BCU Football Week 2: Final Takeaways on 45-3 loss to #5 MIA

September 8, 2025 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Week 2 Takeaways: Bethune-Cookman vs. Miami

Bethune-Cookman just completed the toughest stretch of its season. The team traveled to Miami in back-to-back weeks to face FBS foes. Call it BCU’s version of a “preseason,” call it the “money games season,” call it whatever you want. The bottom line is the Wildcats faced bigger, stronger teams, and more well-funded programs and now sit at 0–2 to begin the 2025 campaign. But now the real season starts.

From here on out it’s about HBCU opponents, FCS battles, conference matchups and games that matter against similar programs. South Carolina State is first up, but before we look ahead at the game against the Bulldogs, let’s focus on a few takeaways from Saturday night against No. 5 Miami.

Takeaway 1: There is Not Much to Take Away

I don’t mean this in any negative sense at all. The truth is last week’s game was about survival. You can tell by how the staff kept it simple. They held back the playbook on offense and defense. They sat and limited playing time to key contributors including two of your starting offensive linemen. It doesn’t matter if it was about rest, health, or protecting depth. The message was clear. Coach Raymond Woodie was boldly stating that conference play and HBCU play is the priority.

Takeaway 2: Quarterback Steady

Quarterback Timmy McClain continues to look the part under center. He went 13-of-16 passing Saturday night. That’s an 81% completion rate and about as efficient as it gets, even against a 5th ranked Miami squad with all of that size and speed. His only real blemish came on a sack-fumble he probably should’ve eaten, but you’ll take that when you consider the poise and control he showed over the course of the contest. Two games in, McClain feels like a steady hand you can build around.

Takeaway 3: His eye is on the Sparrow

Yeah, I know that sounds churchy but I am a church boy so what are you going to do. At any rate, LB/DB Stephen Sparrow Jr. had an excellent game finishing with 9 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss. One of the things you look for in these type of contests are what FCS guys look like they belong on the same field as the FBS guys. Sparrow fit the bill on Saturday night. The former Orlando Jones Tiger just looked like he belonged on the field and matched everything the Hurricanes threw at him from a speed, athleticism, and physicality standpoint. Good job Sparrow!

Takeaway 4: Battled to the End

No one expected a close scoreboard, but effort still matters. Down big, outmatched, Bethune kept playing hard. That competitiveness is what you need when the schedule flips into games that are winnable and that count in the conference standings.

Looking Ahead: SCSU

Now it’s go-time.

No more holding back the playbook.

No more “preseason”.

No more FBS opponents.

No more excuses.

It’s time for us to see what this team is made of; and what an opponent to do it against. Back in Bethune’s MEAC days, South Carolina State was always the team BCU used as the measuring-stick program. They were the matchup that told you exactly where you stood. That tradition carries over. This weekend is the first real barometer for Bethune in Year Three under Coach Woodie.

Expect a scrap. Expect a game that feels like Cats versus Dogs. And by late Saturday night, expect to know a whole lot more about what this 2025 Wildcat team is really made of.

Statistic	BCU	MIA
First Downs
Total	14	31
Rushing	4	13
Passing	7	17
Penalty	3	1
Rushing
Total (Net)	92	199
Attempts	33	30
Avg. Per Rush	2.8	6.6
Rushing TDs	0	4
Yds. Gained	115	201
Yds. Lost	23	2
Passing
Total (Net)	99	344
Comp.-Att.-Int.	14-18-1	30–36-0
Avg. / Att.	5.5	9.6
Avg. / Comp.	7.1	11.5
TDs	0	2
Total Offense
Yards	191	543
Plays	51	66
Avg. / Play	3.7	8.2
Fumbles – Lost	1-1	1-0
Penalties – Yds.	2-20	4–50
Punting
Punts – Yds.	4–167	0-0
Avg. / Punt	41.8	0
Inside 20	1	0
50+ Yds.	0	0
Touchbacks	0	0
Fair Catch	0	0
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.	2-126	8–520
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff	63.0	65.0
Touchbacks	1	8
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs	0-0-0	2–11-0
Punt: Avg. / Return	0	5.5
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs	0-0-0	1–25-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return	0	25.0
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs	0-0-0	1-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs	0-0-0	1–5-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards	0	0
Poss. Time	31:55	28:05
3rd. Down Conv.	1 of 11	4 of 6
4th. Down Conversions	0 of 1	0 of 1
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances	1-2	5–5
Sacks: Total – Yds.	2-6	1-8
PAT: Total – Made	0-0	6–6
2PT Conversion: Total – Made	0-0	0-0
Field Goals: Total – Made	1-1	1-1

Key individual standouts:

🔸Timmy McClain (BCU): 13-of-16 passing, 86 yards—efficient and under control.

🔸Juan Dominguez (BCU Kicker): 32-yard field goal accounted for the only points.

🔸Stephen Sparrow (BCU) 9 tackles including 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss.

🔸Carson Beck (MIA): In near-perfect form with 22-of-24 for 267 yards, 2 TDs.

🔸Mark Fletcher Jr. (MIA): Rushed 11 times for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns.

BCU Football: Final Takeaways from Week 1 Loss to FIU

September 2, 2025September 1, 2025 / J Bell / 1 Comment

Week one is in the books, and this game went just about how we expected: Florida International flexed its FBS muscle, walking away with a 42–9 win over our Wildcats.

The odds makers listed BCU as 31 point underdogs heading into this contest. I disagreed and had this game pegged for something in the 41-21 range. I got the 41 part almost right, but unfortunately BCU could only muster three field goals in the contest. Thankfully I didn’t lose my lunch money by betting on Bethune but all was not lost by night’s end.

Here’s what stood out as things BCU can build on moving forward:

1. Relax everyone— This isn’t last year so let’s give the guys a chance to grow into the season. Especially since we knew going into this year that BCU was punching way above its weight class the first two weeks, facing FBS foes in back to back games. The FIU matchup was always going to be an uphill battle. Even still, the offense showed flashes of life piling up 346 yards of total offense (105 rushing, 241 passing)—over double the output from last year’s opener against USF, where they managed just 170 yards. The offense made five trips inside the red zone which is good. But unfortunately, the Cats settled for just three field goals.

2. Meet Javon Ross. Bethune has a fairly deep wide receiver room. On Friday night, it was Ross’ time to shine. The sophomore from Deland, Florida hauled in 6 catches for 109 yards. Fellow receivers Maleek Huggins and Lorenzo Jenkins have proven how productive they can be so watching Ross have a 100+ yard receiving night is something to build on as the season unfolds.

3. Marqui Johnson flashed when his number was called. The transfer running back from Montana State did not get the start the contest at running back. Yet he still went for 76 yards on 9 attempts, a whopping 8.4 yards per carry average.

4. The secondary battled and had a nice outing. Your leading tacklers on the evening were two secondary players, Antwone Watts (7) and Johnny Harris (6). The entire defensive backfield played well and were in good position all night delivering nearly half a dozen pass breakups including three that could have easily been interceptions. That is a good outing against a talented FIU offense.

5. Coach Woodie got a kicker we can trust. Juan Dominguez went 3-for-3 on field goals (35, 22, 28 yards). That kind of reliability can swing close games, and given how many BCU lost by slim margins last year, this is a big morale booster.

Final Thoughts

Despite the final scoreline, there are glimmers of life—an improved offense, a reliable kicker, and bright individual performances. There were some mistakes to extend drives, missed reads, dropped interceptions, and empty trips in the red zone. Those things sting a bit but are to be expected early in the season. Overall, there were seeds of progress when compared to last year. And that’s ultimately what this early part of the season is about, progress. I will take what I saw on Friday and look forward to next week’s matchup against #10 ranked Miami!

Statistic	BCU	FIU
First Downs
Total	17	28
Rushing	7	14
Passing	10	11
Penalty	0	3
Rushing
Total (Net)	105	223
Attempts	30	38
Avg. Per Rush	3.5	5.9
Rushing TDs	0	6
Yds. Gained	137	246
Yds. Lost	32	23
Passing
Total (Net)	241	233
Comp.-Att.-Int.	23–39-0	22-35-0
Avg. / Att.	6.2	6.7
Avg. / Comp.	10.5	10.6
TDs	0	0
Total Offense
Yards	346	456
Plays	69	73
Avg. / Play	5	6.2
Fumbles – Lost	2-1	1-1
Penalties – Yds.	8–75	7-40
Punting
Punts – Yds.	4–171	2-102
Avg. / Punt	42.8	51
Inside 20	1	1
50+ Yds.	0	2
Touchbacks	0	0
Fair Catch	2	0
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.	4-234	7–421
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff	58.5	60.1
Touchbacks	0	3
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs	2-9-0	2-2-0
Punt: Avg. / Return	4.5	1.0
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs	3-51-0	4–103-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return	17.0	25.8
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs	0-0-0	0-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs	1-0-0	0-0-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards	0	0
Poss. Time	27:59	32:01
3rd. Down Conv.	5 of 15	8 of 14
4th. Down Conversions	0 of 3	1 of 2
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances	3-5	5-5
Sacks: Total – Yds.	0-0	2–19
PAT: Total – Made	0-0	6–6
2PT Conversion: Total – Made	0-0	0-0
Field Goals: Total – Made	3–3	0-1

Opportunity Season: The Road Back Starts Here

August 5, 2025August 8, 2025 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Sports has a way of giving us all kinds of sayings when the pressure’s on.

“Barbecue or mildew.”

“Put up or shut up.”

“Hunt or be hunted.”

“Run with the big dogs or stay on the porch.”

You’ve heard them. We all have. They’re different ways of saying the same thing: it’s time to deliver.

But for the 2025 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, no catchphrase is really needed this time around.

It’s just the simple reality of new season, new opportunity.

After all, BCU is coming off the roughest four-year stretch in its 100-year history.

But isn’t that what we love about new seasons? It’s a reset. A chance to change the narrative. And while it may be difficult to believe from the outside, there are reasons to feel optimistic about the 2025 campaign.

🏆 A Legacy Worth Fighting For

Bethune-Cookman boasts a proud football tradition with a resume stacked with decades of wins, championships, and pro-level pedigree. The Wildcats are:

Top 25 in FCS All-Time Winning Percentage with an all-time record of 510–351–27 (.590). That’s good enough for seventh all time amongst HBCUs.
5 Conference Titles over the past 20 years and 14 Conference Titles overall.
4 claimed Black College National Championships.
A NFL Hall of Famer in Larry Little. A Buck Buchanan Award winner in Rashean Mathis. Several NFL All-Pros, Pro- Bowlers, etc.

Bottomline, there is a ton of heritage attached to this BCU football program.

😔 A Historic Low Point

While Cookman has a ton of history to celebrate on the gridiron, we can’t pretend that the past four seasons have not been difficult for the maroon and gold. The Wildcats suffered 2–9 seasons in 2021 and 2022, a 3-8 season in 2023, and a 2–10 finish in 2024. The nine wins over the past four years represent the worst 4-year run in the program’s 100 years of playing tackle football as mentioned previously.

🔥 Why 2025 Could Be the Barbecue Season (No, Really)

Entering his third season, Coach Raymond Woodie Jr’s positive impact is being felt off the field.

Team GPA has risen from 2.4 to 3.25.
19 players earned 4.0 GPAs last season.
The team was removed from NCAA mandated practice time restrictions due to Academic Progress Rate (APR) penalties.
New on-campus locker room. ✅. New showers. ✅. New facility upgrades. Underway.

These are all positives happening within the program and worth celebrating. But let’s take a look at why 2025 has a chance to be different ON THE FIELD.

🔁 Experience Returning

The 2025 version of the Bethune-Cookman football team is easily the most experienced team of the Raymond Woodie era. Heck, for the first time in 3 years, they actually had enough players to host a traditional Spring game.

Offense

Team continuity is a precious commodity in the current transfer portal era. Fortunately for Bethune, nine starters return on offense alone. That’s not to say that BCU was not impacted by the portal on offense. In fact, last year’s leading rusher, running back Dennis Palmer, and second leading receiver tight end Thomas Nance, transferred to FBS programs Troy and Temple respectively.

Beyond that, all other starters return on the offensive side of the ball. That’s HUGE!

QB Cam Ransom completed over 62% of his pass attempts last year throwing for 1843 yards and 11 touchdowns in the process. The big left hander from Lakeland was named to the Preseason All-SWAC 2nd Team. Ransom has the arm, the legs, and the poise to give BCU a chance on every snap. Transfers Tim McClain (Arkansas State) and Amari Jones (Florida International) are expected to push Ransom for snaps and provide the Wildcats with three top notch signal callers.

WR Malik Huggins is another Preseason All-SWAC 2nd Teamer. Huggins is dangerous in both the return game and in the slot. A six-yard slant can quickly become a 60-yard see-ya once Huggins gets his hands on the ball. Fellow slot receiver Javon Ross, had an incredible Spring and seems poised for a breakout sophomore campaign. Pitt transfer Lorenzo Jenkins showed what he can do outside the numbers last season. Add all of that up, throw in a handful of newcomers who are expected to contribute right away and BCU has quietly put together one of the better wide receiver rooms in the SWAC.

O-Line: The entire starting group is back and anchored by freshman All-American Teko Shoats. This group got better as they got younger last season which is a crazy statement. Bethune finished 2024 with 3 true freshmen starting on the offensive line in the last few games. Ironically, the offense performed its best during that same span. The unit was bolstered in the offseason by getting a few guys healthy again, as well as adding new faces via the portal and on national signing day. Let’s see if the Wildcats can make the next leap forward as a collective unit in the trenches. If they can, watch out!

Defense

Seven starters return on defense. AJ Hall anchors the front seven from his defensive tackle position. Hall is yet another All-SWAC performer who will be joined by Preseason All-SWAC LB, Malik Stinnett and last year’s All-SWAC Preseason linebacker, Dearis Thomas, who spent the last 10 games of 2024 nursing an injury.

BCU suffered far more attrition to the portal on the defensive side of the ball losing 4 linemen and a linebacker to FBS and FCS schools alike. That means the newcomers in the front seven will have to produce right away to help offset these losses.

🗺️ The 2025 Roadmap

The Wildcats start the year on the road to face 3 of their 4 toughest opponents: at FIU, at Miami, and at South Carolina State respectively.

The non-conference slate wraps up on September 20th when a Brian Jenkins led Edward Waters visits Daytona Stadium for the first home game of the year.

The final 8 games are all against SWAC opponents. The home matchups include Alabama A&M (9/27), Southern (10/11), UAPB (10/25 homecoming), and MSVS (11/1).

BCU visits ASU (10/4), Grambling (11/8), JSU (11/15), and that school from one of those hills in Tallahassee on (11/22) in Orlando for the Florida Classic.

💥 The Case for BCU in 2025

Bethune lost 4 conference games a season ago by a combined 13 points. That’s painful. To add insult to injury, the Wildcats had the ball with a chance to win on the final possession in all 4 of those games. 2025 will look different if BCU can find a way to start winning the close games; or as Coach Woodie often says, “they have to finish”.

We expect the offense to be better; but how much better can they be is the real question yet to be answered.

The glass half empty crowd will point to the fact that the offense ranked in the bottom third of the conference in most major offensive metrics last year. The most important of which was 11th in points per game at a mere 20.2.

The glass half full crew understands that the current unit is more established, more experienced, and has more depth. We think the offense will need to be at least a 7-8 points better per game if they are to secure their first winning season in 5 years. That’s a huge number for sure but 27 points per game in modern college football is a more than reasonable expectation for winning squads.

On the defensive side of things, Coach Woodie has to hope that his unit performs closer to the way they did in his first season in 2023. That year, they finished 2nd in FCS in tackles for loss with 7.8 per game and gave up around 26 ppg.

If the season kicked off tomorrow, the Wildcats would be more than a one score underdog in 4 games (FIU, Miami, SC State, and Jackson State); they would likely be favored in 3 games (Edward Waters, UAPB, and MSVS); and the other 5 would likely be games under a one touchdown scoreline which we are considering toss up games (AAMU, ASU, SU, GSU, and FAMU). The straightest path to a .500 or better season is to win the games you’re favored in, and win more of the toss up games than you lose. That alone gets you to 6 wins if our point spread assumptions are true. If they can pull an upset or two or win a few more toss up games, now you’re talking a 7 or 8 win season. I think that would be a fully successful season in year 3 for Coach Woodie.

The good news is we won’t have to guess and “what-if” for much longer. We will soon get our answer as to whether the 2025 Wildcats will “barbecue or mildew”, “hunt or be hunted”, “run with the big dogs”… Like I said, you get the point.

Top 5 Storylines for Bethune-Cookman Football on National Signing Day 2025

February 4, 2025 / J Bell / Leave a comment

National Signing Day (NSD) was once a holy day for college football junkies. The first Wednesday in February meant all eyes were fixed on hat ceremonies, ESPN, team websites, and last-minute surprises. Boosters and administrators would often cap the day with Signing Day Bashes, schedule reveals, and unbridled optimism about the future of their program. However, with the advent of the early signing period in December and the ever-chaotic transfer portal, February’s NSD has become an afterthought for many fans; and optimism has been replaced with a more cautious disposition.

But for the thousands of high school players putting pen to paper, this day is life-changing. It’s a defining moment for the young men officially joining college programs and for those who won’t receive the opportunity, forcing them to redefine their futures outside of football.

This year’s signing day for Bethune-Cookman is about filling gaps, reestablishing a winning culture, and adding depth to a roster that return 9 starters on offense—including 2nd Team All-SWAC RB Dennis Palmer, emerging true freshman OL standout Teko Shoats, and QB Cam Ransom who finished third in the SWAC in passing this past season. The Wildcats return 7 defensive starters as well.

With that in mind, here are the five most compelling storylines we’ll be following for BCU’s 2025 National Signing Day:

1. The Linebacker Situation

The Wildcats’ defense struggled to get off the field in key moments last season, and linebacker play was a major part of the equation. Will BCU add high-impact players at this position? Will they lean on transfers or high school signees? This will be a must-watch area of recruitment.

2. Cornerback Help

Bethune-Cookman’s secondary had its moments last season but lost its top cover man Andrew Volmer to graduation. The Wildcats need reinforcements at CB, whether through the portal or a few high-upside freshmen.

3. Beefing Up the Offensive Line

The offense brings back talent at the skill positions, but success will start in the trenches. The Wildcats return four starters on the offensive line including Teko Shoats, but a) how much depth do they have; and b) can they take the next step in improving their offensive output? Look for BCU to add multiple offensive linemen in this class.

4. The Shock Signee or Instant Impact Player

Every year a signing class has one player who turns heads—whether it’s a late addition, a highly rated recruit, or a transfer expected to make an immediate difference. Will BCU land an impact player on NSD?

5. Where Do Former BCU Players in the Portal Land?

The transfer portal has changed the game, and BCU has lost players to it. Ejike Brown and Ebenezer Dibula come to mind. Both were significant contributors along the defensive line in 2024 but opted for the portal. We hope they land somewhere and find success at their new programs. Best of luck to all of the former Wildcat student-athletes in the portal.

With these storylines in play, National Signing Day may not be what it once was, but for Bethune-Cookman, it remains a crucial step toward building a better football team. Stay locked in as we break it all down.

#HailWildcats

BCU amongst 7 FCS schools facing APR practice reductions

November 27, 2024 / J Bell / Leave a comment

fearthefcs.com/2024/06/04/seven-fcs-schools-face-apr-practice-reductions/

Bethune-Cookman Falls Short in 41-38 Florida Classic Thriller

November 25, 2024 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Bethune-Cookman Falls Short in 41-38 Florida Classic Thriller

The 2024 Florida Classic lived up to its billing as one of the most exciting matchups in HBCU football as Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M delivered a nail-biter and one of the best HBCU games of the season. Despite both teams entering the contest on two-game losing streaks, the Wildcats and Rattlers gave fans an entertaining and well-played 41-38 game that came down to the final drive and highlighted the best of this storied rivalry.

Game Summary

The game began with fireworks as FAMU’s Thad Franklin Jr. opened the scoring with a 17-yard touchdown run on FAMU’s first possession.

Bethune-Cookman responded quickly with an amazing 77-yard punt return TD by Maleek Huggins, tying the game at 7-7. After a FAMU field goal, the Wildcats’ defense faltered momentarily, allowing a 12-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Richardson to Jamari Gassett early in the second quarter.

Bethune-Cookman fought back with freshman sensation Dennis Palmer breaking free for a 19-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 17-14. Quarterback Cam’Ron Ransom connected with Huggins on a 56-yard bomb with time winding down in the first half, giving the Wildcats a 21-17 lead at halftime and sending the BCU faithful into a frenzy.

The third quarter saw both teams trade scores. Cade Hechter’s 43-yard field goal extended BCU’s lead to 24-17 before Franklin Jr. struck again for FAMU with a 2-yard touchdown to even the game. A late field goal by Cameron Gillis put the Rattlers ahead 27-24 entering the fourth quarter.

The final quarter was nothing short of a rollercoaster. The Wildcats lined up for a would be 47-yard game tying field goal attempt early in the 4th but unfortunately, Hecter’s attempt sailed wide left.

On FAMU’s next snap, Franklin Jr. broke loose for a 70-yard touchdown to give FAMU a 34-24 lead.

Props to Cookman for coming right back and answering with a 5 play, 59 yard drive that ended with a 1-yard Palmer touchdown run to bring BCU within three (34-31).

After Kelvin Dean scored on an 11-yard run for FAMU (41-31), Palmer capped off his brilliant day with a 2-yard touchdown (41-38). But it wasn’t enough, as BCU’s final drive ended on an unsuccessful Hail Mary attempt as time expired.

Key Moments

The Wildcats had their highest scoring output of the year in Saturday’s matchup (38), but two key moments in the final quarter helped sealed Bethune-Cookman’s fate:

Missed Field Goal: Cade Hechter came up short on a 47-yard attempt with 12:21 remaining in the contest. BCU could have tied the game at 27 with a successful field goal but the kick sailed wide. The deflated defense took the field after the change of possession and gave up a 70 yard Rattler TD run on the first snap. BCU never tied or saw the lead again after that moment.
Another Missed Opportunity After Turnover Late in the game: Perhaps the biggest missed opportunity of the contest came later in the fourth quarter. BCU’s defense forced a FAMU turnover with 9:32 remaining. The Wildcat offense took over with great field position at the FAMU 39 yardline; and trailed by just three points (34-31). However, the Cats couldn’t capitalize, and stalled on 4 straight run plays. It was another late game missed opportunity and one that may have cost Bethune the contest.

Bright Spots for the Wildcats

There were plenty of positives for Bethune-Cookman. Junior Maleek Huggins announced his claim as a top playmaker in the SWAC with a career day, including his 77-yard punt return touchdown and a career high 177 receiving yards.

Freshman Dennis Palmer also showcased his potential, rushing for 178 yards and three touchdowns. These standout performances offered a glimpse into a brighter future for BCU football.

Safeties Antwone Watts and Raymond Woodie III paced the defense with 11 and 10 tackles respectively. Watts also collected an interception on the evening.

A Classic to Remember

The two teams accounted for over 900 yards of total offense and treated the fans with momentum swings throughout the contest. From BCU’s late touchdown in the second quarter to give the Wildcats a 21-17 halftime lead; to FAMU scoring 17 unanswered points in the second half. The game was very memorable and a reminder of why this matchup holds such a special place in the black college football world.

Bethune-Cookman will now shift its focus to the offseason, with plenty of lessons to build on from this rollercoaster season. With emerging stars like Huggins and Palmer, the Wildcats have a foundation to be optimistic about as they aim to turn the corner in 2025.

“Can’t Finish Cats”: A Tale of Missed Opportunities for Bethune-Cookman in 14-17 loss to TxSO

November 17, 2024November 17, 2024 / J Bell / Leave a comment

“Can’t Finish Cats”: A Tale of Missed Opportunities for Bethune-Cookman

For the second consecutive week and third time this season, Bethune-Cookman had the ball in the final moments of the contest with a chance to pull off a dramatic win. And for the second consecutive week and third time this season, the Wildcats fell short. Cade Hecter’s 54-yard field goal attempt landed just short in the closing seconds, sealing a narrow 14-17 loss to Texas Southern.

One Wildcat fan on social media called this team the “Can’t Finish Cats” after Saturday’s loss.

The phrase wasn’t coined to be cruel; but instead reflects the angst of the BCU faithful and the sentiments of Head Coach Raymond Woodie, who has emphasized all season long the need for his team to finish plays, finish drives, and finish games. Saturday’s contest against Texas Southern encapsulated that struggle.

A Tale of Two Halves

The first half belonged to Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats played disciplined defense and completely neutralized Texas Southern’s potent rushing attack. The Wildcats held TSU to only 27 yards on the ground in the opening two quarters. Offensively, BCU struck early in the 2nd quarter when Cam Ransom connected with Maleek Huggins on a 62-yard seam route to take a 7-0 lead.

However, missed opportunities began to creep in soon after. A holding penalty wiped out what would have been a 36-yard touchdown run by Dennis Palmer on BCU’s next possession. Then, as time expired in the second quarter, Hecter uncharacteristically missed a chip-shot 25-yard field goal. Despite dominating the first half, Bethune-Cookman entered halftime with just a slim 7-0 lead.

Old MO-mentum not on BCU’s side

The momentum shifted dramatically after halftime as Texas Southern’s power running back Athean Renfro found his rhythm and led the Tigers to a strong second-half performance. Renfro racked up 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a critical 28-yard scamper in the fourth quarter to give TSU a 17-7 lead.

Fighting to the End

The Wildcats refused to fold as has been the case all season. With just over six minutes remaining, Ransom delivered a perfect 6 yard pass to Lorenzo Jenkins, who made an acrobatic, Sportscenter worthy touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone to cut the lead to 17-14. It was the second time this season Jenkins’ “Mossed” a defender for a score.

The Wildcats’ defense answered the call with a key stop, giving the offense one final opportunity with 2:32 left in the game. Bethune took over possession from their own 19-yard line and methodically moved the ball into Texas Southern territory. However, a little home cooking by the stadium clock operator cost the Wildcats 15-20 critical seconds during the final drive. Despite this, Ransom and the offense managed to set up Hecter for a 54-yard field goal attempt with eight seconds remaining.

Hecter, whose previous career-long was 48 yards, struck the ball cleanly but the kick fell just short, ending the Wildcats’ hopes of forcing overtime.

Final Thoughts

Missed opportunities continue to haunt this team but despite the heartbreak, there are bright spots. Bethune started 4 true freshmen on offense, three offensive linemen (Teko Shoats, Melvin Puckett, Vincent Forney) who held up well against a good TSU defense, and Dennis Palmer at running back.

Palmer finished the afternoon with 93 yards on the ground on 19 attempts.

Cam Ransom showed poise under pressure, finishing with 219 yards and two touchdowns on 22-of-34 passing.

Maleek Huggins had arguably his best game in a BCU uniform hauling in 4 receptions for 97 yards including the 62 yarder for a TD. Thomas Nance added 8 receptions for 74 yards from the tight end position.

Kevin Washington Jr and Joshua Thornhill paced BCU defensively with 7 tackles apiece.

The Wildcats end the season next week in Orlando against in-state rival Florida A&M. As always, HailWildcats.com will be there to bring you all the action.

A Birthday Win for Coach Woodie: Wildcats Rally Past Grambling 24-21 in Thrilling Comeback

November 3, 2024 / J Bell / Leave a comment

A Birthday Win for Coach Woodie: Wildcats Rally Past Grambling 24-21 in Thrilling Comeback

If you’ve ever spent time around Coach Raymond Woodie or listened to one of his interviews, you know he’s usually all business — calm, collected, and focused on the task at hand. But after Bethune-Cookman’s thrilling comeback victory over Grambling, Woodie’s usually stoic demeanor gave way to something rare: a big ear-to-ear, cheeseburger smile. This win was a great reminder of the team’s resilience and loyalty to their leader.

Coach Woodie stated in his postgame interview that all he wanted for his birthday was a win. The players seemed determined to grant that wish, and rallied from two 14-point deficits to defeat Grambling 24-21. For a team that’s endured a tough season, this win felt like a gift they had given to one another and their coach.

A Shaky Start and Early Deficit

The game didn’t begin in the Wildcats’ favor. Grambling struck first with a long, 8-play, 89-yard drive that ended in a 22-yard touchdown run by Keilon Elder, putting BCU in an early hole. The situation quickly worsened in the second quarter as Grambling’s Javon Robinson returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0. To make matters even more challenging, starting quarterback Luke Sprague went down with a leg injury, thrusting backup Cam Ransom into the spotlight.

Ransom and his teammates rallied together and showed they weren’t about to let Coach Woodie’s birthday wish slip away.

Ransom and the Wildcats Find Their Rhythm

Ransom orchestrated a 7-play, 66-yard drive late in the second quarter connecting with senior Thomas Nance on a 14-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 14-7 just before halftime.

After halftime, Grambling managed one more score on a 9-yard run by Deljay Bailey, stretching the lead back to 21-7; but that would be the last time Grambling would see the end zone. From that point on, BCU’s defense locked down.

The Comeback Begins

Midway through the third quarter, Cade Hechter’s 40-yard field goal brought the Wildcats back within striking distance at 21-10. Then, just minutes later, Ransom struck again. This time on a 58-yard touchdown pass down the seam to senior Darnell Dees. The Wildcats closed the gap to 21-17, and the energy on the sideline went through the roof. It was the most juice we have seen from BCU’s sidelines all season.

Sealing the Win in Style

As the third quarter wound down, Dennis Palmer delivered the final blow. Palmer broke free on a 42-yard run, the first of his collegiate career. His touchdown put BCU ahead for the first time, 24-21, and that’s where the score would stay.

Ransom finished the day 18 of 20 for 199 yards and two touchdowns. The Wildcats were led defensively by Adrian Hall Jr who had 8 total tackles including 1 for a loss. Orin Patu joined in with 6 tackles, a sack, and 2 tackles for loss. Joshua Thornhill and Caleb Blake each had interceptions, Thornhills killed off the game with 40 seconds remaining in the contest.

Team Stats Recap:

• Total Yards: Grambling 328, BCU 315

• Passing Yards: Grambling 206, BCU 235

• Rushing Yards: Grambling 122, BCU 80

• 3rd Down Conversions: BCU 5-13, Grambling 2-12

• Time of Possession: BCU 30:39, Grambling 29:21

A Birthday to Remember

The Wildcats may not be headed to the postseason play, but they’ve shown they still have plenty of heart and fight. And on this night, they gave Coach Woodie a birthday he — and the fans — won’t soon forget.

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

October 31, 2024 / J Bell / 1 Comment

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

October 22, 2024October 22, 2024 / J Bell / Leave a comment

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

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.