When: Sept. 16, 2000 Where: Magnolia, Ark. @ Wilkins Stadium

Kickoff Time: 6:00 p.m.

SAU and VSU have played four times with the Blazers winning the first meeting 42-0 in 1996 behind the passing of All-American quarterback Lance Funderburk. VSU was ranked first in NCAA Division II and went 8-0 with that win. The Muleriders bounced back to win the next three 17-7, 40-13 and 28-14.

SAU's first-year coach, John Bland, is off to a 1-0 start by defeating Southeastern Oklahoma State University in his debut. VSU's first-year coach Chris Hatcher returned to his alma mater to revive the Blazers with a rousing 2-0 beginning with routs of nationally-ranked opponents Albany State University and Fort Valley State University, both in-state rivals.

Southern Arkansas University will host the inagural Gulf South Conference televised pact of eight games aired live by Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast Cable Network. CSS is a joint venture of Comcast Corporation and Charter Communications, the nation’s third-and fourth-largest cable companies, respectively. CSS has nearly 1.6 million subscribers across eight states--Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Florida, and Arkansas.

Out of Magnolia, Ark.: KVMA 107.9 FM with Dan Gregory and Jay Adcox.

Out of Valdosta, Ga.: WWRQ 107.9 FM in Valdosta with Dick Rockey and Tom Odom.

Also on TEAMLINE @ 1-800-846-4700 VSU team code: 3169.

Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast Cable (Channel in 95 Magnolia, AR and Channel 19 in Valdosta, GA) across eight Southeastern states with Lyn Rollins (the Voice of the Northeastern State University Deamons), play-by-play; color commentary Steve Roberts (NSU head football coach and former SAU football coach; Steve Thomas, Producer; and Mike Ingberg on talent statistics.

VSU took a 7-0 lead on a four-yard run by halfback Mike Christopher and Andy Bishop's PAT. SAU tied it in the second quarter on a 12-yard pass from quarterback Adam Pendergrass to split end Drew Cone and Jason Williams' conversion. The 'Riders went up 14-7 in the third quarter when quarterback Tim Barrington connected with Cone for a 44-yard touchdown and Williams' toe made it 14-7. In the fourth quarter, SAU fullback Jerry Bowman broke for a 25-yard touchdown run and Williams' conversion widened the gap to 21-7. VSU came back with a three-yard run by Travis Francis midway through the final period and Bishop's kick put VSU back into contention 21-14. The 'Riders put the game away with 4:34 remaining on a 10-yard run by halfback Forrest Curry and Williams tacked on the extra point to make the score 28-14.

Harding University @ Arkansas Tech University, 7:00 p.m.; University of Central Arkansas @ Ouachita Baptist University, 7:00 p.m.; Delta State University @ University of West Alabama, 1:00 p.m.; Henderson State University @ State University of West Georgia, 6:00 p.m.; Valdosta State University @ Southern Arkansas University, 6:00 p.m. and Oklahoma Panhandle State @ University of Arkansas-Monticello, 2:00 p.m.

State University of West Georgia 28-Albany State University 0; Tennessee Tech University 29-Harding University 27; Miles College 14- University of West Alabama 7; University of Arkansas-Monticello 40- University of North Alabama 21; University of Central Arkansas 23- Southwest Baptist College 7; Alabama A&M University 39- Henderson State University 10; Delta State University 35- Mississippi Valley State University 23.

QB Tim Barrington rushed for 148 net yards and HB Forrest Curry added 122 against Southeastern Oklahoma State. Center Trey LaValle and tackle Michael Boster graded the highest among the offensive linemen. Free safety Eric Woods intercepted two passes and returned them 103 yards, one for a 67-yard touchdown. Linebacker Tim Rose drew praise for his effort on defense.

QB Dusty Bonner was the D2football.com National Offensive Player of the Week in the Blazers season opener at Albany State by completing his first 17 pass attempts. Last week against Fort Valley State, he was 22 of 31 on pass attempts for five touchdowns against the defending Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion. Bonner transferred to VSU from Kentucky, where he was second-team All-Southeastern Conference last year and projected first-team All-SEC this year. FS Ced Dickerson led the Blazer defense with six tackles.

The ‘Riders are ranked ninth in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and VSU is 21st. VSU is ranked eighth in USA Football and SAU dropped from 28th to 29th in spite of winning over Southeastern Oklahoma State, the defending Lone Star Conference tri-champion. Dan Hansen's Football Gazette has the Blazers 14th and SAU 23rd.

University of West Alabama @ University of Arkansas-Monticello, 6:00 p.m.; Arkansas Tech University @ State University of West Georgia, 6:00 p.m.; University of Central Arkansas @ Valdosta State University (Family Day), 6:00 p.m.; University of North Alabama @ Delta State University, 6:00 p.m.; Henderson State University @ Harding University, 7:00 p.m. and Ouachita Baptist @ SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY (Family Day), 7:00 p.m.

"We made too many mistakes (vs. Southeastern). We put the ball on the ground too much (four fumbles, three of them lost) and we had some foolish penalties (11 for 106 yards) that we can correct. It is good to make corrections after a win (instead of a loss). We saw some things we need to improve on but we did some things right...we set a (school) record (523 yards rushing). There were a lot of positive things. We had two who rushed for over 100 yards. Our receivers made some catches and our defense played well. A lot of redshirts (freshmen) and (true) freshmen stepped up (on defense). They will have to continue to do so and I'm sure they will. VSU has jumped up in the polls. They are an exciting team with Dusty Bonner leading their offense. This has given confidence to their special teams and defense. Excitement has been brought back to VSU by coach (Chris) Hatcher. They are going to have a good team. It will be an exciting game in Magnolia. We are expecting a big crowd."

SAU's injury update is encouraging. Wide receiver Michael Beck sustained a shoulder injury at Southeastern but he is expected back at full speed. Backup linebacker Charles Simmons suffered a mild knee injury in the opener but he should be ready to play. Chad James, a returner at defensive tackle, reported in pre-season with a broken jaw but is scheduled to return for the VSU game. However, he has lost size and strength. Promising freshman defensive tackle Cedric Brooks missed the opener with a knee injury but may be available for duty against VSU. Kyle Sanders, a starter at offensive tackle last year, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease last spring and is unable to play this season. However, he is in school and attending practice with plans to return to football next fall when he is finished with treatments and is fully recovered.

VSU’s receiver Carlos Johnson is probable with a hamstring injury and receiver Dennis Fryzel is questionable with a MCL tear.

Location Magnolia, Arkansas

Conference Gulf South

Affiliation NCAA Division II

President Dr. Steven G. Gamble

Athletics Director Jay Adcox

Head Coach John Bland

Asst. Coaches Tommy Laurendine, Carey Baker, Clay Jennings and Jason Sanders

Sports Information Dir. Landon Stevens

Nickname Muleriders

Colors Royal Blue & Old Gold

Enrollment 2,870

Founded 1909 (SAU ‘76)

Stadium Wilkins (6,000)

Pressbox Phone (870) 235-4117

Location Valdosta, Georgia

Conference Gulf South

Affiliation NCAA Division II

President Dr. Hugh C. Bailey

Athletics Director Herb Reinhard

Head Coach Chris Hatcher

Asst. Coaches Will Muschamp, Chris Boden,

Kirby Smart, Shawn Bostick, Mike Pelton,

David Dean and Michael Doscher

Sports Information Dir. Steve Roberts

Nickname Blazers

Colors Red and Black

Enrollment 8,650

Founded 1906

Stadium Bazemore-Hyder

Pressbox Phone (912) 245-3779

Depth Chart

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Pos. No. Name Cl. Ht. Wt.