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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2007

Struggles Could Lead To Losing Year For Carter

A season of struggles might be getting to Florida A&M coach Rubin Carter.

Asked earlier this week how he was doing, the Rattlers head coach replied: 'I've been better.'

The Rattlers have lost four games in a row and Carter could be headed for his first losing season as a head coach. His starting quarterback quit two weeks ago. His second-most productive wide receiver quit after last week. He lost his left offensive tackle for the season last week. And his new QB had almost as many interceptions (four) as completions (six) in his last game.

Oh, and a porous run defense is getting worse. Norfolk State RB Daryl Jones' career-best day had been 143 yards before he ran for 256 against the Rattlers on Saturday.

This week, the Rattlers face a Morgan State team that lost to MEAC leader Delaware State on a 100-yard fumble return last week. Oh, and the Bears feature Chad Simpson, the leading rusher in the MEAC.

'We're learning how to fight,' Carter said. 'We've got to commit to a strong finish to this season.'

Turnovers Continue To Hinder B-CU's Offense

Bethune-Cookman is always among the MEAC's top offensive teams - or at least it used to be. In MEAC games this year, the Wildcats are last in passing, next-to-last in total offense and scoring, and last in turnovers.

B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt blames it on inexperience and untimely turnovers.

The Wildcats lost 14-9 to Winston-Salem last week when QB McKinson Souverain was intercepted at the goal line in the final minute.

'We're close to winning, but we've been close all season,' Wyatt said. 'Once we stop giving the ball away, we're going to be all right. Our kids know they're close and we're going to turn the corner and do some good things real soon.'

This week might be the answer. The Wildcats travel to North Carolina A&T. The Aggies are winless in eight games and are giving up an average of 33.7 points a game.

'We've only had one MEAC game where we scored more than 30 points and I can't remember when that ever happened,' Wyatt said. 'We're due for something good.'

Knights Still Have Shot At C-USA Championship

A week after Central Florida was getting roasted for losing 64-12 to the University of South Florida, the Knights now are being toasted as potential Conference USA contenders.

They hammered Tulsa 44-23 before another sellout at Bright House Networks Stadium to improve to 2-1 in C-USA.

Now they have a Sunday night ESPN game against Southern Miss this weekend.

'We were hitting on all cylinders against Tulsa,' UCF coach George O'Leary said. 'The thing we've got to do is take the intensity we have in home games on the road with us.'

It will help if QB Kyle Israel is as good this week as he was last week.

Israel hit 21 of 29 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 22 yards for a score.

'Kyle finally threw the ball with some conviction and confidence,' O'Leary said.

Tailback Kevin Smith had 170 yards rushing and scored four times.

Bill Fay

AROUND THE STATE

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