Shorter University Heading to D2

Not really a surprise to NCAA Division II followers, but the worst-kept secret is now official, but Rome, Georgia's Shorter University has been granted acceptance into the NCAA and will head for the Gulf South Conference.

“This is a wonderful day for Shorter University and for our athletic program,” said Bill Peterson, who just completed his fourth year as Shorter’s Director of Athletics. “We are truly blessed and so appreciative of the support we have received from both our administration and our Board of Trustees. In particular, I would like to thank our coaches and our student-athletes. Their efforts made this tremendous possibility a reality. They are just a great group.”

From the university their ownselves...

Shorter immediately begins the three-year transition process as a candidate member for the NCAA during the 2011-2012 season, during which it will remain an active affiliate of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Shorter has been affiliated with the NAIA since the 1950s.

Shorter remains eligible for regular season and post-season tournament championships in both the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) and Mid-South Conference (MSC) during the 2011-2012 athletic campaigns, and also remains eligible to compete in NAIA national tournaments.

“We are very proud of our long-term relationship with the NAIA, the SSAC and the Mid-South, and we look forward to another great year in 2011-2012,” Peterson said. “We have been blessed with many wonderful friendships, in particular NAIA CEO Jim Carr and championship director Dennis Green along with our two commissioners, Dr. Kurt Patberg of the SSAC and Steve Baker of the Mid-South.”

The university will enter the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 academic years as an NCAA “provisional status” member while moving towards membership in the Gulf South Conference.

During this two-year provisional status period, Shorter will compete against full Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II schedules and be required to operate under NCAA Division II regulations, but will be ineligible to compete in post-season play. Shorter’s athletic schedules will include Gulf South Conference members such as the University of Alabama-Huntsville, University of North Alabama, University of West Alabama, Delta State University, Valdosta State University, University of West Georgia and the University of West Florida, among others.

Here's what the Hawks will be chasing...
((HT: NCAA/ESPN/youtube))

Is Nebraska-Omaha Doing The Right Thing...???

Or is their move to the Summit League being done in an illogical and scattershot manner...???

That's the question raised by the four-letter as two very successful Division II programs- three-time national champ wrestling and football- are being blown up by Nebraska-Omaha AD Trev Alberts as part of their "money-saving" progression...

The HQ has long trumpeted UNO and the Mavs, but being told your sport is being wiped off the map three hours after you win another title is, about, four thousand rounds of not cool...

Paula Lavigne examines the ideas and all their faults...
Allegedly...

BREAKING: UNO Moves To Summit League, Eliminates Football And Wrestling

And, no the HQ is not talking about the University of New Orleans...

After trying to move to Division III and not being able to find a conference dance partner, it looks like they're heading to D2 and the newly-tweaked Gulf South Conference.

We're actually talking about the University of Nebraska-Omaha...

The school says it received an offer to join the Summit, but since neither football nor wrestling are in Summit's plans, the Mavericks eliminated the sports. UNO currently competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association's Division II.

School officials say the decision was forced by a NCAA ban on division jumps that begins June 1. But the fact UNO's football and wrestling programs lose money was another element in the change.

University regents still have to approve the idea...

Here's something the school may not have to worry about much longer...
Regrettably...
This was Competition Day- just ten days ago...
((HT: unomavfootball))


And the HQ will do that one better...
The wrestling team won their third straight D2 title LAST NIGHT!!!

What have you done for me lately...???
Here's a documentary on the wrestling program that will not exist after, well, now.
((HT: bajjaliproductions))


Here's UNO AD Trev Alberts and Chancellor John Christensen on the decision...
((HT: WOWT-TV Omaha))

TWTW D2: UMD Kicks Out Delta With Last-Second FG

((HT: NorthlandsNewsCenter.com))

The HQ admits to covering this title game before in a past life...

When Texas A&I was A&I and not a hyphenated A&M school, we wondered what exactly a "javelina" was... we found out. And it was when North Alabama had Ronald McKinnon and Cody Gross being coached by Bobby Wallace...

Nothing like a 10AM local kickoff for a title game...

David Nadeau kicked a 32-yard field goal as time expired. The victory marks UMD's second National Championship in three seasons.

Good for them...

Here's Zach Schneider from Florence, Alabama

TWTW D2: Fort Valley State QB In Serious Trouble

((HTY: WMAZ-TV/Macon, Georgia))

Fort Valley State QB Eugene Smith was pulled over just before Thanksgiuving for a bunch of little things that could add up to one big thing: a taillight violation, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana (less than one ounce), and possession of a controlled substance. Police said they're waiting for lab results to confirm whether the vials found with Smith contain human growth hormones.

Smith was arrested in central Georgia and subsequently suspended for a "violation of team rules." Fort Valley AD Percy Caldwell may have a whole lot of trouble on his hands if his fears are true...

Lauren DiSpirito was sent to campus to see what she could find out...

TWTW D2: West Liberty Loses Stunner To WV Wesleyan

The HQ dares to say, if facts are what they are, that Liberty got screwed...

Here's the deal...

West Liberty's Kevon Calhoun scored from one yard out which gave the Hilltoppers a 41-34 lead with a little over a minute to go.

But running back Trey Massey catches the game-winning touchdown. He was originally ruled out of bound and ineligible to catch the pass. But the referees talked it over and ruled Massey was forced out by a West Liberty defender and was allowed to participate in the play.

Sufficed to say, folks were less than happy...

After a desperation heave in the end zone, the Bobcats celebrated their first win over West Liberty since Roger Waialae took over as head coach five years ago.

Here's the highlights, thanks to our friends at WTRF-TV in Wheeling, Steubenville, and all points West Virginia and Ohio...
Mike Anthony isn't wearing a tie in the newsroom...

Division II, #1 Grand Valley State Wins At The Last 30 Seconds

It took a touchdown pass from GVSU quarterback Kyle McMahon to receiver Jovonne Augustus with thirty seconds left in the game for the top ranked team in Division II the Grand Valley State Lakers to defeat the University of Indianapolis 38-31.

Here are the game highlights. (WXMI-TV Grand Rapids, Michigan)



Photo Courtesy: Darren Breen/The Grand Rapids Press

OSG College Football - Week #1

It's time for toe to meet leather. The college football season kicks off tonight. There are some great match-ups to start the season and theirs a few that you already know the outcome. Here's OSG's take for this week.

Game of the Week - Virginia Tech vs Boise State

Both teams have had nine months to prepare for this outstanding match-up. Boise State will play anybody anywhere including traveling cross country for a date with the Hokies. Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer knows Boise State will answer the bell.

Boise State returns 20 of 22 starters from last season so make no mistake the Broncos are legit.

Here’s what we think is the key, the Virginia Tech secondary. Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore will sling it around but I don’t think Moore has ever faced a group of defensive backs as opportunistic as the Hokies. That group can lock it down and if there is separation has the closing speed of a state trooper.

This game has the makings of a “game of the century”. We expect a very close game.

OSG's Take

Wilkie: I love the quarterback match up in this one. Tyrod Taylor is poised for an outstanding senior season. Kellen Moore is in the Heisman conversation. Each should have a great game. My opinion Ryan Williams and Darren Evans will make a big difference and the Hokies prevail.

Nelson: Boise State wins this one big. I still think they'll stumble somewhere down the line in a game they're not supposed to stumble in. This week, they're safe...

37-13...

Phil: This is the best of the early season games. If it were played further west, Boise would be a lock. They escape however...31-28

Other Games On OSG's Radar Screen:

SMU at Texas Tech

Wilkie: This game could end with a basketball score. Why do I like SMU in this one, it's the first game of the Tommy Tuberville era at Texas Tech and SMU finally feels good about themselves in football. June Jones' team will be ready for this one. SMU wins in a shootout.

Nelson: Can I just vote for someone other than Coach Tub...? He's trying to import his Auburn pre-game rituals into Lubbock. What is he going to call it...? "Raider Walk?" 117-113 SMU... just because...

Phil: SMU is better, but I'm not sure they are quite on Tech's level. Nobody will play defense and Jon's score won't be far off. 41-27 Tech Wins

Illinois vs Missouri

Wilkie: I see Blaine Gabbert throwing for a bunch of yards in this one. Mizzou wins in the final "Arch Rivalry" game in St. Louis.

Nelson: Illinois only because Mizzou got a case of the galloping stupids at tailback this past week. 27-16

Phil: Mizzou because of Gabbert and despite the moronic running backs. Fire Ron Zook. 24-10

LSU vs North Carolina

Wilkie: I honestly have no clue how I feel about this game. If I'm going to pick though for some reason I think I like LSU. The Tar Heels are saying all the right things heading into the game but I just wonder what a month of uncertainty will do. LSU wins by the very tight margin.

Nelson: I've heard as many as 16 will be out for UNC this weekend. They might score that many points. 24-13 LSU...

Phil: Too much behind the scene trouble for UNC. Their heads won't be on straight. LSU 24, UNC 16

Maryland vs Navy

Wilkie: I think Maryland is better than what’s being predicted. I love their skill players and that group of linebackers. With that said the Navy game is a huge on for the Terps. Maryland needs a win over a pretty good Navy team for an emotional lift. I expect Maryland to come out inspired and ready to fight for their head coach Ralph Friedgen whose backside is on the coaching hot seat.

Nelson:

Navy, Navy, Navy... I just like saying Niumatololo... 31-21...

Phil: The Fridge's time is running short. Navy wins 34-14

Connecticut at Michigan

Wilkie: UConn prevails and Rich Rodriquez is putting the finishing touches to his resume.

Nelson:

UConn sends RichRod to an early grave 27-23

Phil: Flat out, UConn is better. Bye,bye Rich....31-21

Oregon State vs TCU

Wilkie: The Frogs leap over Oregon State in Jerry World.

Nelson:

The name's Dalton... 35-24 TCU

Phil: Hehehehe....in the name of the Swayze's. TCU 37-31

Washington at BYU

Wilkie: BYU has a 2 game win streak on the Huskies. I like the Cougars in this one too.

Nelson:

BYU, at home celebrating their newly-found independence, 27-17

Phil: Disagree. BYU has some rebuilding to do. The fighting Sarks win 31-17

William & Mary at Massachusetts

Wilkie: I'll take the Tribe in this one.

Nelson

Who chose this game...??? William and Mary...

Phil: Huh? Bill and Mary?

California (PA) at Saginaw Valley

Wilkie: It's a top 10 battle in Divsion II. I'll take the Cardinals of Saginaw Valley in this one.

Nelson:

Saginaw Valley... Wilkie, have you lost your mind...???

Phil: Dude???? Home team wins

DEVELOPING: St. Cloud To Drop Football...???

((HT: KMSP-TV Twin Cities))

St. Cloud State University is considering cutting its football program and other sports as it deals with a budget shortfall.

The university is weighing three options for the future of the Division II program: eliminating football, cutting football and three other sports or keeping the football program and eliminating eight other sports.

The university's athletics department has a $500,000 shortfall for new fiscal year that starts in July. St. Cloud State will ask the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference next month for permission to remain in the conference if the university cuts one of the sports required to be an NSIC member.

The St. Cloud Times says the university is also making deep cuts academically. It's sent layoff notices and early retirement offers to dozens of faculty members in an attempt to cut $14 million from the fiscal 2012 budget.

Here's a coach's/Crow's Nest view of the Spring Game, which may be the last... ((HT:SCSU Football))


Here's KARE-TV's Kyle Porter on the proposal


And the report from WCCO-TV...
Dennis Douda is part of the anchor toss for this one...

More Conference Realignment, Division II Style; UNA To D1?

[HT: Arkansas Democrat Gazette]

You didn't think conference realignment was over for good in college football this summer. NCAA Division II schools are in the act, too.

The six schools from Arkansas that participate in the Gulf South Conference along with three Oklahoma schools will apply to the NCAA to form a new Division II conference.

Arkansas Tech, Southern Arkansas, Arkansas-Monticello, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist and Harding have informed the Gulf South Conference its intention of going on their own after this upcoming academic year. They will join East Central University, Southeastern Oklahoma State and Southwestern Oklahoma State in the formation of a new Division II conference.

The GSC's official statement released by the conference is:
"The Gulf South Conference has been officially notified that its six Arkansas members plan to leave the league. The GSC will continue to communicate with those Arkansas schools regarding the official departure process. The group’s decision creates a few challenges in football scheduling, but the Conference is moving forward with solutions that solve those issues and will actually strengthen us. The GSC is excited about the future thanks to the academic excellence and athletic success of its remaining core member institutions, likelihood of expansion and potential football scheduling alliances with like-minded leagues."

One of the reasons the "Arkansas 6" is leaving the Gulf South is lack of year to year success in football.

“Let’s face it, this is also about competitive equity,” GSC Commissioner Nate Salant told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. “This is really not about cost. This is really not about lost class time. It’s about other things. And that’s OK.”

One of those "other things" is athletic budgets most specifically travel costs. With the exception of Arkansas Tech, the athletic budgets for the Arkansas schools are not up to par with the West Georgia's, the Valdosta State's and so on. Travel costs alone range around $20,000.

The presidents, chancellors and athletic directors of the nine schools forming this new conference released this statement:

“The intent of the conference is to group together similar institutions in terms of budgets and goals, Furthermore, the conference is intended to be made up of universities that field an intercollegiate football program. Our most important goals in this new endeavor are to limit time away from class and limit our travel costs.”

No name for this new conference yet but those of us at the OSG HQ would like to suggest calling it the new "Southwest Conference".

UPDATE: Because of the dissolving of the Gulf South, Terry Bowden and the University of North Alabama is exploring a move to Division I.

Al.com reports that the board of trustees agreed back on Monday at its annual retreat to have President William Cale and other school officials put a plan together detailing any kind of a move. Trustees want the plan finished by a September 10th board meeting.

Steve Pierce, the UNA board's president pro tem, says it could be "a defining moment for our university."

"I feel that for the future of the university as a whole, we need to look at the possibility of moving to another level," he said.

UNA athletics director Mark Linder said it would cost between $900,000 and $1.3 million for the three-time Division II football national champions to just apply for the move. He has no current clue as to how make up for the budget shortfall, but the guess is that a rise in student fees would be the first step in any kind of process.

The HQ thinks that a move to I-AA and the Ohio Valley would be a safer, interim play for the sake of travel and budgets. Jumping all the way to the Sun Belt might be suicidal, but we are talking about Terry Bowden- one of the bigger dreamers out there...

Robby Wells Charges Savannah State With Racism In Firing

((HT: ESPN))

To say the whole Robby Wells firing from Savannah State is a mess is a bit of an understatement...

Accusations and allegations over Wells, his coach's show and its production value, his recruiting, and his relationship with the administration are all over the place...

Now, they've gone national...

Jemele Hill went to Savannah for a round of he said-they said...


To recap: Here's the university response from when Wells issued his letter of resignation in the first place...
((HT: thecoastalsource.com))

As mandated by the University System of Georgia, Coach Wells was given the opportunity to address all of his concerns with SSU President Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. He specifically declined to do so. Coach Wells’ decision to go public with this instead of directing them to the University through proper channels is truly unfortunate.

While the accusations in Wells’ resignation letter are troubling, SSU remains a diverse institution that affords equal employment opportunities to everyone in all instances specifically including this one.


Here is FOSG Frank Sulkowski's report on the day of the letter's release...


And here is Wells' letter in its entirety...

We'll work our sources and see what else we can dig up...

Finally, We Have A Stand-Up Guy...

Texas A&M-Commerce head football coach Guy Morriss has apologized for backing his players when they lifted campus newspapers from their racks because of a story about the program.

Remember, Morriss told campus police the actions by his players was "the best team-building exercise we have ever done." He apologized for a "lapse in judgment" and said the comment was made facetiously.

((The HQ seriously doubts it, but we'll proceed anyway...))

A&M-Commerce athletic director Carlton Cooper said the Division II program would pay for the reprint of the missing edition, and that coaches and players would distribute it.

That seems like better team building to the HQ, actually, than anything Morriss has immediately planned.

And, as a reminder, the East Texan newspaper's Youtube channel was around for the SGA's discussion on whether or not to come out with a public statement...


Here's Adam Troxtell's piece on the lack of discussion above...

And the James Rose piece on the thefts in the first place...
((HT: MyFoxDFW))

Magee Gets 903

((HT: KYW-TV))

Philadelphia University coach Herb Magee has won his 903rd career game, moving past Bobby Knight to become the winningest men's coach in NCAA history.

The 68-year-old ((pictured, thanks MyFoxPhilly.com)) got the record with a 76-65 victory over Goldey-Beacom College on Tuesday night. Magee has won all 903 games over a 43-year career with the Division II school.

Knight won 902 games and three national championships in a 42-year career with Army, Indiana and Texas Tech. Northern State coach Don Meyer, chronicled here on the pages of OSG Sports earlier this week, announced his retirement Monday. He has 922 victories coaching in the NAIA and NCAA.

Magee led the program to a national championship in 1970.

Fans started bellowing "903! 903!" over the final minutes and
students stormed the court in celebration.

"I really appreciate all the attention, but I'll be glad when I don't have to see you for 4.5 years from now, and 1,000 wins," he said, laughing at the postgame celebration.

The HQ isn't surprised that students felt like storming the court over the success of other individuals. It's now even reached Division II schools...

Here's a set-up piece Don Bell did before the game Tuesday night

TWTW: D2 Final Set

((HT: WOOD-TV/Grand Rapids))

Brad Iciek passed for two touchdowns and P.T. Gates ran for two scores to lift Grand Valley State to a 41-27 win over Carson-Newman in a D2 national semifinal game Saturday.

It's pronounced "Eye-check" by the way...

The Lakers (13-1) will play in the championship game on December 12 in Florence, Alabama, Grand Valley won national titles in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006.

Carson-Newman entered with an 11-game winning streak, but the Eagles (11-3) had only 65 rushing yards in the first half and 177 overall.

Jason Terzis has the highlights- minus the Lakers' suspended leading rusher


GV gets NW Missouri State, who beat Cal (PA) 56-31...

TWTW: D2 Quarterfinals Take Out Favorites

((HT: WDIO-TV/Duluth, Minnesota))

Every number one seed lost on Saturday...

California won 57-35 at West Lib, sending the home team packing with an 11-2 record- the best in school history...

WL's Zach Amedro finished the game with 365 yards passing, two touchdowns, and three INTs. He finished his junior season with 4,945 yards passing and 49 TD's, which led the nation. The Harlon Hill finalist, Division II's version of the Heisman Trophy, will enter his senior season with 10,675 career passing yards and 88 touchdown passes.

But here's Josh Zenner from WDIO talking about Grand Valley State beating UMD... Watch what he does off the top... he forgot something...


Grand Valley gets Carson-Newman and Cal, PA gets Northwest Missouri State...

TWTW: D2 Schools Combine For 147 Points

((HT: WTRF-TV/Wheeling))

Those of us at OSG HQ can say is that these numbers are un-f'n-believable...

Opening round D2 match-up with West Liberty And Edinboro...

West's QB, Zach Amedro, threw for over 400 yards by the half and finished going 27-of-32 with 6 TD passes. Kevon Calhoun ran for 4 TD's.

Combined yards: 1,394- a record
Combined passing yards: 1,170- a record...

And it was West's first-ever home playoff game.

Amedro has thrown for 4,580 yards and 47 TD's this season and cleared the 10,000 yard mark for a career.

But it gets better:
Edinboro QB Trevor Harris had these numbers in the loss... 50-of-76 for 630 yards...

Mike Anthony has the highlights... and West gets California (PA) next week...

A Fantastic Division 2 Football Finish

Yeah, we got this one from Traina...
But, it's still ridiculous...
All that's missing is the intro from Alcoa...

((HT: KIII-TV/Corpus Christi))

We go to south Texas for a Division II game between Texas A&M-Kingsville and Tarleton State from last Saturday...

Tarleton won it 57-56 in double overtime thanks to a 2 point conversion by quarterback Scott Grantham. But they didn't even get to that point unless Grantham scored the touchdown first...

On a 4th and 5 from the 20, Grantham had a killer touchdown run...
We're talking Play of the Year type stuff...

A&M-Kingsville came close to advancing themselves if not for a game-tying 64 yard field goal by Texans' kicker Garrett Lindholm as time expired at the end of regulation. The 64 yarder was a new Division II playoff record.

Just watch...
That's all we can say...

It Wasn't Real...? Just Ask Lemoyne

((HT: ESPN))

It's always real when you beat the 25th-ranked team in the country...

The Le Moyne Dolphins, from Syracuse, New York beat the Syracuse Orangemen- also from Syracuse, New York at the Carrier Dome Tuesday...

Christopher Johnson scored 17 of his 22 points in the second half, including a 3-pointer with 8.3 seconds remaining, and Division II Le Moyne stunned Syracuse 82-79 in an exhibition game Tuesday night.

"We've got an experienced group," Le Moyne head coach Steve Evans said. "Did we ever think that a day like this would happen? Probably not. But we put together a game plan. We didn't want to play Syracuse's way. We wanted to play our way. It was just one of those days for Le Moyne basketball. The kids will remember this forever."

I would say so... and so will Jim Boeheim...
Here's your highlights...



Those of us at OSG HQ are pleased to note that, somehow, dolphins are indigenous to the Syracuse area...

Just ask Le Moyne...

The 43-Year-Old Tight End

Get your head out of the gutter, fool...

Clark Atlanta University is a Division 2 school and is part of the HBCU family of schools.

Ken Sugiura of the AJC introduces us to a man trying to put his life back together and the coach who is giving him the chance...

In February 2008, Jeff Chaskin was pulled over by Duluth police. He said he was charged with possession of cocaine, which was a violation of his probation for an earlier cocaine possession conviction.

He was married with eight children. He had a lawn-care business that he started when he moved to metro Atlanta from Michigan in 1995, he said. He had been hooked on alcohol and drugs since 1984. Then, it cost him a spot on the Wayne State University football team in Detroit. Now, it was about to cost him his marriage. He had been arrested several times.

He spent eight months in jail and decided that part of putting his life back together was playing football. CAU Head Coach Ted Bahhur, who is 42, initially thought Chaskin was nuts.

Now, Chaskin is the back-up tight end for the Panthers.

"I just want to make [family and friends] proud one day," he said. "That's all."

Division II Poll ((Week of September 21st))

1. Grand Valley State Lakers (24) 4-0 624 1
2. Abilene Christian Wildcats 4-0 593 2
3. North Alabama Lions (1) 4-0 577 3
4. Bloomsburg Huskies 4-0 542 4
5. Central Washington Wildcats 4-0 508 5
6. Northwest Missouri State Bearcats 3-1 484 6
7. Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks 4-0 464 7
8. Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs 3-1 443 8
9. Delta State Statesmen 2-1 423 9
10. Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas 4-0 413 10
11. Central Missouri State Mules 4-0 378 12
12. Albany State Golden Rams 3-0 327 13
13. Catawba Indians 3-0 319 14
14. Tarleton State Texans 4-0 269 19
15. Ashland Eagles 3-1 258 18
16. Tuskegee Golden Tigers 3-1 223 17
17. Midwestern State Mustangs 4-0 210 24
18. Missouri Western Griffons 4-0 203 NR
19. Saginaw Valley State Cardinals 3-1 175 23
20. Charleston (WV) Golden Eagles 4-0 148 NR
21. Ouachita Baptist Tigers 3-0 116 NR
22. Wayne State (NE) Wildcats 3-1 75 20
23. Pittsburg State Gorillas 2-2 67 11
24. Edinboro Fighting Scots 3-1 56 NR
25. Winona State Warriors