Alabama State Insider, BZNUPE, answers 5 questions about Saturday’s Bama State/BCU matchup.
1. With Andrew Body dealing with a wrist injury and true freshman Aaron Frye stepping into the starting role, how much does the quarterback change alter Alabama State’s offense; and how confident are Hornet fans in Frye?
BZNUPE: Body being hurt is a huge blow for the program. He is our leader and the best player on our team. The good thing about Frye coming to school in January is that he went through spring practice as the main QB because we were dealing with injuries to Body and Te’Sean Smoot. Add in a new OC, Tony Hull, and it’s a difficult situation. I will say that one benefit is that Hull and Frye have been working together since the spring, and that helps tremendously.
I’ve watched “Hot Frye” for the past two years and have been at most of his high school games because of where I work. He is a baller, has played high-level football, and won a ’ship as the best player. In his 10th-grade year, he stepped in for four or five games, did well, and won a ’ship that year as well. “Hot Frye” or “In Frye We Trust” is what we like to call him. I think we will be okay both long term and at the moment with our freshman quarterback.
2. Alabama State scored 41 points against Mississippi Valley State, but the offense produced only 258 total yards. Did that performance expose legitimate offensive concerns, or was it simply a case of the Hornets capitalizing on turnovers and special teams?
BZNUPE: Each game brings new challenges, and running the offense with a new QB is a huge challenge. We did a good job of keeping the QB upright and calling plays that allowed him to get some solid throws in. We had some big drops, but those can also be attributed to timing with the new QB. We did capitalize on mistakes, and that’s what football is about in some games. Forty-one points is 41 points.
3. Beyond the quarterback position, which Alabama State players should Bethune-Cookman fans keep an eye on Saturday; and who could be the difference-maker on each side of the ball?
BZNUPE: Ta-shaun Sims sets our tone defensively, and Nehemiah Hixon will always give us great field position as a return man. He will also score a TD if you’re not careful.
4. When you examine Bethune-Cookman, what concerns you most about this matchup; and where do you believe Alabama State has its clearest advantage?
BZNUPE: What scares me the most is the defense. I think, offensively, we are both dealing with possible unknowns at QB. Your defense, with Washburn and the crew, can make it tough for my freshman QB, especially on the road.
5. What must Alabama State do to win in Daytona Beach, and what is your final score prediction?
BZNUPE: To win, ASU must take care of the football, limit mistakes, and not allow “Mary’s Kids” to speed our QB up. Also, we have to shore up our coverages in the secondary and make sure we keep everything in front of us. The run game must travel and will help take the pressure off Hot Frye.
It’s the Monday after the 2025 Florida Classic and I’m just now typing out this wrap-up. Not because I’m short on words or emotion. It’s the opposite. I’ve spent the last two days trying to sort through the highs, the lows, the despair, the delirium, the absolute emotional whiplash that this game dropped on all of us. I’m still not sure I’m ready to capture that roller coaster in writing, but here goes.
For the past decade, my wife and I have made it our business to bring someone new to the Florida Classic each year. It’s a personal ministry at this point despite the fact that our Bethune-Cookman Wildcats had dropped four in a row heading into Saturday’s game.
The Florida Classic(S), as some pronounce it, is one of the premier Black cultural events in the state of Florida. It just has to be experienced! From the trash talk within families, offices, churches, sororities and fraternities; to the food vendors lined up on Tampa Avenue. From the excellence of The Marching Wildcats and The Marching 100; to the barbs thrown at the other school at the luncheon the day prior to the game. It’s all amazing.
But as great as all of those things are, nothing…and I mean nothing tops a dramatic football moment in this extravaganza. On Saturday night we got all the dramatics we could handle.
There were four lead changes and thirty-two points scored in the fourth quarter alone. Punch. Counter punch. Kick. Counter kick. One moment you’re talking trash, the next you’re feeling like trash.
THE SWINGING OF EMOTIONS
BCU dominated the first half and took a 24–9 lead into halftime. Wildcat fans were floating higher than those seven hills we always hear about. But FAMU opened the second half with a touchdown to cut it to 24–16. Then came a pair of missed BCU field goals, followed by a made FAMU field goal to make it 24–19 with 8:51 left in the fourth quarter.
At this point, Wildcat fans were feeling tight. And I mean, tight-tight.
A quick BCU three-and-out opened the door, and FAMU kicked it in. One play later, a 72 yard Jamal Hailey run up the gut, felt like a kick in the gut. The two-point conversion was successful and suddenly the Rattlers were up 27–24. For the first time in probably a month, the thought occurred to me that Cookman might actually lose this ballgame.
I was flabbergasted. Shook. Nervous.
My wife and I’s first-time Classic guest asked, “what just happened?”
On the inside I was asking the same thing. But with clinched teeth and a tight stomach I uttered: “there’s still over 7 minutes left. A lot can happen.”
BON-BON LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT
BCU got the ball back and on 2nd and 5, with both bands blasting, something special happened. Timmy McClain hit Javon “Bon-Bon” Ross on a short crosser. Bon-Bon hit the brakes, reverse-pivoted, dropped two Rattlers flat to the ground, outran another, and raced 67 yards up the FAMU sideline directly towards their band for a highlight reel touchdown.
I exhaled 4-years worth of Classic stress in one breath. Surely, surely, that was enough excitement for the night and BCU had this game won right?
Nope. Not yet at least.
THE SWING… AGAIN
FAMU marched right back. On 3rd and 10 from the BCU 29, the defense came up with what looked like a massive stop. But a questionable holding call on CB Johnny Harris III extended the drive. One play later, Thad Franklin punched it in. Cats down 34–31 with 2:19 left.
I’d seen this movie. Twice this season— Grambling and Jackson State—similar situation, similar heartbreak. I told myself to accept the L. Five straight to FAMU? The dark clouds were rising.
The bands struck up again: The 100 playing “Hey Let’s Go,” the Marching Wildcats blasting “Vice Versa.”
Me? I was playing sad songs in my head.
Sack on first down against BCU.
My sad playlist turned into a depressed playlist.
Incomplete on 2nd and 20.
Stomach now in my socks and I am speaking in strange tongues trying to keep it all together.
On 3rd and 20, McClain found Rickie Shaw for 17 yards—just enough to make 4th down manageable. The Cats converted and hope reentered my body.
THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Fifty-five seconds later: 4th and 8 from the FAMU 41.
A first down puts you in field goal range. No first down and it’s over. Simple math.
McClain drops back. The safe throw is there. He passes it up. He looks deep… and he finds a WIDE OPEN Josh Evans streaking untouched down the BCU sideline.
Our first-time guest was crying. Offensive Coordinator Donte Pimpleton was crying. Half the stadium was crying—some from heartbreak, some from pure joy. Depends on which colors you were rocking.
THE LOCAL KIDS WHO OWNED THE MOMENT
McClain and Evans—two Central Florida Area kids transferred to BCU to be closer to home. Playing in front of their people; in the biggest game of the year; they are now forever etched into the lore of this rivalry.
McClain called it “an out-of-body experience” in the postgame presser. No lie detected.
As for our guest? She rated it a 10 out of 10 experience. Said it was way better than advertised. Said she’ll be back every year.
That’s what this event is about. Abject agony for some; utter joy for others. Lasting memories for all.
The 2025 edition…An Instant Classic Florida Classic.
Qtr
Time
Scoring Play
FAM
BCU
1st
08:33
FAM – Porto,Daniel 45 yd field goal 7 plays, 36 yards, TOP 04:22
3
0
1st
04:38
BCU – Jenkins,Lorenzo 25 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 7 plays, 61 yards, TOP 03:28
3
7
2nd
13:31
BCU – Dominguez,Juan 30 yd field goal 7 plays, 43 yards, TOP 03:38
3
10
2nd
06:52
BCU – Robinson,Khamani 50 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 1 plays, 50 yards, TOP 00:10
3
17
2nd
04:04
FAM – Burris,Armand 44 yd pass from Johnson III,RJ ( ) 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:48
9
17
2nd
00:23
BCU – Huggins,Maleek 7 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 10 plays, 90 yards, TOP 03:33
9
24
3rd
11:56
FAM – Burris,Armand 17 yd pass from Johnson III,RJ (Porto,Daniel kick) 8 plays, 68 yards, TOP 02:58
16
24
4th
08:49
FAM – Porto,Daniel 37 yd field goal 10 plays, 62 yards, TOP 03:55
19
24
4th
07:47
FAM – Hailey,Jamal 72 yd run (Lawrence,Goldie pass), 1 plays, 72 yards, TOP 00:12
27
24
4th
07:03
BCU – Ross,Javon 67 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 2 plays, 72 yards, TOP 00:36
27
31
4th
02:19
FAM – Franklin, Jr.,Thad 19 yd run (Porto,Daniel kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:43
34
31
4th
00:20
BCU – Evans,Josh 41 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 8 plays, 70 yards, TOP 01:52
Johnny Harris III and Antwone Watts – Homecoming 2025
A Win to Remember
Saturday nights don’t come much sweeter than this past one if you’re a Bethune-Cookman supporter. There were lots of laughs, lies, and liquor being shared at Bethune-Cookman’s homecoming.
Oh, and there was a football game too. Thankfully for the nearly 10,000 BCU fans that packed into Daytona Stadium, the Wildcats rolled to a 31–14 victory over Arkansas–Pine Bluff.
Game Recap — How It Went Down
From start to finish, Raymond Woodie’s men were more steadily assertive than flashy. It took the offense a little while to knock off the rust from the bye week and from the homecoming jitters. But it was pretty clear from the start that Bethune was the better football team.
First quarter: BCU struck early with a 1-yard Ransom rush to make it 7–0.
Second quarter: BCU squandered several offensive drives with miscues and were eventually punished by UAPB. The Lions blocked and recovered a BCU punt at the Wildcat 2 yard line. One play later, Jaylen Jenkins rushed it in to tie the score at 7 apiece with 3:15 remaining before halftime.
Alihaja Scott Jr scores from 5 yards out
Soon after, Bethune woke up and asserted their dominance in the contest. The Cats used a 9-play, 65 yard drive, capped by a Alihaja Scott Jr. rush from 5 yards to stretch the lead to 14–7 going into the break.
Third quarter: BCU put the game away with TD runs from Ransom and Khamani Robinson pushing the lead to 28–14.
Fourth quarter: A chip-shot field goal by Juan Dominguez sealed the deal at 31–14.
Breaking the Homecoming Hex
2025 is the year BCU football is getting its mojo back yall. On an evening in which the Wildcats were not at their peak, they still cruised to a comfortable homecoming victory. Allow me to say that again: Comfortable. Homecoming. Victory.
That’s worth smiling over because homecomings had become a sore spot around these parts in recent memory. The last win in front of a homecoming crowd came in 2018.
That’s seven years of heartbreak and bad juju… but not today Satan.
With the stands full, the Pride in full voice, the liars still lying and the liquor finally wearing off under the setting sun, Coach Woodie’s guys owned the moment and broke hex.
Undefeated at Home — and Unfinished Business
The win allowed the Wildcats to remain undefeated at home this season and the program continues to trend upward. Heck, the program ain’t that far away from saying “we’re back”. They can certainly say “we’re back in the SWAC East Title conversation”.
Eyes on the Prize — SWAC East and Beyond
Saturday’s win helped the Wildcats remain firmly in the SWAC East title hunt. The goal is simple for BCU: win the remaining games on your schedule. It’s that simple from the Wildcat perspective.
If the Cats keep winning, they will still need an Alabama State loss to be crowned the East representative in the SWAC Title Game. So for the next two weeks, the BCU contingent will be rooting for either Prairie View or Texas Southern to take down Big Bama State.
I know that’s a lot of “ifs and buts”; however, it’s just fun to be in conversations about conference titles this late in the season again.
Like I said, BCU football is getting its mono back; and that ain’t no lie or liquor talking!
Statistic
UAP
BCU
First Downs
Total
16
22
Rushing
6
14
Passing
8
7
Penalty
2
1
Rushing
Total (Net)
112
247
Attempts
25
53
Avg. Per Rush
4.5
4.7
Rushing TDs
1
4
Yds. Gained
134
279
Yds. Lost
22
32
Passing
Total (Net)
185
170
Comp.-Att.-Int.
20–41-0
13-20-0
Avg. / Att.
4.5
8.5
Avg. / Comp.
9.3
13.1
TDs
1
0
Total Offense
Yards
297
417
Plays
66
73
Avg. / Play
4.5
5.7
Fumbles – Lost
1–1
0-0
Penalties – Yds.
4-30
8–75
Punting
Punts – Yds.
7–264
6-201
Avg. / Punt
37.7
33.5
Inside 20
1
3
50+ Yds.
1
1
Touchbacks
1
1
Fair Catch
1
1
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.
3-72
6–383
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff
24.0
63.8
Touchbacks
0
3
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs
2–28-0
1-0-0
Punt: Avg. / Return
14.0
0.0
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs
1-19-0
2–65-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return
19.0
32.5
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs
0-0-0
0-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs
0-0-0
0-0-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards
0
0
Poss. Time
26:16
33:44
3rd. Down Conv.
6 of 16
5 of 14
4th. Down Conversions
0 of 2
1 of 2
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances
1-1
5–6
Sacks: Total – Yds.
2-16
2-21
PAT: Total – Made
2-2
4–4
2PT Conversion: Total – Made
0-0
0-0
Field Goals: Total – Made
0-0
1–1
Qtr
Time
Scoring Play
UAP
BCU
1st
06:52
BCU – Ransom,Cam’Ron 1 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 10 plays, 61 yards, TOP 05:03
0
7
2nd
03:15
UAP – Jennings,Jaylen 2 yd run (Glymph,Trey kick), 1 plays, 2 yards, TOP 00:05
7
7
2nd
00:40
BCU – Scott Jr.,Alihaja 5 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 9 plays, 65 yards, TOP 02:35
7
14
3rd
06:40
BCU – Ransom,Cam’Ron 2 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 4 plays, 43 yards, TOP 01:50
7
21
3rd
05:33
UAP – Robinson,D’Avery 34 yd pass from Peters,Christian (Glymph,Trey kick) 3 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:07
14
21
3rd
04:48
BCU – Robinson,Khamani 5 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 2 plays, 58 yards, TOP 00:37
14
28
4th
10:25
BCU – Dominguez,Juan 25 yd field goal 17 plays, 68 yards, TOP 08:03
They say every good cook has an off dish or two. You know the type of meal where the beans are hittin’, but the collards weren’t quite what you expected. The macaroni and cheese is okay, but it could’ve used a little more seasoning. The dressing is bussin’ but that cornbread…who wants burnt cornbread?
That’s pretty much been the story of Bethune-Cookman football this season. A meal with promise, but something always just a little off. Well, not this week and not in Daytona where BCU is 3-0 this season.
On a gray, rainy afternoon inside Daytona Stadium, B-CU finally cooked a complete meal — and Southern was the barbecue chicken.
B-CU finally cooked a complete meal — and Southern was the barbecue chicken.
Jerry Bell – HailWildcats.com
Head Coach Raymond Woodie Jr. summed it up perfectly after the game:
“That was a complete game; offense, defense, special teams”… “I thought we played a team ball type of game”.
And complete it was.
🔥 Offense Still Sizzling
The Wildcats’ offense has been putting up video game numbers averaging 40.3 points per game against SWAC competition. Saturday, they served another 45-piece special with all the fixings.
Quarterback Cam Ransom was once again the chef-in-charge, carving up the Jaguar defense. The senior from Lakeland completed 75% of his passes. He was 27 of 36 for 254 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Ransom added a 13 yard touchdown run for good measure. He was smooth, efficient, and in control all afternoon.
Ransom spread the love to eight different receivers, with Maleek Huggins leading the way (8 catches, 92 yards). Rickie Shaw II and Lorenzo Jenkins hauled in touchdown grabs from Ransom from 5 yards and 33 yards respectively.
The Wildcats finished with 498 yards of offense and — get this — no punts. Not one. They scored on every offensive drive except for a missed 51-yard field goal and two failed fourth-down tries.
🥩 Defense Serving
But make no mistake about it, the real story of this game was the defense.
“All week long Coach Woodie and the coaches emphasized tackling and stopping the run,” said defensive tackle Adrian Hall after the game. “And that’s exactly what we did.”
He’s not lying.
The missed tackles and busted coverages were gone. These issues had haunted this unit earlier in the season and last week in particular. On Saturday, we saw a defense that was aggressive, disciplined, and confident. They swarmed like a “destruction” of hungry Wildcats.
The D-line was highly active with pre-snap shifts we haven’t seen yet this season. The secondary mixed coverages a lot more than usual. Overall we saw a lot more variation and pressures from the defense. The results of the adjustments?… Southern was held to just 14 points and 267 total yards.
Stephen Sparrow Jr.
Stephen Sparrow Jr paced the defense with 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup.
True freshman, Lewon Lurry Jr., added 1.5 sacks in the afternoon.
🌧️ Blame It on the Rain
Before kickoff, it looked like Mother Nature might side with the Jaguars. Rain. Wind. Sloppy field conditions. All of it seemed to favor Southern’s power-running style over Bethune’s balanced attack.
And when SU quarterback CamRon McCoy hit Darren Morris on a 71-yard slant for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, a few fans groaned, “Here we go again.”
But no sir…not this time.
The Wildcats shook it off and regrouped. They then unleashed an offensive onslaught. They scored 38 unanswered points on six of their next seven possessions.
And for those brave fans who sat through the soggy weather, you witnessed history. Saturday was the first-ever Bethune-Cookman win over Southern on the gridiron.
Those in attendance can officially say, “We were there when the Bethune finally COOKed ‘Em.”
💍 Bonus Halftime Moment
And just when you thought the afternoon couldn’t get any sweeter, the halftime show gave us a bonus proposal. Fedrick Ingram is currently the secretary-treasurer of the 1.8 million member American Federation of Teachers. Ingram is the former president of the Florida Education Association and former Marching Wildcat.
Just before “The Pride” began their halftime performance, band director Donovan Wells handed Ingram the microphone. Ingram stood on the 50-yard line with the love of his life, Tanya Cornell. She is a Southern grad. He then dropped to one knee and proposed. Cornell responded Yes…Absolutely! 🥰
BigBama State Bullies Bethune: A Tough Lesson in the Gump
For about 12 glorious seconds, it looked like Bethune-Cookman was about to ruin Alabama State’s homecoming.
On the Wildcats’ first play from scrimmage, Cam Ransom dropped back, spotted Maleek Huggins on a deep crosser, and hit him in stride for an 85-yard touchdown. One play. Twelve seconds. Six points.
Maleek Huggins celebrates 85 yard TD reception
The Wildcats scored on their first offensive play of the game for the second week in a row. Things were looking up. The vibe of pulling an upset had the guys from the Church School on Da Beach feeling pretty good.
But then… the Big Bama Bullies showed up.
Alabama State answered with four straight scoring drives and never looked back, bullying Bethune 52–35 in a game that reminded everyone just how good this Hornets team is.
The Reality Check
This one stung for sure. However, it also came with a clear message. This Alabama State program is where Bethune-Cookman aspires to be. It is among the elite in HBCU football.
The Hornets are averaging 40.6 points per game on offense including dropping 42 on FBS foe UAB this season. They are without question one of the best teams in HBCU football right now.
So losing to ASU is nothing to be ashamed of. You just have to tip your cap and realize that the guys from “The Gump” have dudes on scholarship too. They are a little further along in their building process than BCU.
Speaking of dudes, there are not very many playing better than quarterback Andrew Body through the midpoint of the season. Body had another brilliant game going 11 for 17 for 171 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday. He added 95 yards rushing. He was a type of “get out of jail free card” anytime the Wildcats put ASU under any sort of duress.
Too many miscues
It’s hard to win games against good teams with players like Body when you play perfectly. It is nearly impossible to beat these kind of teams when you don’t help yourself by executing cleanly. BCU had too many miscues to position themselves for an upset.
-A missed 4th-down throw early in the contest.
-A careless fumble in the second quarter.
-A missed field goal later that quarter.
-An ill-advised interception in the third.
-And tackling? Let’s just say it was very poor all game.
Defensive coordinator Robert Wimberly’s unit never quite found an answer for Body and the ASU offense. The Hornets’ exploded for 560-yards. Of those, 389 came on the ground for a whopping 10 yards per carry.
Ouch. That is not a typo. BCU gave up almost 400 yards rushing and 10 yards per carry.
Nothing in football stings worse than watching another team run the ball down your throat. And you better believe every SWAC offensive coordinator took notes.
The Bright Side
Now, before you stop reading and start yelling… breathe.
There were still plenty of positives.
BCU’s offense continues to ball out. The Wildcats posted 569 total yards and 35 points against one of the best defenses in the conference. That’s the 4th straight game the offense has scored at least 35 points. And for anyone ready to slap the “garbage time” label on those stats, consider this: BCU piled up 309 yards in the first half alone.
Maleek Huggins (7 catches, 132 yards, 2 TDs) and Javon Ross (9 catches, 137 yards, 1 TD) had over 130 receiving yards each.
Javon “Bon-Bon” Ross has big day against ASU
Running back Ali Scott added 100 “grown man” yards on the ground running over about six Hornet defenders in the process.
When Cam Ransom went down with a leg injury in the second quarter, Timmy McClain stepped in and handled business completing 73.5% of his passes for 266 yards. The senior from Sanford accounted for 4 touchdowns (2 passing and 2 rushing). McClain’s performance should give fans confidence in the depth of BCU’s QB room.
Perspective and Progress
The Wildcats exited the game with their egos bruised but this game was part of the process. The growing pains are real, but it is still growth.
BCU’s offense is electric and can hang with anybody in the HBCU landscape. The defense, though, is still learning what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the upper echelon programs like Alabama State and South Carolina State.
These are the games that teach you about where your program is and what needs to improve. They highlight your strengths, expose your weaknesses, and prepare you for the next step.
And that next step?
It comes this weekend when Southern University visits Daytona Beach for the first time ever. Our Wildcats will be looking for the first win in program history over the Jaguars. Southern leads the series 7 games to none but escaped last year’s matchup by just 2 points in five overtimes. A BCU win would keep them undefeated on home soil this season. It would also eclipse last year’s win total with 5 games remaining.
So, Wildcat Nation, lick your wounds but keep your heads high. The Maroon and Gold look to bounce back and keep the rebuild on track.
Statistic
BCU
ASU
First Downs
Total
33
25
Rushing
12
16
Passing
17
8
Penalty
4
1
Rushing
Total (Net)
207
388
Attempts
42
40
Avg. Per Rush
4.9
9.7
Rushing TDs
2
5
Yds. Gained
242
392
Yds. Lost
35
4
Passing
Total (Net)
362
171
Comp.-Att.-Int.
27–41–1
11-16-0
Avg. / Att.
8.8
10.7
Avg. / Comp.
13.4
15.5
TDs
3
2
Total Offense
Yards
569
559
Plays
83
56
Avg. / Play
6.9
10
Fumbles – Lost
2–1
0-0
Penalties – Yds.
4-37
7–73
Punting
Punts – Yds.
2-78
3–112
Avg. / Punt
39
37.3
Inside 20
0
1
50+ Yds.
0
0
Touchbacks
0
0
Fair Catch
0
2
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.
6-324
9–561
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff
54.0
62.3
Touchbacks
0
2
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs
0-0-0
0-0-0
Punt: Avg. / Return
0
0
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs
7–137-0
5-43-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return
19.6
8.6
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs
0-0-0
1–18-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs
0-0-0
0-0-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards
0
0
Poss. Time
33:59
26:01
3rd. Down Conv.
5 of 10
2 of 6
4th. Down Conversions
1 of 2
0 of 0
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances
4-4
5–5
Sacks: Total – Yds.
1-2
2–13
PAT: Total – Made
5-5
7–7
2PT Conversion: Total – Made
0-0
0-0
Field Goals: Total – Made
0-1
1-1
Qtr
Time
Scoring Play
BCU
ASU
1st
14:44
BCU – Huggins,Maleek 85 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 1 plays, 85 yards, TOP 00:12
7
0
1st
09:39
ASU – Harden,Derick 13 yd pass from Body,Andrew (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick) 9 plays, 79 yards, TOP 04:59
7
7
1st
03:49
ASU – Abu-Akel,Andrew 40 yd field goal 7 plays, 29 yards, TOP 03:08
7
10
1st
01:11
ASU – Hostzclaw,Jamarie 10 yd run (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick), 4 plays, 70 yards, TOP 01:33
7
17
2nd
13:08
ASU – Ligon,Karl 2 yd run (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick), 3 plays, 35 yards, TOP 01:00
7
24
2nd
01:56
BCU – Huggins,Maleek 4 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 10 plays, 88 yards, TOP 04:21
14
24
2nd
01:36
ASU – Jones,Jalen 30 yd pass from Body,Andrew (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick) 2 plays, 65 yards, TOP 00:20
14
31
3rd
12:13
ASU – Ligon,Karl 2 yd run (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick), 6 plays, 81 yards, TOP 02:42
14
38
3rd
06:20
ASU – Kuykendall,Jahbari 48 yd run (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick), 5 plays, 89 yards, TOP 01:58
14
45
3rd
02:16
BCU – McClain,Timmy 1 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:04
21
45
4th
13:31
ASU – Harris II,Marcus 1 yd run (Gilliam,Brandon kick), 7 plays, 77 yards, TOP 03:36
21
52
4th
06:26
BCU – McClain,Timmy 1 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 14 plays, 74 yards, TOP 06:57
28
52
4th
01:19
BCU – Ross,Javon 20 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 8 plays, 68 yards, TOP 02:44
Daytona Stadium is starting to feel a little different these days. It’s a little louder, a little bit more lively, and dare I say it…filled with a lot more hope as Bethune-Cookman has strung together back-to-back home wins. The Wildcats are giving their fans something they haven’t truly experienced in years: a reason to believe.
Last week’s victory over Edward Waters felt more like relief. The same with last year’s home win over Grambling State. But Saturday’s win over Alabama A&M just felt different.
-That was an excellent football game against a good, well-coached A&M team.
-That was a game that sparked a lot of pride among the fans.
-That ladies and gentlemen was Wildcat football.
A Well-Played Game from Start to Finish
From the opening whistle, BCU looked sharp, well-prepared, and confident. They looked like a good football program to say it bluntly. They asserted themselves early and repeatedly against a quality SWAC opponent. They also showed just how far this squad has progressed since game one this season. Was it perfect? Nah, not even close but it was the kind of well-rounded performance that sets a tone for the weeks ahead.
When in doubt, give the ball to “Bon-Bon”
Sophomore receiver Javon “Bon-Bon” Ross had himself a game. The Deland native, nicknamed Bon-Bon by his grandmother, electrified the crowd with a breakout performance that was hard to ignore.
On the Wildcats’ very first offensive play, quarterback Cam Ransom uncorked a 79-yard bomb. It dropped perfectly into Ross’s hands and he did the rest by outrunning the defenders on his way to the endzone. On BCU’s next possession, Ross added a 41-yard touchdown run after taking a reverse to the house. Two touchdowns for Ross scored in two different ways. The fanbase now knows what the locals have known for a while…good things happen when you give the ball to Bon-Bon.
The Playmakers Keep Rising
Ross wasn’t the only local product shining on Saturday. True freshman running back Khamani Robinson continues to prove that the moment isn’t too big for him. Robinson scored BCU’s third touchdown on a 24 yard scamper giving the Cats the lead at halftime.
And then there’s Cam Ransom. Each week, he keeps getting better and right now, it’s hard to find any HBCU quarterback who is playing better. His command of the offense, his efficiency, and his growing chemistry with playmakers like Ross and Rickie Shaw, Maleek Huggins, Lorenzo Jenkins and others are changing the Wildcats’ offensive identity right before our eyes.
The Fans are Starting to Believe Too
Shoutout to the fans who showed up Saturday. The threat of rainstorms seemed to have kept a few people away. However, those who decided to attend were treated to a great HBCU experience. Not only did they witness BCU’s best overall performance in years, but they also enjoyed a SWAC Band Battle.
Daytona Stadium hosted an opposing SWAC band for the first time since BCU joined the conference. Alabama A&M’s Marching Maroon and White (MMW) made the trip to “Da Beach”. After speaking with many in attendance, the MMW headed back to Huntsville with a slew of new fans. The MMW are wecolmed back anytime.
BCU’s Marching Wildcats did what they always do…they “showed up and showed out”. Give AAMU’s band the edge in song selection and repertoire, but the Pride delivered in execution and overall sound quality. In the end, both bands represented well and it was the fans who were the biggest winners.
It was great seeing the vibe in the stands all game. The bands helped with the atmosphere and the weather held off for the most part, but it was about more than the good bands and decent weather. The fans were active, engaged, and for the first time in a long time, anxiety-free. Cookman fans regained a bit of their mojo. They actually expected something good to happen, rather than waiting on disaster. Even after the game, I heard from at least a dozen fans. They all echoed the same sentiment…this was the best they had felt after a BCU game in years.
The excitement was palpable and the hope was contagious. You could see it in the way the team responded to mistakes. They didn’t allow miscues to beat them twice. Instead, they corrected them and overcame them in real time.
You could see it in the way the fans cheered…a little louder and a little longer.
And most importantly, you saw it on the scoreboard; Wildcats 41, Bulldogs 34.
I like this feeling. Heck, we all like this feeling. And judging by the team’s growing confidence, we may get to share this feeling a little more often and that’s something we can get used to.
Statistic
AAM
BCU
First Downs
Total
22
25
Rushing
6
14
Passing
14
10
Penalty
2
1
Rushing
Total (Net)
125
259
Attempts
32
35
Avg. Per Rush
3.9
7.4
Rushing TDs
1
4
Yds. Gained
133
266
Yds. Lost
8
7
Passing
Total (Net)
355
257
Comp.-Att.-Int.
27–41-1
18-25-2
Avg. / Att.
8.7
10.3
Avg. / Comp.
13.1
14.3
TDs
3
2
Total Offense
Yards
480
516
Plays
73
60
Avg. / Play
6.6
8.6
Fumbles – Lost
1–1
0-0
Penalties – Yds.
4-50
6–61
Punting
Punts – Yds.
2-75
3–131
Avg. / Punt
37.5
43.7
Inside 20
1
0
50+ Yds.
0
1
Touchbacks
0
1
Fair Catch
0
0
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.
7-368
7-435
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff
52.6
62.1
Touchbacks
1
2
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs
2–16-0
0-0-0
Punt: Avg. / Return
8.0
0
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs
5-111-0
6-68-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return
22.2
11.3
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs
2-0-0
1-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs
0-0-0
0-0-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards
0
0
Poss. Time
31:59
28:01
3rd. Down Conv.
11 of 18
8 of 11
4th. Down Conversions
3 of 3
0 of 0
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances
3–3
1-1
Sacks: Total – Yds.
0-0
2–4
PAT: Total – Made
4-4
5–6
2PT Conversion: Total – Made
0-0
0-0
Field Goals: Total – Made
2–2
0-0
Qtr
Time
Scoring Play
AAM
BCU
1st
09:35
AAM – Faulk,David 45 yd field goal 11 plays, 53 yards, TOP 05:21
3
0
1st
09:20
BCU – Ross,Javon 79 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 1 plays, 79 yards, TOP 00:11
3
7
1st
01:27
AAM – Nero,Kolton 2 yd run (Faulk,David kick), 4 plays, 62 yards, TOP 01:43
10
7
2nd
13:38
BCU – Ross,Javon 41 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 7 plays, 83 yards, TOP 02:44
10
14
2nd
08:41
AAM – Pierre,Franck 72 yd pass from Handley,Eric (Faulk,David kick) 4 plays, 83 yards, TOP 01:10
17
14
2nd
01:18
BCU – Robinson,Khamani 24 yd run ( ), 14 plays, 83 yards, TOP 07:19
17
20
2nd
00:08
BCU – Shaw II,Rickie 27 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 7 plays, 63 yards, TOP 00:54
17
27
3rd
11:31
AAM – Pierre,Franck 32 yd pass from Handley,Eric (Faulk,David kick) 3 plays, 58 yards, TOP 00:57
24
27
3rd
10:18
BCU – Scott Jr.,Alihaja 8 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 3 plays, 69 yards, TOP 01:07
24
34
3rd
03:44
AAM – Abner,Travaunta 1 yd pass from Handley,Eric (Faulk,David kick) 12 plays, 59 yards, TOP 06:25
31
34
4th
05:58
AAM – Faulk,David 19 yd field goal 15 plays, 57 yards, TOP 06:44
34
34
4th
01:07
BCU – Scott Jr.,Alihaja 26 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 8 plays, 66 yards, TOP 04:44
Bethune-Cookman hosted Edward Waters in their first home game of the season this past Saturday.
7,927 fans watched BCU thump their Duval brethren 35-9 and quite honestly, Daytona Stadium felt more alive than it has in quite some time.
Coach Woodie’s guys flashed the kind of explosiveness on offense and backbone on defense that fans have been longing for.
By night’s end, BCU racked up 437 yards on offense including 228 on the ground. Defensively, the Cats held EWU’s vaunted offense to just 9 points despite the Tigers scoring over 40 points per game in each of their first three contests.
True Freshman running back, Khamani Robinson, accounted for 114 yards on 12 carries. His 75 yard touchdown run early in the 3rd quarter broke the game wide open. Robinson was named SWAC Newcomer of the Week for his efforts.
Credits: BCU Athletics
Wide receiver Maleek Huggins promised to give the fans a show this season and he certainly did that on Saturday. Huggins racked up 177 yards receiving and two touchdowns. One of the touchdowns was a highlight-reel 82-yard score. It ended with a Michael Jackson inspired touchdown celebration. The senior from Bradenton also received conference honors this week being named Offensive Player of the Week.
Credits: BCU Athletics
Naim Lassiter added a defensive score with a 40 yard pick-six late in the 3rd.
Mini-homecoming spoiled
I’m not gonna lie, it was really cool seeing Brian Jenkins patrolling the sidelines in Daytona. It was also cool seeing Matt Johnson, Ryan Davis, Eddie Poole, and Brian Dorsey on the sidelines. Several other former Wildcats joined them. They took pictures and shared love with their former head coach. Brian Jenkins won 46 games in 5 years as BCU’s head coach so we knew he would have his team prepared and fired up for this game.
And that he did. Just about 9 minutes before kickoff, BCU’s public address announcer, welcomed Edward Waters to the field from the locker room. But there was one big problem, Jenkins wasn’t ready for his team to leave the locker room just yet. So he waited. And waited. And waited until Bethune was invited to take the field. It was only then that he decided it was time to run out.
It was a reminder of everything we love about Brian Jenkins and his teams. Make every contest a dog fight and find any advantage that you can.
Thankfully for Bethune, the pregame happenings had no impact on the outcome of the game. Neither did the FCS Reddit betting odds, which listed the Wildcats as 5.5 point underdogs against their D2 opponent.
Once the ball was kicked off, the bigger, stronger, faster, and better team won.
Relax Cookman Fans and enjoy the moment !
Relax Cookman Fans and enjoy the moment!
Jerry Bell – HailWildcats.com
Let’s be honest — Bethune-Cookman fans have been conditioned by the past few seasons to flinch, even in the presence of good things happening. Call it sports PTSD, call it phantom pains — call it whatever you want to label it, but the scars are real. Years of heartbreak have taught this fanbase to keep its guard up at all times.
We saw it again on Saturday. BCU dominated the first half. However, costly mistakes and a pesky Edward Waters reduced the Wildcats’ lead to just 14-6 at halftime. You could feel the anxiety of the crowd. There was the proverbial “here we go again” echoing around the stadium.
But the good guys rattled off 21 unanswered points in the third and showed their dominance with a 26 point win. Even still, some folks almost didn’t know how to react.
“Should we celebrate?”
“How would Saturday’s performance translate against SWAC competition?”
“Why didn’t the team score 40+ points?”
It was a weird phenomenon but here is what I say to all of this: Relax Cookman Fans and enjoy the moment.
Wins are hard to come by in college football, and when they do come, you’ve got to savor them. So let’s try to forget the scars and live in the moment.
Saturday was fun, and it’s okay to enjoy the moment.
Was it a perfect game?…Well no. But were there big plays to celebrate, defensive swagger, 4 interceptions, 4 sacks, young guys stepping up?… Heck yeah there was and that’s the kind of football that’s worth celebrating. Who knows, if the Wildcats keep stacking performances like this together, Daytona Stadium can start feeling like the fortress it once was. Maybe then the fans can flex their muscles a little too! 💪
Statistic
EWU
BCU
First Downs
Total
20
15
Rushing
7
11
Passing
10
4
Penalty
3
0
Rushing
Total (Net)
74
228
Attempts
30
41
Avg. Per Rush
2.5
5.6
Rushing TDs
0
1
Yds. Gained
137
250
Yds. Lost
63
22
Passing
Total (Net)
173
209
Comp.-Att.-Int.
19–40–4
13-23-1
Avg. / Att.
4.3
9.1
Avg. / Comp.
9.1
16.1
TDs
1
3
Total Offense
Yards
247
437
Plays
70
64
Avg. / Play
3.5
6.8
Fumbles – Lost
1-0
0-0
Penalties – Yds.
13–94
11-89
Punting
Punts – Yds.
7-230
5-231
Avg. / Punt
32.9
46.2
Inside 20
3
2
50+ Yds.
1
2
Touchbacks
0
1
Fair Catch
3
0
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.
3-138
6–349
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff
46.0
58.2
Touchbacks
0
3
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs
2–12-0
1-10-0
Punt: Avg. / Return
6.0
10.0
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs
3–59-0
1-8-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return
19.7
8.0
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs
1-0-0
4–51–1
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs
0-0-0
0-0-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards
0
0
Poss. Time
30:49
29:11
3rd. Down Conv.
4 of 15
6 of 13
4th. Down Conversions
1 of 1
0 of 1
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances
1-1
2–4
Sacks: Total – Yds.
3-22
4–44
PAT: Total – Made
0-1
5–5
2PT Conversion: Total – Made
0-0
0-0
Field Goals: Total – Made
1-1
0-1
Qtr
Time
Scoring Play
EWU
BCU
1st
03:07
BCU – Huggins,Maleek 20 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 5 plays, 25 yards, TOP 02:57
0
7
2nd
03:13
BCU – Scott Jr.,Alihaja 9 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 3 plays, 45 yards, TOP 01:13
0
14
2nd
01:13
EWU – Lovett,Makai 23 yd pass from Bodden,Noah ( ) 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:00
6
14
3rd
09:27
BCU – Robinson,Khamani 75 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 3 plays, 84 yards, TOP 01:32
6
21
3rd
04:44
BCU – Huggins,Maleek 82 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 5 plays, 92 yards, TOP 02:12
If you ask most HBCU fans to circle the big games this weekend, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone pointing to Bethune-Cookman vs. South Carolina State. And honestly—why would they?
South Carolina State is the defending MEAC champ, sitting at 1-1 currently, and looking set to defend their crown. Bethune-Cookman, on the other hand, hasn’t factored into many meaningful contests recently and have been on the butt end of a couple of whoppings the past two weeks.
On paper, this looks like a mismatch. But call me crazy, something tells me this could be a sneaky good game this weekend.
call me crazy, something tells me this could be a sneaky good game this weekend.
J Bell – HailWildcats.com
Maybe that’s the Wildcat fanatic in me talking…Probably is.
Maybe I’m still holding on to the luster of yesteryear when the BCU vs SCSU matchup carried the intensity of a prizefight when the two were MEAC heavyweights.
Or maybe—just maybe—it’s because history says these two programs rarely give us a dud on the gridiron.
Series Split over last 10 games
The series is split at 5 wins and 5 losses apiece over the past 10 matchups. It’s split 11 wins and 9 losses in favor of the Bulldogs over the past 20.
So despite the difference in expectations for these squads, the back-and-forth series record shows you don’t sleep on this rivalry; even when the Wildcats look down.
What to Expect Saturday
Here is Coach Woodie and the Wildcats’ chance to make an announcement to the HBCU world; and SCSU is the perfect opponent to do it against. Don’t expect the same watered-down schemes we’ve seen through Weeks 1 and 2 against BCU’s FBS opponents.
On Defense: Expect more blitz packages, more disruption, and more variations in coverages.
On Offense: Look for much more tempo, more creativity, more quarterback run, and more getting the ball in the hands of the playmakers quickly.
I’m NOT predicting a BCU upset but that’s not out of the question either. What I am predicting is the type of Dog and Cat fight that has made this series very competitive.
J Bell – HailWildcats.com
Let me be clear, I’m NOT predicting a BCU upset but that’s not out of the question either. What I am predicting is the type of Dog and Cat fight that has made this series very competitive and my favorite on the field matchup for BCU. And who knows, if things break right…well, let’s just say if things break right, it will be hard to shut me up next week.
Yeah, I know I’m crazy. I know how that sounds. I guess I will see y’all in Orangeburg.
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.
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!
