Bethune-Cookman’s one game FBS season ended as most of us expected…one-sided. The best takeaways from the contest were the six figure check BCU picked up and the relative good health of the squad at the end of the night. But let’s face it, those were at the top of the list of realistic objectives for BCU before traveling to Sun Life Stadium to take on “The U” in front of 43,467 fans.
Miami’s defensive line dominated the contest and caused BCU’s offense to greatly struggle. In fact, the Wildcats managed just 50 yards of total offense through the first half and a putrid 29 in the final two quarters. “There defensive line (is the reason we struggled offensively). They have guys two deep that are outstanding” coach Sims stated in his postgame interview.
UM’s offense marched 70 yards on 16 plays on their first possession to open the game’s scoring. The Canes benefitted from two 4th down conversions on the drive. The first extended the drive on a 4th and 3 from the BCU 33. The second ended in a Brad Kaaya 5 yard touchdown pass to Standish Dobard.
Michael Badgley’s 25 yard field goal stretched the UM lead to 10-0 with 12:21 remaining in the first half.
Sun Life erupted at the 9:18 timestamp when Corn Elder returned a Jonathan Cagle punt 70 yards for an apparent score. However, Elder’s touchdown was nullified by the “get-away rule.”
The replay official overturned the touchdown after ruling one of Miami’s return men gave the “get-away” signal after Cagle’s short punt. By rule, the ball was ruled dead upon Elder’s touch since a Miami player gave the “get-away” signal. “Who Knew???”
Play was suspended at the conclusion of the play due to lightning in the area.
Kaaya went back to work when play resumed an hour and fifteen minutes later; this time connecting with Rashawn Scott in the left corner of the endzone on a beautifully executed 17 yard fade route.
Joseph Yearby pushed the lead to 24 with a 25 yard touchdown run 2:21 seconds before half.
Elder took a second punt return to the endzone just before the half. This one from 72 yards away. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, there was no “get-away” signal this time around to nullify the touchdown.
Mark Walton and Trayone Gray added touchdown runs from 5 and 1 yard out in the second half.
“I take all the blame for that 45 nothing. It’s my job to go in tomorrow and get them rallied up and ready to play next week” Sims said.
BCU’s young defense appeared fast and held their own until the 75 minute rain delay. Thy should fair much better against FCS opponents.
As far as the offense is concerned, 79 of total offense is hard to justify despite the opponent. The offensive line had a hard Terry Sims’ men must improve greatly if BCU is to contend for another MEAC crown in 2015.
- 1st Quarter
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TD
6:42Brad Kaaya pass complete to Standish Dobard for 5 yds for a TD (Michael Badgley KICK)
Drive: 16 plays, 70 yds, 7:01
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COOK
0
MIA
7
- 2nd Quarter
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FG
12:21Michael Badgley 25 yd FG GOOD
Drive: 9 plays, 58 yds, 2:45COOK
0
MIA
10
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TD
3:42Brad Kaaya pass complete to Rashawn Scott for 17 yds for a TD BETHUNE COOKMAN Penalty, offside defense ( Yards) declined (Michael Badgley KICK)
COOK
0
MIA
17
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TD
2:21Joseph Yearby run for 25 yds for a TD (Michael Badgley KICK)
Watch HighlightCOOK
0
MIA
24
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TD
1:37Jonathan Cagle punt for 41 yds , Corn Elder returns for 72 yds for a TD (Michael Badgley KICK)
Watch HighlightCOOK
0
MIA
31
- 3rd Quarter
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TD
2:14Mark Walton run for 5 yds for a TD (Michael Badgley KICK)
Watch HighlightCOOK
0
MIA
38
- 4th Quarter
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TD
2:27Trayone Gray run for 1 yd for a TD MIAMI FL Penalty, false start (-5 Yards) to the BthCk 8 (Michael Badgley KICK)
Watch HighlightCOOK
0
MIA
45
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