A must win for BCU

Blackout Part 2--Thursday Sept. 22nd vs Hampton--Photo courtesy of BCU Athletics

Shortly after his team’s 26-18 setback to South Carolina State (on Sept. 10th), Brian Jenkins was asked how the defeat altered his outlook on the season. The second year head coach quickly and emphatically replied: “it doesn’t; we’re still going for it all”.

Coach Jenkins’ competitive nature and on-the-field success has helped re-energize the BCU fanbase and raise expectations in Wildcatland. However, if the second year head coach hopes to have any realistic chance of qualifying for this year’s FCS playoffs, his Fighting Wildcats (1-1) must win Thursday nights’ (Sept. 22nd) contest against the Hampton Pirates (2-1).

The Pirates are a formidable team who will not easily relinquish to defeat. Hampton (HU), boast the MEAC’s leader in Total Offense in quarterback David Legree (273.3 ypg); the MEAC’s leading rusher in Antwon Chisholm (81 ypg); as well as the conference’s leading tackler in Delbert Tyler (35 total, 11.7 per game). Legree played well in last week’s matchup against Old Dominion (ODU) accounting for over 320 yards of offense (260 passing, 1 TD; and 66 rushing 1 td); while Tyler (LB) was the defensive standout tallying 17 tackles in the defeat. The Pirates will look to rebound from the devastating 45-42 loss suffered at the hands of its Hampton Roads rival ODU. A 4th quarter blocked punt for a touchdown and two 4th quarter turnovers proved too much for Donovan Rose’s team to overcome. A Hampton victory over Bethune would give them the inside tract to the MEAC’s automatic playoff bid. Hampton, who already has a victory over MEAC foe FAMU and FCS opponent Alabama A&M, still controls its own destiny. The Pirates avoid South Carolina State (SCSU) this year thanks to the conference’s new unbalanced schedule. Based on the MEAC’s new tiebreaker system, HU (and not SCSU) would receive the conference’s automatic playoff bid if they both win out.

Uncharted waters

Thursday night’s game against Hampton is perhaps the most important game to date in Brian Jenkins’ young head coaching career. This will be the first time he has coach under any real distress. A win by BCU positions them nicely for a run at the MEAC crown and postseason play; while another conference loss all but certainly eliminates them from either. A defeat to Hampton would also start to raise some doubts and criticisms of Coach Jenkins. BCU is 1-3 in their last 4 overall matchups  and 0-2 in their last 2 conference games. The two defeats to end last season can be largely attributed to a compilation of injuries including a substantial one to the 2010-MEAC offensive player of the year, quarterback Matt Johnson. Conversely, the Wildcats were at full strength during last week’s defeat to the Bulldogs but uncharacteristically “played with a lack of discipline and detail” according to Coach Jenkins. Special teams miscues and untimely turnovers helped derail the Wildcats against SCSU. BCU will receive its first chance at redemption and hopes to prove that they are one of the best teams in all of FCS football when they faceoff with HU this Thursday night. The FCS world will be watching as the contest will be broadcast live to a national audience on ESPNU.  A good showing by the Wildcats could go a long way in helping them earn the “right to play for it all”.

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Other Notes

  • Last year’s BCU vs. HU contest was also broadcasted on ESPNU. The Wildcats ruined the Pirates homecoming and narrowly escaped with a victory. HU defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis was nearly unblockable in that contest but the Wildcats clawed their way to a 23-18 victory. Ellis was selected by the NY Jets  in the 3rd round of the 2011 NFL draft.
  • BCU has won the last three meetings versus Hampton.
  • Remember to wear your black as Thursday night’s contest is a “Black Out” game. Tickets are available for as low as $5.00 (visitor’s side only). Also, you can receive a FREE TICKET (visitor’s side) if you purchase a BCU Football t-shirt for $10.00. Please contact the BCU Box office for ticket information (386) 481-2465. 

Week-3 MEAC News and Notes

By ALVIN HOLLINS JR.

Alvin Hollins Jr.-Contributor

SEPT. 18 – Just a few observations about the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s football title chase, which will heat up this week with four league games on tap, highlighted by two first place teams – Hampton and South Carolina State – in action.  Hampton (2-1, 1-0) kicks things off Thursday night with a visit to defending co-champion Bethune-Cookman (1-1, 0-1), in a nationally-televised game (ESPNU-7:30), while one of the other reigning co-champs, South Carolina State (1-2, 1-0) open their home schedule against Delaware State (2-1, 0-0), at 2:00 p.m. Saturday’s remaining conference games feature Morgan State (1-2, 0-0) and Howard (1-2, 0-0) in the Urban League Classic at Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (4:00).  The league’s newest members, Savannah State (0-3, 0-0) and North Carolina Central (1-2, 0-0) will duel in Durham, N.C. (6:00). Non-conference action features Florida A&M (1-2) hoping to bounce back after two straight losses against Southern University (1-2) in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic in the Georgia Dome (3:30-Versus Network). Norfolk State (2-1) visits Charleston Southern (1:30), while North Carolina A&T (1-1) hosts Coastal Carolina (4:00), in Greensboro.

Tough day at the office for Deleware State--Photo captured by The News Journal

MEAC’s Bad Day At Black Rock??

This past weekend, only two of the nine MEAC clubs in action prevailed in their matchups.  Norfolk State bowled past Howard, 23-9 in the conference opener for both squads in Washington, D.C., while Morgan State won their first of the season, nipping Robert Morris (Pa.), 13-12 in Baltimore. South Carolina State’s 38-21 loss at Big Ten Indiana was more positive than negative, as the Bulldogs continued their trend of strong performances out of conference this year, which may serve them well if they make the postseason.

Several teams might call in grief counselors after heartbreaking losses Saturday, including North Carolina Central, whose two missed extra points and botched field goal attempt in the games closing moments resulted in a 23-22 home loss to Elon (N.C.) University.  Time ran out on BCU’s next opponent, the Hampton Pirates, who came ashore in nearby Norfolk and lost a 45-42 shootout with FCS darling ODU (Old Dominion University).

Three games were runaways with the biggest surprise coming in Tampa, where Florida A&M was crushed by South Florida, 70-17. Also suffering knockouts were Delaware State, a 45-0 shutout victim at the hands of Delaware, while Savannah State fell at Appalachian State, 41-6.

FAMU’s struggles continue

While the 2011 season is far from over just three weeks in, the perennial MEAC contenders in Tallahassee – Florida A&M – find themselves in a bit of a pickle. The Rattlers have already suffered a conference loss (Sept. 8th) to Hampton, putting them down a game on the standings.  And while the Rattlers have won four conference titles with one loss (1988, 2000, 2001, 2010), in each of those previous years, the conference losses came at midyear or later, not in the first conference game.   Also, this year’s club has struggled on offense, ranking last in the MEAC in rushing (40,0 ypg) and seventh (7th) in total offense (266.3 ypg).  Those offensive struggles haven’t helped an injury-riddled FAMU defense, which ranks at the bottom of the league in total defense (524.3 ypg) and pass defense (363.7), and seventh (7th) against the run (160.7). The Rattlers edged Fort Valley in the opener on a deflected pass for a 28-22 win in the final 39 seconds, but never got on-track in the nationally-televised loss at Hampton (23-17), Sept. 8. The margin of Saturday’s loss at South Florida (70-17) has the Rattler faithful a bit skittish; but FAMU’s opportunity for redemption begins this weekend in Atlanta against long-time rival Southern University (1-2).

Thursday Night Lights a big one

Hampton WR Dyrri McCain catches a pass against ODU--Photo Courtesy of The Virginia Pilot

Needless to say, this week’s Thursday Night Lights special between Hampton and Bethune-Cookman will be crucial for both squads.  Hampton will be out to hold onto a share of the early league lead, while Bethune-Cookman, which has been off since their Sept. 10 home setback to South Carolina State, 26-18, hopes to stay in contention with a victory.  A loss by the homestanding Wildcats would drop them to 0-2 in the league, severely damaging their 2011 MEAC title hopes, while a win by Hampton could position them nicely for a title run.

Howard’s losing streak continues Saturday’s 23-9 home loss to Norfolk State extended Howard University’s trail of tears in MEAC play, as the Bison losing skid in conference games stretched to 28 games, dating back to 2007… In that 2007 campaign, the Bison lost their final three conference games and have gone winless in the MEAC each of the past three seasons (2008, 2009, 2010).

Blackout part Deux???

Word on the street is BCU’s next game (Thursday, September 22nd against Hampton) will be another “Blackout” game.  Hopefully this time they leave the lights on. 

In other news; check out the News Journal’s articles highlighting Maurice Francois and Ryan Lewis.  Great reads! 

Maurice Francois – Photo captured by Daytona Beach News-Journal

Cats fall 26-18 to SCSU–Recap

SC State QB Derrick Wiley

Chances are you won’t notice Darius Dummond’s 45 and 33 yard punt returns if you’re reviewing the game’s box score.  But a frustrated Brian Jenkins revealed in his post-game press conference that the “two plays that won (South Carolina State) the game were (Drummond’s) two punt returns”. 

The Bulldogs scored their first touchdown of the season three plays after Drummond’s 45 yard punt return midway through the 3rd quarter.  Tyler McDonald caught an 8 yard touchdown pass from Richard Cue who replaced Derrick Wiley on the drive.  It was Cue’s first completion as a college quarterback.  Drummond’s final punt return of the day (for 33 yards) gave the Bulldogs 1st and goal from the Wildcat’s 5 yard line. SCSU capitalized on the outstanding field position and scored the go-ahead touchdown on a Derrick Wiley QB keeper with 4:46 remaining in the 4th quarter.

Dominique Ellis padded South Carolina State’s lead 46 seconds later when he returned Jamarr Robinson’s third interception of the contest 55 yards for a touchdown.  Bethune drove the ball 48 yards to the Bulldog 5 yard line but the possession stalled on downs.

Missed Opportunites

  • QB Jamarr Robinson threw 4 interceptions in the contest, 2 of which occurred in the redzone.  The Wildcats were 1 of 4 in redzone opportunites on the afternoon.  BCU turned the ball over 7 times in total (4 ints, 1 loss fumble, twice on downs).  The Cats also racked up 10 penalties for 100 yards. 
  •  BCU safety DJ Howard dropped a certain interception midway through the 3rd quarter.  A wall of blockers were setup in front of Howard, but what could have been a BCU pick 6 ended as a SCSU score.  Howard’s pass deflection bounced into the hands of Tyler McDonald resulting in a Bulldog touchdown.
  • Sven Hurd, who was 9-9 in extra point attempts coming into the contest, missed his first extra point attempt of the afternoon. 
  • BCU could not capitalize on a great showing by its defense.  The Wildcat defense held the Bulldogs to 54 yards passing, 211 total yards, and produced 5 turnovers.  Thanks to their Special Teams, SCSU’s offense scored 2 touchdowns covering 11 yards and 5 yards respectively.  The Bulldog defense accounted for an additional touchdown (Dominique Ellis’ 55 yard interception return) as well as a defensive safety. 

Click the following link to watch a replay of the game: http://espn.go.com/espn3/index?id=312532065

Team Stat Comparison

 
 

S Carolina St

 

Bethune-Cook.

1st Downs 12 24
Total Yards 211 397
Passing 54 245
Rushing 157 152
Penalties 10-103 10-100
3rd Down Conversions 6-15 5-15
4th Down Conversions 1-1 0-2
Turnovers 5 5
Possession 24:14 35:46
 

Passing Leaders

 
South Carolina State C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT
Wiley 7/19 46 2.4 0 2
 
Bethune-Cookman C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT
Robinson 25/45 245 5.4 2 4
 

Rushing Leaders

 
South Carolina State CAR YDS AVG TD LG
Wiley 19 121 6.4 1 45
Jordan 12 38 3.2 0 11
 
Bethune-Cookman CAR YDS AVG TD LG
Jackson 17 92 5.4 0 25
Scott 9 38 4.2 0 15
 

Receiving Leaders

 
South Carolina State REC YDS AVG TD LG
McDonald 2 23 11.5 1 15
Williams 2 14 7.0 0 10
 
Bethune-Cookman REC YDS AVG TD LG
Francois 7 121 17.3 0 40
Poole 9 74 8.2 1 44
 

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER SCST COOK
  SF 11:50 Isidore Jackson Tackled By Ronell Ferguson In End Zone 2 0
  FG 10:12 Blake Erickson 48 Yd 5 0
  TD 07:53 Eddie Poole 44 Yd Pass From Jamarr Robinson (Pat Failed) 5 6
SECOND QUARTER SCST COOK
  SF 13:39 – Team Tackled By Eddie Poole In End Zone 5 8
THIRD QUARTER SCST COOK
  TD 07:20 Tyler McDonald 8 Yd Pass From Richard Cue (Blake Erickson Kick) 12 8
  TD 02:46 Jordan Murphy 12 Yd Pass From Jamarr Robinson (Sven Hurd Kick) 12 15
FOURTH QUARTER SCST COOK
  FG 10:51 Sven Hurd 41 Yd 12 18
  TD 04:46 Derrick Wiley 3 Yd Run (Blake Erickson Kick) 19 18
  TD 04:00 Dominique Ellis 55 Yd Interception Return (Blake Erickson Kick) 26 18
 

Cats and Dogs

Frazier versus Ali; that’s the way Coach Brian Jenkins described this weekend’s conference showdown with powerhouse South Carolina State. The two squads enter the contest as the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network’s Black College Football Poll. The winner of this heavyweight matchup will emerge as the clear frontrunner to this year’s MEAC crown. The loser will find themselves “scoreboard watching” and wishing for help over the weeks to come.

Brian Jenkins’ club ended SCSU’s 21-game conference win streak last year and was the first MEAC squad to blank the Bulldogs at home in over 30 years.

Previewing the Dogs

Buddy Pough’s Bulldogs have grown unaccustomed with losing over recent years. Take last week’s defeat against Central Michigan (CMU) as an example. SCSU lost by 15 points, on the road against an FBS opponent. Most FCS schools would consider that a good showing; but not Bulldog fans. Many members of the “Dog pound” believe South Carolina State was good enough to win that game and Brian Jenkins tends to agree. In his weekly teleconference, Coach Jenkins stated that SCSU was three makeable plays away from pulling off the upset against CMU.

SCSU boasts one of the best defenses in FCS football (2nd in total defense in 2010). The Bulldog defense held CMU to 256 yards of total offense and 21 points last week. By comparison, BCU’s offense produced nearly double the yardage output (500 yards) and triple the points scored (63) against Prairie View in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. South Carolina State has at least one all-conference performer at all three levels of their defense (Patrick Washington-DL, Donovan Richard-LB, Dominique Ellis-DB). Washington is an extremely athletic, havoc causing defensive lineman. His style of play is very similar to that of BCU defensive end, Ryan Davis. The Wildcat offense must account for Washington in both the running and passing game. Donovan Richard is an above average linebacker who possess great range and speed. He recorded 10 tackles (1 tackle for a loss) in last week’s defeat at CMU.

SCSU QB Derrick Wiley

On the offensive side of the ball, Derrick Wiley is a mobile quarterback who struggled with his accuracy a week ago. Wiley and the Bulldogs are without the services of wide receiver Lennel Elmore who is ineligible due to grades. Elmore led the Bulldogs in receiving and was an All-MEAC performer a year ago. The Dogs will depend upon Asheton Jordan (RB) and the running game to carry the load until the passing game gets on track. Jordan is a physical runner with decent speed. He’ll lineup behind an offensive line that featured four new starters and struggled to establish the line of scrimmage last week against CMU.

Blake Erickson is the place kicker and he gives the Bulldogs a decided advantage in the kicking game.

A Closer Look at the Wildcats

In spite BCU’s 49 point victory to open the season, there is still much room for improvement. QB, Jamarr Robinson racked up 281 yards of offense (251 passing and 30 rushing) and earned MVP honors at last week’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge. However, Robinson appeared to miss on a few reads in the passing game and was errant on several throws. The Wildcats also committed far too many penalties last week (12 penalties for 132 yards).

On a positive note, BCU’s offensive and defensive fronts dominated the line of scrimmage. Particularly impressive was the play of defensive tackles Harold Love, Jameil Farrington, and Lavon McCoy. Another impressive sight from last week’s contest was the quality of depth displayed by the Wildcats. Coach Jenkins seemingly rotated 3 or 4 players on every play, yet there was no noticeable drop off in talent.

Fighting like Cats and Dogs

Bethune’s offense versus South Carolina State’s defense is strength against strength. The outcome of this game will likely depend upon the play of the other units. Can the Bulldog offense effectively run the ball and limit the possessions of BCU’s high-powered offense? Will the Wildcat’s opportunistic defense force turnovers (6 takeaways last week) and short field situations? Which squad will ascend as the top team in black college football? We’ll have our answers to these questions when this highly anticipated matchup kickoff at 4:00, Saturday, September 10th at Municipal Stadium.

Can’t Wait!!!!

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 Interesting Notes

  • BCU ranked 1st in Total Offense and Scoring Offense in the MEAC last year.
  • SCSU ranked 1st in Total Defense and Scoring Defense in the conference.

Last 10 contests in the series—

  • BCU and SCSU are 5-5 in their last 10 meetings.

Recent Memorable Matchups —

  • 2005—SCSU QB Cleveland McCoy led the Bulldogs on a game winning 17 play, 80 yard 4th quarter touchdown drive to defeat the Wildcats 27-24 in Jacksonville.
  • 2006—After trailing by 14 points, Coach Alvin Wyatt scrapped the Wyatt-Bone offense in favor of a 4 wide receiver set. BCU scored 45 unanswered points and defeated the Bulldogs 45-21. BCU QB, Jarrod Rucker threw 5 touchdowns in that contest.
  • 2010—BCU defeated 14-0 in Orangeburg ending the Bulldog’s 21-game conference winning streak.

DJ Howard named MEAC defensive player of the week

MEAC ANNOUNCES WEEKLY FOOTBALL HONORS – MEACsports.com – The Official Site of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

bDJ Howard (S, 6-0, 185, r-So., Daytona Beach, Fla.) made five tackles in the secondary, three solo, as the Wildcats defeated Prairie View A&M 63-14 in the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney.  He scooped up a fumble early in the second quarter and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown.  Howard also halted a time expiring score in the second quarter for PVAMU by capturing his first interception on the season. 

Norfolk State QB Chris Walley was named offensive player of the week.  Other top performers includes BCU’s:

Nick Addison–blocked a punt and collected three tackles, two solo, in his collegiate debut against Prairie View A&M.  

Corey Mason–anchored the Wildcats offensive line that accounted for 500 yards of total offense against Prairie View A&M.

Jamarr Robinson–accounted for 281 total offensive yards with three touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 63-14 rout of Prairie View A&M in the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney.

Click the above link to read the full story.

BCU pounds Prairie View

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jamarr Robinson ran for two touchdowns and passed for another to lead Bethune-Cookman past Prairie View A&M 63-14 in the MEAC/SWAC Football Challenge on Sunday.

Isidore Jackson and Anthony Jordan scored two touchdowns each for the defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference co-champs. The Wildcats forced five first-half turnovers by PVAMU.  The Panthers committed six turnovers overall, three leading directly to Bethune-Cookman touchdowns in the first meeting between these schools.

Robinson, a transfer from Maryland, completed 22 of 31 passes for 251 yards.  Bethune-Cookman took a 42-0 late in the second quarter and finished with 500 total yards.  Robinson went to the bench after taking the Wildcats on a 76-yard touchdown drive to start the third quarter.

Jonathan Troast was 12 of 22 for 116 yards and two interceptions for the Panthers, who finished with 262 total yards.

Robinson began the scoring with a 10-yard run on B-CU’s first possession.  Jackson ran in from the 1 at 1:24 of the first period to make it 14-0.  After a 9-yard TD run by Robinson at 13:03 of the second quarter, the Wildcats scored two defensive touchdowns 95 seconds apart.

D.J. Howard went 31 yards with a fumble and Reggie Sandilands scooted 51 yards for with another.  Robinson threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Byron McLeod at 5:09 of the second quarter, boosting the margin to 42-0.

Troast hit Deandre Cooper from 11 yards 3:45 before halftime to make it 42-7.

STATS

  Prairie View A&M Bethune-Cook.
1st Downs

16

25

Total Yards

261

497

Passing

139

254

Rushing

122

243

Penalties

6-30

12-133

3rd Down Conversions

2-13

8-18

4th Down Conversions

0-2

2-2

Turnovers

6

0

Possession

23:10

36:05

Passing Leaders

 
Prairie View A&M

C/ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

INT

Troast

12/22

116

5.3

1

2

 
Bethune-Cookman

C/ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

INT

Robinson

21/30

245

8.2

1

0

Rushing Leaders

 
Prairie View A&M

CAR

YDS

AVG

TD

LG

Groover

13

47

3.6

0

10

Waddy

4

43

10.8

0

40

 
Bethune-Cookman

CAR

YDS

AVG

TD

LG

Scott

8

70

8.8

0

19

Jackson

9

59

6.6

2

20

Receiving Leaders

 
Prairie View A&M

REC

YDS

AVG

TD

LG

Nelson

3

60

20.0

0

26

Cooper

3

20

6.7

1

11

 
Bethune-Cookman

REC

YDS

AVG

TD

LG

Francois

4

74

18.5

0

39

Poole

3

58

19.3

0

33

Scoring Summary

 

FIRST QUARTER

PV

COOK

  TD 10:11 Jamarr Robinson 10 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

0

7

  TD 01:24 Isidore Jackson 1 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

0

14

SECOND QUARTER

PV

COOK

  TD 13:03 Jamarr Robinson 9 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

0

21

  TD 11:58 Dj Howard 31 Yd Fumble Return (Sven Hurd Kick)

0

28

  TD 10:23 Reggie Sandilands 51 Yd Fumble Return (Sven Hurd Kick)

0

35

  TD 05:09 Byron McLeod 3 Yd Pass From Jamarr Robinson (Sven Hurd Kick)

0

42

  TD 03:45 Deandre Cooper 11 Yd Pass From Jonathan Troast (Christopher Barrick Kick)

7

42

THIRD QUARTER

PV

COOK

  TD 12:42 Isidore Jackson 9 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

7

49

  TD 01:38 Jerry Lovelocke 7 Yd Run (Christopher Barrick Kick)

14

49

FOURTH QUARTER

PV

COOK

  TD 07:30 Anthony Jordan 6 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

14

56

  TD 00:55 Anthony Jordan 3 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

14

63