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Blacknbengal

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GSU to celebrate SWAC titles

News-Star news services
Posted on August 29, 2002

GRAMBLING - Grambling State will ring in the start of the 2002 football season tonight with a championship celebration.

The Tigers open the 2002 season with a 7 p.m. contest Saturday at McNeese State in Lake Charles.

Grambling is coming off back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference and NCAA Division I National Black College championships and the 2001 Tigers will receive their championship rings in a ceremony at 7 tonight in the T.H. Auditorium on the GSU campus.

GSU Acting President Dr. Neari Francois Warner and Director of Athletics Al Dennis are expected to be on hand to help present the 2001 champions.

"It's a great way to start of the season," GSU coach Doug Williams said. "Hopefully the excitement and championship feeling will carry over into Saturday's game."

Williams will help unveil a painting commemorating GSU's 2001 championship season by sports artist and Birmingham, Ala., native Steve R. Skipper to commemorate Grambling's back-to-back HealthSouth SWAC Football Championship victories in 2000 and 2001.

The prints will be available for purchase at www.anointedhomesart.com or during the football season at Grambling State football games, homecoming and at the Bayou Classic in November. Proceeds will benefit the Grambling State University Athletic Foundation.

SRO: Standing room only tickets for Saturday's Grambling State at McNeese State football game will not go on sale until 6:45 p.m., 15 minutes before the 7 p.m. kickoff , McNeese ticket manager Cheryl Bellard said.

Standing room only tickets became a necessity when the 17,410 seats at Cowboy Stadium were sold by noon the second day they were on sale.

It was the fastest sellout in McNeese history.
 
Don't celebrate too long or hard because it will be time to get down to business real soon.
 



Tigers turn to three-peat?

Tigers turn to three-peat?

Nakia Hogan / The Shreveport Times
Posted on August 30, 2002

At the Southwestern Athletic Conference's annual football media day in Birmingham, Ala., earlier this month, Grambling coach Doug Williams, after hearing other coaches talk about dethroning the Tigers from their spot atop the league, joked about the upcoming season.

For a second, he tried to hide the confident personality that helped guide Grambling to back-to-back SWAC and NCAA Division I Black College national championships, stating that his team faced a daunting task this season after losing 24 lettermen and 14 starters from last season's squad which finished 10-1.

"This is my fifth year coming up," Williams said. "And I have more fear today than I've had in a long time."

The SWAC's other 11 coaches looked on as Williams uttered those words. Some truly believed him. Others knew Williams was simply trying to take some of the pressure off of his young squad.

Still, the Tigers, who return just three offensive starters and five on defense, were picked to win their third straight SWAC title.

"They have been very successful," Southern coach Pete Richardson said of Grambling. "Anytime you are the champions, you have to have the opportunity to a least be (predicted) to start off first. But it helps us out because now it doesn't put all the pressure on our football team."

The Tigers have thrived under pressure over the last two seasons. In fact, since Williams, a former Tiger star quarterback who led Grambling to SWAC and Black National championships in the 1970s, took over the program in 1998, Grambling has restored its prestige as one of Division I-AA top programs. Under Williams, Grambling has compiled a 32-13 (.711 winning percentage) record.

"It's been a smooth ride the last four years and we want to keep it running smoothly," Williams said. "We are fortunate to have some young, athletic players and they play hard."

Although Grambling lost eight offensive starters, including its captain and most versatile player in quarterback in Randy Hymes, from a unit that led the SWAC in scoring with 37.5 points a game, Williams isn't overly concerned. Especially, not at quarterback.

That's because sophomore Bruce Eugene has experience and a strong arm. Last season he played in seven games, while completing 51-of-101 passes for 693 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. His pass efficiency rating of 127.04 was actually higher than Hymes' (122.92).

The Tigers did suffer a big blow this off-season when 1,000-yard rusher Brad Hill was ruled academically ineligible. Karrell Charles and Lindsey Sanders will attempt to fill Hill's void.

Grambling, however, does return two preseason All-SWAC performers on the offensive line, tackle Brandon James and guard Terry Riley.

The Tigers have fewer worries on defense, where three defensive lineman - Antwan Lawrence, Willie Gray, both preseason All-SWAC, and Ronald Johnson return.

All three starting linebackers from last year are gone, though.

Two All-SWAC starters or back in the secondary. Cornerback Chris Brown, who led the SWAC with nine interceptions, and safety Denmark Reed, who had five picks, are expected to hold the defense together, while trying to win yet another SWAC title.

"It's going to be tough," Brown said. "But we're going to have to get through it. We can't let anything stop us."

And, by the way, Williams said his was only kidding, the Tigers aren't scared of anyone.
 
GSU ready to win now

GSU ready to win now

News-Star news services
Posted on September 5, 2002
GRAMBLING - Even after starting off on a losing note, the Grambling State Tigers are confident they can turn things around against Alcorn State.

Grambling State plays host to Alcorn State at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Eddie G. Robinson Stadium. Tickets for the game will cost $16 for reserved seats and $13 for general admission bleacher seats.

The Tigers lost their season opener on the road last Saturday 52-20 at McNeese State.

Grambling is coming off back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference and NCAA Division I National Black College championships, but return only two offensive and five defensive starters from last year's team.

"Our youth showed against McNeese, but hopefully all the growing pains are out of our system," GSU coach Doug Williams said. "Two years ago we lost our first game bad at Louisville and came back to go 10-2 and win the conference. It's still early and all we need to do is make some adjustments and allow our younger players to grow up a little."

Alcorn State started off with a 34-24 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff to move to 1-0 overall and in the SWAC East.
 
GSU shuffles lineup

GSU shuffles lineup

Scott Ferrell / The Times
Posted on September 5, 2002
Grambling State head football coach Doug Williams is taking another look at his personnel after a 52-20 loss at McNeese State last week.

Williams has already announced a change at the starting quarterback position. Freshman Gary Cooper, a former Booker T. Washington High School star, will start in place of sophomore Bruce Eugene.

That change, though, won't be the only one for the Grambling offense in Saturday's game against Alcorn State.

"(Calvin) Colquitt is going to start at X (wide receiver). Tramon is going to stay at Z (wide reciver). You'll probably see a little more of the tight end playing," Williams said. "You're not going to see a lot of 81 (Thyron Anderson). Thyron probably won't play as much as he did last week.

"Some young guys will probably play a little more. Eighty-three (Adrian Sezer) will play at Z. (Wide receiver) Moses Harris will probably play the slot a little more."

Williams is tinkering with more than just his quarterbacks and wide receivers. He is also making some personnel changes on his offensive line.

He has moved Lance Wright into the starting position at center. Terry Riley, a Huntington High School product, is moving from center to left guard. Alan Brice, last week's starter at left guard, will go to the bench.

Despite giving up 52 points last week, the defense won't have any personnel changes for the Alcorn State game Saturday.

"I think the defense really played well," Williams said. "It's just that we put them in such an awful position most of the night. The defense was on the field (a lot) against a veteran team like McNeese State and they can't survive.

"I remember three series when they were three and out. And we, as an offense, didn't help them out. If we had been able to muster any kind of drive, they would have been able to take a breath."
 
Reserve role can't stop GSU's Eugene from state award

Reserve role can't stop GSU's Eugene from state award

News-Star news services
Posted on September 10, 2002
Quarterback Bruce Eugene was tabbed as the Louisiana Sports Writers Association's Offensive Player of the Week on Monday for his efforts in GSU's 41-35 win over Alcorn State.

Eugene (6-1, 230), a sophomore out of New Orleans, came off the bench in the second quarter to hit on 10-of-20 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner with 12 seconds remaining. He also led GSU rushers with 77 yards on seven carries.

Eugene joined junior receiver Tramon Douglas (6-1, 205) as GSU's Offensive Co-Players of the Week. Douglas hauled in seven passes for 108 yards, including scoring receptions of 30, 27 and 15 yards.

Junior defensive back Octavious Bond (6-1, 207), a transfer from the University of Kentucky, was chosen as GSU's Defensive Player of the Week after totaling six tackles (three solos and two for 7 yards in losses), a pass breakup, an interception and a fumble recovery for a score.

Freshman defensive back Terry Cooper (6-2, 195) was named GSU Special Teams Player of the Week with three solo and two assisted tackles on kick coverages
 
GSU's Eugene gets back on target

GSU's Eugene gets back on target

Scott Beder / Tech and GSU Reporter
Posted on September 11, 2002
GRAMBLING - Last week Grambling State coach Doug Williams wondered how quarterback Bruce Eugene might react to losing his starting job.

Eugene answered that question Saturday when he came off the bench to complete 10-of-20 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns as Grambling rallied to knock off Alcorn State 41-35.

Most importantly, Eugene threw no interceptions and even added 77 yards rushing.

Eugene's performance left Williams with a decision to make as the Tigers prepare for Saturday's Southwestern Athletic Conference game at Alabama A&M. Does Williams give true freshman Gary Cooper his second straight start, or does he give Eugene, who started the season opener at McNeese State, another chance?

"I don't know," Williams said Tuesday. "(Today) we'll make a decision. The most important thing to remember is there is no controversy. It's a coaches' decision. A controversy is when two people are arguing."

Cooper had completed 5-of-12 passes for 118 yards with one touchdown and one interception before leaving the game with cramps.

Eugene's performance against Alcorn was more of what Williams had in mind than the numbers he posted at McNeese when he completed just 4-of-22 passes for 125 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions before getting the hook.

"I was happy to get in the game," Eugene said. "I just kept my composure and wasn't so uptight. I learned a lot from the McNeese game."

Williams also like the way Eugene responded to the benching.

"I think Bruce matured a little bit," Williams said. "He grew up. Now I've got a better feeling for Bruce and how he handles things."

Williams said Eugene was into the game from the start Saturday and was helping Cooper on the sidelines.

"He was Gary's biggest cheerleader and I think that helped him prepare to go in," Williams said. "It wasn't like he was sitting there with his mouth out. He was in the ballgame and then he went out there and made some great choices."

Said Eugene: "My attitude was positive. Coach made the switch that was best for the team and if I had a negative attitude, I wouln't have produced like I did."

Now Williams has another choice to make as well.

"Between myself and (offensive coordinator) Coach (Melvin) Spears," Williams said. "We've talked about whether it's better for Bruce to come off the bench. That's something we've got to figure out, but I would prefer for one guy to take the job. I hope it's not musical chairs."

Familiar face: Williams will see a once friendly face when he looks across the sidelines Saturday.

Alabama A&M first-year coach Anthony Johnson was a teammate of Williams on the Washington Redskins' 1988 Super Bowl championship team. Johnson was a tight end, while Williams quarterbacked the Redskins to a 42-10 victory on his way to Super Bowl MVP honors.

"This is the first time A.J. and I have gone head to head," Williams said. "I know him and he knows me, but this is not a thing where I've got to beat A.J. or A.J.'s got to beat me. We're not going to get caught up in personal battles."

Mr. Lonely: After picking off six passes last season, cornerback Chris Brown has found opponents unwilling to challenge him.

In the first two games of the season neither McNeese State nor Alcorn State have thrown in Brown's direction.

"He's got the most boring position on the field," Williams said. "But I told him he can't go to sleep out there."

Massey out: Starting cornerback Travis Massey suffered a separated shoulder against Alcorn and will not play this week.

Octavius Bond, a transfer from Kentucky, will start in his place. Bond turned in a big performance against Alcorn, scoring a touchdown on a 16-yard fumble recovery.

"Octavius Bond did a great job," Williams said.
 
GSU looks to improve running game

GSU looks to improve running game

Scott Ferrell / The Times
Posted on September 11, 2002
Just a year ago, Grambling State running back Brad Hill became the school's first 1,000-yard rusher since Eric Gant in 1993.

Now, a year later, the Tigers are on pace to rush for 318 yards - as a team.

Two games into the 2002 season and the Tigers are struggling to run the football. Their average of 26.5 yards rushing per game ranks GSU 109th among 114 Division I-AA football teams.

And things may not get much better on Saturday at Alabama A&M. Tigers coach Doug Williams vows to do whatever it takes to win the ballgame.

"The running game is always a concern if you can't run the football," Williams said. "But at the same time, you've got to be able to do what you can do.

"(Against Alcorn) we abandoned the run. We said, 'Let's go empty backfield and do this thing.'"

The empty-backfield approach worked with Grambling rallying for a 41-35 come-from-behind win over Alcorn State.

If the Tigers (1-1) struggle on the ground again Saturday, then GSU will likely go with a similar approach.

In the long term, though, the running game is an area where the Tigers seek improvement.

"We've got a lot of work to do in that department," Williams said.

There are several reasons why the Tigers are struggling to run the ball.

One key reason is the loss of Hill this season. He was declared academically ineligible so the Tigers lost a running back who rushed for 1,023 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

However, Grambling's running woes go deeper than just the loss of Hill.

"You don't want to put a lot on Brad and you don't want to take nothing from Brad," Williams said. "We do know what Brad meant to us last year.

"I think a lot of it has to do with the people up front, making sure we've got plays to run and the people back there holding on to the football and running hard. I think it's a combination of the guys we've got, the linemen and no Brad Hill."

If Grambling's running game is to improve, then a lot of the improvement will have to come from running back Karrell Charles. He is Grambling's second-leading rusher, behind quarterback Bruce Eugene.

Charles has rushed 10 times for 16 yards this season. Eugene leads the team in rushing with 61 yards on 14 carries.

Until the Tigers see some improvement in the running game, Williams will look for some help elsewhere.

"I'll say a little prayer," he said.

Grambling State (1-1) atAlabama A&M (0-1)

WHEN: Saturday, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Louis Crews Stadium; Huntsville, Ala.

RADIO: KOKA (980 AM)
 
Grambling to start quarterback Eugene

Grambling to start quarterback Eugene
(This one is from the Advocate)

GRAMBLING -- Grambling State's football coaching staff has decided to go with a "gut feeling."
The Tigers will start sophomore Bruce Eugene at quarterback Saturday at Alabama A&M after the product out of Cohen High School in New Orleans came off the bench to lead the Tigers to a 41-35 win over Alcorn State last weekend in Eddie Robinson Stadium.

Grambling State (1-1, 0-1) takes on Alabama A&M (0-1, 0-0) in Southwestern Athletic Conference at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Louis Crews Stadium in Huntsville, Ala.

Eugene (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) started Grambling's season-opening loss at McNeese State before giving way to freshman Gary Cooper in the third quarter of that game.

Cooper started last week's home game against Alcorn State before going down with leg cramps in the second quarter. Eugene came in to relieve Cooper and hit on 10-of-20 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner to D.J. Clay with 12 seconds remaining in the contest.

"It's just a gut-feeling to start Bruce," Grambling coach Doug Williams said. "I'm taking a cue from Joe Gibbs and going with my gut."

Gibbs was coach of the Washington Redskins when Williams earned Super Bowl XXVIII MVP honors after leading the team to a 42-10 win over the Denver Broncos.

Williams split time with fellow quarterback Jay Schroeder that season, and Gibbs said before the Super Bowl that he was going with a gut feeling in starting Williams.

"I'm glad to be starting but I would have accepted whatever role the coaches wanted me to," Eugene said. "I just want to help this team win. That's the bottom line."

On the season Eugene has hit on 14-of-42 passes for 297 yards and five TDs with two interceptions.

Cooper has connected on 8-of-26 attempts for 206 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.

Eugene was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts in leading Grambling to the win over Alcorn State.
 
GSU coaches pick Eugene

GSU coaches pick Eugene

Scott Beder / Tech and GSU Reporter
Posted on September 13, 2002

Throwing three touchdown passes and leading a come-from-behind victory have given Bruce Eugene a second chance.

The sophomore quarterback, who began the season as Grambling State's starter but was benched last week, was re-installed as the No. 1 signal caller for Saturday's Southwestern Athletic Conference game at Alabama A&M.

Eugene started the season opener at McNeese State, but was replaced during the game by freshman Gary Cooper.

Against McNeese, Eugene completed 4-of-22 passes for 125 yards and with two touchdowns and two interceptions before being replaced by Cooper.

Cooper was then named the starter for last week's home opener against Alcorn State.

Cooper completed 5-of-12 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown before having to leave the game with cramps.

Eugene came off the bench and completed 10-of-20 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner to D.J. Clay with 12 seconds to play. Eugene, not known for his scrambling ability, also rushed for a team-high 77 yards as Grambling rallied for a 41-35 victory.

"It's just a gut feeling to start Bruce," Grambling coach Doug Williams said. "I'm taking a cue from (former Washington Redskins coach) Joe Gibbs and going with my gut."

After his performance last Saturday, Eugene was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association's Offensive Player of the Week.

"I'm glad to be starting, but I would have accepted whatever role the coaches wanted me to do," Eugene said. "I just want to help this team win, that's the bottom line."

On the season, Eugene has completed 14-of-42 passes for 297 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Cooper is 8-of-26 for 206 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.




Eugene file

-- Ht.: 6-1

-- Wt.: 230

-- Class: Sophomore

-- High school: Cohen (New Orleans)

-- 2002 stats: 14-of-42 for 297 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs.
 
Gray's return adds leadership to Tigers

Gray's return adds leadership to Tigers

Scott Beder / Tech and GSU Reporter
Posted on September 13, 2002

GRAMBLING - On a young team running short on veteran leadership, the sight of Willie Gray's No. 74 taking the field Saturday will be a welcome one.

The senior defensive tackle was a starter and mainstay on both of Grambling's Southwestern Athletic Conference championship teams of 2000 and 2001, but has yet to play a down this year. Saturday when Grambling faces SWAC foe Alabama A&M, Gray will finally make his 2002 debut.

"It will be a big plus," Grambling coach Doug Williams said of Gray's return. "I know he's chomping at the bit."

Gray has missed the first two games while recovering from off-season surgery to repair a bad shoulder. It was an injury he played with the majority of last season.

"I'm anxious and excited," Gray said. "I'm expecting to play this week."

Gray first hurt the shoulder in the third game of the season at Portland State. From that point on, Gray's shoulder would pop out of place if it was hit in just the right way.

Despite playing most of the season with just one arm, Gray managed to record 26 tackles, including 10 for loss, which ranked tied for second.

"It was pretty tough," Gray said. "When we were playing Nicholls State, it came out four times. It came to the point where I just pushed it back in myself and played ball."

After two magnetic imaging resonance tests came back negative, Gray decided to rest the shoulder after the season until spring practice.

But during spring drills the shoulder started popping out again. After seeking a second opinion, he decided to have surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.

Gray had the surgery on April 29 and didn't practice again until this week.

Gray was fitted with a harness to restrict the shoulder for precautionary purposes before going through his first contact drills on Wednesday.

Gray has been replaced in the starting lineup by sophomore Lennard Patton, a promising young player.

Patton has recorded eight tackles, two for loss and one sack in the first two games of the season.

But Gray, who transferred to Grambling from LSU before the 2000 season, provides the kind of veteran leadership a team replacing 14 starters needs.

"It's been real tough on me knowing that some of the plays offenses took advantage of I could have recognized better than a sophomore or freshman out there," Gray said. "I'm ready to play ball."

Gray's presence should help the Tigers stop the run a little better. In the first two games, Grambling has allowed 301 yards on the groun
 
GSU cashes in at Silver Dollar Classic

GSU cashes in at Silver Dollar Classic

Grambling State lights up the night Saturday by trouncing Tenn. State, 49-14.

News-Star news services
Posted on September 23, 2002
LAS VEGAS - Bruce Eugene threw for 422 yards and three touchdowns to lead Grambling State past Tennessee State 49-14 before 22,537 fans at the Silver Dollar Classic late Saturday night.

Eugene, who completed 19 of 41 attempts, threw for 358 first-half yards. Grambling wide receiver Tramon Douglas (177 yards, two touchdowns) caught two of Eugene's touchdown passes of 50 or more yards.

A 59-yard touchdown pass, down the middle, came on the first play of a second-quarter drive with 2:58 left to make it 35-7. The other reception, a 50-yarder down the left side, came with 1:13 left in the first quarter for a 14-0 lead.

Also for Grambling (3-1), running back Karrell Charles rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns.

"Bruce Eugene threw the ball as well as any quarterback in the country could have tonight. He's really getting better," GSU coach Doug Williams said. "This is only his fourth start in his career. He has a lot of football in front of him."

Defensively, Grambling came into the game knowing it had to stop a top-notch tandem of running backs in Charles Anthony and Sugar Sanders. They proved up to par by holding the pair to a combined 110 yards rushing.

For the game, GSU piled up 558 total yards.

The game was played in Las Vegas because of a $300,000 purse, offered by promoters from California, split by both teams. This was first meeting between the teams in nine years.

GSU will return home to face Langston University this Saturday. The Tigers are 1-0 at home this year and have not lost a game in Eddie G. Robinson Stadium in three years.

"I'm going to enjoy this one until we get back," Williams said. "We have the tapes on Langston; we'll get in Sunday morning get a chance to look at them and see what they do and hopefully we can put on a good show for the home crowd."
 
Tiger Update: Inside Grambling athletics

Tiger Update: Inside Grambling athletics

Posted on September 23, 2002

Not everyone who goes to Las Vegas comes back with as much money as the Grambling Tigers did this weekend.

The Tigers played Tennessee State in the inaugural Silver Dollar Classic in Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium. A crowd of more than 22,000 - the largest to watch Grambling play this season - attended.

For its part, Grambling received a $150,000 guarantee from promoters.

The game could become a fixture on the Grambling schedule.

"We're extremely pleased by the support from the Las Vegas community," Silver Dollar Classic Vice President of Operations Earl Harris told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I think there's sufficient support to bring it back next year and the years to come."

-- The Tigers' improvement on the playing field is also seen in the NCAA Division I-AA statistics.

After ranking near the bottom in all of I-AA football in rushing after the first two weeks, Grambling has improved to No. 103 out of 123 Division I-AA teams in rushing. The Tigers are averaging 91.5 yards rushing per game.

The Tigers have also zoomed up the charts in passing offense, total offense and scoring offense.

Grambling is averaging 281.5 yards passing per game. That total ranks Grambling 13th nationally. The Tigers are 42nd in total offense with 373 yards per game.

Grambling is averaging 33.25 points per game. The Tigers rank 19th nationally in scoring offense.

The Tigers rank 80th in scoring defense, allowing 28.5 points per game. That figure, though, is somewhat distorted because Grambling allowed 52 points in the opener against McNeese.

Volleyball

The Lady Tigers volleyball team fell to 2-13 on the season after losing matches against Southeastern Louisiana and Centenary on Sunday.

Grambling lost 30-10, 30-19 and 30-15 to Southeastern Louisiana. Latasha Smith had eight kills in the SLU match.

Grambling also lost to Centenary 30-24, 23-30,30-25, 22-30,15-11. After losing the first and third games, Grambling came back to take the second and fourth games and force the deciding fifth game. Tiffany Smoke had 16 kills, with Smith adding 15 and Karla Collins earning 14 kills. Defensively, Krystal Credit led the Tigers with 30 defensive digs as Grambling had 108 digs as a team, holding Centenary to a .102 hitting percentage.

Upcoming schedule

Wednesday - Volleyball vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, at Grambling, 7 p.m.

Saturday - Football vs. Langston, at Grambling, 1:30 p.m.
 
SWAC honors Eugene with weekly award

SWAC honors Eugene with weekly award

News-Star news services
Posted on September 24, 2002

GRAMBLING -- The honors continued to come for Grambling State quarterback Bruce Eugene.

Two days after being named MVP of the inaugural Silver Dollar Classic in Las Vegas, Eugene was dubbed the Southwestern Athletic Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week.

The 6-1, 245 sophomore completed 19-of-41 passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns. Eugene also carried the ball four times for 33 yards and a score.

"I think that is a good honor for Bruce. Hopefully he's understanding his ability and will improve on his leadership," Tigers coach Doug Williams said.

After the win in Las Vegas, the Tigers head into their second home game of the season against Langston University with a 3-1 record. This weekend's game is slated for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.

The Tigers are also tabbing Saturday's game "High School Day" with promotions for all state and area high school students. Call (318) 274-2625 for ticket information.

"I think it's an opportunity for kids around the state to not only enjoy a good football game but, to see Grambling State University as a whole and maybe choose us to further their education," Williams said. "I would be glad to see every high school take advantage of this opportunity to visit us."
 
Williams: Eugene deserving

Williams: Eugene deserving

Paul J. Letlow / ULM reporter
Posted on September 25, 2002

GRAMBLING - Grambling State coach Doug Williams benched starting quarterback Bruce Eugene after he struggled in the season-opening loss to McNeese State.

But after Eugene's 422-yard passing performance in Grambling's 49-14 win over Tennessee State Saturday night, Williams is lobbying for more respect for his sophomore signal caller.

Williams said Tuesday that he was disappointed Eugene wasn't named state Player of the Week by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. The award instead went to Louisiana Tech quarterback Luke McCown, who threw for 406 yards with two touchdowns but had three interceptions in a loss at Penn State.

"Be sure to put in the paper that I was upset," Williams said.

Rest assured that Eugene is back in his coach's good graces after completing 19-of-41 attempts with three touchdowns in the Silver Dollar Classic.

"The one thing I've learned about Coach Williams since I've been here is that he wants the best out of all of his players," Eugene said.

For the year, Eugene has hit 52-of-114 attempts for 920 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions.

"I've always thought I had a quarterback I could rely upon," Williams said. "I think Bruce has played well since the Alcorn game. The last two weeks, I thought he played exceptionally well.

"He's really doing the things that we want him to do. There are still some things he missed out on, but as he plays more, I think he'll get a lot better," he said. "His confidence level is going up higher. When you have a quarterback with confidence who is having a good year, it makes for better play out of your quarterback."

Eugene ranks third in the Southwestern Athletic Conference with 230 passing yards per game, and he is second in total offense with 265 yards per game. His pass efficiency rating of 134.2 ranks fourth in the league.

Up next: Grambling plays host to NAIA Langston University at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Robinson Stadium.

Langston comes in 0-4 after losing 24-19 to Southern Nazarene on Saturday. Wide receiver B'jay Jones, a transfer from Grambling, leads Langston in receiving with 16 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns.

Wounded Tigers: The Tigers have several key players on the injury list this week, and Williams said he might hold them out to insure a return to health before SWAC action heats up.

Among the wounded are receivers Thyron Anderson (shoulder), D.J. Clay (shoulder) and Calvin Colquitt (bruised ribs). Offensive lineman Lance Wright (knee) and defensive tackle Jason Sanders (ankle) are also hurting.
 



Eugene takes command of Tigers

Eugene takes command of Tigers

-- GSU QB throws for 422 yards in win over Tennessee State.
Staff and Wire Reports
Posted on September 23, 2002

LAS VEGAS - There's no quarterback controversy at Grambling these days.

Quarterback Bruce Eugene threw for 422 yards and three touchdowns to lead Grambling past Tennessee State 49-14 at the Silver Dollar Classic in Las Vegas late Saturday night.

Eugene - who started the Tigers' opener and then lost the starting job in Week 2 to true freshman Gary Cooper before regaining it in Week 3 - led the Tigers to their third straight victory. Grambling is 3-1 on the season.

Eugene completed 19-of-41 attempts on Saturday. He threw for 358 yards in the first half alone as the Tigers built a 35-7 halftime lead. For his efforts, he was named Co-Offensive Player of the Week by the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

"We saw them against Alabama A&M and we felt we wanted to come in and stop the run," TSU defensive coordinator Andre Creamer said. "We played well against the run, they decided to try something else and they found something in the passing game."

Grambling wide receiver Tramon Douglas (177 yards received, two touchdowns) caught two of Eugene's touchdown passes of 50 or more yards.

A 59-yard touchdown pass, down the middle, came on the first play of a second-quarter drive with 2:58 left to make it 35-7. The other reception, a 50-yarder down the left side, came with 1:13 left in the first quarter, 14-0.

Also for Grambling (3-1), running back Karrell Charles rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns up the middle, from 3 and 1 yards. The 3-yard run, in the first quarter with 6:10 left, put Grambling up 7-0, while the 1-yard run put Grambling up 42-14 with 1:00 left in the third quarter.

For Tennessee State (1-3), Charles Anthony rushed for 103 yards and one touchdown, a 34-yard run down the left sideline with 13:23 left in the third quarter.

The game was played in Las Vegas because of a $300,000 purse, offered by promoters from California, split by both teams.

This was first meeting between the teams in nine years.

The game drew a crowd of 22,537 at Sam Boyd Stadium.
 
GSU plays up receivers

GSU plays up receivers

Paul J. Letlow / ULM reporter
Posted on September 27, 2002

GRAMBLING - Grambling State's tradition of producing great receivers is in good hands again this season.

After Grambling lost its top two receivers from a year ago, then saw rising star Aaron Johnson lost for the season with a knee injury, the position could have seen a drop.

Instead, Tramon Douglas, Calvin Colquitt and Thyron Anderson have combined to give the Tigers 811 yards and eight touchdowns on 40 catches through four games in 2002. Moses Harris, Adrian Harris and D.J. Clay add depth to the position.

"We really feel as an overall group, this group is better than last year," Grambling coach Doug Williams said. "You had Ellis Spears and Levi Washington as playmakers that stood out.

"But from a balance standpoint, Tramon is the leader of the pack. Colquitt is having a good year and Thyron is having a good year."

Grambling fans have seen plenty of talented receivers pass through campus the past few years. Scotty Anderson, now playing with the Detroit Lions, holds the Grambling career records with 188 catches for 3,182 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Last year the experienced senior duo of Spears and Washington combined for 73 catches for 1,418 and 17 touchdowns. Douglas was the third receiver behind them. Although Grambling coaches felt confident Douglas would emerge as the top target this year, he had to prove it on the field.

"It's real exciting," Douglas said. "They've had a lot of great receivers that have come through here. I talk to Scotty every week. He gives me a lot of motivation and tells me what to expect. I played behind Levi and Ellis. I saw how they handled the leadership role and I was under their wing. When I had my turn, I tried to shine."

"He came into camp saying he wanted to be that go-to receiver," Grambling quarterback Bruce Eugene said. "He said, 'I want that to be me.' He's producing. He has become that guy."

Douglas, who has 15 catches for 318 yards and five touchdowns, is coming off a monster performance against Tennessee State. After sitting out against Alabama A&M with an ankle injury, the 6-1, 205-pound junior from Glen Oaks had seven catches for 177 yards and two scores in the Silver Dollar Classic.

Williams loves his toughness, work habits and willingness to do whatever asked.

"He needed some big numbers after missing a game," said Grambling receivers coach Sammie White, a former NFL star himself. "He's still not 100 percent. But once you've got that love of the game and that drive for the football like he does, you'll play through pain."

Colquitt has been a pleasant surprise since switching to receiver from running back shortly before the season. The transfer from Troy State leads the squad in receiving yards with 333 on 13 receptions. The 6-0, 180-pound playmaker has scored two touchdowns and averages 25.6 yards per reception.

"Sammie has worked with him and he has probably improved more than anyone over there," Williams said. "He's got probably the best pair of hands over there with concentration and speed. He has really turned out to be a tremendous asset."

Anderson is an intriguing senior who appears ready to tap his potential. At 6-4, 206 pounds, the Jonesboro-Hodge product has the size and speed to create matchup problems for the defense. Anderson has 12 catches for 160 yards and one score.

"There's a lot to love about Thyron," White said. "We've been trying to get him to be consistent."

Anderson became so frustrated early this season after a rough start that he considered switching to safety. White asked him to stay patient and Anderson came through. He made four catches for 77 yards against Tennessee State.

"He came out the next game and caught everything in sight," White said. "He ran good routes. He came back against Tennessee State and played really well."

When Grambling State (3-1) plays host to Langston (0-4) at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, the Tigers may need some of their other receivers to come through. Colquitt is questionable with a shoulder injury while Anderson is nursing a shoulder injury.

But as Grambling makes its run toward another Southwestern Athletic Conference title, all three will need to continue contributing.

"The guys before us set a high standard," Douglas said. "Every day they went out there and worked hard and said, 'We're going to win it this year." Every game we went out, we knew we would win.

"This year we're trying to maintain what we've done the last few years."
 
GSU receiver a leader

GSU receiver a leader

Nakia Hogan / The Times
Posted on September 27, 2002

His name wasn't synonymous with Grambling State football. He didn't get the opportunity to catch many touchdowns or score touchdowns. Reporters weren't calling to talk to him because his name wasn't Scotty Anderson or Levi Washington or Ellis Spears.

But Grambling junior receiver Tramon Douglas is beginning to show college football fans and opposing teams he just might be as good.

Douglas, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder, is the Tigers' leading receiver, having caught 15 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns in just three games. He ranks fourth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in receiving yards per game with an average of 106.

"Tramon has played exceptionally well," Grambling coach Doug Williams said. "He's the leader of the pack. We depend on him a great deal."

Before the season began, the receiver position was a great concern for Williams. The Tigers had graduated Washington and Spears, their two leading receivers from the 2001 season.

Douglas, who caught 19 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown last season, was the Tigers' leading returning receiver. Thyron Anderson, a cousin of Detroit Lions receiver Scotty Anderson, also returned. But there wasn't much after them.

"That helps me because we need all the good receivers we can get," Douglas said before the season of teaming with Anderson. "We want to spread the ball around, because that opens things up for everyone."

Grambling's offense really opened up last week against Tennessee State when Douglas, coming off missing the Alabama A&M game with a sprained ankle, caught seven passes for a career-high 177 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers' 49-14 win.

Two weeks before that, Douglas snatched seven passes for 108 yards and three touchdowns.

Surprised?

Not Williams.

"He wasn't a surprise," Williams said. "With Ellis Spears and Levi Washington he didn't get to play much. He could have played a lot more last year."

And the results, Williams said, likely would have been similar.

Over the past two seasons, the names Scotty Anderson, Levi Washington and Ellis Spears dominated Grambling State receiving statistics.

This season there's a new receiving corps ready to take over for the Tigers.

Washington and Spears led GSU receivers last season while Scotty Anderson rewrote the Grambling record book.

All the while, Douglas and Thyron Anderson were waiting in the wings for their chances.

"Those guys have been working hard and I think we'll going to be a lot better at receiver than people might think," Grambling quarterback Bruce Eugene said. "Tramon started showing last year what he's capable of and Thyron worked very hard this summer and is ready to turn things up a notch. He's been playing very well."
 
Tiger Update: Inside Grambling athletics

Tiger Update: Inside Grambling athletics

Staff Reports
Posted on September 30, 2002

Grambling State has won its last four football games. But Saturday's victory was anything but pretty.

The Tigers rolled up 554 yards offense and somehow managed to defeat a winless Langston by only seven points, 37-30.

The reason?

Turnovers.

Grambling lost six turnovers in the sloppy game. Three of the turnovers were interceptions of Bruce Eugene passes. Eugene also lost two fumbles.

Eugene did put up his second straight 400-yard passing performance. He passed for 412 yards and three touchdowns.

Eugene, though, wasn't alone in his performance. The Tigers as a team struggled against Langston.

"We've got to go back to the drawing board," GSU defensive lineman Calvin Arnold said. "We have to work hard to prepare for the next game."

The Tigers travel to Dallas to face Prairie View on Saturday.

-- After a slow start, Grambling running back Karrell Charles is fourth in the SWAC in rushing with an average of 60.8 yards rushing per game.

Eugene ranks as the No. 2 passer in the SWAC in both passing yards per game (266.4) and passing efficiency (132.4 rating).

Grambling's Tramon Douglas ranks second in the SWAC in receiving with 127.2 yards receiving per game. Douglas leads the SWAC in scoring with 10.5 points per game.

Volleyball

Through her first 21 games, Grambling's Krystal Credit was leading the Southwestern Athletic Conference in digs with 4.29 per game. Her 90 digs rank second in the SWAC.

As a team, through 38 games, Grambling was leading the SWAC in digs with 13.50 per game.

Also among the conference individual leaders is Tiffany Smoke. She ranks third in the conference in kills with 2.76 per game. Grambling's Latasha Smith is ninth in kills at 2.21 per game.

Lequia Collins ranks fifth with 0.50 service aces per game. Collins also ranks fifth in assists at 7.06 per game.

Upcoming events

Today - Volleyball vs. Prairie View, at Prairie View, Texas, 3 p.m., 5 p.m.

Wednesday - Volleyball vs. Jackson State, at Grambling, 5 p.m., 7 p.m.

Saturday - Football, vs. Prairie View, at Dallas, 7 p.m.

- From Staff Reports
 
GSU hopes to recuperate soon

GSU hopes to recuperate soon

Scott Beder / Tech and GSU Reporter
Posted on October 2, 2002

GRAMBLING - As his injury list grows longer, Grambling State coach Doug Williams is hoping his team can get through Saturday's game against Prairie View and enjoy its bye next week.

"We're banged up," Williams said. "If we can get over this week and give them time next week, we hopefully can be healthy for the stretch run."

The injured include four full-time starters - receiver Thyron Anderson (shoulder), center Lance Wright (knee), fullback Quentin Payne (shoulder) and cornerback Travis Massey (shoulder) - and two special teams starters in punt returner D.J. Clay (shoulder) and Fred Wicker (knee).

None of those players will play Saturday and with next week's bye, Williams is hoping the extra rest will make them available for the Tigers' Oct. 19 game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

"We miss those guys," Williams said. "Thyron was just beginning to play ball. D.J. was our fourth receiver. Wicker was our best special teams guy and Lance and Payne are starters."

SWAC to the air: Maybe it's a sign of the times or the lack of talented running backs, but so far the statistics show that the SWAC has become a receivers' league.

Through five games, no SWAC rusher is averaging 100 yards per game. The league's leading ground gainer is Alabama A&M's Melvin Gideon, who is averaging 75.5 yards per game.

"In this conference, if you think about it, Alabama A&M is the only team that tries to run the football, and that's because they don't have a trigger guy," Williams said. "This conference has the approach if you're going to make plays, whether it's good or bad, the ball's going to be in the air."

The SWAC features six quarterbacks who are throwing for 200 or more yards a game. Jackson State's Robert Kent leads the league at 334 yards per game. Grambling's Bruce Eugene is second, averaging 266.4 yards per game.

Five receivers are averaging 90 or more receiving yards per game. UAPB receiver Korea McKay leads in that category, averaging 130.6 yards per game. The Tigers' Tramon Douglas ranks second at 127.2 yards per game.

Tiger tidbits: Douglas leads the SWAC in scoring with seven touchdowns. ... After a stellar freshman season in which he earned Black College All-America honors by connecting on 18-of-25 field goals, sophomore kicker Brian Morgan is just 1-for-10 this year on field-goal attempts. ... The Tigers are a perfect 3-for-3 this year on fourth-down conversions.
 
Nothing but a 'D' thing for Grambling

Nothing but a 'D' thing for Grambling

Year after year, the GSU defense makes its point on the field

Scott Beder / Tech and GSU Reporter
Posted on October 4, 2002

GRAMBLING - In a season of changes and new faces, one constant remains for the Grambling State football team - its defense.

The Tigers rode the Southwestern Athletic Conference's best defense to two consecutive league titles in 2000 and '01. Despite an influx of fresh faces and an entirely new linebacking crew, the Tigers sit atop the SWAC in total defense.

"We been spoiled in the past with the Robert Taylors, Terrance Dukes and Kalvin Pearsons, but now it's time for some new faces in the picture," GSU defensive coordinator Mike Roach said. "We're young but we've got some decent athletes. We were hoping by the sixth and seventh ballgames we would start to jell and see some continuity."

Grambling leads the SWAC in total defense, allowing just 291.6 yards per game and ranks first in pass defense, allowing 155.6 yards per game through the air while forcing opposing quarterbacks to complete only 45.5 percent of their passes.

Grambling's defense is one reason the Tigers are 4-1 and riding a four-game winning streak heading into Saturday's State Fair Classic against SWAC West foe Prairie View A&M (0-4).

"The key for us is to come out and work and work and stay focused and take each opponent seriously," senior defensive lineman Antwan Lawrence said. "We have to take it day by day, down by down."

The Tigers have excelled in three crucial categories - producing turnovers, plays for negative yards and third-down conversion.

Grambling has forced 14 turnovers, produced 43 tackles for losses -including 16 quarterback sacks - and is holding opponents to 29 percent on third-down conversion.

"We've got a ton of turnovers," Roach said. "We had five interceptions last Saturday and we're making plays. But we're giving up big plays. If we can eliminate those and cut the third-down conversion in half, you'll see the old type Grambling defense show up."

Senior linebacker Antoine Smith, in his first year as a starter, has been a standout so far. Smith leads the Tigers with 34 tackles and a team-high seven for loss. He also has three sacks and has forced two fumbles.

"Antoine Smith is probably the most consistent of the linebackers and may be as consistent as anyone," Roach said.

Although the Tigers lead the SWAC in total defense, there is room for improvement and the players and coaches believe they have yet to play their best ball.

The Tigers are allowing a bloated 28.8 points per game, but that number is somewhat skewed. The Tigers gave up 52 points in their season-opening loss to I-AA power McNeese State and the Grambling offense hasn't done the defense any favors. The Tigers have committed 16 turnovers, giving opponents short fields and in some instances, points.

Grambling has also struggled to stop the run, allowing 136 yards per game on the ground.

"We've got to be able to make teams one dimensional," senior safety Denmark Reed said. "If we're able to stop the run, that will provide some opportunity to get sacks and interceptions to give us some momentum."

Still, for a unit with seven new starters, the early returns look good.

"We're leading the SWAC in total defense, but we haven't really peaked yet," Reed said. "We still have some guys trying to get the basic strategy of our defense down pat. Once everybody is on the same accord, we have the chance to be as good, if not better, than the defense in previous years."
 
Grambling QB settles in

Grambling QB settles in
Eugene ranks second in SWAC.

Louisiana Gannett News
Posted on October 4, 2002

GRAMBLING - Grambling State coach Doug Williams benched starting quarterback Bruce Eugene after he struggled in the season-opening loss to McNeese State.

Since then, Eugene has regained his starting job and emerged as one of the top passers in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

"The one thing I've learned about Coach Williams since I've been here is that he wants the best out of all of his players," Eugene said.

For the year, Eugene has hit 83-of-168 attempts for 1,332 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.

He secured the starting job after coming off the bench in the Alcorn State game and has not relinquished the role.

"I've always thought I had a quarterback I could rely upon," Williams said. "I think Bruce has played well since the Alcorn game. "He's really doing the things that we want him to do. There are still some things he missed out on, but as he plays more, I think he'll get a lot better. His confidence level is going up higher. When you have a quarterback with confidence who is having a good year, it makes for better play out of your quarterback."

Eugene ranks second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference with 266.4 passing yards per game, and he is second in total offense with 296 yards per game. His pass efficiency rating of 132.4 ranks second in the league.

Eugene passed for 412 yards and three touchdowns last week in the Tigers' 37-30 victory over NAIA foe Langston.

However, he also had three interceptions and two fumbles in that contest.

"All we ask of Bruce Eugene is not to win the football game but, also not to lose it," Williams said.

Eugene, who completed 31-of-54 passes against Langston, understands the importance of cutting down on his mistakes.

"We've got to protect the ball better," Eugene said. "Me personally, I gave up too many turnovers."

The Tigers will need Eugene to limit the number of mistakes this week against Prairie View in Dallas.

"We can't take anybody for granted the way we played," Williams said. "Going into the Cotton Bowl with 50,000 fans, it would be nothing better for Prairie View than to upset Grambling this weekend."
 
Grambling rallies for victory

Grambling rallies for victory

Louisiana Gannett News
Posted on October 6, 2002

DALLAS - Whatever it took for Doug Williams to ignite the fire under his Grambling State Tigers, he needs to bottle it up and store it at room temperature.

The Tigers started the second half Saturday against Southwestern Athletic Conference doormat Prairie View A&M in the hole, but re-turned for three touchdowns in the third quarter en route to a 35-13 win at the Cotton Bowl.

"I didn't really say a lot; I just told them the (scoreboard) said it all: Prairie View 13, Grambling 0," Williams said. "We just have to go back out there and play football."

Tiger quarterback Bruce Eugene was suddenly alive, completing 14-of-20 passes in the second half after a 26-yard first half. The sophomore finished with 267 yards and three touchdowns.

The offense as a whole came alive in the second half, suddenly con-verting on third downs, when it could only muster four first downs in the first half.

This suddenly inspired (and relaxed) the defense, which spent more than 21 minutes on the field in the first half.

Prairie View (0-5, 0-2) was held to just one three-play series in the first half, in the second, that number increased to three.

"I think that was adjustments, defensively we made adjustments to them," Williams said. "A lot of that has to do with that fact that we were unable to move the football in the first half and that Prairie View was able to move the football, take their time, milk the clock and be able to do whatever they wanted to do."

Defensive back Denmark Reed led the Tiger defense with nine tack-les, including one for a loss.

The rushing game found new footing in the second half as well, with wide receiver Delvin Lewis leading the Tiger ground game with 74 yards. Grambling State (5-1, 2-0) picked up just 25 yards on the ground in eight first-half rushes.

Against a Panther team that has won just four games in three years, that was what Williams was expecting from the first whistle.

"That was entirely different halves," Williams said. "I'm just glad we scored more points in our half than they scored in theirs. In the first half, we couldn't get nothing going. When they took that opening kick-off, they played the clock and did what they wanted to and they've got that little, feisty quarterback we couldn't put our hands on."

Prairie View jumped to a quick 13-0 lead in the first quarter, scoring on its first two series of the game.
 
Inside Grambling State athletics

Inside Grambling State athletics

Staff Reports
Posted on October 7, 2002

Grambling State goes into its first open date with a 5-1 record and five consecutive victories after rallying from behind to defeat Prairie View, 35-13, on Saturday in Dallas.

Grambling struggled to generate any offense in the first two quarters. But Tigers quarterback Bruce Eugene had another strong showing in the second half when he completed 14-of-20 for 241 yards and three touchdowns.

"Every year in this classic, Prairie View plays its best ball in the first half," Eugene told the Monroe News-Star. "That didn't shock us at all. What shocked us was that we didn't come out as well as we could."

Defensively, the Tigers were led by defensive back Denmark Reed who had nine tackles, including one for a loss.

The Tigers will take this week off. They return to action on Oct. 19 when they face Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the annual Red River Classic at Shreveport's Independence Stadium.

Volleyball

Through their first 52 games, Grambling ranked fourth in the SWAC in hitting percentage (.139), fourth in assists (8.85) and second in digs (11.83).

Grambling's Tiffany Smoke ranks third in the SWAC in kills with 3.17 per game. The Lady Tigers' Latasha Smith ranks seventh in the same category with 2.51 per contest.

Lequia Collins leads Grambling with 8.37 assists per game, ranking sixth in the SWAC in that category. Collins also ranks sixth in the SWAC in service aces with 0.45 per game.

Grambling's Krystal Credit leads the SWAC with 3.80 digs per game. The Lady Tigers' Teandra Gulley ranks ninth in the same category with 2.05 per game.

Basketball

Tigers coach Larry Wright and Lady Tigers coach David "Rusty" Ponton will take part in SWAC basketball media days on Oct. 17 in Jackson, Miss.

Wright and Ponton will be joined by the league's other men's and women's basketball coaches to talk about the upcoming season.

Upcoming schedule

Today - Volleyball vs. Southern, 7:30 p.m., at Baton Rouge

Tuesday - Volleyball vs. Alcorn State, 5-7 p.m., at Grambling

Thursday - Volleyball vs. Southern Arkansas, 7 p.m., at Magnolia, Ark.
 
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