MEAC FOOTBALL WEEK EIGHT: The Final Word
Bethune-Cookman delivers Norfolk State its first conference defeat; Howard stuns A&T in overtime; Rattlers snap losing skid to SCSU;
NCCU takes Hampton to OT

Alvin Hollins Jr.

By ALVIN HOLLINS JR.

Oct. 22 – Two overtime games and a three-point upset by a road team in regulation shook and pressed the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football standings with four weeks left.

Two teams – Norfolk State and North Carolina A&T – came into the weekend undefeated in league play, but by mid-afternoon, both clubs had suffered setbacks which took them down a peg, while bringing the pack in the MEAC much closer, setting up an intriguing final four weeks of play.

Norfolk State (6-2, 4-1 in MEAC) dropped to second place with their 14-6 loss to Bethune-Cookman (4-3, 2-2) Thursday night, but that battlefield demotion lasted all of 48 hours, as North Carolina A&T (4-3, 3-1) fell in overtime to Howard University (4-4, 3-2), 35-28 in Washington, D.C. Saturday, allowing the Spartans to reclaim the league’s pole position.

Meanwhile, Florida A&M (5-3, 3-2) ended an eight-game losing streak to South Carolina State (4-4, 3-2), 27-24, in Orangeburg, icing the game with a gutsy fourth-down fake punt, which allowed the Rattlers to retain possession with just over a minute left to run out the clock.

In Saturday’s final game, Hampton University (4-3, 2-2) needed overtime to subdue pesky North Carolina Central (1-6, 0-4), 30-27 at Hampton, after finishing regulation tied 24-24.

Thursday Night’s Game
Defending MEAC Football co-champion Bethune-Cookman turned in a stellar defensive performance Thursday night, briefly bouncing Norfolk State out of the league lead with a 14-6 at Dick Price Stadium in a nationally-televised contest.

The win kept Bethune-Cookman (4-3, 2-2 in MEAC) in the conference title chase, while Norfolk State (6-2, 4-1) saw its’ five-game win streak end, briefly swapping spots with North Carolina A&T.

Next Week’s Schedule At A Glance
This weekend’s four-game slate has now set the table for October’s final week, which features five games, headlined by a 1-2 matchup when North Carolina A&T invades Norfolk State (2:00).

Second place Morgan State (4-3, 3-1) will be on the road at cellar dweller Delaware State (1-6, 0-4) at 1:00; South Carolina State (4-4, 3-2) visits resurgent Howard University (4-4, 3-2) at 1:00; Bethune-Cookman (4-3, 2-2) is at North Carolina Central (1-6, 0-4) at 2:00; Hampton (4-3, 2-2) visits Savannah State (1-6, 1-3) at 2:00.

Florida A&M will have a bye next weekend.

The Chase For The MEAC: Update
After Saturday’s action, Norfolk State (6-2, 4-1) moved back to first place; North Carolina A&T (4-3, 3-1) is now tied for second with idle Morgan State (4-3, 3-1).

After that, there is a three-way tie for fourth involving Florida A&M (5-3, 3-2), South Carolina State (4-4, 3-2) and Howard University (4-4, 3-2), followed by Bethune-Cookman (4-3, 2-2) and Hampton (4-3, 2-2) tied for seventh, with Savannah State (1-6, 1-3), North Carolina Central (1-6, 0-4) and Delaware State (2-5, 0-4) rounding out the standings.

2011 MEAC Football Remaining Conference Games
NORFOLK STATE (6-2, 4-1): A&T, 10-29; @SAV, 11-5; MORG, 11-12.
#Despite their 14-6 loss to Bethune-Cookman last Thursday, Norfolk may be in the best position to win their first-ever MEAC football title if they can sweep their final three games, including two at home against lead contenders A&T and Morgan.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T (4-3, 3-1): @NORF, 10-29; @FAMU, 11-5; @SCSU, 11-12; NCCU, 11-19.
#The resurgent Aggies enjoyed a 48-hour stay in first place in the MEAC, before falling in overtime to fellow comeback player of the year, Howard on Saturday, in the first leg of their feared four-game road stretch which features stops at Norfolk, FAMU and SCSU.

MORGAN STATE (4-3, 3-1): @DSU, 10-29; @B-CU, 11-5; NORF, 11-12; @HAM, 11-19.
#Considered a darkhorse contender with no SCSU or FAMU on their schedule, the Bears could have a November to remember though, as they close against B-CU, Norfolk and Hampton, after next week’s game at Delaware State.

S.C. STATE (4-4, 3-2): @HOW, 10-29); A&T, 11-12; @SAV, 11-19.
The Bulldogs have a tough row to hoe along with their fellow defending co-champions following their 27-24 home loss to Florida A&M… SCSU must try to stay in the title conversation now with their next two games against the league’s two resurgent programs: Howard and North Carolina A&T next on the docket..

FLORIDA A&M (5-3, 3-2): A&T, 11-5; @NCCU, 11-12; B-CU, 11-19.              The defending co-champs ended an eight-game losing streak to SCSU, surging past the Bulldogs, 27-24 to remain alive in this cast of thousands in the MEAC title chase. The Rattlers get a much-needed bye Oct. 29, to rest and watch how the league will shake out after a full five-game conference weekend… FAMU closes against A&T, NCCU and B-CU.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY (4-4, 3-2): SCSU, 10-29; @HAM, 11-5; @DSU, 11-19.
#The upstart Bison continued their resurgence Saturday with 35-28 overtime win over longtime rival North Carolina A&T, keeping them in the MEAC title conversation, with their final three games, featuring SCSU, Hampton and DelState.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN (4-3, 2-2): @NCCU, 10-29; MORG, 11-5; SAV, 11-12; FAMU, 11-19.
#The other co-champ holding on for dear life is B-CU, which breathed a bit of life into their faint title hopes with Thursday’s 14-6 win at Norfolk State, which helped further tighten the standings… B-CU travels to North Carolina Central, opening a four-game closing stretch that includes November bouts against Morgan, Savannah and FAMU.

HAMPTON (4-3, 2-2): @SAV, 10-29; HOW, 11-5; DSU, 11-12; MORG, 11-19.
#The Pirates needed overtime to eke out a 30-27 win over North Carolina Central, keeping themselves in a pack of five two-loss teams… Their closing games feature a road game at Savannah State and their final three games in Armstrong Stadium, giving them a chance at an upper division finish.

SAVANNAH STATE (1-6, 1-3): HAM, 10-29; NORF, 11-5; @B-CU, 11-12; SCSU, 11-19.
#The first year Tigers are completely out of the hunt as they face a dastardly closing stretch of games with Hampton, Norfolk, B-CU and SCSU all in a row. Bon appetit Tigers.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL (1-6, 0-4): B-CU, 10-29; @DSU, 11-5; FAMU, 11-12; @A&T, 11-19.
#The other MEAC newcomer has a dropped a 30-27 overtime heartbreaker at Hampton Saturday, showing signs of being a tough out down the stretch… Their closing stretch features co-champs B-CU and FAMU, and the Aggie-Eagle Classic against North Carolina A&T.

DELAWARE STATE (2-5, 0-4): MORG, 10-29; NCCU, 11-5; @HAM, 11-12; HOW, 11-19.#The slip sliding Hornets won’t ease into the offseason with their remaining games that feature contenders A&T, Morgan and Hampton… Still, should they muster a right cross and an upper cut or two, they could spoil the day for a couple of teams down the stretch.

Week 8 Games (Oct. 20-22)
Thursday, October 20
*Bethune-Cookman 14, Norfolk State 6

Saturday, October 22
*Howard University 35, North Carolina A&T 28/OT
*Florida A&M 27, South Carolina State 24
*Hampton 30, North Carolina Central 27/OT
BYES: Delaware State, Morgan State, Savannah State
*Conference Games

Week 9 Games (Oct. 29)
*Morgan State at Delaware State, 1:00
*South Carolina State at Howard, 1:00
*Bethune-Cookman at North Carolina Central, 2:00
* North Carolina A&T at Norfolk State, 2:00
*Hampton at Savannah State, 2:00
BYE: Florida A&M
*Conference Games

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Isidore Jackson scored three rushing touchdowns, Anthony Jordan added two scores and Bethune-Cookman defeated Fort Valley State 58-30 on Saturday.

Jackson, who ran for a career-high 150 yards on 19 carries, scored on runs of 13 and 8 yards in the second quarter and added a 20-yard rushing score in the second half. His 13-yard run gave Bethune-Cookman a 27-7 lead with 13:15 left in the second. With the win, Bethune-Cookman (3-3) ended a two-game losing streak.

Both of Jordan’s touchdowns runs came from 1-yard away. Fort Valley State (1-6), a team from Division II, extended its losing streak to two games. Bethune-Cookman totaled 648 yards of total offense, including 418 on the ground. Fort Valley State netted 422 yards — 321 of that through the air.

Cameron Pearson led Fort Valley State with 321 yards passing and four touchdowns.  Junior wide receiver Christopher Slaughter caught 8 passes for 201 yards including a 39 yard touchdown reception between two BCU defenders with 11:47 remaining in the contest.  The Fort Valley offense registered 5 pass plays in excess of 30 yards and posted 422 yards of total offense on the afternoon.

David Blackwell received the starting nod at quarterback for BCU.  The sophomore from Ft Lauderdale’s Cardinal Gibbons high school accounted for 222 yards passing (8 for 14 with 1 td) and 92 yards rushing becoming the first BCU quarterback to account for over 300 yards of offense this season.

Jackie Wilson entered the contest in the 4th quarter after Blackwell dislocated his right thumb.  Sophomore quarterback Jawad Yatim saw his first action of the season, however, he did not attempt a pass.  Maryland transfer Jamarr Robinson dressed for the contest but did not participate.  Brian Jenkins stated it was a coaches decision to withhold Robinson from the contest.

Team Stat Comparison

Passing Leaders

Rushing Leaders

Receiving Leaders

Scoring Summary

GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina A&T’s defense stifled the usually potent Bethune-Cookman offense in a 22-3 win on Saturday.

The Aggies (3-2, 2-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) recovered three fumbles, intercepted a pass, recorded a safety and held the Wildcats to 5 yards rushing. The win snapped the Aggies’ seven-game losing streak in the series and gave them back-to-back conference wins for the first time since November 2003.

Trailing 3-2 in the first quarter, North Carolina A&T scored 20 unanswered points to put the game away. Mike Mayhew, who rushed for 117 yards, capped the scoring with a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter. Lewis Kindle overcame two interceptions to throw for 119 yards and a touchdown for the Aggies.

The Wildcats (2-3, 1-2), who had won the previous seven meetings in the series by scoring an average of 47 points, were held to 108 yards total offense.

Team Stat Comparison

Passing Leaders

Rushing Leaders

Receiving Leaders

Scoring Summary

Here is a 30 second snapshot of the convoluted MEAC title race.

Norfolk State and North Carolina A&T are undefeated in conference play this year.  The Spartans or Aggies can win the MEAC’s automatic bid to the FCS playoffs by simply winning their remaining conference games.  

Howard and Delaware State each have two conference defeats.  Both squads are still mathematically alive but unlikely contenders this year.

The 7 remaining teams –SCSU, HiU, BCU, FAMU, NCCU, SSU, and MSU –each have 1 conference loss but can advance to postseason play through a myriad of scenarios. A second conference setback for either of the 1-loss teams likely eliminates them from postseason consideration. 

Hail Wildcats

Keith Stroud attempts to catch a pass in the endzone

Associated Press

MIAMI — Lamar Miller ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns, Tommy Streeter caught two scoring passes and Miami used a series of quick scores to shake off a dreadful early start and beat Bethune-Cookman 45-14 on Saturday.

All five of Miami’s offensive touchdown drives took under 2 minutes — two of them checking in at 10 seconds or less. Jacory Harris completed 12 of 17 passes for 175 yards for Miami (2-2).

Bethune-Cookman (2-2) was facing a major-college opponent for the first time in its 86-year history, and took an early 7-0 lead when Jackie Wilson found Eddie Poole with a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Wildcats kept that edge until midway through the second quarter, when Miami got touchdowns from Streeter and Miller to take the lead for good.

The final score said blowout. In actuality, it was anything but. For 22 minutes, Bethune-Cookman seemed like too much for Miami to handle. Bethune-Cookman quarterback Jackie Wilson completed 21 of 31 passes for 180 yards. The Wildcats held nearly a 2-to-1 edge in time of possession and outgained Miami 422-335. The Hurricanes, who return to Atlantic Coast Conference play at Virginia Tech next week, didn’t grab full control until early in the fourth quarter, when Streeter and Harris connected on a 27-yard touchdown for a 31-14 lead. Eduardo Clements added a 1-yard run later in the period, and Kelvin Cain’s 59-yard interception return with 2 minutes left completed the scoring.

By then, the Bethune-Cookman sideline was largely silent. A couple hours earlier, it was a decidedly different scene from the Football Championship Subdivision school, which accepted a $400,000 payday to make the bus trip from Daytona Beach to Miami. For a little while, it seemed like the Wildcats would be leaving with more than a big check. Helped by two penalties, including one when Miami had 12 players on the field while lining up to receive a punt, the Wildcats went 70 yards in 12 plays to start the game. On 1st-and-goal from the Miami 6, Bethune-Cookman running back Rodney Scott burst through the line, but inches from the end zone, he lost two things.

One, his helmet. Two, the football.

Sean Spence and JoJo Nicholas were part of a scrum that caught Scott just in time, and the Hurricanes took over. But Bethune’s hopes of scoring first weren’t denied, just delayed. Wilson and Eddie Poole connected for a 1-yard touchdown with 4:05 left in the opening quarter, a drive helped nicely by Anthony Jordan bowling his way through safety Vaughn Telemaque for a 27-yard gain on a 1st-and-23 call.

Not only were the Wildcats winning early, but they were downright dominant in the process. Miami running back Mike James, stopped twice around the goal line in the final moments of last week’s loss to Kansas State, was stuffed on fourth-and-1 from the Bethune-Cookman 29 late in the first quarter, a play that had Wildcats coach Brian Jenkins leaping and pumping his arms. With good reason, too. After 15 minutes, Bethune-Cookman held a 7-0 edge in first downs, a 137-39 edge in yards — and a 7-0 lead on the scoreboard.

Eventually, Miami found a way to breathe some life into a largely empty, highly concerned stadium. Streeter hauled in a 56-yard catch from Harris — a one-play touchdown drive — with 7:16 left in the half, tying the game. Travis Benjamin’s 44-yard punt return less than 2 minutes later, followed by a pass interference penalty, set up what technically was another one-play touchdown drive, a 3-yard run by Miller to give the Hurricanes the lead. Combined, those drives took 19 seconds. By comparison, Miami’s next scoring drive was a marathon, a three-play series that went 59 yards, the last 43 of them on Miller’s run 1:13 into the third quarter, putting the Hurricanes up 21-7.

Even then, the Wildcats weren’t finished. Wilson’s 3-yard touchdown run midway through the third cut the Miami lead to 21-14. Jake Wieclaw’s 30-yard field goal pushed the Hurricanes’ edge back to double digits entering the fourth, and when Harris and Streeter connected on their second touchdown play of the game, Miami was up 31-14 with 13:13 left and many fans began leaving. Miami may have endured a key loss late in the first quarter, when linebacker Ramon Buchanan left with an injured right knee and did not return.

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER				COOK	MIA
	TD	04:05	Eddie Poole 1 Yd Pass From Jackie Wilson (Sven Hurd Kick)	7	0
SECOND QUARTER				COOK	MIA
	TD	07:16	Tommy Streeter 56 Yd Pass From Jacory Harris (Jake Wieclaw Kick)	7	7
	TD	05:25	Lamar Miller 3 Yd Run (Jake Wieclaw Kick)	7	14
THIRD QUARTER				COOK	MIA
	TD	13:47	Lamar Miller 43 Yd Run (Jake Wieclaw Kick)	7	21
	TD	05:20	Jackie Wilson 3 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)	14	21
	FG	01:50	Jake Wieclaw 30 Yd	14	24
FOURTH QUARTER				COOK	MIA
	TD	13:13	Tommy Streeter 27 Yd Pass From Jacory Harris (Jake Wieclaw Kick)	14	31
	TD	08:39	Eduardo Clements 1 Yd Run (Jake Wieclaw Kick)	14	38
	TD	02:00	Kelvin Cain 59 Yd Interception Return (Jake Wieclaw Kick)	14	45