Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Shaw University Names Lamar Manigo as New Head Football Coach

5:41 PM

RALEIGH – Shaw University has appointed Lamar Manigo as its new head football coach, marking a homecoming for the former Bears offensive coordinator. The announcement comes just days after previous head coach selection Greg Ruffin stepped aside due to health concerns.


Manigo, who served as Shaw's offensive coordinator from 2016 to 2021, returns to the Bears after a successful stint at Virginia State University, where he demonstrated his offensive prowess as Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator. Under his guidance, the Trojans emerged as an offensive powerhouse in the CIAA, averaging 30.4 points per game this past season en route to a conference championship appearance.


"We are happy to welcome Coach Lamar Manigo back to Shaw University," said George Knox, Director of Athletics. "His passion for the game, dedication to mentoring student-athletes, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our vision for the football program."


Manigo's football roots in the CIAA run deep. As a quarterback at Bowie State from 2003-06, he led the Bulldogs to the 2005 conference title game and departed as the school's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. His coaching career includes successful stops at Prairie View A&M, North Carolina Central, and Norfolk State.


During his previous tenure at Shaw, Manigo's offenses set numerous program records. The 2019 Bears averaged over 360 yards per game, and in 2021, his unit led the CIAA in rushing with 184.6 yards per game.


"This is a homecoming for me," said Manigo. "I look forward to working with our talented student-athletes to build a program that makes our university and alumni proud.

Shaw University Names Lamar Manigo as New Head Football Coach

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Shorthanded Blue Devils No Match for Dart's 404-Yard Performance in Gator Bowl

11:54 PM


JACKSONVILLE – Duke's quest for just the second 10-win season in program history ended in disappointment Wednesday night, as No. 16 Ole Miss overwhelmed the Blue Devils 52-20 in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium.


Playing without their regular-season starting quarterback and running back due to transfer portal departures, Duke (9-4) struggled to find offensive rhythm behind redshirt sophomore Henry Belin IV, who made his first start since mid-October. Belin finished 25-of-44 for 236 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, but the Blue Devils' ground game never materialized, managing just 44 yards on 23 attempts.


The most electric moment for Duke came in the game's final minutes when Peyton Jones electrified the crowd with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown. However, by then Ole Miss (11-3) had already built an insurmountable lead behind a masterful performance from quarterback Jaxson Dart.


Dart dismantled Duke's typically stout defense, throwing for 404 yards and four touchdowns on 27-of-35 passing. His favorite target was Jordan Watkins, who hauled in seven catches for 180 yards and two scores, including a backbreaking 69-yard touchdown with 1:27 remaining.


The Blue Devils' defense, which entered the game as one of the ACC's top units, struggled to contain Ole Miss's balanced attack. The Rebels amassed 589 total yards, with running back Ulysses Bentley IV contributing 70 rushing yards and two touchdowns to complement Dart's aerial assault.


Duke linebacker Ozzie Nicholas led all defenders with 11 tackles, while Alex Howard added nine tackles including 1.5 for loss. But the Blue Devils' pass rush, which managed three sacks of Dart, couldn't generate enough pressure to disrupt the Ole Miss offense consistently.


The game started ominously for Duke, as Ole Miss built a 14-0 first-quarter lead on an Antwane Wells Jr. 32-yard touchdown reception and Bentley's first scoring run. The Blue Devils showed brief signs of life in the second quarter when Belin connected with Javon Harvey for a 16-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 17-7.


However, any momentum was short-lived. The Rebels responded with a 75-yard touchdown drive, and Isaiah Hamilton's 50-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the third quarter pushed the lead to 31-7, effectively ending Duke's hopes of a comeback.


Despite the loss, Duke's season represented significant progress in their rebuilding efforts. The Blue Devils earned their first bowl appearance since 2018 and saw 15 players receive All-ACC recognition, including first-team selection Chandler Rivers at cornerback.


For Ole Miss, the victory capped their first 11-win season since 2015. The Rebels' offense, which averaged over eight yards per play, showcased why they finished among the SEC's most productive units. Freshman receiver Cayden Lee added eight receptions for 57 yards, while Dae'Quan Wright contributed three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown.


Defensively, Ole Miss held Duke to just 4.1 yards per play, with safety Trey Washington leading the way with 10 tackles. The Rebels' defensive front, led by Jared Ivey's five quarterback hurries, consistently pressured Belin despite not recording a sack.


The game marked Duke's first-ever appearance in the Gator Bowl and the first meeting between these programs. While the final score wasn't what the Blue Devils hoped for, their nine-win season still stands as one of the most successful in recent program history.


The loss snapped Duke's five-game bowl winning streak, which had been tied for the second-longest active streak in the nation. Meanwhile, Ole Miss secured their first bowl victory since the 2022 season and set a program record with their seventh straight bowl appearance.

Shorthanded Blue Devils No Match for Dart's 404-Yard Performance in Gator Bowl

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

2025 NCCFB Schedules

10:35 AM


The anticipation for the 2025 college football season is in full swing as we kick off a brand new year. The ripples of college realignment and the coaching carousel continue to shape the landscape of the sport in our state. With the twelve-team playoff format now in its second year, the competition for postseason spots is fiercer than ever. Dive into the excitement and check out your favorite team's schedule below!

When you buy tickets through the affiliate links provided, you contribute to the support of Carolina Gridiron, and we may earn a small commission.

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FBS

Appalachian State:

8/28: Charlotte (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte NC)

9/06: Lindenwood

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: at Boise State

10/04: Oregon State

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

11/22: TBD

11/29: TBD

12/06: SBC Championship

Charlotte:

8/28: Appalachian State (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte NC)

9/06: North Carolina

9/13: Monmouth

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

11/22: at Georgia

11/29: TBD

12/06: AAC Championship

Duke:

8/30: Elon

9/06: Illinois

9/13: at Tulane

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: at UConn

11/15: TBD

11/22: TBD

11/29: TBD

12/06: ACC Championship

East Carolina:

8/30: at NC State

9/06: Campbell

9/13: at Coastal Carolina

9/20: BYU

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

11/22: TBD

11/29: TBD

12/06: AAC Championship

NC State:

8/30: East Carolina

9/06: Virginia (non conference)

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: Campbell

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

11/22: TBD

11/29: TBD

12/06: ACC Championship

North Carolina:

8/30: TCU

9/06: at Charlotte

9/13: Richmond

9/20: at UCF

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

11/22: TBD

11/29: TBD

12/06: ACC Championship

Wake Forest:

8/28, 8/29, or 8/30: Kennesaw State

9/06: Western Carolina

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: at Oregon State

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

11/22: Delaware

11/29: TBD

12/06: ACC Championship


FCS

Campbell:

8/29: at Rhode Island

9/06: at East Carolina

9/13: Furman

9/20: Bryant

9/27: Western Carolina

10/04: at NC State

10/11: at Hampton

10/18: New Hampshire

10/25: at North Carolina A&T

11/01: Open

11/08: William and Mary

11/15: Elon

11/22: at Towson

Davidson:

8/30: TBD

9/06: at Elon

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

11/22: TBD

Elon:

8/30: at Duke

9/06: Davidson

9/13: at Western Carolina

9/20: at East Tennessee State

9/27: Howard

10/04: at Towson

10/11: Villanova

10/18: at William and Mary

10/25: at Maine

11/01: Open

11/08: Rhode Island

11/15: at Campbell

11/22: North Carolina A&T

Gardner-Webb:

8/30: at Western Carolina

9/06: at Georgia Tech

9/13: The Citadel

9/20: at Ohio

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

11/22: TBD


North Carolina A&T:

8/30: at Tennessee State

9/06: at UCF

9/13: Hampton

9/20: NC Central

9/27: at Maine

10/04: at William and Mary

10/11: South Carolina State

10/18: Open

10/25: Campbell

11/01: Towsen

11/08: at Northeastern

11/15: Monmouth

11/22: at Elon


NC Central:

8/23: Southern (Atlanta, GA)

8/30: New Hampshire

9/06: at Old Dominion

9/13: TBD

9/20: at North Carolina A&T

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

11/22: TBD

Western Carolina:

8/30: Gardner-Webb

9/06: at Wake Forest

9/13: Elon

9/20: Samford

9/27: at Campbell

10/04: at Wofford

10/11: Furman

10/18: at The Citadel

10/25: Open

11/01: at Chattanooga

11/08: Mercer

11/15: East Tennessee State

11/22: at VMI


Division 2

Barton:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Catawba:

9/06: at Emory and Henry

9/13: UVa-Wise

9/20: at Newberry

9/27: Limestone

10/04: Mars Hill

10/11: at Wingate

10/18: TBD

10/25: Tusculum

11/01: at Carson-Newman

11/08: Anderson

11/15: at Lenoir-Rhyne

Chowan:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Elizabeth City State:

9/06: at Hampton

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Fayetteville State:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Johnson C Smith:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Lenoir-Rhyne:

9/06: at Tusculum

9/13: Emory and Henry

9/20: at Carson-Newman

9/27: Newberry

10/04: at Limestone

10/11: Anderson

10/18: UVa-Wise

10/25: at Mars Hill

11/01: at Wingate

11/08: TBD

11/15: Catawba

Livingstone:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Mars Hill:

9/06: at Limestone

9/13: Carson-Newman

9/20: Anderson

9/27: TBD

10/04: at Catawba

10/11: Emory and Henry

10/18: at Newberry

10/25: Lenoir-Rhyne

11/01: at Tusculum

11/08: UVa-Wise

11/15: at Wingate

St. Augustine's:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Shaw:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

UNC Pembroke:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Wingate:

9/06: at Anderson

9/13: Limestone

9/20: at UVa-Wise

9/27: Carson-Newman

10/04: at Newberry

10/11: Catawba

10/18: at Emory and Henry

10/25: TBD

11/01: Lenoir-Rhyne

11/08: at Tusculum

11/15: Mars Hill

Winston-Salem St:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD


Division 3

Brevard:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD


Greensboro:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Guilford:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

Methodist:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

NC Wesleyan:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD


NAIA

St. Andrews:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD


NJCAA

Louisburg:

9/06: TBD

9/13: TBD

9/20: TBD

9/27: TBD

10/04: TBD

10/11: TBD

10/18: TBD

10/25: TBD

11/01: TBD

11/08: TBD

11/15: TBD

2025 NC College Football Schedules

Monday, December 30, 2024

ECSU Vikings Hire Adrian Jones as Head Coach

6:00 PM


ELIZABETH CITY – Elizabeth City State University has made a significant move in their football program, naming Adrian Jones as the 15th head coach of the Vikings. Jones arrives at ECSU after an eight-year tenure at Shaw University, where he transformed the Bears into a consistent CIAA competitor.


During his time at Shaw, Jones compiled a record of 35-45 overall and 29-28 in CIAA play, developing a reputation for player development with 49 All-CIAA Conference selections. His ability to build programs was evident from the start, taking over a Bears team that went 1-9 before his arrival and steadily improving their competitive standing in the conference.


ECSU Athletics Director James M. DuBose Jr. expressed confidence in the hire, highlighting Jones's alignment with the program's values. "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jones to Elizabeth City State University," said DuBose. "He embodies the values and vision we strive for in our athletics program."


Jones brings an impressive championship pedigree to the Vikings, including three conference titles and a Black College National Championship during his stint at North Carolina Central University (2003-2007, 2014-2016). His success extends to the high school level, where he led Southern Durham High School to a state championship in 2013.


The new Vikings coach, who starred as an All-Conference defensive back at NCCU in the 1990s, sees tremendous potential in Elizabeth City State. "Elizabeth City State University has a proud history and a passionate community," Jones said. "I look forward to partnering with our ECSU family and our student-athletes to build a program that reflects excellence."

ECSU Vikings Hire Adrian Jones as Head Coach

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Pirates Outlast Wolfpack in Heated Military Bowl Clash

9:25 PM

ANNAPOLIS, MD – In a rivalry game that lived up to its billing and then some, East Carolina secured a dramatic 26-21 victory over NC State in the 2024 Military Bowl, punctuated by late-game heroics and tensions that boiled over in the closing minutes at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.


The winning moment came with just 1:33 remaining, when Pirates running back Rahjai Harris broke free for an electrifying 86-yard touchdown run that silenced the Wolfpack faithful and put ECU ahead for good. The score proved crucial after a failed two-point conversion attempt left the door open for NC State's final drive, which ended with an interception by ECU's Dontavius Nash with 44 seconds left.


The Pirates (7-5) dominated early, building a 13-0 lead behind the dual-threat capabilities of quarterback Katin Houser, who finished with 84 rushing yards and two touchdowns while managing the passing game efficiently. ECU's ground attack proved unstoppable, amassing 327 yards with Harris leading the way with 220 yards on 17 carries.


NC State (6-6) mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, scoring twice through the air to take their first lead at 21-20 with 9:49 remaining. Quarterback CJ Bailey connected with Hollywood Smothers on a 33-yard strike to put the Wolfpack ahead, energizing their sideline and setting up the dramatic finish.


The game's intensity reached its peak in the final minutes when a scuffle broke out between the teams, resulting in multiple ejections and adding another chapter to this heated in-state rivalry. The timing of the incident was particularly notable given that these teams will meet again in just eight months, as they're scheduled to open the 2025 season against each other in Raleigh.


For ECU, the victory marked their second bowl win in three years, following their 2022 Birmingham Bowl triumph over Coastal Carolina. The Pirates' defense continued its opportunistic play under Blake Harrell, recording two sacks and forcing a crucial turnover while holding the Wolfpack to just 198 rushing yards.


The game served as a fitting finale to the 2024 season for both programs, though the rivalry's next chapter looms large. The rematch in Raleigh to kick off 2025 will carry added significance after today's heated conclusion, marking just the latest meeting in a series that dates back to 1970 and has now produced memorable moments in both regular season and bowl settings.


The victory was particularly sweet for ECU's senior class, who helped the program achieve bowl eligibility for the third time in four years. The Pirates' rushing attack proved to be the difference-maker, with their 8.6 yards per carry setting the tone in front of the thousands of fans who made the trip to Annapolis.


For NC State, the loss marked a disappointing end to a season that saw them reach bowl eligibility for the 10th time in 11 years. Bailey finished with 230 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Smothers contributed 139 rushing yards in addition to his receiving touchdown.


As both teams headed to their locker rooms following the post-game scuffle, it was clear that this rivalry, which NC State leads 19-13 all-time, has added another memorable chapter – with the next one set to be written in just eight months' time.


Pirates Outlast Wolfpack in Heated Military Bowl Clash

North Carolina Downed by UConn in Fenway Finale

2:46 PM


BOSTON - In what proved to be the final game of a disappointing 2024 campaign, North Carolina's offensive struggles continued at historic Fenway Park, falling 27-14 to UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl on a chilly December morning. The loss marked the Tar Heels' seventh defeat of the season, concluding their year with a 6-7 record before embarking on a transformative offseason.


The game highlighted the offensive challenges that plagued North Carolina in recent weeks, as the Tar Heels managed just 206 total yards and failed to convert any of their nine third-down attempts. With their quarterback depth tested, the Tar Heels turned to third-string signal-caller Michael Merdinger for much of the contest. Merdinger completed 9 of 12 passes for 86 yards but was sacked four times behind an overwhelmed offensive line.


The bright spot for the Tar Heels came early when Chris Culliver electrified the Fenway crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown in the first quarter. The spectacular return momentarily cut UConn's lead to 10-7 and provided a glimpse of explosiveness on an otherwise challenging day for North Carolina.


Running back Caleb Hood provided one of the few offensive highlights, rushing for 78 yards on 11 carries and showing flashes of the potential he brough to Chapel Hill four years ago. Hood also connected on his only pass attempt of the day, finding tight end John Copenhaver for a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.


Defensively, senior linebacker Caleb LaVallee led the Tar Heels with nine tackles, including one for loss, in his final collegiate game. Kaleb Cost and Will Hardy each added seven tackles, but North Carolina's defense spent over 35 minutes on the field as UConn controlled the tempo with a methodical ground attack that accumulated 210 rushing yards.


The game's pivotal sequence came in the second quarter when UConn mounted consecutive scoring drives of 79 and 56 yards, extending their lead to 24-7 by halftime. North Carolina's defense, which had been stout early, began showing signs of fatigue as UConn's offensive line created consistent running lanes.


The Tar Heels showed brief signs of life in the fourth quarter when Hood's touchdown pass to Copenhaver capped a 96-yard drive - their longest of the day. However, UConn's ball control offense prevented any serious comeback attempt, as the Huskies effectively managed the clock in the closing minutes.


The loss marked North Carolina's third consecutive bowl defeat, but the program's trajectory is set to change dramatically with the stunning hire of NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick to replace the departed Mack Brown. Belichick, whose defensive expertise and six Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots transformed that franchise, will now look to rebuild a North Carolina program that showed clear needs for improvement in 2024.


For Belichick, the Fenway Bowl provided a clear view of the challenges ahead. The quarterback position will require immediate attention, as the Tar Heels' rotating cast of signal-callers produced limited success. The offense's inability to sustain drives - evidenced by six three-and-outs in the bowl game - put tremendous pressure on their defense throughout the season.


North Carolina's defense showed some encouraging signs despite the defeat. The unit forced a turnover and recorded five tackles for loss, including sacks by Beau Atkinson and Cade Law. However, UConn's success on third down (8-of-16) allowed the Huskies to sustain drives and wear down the Tar Heels' defensive front.


As Belichick prepares to bring his defensive mindset and proven track record to Chapel Hill, the Fenway Bowl served as both an ending and a beginning - the epilogue of the Brown era and a glimpse of the areas Belichick will need to address as he takes over one of college football's most intriguing programs for 2025.


North Carolina Downed by UConn in Fenway Finale

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Update: Ruffin Declines Head Coaching Job Due to Health Concerns

10:54 AM

UPDATE: Shaw University has announced that Greg Ruffin has declined the head football coach position effective immediately due to recent health concerns.

"I deeply appreciate the opportunity to once again serve as head coach of Shaw University," said Ruffin in his statement. "Unfortunately, due to health concerns, I must step away from my coaching duties. I am grateful for the support of the Shaw family and will always remain a proud part of this community."

"We fully support Coach Ruffin in prioritizing his health and well-being during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with him, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery" stated AD George Knox.