COLLEGE FOOTBALL
James Madison reportedly has moved quickly to finalize its next coaching hire.
Billy Napier, who guided the Sun Belt’s Louisiana to a 33-5 record in his final three years with the Ragin’ Cajuns before going 22-23 with the Florida Gators and losing his job this season, has agreed to a five-year contract with JMU, according to Pete Thamel. A formal announcement is expected Saturday.
Tonight, though, is for the current Dukes to play host to Troy at 7 on ESPN for the Sun Belt championship. According to multiple reports, JMU’s Bob Chesney, named the Sun Belt Coach of the Year, has agreed to become UCLA’s coach after this, his second season with the Dukes. JMU, 25th in the College Football Playoff rankings, could make the 12-team CFP field if it wins and Duke defeats Virginia for the ACC championship.
Napier, an All-Southern Conference quarterback for Furman who led the Paladins to the 2001 NCAA Division I-AA championship game, was an assistant coach at schools such as Clemson and Alabama before going to Louisiana.
UVA’s Elliott named ACC Coach of Year
After guiding Virginia to its second 10-victory season and a berth in Saturday’s Atlantic Coast Conference championship game, Tony Elliott was named the ACC Coach of the Year in voting by 65 media members and the league’s 17 head coaches.
It was the first ACC Coach of the Year award in football for UVA since Mike London won it in 2011. Elliott has been recognized nationally as a semifinalist for the Munger Award, Bobby Dodd Trophy and Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Awards.
Wake Forest’s Jake Dickert was second with 13 votes, followed by Georgia Tech’s Brent Key (five) and Duke’s Manny Diaz (two). Miami’s Mario Cristobal, NC State’s Dave Doeren, Pittsburgh’s Pat Narduzzi and SMU’s Rhett Lashlee got one vote apiece.
Liberty RB makes CUSA second team
Two Liberty players were honored in All-Conference USA balloting. Running back Evan Dickens made the second team, while linebacker Derrell Farrar received honorable mention.
Dickens, a redshirt senior in his first season with the Flames, rushed for 1,339 yards and 16 touchdowns. He led the conference in rushing touchdowns and ranked second in the league in rushing yards.
Farrar started in nine of the 11 games he played. He led the Flames with 71 tackles (38 solo, 33 assisted).
HONORS
NSU hall of fame tickets on sale
Tickets are on sale for the Norfolk State Athletics Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony. Set for Feb. 13 at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, it will begin at 7 p.m. and will honor eight people.
They are: coach Willard Bailey (football/administrator), Martha Bissah and coach Kenneth Giles (cross country/track and field), Danielle Jones (softball), coach Robert Jones, Ralph Tally and Pendarvis Williams (men’s basketball) and coach Larry Vickers (women’s basketball).
Tickets are $100 and may be purchased online at nsuspartanstickets.universitytickets.com.
