Demons can't convert a fourth down, with a pass batted at the line of scrimmage, and turn it over at the 12. A Ledell Love tackle for loss smacked the Mustangs backwards to the 4.
Another TFL, by Scott Wattigny and Rogers Loche, takes them back to the 2.
But the Mustangs escaped a safety and punted it away.
Demons have given up 50+ points at home only once. The previous high total was 51 by Stephen F. Austin in 1993 in a 51-20 season-ending win over NSU. The previous worst margin of defeat at home is that 31-point whipping .
Saturday, September 20, 2008
It's not a familiar sight
Not very often have the Demons gone into the fourth quarter at home down four scores. But that's what faces NSU, staring a 45-18 deficit to open the last period.
Now or never
After a shanked punt, Cal Poly starts at the NSU 36. A must to hold the 'Stangs scoreless here. No turnovers by either team all night.
WIthin three scores
Holding Cal Poly to a field goal gives the Demons some hope still.
But after an intentional grounding, the Demons face a third-and-20.
Need something good to happen here.
But after an intentional grounding, the Demons face a third-and-20.
Need something good to happen here.
Two 3-and-outs, can NSU hold serve?
Heading to the late part of the third quarter, the Demons need to get another stop with Cal Poly at midfield. But another throw it up and "big boy" the Demon secondary works again as the Mustangs hit 6-foot-6 receiver Ramses Barden to the 10.
Down 35-18, Demons need a stop here in the worst way.
Down 35-18, Demons need a stop here in the worst way.
Maybe a turn for the better
A sack by Mack Dampier follows the Demons running the swinging gate for a 2-point conversion. Nice to see the Mustangs with some negative yardage.
Now the Demons defend the option much better. A three-and-out and a scoring drive, hmmmm.... wouldn't that be lovely?
Now the Demons defend the option much better. A three-and-out and a scoring drive, hmmmm.... wouldn't that be lovely?
Not the start envisioned
A 3-and-out after the kickoff for NSU to open the third quarter. Can the Demons use some defensive adjustments at halftime and return the favor?
It wasn't by accident
Cal Poly led the nation in total offense last season, averaging right at 500 yards a game. The Mustangs have 10 starters back from that unit. It looks like it. They've scored 4 of the 5 times they have taken possession.
The Demons aren't having a lot of trouble moving themselves, but the Mustangs have quick strike ability.
The Demons aren't having a lot of trouble moving themselves, but the Mustangs have quick strike ability.
Band day
Lots of high school band members in the stands for Band Day at NSU. This year, unlike in past years, they are all wearing purple shirts. The halftime show should be something.
McNeese fans up for the game
Not having been able to enjoy their own team for two weeks, one an open date and last weekend's cancellation due to Hurricane Ike, a couple of hundred McNeese fans are in the stands tonight.
The trademark cowbells were ringing for the Demons, or at least, that's how we choose to interpret it.
Also here are former Demon deep snapper and javelin thrower Tommy McClelland and his wife Jessica, two proud NSU alumni. Tommy, a member of the 2004 Southland Conference championship Demon football team, is now better known as the youngest Division I athletics director in the country. He's steering the ship at McNeese and aside from wanting to visit the alma mater and see some live college football, he is happy to be making the personal acquaintance of his counterpart at Cal Poly, Alison Cone. They have to eventually settle on a makeup date for the Mustangs' visit to Lake Charles.
The Cowboys go out to Cal Poly in 2010. The Demons head out to San Luis Obispo to open the 2009 season with a Sept. 5 game.
The trademark cowbells were ringing for the Demons, or at least, that's how we choose to interpret it.
Also here are former Demon deep snapper and javelin thrower Tommy McClelland and his wife Jessica, two proud NSU alumni. Tommy, a member of the 2004 Southland Conference championship Demon football team, is now better known as the youngest Division I athletics director in the country. He's steering the ship at McNeese and aside from wanting to visit the alma mater and see some live college football, he is happy to be making the personal acquaintance of his counterpart at Cal Poly, Alison Cone. They have to eventually settle on a makeup date for the Mustangs' visit to Lake Charles.
The Cowboys go out to Cal Poly in 2010. The Demons head out to San Luis Obispo to open the 2009 season with a Sept. 5 game.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Coming from Carville and Carolina
NSU graduate, former athletic ticket manager and former student and graduate assistant sports information staffer Jerry Rushing is coming to Saturday's game.
He's coming from Carville, La., by way of North Carolina.
Jerry is a National Guardsman. Since Hurricane Gustav approached, his unit in North Carolina has been stationed in south Louisiana. They've recently been assisting with cleanup and repair work in and around Carville, but have just about wrapped up operations.
Jerry's guard duties have carried him lots of places, including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he was stationed for a year. He relocated a couple of years ago to North Carolina, and it will come as absolutely no surprise to anybody who knows him to hear that he lives next to a golf course.
He and wife Carla and her sister will be coming to Saturday's game, looking for their old friends.
Nobody makes them any easier than he does.
He's coming from Carville, La., by way of North Carolina.
Jerry is a National Guardsman. Since Hurricane Gustav approached, his unit in North Carolina has been stationed in south Louisiana. They've recently been assisting with cleanup and repair work in and around Carville, but have just about wrapped up operations.
Jerry's guard duties have carried him lots of places, including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he was stationed for a year. He relocated a couple of years ago to North Carolina, and it will come as absolutely no surprise to anybody who knows him to hear that he lives next to a golf course.
He and wife Carla and her sister will be coming to Saturday's game, looking for their old friends.
Nobody makes them any easier than he does.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Suddenly the man of the house
Not many college football players reference 1900 in conversations.
When that college player is from Galveston, Texas, flattened by an unnamed hurricane in 1900 and severely ravaged over the weekend 108 years later by Hurricane Ike, there's a story to be told.
Junior fullback Dante' Austin has overcome three shoulder surgeries in three seasons, and is a preseason second-team All-Southland Conference selection. As of Sunday, he was also the man of the Austin household, which no longer has a house of its own.
The family's residences, for Austin's immediate family and his grandparents, were destroyed Saturday by Hurricane Ike's assault.
The Austin clan evacuated to Natchitoches, hoping for the best, but having weathered several storms in their beloved hometown, never imagining that they would be homeless come Monday.
Dante' took in all he could at his apartment, and found lodging at a hotel for other family members. Tuesday, he missed practice, with coach Scott Stoker's blessing, so he could lead a shopping trip for clothing and other essentials. Since Galveston banks are shut down, guess who footed the bill?
Jeff Matthews, the gifted writer for the Alexandria Town Talk newspaper, spent time today visiting with Dante' and I am sure we'll see a story on the situation soon.
Also, Dustin Eubanks, the NCAA compliance officer for NSU, will be meeting with Dante' to see if the NCAA's special assistance fund can help, and if there are other ways for him to get financial help without jeopardizing his eligibility.
Austin is the first member of his family to attend college. I met his grandfather last year and know how very proud they are of him.
With good reason.
When that college player is from Galveston, Texas, flattened by an unnamed hurricane in 1900 and severely ravaged over the weekend 108 years later by Hurricane Ike, there's a story to be told.
Junior fullback Dante' Austin has overcome three shoulder surgeries in three seasons, and is a preseason second-team All-Southland Conference selection. As of Sunday, he was also the man of the Austin household, which no longer has a house of its own.
The family's residences, for Austin's immediate family and his grandparents, were destroyed Saturday by Hurricane Ike's assault.
The Austin clan evacuated to Natchitoches, hoping for the best, but having weathered several storms in their beloved hometown, never imagining that they would be homeless come Monday.
Dante' took in all he could at his apartment, and found lodging at a hotel for other family members. Tuesday, he missed practice, with coach Scott Stoker's blessing, so he could lead a shopping trip for clothing and other essentials. Since Galveston banks are shut down, guess who footed the bill?
Jeff Matthews, the gifted writer for the Alexandria Town Talk newspaper, spent time today visiting with Dante' and I am sure we'll see a story on the situation soon.
Also, Dustin Eubanks, the NCAA compliance officer for NSU, will be meeting with Dante' to see if the NCAA's special assistance fund can help, and if there are other ways for him to get financial help without jeopardizing his eligibility.
Austin is the first member of his family to attend college. I met his grandfather last year and know how very proud they are of him.
With good reason.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
So many big plays to recall
But in the thick of it, savor a thrilling Demon win and realize this: three first-year Demons and a redshirt freshman played the entire second half and some of the second quarter on the offensive line, along with graybeard senior Tim Henderson.
Some of the game ball has to go to true freshmen Zach Case at right tackle and Jesse Hernandez at center. Both came out of their redshirts last week at Baylor, and they grew up a bunch today. Case got 17 snaps last week and Hernandez only three. They played most of the day today as NSU ran for 170 yards against a defensive unit that Coach Scott Stoker said was better than Baylor's.
Credit too to sophomore transfer Michael Booker, who played most of the snaps at left guard, and redshirt freshman left tackle Jace Prescott, who battled Grambling's NFL-worthy defensive end, Christian Anthony, all day long. Anthony had 3 tackles.
I tried to start listing all the big plays while composing the website poll. There could have been a dozen or more candidates, easily. What a great game!
Some of the game ball has to go to true freshmen Zach Case at right tackle and Jesse Hernandez at center. Both came out of their redshirts last week at Baylor, and they grew up a bunch today. Case got 17 snaps last week and Hernandez only three. They played most of the day today as NSU ran for 170 yards against a defensive unit that Coach Scott Stoker said was better than Baylor's.
Credit too to sophomore transfer Michael Booker, who played most of the snaps at left guard, and redshirt freshman left tackle Jace Prescott, who battled Grambling's NFL-worthy defensive end, Christian Anthony, all day long. Anthony had 3 tackles.
I tried to start listing all the big plays while composing the website poll. There could have been a dozen or more candidates, easily. What a great game!
Could be left in the hands of the defense
Demons still get very good pass protection on offense but you have to wonder, with the reshuffled O-line, will this one hang on how well the Purple Swarm can shackle the big play offense of the G-men?
After finishing the first half with a flurry of long balls, Grambling is running inside trap plays to open the second half. NSU knew the visitors would come in throwing it deep. A big pass rush could be a key for the Demons.
After finishing the first half with a flurry of long balls, Grambling is running inside trap plays to open the second half. NSU knew the visitors would come in throwing it deep. A big pass rush could be a key for the Demons.
Underway again
The second half starts with the same Grambling offensive approach. A fast pace and some inside trap runs on the first two plays from scrimmage. A fumbled shotgun snap forces the first Tiger punt and another 3-and-out.
I just have a feeling Calvin Stoker will break either a punt or a kickoff, or Isaiah Greenhouse will block one -- a GSU punt -- this afternoon.
Demons start at their 46 after a Stoker fair catch.
Byron Lawrence gets another shot, but the Tiger defensive front smothers him.
NSU is playing without two starting offensive linemen, both centers -- Ben Schwantes and Marcus Washington. Washington was the starting left guard in the first two games after playing center in his first two seasons. Schwantes couldn't play today and Washington left the game in the second quarter.
True freshman Jesse Hernandez is the center. Redshirt freshman Jace Prescott is the left tackle for the third straight game. Transfer Michael Booker is getting most of the work at left guard. That's three brand new players up front for the Demons.
I just have a feeling Calvin Stoker will break either a punt or a kickoff, or Isaiah Greenhouse will block one -- a GSU punt -- this afternoon.
Demons start at their 46 after a Stoker fair catch.
Byron Lawrence gets another shot, but the Tiger defensive front smothers him.
NSU is playing without two starting offensive linemen, both centers -- Ben Schwantes and Marcus Washington. Washington was the starting left guard in the first two games after playing center in his first two seasons. Schwantes couldn't play today and Washington left the game in the second quarter.
True freshman Jesse Hernandez is the center. Redshirt freshman Jace Prescott is the left tackle for the third straight game. Transfer Michael Booker is getting most of the work at left guard. That's three brand new players up front for the Demons.
Fumblerooski pays off for Tigers
Grambling gets it back with 41 seconds left, hits a long pass, then runs the fumblerooski out of a tight formation. The Demons had it sniffed out but a highlight-reel run got the Tigers to the 11, where on the next snap they threw a TD pass with 15 seconds left. The extra point was blocked. Still, a huge boost to the visitors just before halftime.
A hold for the Swarm
Demons' pass rush and secondary are tested on four throws from first-and-10 at the 19, but they're equal to the task. Grambling threw to the end zone on three straight downs.
The Demons are getting hit hard by the officiating crew after a light dose of flags at Baylor.
The Demons are getting hit hard by the officiating crew after a light dose of flags at Baylor.
Live stats back up
Tigers back on the field with the ball after getting their first first down of the game on the long run on the previous drive.
A HUGE hit by Kasey Brown on the Grambling running back.
Tigers go no-huddle. Trying to shake things up, and now getting the calls from the sideline.
Tigers get another nice run inside the Demons' 30. They've found something that works.
A HUGE hit by Kasey Brown on the Grambling running back.
Tigers go no-huddle. Trying to shake things up, and now getting the calls from the sideline.
Tigers get another nice run inside the Demons' 30. They've found something that works.
Tigers go for it on 4th down at the NSU 26
Delay of game penalty - Demons were blitzing Mack Dampier off the left edge.
Fourth-and-11 at the 31, TIgers are going to punt.
Fourth-and-11 at the 31, TIgers are going to punt.
Live stats hiccup again; G-men threatening
Grambling gets a long run and is inside the 30 on third down. Pass incomplete, let's see what happens on fourth and six from the 27.
Tough customer, Phil LeBlanc
Phil LeBlanc is holding for placement kicks today, which doesn't seem like a big deal.
Until you realize he had dental surgery Thursday to repair teeth on his jaw broken in a collision last week at Baylor.
He can't play defense, but doctors cleared him to hold. Kicker Robert Weeks was some kind of relieved to have his holder able to play.
Until you realize he had dental surgery Thursday to repair teeth on his jaw broken in a collision last week at Baylor.
He can't play defense, but doctors cleared him to hold. Kicker Robert Weeks was some kind of relieved to have his holder able to play.
TD called back, temporarily: 17-7 Demons
Adam Varnado caught a 13-yard TD pass from John Hundley but it was erased by a holding call on NSU. Varnado has had more big plays wiped out by penalties than any Demon we can ever recall ...
On third down, Hundley scrambles in over the wide open left side, making a nifty move to escape a Tiger defensive back at the 2.
Robert Weeks adds the extra point to make it 17-7 midway through the second quarter.
On third down, Hundley scrambles in over the wide open left side, making a nifty move to escape a Tiger defensive back at the 2.
Robert Weeks adds the extra point to make it 17-7 midway through the second quarter.
No first downs for GSU but a TD
Byron Lawrence loses a fumble for the third straight game, and this one is scooped up by Grambling and run back for a touchdown, drawing the Tigers within 10-7 a minute into the second quarter.
Grambling does not have a first down yet.
Demons rerack and start again at their own 37 after the kickoff.
Grambling does not have a first down yet.
Demons rerack and start again at their own 37 after the kickoff.
Washington back in at center
A 2-yard gain with Marcus Washington back at center. The Tigers' defensive front is very impressive. Timeout Demons, with 2:37 left in the quarter.
Students continuing to enter the stadium. Not the crowd this matchup deserves, for sure, but considering the circumstances good to see people still arriving, and they are.
Students continuing to enter the stadium. Not the crowd this matchup deserves, for sure, but considering the circumstances good to see people still arriving, and they are.
Shreveport radio affiliate problems
Apparently the combination of Hurricane Ike and a new phone system has flummoxed folks at our Shreveport station, so hopefully you're listening to the game online and watching it here. Another Grambling 3-and-out following a Robert Weeks field goal. Demons up 10-0 and Tigers do punt this one, but a duck hook gives NSU the ball at midfield.
First down, Marcus Washington shaken up
He walks off under his own power but that will put true freshman Jesse Hernandez at center for at least a snap. Second down and 10 at the 21.
Hundley to Seastrunk for five yards.
Hundley to Seastrunk for five yards.
Live stats revived - fake punt backfires!
You can follow the stats there, we'll provide some additional info. Another 3-and-out for Grambling, and here's the punt, it's a fake and it is smothered by the Purple Swarm led by Isaiah Greenhouse.
Demons in business at the Tigers' 21.
Demons in business at the Tigers' 21.
Demons punt Tigers down at their 17
GSU takes over after stopping NSU at midfield, and Kasey Brown nearly stepped on a quick slant for a pick on first down from the Grambling 17. Crowd has filled in decently on the student side, which is about 40% full.
Live stats haywire, Demons lead 7-0
After the TD, a 3-and-out on Grambling's first series. THe Demons facing a third-and-20 after a holding penalty, back at their own 24.
Great start
For the 33rd time in Scott Stoker's 72 games as Demon coach, NSU has scored on its opening drive of the game. A 6-play, 56-yard, 2:54-long drive ended with a third-down 31-yard TD pass from John Hundley to Jimmy McKee down the middle, after Hundley had the luxury of excellent pass protection which allowed him to work through several receivers before McKee broke through. It wasn't quite like backyard football and no rush on the QB, but he had plenty of time to make his pick and threw a strike to McKee.
Partial band but full sound
The Spirit of Northwestern band is about at half-staff today, in terms of numbers, but if you close your eyes and you're not a musical afficiando, you cannot tell the difference.
Our band at half-speed is better than most any other school's at full tilt.
The sun is shining brightly and fans are still arriving. This will not be a half-filled stadium, which is a shame, but there's no question that playing yesterday, while possible, would not have been prudent. Putting people on the road to the game, wondering if power would hold out (it did on campus, but not throughout Natchitoches for a period in the late afternoon), and having radically different weather conditions affect the outcome of the game would not have been good.
Now we will have a great football game, and I presume a record audience for a home game for the Demon Sports Network!
Our band at half-speed is better than most any other school's at full tilt.
The sun is shining brightly and fans are still arriving. This will not be a half-filled stadium, which is a shame, but there's no question that playing yesterday, while possible, would not have been prudent. Putting people on the road to the game, wondering if power would hold out (it did on campus, but not throughout Natchitoches for a period in the late afternoon), and having radically different weather conditions affect the outcome of the game would not have been good.
Now we will have a great football game, and I presume a record audience for a home game for the Demon Sports Network!
Great blog post by Kelly Morris
The new NSU beat writer for the Shreveport Times did a wonderful blog entry today on www.shreveporttimes.com ... remembering the 1974 meeting between NSU and Grambling, which took place exactly 34 years ago today.
She has comments from Butch Ballard, coach A.L. Williams and Doug Williams of Grambling. You will enjoy the read!
She has comments from Butch Ballard, coach A.L. Williams and Doug Williams of Grambling. You will enjoy the read!
Sun shining, teams warming up
The sun is out, the sky is overcast but not threatening, and both teams are on the turf at Turpin. The Demons are in purple home jerseys and white pants. The Tigers are in white jerseys with black pants and black headgear.
50 minutes before kickoff, and there's a muted tailgating effort ongoing. This is clearly not going to draw the crowd it would have inn a regular circumstance, but the teams are not going to let that get in the way.
Head coaches Scott Stoker and Melvin Broadway are visiting in th emiddle of the field, and our own Coach Black is also in the conversation.
Fans are enjoying the new commemorative signage, especially the signs celebrating NSU's NFL tradition on the pillars under the press box side of the stadium. There were people taking pictures with their cell phones earlier.
Weather will not be an issue, except for the humidity. Temperature will be in the mid-80s.
The Grambling band is in Jacksonville, Fla., performing today. The Spirit of Northwestern band will probably not be at full strength, but there are four coolers set up in the stands on the east side, an indication that at least a partial band will be on hand. Hard to blame anybody who headed home to avoid the potential implications of Ike.
50 minutes before kickoff, and there's a muted tailgating effort ongoing. This is clearly not going to draw the crowd it would have inn a regular circumstance, but the teams are not going to let that get in the way.
Head coaches Scott Stoker and Melvin Broadway are visiting in th emiddle of the field, and our own Coach Black is also in the conversation.
Fans are enjoying the new commemorative signage, especially the signs celebrating NSU's NFL tradition on the pillars under the press box side of the stadium. There were people taking pictures with their cell phones earlier.
Weather will not be an issue, except for the humidity. Temperature will be in the mid-80s.
The Grambling band is in Jacksonville, Fla., performing today. The Spirit of Northwestern band will probably not be at full strength, but there are four coolers set up in the stands on the east side, an indication that at least a partial band will be on hand. Hard to blame anybody who headed home to avoid the potential implications of Ike.
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