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News Nuggets, 10.16.04
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Blazers scorch Frogs to stay unbeaten in league

BIRMINGHAM — Darrell Hackney threw five touchdown passes in the first half to lead UAB to a 41-25 victory over Texas Christian on Friday night.

Hackney, a junior who threw four scoring passes against Army in 2002, was 15-for-24 for 337 yards. He helped UAB join Southern Mississippi and Louisville as the only undefeated teams in Conference USA.

The Blazers (5-1, 3-0 C-USA) are off to their first 3-0 conference start in school history, putting them at least temporarily in the co-lead with USM for the league lead.

Brandon Hassell was 20-for-33 for 293 yards and one touchdown for TCU (3-3, 1-2).

UAB piled up 315 yards of total offense and built a 35-14 lead by halftime.

Hackney threw a 59-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White on UAB's second play. Reggie Lindsey caught touchdown passes of 17 and 40 yards, and Cedric Hampton and Norris Drinkard each caught 10-yard scoring passes.

UAB's only points in the second half came on field goals by Nick Hayes, who was good from 34 and 30 yards.

Roddy White finished with four receptions for 130 yards, and Dan Burks had three catches for 86 yards. Corey White was UAB's leading rusher with 68 yards on 12 carries.

For TCU, Cory Rodgers had eight receptions for 65 yards and two touchdowns, while Reggie Harrell finished with six catches for 175 yards.'

Another Florida school graduating to Division I

JACKSONVILLE, FL — The University of North Florida's Board of Trustees voted Thursday to allow the school's athletic programs to move from NCAA Division II to Division I.

The process will begin when North Florida submits its formal application to the NCAA, due by Dec. 1.

"Today's vote by our Board of Trustees signals a turning point for the university," school president John A. Delaney said. "This is the right time in the history of UNF to move to the highest division of college athletics."

The earliest North Florida could begin competing as a full member of Division I would be the 2009-10 season. The school offers 17 intercollegiate sports, including men's golf and women's swimming and diving, which already compete at the Division I level.

The school must first go through an exploratory year, then a 4-year transition period, during which the school can compete as a Division I program but will not be eligible for any NCAA championships or postseason tournaments.

A member of Division II since 1993-94, North Florida will remain eligible for all Peach Belt Conference and Division II national championships in 2004-05.

North Florida will most likely seek membership in the Atlantic Sun Conference, which includes nearby state schools Jacksonville and Stetson.

"We have been in contact with UNF as this move was considered," Atlantic Sun commissioner Bill Bibb said. "I believe they are ready to compete as a Division I institution."

News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2004 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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