Author: J Bell

November Pressure Cooker: Why the Next Month Could Shape the Next Few Years of Bethune-Cookman Football

/ J Bell / 1 Comment
Credits: Daytona Beach News-Journal

November Pressure Cooker: Why the Next Month Could Shape the Next Few Years of Bethune-Cookman Football

Bethune-Cookman football is entering a defining chapter, as November stands to be an evaluation and culture-shaping month that could impact the program for years to come. 

The little private school on “Da Beach”, who thrives on overcoming obstacles and doing more with less, is facing one of the toughest stretches in its 101-year history of playing football. In fact, you would have to look back almost 40 years to find a low point even close to what Wildcat fans have witnessed over the past 4 seasons. 

This article will try to highlight why the next four games represent not only an opportunity for redemption for the current coaching staff and squad; but a potential beachhead from which the Wildcats can launch as they attempt to ascend to the top of the mountain that is HBCU football.

A Historic Struggle with Consequences

The Wildcats are spiraling in one of the worst four-year runs that Bethune-Cookman football has ever endured and everyone feels the weight of this moment. The stakes are higher than ever for the coaching staff to chart a new course and improve on its 1-7 record.

A former Bethune-Cookman football player recently shared some valuable insight with me. He  pointed out that this season’s lineup of games offers some uniquely relevant comparisons. BCU has played or will play 10 games this year against SWAC, FCS, and Division II competition. 8 of those 10 matchups will be against teams with first- or second-year head coaches. When you consider Coach Raymond Woodie Jr. is in his second year, it presents a fair basis for comparison to measure the development and progression of this year’s Bethune-Cookman team against those other squads with first and second year guys.

Reasonable conclusions can be drawn when you consider the shared realities between BCU and so much of its competition this season. To take it a step further, it would be irresponsible to not have reasonable expectations or hold this program accountable for their performances when the like for like comparisons are so abundant.

The Revenue Angle

Despite BCU’s lackluster on-field performance, the program isn’t operating without resources. Could things be better…well course. Could they be worse? That’s also true. But this current team has the luxury of a brand new on-campus artificial turf practice field. They have a new on-campus locker room. And they have access to the same on-campus grass practice field that Wesley Moore, Alvin Wyatt, and Brian Jenkins’ championship teams practiced on.

According to the July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 EADA report, BCU’s athletic department generated $13,636,502 in revenue. This figure is the fifth-highest in the SWAC and trailed only Southern, Alabama State, Alabama A&M, and Prairie View A&M during the same timeframe. The financial report at least suggests that there are enough raw resources to work with to be competitive. 

This is especially true when comparing BCU to fellow SWAC programs like Jackson State ($12,821,652)  and Florida A&M ($13,172,315), and even MEAC powerhouses like North Carolina Central ($11,339, 477) and South Carolina State ($13,271,355) —all of whom generated less revenue during the same timeframe but achieved better results on the field. 

When analyzing Bethune-Cookman’s 2024 EADA, the overall department revenue dropped precipitously from the year prior. Football specific expenses dropped from $5,270,780 in 2023 to $4,683,961 in 2024 which represents an 11.13% decrease. 

Despite the decrease in football expenses, BCU still outspent Jackson State ($2,867,733) by almost $2 million in 2024. 

November to Remember: Head to Head Evaluations Against First-Year Head Coaches in the SWAC

Considering BCU Athletics’ revenue is commensurate with its SWAC counterparts, let’s rule out the lack of resources as a factor in the team’s ongoing struggles. Instead, we can turn our attention to the field and make evaluations based on a) how this team has looked so far this season; and b) how the guys in maroon and gold will close out the year against similarly suited teams given the fact that all four games in November are against SWAC foes with first year head coaches: 

• Grambling State: Head Coach Mickey Joseph

• Southern: Head Coach Terrence Graves

• Texas Southern: Head Coach Cris Dishman

• Florida A&M: Head Coach James Colzie.

The indictment against the Wildcats heading into these four contests is that the first year guys at GSU (4-4), SU (4-4), TxSU (3-4), and FAMU (4-3) have all won multiple games and are all floating around .500.

Considering this, the logical question is why does Bethune only have one win to this point?

With each passing week, the doubts surrounding this coaching staff, this team, and this program will only grow more and more if the team continues to struggle to find success. 

On the other hand, winning a few of these last games would do more than boost this year’s record; it would send a message that Bethune-Cookman can compete with programs under similar rebuilding timelines and lay a foundation for a culture of competitiveness for the future. Even a few close losses could help build the case for Coach Woodie and his staff.

Transfer Portal and Roster Revamp: A Double-Edged Sword

Another crucial aspect of BCU’s rebuilding process that’s under the microscope is its utilization of the transfer portal. With 24 transfers on the roster this season, Coach Woodie has tapped into the potential of the portal to expedite a roster overhaul. However, the lack of return on that investment raises questions: has this transfer infusion truly moved the needle, or are we still looking for players to buy into the program’s culture and vision? What’s a reasonable amount of time supporters should expect for players to create cohesion, a shared sense of purpose, and a belief that winning here is possible?

That brings us to a hard lesson from earlier this season: Division II Clark Atlanta, winless in 2023, came into Daytona under a first-year coach, Teddy Keaton, and they walked away with a victory. Clark now sits at 5-2-1, and are assured of a winning record. This moment should serve as both a wake-up call and a challenge for BCU: if Clark can build a winning culture in such a short period, Bethune-Cookman supporters have every reason to demand the same.

What Needs to Happen in the Next Four Games

So, what does BCU need to accomplish over the next month to steer the program toward a stronger future?

1. Competitive Performances: The Wildcats need to play these next four games with consistent intensity and execution. They can’t just play well for a play, or a series, or a quarter, or a half. Football is a 60 minute game so play well to the end.

Close games, even if they end in narrow losses, will show that the team is competitive and progressing. Blowouts, however, would be another setback and may undermine the confidence of players and fans alike.

2. Defensive Accountability: The Wildcats have given up a staggering amount of yardage this season and rank last in the conference in total defense (490 ypg). To frustrate matters, a huge part of playing well on defense is effort and intensity; and effort and intensity are not something you can have questioned as a football team. To stand a chance against these upcoming SWAC teams, and to begin to rewrite the narrative around this program, the defense must prioritize tackling, play with some passion, and limit explosive plays. Or as Coach Woodie often states: play with technique, fundamentals, and attention to detail. 

3. Offensive Improvement: The Wildcats’ offense looked as good as it had all season this past Saturday in the first half of the Jackson State game. Build on that. Play that way for 4 quarters and the offense should be fine.  Quarterback Luke Sprague, running back Dennis Palmer, and wide receiver Lorenze Jenkins have all shown flashes recently. All three skill players are eligible to return next season. Couple that with several freshmen offensive linemen who have made their way into the starting lineup and you’re starting to create a foundation for the future on offense. 

4. Cultural Cohesion: A consistent challenge for programs in rebuild mode is achieving cultural buy-in from players, especially with so many new faces. The next four games should reveal whether the team has developed any resiliency and buy-in; or if there is more work to do in bringing this roster together.

5. Winning at Least Two Games: BCU needs to demonstrate progress with wins. Capturing at least two victories over the next four games would signal the Wildcats are building forward momentum. Coach Woodie led BCU to 3 wins in his first season so anything less has to be considered a failure. A couple of wins against these SWAC foes would resonate through recruiting pipelines, fan engagement, and player morale, setting the tone for next year.

Building for the future

These next few matchups are more than just a series of games—they are a critical moment to shape the program’s identity and trajectory for years to come. It is an honest opportunity to assess where BCU stands relative to programs dealing with similar realities. Now is the time for the Wildcats to demonstrate that they are capable of competing and winning consistently. 

This November will be remembered. The question is will it be remembered as the month BCU football began its resurgence or as another missed opportunity and setback for the program. Let’s hope that we can look back and say it was the start of something great. The future of Bethune-Cookman football is now, and it’s time to seize it.

Bethune Rises Over Valley 20-10: Wildcats Secure First Win of the Season

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Bethune Rises Over Valley 20-10: Wildcats Secure First Win of the Season

Credits: BCU Athletics

I know we’re a little late with the game summary, but you can blame that on us walking on Cloud 9 for the past few days. After six weeks of heartbreak, frustration, and doubt, Bethune-Cookman found a way to give us that winning feeling again. The Wildcats traveled to Itta Bena and came away with a 20-10 victory over Mississippi Valley State, notching their first win of the 2024 season.

The victory couldn’t have come at a more crucial time being that we are now in homecoming week. This was a win that provided more than just a tally in the win column—it was a much-needed morale boost for a team, fan base, and coaching staff desperate for something to celebrate.

Ground Game Dominates

The Wildcats came into the game with an offensive game plan focused on attacking Valley’s defense on the ground. BCU ended the day with 255 yards rushing, led by true freshman Dennis Palmer, who powered through for 126 yards on 27 carries. Palmer, the true freshman, earned SWAC Newcomer of the Week honors for his efforts.

BCU started slow offensively and failed to score on its first four offensive possessions. Mixed into those possessions were two Cam Ransom turnovers (an interception and a fumble), leading to some early frustration and an early deficit.

Captain Luke to the Rescue

Trailing Valley 3-0 and the offense struggling to sustain drives, Head Coach Raymond Woodie turned to his offensive captain, Luke Sprague, to turn the tide midway through the second quarter. Sprague, despite being voted as the team’s offensive captain, had only seen limited action in mop-up duty versus USF so far this season. Nevertheless, the 6’5”, senior quarterback gave the Wildcats the shot in the arm they needed when he entered the game. The energy shifted across the entire team once “Captain Luke,” “Luke Skywalker,” “Uncle Luke,” or just plain Luke took the helm.

Sprague rewarded the confidence of his teammates and coaches by leading BCU on:

  • a 6 play, 20 yard touchdown drive on his 1st possession;
  • a 5 play, 54 yard touchdown drive capped by an acrobatic Sprague to Lorenzo Jenkins 34 yard TD reception on his 2nd possession;
  • a field goal drive on his 3rd possession; and
  • a 16-play, 88-yard field goal drive to ice the game on his 5th possession.

That’s 4 scoring drives on 5 Sprague led possessions. Talk about getting it done! Salute to you, Captain Luke.

Game Changing plays

Props are due for several other game-changing moments as well. Valley had the ball 1st and goal from the BCU 2-yard line, trailing 17-10 to begin the 4th quarter. But the Wildcat defense stepped up, stopping the Delta Devils on three straight inside runs before Raymond Woodie III deflected a 4th-down pass. That huge defensive stand was followed by the 16-play, 88-yard drive that took 8:50 off the clock—all on running plays.

Punters Are Football Players Too

The run on that drive that took us all by surprise came from redshirt senior punter Anthony Frédérique. On 4th and 6 from their own 22-yard line, with 12:32 remaining the contest, BCU lined up to punt the ball back to Valley—or so we thought. Instead, the rugby-style punter faked the punt and ran 18 yards off the right side to the BCU 40 yardline for a first down. BCU finished the drive with Cade Hechter’s 22-yard field goal, sealing the final score at 20-10.

BCU will look to build on their newfound good vibes as they travel back home for a homecoming matchup against SWAC Eastern Division leader, Jackson State.

BCU Falls to Alabama A&M by “fawty-fo” – Tough Day on The Hill for the Wildcats

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BCU Falls to Alabama A&M by “fawty-fo”!

Credits: AAMU Athletics

Bethune-Cookman football lost again this past Saturday, and this time it wasn’t even close. Alabama A&M decided they’d use their homecoming to throw themselves a little offensive party against our Wildcats. The final score? 56-12. 

BCU’s defense gave up 701 yards of total offense on the afternoon. You read that right—701 yards. The 56 points were also the most points an Alabama A&M team has ever scored against a BCU squad. These are the kind of numbers that makes you wonder if the players and coaches snuck out a few days early to enjoy AAMU’s homecoming festivities on “The Hill”. Or could there have been other reasons that factored into the good guys not having their best performance on Saturday.

Hurricane Milton 

It would be naive to think Hurricane Milton, which ravaged parts of Florida including parts of the Daytona Beach Area, didn’t play a role in Saturday’s performance. The team left Daytona early in the week as a result of the looming storm. And considering that the campus still has not reopened yet as damage assessments are still underway, you basically  have a team of nomads at this point. So as much as we all love sports and tend to oversimplify what we see on the field of play, this coaching staff is leading a group of 18-23 year olds who are not just wandering around looking for a win, they are also searching for a sense of normalcy at the moment. 

I think you have to consider the human condition when analyzing Saturday’s game but that’s me being rational.  However, judging from reactions on social media, many Cookman fans are not willing to consider the effects of the hurricane on this team’s performance over the weekend. They acknowledge the storm may have knocked the team a little off course, but many fans also point to a pattern of troubling signs that are weeks… heck, years in the making now. 

Did you know that the Wildcats have managed to win just one conference road game since joining the SWAC. One. Uno. That’s it. And if recent performances are any indication, that number may not change when BCU visits Itta Bena to take on winless Mississippi Valley State this weekend. Valley happens to be the only other winless team in the conference right now and they are the lone team BCU has defeated on the road since joining the league. Lose this week against Valley and Bethune quickly goes from a football program that’s struggling at the moment to a program that’s sinking in the storm.

Back to Saturday’s game; Alabama A&M is not some untouchable powerhouse. They are a decent SWAC program with a great offense for certain. But on the other side of the ball, AAMU had been giving up points like Halloween candy all season, yielding 40 points per game heading into Saturday’s matchup. Despite this, Bethune only managed to score one offensive touchdown and were held to just 181 total yards of offense. One hundred and eighty-one. That’s a stat line that’s hard to accept when facing larger FBS squads, but it’s almost unfathomable when playing against a struggling defense in your league. 

Gaining just 181 yards on offense while surrendering 701 yards on defense is a good recipe for getting beat by “fawty”…well 44 actually but you get the point.

As loud as those numbers are, Cookman fans are speaking louder than the final score or stat lines. Fans are tired. They’re frustrated. They’re even becoming apathetic. The once-vibrant BCU football community that rallied around the maroon and gold; and homecoming; and the Florida Classic is starting to make other weekend plans. I mean, when even homecoming and the Classic are met with a shrug, you know that apathy is setting in. There’s a collective “why bother?” spreading through the Wildcat faithful.

So, what can change now? What needs to change to keep this ship from completely capsizing? 

At the top of the list of what needs to change is this team needs to find an identity. Right now, they’re a bunch of guys wearing the same uniform, but there’s no cohesion, no fire, no sense of unified purpose. The frustration that I hear expressed over and over and over again from former Wildcat players, from fans, and even from outside observers is that this just does not look or feel like Bethune-Cookman football.

And it is not just about wins and losses; but a culture of overcoming and making something out of nothing that Bethun-Cookman has always prided  itself on. That’s missing right now. Call me gullible but I still think Coach Raymond Woodie can instill that identity into this squad. It’s just taking far longer than any of us anticipated. 

The offense is broken and currently ranked second to last in the conference in total yards (248.3) and points per game (17.7). The defense has  taken a giant step backwards from last year’s squad and they too are hanging out in embarrassment territory. The defense is last in total defense (516.8 ypg) and second to last in scoring defense (43 ppg). These things are huge problems but how do they fix it over the last half of the season? Is it time to go younger and play more freshmen and sophomores and prepare for next year? Or do they stay the course and just do what they have been doing but just try to be a little better in the execution?

Whether it’s a shift in coaching philosophy, or simply playing with some heart, something’s got to give. Because at this rate, the Wildcats aren’t just losing games—they’re losing their community and their identity. And once that’s gone, it’s a much harder rebuild than just fixing the football team.

StatisticBCUAAM
First Downs
Total1030
Rushing413
Passing614
Penalty03
Rushing
Total (Net)74331
Attempts2550
Avg. Per Rush3.06.6
Rushing TDs17
Yds. Gained110344
Yds. Lost3613
Passing
Total (Net)107370
Comp.-Att.-Int.12-27-018–29–1
Avg. / Att.4.012.8
Avg. / Comp.8.920.6
TDs01
Total Offense
Yards181701
Plays5279
Avg. / Play3.58.9
Fumbles – Lost1-13-0
Penalties – Yds.9–694-27
Punting
Punts – Yds.7–2792-46
Avg. / Punt39.923
Inside 2030
50+ Yds.00
Touchbacks00
Fair Catch60
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.3-1769–299
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff58.733.2
Touchbacks10
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-00-0-0
Punt: Avg. / Return00
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs6–46-02-25-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return7.712.5
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs1–91–10-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01-0-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards080
Poss. Time23:1236:48
3rd. Down Conv.5 of 148 of 12
4th. Down Conversions0 of 21 of 1
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances1-26–7
Sacks: Total – Yds.2-13–29
PAT: Total – Made0-28–8
2PT Conversion: Total – Made0-00-0
Field Goals: Total – Made0-00-1

Bethune-Cookman Football Falls Short in a Rally Against Alabama State–Where Do We Go From Here?

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Credits: ASU Athletics

Bethune-Cookman’s 2024 season took another frustrating turn in their 26-21 loss to Alabama State, dropping the Wildcats to 0-5. The game encapsulated both the ongoing struggles and potential flashes of a team in need of a breakthrough.

Game Recap 

Alabama State dominated early, especially on the ground, rushing for 308 yards on 55 attempts. The Hornets built a 26-7 lead, and by the time the fourth quarter rolled around, it felt like another routine loss for BCU. However, the Wildcats showed signs of life in the final six and a half minutes, scoring two late touchdowns to narrow the gap to 26-21. BCU even had the ball with a chance to win, but the comeback attempt ultimately fell short.

It was the second consecutive year that the Wildcats lost to the Hornets by 5 points and had a chance to win on their final offensive possession.

Despite the rally, the game was defined by BCU’s inability to contain Alabama State’s rushing attack, which consistently kept the Wildcats’ defense on its heels. Three ASU players rushed for at least 70 yards: Jamarie Hostzclaw (120), AJ Gates (74), and Daquon Kincey (71). 

On the other side of the ball, BCU’s offense  struggled for large stretches of the game, and finished the contest with just 241 yards of total offense. Two fourth quarter touchdowns on one yard touchdown plunges by Cam Ransom and Courtney Reese breathed new life into the contest. BCU’s offense regained possession on its own 25 yard line with 2:04 remaining in the game. Unfortunately, the offense turned the ball over on downs after 4 straight plays and the Hornets escaped Daytona with a win. 

This game felt like a microcosm of BCU’s 2024 season so far—a team capable of brief flashes of promise but unable to sustain the level of execution needed to win. The fact that they had the ball with a chance to win speaks to their potential, but the slow start, defensive issues, and ultimately inability to make the plays needed to close out the contest reveals where this program is in their rebuild. 

Where do we go from here? That’s the question looming large over this program. There are certainly positives to take away from Saturday’s contest,  especially in the way the team fought back late in the game. But the continued inability to get stops on defense and inconsistent offensive production are glaring concerns.

From a defensive standpoint, Bama State was down to its third string, freshman quarterback. Everyone on both sides of the Mississippi knew the Hornets would heavily rely upon their rushing attack. Yet BCU just could not stop it. There is nothing more frustrating in all of sports than to know what your opponent is about to do but still be unable to stop it.  The combination of bad tackling and just plain getting moved off the line of scrimmage was unsettling for the BCU faithful.

Offensively, while the late-game surge was impressive, there was little  rhythm for the Cats throughout the contest. For the 4th time in 5 games, BCU was held under 100 yards rushing and under 300 yards of total offense. At the risk of sounding cynical,  the rules of modern football favors the offense so not amassing 300 yards of total offense in 80% of your games is beyond alarming.

So where do the Wildcats go from here with an 0-5 record, and the margin for error being razor-thin.

-Is it time for a quarterback change? Cam Ransom has played well enough under center but Luke Sprauge and Micah Bowen are different types of QBs and can perhaps add a different complexion to the offense.

-Does Coach Woodie go with a youth movement and begin preparing for next season by playing more freshmen and sophomores? Heck, True Freshman Dennis Palmer entered the game in the second half and ran the ball pretty well. He is the only true big back BCU has. Palmer was BCU’s top rusher on the evening and helped spark the late comeback effort.

-Will Coach Woodie stay the course and trust that things will start to come together knowing that the team is only one game out of first place in a wacky SWAC East?

BCU Pride

I met a young lady sitting in Section B, Row 32 who attended Saturday’s matchup. It was her first ever HBCU game or any live football game for that fact. Midway through the third quarter, I asked her her thoughts on the game and she said “this is trash”. Our guys are not doing well and they don’t seem to care”. 

Her boyfriend chimed in and said “the only entertainment is seeing what can go wrong next”. I ran into them both after the game and each had in their hands gold t-shirts they just purchased from stadium vendors which read “BCU Pride”. 

Bethune may be wading in troubled waters…heck, sometimes it feels like they may be wading through trash. But in the end, BCU Pride is worth playing for and believing in. It was at least worth believing in for the young lady and her boyfriend by the end of Saturday’s contest. Whether it’s worth playing for moving forward is totally up to the guys on the field.

I think it is and I think they will!

Bethune-Cookman at a Crossroads: Alabama State Showdown Holds the Key to the Season

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Bethune-Cookman at a Crossroads: Alabama State Showdown Holds the Key to the Season


Photo by David Campbell/Alabama State University

Bethune-Cookman football is at a pivotal moment. At the start of the season, I felt the two most important games of the year would be:  1) the game against Mercer to determine how BCU stacked up against FCS playoff caliber programs; and 2) the first SWAC matchup against Alabama State as it sets the tone for conference play.  

Well we are here now. Today’s game against Alabama State is more than just another Saturday under the sun—it’s a fork in the road that could define this season and beyond. With a win, the Wildcats will sit atop the SWAC East despite the early season struggles.  But with a loss, the downward spiral accelerates, and the voices of doubt—already echoing through the stands—will only grow louder.

The scars of last week’s stunning 37-38 defeat to Division II Clark Atlanta  are still fresh. Losing to a lower-tier SIAC opponent left the fan base reeling, and understandably so. But before we allow despair to overtake us, let’s remember that Alabama State is no stranger to stumbling against SIAC foes themselves. Last season, they fell to Miles College 17-21 and Tuskegee has been a constant thorn in their side  going 4-4 with the Hornets over the past 8 seasons.

It is a reminder that anything can happen on any given Saturday.

A win today won’t just change the standings in the SWAC; it could change the narrative for Bethune-Cookman Football.  For a team that has struggled to gain momentum, today is the opportunity to breathe new life into this season. A victory today  would be a symbol of resilience, a statement that this team still has fight left. For a fan base that has had little to celebrate in recent years, it would be the jolt of hope we so desperately need.

Keys to Victory

1. Defensive Discipline– Bethune-Cookman’s defense must rebound from the alarming trend of allowing big plays. Alabama State is not a quick strike offense so the Wildcats cannot afford to give up scores based on missed assignments and/or alignment issues. 

2. Contain the Run– Alabama State’s offense thrives on establishing the ground game. The Wildcats’ front seven needs to plug gaps, force third-and-long situations, and limit explosive rushes. If they can slow down Alabama State’s run game, BCU has a chance to control the tempo.

3. Capitalize on Turnovers – In a game of this magnitude that is expected to be low scoring, turnover margin will likely be the difference. BCU needs to force mistakes, and more importantly, capitalize on them with points. Turnovers give the defense a rest and provide short fields for the offense to operate. For those same reasons, the Cats need to limit turnovers.

What a Win Would Mean

A win today would mean…well…EVERYTHING. It would show that Coach Woodie and his guys are capable of bouncing back from adversity and that they can compete within the SWAC. A victory puts BCU at the top of the SWAC East. The confidence boost alone would be immense for a squad that has been battered by  doubt.

Winning today means silencing the “boo birds” and showing the rest of the SWAC that Bethune-Cookman is still a program to be reckoned with.

But if the Wildcats fall short, the frustration will grow, and the climb back will become steeper. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Today is a chance for redemption; and in just a few hours, we will see “who will ascend to the top of the mountain”.

What the Heck: From 24 Points Up to Crushing Defeat–BCU vs. Clark Atlanta Recap

/ J Bell / 1 Comment
Credits: Nigel Cook/News Journal

What the Heck: From 24 Points Up to Crushing Defeat–BCU vs. Clark Atlanta Recap

Embarrassed. Pissed. Frustrated. Devastated. Apoplectic. 

After three days of processing, grieving, giving and receiving emotional support hugs; I think I am finally ready to talk about this past Saturday’s loss to Clark Atlanta so here goes. I am….

Embarrassed. Pissed. Frustrated. Devastated. Apoplectic. And I ain’t the only one. 

Bethune-Cookman fans have spent the past few days asking “what the heck (WTH)”. Well, I have asked what the heck. Many Wildcat fans have substituted heck with more colorful language when contemplating BCU’s unthinkable collapse this weekend. 

This isn’t the first time Wildcat fans have been stunned by a huge upset loss. In 2009, Coach Alvin “Shine” Wyatt’s squad fell 9-20 to Division II Shaw University. But we knew Coach Wyatt committed to a youth movement at that time and was prepping for the future and providing valuable snaps to future BCU legends like Ryan Davis, Ryan Lewis, and Reggie Sandilands who were all young players at the time. 

The 2016 loss to Savannah State was a WTH moment too but even then, SSU was a FCS program and Terry Sims’ squad was missing 16 starters due to injury when they lost that game.

Saturday’s loss just felt different. BCU blew a 24-point lead to Division II Clark Atlanta and lost 37-38 in a game that can only be described as embarrassing and borderline unforgivable. The Wildcats came into this matchup hoping for a confidence-boosting victory but left with their heads hanging low, and now staring down four straight losses as SWAC play looms.

To give credit where it’s due, Clark Atlanta Head Coach Teddy Keaton and his staff deserve all the praise for their team’s preparation and resilience. Keaton’s men orchestrated an amazing come from behind upset,  and played Bethune-Cookman off the field in the second half. His players, many of whom hail from the State of Florida, and who according to Coach Keaton were grossly overlooked in the recruiting process, proved they belonged on the same field as their FCS counterparts.

Clark Atlanta’s quarterback David Wright III and wide receiver Armone Harris grew up together and were teammates at Tampa Bay Tech. Wide Receiver  Jamal Jones played on the same high school team as BCU quarterback Cam Ransom. By night’s end, Wright finished the game 30/49 for 374 yards passing and  4 touchdowns, Harris hauled in 6 catches for 94 yards and 3 touchdowns, and Jones finished with a game high 10 receptions for 127 yards. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but hats off to Coach Keaton and his players for a remarkable effort.

As for the Wildcats, this loss is hard to sugarcoat. Surrendering a 24-point lead to a lower-tier Division II opponent  is an issue unto itself. That would be enough to make your head spin but it borders on the absurd when you consider the Wildcats:

  • surrendered 3 scoring drives of 98 yards or more in the contest; including a 99 yard scoring drive that ended with a 55 yard Leonardo Cabrera field goal as time expired;
  • the offense had minus 6 yards rushing in the second half and managed to score just three points after halftime;
  • the 12 penalties for 117 yards including a few unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that extended drives. Yes, one of those unsportsmanlike penalties set the Panthers up for the game winner;
  • the two loss fumbles.

As I said earlier…WTH? What kind of strange hoodoo is plaguing our favorite team? 

Fans have overrun social media with questions about the team’s mental toughness, concerns about coaching, discipline, and execution. After four straight losses, including this devastating one, how can you blame them? These are fair questions at this point. Yes, it was an embarrassing loss. Yes, Clark Atlanta made the better coaching adjustments over the course of the games. Yes, the Wildcats were outplayed for the last two and a half quarters. 

But having said all of that, it is far too early  in the season and too soon  in Raymond Woodie Jr,’s head coaching career to dismiss  this team and/or coaching staff. 

Coach Woodie and his staff have a lot to figure out this week. Whether it’s scheming better on defense, getting more consistency from their offense, eliminating self-inflicted mistakes, or simply  instilling some belief in this battered team. What’s clear is that something has to change. That’s for dang sure. I won’t begin to pretend that I have any answers; what I do know is something has to change and change quickly.

The road doesn’t get any easier from here, but the Wildcats still have a chance to make something of their season. Alabama State roll into town this Saturday. If BCU finds a way to win this contest, they exit Saturday sitting  atop the SWAC East Standings and everything is just fine. However, if they lose to the Hornets; they will have to relive the Clark loss all over again. And the Mercer loss. And the 8 losses from last year. And the 9 from the season before. You get the point. Losing begets losing and in many ways, that’s the greatest hurdle for this team right now. 

They just don’t know how to win.

Since Woodie’s arrival, BCU often find themselves in a position to win games. But as coach expressed again on Saturday, “they just have to find a way to finish.”

It’s almost as if the guys can taste victory so they just start pressing a little too hard.  A dropped pass here. A fumble there. Sprinkle in a few blown coverages and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and BAM; you’re staring 0-4 in the face. 

On a positive note, all of these things are correctable and within your control. 

Another positive to take away from Saturday’s contest is BCU’s offense easily had their best game of the season racking up season highs in total yards (477), passing yards (382), and points (37). Most of this production occurred in the first half where BCU scored on all five of its possessions. The offensive production gives you something to build on and feel good about moving forward.

SWAC play begins this week and presents an opportunity for redemption, but only if Bethune-Cookman can find answers quickly. Let’s pray that they do because I want to leave Daytona Stadium with that “Old BC Spirit” and not the WTH spirit if you know what I mean.

Mercer, Mercer Me…Things Ain’t What They Use to Be. Wildcats Blasted 31-2 by the Bears.

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
Credits: The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Mercer, Mercer Me…Things Ain’t What They Use to Be. Wildcats Blasted 31-2 by the Bears.

Remember the good old days when Bethune-Cookman was a perennial Top 25 program and frequent visitor to the FCS playoffs? The days when the Wildcats would roll into your trap and take over your trap. Well these ain’t them days. At least not at this early juncture of the season they are not.

Saturday’s contest against the Mercer Bears, who won a FCS playoff game last season and are currently ranked 24th in FCS Coaches’ Poll, was the first genuine opportunity of the Raymond Woodie era to see how close the BCU football program was to returning to those former days of glory. The test results were emphatic—BCU still has a ways to go to close the gap on the top teams at this level.

Heck, if you’re just looking at the 31-2 scoreline, it would suggest BCU failed the first early season test miserably. But football is a situational game and a play or two here or there changes the entire complexion of the contest. After watching that game live on Saturday, and re-watching it online two additional times on Sunday, my conclusion is this: there is no need to hit the panic button, but there are reasons to be concerned.

So how did we get here? How did this Cookman team, who had elevated expectations coming into the season, end up on the wrong side of a completely lopsided scoreline?

Well for starters, Mercer is a really good football program. Like really, really good.  Much respect to the coaching staff and players from the Middle Georgia school. Bethune won’t be the only team on the wrong side of the win/loss column against Mercer.

The Bears demonstrated what good football programs do.

They make the critical plays when they are there to be made.

They weather adversity.

They make the right adjustments.

They win the situational game.

The Wildcats did none of these things quite so well on Saturday.

Mercer quarterback, DJ Smith connected with slot receiver Bryden Smith on a wheel route for a 50-yard touchdown at the 6:06 mark of the second quarter to open the game’s scoring.

Smith’s, bubble screen to Parker Wroble ended as a 14-yard TD with 1:25 left in the second quarter. And 23 seconds later, Mercer turned a BCU interception into a 21-0 lead when Smith tossed his third TD pass of the half to wideout Kelin Parsons.

If you are keeping up at home, the score went from 0-0 to 21-0 in 4:41 of game time. YIKES. And that still only reveals a part of the story.

Too Aggressive, Too Soon

Trailing 14-0 with 1:20 left in the half, BCU took over at its own 29 yardline. The Wildcats were still very much in the contest and playing well at this point. Conventional wisdom say you play the percentages, take a knee, and get to halftime trailing by only 2 scores. This is specifically true since BCU was set to  receive the ball to begin the 3rd quarter. However, the Wildcats threw caution to the wind and came out aggressive. Mercer made BCU pay for the decision by intercepting a Cam Ransom pass and returning it BCU’s 15 yardline.

The Bears scored on the next play pushing the lead to 21 and killed off the game at that point.

42-point swing

As wild as it sounds, BCU could have just as easily taken a 21-point lead into halftime instead of trailing by as many.

On its opening possession of the game, the Wildcats drove the ball to the Mercer 6-yard line before fumbling it away on 2nd and goal. It was an 100% avoidable error by the BCU offense. The ball was not stripped, it was simply bad ballhandling by QB Cam Ransom.

Let’s assume BCU scores a TD on that drive. That’s 7 points you left on the field.

On the next possession, Ransom found Lorenzo Jenkins on a deep post and 5 yards behind the nearest defender. Unfortunately for BCU, Jenkins dropped what would have been a certain 87-yard TD reception.

To add to the missed opportunities, on BCU’s first possession of the second quarter, Ransom found Corey Turner streaking down the middle of the field and delivered a perfect pass into the hands of Turner. Actually, he delivered a perfect pass through the hands of Turner who was about 7 yards behind the nearest defender when he dropped a surefire touchdown. When that ball hit the turf, so too did the air from the team and the 8,484 Wildcat fans in attendance.

There are not very many teams who are good enough to overcome squandering three gimmie touchdowns. Mercer went on to score on their next three possessions of the first half.  

Speaking of Mercer’s first half touchdowns, on each of those scores, you can clearly see blown coverages by BCU’s safeties who were way out of position and their eyes locked in the backfield.

The bad news is the six plays I just described saw a 42-point swing in the game. Instead of nursing a 3-score lead, the Wildcats entered halftime chasing a 21-point deficit.

The good news is that each of those six plays are easily correctable. All six were unforced errors by BCU. But that’s the difference between being a playoff team and a team still finding its way at this level. The Mercer type teams make those plays and punish other teams’ mistakes, while teams who are in a bad run of form like Bethune-Cookman come up just short.

Some things are easily correctable, others not so much!

I don’t know the analytics on this but I will go on record as saying that teams with a 42-point swing in their favor win more than 90% of those games. Wildcat fans can take some solace in that fact knowing that they were a half dozen plays away in this contest. What’s worrisome for BCU fans is a) they are not making those plays; and b) the overall lack of production of the offense.

Cookman ran the ball 26 times for 29 yards in the contest. That’s a dreadful 1.1 yard per rushing attempt. DREADFUL! I don’t know how you fix that but offensive coordinator, Joe Gerbino, is going to have to figure it out real soon if BCU is to have their first winning season in 4 years.

And just to stress the point, it’s not like the running stats were low because the passing game was clicking. The Wildcats only completed 48% of their pass attempts and only managed 127 yards through the air. They were 0 for 12 on 3rd down conversions and only eclipsed the 100 yards of total offense mark on the 2nd to last play of the game. BCU ended the night without an offensive score and they are still looking for their first offensive touchdown of the season. The lone Wildcats score of the night came on an Orin Patu sack which ended in a safety.

So I’ll say it again, DREADFUL! I don’t know how you fix that but offensive coordinator, Joe Gerbino, is going to have to figure it out real soon if BCU is to have their first winning season in 4 years.

It is still early in the season. All of BCU’s season goals are still in front of them so the panic button is safely locked away. The Mercer test was a bit too much to overcome but there is plenty of time to improve that grade. If BCU can make the plays when they are there to be made, correct the alignment and eye discipline miscues on defense, and get some production from its offense, they will be fine. If not, then just play the Marvin Gaye tunes because things just ain’t what they use to be.

Bethune-Cookman vs. USF: Season Opener Review and Standout Performances

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
Credits: The Oracle/ Alejandra Martinez

Bethune-Cookman’s season opener against the University of South Florida concluded with a lopsided 48-3 scoreline. While the outcome was tough, it’s important to remember that these “money games” are a necessary part of the journey for FCS programs and despite the result, the ultimate objective is to gain valuable experience and prepare for the season ahead.

With that in mind, the Wildcats avoided any significant injuries—a critical win in its own right, given the challenge of facing a FBS team in Week One. Running back and kick returner Darnell Deas appeared slightly hobbled in the second half, but overall, the team emerged relatively unscathed.

We hoped the defense could have kept USF under 50 points and the offense would have scored at least 20 but only half of that mission was accomplished. USF was held under the half century mark, but the Wildcats couldn’t find the end zone, and managed to only score a field goal. The lack of offensive production was a letdown, but we will delay our early season assessment of the offense until next Saturday’s contest against FCS opponent Mercer. 

On the positive side, there were several individual performances that stood out. Here are a few:

1. Dearis Thomas showed why he’s a 2nd Team All-SWAC performer, recording 8 tackles;  2 of which were for losses. Thomas was not included in the starting lineup but his impact was felt the moment he stepped onto the field, and his consistent play-making ability was a bright spot in the game. He is one of those guys who fly around and always end up around the ball. Not only was Thomas BCU’s best defensive performer, he may have been the most impressive defensive player of the night for either team.

2. Caleb Blake also flashed on both special teams and defense. His athleticism and presence on the field were noticeable throughout the night. Blake made plays in space where some other secondary players struggled. He also ran down a USF punt returner from behind saving a certain touchdown. Actually that play was brought back due to a holding penalty but neither Blake or the ball carrier knew that as the play was happening. The transfer graduate student from Missouri State looks to be a player who could contribute significantly as the season progresses. Since we are talking about secondary players making plays in space, shout out to Shawn Russ for also making a couple of big tackles with a lot of grass behind him once he got into the game. 

3. Quarterback Cam Ransom took over the quarterback duties from starter Micah Bowens midway through the 2nd quarter.  Ransom led BCU on its only scoring drive of the contest and he looked rather comfortable running the offense. Ransom, who played high school football not too far from Raymond James Stadium at Seffner Armwood, finished the contest a respectable 12 for 19 through the air.  His ability to move the offense, even in a tough match up, is something for the offense to build on moving forward. 

4. Sophomore wide receiver, Lorenzo Jenkins, led BCU in receiving. The 6’3” Jenkins  hauled in 5 catches for 53 yards in his first official contest for the Wildcats after transferring in from the Pitt Panthers. Jenkins managed to get separation throughout the night and made a pair of tough catches, showing good hands and body control in doing so. 

5. This may seem strange when considering the final scoreline but we think acknowledgement of the defensive front seven is appropriate. Yeah I know, USF had over 200 yards rushing and they scored 48 points. Having said that, the front seven wasn’t getting blown off the ball, there weren’t running lanes the size of the Gulf of Mexico, and members of the front seven often won their individual match ups. The defense was able to get off the field in a few key short yardage and goal to go situations. So while their performance was far from perfect, we saw enough from the front seven to make us feel encouraged about how they can match up against teams at the FCS level. 

In conclusion, the scoreline was harsh but BCU achieved some of the objectives the HailWildcats.com staff was eyeing going into the game. There’s work to be done, but the Wildcats have a foundation to build on as they move into Week Two of the young season.

Next week Mercer University comes to town and we will learn a lot more about the 2024 edition of the Fighting Wildcats at that time.