Alvin “Shine” Wyatt awarded $771,000, lose age discrimination suit

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On Wednesday afternoon, Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Terence Perkins ordered that Bethune-Cookman pay former head coach Alvin “Shine” Wyatt nearly $771,000 in restitution stemming from a wrongful termination lawsuit filed against the university in 2010.

Wyatt flamboyantly patrolled the sidelines of Municipal Stadium as Bethune-Cookman’s “head ball coach” from 1997-2009. Wyatt accumulated a 90-54 record during his 13 year tenure and surpassed the legendary Rudolph “Bunky” Matthews as BCU’s all-time winningest coach.

Wyatt’s teams finished at 5-6 in three of his final four seasons and suffered drubbings (58-35 in 2008 and 42-6 in 2009) at the hands of in-state rival Florida A&M in his final two seasons at the helm. He was unceremoniously fired by then BCU President Trudie Kibbe Reed at the conclusion of the 2009 season.

The now 65 year old coach sued the university in 2010 claiming breach of contract. He stated in his suit that he was “wrongfully terminated without cause and without written notice as required in his contract”. Wyatt also cited age discrimination as motive for his firing and sought $1.2 million in damages.

Judge Terence Perkins ruled that the university had in fact breached Wyatt’s contract and awarded him $771,000 in restitution. The payment represents four years of salary, other guaranteed income, and retirement match contributions Wyatt’s existing contract would have paid him had he not been wrongfully terminated.

Judge Perkins ruled against Wyatt in his age discrimination claim against the university stating that no evidence of age discrimination was provided.

Wyatt graduated from Bethune-Cookman in 1970 and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders later that same year. He spent five years in the NFL and World Football League before joining the BCU coaching staff as a defensive backs coach in 1975. For 31 of the next 34 years, Wyatt held various positions on the BCU football staff including defensive backs coach, linebackers coach, defensive coordinator, assistant head coach, and head coach.

In 1998, Wyatt led BCU to its first winning season since 1985. He lead the Wildcats to their first ever playoff appearance in 2002 and returned to the NCAA playoffs for a second time a year later.

Wyatt coached a bevy of players who went on to play in the professional ranks among whom include NFL pro-bowlers Nick Collins (Green Bay), Rashean Mathis (Jacksonville), and Eric Weems (Atlanta). Other professional players coached by Wyatt include Steve Baggs, Damion Cook, Allen Suber, Anthony Bass and others.

Wildcats’ Title Run Ends in 10th-Inning Walk-Off SSU Loss

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(Baseball) Wildcats advance to MEAC Title Game

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Skipper Jason Beverlin

MEAC regular season co-divisional champions @CookmanBaseball (35-23) and Savannah State (32-21) will square off on Sunday afternoon in the finals of the 2013 MEAC Baseball Championship.

The Cats and Tigers shared identical conference records (17-7) and split their six head-to-head matchups during the regular season.

SSU, who was awarded with the Southern Division’s top seed based on the conference’s fourth tiebreaker (head-to-head record against common divisional opponent), enters the finals from the winner’s bracket. The Tigers are 3-0 in the tournament and have scored an average of 12.6 runs per contest during the three game stretch.

In additional to scoring a plethora of runs, Savannah State will have the services of the MEAC’s top pitcher, Kyle McGowin (11-1) on Sunday. McGowin allowed just 1 earned run in a complete game effort against Maryland Eastern Shores in his last outing. McGowin’s lone defeat this season was suffered at the hands of Bethune-Cookman on May 5th in Savannah.

BCU, who dropped an opening round MEAC tournament contest for the first time since 2005, have won four consecutive tournament games eliminating Delaware State, North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T, and Coppin State in the process.

The Wildcat’s Ace, Montana Durapau, will likely toe the rubber for BCU in the championship game scheduled for 1:00. Durapau pitched 8 2/3rds in the Cats’ 5-1 victory over Delaware State on Thursday night.

The MEAC Baseball Championship is a double elimination tournament therefore the Wildcats will have to defeat SSU twice on Sunday if they hope to retain their crown. If the Wildcats can hold in the 1:00 contest, a second winner-take-all championship game will begin 35 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.

Bethune-Cookman is looking to secure its eighth consecutive MEAC crown.

You can follow the championship action on BCU’s official Twitter feeds at @BCUathletics or @Cookmanbaseball.

(Baseball) Wildcats looking to repeat for the 8th consecutive time

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The opening pitch of the 2013 MEAC Baseball Tournament is already underway and for the first time in nearly two full recruiting cycles, the Bethune-Cookman baseball team does not have a tournament 1 seed.

The Wildcats ended the regular season in a tie for first place with Savannah State in the MEAC’s Southern Division but it was the Tigers who earned the Southern Division’s top seed based on conference tiebreaker rules. SSU joins Delaware State (who earned the top seed in the Northern Division) as the tournament’s #1 seeds.

Despite the seeding, MEAC fans should not dismiss this year’s BCU squad or presume that this team’s demise is at hand. The Wildcats are the only MEAC team with an RPI ranking in the Top 100 nationally (peaked at 78) and BCU has enjoyed victories over nationally ranked Arizona State, Miami, Central Florida, and South Florida. Additionally, the Cats have also defeated quality non-conference foes Stetson, Florida International, Central Michigan, Florida Gulf Coast and Jacksonville University.

Perhaps the greatest indication of the vitality and prowess of this year’s squad can be found in the team’s torrid record in the second half of the season. The Maroon and Gold enjoyed a .667 winning percentage in the second half of the year included in which was a 16-4, 20 game stretch from the beginning of April through the first week in May.

Duct Tape and Glue

Skipper Jason Beverlin’s leadership and influence on this year’s squad has been amazing and deserves celebration. BCU loss 4 players to Tommy John surgery before the season even began. Amongst those loss to surgery was the 2013 MEAC Preseason Pitcher of the Year, Gabby Hernandez. To add to Beverlin’s challenges, 4 of BCU’s 5 new everyday starting position players had never played an inning of Division-1 baseball before this season. Despite his team’s youth and injury woes, coach Beverlin still lead his squad to a 30 win season, a share of the regular season divisional crown, and the impressive list of out-of-conference victories mentioned above.

The expectations that surround BCU baseball will likely deny Beverlin MEAC coach of the year honors but you would be hard-pressed to find another manager in this league who has done a better job with his club than Bethune-Cookman’s second year skipper.

Challenged and Setting a Tone

There was a definitive turnaround in the Wildcats 2013 campaigned and it coincided directly with the first series against Savannah State. The Tigers visited Jackie Robinson ballpark for a three game set on the weekend of May 30^th. SSU swept the first two games of the series but the most significant moment of that weekend (and the 2013 season perhaps) was the on-field skirmish in the second game that led to the ejection of three players: BCU’s Anthony Stokes and Savannah State’s Mendez Elder and Jason Wynn.

That dust-up seemed to give BCU the wake-up call they needed. The Wildcats have played much more consistent baseball since that incident and the players have seemed to take much more ownership for the success of the squad.

When asked about the event recently coach Beverlin stated: “Savannah State is a good baseball team and they challenged us as a team.” “We talked to our guys about setting a tone. We get to face all of the teams in our division twice so we have an opportunity to set a tone the second time through our schedule that (our opponents) are going to remember come tournament time. I think our guys really took hold of that and they have been trying to set that tone going into the tournament and in the second half of the season.” “Starting in April, our team got on a hot streak and we have been playing good baseball ever since.”

Expectations

When asked about his expectations for his team in the MEAC tournament, the skipper stated “this is the most fun part of the season and I am excited to see what the (MEAC) tournament will bring.”

“This is what you work hard for in the offseason and I fully expect us to be successful.”

“All of the early morning and Fall workouts, all of the time you put in is to reward yourself with an opportunity to play for a conference championship and to give yourself a shot at regionals and the College World Series.”

BCU will begin pursuit of their 8^th consecutive MEAC title when they take on Coppin State at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday night in first round tournament action.

The Championship finale is set for Sunday, May 19^th at 1 P.M.

All games are scheduled to be played at Marty L. Miller field on the campus of Norfolk State University.

BCU Alums Matt Johnson and T.T. Toliver enjoy huge weekends on the gridiron

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A pair of Bethune-Cookman products enjoyed very productive outings on the gridiron this past weekend.

Former BCU quarterback Matt Johnson passed for two (2) touchdown passes and helped lead the Kiel Hurricanes to a 26-15 victory over the Berlin Adlers in his German Football debut. Johnson completed 7 of his 16 pass attempts for a 103 yards and gained 74 rushing yards on the ground on 10 attempts.

Back State-Side, T.T. Toliver set two franchise records for the Orlando Predators and he tied a third in his team’s 83-82 win over the Spokane Shock. Toliver broke Arena Football Hall of Famer Barry Wagner’s 17 year old record for receiving yards with 251. He also broke the team record for receptions in a game with 18. The mark he tied was the single-game franchise record for receiving touchdowns with 6.

Toliver’s final stat line from Saturday night; 18 catches, 251 yards, and 6 touchdowns.

Credits Kiel Hurricanes GFL

BCU Men and Women Sweep 2013 PGA National Title

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Matthew McKnight

Andrea Orozco

Congratulations to BCU’s Men’s and Women’s golf teams for sweeping the 2013 PGA Minority National Titles in Port St. Lucie, Florida this past weekend.

The men’s squad erased a four-stroke deficit on Sunday afternoon to claim a one shot victory over Texas-Pan American. On the women’s side of the draw, BCU held off a strong charge from Texas-Pan American on the back nine and claimed the title after the first playoff hole.

The Wildcats also enjoyed a clean sweep in the individual awards with Andrea Orozco claiming top honors on the women’s side and Matthew McKnight placing first amongst the men.

Episode 3 of BCU Football’s 1st Down Series

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KJ Stroud signs free agent deal with NY Jets

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Keith “KJ” Stroud

Former Bethune-Cookman receiver KJ Stroud has officially signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets of the National Football League.

Stroud, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior wide receiver from Brooklyn, N.Y., becomes the first B-CU player to ink a free agency agreement with an NFL team following this year’s NFL Draft. He arrived to the Wildcats program in 2011 after transferring from Rutgers where he spent the 2009 and 2010 campaigns.

Read on: http://www.bcuathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=659168&SPID=104202&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=207461060&DB_OEM_ID=23910.

BCU Football 1st Down Series; Episode 2 – “32º”

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BCU Releases Official Statement Regarding the Harold Love Pro-Day Article

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On April 11, 2013, NFLDraftZone.com ran an article written by self-described NFL scout Damond Talbot. Talbot’s article focused almost exclusively on his perception of an alleged injustice committed by Bethune-Cookman University and executed against former B-CU defensive tackle, Harold Love. The university’s official statement from Lynn W. Thompson, Director of Athletics is shown below.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN OFFICIAL STATEMENT from LYNN W. THOMPSON (Director of Athletics)…

“Our student-athlete handbook states ‘Student-athletes are highly visible representatives of the university and are expected to uphold the values and responsibilities of the institution while meeting all requirements set forth by the MEAC, NCAA, B-CU and the B-CU intercollegiate athletics program.’

The university reserves the right to prohibit, reduce and otherwise sanction the participation of any student-athlete who falls short of or compromises any of these standards.

The student-athlete was a repeat offender of university and team policies. He was and is fully aware of those policies and understands our stance and subsequent disciplinary actions imposed on him. In addition to the sanctions imposed by the university, which limit him to only academic related activities, the department of athletics also imposed additional penalties. While we have imposed these sanctions on him we also stand with him and will continue to provide the resources which will support him in his ultimate quest to graduate from our institution this spring.

We will issue no further statements on this matter and will consider it closed.”

Lynn W. Thompson
Director of Athletics

(Baseball) Wildcats look to remain atop MEAC standings

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Jackie Robinson Stadium

Daytona Beach – A quick glance at the MEAC’s Southern division standings reflects Bethune-Cookman in a familiar position atop the table. However, a closer look at the standings reveals a more telling story. Two games in the loss column is all that separates first place BCU from 4^th place North Carolina A&T. Savannah State is a game better than the Wildcats in the conference loss column (but the Tigers have a lower winning percentage against conference foes) and North Carolina Central is just a single game behind the Cats.

Jason Beverlin’s squad will look to cushion their lead and maintain their stranglehold on the conference when they take on North Carolina Central in a three-game set beginning today at 1:00 PM at Historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Daytona Beach’s City Island.

BCU (20-17, 10-5 MEAC) has won a season high six consecutive games with five of those victories occurring on the road. Anthony Stokes has paced the Wildcats offensively over the winning streak logging three home runs and 11 RBIs during the run.

The Wildcats defeated Jacksonville University 5-3 in their last outing (on Tuesday, April 9^th). David Lee recorded three RBIs in the win for the Cats.

NCCU (21-15, 9-6 MEAC), who enters the weekend just a game behind the Wildcats in the MEAC’s Southern Division, are 1-2 against BCU this season and 2-6 against the Wildcats since re-joining the MEAC. NCCU dropped 2 of 3 games against rival NCA&T last weekend.

The pitching matchups are slated as follows:

Game One: NCCU’s Junior righty Terry McNabb vs. B-CU righty Scott Garner (3-4, 5.33 ERA) Garner is coming off a complete game, 4-1 victory over Florida A&M in his last outing.

Game Two (doubleheader 7 inning contest): righty Glenn Frye (3-3) against BCU lefty Ali Simpson (3-4, 5.77 ERA). Simpson also pitched solidly in his last outing allowing no runs in seven innings of work against FAMU. BCU won that contest 4-0.

Game Three (Sunday): Michael Romano (2-5, 5.43 ERA) vs. BCU right hander Montana Durapau (5-3, 4.07 ERA). Durapau earned his 5^th win of the year in his last outing against cross-county rival Stetson.

Live Stats will be available from the link. Also, NCCU will provide live audio coverage of this weekend’s matchups on the NCCU Sports Network .

BCU (baseball) defeats Miami Hurricanes

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Photo Credits: BCU Athletics

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (15-17) traveled to South Florida for the first of their two trips to Coral Gables this season and exited Wednesday night’s contest with a 5-3 victory over perennial power the University of Miami (20-12).Junior right hander Montana Durapau had another strong outing on the hill yielding just 2 earned runs and striking out 7 in seven innings of work for BCU.

Jordan Dailey entered the contest in the 8^th and held the Hurricanes scoreless through the final 2 frames earning him his 5^th save of the season.

BCU never trailed in the contest and plated all five of its runs in the middle innings: two each in the fourth and fifth and another in the sixth.

Eric Sams’ RBI single in the fourth brought home the Wildcats first two runs of the contest.

Shaun McCarty added an RBI in the 5^th on a sharply hit double deep into the right field corner. McCarty scored on a Brandon Turner fielder’s choice later in the inning and pushed the BCU lead to 4-0

Miami responded with an Alex Hernandez RBI single through the left side to put the Hurricanes on the board, narrowing the lead to 4-1.

Freshman catcher Chris Biocic’s RBI single in the sixth capped the Wildcats’ scoring at 5.

Michael Broad launched a monster two-run shot in the bottom of the sixth to cut the Wildcat lead to 5-3, but the Canes could get no closer.

BCU’s 5-3 victory adds Miami to an impressive list of out of conference foes Jason Beverlins’ squad has defeated this season. Arizona State, Miami, Central Florida, Central Michigan, Florida International, South Florida and Jacksonville University have all suffered defeat at the hands of the Wildcats in 2013.

The Cats return to MEAC play and will travel to Tallahassee on Friday for a three game weekend series against Florida A&M.

Wildcat Football 1st Down Series – Ep 1

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“B-CU Football Women’s Clinic” is coming

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(Basketball) BCU upsets Norfolk in MEAC tourney

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Courtesy of BCU Athletics

Norfolk – The Bethune-Cookman basketball team pulled out a dramatic 70-68 upset victory over regular season MEAC champions Norfolk State on Wednesday night in the Conference Tournament.

The Spartans, who played the role of Cinderella in the first round of last year’s NCAA tournament by defeating the #3 ranked Missouri Tigers, finished the MEAC’s regular season with an unblemished conference record. The Wildcats came closes to defeating NSU during the regular season but came up 1 point short (61-62) when the two teams squared off eleven (11) days ago in Norfolk. Interestingly, the last four contests between the Wildcats and Spartans have come down to the final possession. The Spartans prevailed in the previous three (3) contests but Wednesday night belonged to Bethune-Cookman.

Gravelle Craigs’ squad trailed by as many as 13 points in the first half and seemed unable to overcome the hostile, pro-NSU crowd or the regular season champs. But a second half energy boost from senior Paul Scotland and a bit of sharp shooting from the entire squad helped the Wildcats erase the double-digit halftime deficit and force the game into overtime.

BCU shot 59% from the field in the second half and 50% in the overtime session. The Cats are now two games away from making their first ever appearance in the NCAA tournament

Full story to be updated soon.

BCU to hold Annual Spring Game on April 13th

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Bethune-Cookman football will hold its first spring practice of the year on Saturday, March 23 to begin a 13-session schedule that culminates with the Spring Showcase to be held Saturday, April 13. The location for the Spring Showcase will be announced at a later date.

The Wildcats will pull on the pads under head coach Brian Jenkins for the fourth time and again hold practices on campus at the Wildcat Practice Field.

B-CU is scheduled to work out four times a week beginning March 23, with practices taking place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. All practices are closed to the public.

During spring practice, only head coach Brian Jenkins and assistant coaches will be made available to the media. Student-athletes will speak with the media after the Spring Showcase.

Read on: http://www.bcuathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23910&ATCLID=206647160

BCU 2013 Schedule Promo

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(Baseball) Wildcats sweep FAMU

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Scott Gardner

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (6-6, 3-0 MEAC) completed their first series sweep of the 2013 season, taking down in-state rivals Florida A&M Rattlers (0-11, 0-3 MEAC) in a three game set at Jackie Robinson ballpark.

The Wildcats used a pair of bottom of the 8th inning comebacks in games one (8-6 final) and three (3-2 final); and a complete game shutout by junior right-hander Scott Gardner in game two (7-0) to secure the weekend sweep.

Gardner pitched all 7 innings in the second game of Saturday’s double-header and registered 3 strikeouts, 1 base on balls, 4 hits, and no runs. Other standouts this weekend included closer Jordan Dailey who saw action in games one and three recording a win and save respectively; and third baseman Matt Noble who had a hit in each of the 3 contests batting .455 (5 for 11) with 5 RBIs in the process.

BCU’s record now stands at 6-6 on the year with wins over perennial power Arizona State and last year NCAA Regionals participant UCF.

The Cats conclude their seven (7) game homestand with a couple of midweek matchups against Central Michigan on Tuesday and Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m.

BCU to play Florida State in 2013

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It was announced on Monday that the Bethune-Cookman football team will faceoff against perennial ACC power Florida State on September 21st in historic Doak Campbell Stadium.

This will be the first ever football matchup between the two universities.

The Wildcats were originally slated to play Central Florida on September 28th; however, UCF opted to withdraw from the game and faceoff against Penn State instead.

BCU athletic director Lynn Thompson stated he received several invites to fulfill the vacant date. Included among those was an invitation to play in the 2013 Circle City Classic, but a suitable Division I opponent could not be found.

The 2013 campaign kicks off Labor Day Weekend in the John Merritt Classic in Nashville against Tennessee State. The Cats return for their home opener on September 7th vs Virginia Union just before facing off against FBS opponents Florida International (Miami, 09/14) and Florida State (Tallahassee, 09/21).

After a bye-week, the Wildcats will begin MEAC play in Dover against Delaware State (10/5) followed by a showdown with Howard in DC on October 12th.

4 of their next 5 contests will be held in the friendly confines of Municipal Stadium (Savannah State – 10/19, South Carolina State – 10/26 {homecoming}, Norfolk 11/9, and Hampton 11/16).

Sandwiched in between homecoming and the game with Norfolk is a November 2nd matchup with North Carolina Central in Durham.

As always, the regular season will wrap-up in Orlando in the Florida Classic.

NFL Draft Zone Spotlight: David Blackwell

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Draft Zone Spotlight: David Blackwell, QB/WR, Bethune-Cookman University

When you think of complete football players, if you don’t have David Blackwell in that list then you missed a player. Blackwell originally signed with Iowa out of school, but would eventually play for Iowa Western a JUCO school. He was a triple threat for the school and would play WR, QB and LB. David rushed 33 times for 188 yards and one TD while throwing for 132 yards and one score for Iowa Western which would eventually land him on Bethune Cookman’s roster in Daytona Beach. David played a couple games last year at QB for Bethune and he was a beast at the helm. He threw for a total of 409 yards with three touchdowns on 22-of-38 passing, with only one interception on the year. Last year David played wide out as well. Keep an eye on this athlete, because he could be a huge asset to some team looking for a dual threat player.

How many teams were recruiting you coming out of high school and how did you make your decision?

I had about 20 offers like LSU, Syracuse, Iowa, UCF, Arkansas, Ole Miss

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up, and did you have a player you rooted for?

It was St. Louis Rams. Player: Torry Holt

At your position, how do you break down film, please inform our readers what you look for when breaking down film?

I peak at pre-snap and post-snap coverage and also look for different techniques and tendencies to determine play.

Continue Reading: http://nfldraftzone.com/?s=david+blackwell

Durapau’s Complete Game Shutout Leads B-CU Past FIU, 1-0 – B-CUAthletics.com – The Official Web Site of Bethune-Cookman Athletics

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Durapau’s Complete Game Shutout Leads B-CU Past FIU, 1-0 – B-CUAthletics.com – The Official Web Site of Bethune-Cookman Athletics.

(Baseball) Wildcats earn victory over #16 Arizona State

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What a difference a year makes

In Jason Beverlin’s first year as skipper of Bethune-Cookman’s baseball team, the Wildcats looked overmatched when squaring off against Top 25 programs. Such was not the case this past weekend when the Wildcats faced off against the 16^th ranked Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe, Arizona.

Junior Righthander Montana Durapau gave the Wildcats a strong outing in Friday’s Opening Night contest. Durapau yielded just three earned runs while striking out five in seven innings of work. The Cats were 1 out away from winning Game One (and the series) but surrendered an unearned run in the bottom of the 9^th that forced the contest into extra innings.

The Sun Devils eventually prevailed 5-4 in the 11^th inning.

The second game of the series saw the Wildcat bats heat up early but simmer down late. ASU pulled away for a comfortable 15-7 win in Game 2.

BCU (1-2) secured its first win of the 2013 campaign in the weekend cap upsetting the Sun Devils 7-6. 2011 MEAC Pitcher of the Year, Scott Garner (1-0) earned the victory going 6 1/3rd, striking out six Sun Devils batters, walking one, while allowing five earned runs.

Senior closer Jordan Dailey entered the contest with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7^th. Dailey held ASU scoreless over the final 2.1 innings preserving the victory and earning his first save of the year in the process.

The Biocic brother’s Chris and P.J. scored a pair of runs each in the victory.

Sunday’s win was the Wildcats’ first victory over a Top 25 program since defeating Auburn in 2011.

Beverlin’s squad will look to carry the momentum of Sunday’s victory into Tuesday’s home-opener against the University of North Florida at Jackie Robinson ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Tampa Jefferson retires Quentin Williams’ number 3 jersey

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BCU QB Quentin Williams

Nobody had a season like quarterback Quentin Williams did in 2010.

Nobody broke records like Williams did when he helped lead the Jefferson Dragons to the school’s first state championship.

And now nobody will wear Williams number again.

The team retired Williams’ No. 3 jersey during a ceremony at the Dragons end of the season banquet this past Saturday.

During his senior season, Williams set new state records for season passing touchdowns (56), passing yardage (4,451), as well as career touchdown passes (109). He also broke Tim Tebow’s career passing yardage record. Williams ended up with 10,384.

The Dragons defeated Miami Norland 44-34 for the Class 3A title. The victory capped off a spectacular season for Williams, who went onto Bethune Cookman.

Last season for the Wildcats, Williams played in 10 games and threw for 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for 635 yards and three touchdowns.

Full Story: BayNews9 Sports

NFL Draft Zone Spotlight with BCU’s Dawud Lane

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Dawud Lane shows his support for Aunt Gail (Breast Cancer survivor)

Draft Zone Spotlight: Dawud Lane, LB, Bethune-Cookman University

When you watch the Bethune-Cookman games, big Dawud Lane stuck out and was a fierce competitor. He was a very highly recruited defensive lineman/linebacker which attended Rutgers University in New Jersey. He has been given a couple nicknames one is “Wood” which is short for Dawud because he lays wood when he plays. Another one is “Mr. Energy” because he is always fired up. I talked to one person at Bethune Cookman who said that Dawud would run a 4.5 all day every day at 6’2, 225 pounds. That is very impressive. Enough of me talking, check out the linebacker from B-CU.

How many teams were recruiting you coming out of high school and how did you make your decision?

Out of high school I was not that highly recruited maybe 9 or 10 D1-A offers. I made my decision to attend Rutgers originally where I earned my undergrad degree. The reason I went there because as a young man I wanted to stay home in New Jersey and I truly loved the coaching staff at Rutgers. Upon graduating there I still had eligibility so I decided to come down to Bethune Cookman to receive my masters while helping build this program.

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up, and did you have a player you rooted for?

That’s an easy one thee Dallas Cowboys, second greatest franchise ever next to the one that picks me up. Real Stars wear Stars and the stadium opens up to allow God the best view. The players I rooted for growing up was Deion Sanders & Lawrence Taylor I loved their showmanship, and ability to take over a game. The passion that LT plays with while rushing the passer and Deion ability to take risk in coverage because of his speed are characteristics I adopted into my game.

At your position, how do you break down film, please inform our readers what you look for when breaking down film?

Breaking down film is at this level of college and the pros are an essential aspect to being productive. At Rutgers the coaches would do detailed breakdowns of tendencies and third down plays in which at BCU we did not have the man power to do so. Thus I took it upon myself to study route combinations that coincide with down and distance to gain an advantage defensively. After taking a couple days studying that you move into o line stances to get run/pass reads and then gun mechanics as far as the QB and alignment for the Wide receivers, now there are plenty more but I have to preserve my career.

Click here to read on: http://nfldraftzone.com/draft-news/draft-zone-spotlight-dawud-lane-lb-bethune-cookman-university/

BCU signs 24 high school and junior college players

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Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins announced the signing of 24 student-athletes on National Signing Day.

Jenkins stated the goal of this recruiting class was to “build a new team” and “create depth and competition at every position”.

The 2013 class includes: 9 offensive and defensive linemen; 6 wide receivers; 4 running backs, 2 quarterbacks, 1 athlete, and 1 linebacker.

Defensive Lineman Jamal Cooper (Coahoma Community College), Punter/Place Kicker, Johnathan Cagle (Pensacola Pine Forest HS), and running backs Nate Pryor (Sebastian River HS) and Jamaruz Thompkins (Tampa Bay Tech HS) were among those whom Coach Jenkins mentioned as having the potential to make immediate impacts.

Quarterback Larry Brihm (Delray Beach Village Academy) and wide receiver Frank Brown (Palm Beach Gardens) were the top performers at their positions in talent rich Palm Beach County in 2012. In addition to Brihm and Brown, BCU also landed speedy and athletic Werley Placide (linebacker) from Boca Raton Olympic HS. The Palm Beach Post referenced BCU’s nabbing of the trio as a bit of a coup d’état for Brian Jenkins and his staff.

The Wildcats landed two local high school standouts in former Mainland High School quarterback Shelton Willis and reigning 8A State Champions Apopka High’s Dazzie Morris.

Four players from Jacksonville Raines signed with BCU all of whom are listed as wide receivers.

This is a deep class of signees who possess a great mix of size, speed, and athleticism. Several of the signees selected the Daytona Beach institution over larger FBS programs which is a true testament to the growth of the BCU football program.

2013 Bethune-Cookman Football Signees

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School

Darian Baker WR 5-10 174 Jacksonville, Fla./Raines HS

Larry Brihm QB 6-0 210 Delray Beach, Fla./Village Academy

Frank Brown WR 5-11 176 Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Palm Beach Gardens HS

Johnathan Cagle P/K 6-3 175 Pensacola, Fla./Pine Forest HS

Jamal Cooper DL 6-4 280 Memphis, Tenn./Kirby HS/Coahoma CC

Jawill Davis WR 6-0 170 Miami, Fla./American HS

Terique Debois OL 6-3 310 Bensalem, Pa./Bensalem HS/Lackawanna CC

Jamal Dozier WR 6-1 160 Jacksonville, Fla./Raines HS

Andrew Edouard OL 6-0 290 Philadelphia, Pa./Overbrook HS/Lackawanna CC

Atreyu Farrior ATH 6-1 180 Lakeland, Fla./Kathleen HS

Anthony Green DT 6-1 245 Lakeland, Fla./Lake Gibson HS

Uriah Horne OG 6-3 260 McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing HS

William Koen III OL 6-4 250 Lawrenceville, Ga./Mountain View HS

Dazzie Morris OG 6-2 260 Apopka, Fla./Apopka HS

Dre’Sean Nelson RB 5-8 160 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Dillard HS

Phillip Norman OG 6-4 280 Sebastian, Fla./Sebastian River HS

Larry Overstreet RB 6-0 200 Lehigh Acres, Fla./Lehigh HS/Fresno City College

Nathaniel Pryor RB 5-9 180 Sebastian, Fla./Sebastian River HS

Dishawn Ray DT 6-4 305 Jesup, Ga./Wayne County HS

Bruce Seymore WR 6-2 171 Jacksonville, Fla./Raines HS

Jamaruz Thompkins RB 5-10 185 Tampa, Fla./Tampa Bay Tech

Devonte Washington WR 6-2 178 Jacksonville, Fla./Raines HS

Shelton Willis QB 6-0 165 Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland HS

Lastest Update of BCU’s 2013 Football Signees (3:20 PM EST)

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http://www.bcuathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=206284483&DB_OEM_ID=23910.

Brian Jenkins is having a whale of a day. Here is a look at BCU’s recruiting class as of 12:45 PM. BCU Athletics will continue to update the list of 2013 football signees throughout the day. Click the link above to access BCU’s Signing Day Central.

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School

Darian Baker WR 5-10 174 Jacksonville, Fla./Raines HS

Larry Brihm QB 6-0 210 Delray Beach, Fla./Village Academy

Frank Brown WR 5-11 176 Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Palm Beach Gardens HS

Johnathan Cagle P/K 6-3 175 Pensacola, Fla./Pine Forest HS

Jamal Cooper DL 6-4 280 Memphis, Tenn./Kirby HS/Coahoma CC

Jawill Davis WR 6-0 170 Miami, Fla./American HS

Terique Debois OL 6-3 310 Bensalem, Pa./Bensalem HS/Lackawanna CC

Andrew Edouard OL 6-0 290 Philadelphia, Pa./Overbrook HS/Lackawanna CC

Atreyu Farrior ATH 6-1 180 Lakeland, Fla./Kathleen HS

Anthony Green DT 6-1 245 Lakeland, Fla./Lake Gibson HS

Uriah Horne OG 6-3 260 McDonough, Ga./Eagles Landing HS

William Koen III OL 6-4 250 Lawrenceville, Ga./Mountain View HS

Dazzie Morris OG 6-2 260 Apopka, Fla./Apopka HS

Dre’Sean Nelson ATH 6-0 185 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Dillard HS

Phillip Norman OG 6-4 270 Sebastian, Fla./Sebastian River HS

Larry Overstreet RB 6-0 200 Lehigh Acres, Fla./Lehigh HS/Fresno City College)

Nathaniel Pryor RB 5-9 180 Sebastian, Fla./Sebastian River HS

Dishawn Ray DT 6-4 305 Jesup, Ga./Wayne County HS

Bruce Seymore WR 6-2 171 Jacksonville, Fla./Raines HS

Jamaruz Thompkins RB 5-10 185 Tampa, Fla./Tampa Bay Tech

Devonte Washington WR 6-2 178 Jacksonville, Fla./Raines HS

Shelton Willis QB 6-0 165 Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland HS

A picture is worth a thousand words.

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Watch “BCU Men’s Basketball Game Winning Shot vs FAMU” on YouTube.

THE BELT

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At the conclusion of this past season’s Florida Blue Florida Classic, coach Brian Jenkins was seen hugging players, celebrating with the Marching Wildcats, and very conspicuously wearing a 2012 MEAC Champions Belt that was large enough and elaborate enough to make Hulk Hogan envy.

Some fifteen (15) or so minutes after first being spotted with his new ornate accessory, coach Jenkins met with members of the media for his normal postgame recap. There it was again; this time prominently displayed on the conference room table almost touching the fiery coach’s left elbow. There was no attempt at modesty. No attempt to conceal it. It was as if coach Jenkins was silently screaming for someone to ask about THE BELT…and so I did.

The third year coach rather foxily revealed that THE BELT was an inside thing between him and his team. “I have been telling (our football team) about the belt. You want to be the one to put on the belt in the end” Jenkins exclaimed.

At this past Saturday’s 2012 Championship Team Banquet inside the North Tower Ballroom at the Hilton Hotel located directly on Daytona Beach, coach Jenkins revealed to the 350 Wildcat supporters in attendance the inside story behind THE BELT.

The story goes as follows:

Shortly after being named as the fifteenth (15) head football coach at Bethune-Cookman, Brian Jenkins had a chance encounter with a Florida A&M football fan. The FAMU fan approached the newly appointed coach and said let me show you something. He reached into his back pocket and unfolded a piece of paper. Listed on the paper were the results of all of the Florida Classics including the previous two (2); both of which FAMU won.

The FAMU fan was undoubtedly sending a clear message to the precocious new coach of what he should expect when facing the mighty Rattlers.

As fate would have it, coach Jenkins bumped into the same Rattler fan nearly a year later. The FAMU fan, feeling emboldened by his Rattlers’ upset victor over the Wildcats in the 2010 Florida Classic, even more vigorously than the year before flagged down coach Jenkins and again pulled out a folded piece of paper from his back pocket. It was an up-to-date history of the Florida Classic results. The FAMU fan proudly and boastfully pointed to his team’s upset win in 2010. It was shortly after that encounter that the idea of THE BELT was conceived in Brian Jenkins’ mind. Jenkins decided if his team could win the MEAC crown and win the Florida Classic, he would supply every graduating senior with his very own Championship Belt.

Senior Class awarded Championship Belts

What better way to memorialize the hardwork, sacrifice, and dedication that’s required to become MEAC and Florida Classic champs than to provide the senior class with Championship Belts. And besides, a Heavyweight caliber Championship Belt trumps a folded piece of paper any day.

Coach Jenkins’ statement to the media after the 2012 Florida Blue Florida Classic now makes so much more sense: “…in the end, you want to be the one to put on the belt.”

THE BELT is brilliant in everything that it represents. It is the proverbial gauntlet slap in the face, a one-upper, a ‘step ya game up’ if you will. It is a unique memento, it epitomizes excellence, symbolizes hardwork and manhood, and it is meant to draw a line in the sand. If you want THE BELT, come and take it. If you want to keep THE BELT, then be prepared to defend it. So keep your folded piece of paper and I will raise you a Championship Belt.

Interestingly, coach Jenkins stated that the last time he spotted the FAMU fan who flagged him down and showed off his folded piece of paper was shortly after the 2010 season. Coincidence? Maybe but not likely!

A source within the BCU Athletic department could not confirm whether THE BELT is a one year phenomenon or a new tradition for each senior class who wins both a MEAC and Florida Classic championship in the same season. Personally, I hope this becomes a new tradition. A new goal of sorts for each class of seniors. I think coach Jenkins said it best: “in the end, you want to be the one to put on the belt”.

Congratulations to all the guys who earned the right to wear THE BELT!!!

Top 12 Moments of 2012

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Before 2012 takes its final curtain call and 2013 takes center stage, here is a look back at the Top 12 highlights of the 2012 football season.

(In no particular order)

Isidore Jackson joins 1,000 yard club:

Junior running back Isidore Jackson became just the 7^th player in BCU history to rush for 1,000 in a season. It was the first time that a BCU player reach the 1,000 yard milestone since Allen Suber reached the magical mark in 2002. Jackson finished the year with 1,069 yards on the ground. He now has 2,449 yards rushing for his career which is good enough for 3^rd all-time.

Steady Eddie:

Eddie Poole has played in every game of Brian Jenkins’ head coaching career. All Poole has done in that 35 game span is catch a pass in every contest and move into sixth (6^th) place all-time on BCU’s touchdown receptions list with seventeen (17). No sweat; just another day at the office for Steady Eddie.

Preston Cleckley’s one hander:

The final score in the BCU/Tennessee State game did not favor the good guys; however, Preston Cleckley’s one handed grab in the back of the end zone against the Tigers may have been the single most spectacular play of the season.

The 9 yard TD strike to Cleckley was quarterback Quentin Williams’ first collegiate TD pass. The two hooked up again in the North Carolina Central game when Cleckley ran under a 76 yard Williams’ TD pass. The 76 yarder was the longest pass play of the season for the Wildcats.

Brock Waters

Comeback kids:

17 minutes into the 2012 season, BCU fans were frozen in disbelief. The Wildcat faithful watched Alabama State seize all the momentum and a 21-0 lead early in the 2^nd quarter. But help arrived in the form of Louisiana Tech transfer Brodrick Waters. Waters replaced Jackie Wilson at quarterback midway through the 2^nd quarter and BCU scored 38 unanswered points. BCU went on to win the contest 38-28.

The comeback theme was repeated the following week when BCU scored 27 unanswered points after South Carolina State jumped out to a 14-0 lead.

Courtesy of BCU Athletics

Defense plays lights out in the 3^rd and 4^th quarters:

7, 0, 0, 16, 3, 3, 3, 7, 6, 7; no those aren’t the winning Powerball numbers. Those numbers represent the total number of points the Wildcat defense surrendered to FCS competition in the second half of contests this season. That averages out to a measly 5.2 points per game in the 3^rd and 4^th quarters.

The Wildcat D surrendered no 2^nd half touchdowns in the entire month of October. Hopefully the defense will figure out a way to extend their 2^nd half achievements over 4 quarters of football and elevate themselves to a dominant defensive team in 2013.

Nick Addison’s coming out party

Redshirt freshman Nick Addison put on a display against Hampton that caused the Maroon and Gold faithful to reminisce of the days of Mathis, Collins, Williams, and Wyatt. Addison intercepted 2 passes against the Pirates including 1 he returned 90 yards for a touchdown, he recorded 11 tackles (9 solo, .5 tfl) in that contest, and he forced a fumble. That makes for one heck of a coming out party.

Henry Frazier none-to-happy….Is there a rivalry brewing???

NCCU head coach Henry Frazier disapproved of coach Jenkins’ decision to throw a pass while leading 35-17 late in the 4th quarter. A visibly upset Frazier stated after the contest that he would have elected to simply run the ball if he was in the same position and not attempt to “run up the score”. Frazier went on to state that he would remember Jenkins’ actions and have his team ready when the two schools meet again.

Could this evolve into another Bill Hayes/Alvin Wyatt type rivalry……we shall see!

8-0

For the first time in school history, the Bethune-Cookman football team finished the season with a perfect 8-0 record in MEAC play. The last time BCU finished undefeated in conference play was 1984 when quarterback Bernard Hawk led the Cats to a 4-0 mark. BCU has now won 14 straight MEAC contests dating back to 2011 and can tie South Carolina State’s all-time consecutive MEAC win mark of 22 if they finish undefeated in conference play in 2013.

Offensive line play

The BCU offensive line paved the way for the league’s leading scoring offense (29.4 points per game), rushing offense (244 yards per contest) and total offense (388.75 yards per contest). Ole Miss transfer, Terrence Hackney led the big men upfront. Hackney was named to several postseason All-American squads including the Beyond Sports College Network, The Sports Network, and Box-To-Row All-American teams. The best news for BCU fans is that Hackney has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

Lavon McCoy and Eugene Solomon were also noteworthy performers in the trenches in 2012.

He’s staying:

After entertaining offers from other colleges, namely Southern University, and at least one NFL team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brian Jenkins decided to sign a new deal and remain the leader of the BCU football team.

Jenkins has amassed a 27-8 record, 2 conference crowns, and 2 playoff berths during his brief time at Bethune.

Run Ike Run:

Isidore Jackson’s 93 yard touchdown scamper against NCCU displayed many of the attributes that make a running back great. Jackson broke 2 tackles (power), made a couple of guys miss (vision), and outran the rest of the field (speed) on his way to the endzone.

It was the 4^th longest touchdown run in school history and good enough to make the Top 12 in 2012 countdown.

Larry R. Handfield Athletic Training Center/Photo Courtesy of Daytona Beach News Journal – David Massey

State of the Art

BCU Football Operations moved into the 16,378 square foot Larry Hanfield Athletic Training Center in September. The facility features a state of the art strength and conditioning center, hydrotherapy, x-ray and treatment rooms, technology equipped meeting rooms, a Hall of Fame lobby as well as other amenities.

The Training Center adds a huge boost to BCU’s recruiting, athletic facilities and footprint along the International Speedway corridor.

Brian Jenkins to remain as BCU’s head coach

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Daytona Beach - Bethune-Cookman interim president, Dr. Edison Jackson, athletic director Lynn Thompson, and head coach Brian Jenkins announced to an assembly of media and Wildcat supporters that Brian Jenkins will remain as the head football coach at BCU.

“Mr. Jenkins has given me an early Christmas gift by remaining with (the Bethune-Cookman) family” Dr. Jackson stated.

Less than 24 hours ago, coach Jenkins was scheduled to spend all day Thursday completing a comprehensive interview for the same position at Southern University in Louisiana. But in an 11th hour change of heart, Jenkins cancelled his interview with Southern on Wednesday night and inked a contract extension to remain at the Daytona Beach institution.

Jenkins stated “it’s not all about finances and it’s not all about football”. “It all boils down to family and wanting to be with family”. He went on to state: “if I were to end my career at Bethune-Cookman I would be okay with that”.

The Wildcats are 27-8 under the fiery third year head coach. Jenkins led BCU to their first ever 10-0 start in 2010, their first ever 8-0 mark in MEAC play in 2012, and two (2) of the last three (3) MEAC titles.

Check back to read more details on today’s press conference including quotes from the head coach and administration.

Developing: Brian Jenkins cancels interview with SU according to reports

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The Baton Rouge Advocate is reporting that Brian Jenkins has canceled his interview with Southern University officials for the school’s vacant head coaching position.

Coach Jenkins continues to rack up the accolades

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Photo Credits: Jerrime Bell

WACO, Texas - Bethune-Cookman football head coach Brian Jenkins has been named as this year’s American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Football Championship Subdivision Region Two Coach of the Year announced Monday morning by the AFCA office.

Recently completing his third year at the helm in Daytona Beach, Jenkins shares this year’s award with Stony Brook’s Chuck Piore who led his team to the second round of the FCS Playoffs. For Jenkins, this is the second time in the last three years he has won the award for Region Two, also picking up the honor in 2010.

Jenkins, the 2012 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Coach of the Year, led the Wildcats to an MEAC title and the first undefeated conference season for the Maroon and Gold since 1984. This past season, the Wildcats went 9-3 (8-0 MEAC) and played host to Coastal Carolina in the opening round of the FCS Playoffs at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach. It was the second MEAC title for the Cats under Jenkins – the fifth of its kind in school history – and they played host to an FCS Playoff competition for the third time in the past 10 years.

Since his arrival in Daytona Beach, Jenkins has compiled an overall record of 27-8, and an unprecedented 21-3 mark in league play. He has helped the Wildcats to two MEAC titles, two FCS Playoff appearances and been named the MEAC Coach of the Year twice.

Read on: http://www.bcuathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23910&ATCLID=205819638

Missed Opportunities cost BCU chance to secure 1st playoff victory

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You can use two words to sum up Bethune-Cookman’s 24-14 first round playoff defeat to Coastal Carolina: MISSED OPPORTUNITIES.

On BCU’s first two (2) possessions of Saturday’s matchup against the Chanticleers, quarterback Quentin Williams overshot passes to Jhomo Gordon, KJ Stroud, and Eddie Poole that would have been surefire touchdowns.

Daytona Beach native DJ Howard had an opportunity to return a pick six from inside the CCU 15 yard line on the Chants opening offensive possession, however, the Spruce Creek product was unable to hold on to the interception. So instead of the Wildcats leading by 2 or 3 scores early in the contest, they found themselves trailing 17-0 heading into halftime.

“In the playoffs you’ve got to seize opportunities. If you don’t, the opportunity will go right pass you” quarterback Quentin Williams stated. He went on to state “in the playoffs it’s not about who’s better or who’s worse, it is about who takes advantage of the opportunities”.

While BCU missed on its chances, CCU took full advantage of the Wildcats’ miscues and scored 10 points off of 2 BCU turnovers in the second quarter.

Coastal Carolina opened the game’s scoring on a 6 play 75 yard drive with 13:50 seconds remaining in the 2^nd quarter. The drive was capped by a 14 yard option run by Marcus Whitener. The Wildcats initially defended the play well but senior quarterback Aramis Hillary pitched the ball late allowing Whitener to run untouched for the opening score.

The Chants doubled their lead when All Big South 1^st team receiver Matt Hazel outleaped Tim Burke in the left corner of the endzone to cap a 9 play 58 yard drive with 7:23 left in the 2^nd quarter.

“I told coach to call that play” Hazel stated. (They were) “in man coverage across the board. Aramis threw a great ball and I saw it at the last minute and just went and got it”.

Controversy struck on BCU’s next possession. Trailing 14-0 midway through the second quarter, Williams hit tight end Jordan Murphy for a short gain. Murphy was originally ruled down on the play but a booth review overturned the call.

Coach Brian Jenkins went ballistic when the game’s head official announced the decision to overturn the call.

“(Jordan) did fumble. We had a couple of players in the area but (when the official blew the play dead) they stopped. Their player recovered the ball but if you blow the play dead, I don’t understand how you go back and review it. My argument was you blew the play dead so it negates anything else” Jenkins stated.

Quentin Williams echoed his coach’s sentiments: “when Murph (Jordan Murphy) caught the ball, I heard the official blow the whistle. That’s why I stopped.”

Coastal took over possession at the BCU 43 yard line as a result of the play. 5 plays later, Apopka High School product, Alex Catron, pushed CCU’s lead to 17-0 on a 35 yard FG conversion. The score remained unchanged heading into intermission.

Early in the 3^rd quarter, redshirt freshmen Nick Addison picked off an Aramis Hillary pass in the endzone to help breathe life into the Wildcats. But the Chanticleer defense kept BCU off the scoreboard on the ensuing possession.

Brodrick Waters entered the contest for an ineffective Quentin Williams on the Wildcats second possession in the 3rd quarter. Waters broke on a 57 yard run on his first drive under center. BCU got the ball as deep as the CCU 4 yard line on the drive but a false start penalty pushed the ball back to the CCU 11 yard line.

Coach Jenkins suffered his second visible meltdown of the game and had to be physically restrained by BCU administrators and coaches after the false start penalty was called against his squad.

“We had our guys go from a 2 point stand to a 3 point stand and they called us for a false start. None of our guys jumped. Two officials called offsides and one called illegal shift. When I asked for an explanation I got three different answers”.

Jenkins’ was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his reaction to the call and cost his team an opportunity for a chip shot field goal. The result of the play put the ball on the 26 yard line but instead of attempting a 43 yard FG, Jenkins decided to go for it on 4^th and 26.

Waters found KJ Stroud in the back of the endzone on the 4^th and 26 play and BCU seemed to be back in business. But it wasn’t meant to be. The television replay showed Stroud’s hand landed out of bounds before his foot landed in the endzone. The overturned touchdown call embodied BCU’s afternoon of missed opportunities.

Coastal Carolina safety, Johnnie Houston put the game out of reach when he returned a Brodrick Waters’ interception 68 yards to put Coastal ahead 24-0. Houston’s return was the 2^nd longest interception return in school history.

A 74 yard touchdown pass from Quentin Williams to David Blackwell with 6:44 left in the game gave Bethune its first points of the afternoon. Williams connected with KJ Stroud in the back of the endzone on the 2 point conversion attempt to cut the lead into a two possession contest (24-8).

Isidore Jackson’s 10 yard touchdown run capped off the game’s scoring. Jackson, who needed just 8 yards rushing to reach 1,000 on the season, finished the contest with 77 yards on the ground and 1,069 on the year. Jackson’s 1,069 yards represents the 3^rd best rushing season in BCU history.

Quentin Williams threw for 215 yards and 1 touchdown. It was the first time he surpassed the 200 yard passing mark in his career.

Jarkevis Fields led the Wildcats defense with 15 tackles. Nick Addison pitched in with 10 tackles, 1 fumble recovery and an interception.

The MEAC is now 0 for its last 17 as a conference in the FCS playoffs.

Redshirt freshmen, Nick Addison and Quentin Williams, vowed to take this bad feeling and get better in the offseason. Both players stated that Bethune-Cookman will win a playoff game before their eligibility expires in three years.

The Wildcats are now 0-4 in the FCS playoffs.

The win secured Coastal Carolina’s first ever playoff victory. The Chanticleers will travel to Norfolk, Virgina next week to take on #4 ranked Old Dominion.

Live Chat – BCU vs. CCU 1st Round FCS Playoffs

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The Live Chat will provide posters with a highly interactive platform in which they can discuss and follow the game as it is happening live. The Live Chat interfaces with Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

@BCUAthletics, @BCUExaminer, and @HailWildcats Twitter feeds will interface with the Live Chat. This will allow the posters to interact with the men and women who are dedicated to bringing you the most in-depth coverage of Bethune-Cookman football. The Chat will also allow users to access the most up to date gameday information from one centralized location.

You can participate in the Live Chat by posting your opinions/feedback/questions or by simply following along. All are encouraged to participate.

The Live Chat Link will become active at approximately 1:45 p.m. on gameday.

BCU/Coastal Carolina Game Preview

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If Bethune-Cookman head coach Brian Jenkins and Coastal Carolina head coach Joe Moglia ever decided to talk football over a cup of coffee (or quality adult beverage), the two men are likely to share very similar coaching stories.

Moglia, who is in his first season at CCU, guided the Chanticleers to a three-way share of the Big South conference title and earned the league’s FCS playoff automatic qualifier bid. Jenkins led his Fighting Wildcats to a three-way share of the MEAC crown and the conference’s AQ in his first season at Bethune in 2010.

Jenkins and Moglia have both been named as 2012 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award finalist; both coaches are disciples of the spread offense; and they both preach the gospel of ‘developing young men’.

When the two faceoff on Saturday at 2:00 P.M. at Daytona Beach’s Municipal Stadium, both will look to secure the first ever FCS playoff victory for their respective programs. (BCU is 0-3 in the FCS playoff play while Coastal is 0-2 in the postseason tournament.)

When Coastal has the ball

The Chants are led on offense by Big South All-Conference 1^st team selectee, Aramis Hillary. The University of South Carolina transfer ranked tops in the Big South and 23^rd nationally in total offense (261.7 ypg). Hillary is a dual threat player who can hurt you with his legs and his arm. But coach Moglia cites a different primary reason for Hillary’s success:

“One of his biggest strengths is that he makes good decisions. We give him progressions on all of his reads, whether it be through the option run or through the pass and he’s been great at that. He’s been effective when he’s had to run and throw the ball and that’s primarily due to the fact that he’s been able to make good decisions.”

Hillary’s favorite target this season has been fellow Big South 1^st team selectee Matt Hazel. The 6-3, 190 pound junior receiver has caught 49 passes for 615 yards and 5 touchdowns. Hazel was described by his coach as a precise route runner who understands coverages and has great hands.

Offensive Center Pat Williams and slot receiver/punt returner Niccolo Mastromatteo are also Big South first team performers. It was Williams and Mastromatteo that jumped off the film for coach Brian Jenkins.

“#20 (Mastromatteo) is very exciting. I really like watching him on film. I have this thing for little guys and I don’t know why”. Coach Jenkins went on to state: “the Center (Williams) is a very physical, nasty player, and I mean nasty in a good way, not in a cheap shot way. He plays the game like an old-school football player and I love that”.

Our take

The Chanticleers boost an explosive offense whose greatest strength lie in its balance. On the season, CCU has rushed for 2200 yards while gaining 2569 through the air. Quarterback Aramis Hillary has the ability to break contain and extend plays with his feet. Wide out Matt Hazel was one of the Big South’s best possession receivers this season while fellow wide-out Niccolo Mastromatteo proved to be one of the most explosive players in the conference.

The Wildcat defense has been good all year applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks and will need to do so on Saturday to help slow down the Coastal offensive attack. The defensive front and particularly the defensive ends will need to remain discipline in their pass rush responsibilities and keep their containment assignments. On the back end, BCU’s secondary has been outstanding this year at limiting big plays through the air and taking the ball away. They will need to turn in another top flight effort on Saturday in hopes of keeping the CCU offense contained.

Here is a look at the Chants’ relevant offensive statistics:

Rushing offense:          200.00 ypg
Passing offense:          233.55 ypg
Total offense:           433.55 ypg
Scoring offense:          35.18 ypg

Notable: WR/PR Niccolo Mastromatteo is responsible for the 2nd and 3rd longest scoring plays in CCU football history (a 91 yard punt return against Charleston Southern in 2010 and an 81 yard punt return against Presbyterian earlier this season).

When Coastal is on defense

From a statistical standpoint, the Chanticleers defense has been less than stellar throughout the course of the season. CCU ranks in the bottom third in most of the important national defensive statistical categories. The Chants give up an average of 26.55 points per game, 181 yards rushing per contest, and over 400 yards of total offense.

Playoff bound opponent Appalachian State racked up 684 yards of offense on CCU while 3-8 Gardner-Webb piled up 547 yards of offense on the Chants.

Despite the statistics, coach Jenkins sees a defense on film who is “a well-coached football team. The defensive front is very aggressive, their linebackers run to the ball well, and the defensive secondary don’t get beat deep much”.

Sophomore linebacker Quinn Backus is an All-American candidate and was named the Big South Defensive Player of the year this season. Backus set the CCU single-season mark with 123 tackles and ranks 10^th nationally averaging 11.2 tackles per contest. He was also responsible for forcing 3 fumbles and picking off 2 passes this season.

Our take

Coach Moglia stated in his weekly teleconference that the Wildcats will move the ball on his squad but his team must limit the big plays. With that in mind, BCU’s offense must take advantage of a CCU defensive unit that has been poorest at spots throughout the season. The Wildcat offense can ill-afford to help the CCU defense by putting themselves in adverse situations and piling up reckless penalties.

CCU’s base defense is a 4-2-5. BCU must use their size advantage up front to establish the running game. You would also like to see the Wildcats not struggle to the slow start that has plagued them at times this season. If the Wildcats protect the ball and execute to their normal standard, they should find great success against the Chanticleer defense.

WHAT IS A CHANTICLEER?

Chanticleer (SHON-ti-cleer) comes from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. A Chanticleer is a rooster who rules the barnyard with cunning and wit. His competitiveness never wanes as he battles to the end, using his brains to come out on top.

Quick Facts:

~ Junior running back, Isidore Jackson, needs just 8 more yards to reach 1,000 yards on the season. Jackson would be just the 6th BCU player in the modern era to reach the 1,000 yard milestone and the first to do so since quarterback Allen Suber ran for 1,035 in 2002.

~ Assuming Quentin Williams doesn’t turn an ankle in practice, this will be the first time BCU has entered a playoff contest with a healthy signal-caller. In BCU’s last playoff appearance (2010), MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, Matt Johnson, was unable to participate due to a shoulder injury. Coach Jenkins stated earlier this week that 11 starters on offense and defense were missing in that game.

~ A win on Saturday would give BCU its fourth 10-win season in history and the 2^nd in the Brian Jenkins era.

BCU by the Numbers

Category                    Nat’l Rank     Avg.
Rushing Offense            10             247.45
Passing Offense             111             38.45
Total Offense                50              385.91
Scoring Offense             34              30.82
Turnover Margin             3                1.64
Rushing Defense            28              129.55
Pass Defense                10               164.55
Pass Efficiency Def         1                 95.18
Total Defense                5                 294.09
Scoring Defense             10               17.73

Key Player Rankings

Rushing:                          Isidore Jackson (90.18 YPG) – 41st
All-Purpose Runners:        Isidore Jackson (102.36 YPG) – 84th
Total Offense:                Quentin Williams (156.33) – 94th

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. The game will be streamed live on WatchESPN.com. HailWildcats.com will host a Live Chat during the game. The Live Chat will provide posters with a highly interactive platform in which they can discuss and follow the game as it is happening live. The Live Chat interfaces with Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

You can participate in the Live Chat by posting your opinions/feedback/questions or by simply following along. All are encouraged to participate.

The Live Chat Link will become active at approximately 1:45 p.m. on gameday and will be available on the HailWildcats.com front page.

Coastal Carolina’s Joe Moglia expects tough matchup with Bethune-Cookman

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Coastal Carolina head coach Joe Moglia – Photo Credits / GoCCUSports.com

Bradford Gillens - Coastal Carolina head coach Joe Moglia has somewhat of an idea of the competitiveness in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, having played conference member North Carolina A&T in his first game as head coach of the Chants. CCU won the game 29-13, but the former TD Amertrade CEO knows there is a big difference between the Aggies team he faced in September and the Bethune-Cookman team he will face Saturday in Daytona Beach in the opening round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

“From an offensive perspective, they’ve done a great job of moving the football, Moglia said. They create issues for the defense that is playing them because of the multiple sets they face.”

While Moglia was quick to offer praise of the Wildcats, his Chanticleers enter the game riding a five game winning streak where they’ve averaged 46.2 points per game in those contests. Leading the offensive explosion has been senior dual threat quarterback Aramis Hillary. The All Big South first teamer leads the conference in total yards this season with 2,617 (2,133 passing, 484 rushing) and 20 total touchdowns and is the catalyst for the Coastal Carolina offense.

“He’s a great leader and everybody on our team respects him, Moglia said. One of his biggest strengths is that he makes good decisions. We give him progressions on all of his reads, whether it be through the option run or through the pass that are reasonably simple, but you still have to be able to make them and execute them and he’s been great at that. He’s been effective when he’s had to run and throw the ball and that’s primarily due to the fact that he’s been able to make good decisions.”

Read on: http://www.examiner.com/article/coastal-carolina-s-joe-moglia-expects-tough-matchup-with-bethune-cookman

Live Chat – Bethune-Cookman/Coastal Carolina 1st round FCS playoffs, Sat. Nov. 24th

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Credits – Jerrime Bell / Hailwildcats.com

Hello Wildcats Fans!

Hailwildcats.com will host a Live Chat during this Saturday’s 1st round FCS Playoff game between Bethune-Cookman and Coastal Carolina.The Live Chat will provide posters with a highly interactive platform in which they can discuss and follow the game as it is happening live. The Live Chat interfaces with Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

You can participate in the Live Chat by posting your opinions/feedback/questions or by simply following along. All are encouraged to participate.

The Live Chat Link will become active at approximately 1:30 p.m. on gameday and will be available on the HailWildcats.com front page.

Thanks for your support and Hail Wildcats!
JB

Jenkins excited about 2nd chance at FCS playoffs

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Bradford Gillens – The last time Bethune-Cookman hosted a playoff game in the friendly confines of Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, they were outscored 31-6 in the second half after a 14-14 tie, falling to the University of New Hampshire, 45-20. It was a particularly disappointing day for head coach Brian Jenkins and the Wildcats, as they dropped their second consecutive game after starting the season 10-0.

Anyone who knows Jenkins knows he’s extremely competitive and has never been secretive about his extreme disdain of losing. In fact, he indicated there are games from high school where he came out on the losing end that he still remembers to this day and it still bothers him, so one would have to think that he hasn’t gotten over the poor performance of his team in his playoff debut two years ago.

To say that he’s excited about the opportunity of getting another chance to capture the school’s first playoff victory in history this week against Coastal Carolina would be putting it mildly at best.

“It feels great to be in this position, Jenkins said. A lot of people don’t know that our last playoff game, we were not only without Matt (Johnson), but we had close to 11 starters out (offensively and defensively), so we went into that game very handicapped against a great New Hampshire team. We held them to 14-14 at halftime, but in the second half they just overpowered us.”

Final Florida Classic Rant

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Undisputed and outright champs

At the conclusion of this past Saturday’s Florida Classic, coach Brian Jenkins was seen hugging players, celebrating with the Marching Wildcats, and wearing a 2012 MEAC Champions Belt around his waist. Yeah you heard me, coach Jenkins was rocking a Championship belt around his waist that Dusty Rhodes would have been proud to don.

“I have been telling (our football team) about the belt. You want to be the one to put on the belt in the end. Right now this phase of our season is done. We have won this belt and hopefully we can put things together and be able to put on another (belt)” coach Jenkins stated.

Look Good Play Good

BCU White Helmet

The Bethune-Cookman football team wore all white uniforms (helmets included) for the first time in school history on Saturday. The new white headgear is the fourth helmet the Wildcats have competed in during the Brian Jenkins era. When asked about the abundance of helmets and uniform combinations, coach Jenkins stated: “the young men deserve it. We are so hard on our young men throughout the year about doing things right. I believe in rewarding them for the effort that they put in for this university. So it’s things like that I do to show them appreciation for their effort, dedication, commitment and passion to each other, for each other, and also for this university”.

He went on to state: “the guys did not know when the white helmets were coming. When they came into the locker room before the game, they saw the maroon helmets. They put them on (and went out for pregame). When they came back in (the locker room) they saw the white helmets. The helmets gave our guys a charge and some excitement to our fans”. “I don’t know you might see a different helmet next week” (in the playoff matchup).

BCU is 4-0 in helmet reveal games during the Brian Jenkins era.

Eddie Robinson Award Finalist

Coach Brian Jenkins, who has led his Bethune-Cookman Wildcats to their second FCS playoff appearance in three years, has been named a 2012 Eddie Robinson Award Finalist. The award is presented annually to the national coach of the year in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) by The Sports Network.

“Obviously, this is an extreme honor to be named a finalist for an award of this magnitude,” expressed Brian Jenkins on Monday afternoon. “This award not only shows the hard work of a head coach, his staff and players throughout the year, but also the hard work and dedication of a man for whom the award is named. “Not only was Eddie Robinson an inspiration to me, but he paved the way for African-American coaches like myself and many more to reach new heights in the college football coaching ranks. Again, it’s such an honor to be named a finalist for this award.”

Coach Jenkins led BCU to their first ever 10-0 start when he arrived on campus in 2010. Saturday’s win earned the Wildcats their first ever 8-0 season in league play.

The Wildcats, who earned the league’s automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, will host Big South champion Coastal Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchsed from the Bethune-Cookman Box Office or from Ticketmaster.com.

Bethune-Cookman to Host Coastal Carolina in FCS Playoffs – B-CUAthletics.com – The Official Web Site of Bethune-Cookman Athletics

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Bethune-Cookman to Host Coastal Carolina in FCS Playoffs – B-CUAthletics.com – The Official Web Site of Bethune-Cookman Athletics.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - It was announced Sunday that Bethune-Cookman will host Coastal Carolina in a first round matchup of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs next weekend at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.

Tickets for the game will go on sale Monday at 10 a.m. Prices are $10 for students and $25 for reserved seats. To order, call the B-CU Ticket Office at (386) 481-2465, or log on to TicketMaster.com.

Wildcats remain perfect in MEAC with 21-16 Florida Classic victory

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2012 MEAC and Fla Classic Champs

ORLAND, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman held off a late charge from Florida A&M to secure its second straight victory in the Florida Blue Florida Classic. The Wildcats, who are headed to the FCS playoffs, have now won 7 consecutive games and 13 straight in MEAC play.

Quentin Williams threw for 120 yards and one touchdown on 12-18 passing. Williams also rushed for 86 yards including a 51 yard scamper in the first quarter which helped setup Bethune’s first score of the afternoon.

After trailing 10-7 at halftime, BCU scored on a 34-yard Isidore Jackson touchdown run with 3:13 remaining in the third quarter. Jackson ended the afternoon with 77 yards rushing leaving him just 8 yards shy of reaching 1,000 on the season. Andronicus Lovette added a 1-yard rushing score with 11:30 left to push BCU’s lead to 21-10.

Florida A&M made a contest of it after Damien Fleming eluded a certain sack and connected with Dewayne Harvey for a 37-yard score to cut the lead to 5 (21-16) with 8:04 remaining.

Fleming had a final opportunity to work his magic when the Rattlers took over possession on their own 47 with 3:49 left in the contest. However, it was the BCU defense that made the game defining play. On 2^nd down and 17, Harold Love III chased down Fleming forcing a fumble with 1:17 seconds left in game. Tevin Toney recovered the fumble and raced 47 yards for an apparent BCU touchdown but the officials (who did not have a particularly great day at the office) initially ruled that the runner was down on the play but reversed the call after a booth review. The touchdown did not stand, but BCU was able to take over possession and run out the clock.

Jarkevis Fields, who stated that he had quite a few family and friends in the house screaming go #1 and Go Wildcats, led the Wildcats with 11 tackles including 2 for loss.

The playoff bound Wildcats will now await word on their next opponent. The FCS playoff field of 20 will be revealed Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. on the ESPN family of networks.

Most memorable Florida Classic Moments

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In less than 24 hours, the Florida A&M Rattlers and Bethune-Cookman Wildcats will meet in the 33^rd Florida Blue Florida Classic. The contest has grown into one of the premier HBCU showcases attracting over one and half million fans since its inception in 1978. The two teams have combined for eleven (11) conference titles during that same timeframe and have created many memorable moments in this annual showdown.

Players and coaches from both teams will surely seek to create their own magical Florida Classic moment when the two teams square off Saturday at 2:00 in the Citrus Bowl. FAMU coach Earl Holmes, who is a former Rattler player, was asked about his favorite Florida Classic moment at today’s Kickoff Luncheon. Coach Holmes replied “ask me that same question after tomorrow’s game”. With that in mind, here are some of the most memorable Florida Classic moments.

Memorable Florida Classic Moments

1978 – Florida A&M trailed BCU 17-0 at halftime but rallied to a 27-17 victory. Rudy Hubbard’s squad went on to win the 1-AA (now FCS) National Championship that season.

1994 – BCU QB Tony Kerrin connected with Morris Nobles on a 2 yard TD reception in the corner of the endzone to give the Wildcats a 27-24 lead with :47remaining in the contest. BCU went on to win by the same margin and coach Cy McClairen earned his first victory over the Rattlers as a head coach.

2003 – Daytona Beach native and current Chicago Bear, Eric Weems, scored 3 touchdowns and helped the Wildcats rally from a 28-10 halftime deficit. The final touchdown was set up by a fake punt attempt on 4^th and 17 with less than 2:00 remaining in the contest. A FAMU player was flagged for pass interference on the fake punt and BCU was awarded an automatic first down.

Later on in the drive quarterback Allen Suber avoided a sack, rolled to his right, and hit Weems who beat triple coverage just beyond the pylon with 9 seconds remaining in the game. BCU prevailed 39-35 in front of the largest crowd (73,358) in Florida Classic history.

2004 – Florida Classic fans were treated to the first overtime in the history of the series; Wildcats fans were treated with a 58-52 win.

FAMU’s Ben Dougherty (QB) and Roosevelt Kiser (WR) had career days in that contest. Midway through the third quarter, Dougherty connected with Kiser on a 66 yard TD reception and extended FAMU’s lead to 45-24.

Head coach Alvin Wyatt then made the decision to move former NFL All-Pro defensive back Nick Collins from safety to cornerback with the assignment of blanketing Kiser. The move proved to be very affective for the maroon and gold. The FAMU passing game was severely limited as a result of the coaching decision and the Wildcats outscored FAMU 34-7 from that point forward. Rodney Johnson’s 15 yard touchdown run in overtime sealed the victory for BCU.

Coach Wyatt was so overcome with emotion that he fainted (due to dehydration) and had to be carted off by medical personnel.

Not only was the 2004 victory the first overtime win in Florida Classic history, it was also the first time that BCU secured three consecutive victories over its arch-rival.

Jenkins Still Seeking the Perfect Ending – B-CUAthletics.com – The Official Web Site of Bethune-Cookman Athletics

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Jenkins Still Seeking the Perfect Ending – B-CUAthletics.com – The Official Web Site of Bethune-Cookman Athletics.

Good read. Any article that references one of my favorite Wildcats of all-time, Bernard Hawk, is a good read. Check it out.

FCS Playoff Picture

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The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats are MEAC Champions for the second time in three years. But unlike 2010 when the Wildcats joined South Carolina State and Florida A&M as league co-champions, the 2012 crown will not be shared. This year’s Championship is the Cats’ first outright title since 2002.

BCU now owns 5 MEAC crowns and 11 conference championships all-time. (The Wildcats won 6 SIAC titles before joining the MEAC in 1979.)

Possible 1st round matchups

Here is what we know: the Wildcats are headed to the 2012 FCS playoffs; and Bethune-Cookman has submitted a bid to host a first round game. Who BCU faces and whether or not the Cats will be awarded a home game are still anyone’s guess. The mystery will be revealed next Sunday morning when the field of 20 is announced. We should probably refrain from speculating on who the Wildcats will face and just allow things the sort themselves out but that would be no fun.

So let’s take a look at the most probable first round matchups based on what we know today.

Keep in mind that 12 playoff bound teams receive a first round bye; the FCS playoff committee ranks the top 5 seeds; and teams are matched based on things such as geographic proximity. With that in mind, the Cats are not expected to receive a first round bye and will very likely face one of the following teams in the opening round.

Wofford (Spartanburg, SC) is looking like a very probable matchup for BCU. The Terriers, along with Appalachian State and Georgia Southern, are co-champions of the Southern Conference. All three teams appear to be locks to make the field of 20. In fact, Appalachian State (Boone, NC) could also be a potential first round foe. The Wildcats will certainly have to hit the road if matched against App State as the Mountaineers almost always host their first game of the playoffs.

Coastal Carolina (Conway, SC) will likely end the season tied for first place in the Big South with Liberty and Stony Brook. The Chanticleers will receive the conference’s automatic bid if the three teams finish the season tied for first. Interestingly, Coastal and Bethune played one common opponent this year (North Carolina A&T) and the margin of victory was the same for both (+16 points).

Stony Brook entered the weekend ranked 6^th in the Sports Network FCS poll but suffered a defeat to conference foe Liberty. If (and that’s a big if) Stony Brook receives an at-large berth, they could very well be matched against BCU in the first round.

This week’s Tennessee State/UT-Martin (Ohio Valley) matchup is an unofficial playoff game for both teams. The loser is definitely out of the mix. The winner, however, could secure one of the final at-large slots and may be pitted against the Wildcats on Thanksgiving weekend.

Colonial Athletic teams James Madison, Towson, Villanova, and Richmond are all sitting on the proverbial playoff bubble and either of whom could be matched against Brian Jenkins’ squad in the opening round.

Thank goodness we will not have to speculate much longer. Post season play begins in less than two weeks but first things first.

The Wildcats tangle with arch-rival FAMU in Saturday’s Florida Blue Florida Classic in Orlando. BCU will look to complete their first ever undefeated MEAC season in the regular season finale. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

Hackney Tabbed to The Sports Network All-America Team

10 Monday Dec 2012

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Football – Mobile – B-CUAthletics.com – The Official Web Site of Bethune-Cookman Athletics

November 25, 2012

Football – Mobile – B-CUAthletics.com – The Official Web Site of Bethune-Cookman Athletics.

Wildcats enter The SportsNetwork Top 25

November 12, 2012

BCU entered the Sports Network Top 25 rankings for the first time this season. The Wildcats are currently ranked 24th …

Week 11 MEAC Review

November 10, 2012

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BCU 2012 MEAC Champs

November 10, 2012

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BCU/ Savannah State Preview

November 10, 2012

Savannah-It’s been almost four weeks since Savannah State coach Steve Davenport suspended eight players. Only one has returned to the …

Joe Taylor resigns immediately

November 8, 2012

Florida A&M head coach Joe Taylor has coached his final game for the Rattlers. Taylor originally announced he would retire …

Wildcats Coach Jenkins Reprimanded for Unsportsmanlike Conduct – MEACsports.com – The Official Site of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

November 5, 2012

NORFOLK, Virginia – Bethune-Cookman head football coach Brian Jenkins has been formally reprimanded by Commissioner Dennis Thomas for displaying unsportsmanlike …

Cats hold on for a 24-13 win over Morgan State

November 3, 2012

Baltimore–Bethune-Cookman survived the cold weather and a feisty Morgan State squad to improve to 6-0 in MEAC play. BCU’s defense …

BCU set to take on Morgan State

November 3, 2012

Bethune-Cookman will put their 10 game conference win streak on the line when they face Morgan State in Baltimore on …

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