East Carolina

Carolinas/Region

Conference USA

November 27, 2005

Linkmeister Note: Hats off to the Seniors
  The 19 East Carolina seniors have played under three head coaches, three defensive coordinators, four offensive coordinators, two athletic directors, & three university chancellors in the past five years.

From Bonesville.net
-Game Center: East Carolina 31, UAB 23 - 11.27
-O'Brien: Seniors lay foundation for the future - 11.27
-BVL: Pirates shed misery of lost years - 11.27
-BVL: ECU-UAB Box Score & Statistics - 11.27
BVL Audio: Skip Holtz Postgame Press Conference - 11.27
-Myatt: Defense, new faces come through - 11.27
-AP: ECU fends off Terriers - 11.27
-AP: ECU-Wofford Box Score & Statistics - 11.27
BVL Audio: Ricky Stokes & Players Postgame - 11.27
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond - 11.27
� C-USA Football Standings, Scores & Schedule
� C-USA Basketball Standings, Scores & Schedule

From ecupirates.com
-Pirates Power Past Blazers, 31-23
-Men's Basketball Outlasts Wofford In Overtime
-Lady Pirates Win UNCG Airport Marriott Thanksgiving Tournament Crown 73-59

From the New Bern Sun Journal
-Pirates play spoiler
-Bell picks up first two interceptions as Pirate
-ECU hoops sneaks by Wofford

Promising end for Pirates
Raleigh News & Observer

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Fans- Holtz adds optimism
  Ending the season on a two-game winning streak over Marshall and UAB left fans beaming with optimism about first-year coach Skip Holtz and the direction the East Carolina University team is heading.
-Pirates savor season finale
  Playing for nothing but pride for the second consecutive week and the fourth straight season for some, ECU got comfortable in the role of spoiler in its season swan song, squashing the Blazers and quarterback Darrell Hackney's guarantee of a victory over the Pirates.
-Pirate seniors go out as winners despite 'guarantee'
-Pirates finish off Wofford in OT
  Finish. That's been the motto of the East Carolina men's basketball team this season.
-ECU women win crown at UNCG's tournament
  East Carolina outscored Longwood by 23 points in the second half to claim a 73-59 victory in the championship game of the UNCG/Marriott Thanksgiving Tournament Saturday at Fleming Gym on the UNC-Greensboro campus.

ECU downs UAB to cap an 'awesome year'
Winston Salem Journal

From the Washington Daily News
-Pirates �Hack� Blazers
  ENext time, maybe he�ll keep his mouth shut.
-ECU men win overtime thriller
  It only took the Pirates two days to shed off those Thanksgiving pounds, as they needed an extra session to beat the Wofford Terriers 70-68 Saturday night. With the score tied at 68 apiece in overtime, Japhet McNeil�s two free throws with 20 seconds left in the game put the finishing touches on the Terries.

From the Kinston Free Press
-Pirates close season with football win
  What a difference a year makes as the smiles have returned to Greenville.
-ECU survives for hoops victory in overtime

From the Birmingham News
-Blazers bowled over
  Scoreboard watching wasn't necessary Saturday afternoon at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. And UAB head coach Watson Brown won't spend today lobbying to get his team in a bowl game.
-Brown says he'll return as coach
  Watson Brown will continue to be UAB's head football coach despite a season that began with lofty expectations and ended in disappointment.
-Brown- Hackney deserved a more fitting sendoff
-UAB- By the numbers
-UAB football- 2-minute drill
-BLAZERS NOTEBOOK

November 26, 2005

From Bonesville.net
-BVL: Sneak Peeks from the Dec. 2005 Pirates' Chest - 11.26
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond - 11.26
� C-USA Football Standings, Scores & Schedule
� C-USA Basketball Standings, Scores & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town - 11.26

Pirate Gameday
WNCT Live Pregame/Postgame Audio Feed
Saturday November 26th
Football: UAB
 Noon ET - Greenville, NC
AUDIO/VIDEO: CSTV All Access (PPV)
- ECU Game Day Central
- Gametracker
- Weather Forecast - Greenville
Men's Basketball: Wofford
 5:00pm ET - Greenville, NC
- Gametracker

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Pirate seniors bid farewell today
-Bell leading the next wave of Pirate linebackers
-Pirates look to rebound against Wofford today
-ECU women advance at UNC-G tournament

Blazers hope to make bowl case
Birmingham News

ECU looking to send seniors off in style
Washington Daily News

Greensboro golfer says it's time to retire
  If there is any regret, any tinge of dissatisfaction, John Maginnes is not letting on.
Greensboro News Record

From ecupirates.com
-Men's Basketball Looks To Bounce Back Against Wofford
-Lady Pirates Win In Dramatic In Dramatic Fashion For Season's First Victory

Blazers close out regular season at East Carolina
uabsports.com

From the Kinston Free Press
-Pirates enter Wofford game with confidence
-Pirates close out season against Blazers

Pirates look to end season with win
New Bern Sun Journal

At a glance- Saturday's UAB-East Carolina game
Gainesville (FL) Sun

East Carolina, UAB meet with plenty on line
Columbus (GA) Ledger-Enquirer

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Pirates star mulls NFL
  Allison, a junior, plans to discuss next step with ECU coaches after season.
-A long walk to glory
  ... East Carolina wide receiver Phillip Henry said his life has changed dramatically since he joined the Pirates last season as a walk-on. ...
-Walk-ons 'invaluable'
  ... We couldn't practice without those guys to help us on the scout team." East Carolina WALK-ONS: 23 COACH SKIP HOLTZ: "They're invaluable to us right now. ...

November 25, 2005
Black Friday (Shopping Holiday)

From Bonesville.net
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond - 11.25
� Memphis meets short-handed Duke for NIT title
� C-USA Basketball Standings, Scores & Schedule
� C-USA Football Standings, Scores & Schedule

From the Birmingham News
-Blazers go to spoilers' home with bowl hopes
  East Carolina, the team standing in the way of the UAB football team and bowl eligibility, played the same role a week ago.
-Second homecoming in store for Wayne Bolt
  UAB Defensive Coordinator was an All-American offensive lineman under Pat Dye at East Carolina.

Lindsey proving tough to contain
  In two years at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Reggie Lindsey has gone from converted quarterback to the team's top receiver.
New Bern Sun Journal

ECU women to face 'Cats
Greenville Daily Reflector

UAB Football Prepares For Season Finale At ECU
uabsports.com

November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving (US)

From Bonesville.net
-Myatt: View From The 'ville - 11.24
� Program on the move to solid ground
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond - 11.24
� No. 15 Fresno State headed for Liberty Bowl
� C-USA Football Standings, Scores & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town - 11.24
WNCT: Pirate Talk - 11.24

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Stokes looking for both effort and execution
-Pro teams like Whimper

From the Kinston Free Press
-ECU teams ready for holiday
-Many positives for Pirates after GWU loss

Bell delivers in first start
New Bern Sun Journal

November 23, 2005

From Bonesville.net
-Hinton: View From The 'ville - 11.23
� Seeds of new rivalry are firmly planted
-BVL: G-W shoots down Pirates - 11.23
-BVL: ECU vs. G-W Box Score - 11.23
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond - 11.23
� Ten recruits to join Pirates' quest for Omaha
� C-USA Football Standings, Scores & Schedule
WNCT: Talk of the Town - 11.23
WNCT: Tuesday Tailgate - 11.23

From ecupirates.com
-East Carolina Falls to Gardner-Webb 77-72
  Simon Conn scored 16 of his 25 points in the second half and Gardner-Webb held off several rallies to beat East Carolina 77-72 Tuesday.
-Baseball Announces Ten Signees To 2007 Class
  Six high school seniors and four junior college players have signed early national letters-of-intent
-Tanner Briele Signs National Letter Of Intent With Pirates
-Three Prep Swimmers Sign With ECU During Early Period

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-Bulldogs nip Pirates
  For the second year in a row, Gardner-Webb dealt the East Carolina men's basketball team a loss on Tuesday night.
-Competition boosting Johnson, ECU running game
  All season, the light has flickered on and off for East Carolina's running game.
-Diamond Bucs add 10 recruits

Gardner-Webb slips by East Carolina
  Gardner-Webb came to Greenville wanting to make a statement and prove last year's 30-point win over East Carolina was no fluke.
Kinston Free Press

Last game of the season is about ECU's senior class
  For those on the outside looking in, Saturday's game between East Carolina and the University of Alabama-Birmingham is a meaningless game for the homestanding Pirates.
New Bern Sun Journal

East Carolina can�t overcome early 21-point deficit as Garner-Webb wins in Minges
Washington Daily News

From the Birmingham News
-Blazers playing for bowl eligibility
  For the third time in four years the UAB football team heads into its final regular season game needing a win to become bowl eligible.
-Decision time coming soon for UAB's Brown
  For Watson Brown, his regular-season finale Saturday may not be on the national radar, but it's more than big enough.

November 22, 2005

From Bonesville.net
-Bailey: From The Anchor Desk - 11.22
� This group of seniors endured and survived
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond - 11.22
� Monster game earns weekly award for Rouse
� Kickoff set for first 'Xbox 360' C-USA title game
� C-USA Football Standings, Scores & Schedule
BVL: Holtz press conference (commercial free) - 11.22
WNCT: Talk of the Town with Henry Hinton - 11.22
WNCT: Bailey Show (guest Steve Shankweiler) - 11.22

Pirate Gamenight
WNCT Live Pregame/Postgame Audio Feed
Tuesday November 22nd
Men's Basketball: Gardner-Webb
 7:00pm ET - Greenville, NC
- Gametracker

From ecupirates.com
-Men's Basketball Ready To Host Gardner-Webb Tuesday Night
  Fans can receive free admission ot the game by presenting a canned good item at the Minges Coliseum ticket window.
-Rouse Named Conference USA Player-Of-The-Week
-Weekly Press Luncheon Quotes
  East Carolina University head football coach Skip Holtz addressed members of the media prior to the season finale against Conference USA foe UAB.
-Men's Swimming & Diving Complete Nike Cup Competition
-Women's Swimming And Diving Complete Nike Cup Competition

From the Greenville Daily Reflector
-ECU's final exam- UAB
  Guarantees in sports have become commonplace, almost to the point of being overbearing and certainly to the point of coming out sounding ho-hum.
-Pirate men get chance to avenge loss to Bulldogs
  Gardner-Webb almost pulled off a major upset at North Carolina Saturday night in its season opener before losing 83-80 in Chapel Hill.
-ECU competes in the Nike Cup

Pirates looking for revenge
  For the next eight games, East Carolina is on a mission to reverse its fortunes from 2004-05.
Kinston Free Press

From the New Bern Sun Journal
-Gardner-Webb looks to rebound against Pirates
  Tonight at 7 p.m. in Greenville, Gardner-Webb will seek to repeat what has to qualify as its greatest success as a NCAA Division I basketball program
-ECU can dash UAB's postseason hopes
  For the second week in a row, the East Carolina football team has a chance to play the role of spoiler.

Blazers Discuss East Carolina Game With Media
UABsports.com

Pirates making progress
  Holtz doubles wins in first year.
Raleigh News & Observer

Momentum- ECU seeking strong finish
  Coach Skip Holtz of East Carolina got the response he wanted from his team over the weekend as the Pirates went to Marshall and won.
Winston Salem Journal

Pirates begin final week of practice
  As the East Carolina football team begins its final week of practice, the players know what they knew last week � no bowl game for the Pirates this year.
Washington Daily News

ECU missed season's goal
Charlotte Observer

Tough back to tackle
  UAB linebacker Mastaki Smith offers his sympathy for opposing defenses trying to tackle teammate Corey White.
Birmingham News

Former ECU Player Part Of Canadian Football League History
WFMY 2

November 21, 2005
Ratification Day (North Carolina)

From Bonesville.net
-O'Brien: Pirate Notebook No. 259 - 11.21
� Staying the course pays off for Holtz
BVL Audio: Skip Holtz Postgame Press Conference - 11.21
-Nuggets: Notes from ECU, C-USA and beyond - 11.21
� C-USA Football Standings, Scores & Schedule
� College Football Headliners: Stars & Storylines

The work never ends for coaches
  On Sunday morning at Huntington, W.Va.'s Tri-State Airport, Marshall University football coach Mark Snyder sat at a table in the tiny terminal sipping on coffee, speaking to what could only have been a football recruit.
Greenville Daily Reflector

Blazers to make bowl case at East Carolina
  On Sunday morning at Huntington, W.Va.'s Tri-State Airport, Marshall University football coach Mark Snyder sat at a table in the tiny terminal sipping on coffee, speaking to what could only have been a football recruit.
Birmingham News

UAB Game Designated as Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day
  Reduced Priced Tickets Available To Season Ticket Holders
ecupirates.com

November 27, 2005

Hokies punch title-game tickets
  Virginia Tech pulls away in the second half to roll by Tar Heels
Hampton Roads Daily Press

Tar Heels left out in the cold
  "They beat us up in the second half," UNC-CH coach John Bunting said
Durham Herald Sun

Great Alaska Shootout final- Eagles 92, Gamecocks 89
  This time, the last-second 3-pointer did not save the day. A long-range try by Tre� Kelley was well short of the rim and sailed into Marquette possession as time expired, securing the Eagles� 92-89 overtime victory in the Great Alaska Shootout final.
Greensboro News Record

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Pack pulls it together
-Now, Pack waits for bowls to shake out
-Bowl practice can help Stone, offense solidify
-Heels see chances slip away

Defense lifts ASU to victory in playoffs
Winston Salem Journal

November 26, 2005

From the Durham Herald Sun
-Big game for Pack, Terps
  One team is going to leave the stadium this afternoon very happy. The other is likely to be pretty distraught.
-UNC faces tough test in Virginia Tech

College football predictions
Fayetteville Observer

'Good stretches' give Deacs win
Greensboro News Record

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-And the magic number is six
-Maryland at N.C. State
-North Carolina at Virginia Tech
-Devils' hustle pays off
-Williams lights fire for UNC-CH

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Deacs crush Apps
-Moore says that ASU is in for a battle

November 25, 2005

A win doesn't guarantee NCSU a bowl bid
  Even if North Carolina State wins Saturday against Maryland there's no guarantee the Wolfpack will be in a bowl.
Kinston Free Press

Pack's Fowler a patient supporter during stormy times
  On the Monday after N.C. State's football loss at Wake Forest, with the Wolfpack 2-4 and many of its fans grumbling, a black Chrysler 300 pulled in front of the Murphy Center.
Raleigh News & Observer

From the Durham Herald Sun
-Fresher faces coming to front for Devils
-Tar Heels continue homestand tonight

Gamecocks fend off Seawolves in Shootout
  Renaldo Balkman scored 14 points and had 12 rebounds as South Carolina defeated Alaska-Anchorage 65-60 Thursday night in the Great Alaska Shootout.
Spartanburg Herald-Journal

November 24, 2005

From the Durham Herald Sun
-Redick helps Devils slay Dragons
  The Duke Blue Devils earned a tough victory Wednesday night but also suffered a tough loss.
-Wolfpack run away from Keydets in second half
-UNC-CH notebook- Tar Heels to level practice field
  The school will begin construction Monday on a new practice surface.
-Tar Heels' backfield remains in motion

From the Greenville (SC) News
-Gamecocks look to gel in Alaska
-Tigers take control early
-Clemson center arrested
  Barry Humphries, a center on the Clemson University football team, was arrested Nov. 13 in Rabun County, Ga., on suspicion of driving under the influence while under the age of 21
-State Report- Clemson to host Notre Dame

49ers can't find basket
  Not to put too fine a point on it, but the Charlotte 49ers played -- statistically speaking, at least -- the worst offensive game in school history Wednesday, losing to Mississippi State 53-38 in a basketball game at Halton Arena.
Charlotte Observer

November 23, 2005

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-What's next for NIT?
  Krzyzewski says event is special.
-A truly Devilish tandem
  Duke's men's basketball team plays its fourth game tonight, but the meeting with Drexel in the semifinals of the NIT Season Tip-Off will be Duke's true debut.
-At UNC-CH, sign of the times
  A pair of bright blue, 6-foot by 8-foot "Wachovia" signs were hung on two of the four video boards at the University of North Carolina @ Chapel Hill's Smith Center on Tuesday, ending a tradition that up until now has kept that venue free of fixed commercial advertising

From the Charlotte Observer
-Wachovia signs up UNC-CH
  Bank is 1st corporate sponsor with permanent logo inside Dean Dome
-49ers look to improve vs. Miss. State
-Hoops Gameday- Carolinas teams in action

From the Durham Herald Sun
-Tar Heels blow out Vikings
  This time, there were no last-second heroics required.
-UNC-CH players will spend Thanksgiving together

Humphries recently arrested for DUI
  An Anderson native and Clemson freshman offensive lineman was arrested recently in Georgia on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Anderson Independent

No surgery for Tigers' Whitehurst
  Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst needs some rest and rehabilitation for his throwing shoulder -- not surgery.
Spartanburg Herald-Journal

Phillips sets sights on Big 12 bowl matchup
  No one knows what Clemson's choices will be.
Greenville (SC) News

From the Winston Salem Journal
-McKillop, Davidson startle Massachusetts
-A True Quarterback
  Williams has helped Appalachian State get back to elite level in Division I-AA

From the Columbia (SC) The State
-USC coach shares Alaskan experience
  Ken Potosnak�s long trips to Alaska are becoming a yearly getaway. Potosnak, a first-year assistant basketball coach at USC, found out shortly after being hired in June that the Gamecocks� second road trip of the season would be to play in the Great Alaska Shootout.
-Clemson AD lauds seven-win 2005 season
  Phillips: seven wins an �outstanding season� given youth, conference strength

November 22, 2005

UNCP benefits from Oklahoma trip
  For many connected with the Braves, this trip to Oklahoma to play the big-time Sooners will bring a host of new-life experiences.
Fayetteville Observer

Wake routs UNCA
  Gray returns to shooting guard as Deacons blister UNC-Asheville with second-half surge
Winston Salem Journal

From the Durham Herald Sun
-Pack happy to have a shot
  Chuck Amato seemed to be in a very happy mood on Monday, and there was a good reason for it.
-Williams expected uneven play early on
  He knew his freshmen would look great at times during UNC's season opener against Gardner-Webb, but he also knew they would struggle.

From the Anderson Independent
-ACC's lack of top bowl slots hurts Tigers
  Playing Tuesday morning quarterback and waiting to see how the bowl berths shake out for Clemson, South Carolina and Georgia.
-Whitehurst gets shoulder checked
  Will Proctor�s run as Clemson�s starting quarterback could start sooner than expected.
-Tigers blow out Eagles

From the Columbia (SC) The State
-USC, Tigers find a will and the way
-Bowl bets
  Steak or peaches? USC fans likely to enjoy one delicacy
-Bowl bets
  At worst, Clemson fans likely face a short drive to Charlotte

Music to ACC's ears
  Bowl openings beyond tie-ins, such as Nashville game, may be available.
Raleigh News & Observer

November 21, 2005

From the Raleigh News & Observer
-Pack plucks foul Hens
  N.C. State wins it at free-throw line
-Bunting officially not happy
  UNC coach has questions for ACC
-NHL: Canes can't beat champ

Bears allow Panthers no room to run
  Chicago scores early, then shuts down Carolina's offense
Charlotte Observer

Spurrier's bowl choice out of reach
  University of South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier does have a preferred bowl destination, although it's a trip the Gamecocks won't be making this year but that he hopes they might in the future.
Greenville (SC) News

From Columbis (SC) The State
-Orange crush- Whitehurst is rivalry�s first QB to go 4-0
  Whitehurst is rivalry�s first QB to go 4-0
-Year of living dangerously
  Close, rugged victory against USC symbolizes Clemson�s �unique team� this season

From the Winston Salem Journal
-Prosser ponders Deacs' point-guard problem
  "You can schedule yourself 4-0,'' Prosser said. "We didn't.
-Home Cooking- No. 2 seed Apps will play in Boone
-UNC preparing to visit Virginia Tech
  Heels, 5-5 after incident-filled win over Blue Devils, needs win to keep bowl hopes alive

November 27, 2005

From conferenceusa.com
-Tulsa to Meet UCF in Inaugural C-USA Football Championship Game
-Saturday Football Roundup

Green Wave's long season hits ebb
  At 4:56 Saturday evening, the curtain fell on Tulane's hurricane ravaged season.
New Orleans Times Picayune

From the El Paso Times
-Miners may play in Fort Worth
-UTEP gives SMU seven turnovers

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-A bowlful of joy
-They won, celebrated as a team
-Defense feels vindication
-'Mirage Bowl' comes to life

From the Huntington Herald Dispatch
-Williams, Tigers seal Herd's first losing season in 22 years
  DeAngelo Williams enjoyed a proper curtain call. Marshall exited Memphis with the blues.
-Tigers quiet Herd offense
-Herd, Patton get first Hoops win

From the Jackson Clarion-Ledger
-Eagles notch 6th victory, cross fingers
-Hawaii Bowl would be fitting reward for Eagles

USM beats Tulane 26-7
Hattiesburg American

USM proves bowl worthiness
Biloxi Sun Herald

USM gets win No. 6 of season
Mobile Register

From the Houston Chronicle
-UH runs over Rice, turns eyes to bowl invite
-Same story, different chapter for Rice
-SMU bumps UTEP from C-USA title game
-Too many 3-pointers doom UH against VCU
-Oregon speeds past Rice 84-60

Anderson wary of underdogs
Birmingham News

Knights prepare without Walker
Orlando Sentinel

November 26, 2005

C-USA PREVIEW
Birmingham News

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Tigers hang tough but eventually fall to No. 1 Duke in NIT final
-Calkins- Close, but no victor
-The days of DeAngelo
-20 unforgettable moments for No. 20
-Tigers vs. Marshall- Who has the edge-
-Marshall game notes

Marshall finishing up playing role of spoiler
Charleston (WV) Gazette

SMU finishes could be glossier
WFAA

Tigers are fighting for bowl life
Jackson (TN) Sun

From the Huntington Herald-Dispatch
-Marshall's long haul ends today at Memphis
-Speedy Tigers tough matchup for Herd

USM's bottom line- No win, no chance
Jackson Clarion Ledger

Miners prepared for SMU
El Paso Times

Virginia Commonwealth pays visit to Houston
Houston Chronicle

Wave hopes to build on victory
New Orleans Times Picayune

Stetson at UCF
Orlando Sentinel

November 25, 2005

Memphis� season has been a tough one to figure
  Of all the teams in the occasionally topsy-turvy Conference USA, Memphis� season has the least rhyme or reason.
Charleston (WV) Gazette

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Respect, but no fear
-No. 11 Tigers vs. No. 1 Duke

From the Huntington Herald-Dispatch
-Herd focused on containing Tigers' Avery
-Herd still trying to find answer to kicking woes

Travels, travails test Tulane
  Hurricane blows team off course
Jacson Clarion-Ledger

Blazers open season in Tip-Off Classic
  UAB men's basketball coach Mike Anderson won't overlook the educational aspect - both off the floor and on - when his team opens the regular season today in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic at the birthplace of basketball.
Birmingham News

Thanksgiving isn't all day smorgasbord for Herd hogs
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

Miners continue work through holiday
El Paso Times

November 24, 2005

Banowsky- Bowl options outside tie-ins scarce
  If Conference USA ends up with more bowl-eligible teams than guaranteed bowl slots, league commissioner Britton Banowsky says there's only so much he can do to get all his teams into games.
Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger

From ConferenceUSA.com
-UCF's O'Leary Named National Coach of the Year by Two Prominent Websites
-Men's Basketball Notebook

C-USA Fearless Predictions
College Football News

From the Charleston (WV) Gazette
-Conference USA notebook
  Herd agrees: size, speed make C-USA tougher than MAC
-Herd�s Aikens making smooth transition from junior college

Fort Worth Bowl stuck on hold
  The best-guess speculation leads to a game between New Mexico of the Mountain West Conference and Houston or Tulsa of Conference USA. But it could be Dec. 4 before the matchup is set.
Ft Worth Star Telegram

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Williams leads Tigers; date with No. 1 Duke next
  Shawne Williams has long been labeled as an NBA player. On Wednesday night, he looked like one, complete with NBA 3-pointers and the swagger that typically accompanies the ability to showcase yourself on the biggest stage during the biggest moments.
-Tiger seniors share bonds
-Herd coach looks toward better future

UCF drops from USC schedule
  The University of Central Florida says it has pulled out of next year's football season opener against the University of South Carolina...That's news to USC officials.
Greenville (SC) News

From the El Paso Times
-Miners will face improved Mustangs
-Miners' focus pleases Price

`Ball Hawk' has impact on offense
Birmingham News

Herd players pulling turkey day double
  It's the rare doubleheader that's enjoyed just a handful of times in a lifetime.
Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch

November 23, 2005

UH piles up 131 on Florida Tech
Houston Chronicle

Tulane to Receive FWAA Courage Award
Houston Chronicle

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Tigers, Cal relish opportunity
  Sell it out.
-Tigers vs. UCLA
-RB Williams gives Tigers bowl power
  First, they'll have to win their last regular-season game Saturday at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium against Marshall.
-Liberty Bowl lands No. 16 Fresno State
  If you want to see a bona fide West Coast offense, one that burns out lightbulbs on scoreboards, then you might want to get your tickets now for the 47th annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31.

Bower: UM acted unethically
  Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower wasn't sure whether the incident was an illegal deal. quarterback in finale
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

Herd can't overcome miscues; also, Herd can't forget about Tigers' elusive quarterback in finale
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

From the Huntington (WV) Herald Dispatch
-Marshall playing for pride against Memphis
  The last time Marshall entered a football regular season finale in salvage mode, Vanilla Ice hadn't yet been reduced to a punch line and Julia Roberts was America's "Pretty Woman.
-Snyder says season has offered pleasant surprises
-Marshall looks to fix Va. Tech mistakes

TU Could Still Play In C-USA Title Game
KTUL

A Challenge to UCF Fans- Make This Real!
  Sell it out.
Orlando Sentinel

Miners' foggy bowl picture clears up a bit
El Paso Times

November 22, 2005

From conferenceusa.com
-Football Notebook
  UCF clinched the East Division Championship last Saturday with its 31-28 come-from-behind win at Rice
-Inaugural C-USA Football Championship Game to Kickoff at Noon EST
-Xbox Named Presenting Sponsor of Inaugural C-USA Football Championship

Around Conference USA
USA Today

From the New Orleans Times Picayune
-Ole Miss coach contacted Green Wave
  Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone this past weekend admitted one of his school's assistant football coaches contacted a Tulane assistant regarding Green Wave players possibly transferring after the season.
-Tulane's Dickerson ready

Hokies too much for Herd
Charleston (WV) Gazette

From the Huntington (WV) Herald Dispatch
-Herd can't stop Hokies
  It looked as though Marshall might have a chance to upset Virginia Tech
-MU faces tall order in Memphis' Williams
  Conference USA's all-time leading rusher (5,661) ranks No. 4 on the NCAA career list and has gained 1,599 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior.
-There's still some fight left in Herd
  Monday's afternoon practice, featuring an extended scrimmage, was spirited from the start.

Herd in unfamiliar position- Looking to future
Beckley Register-Herald

Marshall fails to fulfill any of its goals in Herd's first season under Snyder; Big game means nothing to Bradshaw after tough loss
Charleston (WV) Daily Mail

USM-Tulane could decide holiday plans
  It has come to this for the Southern Miss football team- Win or stay home.
Jackson Clarion-Ledger

From the El Paso Times
-Price still a bit rankled by upset loss to UAB
-UTEP wins lopsided match

Penders ready to put UH aces on table
Houston Chronicle

From the Memphis Commercial Apppeal
-Tigers-Bruins- A history lesson
-The Biggest Game- Memphis-UCLA Final Four becomes stuff of legend
-Tigers up to No. 11 in AP rankings

From the Orlando Sentinel
-Conference USA begins ticket push for title game
-2 freshmen come up big for UCF

November 21, 2005

From the Huntington (WV) Herald Dispatch
-Marshall in spoiler role this week
  It was a game, and a season, that got away.
-Offense in good hands with Bradshaw
  Marshall University's football team could take a cue from Saturday's nemesis, and it has nothing to do with game plans or tackling fundamentals.
-Herd visits Hokies tonight
  Marshall attempts to get over an opening-game defeat and turn its men's basketball season in the right direction today at Virginia Tech.

What now? The Curse of Sonny?
Charleston (WV) Gazette Mail

From the Memphis Commercial Appeal
-Calipari sees good hands in stats
  John Calipari has seen both box scores, and examined them from every angle.
-Defense of Tigers kept postseason dream alive
  Tim Goodwell, Marcus West, LaVale Washington, O.C. Collins, Maurice Avery and DeAngelo Williams have participated in their share of signature wins for the University of Memphis' resurgent football program during their four seasons.
-Back, back, back go two nemeses
  When last we saw these events transpire, most of these players weren't born

Weary Knights happy to rest
  UCF Coach George O'Leary is not fond of early open dates, and given his choice he wouldn't pick a schedule that includes seven road trips and 10 consecutive weeks of games.
Orlando Sentinel

Inconsistent efforts are hurting Tulane
Orlando Sentinel

UTEP men look for improvement
El Paso Times

Eagles drop last 2, take 4th in Alaska
  Marcus Slaughter scored 18 points and San Diego State defeated Southern Mississippi 79-51 Sunday for third place in the BP Top of the World Classic.
Jackson Clarion Ledger

Nice rally, nasty loss
Hattiesburg American