afford to do that, and that is what Fayetteville State wants us to do so that they can put easy points up on the board.

Playing the team that was the CIAA Champion two out of the last three years, and the CIAA Western Champion the last three years, your guys definitely know what kind of opponent they face this weekend, right?

Definitely, and that is where our earlier-season schedule helps us out now.  I mean, we may not have won those games, but we definitely learned from them, and they have helped to prepare us for our conference opponents.  We just want to try to be the dominating team.  We are trying to get our swagger back, and that is coming. 

"Now that we are into conference play, we know that if we drop one that is going to kill our chances. There will be no hope for the CIAA Championship if we lose, and getting the running game back, we know that we can control the clock, and therefore control the game." Martin Hicks, WSSU Running Back

Injury-wise, you guys are pretty healthy, I know that E.J. Gilchrest is doubtful for the weekend, right?

Yeah, he is a little banged up right now, and is doubtful, but we are a pretty healthy right now, especially considering what we have been through, and the opponents that we have faced. 

What do you attribute that fact to as opposed to last year when you had so many guys hurt?  The weight room?  Better conditioning?

I think that our new weight equipment, and our coaches getting after guys in the weight room and on the track where we do our conditioning definitely has something to do with it.  It is important.

Tionti Powell looked great Saturday night.  Is it in your plans to get him some more carries?

We will get him some touches this weekend.  However, the one thing that I never want to do, is give a kid false hope, and then his head will take over etc.  He is getting hot now, and this past weekend, he really showed us something.  So now, we have to make some time for him to get some touches.  He is only a redshirt sophomore, so you know, we have got to get him ready, because he has unbelievable speed.

Martin Hicks - WSSU Running Back

You guys obviously have the running game going in the right direction.  How big is that going into this game?  This is like championship week, this game, don't you think?

Yeah, we are treating every game like that now.  Now that we are into conference play, we know that if we drop one that is going to kill our chances.  There will be no hope for the CIAA Championship if we lose, and getting the running game back, we know that we can control the clock, and therefore control the game. 

Is the team's confidence high right now?

I think that it is very high.  It is probably better than it has ever been.  The offensive line is really coming together, and they gave us holes to run through this past weekend.  We need to keep that headed into these upcoming games.  It goes back to Monte being able to be more confident sitting in the pocket, and of course, we can be more confident running the ball.

You are getting one of you other weapons back in Jed (who missed last weekend due to violation of a team rule).  Are you going to be ok with giving up some of your touches after your great week last week?

Yeah, I am ready for Jed to be back.  The touches were great, but I miss Jed in the lineup.  I know we are a better team with both of us.  We make each other better.  We have to get back rolling, like last year, where we both have to put up big numbers. 

Do you think Jed will have something to prove this weekend?  To try to get back into the good graces of Coach Blount and the other coaches?

Not at all.  He doesn't have anything to prove to Coach Blount or to anybody.  He just made a mistake and did the wrong thing, and Jed, he is going to be ready to play, and I am ready for him to be back.

You have never beaten Fayetteville State since you have been playing, right?

Yeah, this is my last year, I want to go out with a win, and I definitely don't want to end my career never beating them.