Winston-Salem, NC - The 3-3 Winston-Salem State University Rams will travel to nearby Salisbury, NC on Saturday evening to face the Blue Bears of Livingstone College in a CIAA league football contest as the Rams look to record their fourth straight win and improve to one game above .500 on the season. WSSU is coming off of a 26-24 come-from-behind win versus the Broncos of Fayetteville State University as the Rams sit atop the CIAA Western Division (tied with Saint Augustine's at 3-0) in a divisional race that is far from over.
Kickoff...6:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time.
Venue...Alumni Memorial Stadium in Salisbury, NC (Capacity - 6,000).
Television Coverage...There is no television coverage for this contest versus the Blue Bears of Livingstone College. The Rams currently have no games in the 2005 season that are slated for television broadcasts, however there is discussion about televising next Saturday's (October 15th) 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." Livingstone College will broadcast the game via local radio as well. For additional Livingstone College radio information, contact the Blue Bear's Sports Information Department and Sports Information Director Adrian Ferguson at (704) 216-6179.
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 Blue Bears marks the seventh game of the season for both teams. WSSU earned their third win of the season, and third consecutive victory, last weekend as they defeated the Broncos of Fayetteville State University at Luther Jeralds Stadium in Fayetteville, NC by the score of 26-24 following a 26-yard, last-second, Matt Hind field goal. The Blue Bears are coming off of a 27-10 win over Johnson C. Smith University on the road in Charlotte, NC. The Rams are 3-0 in the CIAA while the Blue Bears are 1-2. WSSU's championship hopes are still firmly alive.
The Series...The Rams and Blue Bears have met 43 times since the 1946 season with the Rams holding the advantage in the all-time series as WSSU has posted a 31-11-1 record overall versus LC for a winning percentage of .720. The largest WSSU win came in 1986 when WSSU defeated LC 62-6 The Largest LC win came in 1997 when Livingstone defeated the Rams 41-7. WSSU's longest win streak versus the Blue Bears was a span of 19 games from 1976-1994. The longest Livingstone win streak was a three-game span, occurring three time, most recently from 1996-1998. WSSU has posted a 6-3-1 record versus Livingstone over the last 10 meetings, with WSSU winning the last six games.
Fun Facts and Numbers...Since coming to Winston-Salem State University in 1993 to coach his alma mater, head football coach Kermit Blount is 8-3-1 versus the Blue Bears of Livingstone College. He has never faced new Livingstone College Head Coach Robert Massey. However, Blue Bears Defensive Coordinator Gilbert Wiggins was a member of the WSSU coaching staff during the 2004 season, serving as a linebackers coach.
203 And Three, In Only Three, And Next Week, It Was Jed...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. Two weekends ago Hicks recorded 203 yards and scored three second-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. This past weekend, his running mate, Jed Bines recorded 181 yards in rushing offense, paving the way for Martin Hicks' three touchdowns in the Rams' 26-24 come-from-behind victory.
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 fourth in rushing defense as they are only allowing 130.5 yards rushing per game and have given up only ten rushing touchdowns for an average of 1.6 rushing touchdowns per contest.
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. WSSU needs to earn the win to stay ahead of the Eagles, who as of press time, have only one loss in the CIAA's Western Division with the conference title race far from over.
Game Highs...The Rams are headed in the right direction as they get ready to square off against the Blue Bears of Livingstone College. The Rams posted a season-high 342 yards rushing last week against Fayetteville State. As well, the Rams posted a season-high 6.6 yards per rush versus the Broncos. Martin Hicks had a breakout game versus the Panthers of Virginia Union two weeks ago 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. Jed Bines recorded 181 yards of rushing offense and helped to set up Hicks' three TD's versus FSU as Hicks recorded his second-straight three-TD day. 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 in the game for a season-high average.
- WSSU Director Of Athletics, Dr. Chico Caldwell On The WSSU Vs. NC A&T Game To Take Place In 2006 -
Dr. Caldwell, do you have any general comments on renewing the rivalry between Winston-Salem State University and North Carolina A&T State University?
Renewing the rivalry between Winston-Salem State and A&T is an opportunity that is directly in line with our move to NCAA Division I, but more importantly than that, as I have said previously, when Winston-Salem State hired me, they asked me about putting A&T back on the schedule, and set forth the challenge to me to see about getting the Aggies versus Rams rivalry back onto the schedule. I am particularly pleased about making this game happen, and renewing the series. The two schools are too close to not play one another, and this is a big rivalry that we are revisiting, and I think that this game is going to add so much to our schedule.
Where will you play the game in 2006?
The first game of the renewed rivalry will be the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend at A&T in 2006 and the following year, in 2007, the Aggies will come to our place, and we will play in Bowman Gray Stadium.
The time of the game has not yet been established for next season?
No, the time has yet to be finalized. As soon as we confirm a game time, we will announce it to our fans, alumni, and the media.
So do the Aggies come here to Winston-Salem, NC next year?
Yes, A&T will come here next season and both the NC A&T and WSSU administration are looking to keep this game an annual one with a meeting on the schedule every year. One of the things that will happen beginning in 2007 is that we will be officially an MEAC school, so we will be included in a revised schedule. My understanding is that the MEAC will be revising the entire MEAC schedule and will add us in there. But I believe that we will try to keep that date with A&T consistent from year to year playing it on the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The 2006 football schedule, what does it look like so far? Can you talk about the possibles, probables, or games that are confirmed as of today?
Well, we know that the game with A&T will happen and that it is a done deal, though the contract for it is not yet complete, but there are a few more games that are almost finalized. Week two, we will have South Carolina State coming to us. That game is under contract, but we are working with them to make concessions to them for a contract that they are trying to finish on a classic, so if we can get a revised home game, then we may move that date. Following that, we will go to Florida A&M in Tallahassee, FL, and that is a tentative date. Week four is open. Week five, Howard is coming to us, and that is the weekend that is tentatively scheduled as our homecoming game. We will follow that up by going to Morgan State the following weekend. Then, after that, tentatively, we have Hampton coming to us in the first year, but again, it has not been finalized. And then, we will end the season with Norfolk State as we go to Norfolk. We have nine tentative dates on the schedule currently. Most of the MEAC schools carry 11 games, and our plan is to carry 11. We do have to close out one contract for a Division II school which is Catawba, which will give us 12 games should we get the other two Division I teams on the schedule.
Are you limited to just the one non-Division I opponent as soon as next year?
That is correct. Starting in 2006-07 we are under the same provisions in terms of who we schedule, etc. as any other Division I team or I-AA team, and not just in football, but in all of our sports. The MEAC allows teams to play only one non-Division I team, and we will abide by the same rules.
Are you looking to have five home football games in the fall of 2006?
That is the goal. However, we realize that in our first year, we are the proverbial new kid on the block, and so, most teams, when they know you are coming into Division I for the first time will try to play you at home, and everyone wants you for their homecoming, but we hope that we can get the MEAC athletic directors to work with us so that we can get at least five games at home.
Will scholarships increase this next year to help keep the Rams competitive? And is there an incremental increase after that? What is the plan?
It is mandatory that scholarships go up, and we realize that is a good thing in order to bring quality student-athletes to WSSU. Rules state that in Division I, as a requirement, that we have to give a minimum number of scholarships. It is a simple formula that looks at the number of scholarships allowable for each sport. We look at the NCAA maximum, and we have to have at least, a minimum of 50% of that maximum for each sport.
Connections to the `Stone...The Rams and Blue Bears are no stranger to one another, both on and off the field...The two teams share more than just a rivalry...Gilbert Wiggins, the Blue Bears' defensive coordinator served as the linebackers coach at WSSU last season. Administrative assistant Blanche Ford is a native of Salisbury, NC and still resides there. Special Assistant to Athletics for Budget Management Karen Dunlap is also a native of Salisbury, NC and continues to reside there. Livingstone College Sports Information Director Adrian Ferguson was the SID at Winston-Salem State University four years before the arrival of current SID and Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Promotions Chris Zona.
Not Black And Blue For Nothing...Perhaps it is fitting that the Blue Bears wear black and blue uniforms, especially when playing the Rams. The Rams average an astounding 395 yards of rushing offense when playing the Blue Bears (through the last five meetings). Current WSSU running backs Martin Hicks and Jed Bines has enjoyed playing versus the Blue Bears as each of them have at least one 200-yard game versus Livingstone during their career. Former WSSU running back Willie "Pedie" Byrd had three 200-yard games versus Livingstone during his career.
You've Got Questions, He's Got Answers...Livingstone College Sports Information Director Adrian Ferguson is the godfather of computer technology in the CIAA. He and WSSU SID Chris Zona, along with CIAA webmaster and Onnidan pioneer Eric Moore are responsible for helping to bring the football and basketball championships into the computer age with live statistics, broadband internet at press row, and video and audio streaming of the games. Ferguson, affectionately know to his CIAA SID colleagues as "Radio Shack" is the man responsible for the hardware and software that has integrated the CIAA with the 21st century technology age.
Leavin' On A Jet Plane...The first change that the Rams will notice during the 2006 season will be the improved travel and the larger travel distances. The Rams will have at least three games where they will fly to their opponent, most notably the two contests in the state of Florida. The Rams will fly when they visit the Rattlers of Florida A&M (Tallahassee, FL) and when they travel to Bethune-Cookman College (Daytona Beach, FL). The Rams will likely drive to Norfolk State and Hampton as they are both only six hours away in Chesapeake, VA. Travel plans and arrangements for games at Delaware State and Morgan State have yet to be finalized, but it is speculated that the Rams will bus to those institutions. Fans are encouraged to contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at *336) 750-2143 for further details on team travel.
More Reps, Less Injuries...(Courtesy of John Dell, of the Winston-Salem Journal)...Coach Kermit Blount is convinced that a better weight room has made a difference for the Rams. The Rams opened a spacious new weight room last spring and have had few major injuries this season. Linebacker William Hayes missed three games with a hyperextended knee, and punter Chad Oakley is likely out for the season with a shin injury. Other than that, the Rams have been healthy. "I think it's the new weight room and better facility that we now have." Blount said. "It prevents injuries with those guys in there all the time, and the coaches really push them to stay in the wright room. That is a big plus." At this point last season, the Rams had lost six starters to injuries.
Block In The Back, Backer In The Blocks...(Courtesy of John Dell, of the Winston-Salem Journal)...Fullback Kelvin Sessoms said that the Rams' offensive line has improved over the last three weeks. "The O-line has been stepping it up." said Sessoms, who caught a screen pass for a 12-yard gain Saturday against Fayetteville State. "It's a blessing and a joy to see what they can do when those big boys move." Sessoms doesn't get many carries and is usually the lead blocker for Jed Bines and Martin Hicks and he says he loves to watch the two run. "Just to have Martin and Jed in my ear all the time sayin 'C'mon, let's go.' That really motivates me to block better for those guys," he said. "I would love to get the ball more, but it's not a big thing with me."
Rams Vs. Livingstone, The Last Meeting...The Rams and Blue Bears last met on October 8th, 2004. In that contest, one in which the Rams earned the 31-21 victory, WSSU put up 10 points on the scoreboard in the first quarter of play as Jed Bines had a one-yard touchdown run and Matt Hind had his season-long 53-yard field goal. Martin Hicks would tally two touchdowns in the middle portions of the game, and Jed Bines would add another as well as the Rams rolled to an eay 31-21 win. The Rams finished with 338 yards of rushing offense en route to rolling up 418 total offensive yards. In the contest, the Rams would have nearly the same amount of rushes (56) as the Blue Bears would have total offensive plays (46). Both teams would finish the contest with identical 2-5 records overall as WSSU evened their CIAA record to 2-2.
ophomore Sensation...The Rams' Darrian Bynum currently ranks 23rd in the CIAA in tackles with 30. He has tallied 23 solo tackles and nine assists with a sack and two tackles for loss. He also ranks first in the CIAA with two forced fumbles (nine 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 fifth 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 for the second straight week. His status for the game versus WSSU is doubtful. Ernest Blakley (5'11", 170-lb., r-Fr.) will make the start and 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.) has been upgraded from questionable to probable for Saturday's game with a sore hamstring and is back at practice. He will be replaced on the depth chart by Joe Johnson (5'9", 175-lb., r-Fr.) if he is unable to go. 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. 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 15th as he has been told by doctors that he needs time 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. He was supposed to be ready for last week's game but remains inactive.
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 11-for-11 in the red zone in 2005. In eleven attempts, the Rams have recorded six touchdowns (five rushing, one passing) and five field goals.
Red-Zone Efficiency, On The Flipside...The Rams are a perfect 11-for-11 in the red zone this season, however, their opponents are also turning in an impressive red-zone efficiency of 76.2% as well as they are 16-for-21 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 12 touchdowns (eight rushing, four passing) and four field goals over that three-game span. Opponents are four of six on field goal attempts inside the Rams' red zone as they have made four kicks and had a pair of kicks blocked.
The Magic Number Is 15...The Rams have only eleven players who have 15 or more tackles on the season. Though 32 players have recorded at least one tackle through two games, only Darrian Bynum (32), Nathaniel Biggs (32), 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.
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 9th in the CIAA's scoring offensive ranks as they are averaging only 18.2 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 fourth in the CIAA in punting with a 37.2 yard per punt average. The Rams have a 31.8 yard per punt net average. As well, Hind is a near-perfect six-for-seven in his point-after tries over the past two weekends. He hit a 20-yard field goal to win WSSU's game versus ECSU three weeks ago as time expired earning WSSU a 24-23 win and earning himself CIAA Specialty Teams Player of the Week honors and he hit a 26-yarder with two seconds remaining to defeat Fayetteville State 26-24 last weekend in Fayetteville, NC.
Where'd The Rushin' Go?...The Rams, who have led the CIAA in rushing yardage for the last six consecutive seasons, are currently, after six games, ranked 2nd (up from 5th) in the conference in rushing. The Rams have turned in, as of press time, 1,047 yards of rushing offense for an average of 174.5 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 three weeks ago as Hicks was named the CIAA's Offensive Back 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 89.8 yards per game. His teammate Jed Bines is 4th in the CIAA with 87.2 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 flanks seems 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 TD catch three 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 (four after video review confirmed another - CIAA approval is pending). Biggs snared two interceptions versus Elizabeth City State and he currently ranks first in the CIAA in interceptions. He is tied with Shaw's Devin Chatman, Fayetteville State's Donte Wise and Saint Paul's Greg Toler for the conference lead in interceptions (with four). As of press time the WSS Office of Sports Information credits Biggs with four interceptions, one for which he was not credited, as video review of the VUU contest is not yet complete as it is pending CIAA statistical approval.
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 fourth in the CIAA in punting. Hind is averaging 37.6 yards per kick and is tied for the longest punt in the conference this season with (ECSU's Kevin Dodson), 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 7-for-7 this season on his field goal attempts and has missed only three extra points (8-of-11).
Upcoming Opponents...Ram fans are in no way looking past this weekend's game with Livingstone College as the two teams have a very storied, and very heated, rivalry, especially as of late. The Rams are set to take to the road this 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). WSSU needs the win to stay in the hunt for the CIAA Western Division regular-season championship and the CIAA title game berth that comes along with it.
Third Down Conversions...The Rams are 24 of 74 on third down this season. WSSU is turning in a third-down conversion percentage of 32.4% on the season. The Rams are currently ranked fourth in the CIAA in 3rd-dwn conversion percentage behind N.C. Central (35.9%), Bowie State (34.9%), and Fayetteville State (33.0%). WSSU is 1-for-4 on fourth down this season as they have posted a 25.0% conversion rate on fourth down in 2005, ranking ninth in the conference ahead of North Carolina Central University who is 2-for-9 this season on fourth down for a conversion percentage of 25.0%.
Fumble Fingers?...The Rams may have a fumble problem this season. Through six games of the 2005 season, the Rams have recorded 12 total fumbles for an average of 2.00 fumbles per contest. Even more disheartening is the fact the Rams have lost posession of nine of those 10 fumbles as the Rams have given away 83.3% of all the fumbles that they have committed.
Spreading It Around...This season, through six games, the Rams have spread the ball around well. Monte Purvis has thrown the ball to seven receivers this season. He has thrown only two touchdown passes, 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.
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 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. Nathaniel Biggs had a pair of picks in the Rams' 24-23 victory.
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...Three 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. Since then, the Rams have had a pair of 100-yard rushers twice in three games.
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 15 turnovers while their opponents have recorded only 10 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 tallied 155 yards and followed it up with 203 versus VUU the next 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 22 opponent's passes thus far during the 2005 season (15 PBU's and 7 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.
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 six games for the Rams going 46 of 79 passing for 596 total yards. He has thrown a pair of TD passes and has been intercepted five times. He has been sacked a CIAA-worst 28 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 35 games during his Ram career, starting 23 while Darrian appeared in eight games his freshman year in 2004, starting six, and has started all six games in 2005. Darrian is currently tied for the team lead in tackles with Thaddeus Griffin with 32 (24 solo, 8 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 74-56-3 overall for a winning percentage of .556. He has faced the Blue Bears 12 times and has posted a record of 8-3-1 versus LC over that span, for a winning percentage of .666. LC is led by Robert Massey who has never faced the Rams and has never faced Kermit Blount. Massey's first year at Livingstone College (2005) marks his first year as a head football coach at the collegiate level. He is 1-5 all-time, thus far.
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 six 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 22 pass break ups and seven interceptions through six games and have given up only eight passing plays of 20 yards or more. Cornerback Maurice Reid leads WSSU with five passes defended while Nathaniel Biggs has three interceptions (four after video confirmed another).
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 for the final time this season this weekend versus Livingstone. The uniforms were designed following a collaborative effort between head coach Kermit Blount and 4th-year equipment manager Jay Robinson. They are manufactured by Russell Equipment Co.
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).
For additional information on WSSU football, or to arrange interviews with coaches, players or athletic administrators, contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at (336) 750-2143 or log on to the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com
