Bethune Cookman 2012 Signing Class

February 2, 2012February 16, 2012 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Third year head coach Brian Jenkins could hardly hold back his radiant and infectious smile when announcing what could be the best signing class of his brief tenure at Bethune Cookman. The nearly 100 Wildcat supporters who attended the Signing Day Bash clapped and cheered as coach Jenkins highligted 15 new additions to the Fighting Wildcat football team. 8 of the 15 signees revealed on Wednesday night are already enrolled in classes and are slated to participate in Spring practice.

Stacking the Chips and Building for the Future

Although many pundits believe that it takes a minimum of three years to accurately rate a recruiting class, coach Jenkins has already labled this class a success. Coach Jenkins stated:

“We were able to address our areas of need, build depth, sign all by 2 or 3 of the players that we targeted, as well as find some immediate (impact) players. I can already call this class a success. There is no need to wait for 2 or 3 years.” He went on to state: “And this is only the first half of our signing class. We got guys with more girth and guys who are longer on the offensive line. We got taller in the secondary. We got more explosive at wide receiver.”

“We’re stacking the chips and building for the future. And there is still more to come. I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve that will be revealed at a later time.”

The 15 signees include 2 defensive linemen; 4 defensive backs, 1 linebacker, 6 offensive linemen, and 2 wide receivers. Expect 4 or 5 additional signees before the kickoff of Fall practice.

The 2012 BCU Football Signing Class (as of February1, 2012) is as follows:

*=Mid-Year Transfer Already Attending Bethune Cookman

Defensive Line

*Brandon Bryant (Jr.) – Defensive Line – 6’4” – 290 – Atlanta, Ga. – Central Florida

LeBranden Richardson (So.) – Defensive End – 6’2” – 237 – Miami, Fla. – Central Florida

Defensive Back

*Tyrone Bouie (r-So.) – Defensive Back – 6’0” – 180 – Sanford, Fla. – University of Minnesota

*Derek Carter (r-Jr.) – Defensive Back – 6’0” – 200 – Sunrise, Fla. – Central Michigan

Tevin Gordon (Fr.) – Safety – 6’3” – 175 – DeLand, Fla. – DeLand High School

“Terry Harden, Jr. (Fr.) – Defensive Back – 6’1” – 185 – Hollywood, Fla. – Hollywood Hills High School

Offensive Line

Trevin Huff (Fr.) – Offensive Line – 6’4” – 270 – Tallahassee, Fla. – Tallahassee Lincoln High School

*Mike Jones (Fr.) – Offensive Line – 6’7” – 300 – Chatham, Va. – Hargrave Military

Dariusz Bladek (Fr.) – Offensive Line – 6’4” – 300 – Kissimmee, Fla. – Poinciana High School

*Rashard Brown (Jr.) – Offensive Line – 6’1” – 305 – Kissimmee, Fla. – Georgia Military College

Jamel Turner (Jr.) – Tight End – 6’4” – 230 – Chicago, Ill. – Reedly College

Tim Nicholas (Fr.) – Offensive Line – 6’4 – 275 – Hollywood, Fla. – Chaminade-Madonna Prep

Wide Receiver

Ray Martin (Fr.) – Wide Receiver – 5’10” – 180 – Sanford, Fla. – Seminole High School

*Brodrick Waters (Sr.) – Wide Receiver – 5’11” – 195 – Sarasota, Fla. – Louisiana Tech

Linebackers

Isaiah Riddle (Fr.) – Linebacker – 6’1” – 235 – Newnan, Ga. – Atlanta Sports Academy

Wildcats too much for Tigers

November 13, 2011 / J Bell / Leave a comment

For the past two months, coach Brian Jenkins has insisted that the quarterback who practices the best during the week will receive the starting nod on gameday.

Remaining true to his word, Jenkins named David Blackwell as the starting quarterback just minutes before Saturday’s contest against Savannah State. Blackwell responded by ripping off an 80 yard touchdown run on the Wildcats first offensive play from scrimmage. He later added two more first half touchdown runs (of 37 yards and 59 yards) as well as two 3^rd quarter touchdown passes (46 yarder to Isidore Jackson and 16 yarder to Johnathan Moment). Blackwell accounted for 350 yards of total offense (203 rushing and 147 passing) in a little over 2 quarters of play.

The Wildcats finished the contest with 625 yards of total offense in route to a 59-3 dismantling of the over-matched Tigers.

Defensively, the Wildcats yielded just 202 yards of total offense and allowed no second half first downs. Defensive tackle, Harold Love III, led the defensive charge with 12 tackles.

Team Totals	SSU	BCU
FIRST DOWNS	9	23
Rushing	4	17
Passing	3	6
Penalty	2	0
NET YARDS RUSHING	149	431
Rushing Attempts	40	41
Average Per Rush	3.7	10.5
Rushing Touchdowns	0	5
Yards Gained Rushing	191	461
Yards Lost Rushing	42	30
NET YARDS PASSING	53	194
Completions-Attempts-Int	6-21-1	11-17-0
Average Per Attempt	2.5	11.4
Average Per Completion	8.8	17.6
Passing Touchdowns	0	3
TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS	202	625
Total offense plays	61	58
Average Gain Per Play	3.3	10.8
Fumbles: Number-Lost	2-0	2-1
Penalties: Number-Yards	5-30	10-69
PUNTS-YARDS	8-302	2-78
Average Yards Per Punt	37.8	39.0
Net Yards Per Punt	30.4	39.0
Inside 20	2	1
50+ Yards	1	0
Touchbacks	1	0
Fair catch	2	0
KICKOFFS-YARDS	2-119	10-572
Average Yards Per Kickoff	59.5	57.2
Net Yards Per Kickoff	28.5	33.6
Touchbacks	0	0
Punt returns: Number-Yards-TD	0-0-0	5-39-0
Average Per Return	0.0	7.8
Kickoff returns: Number-Yds-TD	10-236-0	2-62-0
Average Per Return	23.6	31.0
Interceptions: Number-Yds-TD	0-0-0	1-20-0
Fumble Returns: Number-Yds-TD	0-0-0	0-0-0
Miscellaneous Yards	0	0
Possession Time	33:52	26:00
1st Quarter	10:35	4:25
2nd Quarter	9:32	5:28
3rd Quarter	7:49	7:03
4th Quarter	5:56	9:04
Third-Down Conversions	3 of 16	5 of 9
Fourth-Down Conversions	0 of 2	0 of 1
Red-Zone Scores-Chances	1-3	5-6
Touchdowns	0-3	4-6
Field goals	1-3	1-6
Sacks By: Number-Yards	1-10	4-23
PAT Kicks	0-0	8-8
Field Goals	1-1	1-1

BCU Thumps Morgan 49-23

November 7, 2011 / J Bell / 12 Comments

Last Saturday’s 49-23 Homecoming thumping of Morgan State was a near perfect microcosm of The Fighting Wildcats 2011 football season.

Much like the first half of this season, the first 2 quarters of Saturday’s contest were filled with both explosive plays –174 yards of total offense and 2 defensive turnovers– and untimely penalties –6 for 54 yards– for the Wildcats. BCU looked vulnerable as a result and clung to a 14-10 halftime lead.

The Wildcats seemed to sure up a few things in the halftime locker room and looked completely dominant and playoff worthy in the second half; outscoring MSU 35-13 in the process.

Isidore Jackson had another solid afternoon rushing for 94 yards (1 TD) on 20 carries and catching 2 passes for 22 yards. Senior fullback Johnathan Moment enjoyed his best statistical game of the season accounting for 106 yards of total offense (78 rushing; 28 receiving) and two touchdowns in the contest.

: Jackie Wilson

Sophomore quarterback Jackie Wilson continues to play well. Wilson completed 67 percent of his passes (10/15 for 186) and rushed for 74 yards and 3 touchdowns on the afternoon. “The game is starting to slow down to me,” Wilson said after the contest.

Although Wilson’s insertion into the starting lineup has seemed to stabilize the Wildcat offense, Coach Brian Jenkins states that there will continue to be an open competition for the starting quarterback spot. Jenkins went on to state that David Blackwell almost received the starting nod this week instead of Wilson.

The Wildcat starting defense held the Morgan State offense to 173 yards of total offense and 10 points through 3 quarters. Senior linebacker Ryan Lewis led the way with 7 tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss. The Bear offense accumulated 137 yards of offense and 13 points in the final quarter mostly against BCU’s second and third teamers. Even still, Coach Jenkins was none-too-happy about how his defense finished the contest; and he was particularly upset about yielding a 44-yard touchdown run to Travis Davidson with 58 seconds remaining in the contest. “No matter the score, I want my guys to execute.” “We had one guy out of position and a few others who didn’t make the play that was to be made” Jenkins stated. Davidson finished the afternoon with 133 yards rushing on 17 carries for the Bears.

Bethune hosts upstart Savannah State next Saturday in Daytona Beach at 4:00 p.m.

Homecoming 2011–Photos

November 6, 2011November 15, 2011 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Jekyll-and-Hyde Eagles are a mystery, even to their coach, Henry Frazier

October 28, 2011 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Associated Press

NCCU QB Michael Johnson

DURHAM — Sounding ominous just days before Halloween, N.C. Central coach

Henry Frazier III said he’s never sure whether the Eagles he sees all week at practice will be the same ones who will show up on game day.

“We’ve been Jekyll-and-Hyde all season. I really don’t know which team is going to show up,” Frazier said.

It’s as if the Eagles looked at the schedule and circled the contests they believed required their “A” games, Frazier said.

If that’s the case, it would seem Saturday’s game against Bethune-Cookman (2 p.m., nccueaglepride.com) is highlighted, because it’s homecoming, and there’s something about putting on a good show for the alums.

The Eagles better come ready to play, because Bethune-Cookman is no joke, Frazier said. The Wildcats can run it, pass it and sure enough will hit, he said.

“That 49 on defense is something else. He’s a grown man out there,” Frazier said about Bethune-Cookman defensive end Ryan Davis. “Their defense is a bunch of grown men running around.”

Last week against Norfolk State, Davis had 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles, forced a fumble and recovered another and was credited with a quarterback hurry, all of which made him not only the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week but also brought in Bethune-Cookman’s first National Football Championship Subdivsion Defensive Player of the Week award from The Sports Network/Fathead.com, given weekly to the top defender in the nation.

It’s not just Bethune-Cookman’s defense that furrows Frazier’s brow.

“Everything is of concern,” Frazier said.

NCCU’s defensive backs will have to make sure Wildcat wide receiver Eddie Poole is accounted for, and Bethune-Cookman doesn’t have just one or two running backs but a stable of them who all see time in the backfield and know what to do when they get their hands on the ball, Frazier said.

“They break tackles,” Frazier said. “We’re talking gang tackling.”

Bethune-Cookman running back Isidore Jackson last week was the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week after averaging 6.5 yards per carry and finishing with 206 yards.

“All of our running backs are capable of doing what Ike did,” Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins said.

The Wildcats (4-3) have at least five solid running backs, but if one of them particularly is doing his thing out there on the field, then that guy might get most of the carries, Jenkins said.

NCCU (1-6) has yet to win a game in the conference since returning this season as a full MEAC member.

“North Carolina Central is probably the best one-win team that I’ve seen, and I don’t mean that with any disrespect,” Jenkins said. “They’re no slouch, now.”

Jenkins said NCCU probably should have beaten South Carolina. State, a team that for years has set the standard in the MEAC.

“They had South Carolina State on the ropes,” Jenkins said.

He was referring to S.C. State’s 49-38 over the Eagles earlier this season. NCCU has lost five straight, including last week’s 30-27 overtime defeat at Hampton.

“We’re not looking at them lightly or overlooking them,” Jenkins said of the Eagles. “They’re very disciplined and sound.”

Frazier wouldn’t agree about that discipline part. The Eagles committed 133 yards of penalties in each of their last two games. Those flags have been real thorns, Frazier said.

Still, eliminate NCCU’s record and what the Eagles are is a good football team, Jenkins insisted.

“Offensively, their quarterback gets rid of the football pretty fast, and they throw the ball up and down the field on people,” Jenkins said.

NCCU’s offense is efficient and can score, the Eagles play swarming defense and overall that team just plain plays hard, Jenkins said.

Thing is, there’s no telling which NCCU ball club will show up for the game, according to Frazier.

http://heraldsun.com/pages/sports_nccu

Wildcats keep MEAC hopes alive in 14-6 defeat of #24 Norfolk State

October 21, 2011October 21, 2011 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Eddie Poole extends his consecutive games reception streak to 19 against Norfolk State--Photo Courtesy of The Virginian Pilot

The 24^th ranked and conference unbeaten Norfolk State Spartans entered Thursday night’s nationally televised contest boasting the conference’s top offense, number 1 scoring defense, and the conference’s best offensive player through the midpoint of the season in QB Chris Walley. But it was the Wildcats who dominated both sides of the ball and exited Dick Price Stadium with a convincing 14-6 victory.

For the second consecutive week, Junior running back Isidore Jackson set a single game career high with 206 yards rushing on 34 carries. Jackson’s determined running along with a dominant performance by the Bethune Cookman offensive line helped the Wildcats outgained Norfolk State on the ground 245 yards to 97.

Jackie Wilson got the start at quarterback for the Wildcats. Wilson passed for a modest 88 yards on 8 of 16 attempts including a 7 yard touchdown completion to KJ Stroud with 11:56 remaining in the 3^rdquarter. It was the Rutger’s transfer first td reception in a BCU uniform. Wilson played the entire game with his throwing hand heavily wrapped. The nature and severity of Wilson’s injury is unknown but is a reason for concern. Last week’s starter, David Blackwell, dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand in the contest against Fort Valley State and it is believed that Jamarr Robinson has an undisclosed leg injury which has limited his play and/or availability.

Brian Jenkins and the coaching staff deserve a ton of praise for developing a winning gameplan that protected the Wildcat quarterback given the current injury situation at the position.

The Wildcat’s two touchdowns on the evening came on their opening possession of the game and the opening possession of the second half. It was all of the scoring the Cats needed on the evening as the Wildcat defense prevented the Spartans from getting into the endzone only yielding two long field goals in the contest.

The Wildcat defensive front-7 dominated the Spartans offense all night. Defensive End Ryan Davis was quite simply the best player on the field and registered as good of a defensive performance as you will ever witness. Davis accounted for 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery on the evening. Davis and the Wildcats limited NSU to less than 250 yards of total offense and produced 3 turnovers. The last of which was a game sealing Dion Hanks interception in the endzone with :50 seconds remaining in the contest.

With the victory on Thursday night, the Wildcats keep their slim hopes alive of winning a share of the 2011 MEAC crown. BCU will take the field again next Saturday in Durham, NC against upstart North Carolina Central.

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER				COOK	NORF
	TD	04:08	Anthony Jordan 2 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)	7	0
SECOND QUARTER				COOK	NORF
	FG	02:18	Everett Goldberg 50 Yd	7	3
THIRD QUARTER				COOK	NORF
	TD	11:56	Keith Stroud 7 Yd Pass From Jackie Wilson (Sven Hurd Kick)	14	3
	FG	07:27	Everett Goldberg 47 Yd	14	6

Team Stat Comparison

		Bethune-Cook.			Norfolk St
1st Downs		19			16
3rd down efficiency		6-15			5-15
4th down efficiency		0-0			0-0
Total Yards		333			249
Passing		88			152
Comp-Att		8-16			17-28
Yards per pass		5.5			5.4
Rushing		245			97
Rushing Attempts		54			36
Yards per rush		4.5			2.7
Penalties		8-59			6-31
Turnovers		2			3
Fumbles lost		0			2
Interceptions thrown		2			1
Possession		31:40			28:20
Bethune-Cookman Passing
	C/ATT		YDS	AVG		TD	INT
J. Wilson	8/16		88	5.5		1	2
Team	8/16		88	5.5		1	2

Norfolk State Passing
	C/ATT		YDS		AVG		TD		INT
C. Walley	14/24		88		3.7		0		1
N. Flores	3/4		64		16.0		0		0
Team	17/28		152		5.4		0		1
Bethune-Cookman Rushing
	CAR	YDS		AVG		TD		LG
I. Jackson	34	206		6.1		0		49
R. Scott	8	34		4.3		0		15
J. Wilson	7	14		2.0		0		15
A. Jordan	2	1		0.5		1		2
-. Team	3	-10		-3.3		0		0
Team	54	245		4.5		1		49

Norfolk State Rushing
	CAR		YDS		AVG		TD		LG
T. Hedgeman	16		54		3.4		0		13
K. Lewis	4		44		11.0		0		17
N. Flores	7		16		2.3		0		4
R. Maynes	1		-1		-1.0		0		0
C. Walley	8		-16		-2.0		0		3
Team	36		97		2.7		0		17
Bethune-Cookman Receiving
	REC	YDS		AVG		TD		LG
M. Francois	3	56		18.7		0		29
E. Poole	2	20		10.0		0		14
K. Stroud	1	7		7.0		1		7
P. Harris	1	7		7.0		0		7
R. Scott	1	-2		-2.0		0		0
Team	8	88		11.0		1		29

Norfolk State Receiving
	REC		YDS		AVG	TD	LG
X. Boyce	6		76		12.7	0	45
R. Garrett	4		36		9.0	0	14
V. Hairston	4		35		8.8	0	14
K. Johnson	1		3		3.0	0	3
K. Lewis	2		2		1.0	0	2
Team	17		152		8.9	0	45
Bethune-Cookman Interceptions
	INT	YDS		TD
D. Hanks	1	12		0
Team	1	12		0

Norfolk State Interceptions
	INT		YDS		TD
R. Volcin	1		0		0
D. Reynolds	1		0		0
Team	2		0		0
Bethune-Cookman Kick Returns
	NO	YDS		AVG		LG
C. Keith	2	39		19.5		26
J. Moss	1	4		4.0		4
Team	3	43		14.3		26

Norfolk State Kick Returns
	NO	YDS	AVG	LG
V. Hairston	2	41	20.5	23
M. Cooperwood	1	19	19.0	19
Team	3	60	20.0	23
Bethune-Cookman Punt Returns
	NO	YDS	AVG	LG
P. Cleckley	1	14	14.0	14
C. Wilson	1	0	0.0	0
Team	2	14	7.0	14

Norfolk State Punt Returns
	NO		YDS		AVG	LG
M. Cooperwood	2		14		7.0	7
V. Hairston	1		6		6.0	6
Team	3		20		6.7	7
Bethune-Cookman Kicking
	FG	PCT		LONG			XP	PTS
S. Hurd	0/1	0.0		—			2/2	2
Team	0/1	0.0		—			2/2	2

Norfolk State Kicking
	FG	PCT		LONG			XP		PTS
E. Goldberg	2/2	100.0		50			0/0		6
Team	2/2	100.0		50			0/0		6
Bethune-Cookman Punting
	TOT		YDS		AVG	TB		-20		LG
K. Kowalski	7		256		36.6	0		3		58
Team	7		256		36.6	0		3		58

Norfolk State Punting
	TOT	YDS	AVG	TB	-20	LG
T. Muenzer	7	260	37.1	0	2	51
Team	7	260	37.1	0	2	51

Beatdown in Aggie-Town

October 10, 2011October 11, 2011 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Photo provided by Blue Death Valley.com

It has been more than 48 hours since the debacle at Aggie Stadium and it is still difficult to accept the fact that North Carolina A&T did not just win against Bethune-Cookman, but they dominated the Wildcats in the process.

Any analysis of this game has to begin with a tip of the cap to Coach Rod Broadway, his coaching staff, and the NCA&T football team. In the words of Brian Jenkins: “it was a good old-fashion butt-whooping”.

The Aggies dominated BCU in every facet of the game. Despite having half the number of scholarship players (33 for NCA&T compared to 60+ for BCU), riding a 7 game losing streak against BCU, and losing 67-17 to the Wildcats a year ago on national TV; NCA&T was the better team on Saturday afternoon. The gameplan was simple for the Aggies; run the ball on offense and take away the run on defense. The result was a 22-3 woodshed beating in which NCA&T accumulated 224 yards rushing on 50 attempts; while BCU limped its way to 5 yards rushing on 25 attempts.

The Wildcats entered the contest as the conference’s top ranked offensive unit; however, NCA&T limited the Wildcats to just 108 yards of Total Offense outgaining the Cats by a 3:1 margin in the process (330 yards of Total Offense for NCA&T).

Earlier this season, NCA&T was dismantled 58-6 by Appalachian State and beaten handily by Coastal Carolina 31-14. However, Rod Broadway’s bunch is gaining confidence and improving weekly. The Aggies have won their last two games by a combined score of 46-6.

Troubling Trends

Brian Jenkins’ team has amassed at least 10 penalties for 100 yards in each contest this season. The Wildcats accumulated 15 penalties for 112 yards in Saturday’s contest against NCA&T. In fact, BCU actually had more penalty yards than offensive yards in the game. The timing and nature of the penalties are even more troubling then the excessive number of penalties.

Take the Aggies second possession of the second half as an example. The Wildcat defense held the Aggies for what should have been a second straight “3 and out”. However, on 4^th down and 3 on the Aggie side of the field, the Wildcats’ punt return unit was flagged for a ‘neutral zone’ infraction. The penalty gave the Aggies a 1^st and 10, allowed them to take over 6 minutes off of the clock, and ultimately led to an Aggie 24 yard FG and 15-3 advantage with little over 2 minutes left in the 3^rd quarter. These sorts of careless, mental lapses have plagued the Wildcats all season and proved to be too much to overcome against a determined A&T squad.

But it was not just the penalties that doomed the Wildcats. The offensive line did not block well, the receivers dropped too many passes including a certain touchdown, the quarterbacks did not deliver the ball to open receivers, the defense did not consistently get off blocks, and there were a few critical game management decisions by the coaching staff that were cause for curiosity. It was an all around apathetic and underwhelming performance by the BCU football team and coaching staff.

One team was fully prepared and ready for a 60-minute war, the other was going through the motions and hoping for something good to happen. Only this time it never did.

Brian Jenkins’ ball club produced a similarly lackluster effort last year against Howard University. In that contest, the undermanned Bison outgained BCU on offense 389 yards to 196 yards but 2 defensive scores and a special teams touchdown proved to be the difference for BCU. The Wildcats were unable to produce any defensive touchdowns against the Aggies; however, BCU’s lone points of the afternoon were set-up by a DJ Howard 27 yard interception return.

Part of the maturation process

Coach Jenkins stated that North Carolina A&T was better prepared and more determined than his squad. A quick review of the game stats seems to support this assertion. Most teams seem to have one or two bad games throughout the course of a football season, but you cannot simply give the Wildcats a mulligan for their performance against the Aggies.

The coaching staff must assume responsibility for the team’s unpreparedness. Brian Jenkins regularly emphasizes attention to detail and ball security; yet his team’s continual struggles in these areas were prominently on display in Aggie Stadium this weekend (15 penalties for 112 yards and 4 turnovers including 3 in the 4^th quarter).

Perhaps the most head scratching coaching moment of the afternoon came on BCU’s first possession of the second half. Trailing by 9 points (12-3) with slightly more than 10 minutes left in the 3^rd quarter, BCU found themselves facing a 4^th down and 5 from the Aggie 22 yard line. Instead of kicking an intermediate-range field goal and making it a one-possession contest, coach Jenkins elected to go for the first down. Wide Receiver Maurice Francois was stopped a yard short of the marker and the Wildcats failed to convert. The Aggies seemed to seize full control of the contest from that point forward.

The Wildcats (2-3) return home this week and will look to break their current 2-game losing streak when they faceoff against struggling DII opponent Fort Valley State (1-5) in the first annual Biker Classic. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00. Game attendees can receive a free (visitor’s side) game ticket with the purchase of a $10 band t-shirt. Click the picture below for more details.

Click the photo to redirect to BCU Athletic website

After Further Review

September 25, 2011September 26, 2011 / J Bell / Leave a comment

BCU Fans looking for a short-term investment opportunity this week may want to consider the following: 7-3-6. According to the Florida Lottery’s website, ~~Cash 3 players~~ short-term investors using these numbers have a 1:1000 chance of winning the daily grand prize. For those that receive no return on their investment, consider yours 1 of the more than $22 billion donated to education; or perhaps you should consider your investment an honorarium on behalf of NCAA Approving Rule (A.R.) 7-3-6, that is to say NCAA football Rule 7, Section 3, Article 6, subsections IX, XII, XIII.

A.R. 7-3-6 is the Rule that was cited and allowed replay officials to overturn Hampton receiver Isiah Thomas’ apparent game-winning touchdown catch as time expired. BCU survived with a 35-31 victory over Hampton. Wildcat fans can take consolation in the fact that the game officials got the call right. The rule (specifically subsections IX, XII, and XIII) states that an airborne receiver must maintain control of the ball while going to the ground, when he hits the ground, and after hitting the ground. http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/FR12.pdf (page 164). Here’s an excerpt:

IX. “Airborne receiver A85 grasps a forward pass and in the process of going to the ground, first contacts the ground with his left foot as he falls to the ground inbounds. Immediately upon A85 hitting the ground, the ball comes loose and touches the ground. RULING: Incomplete pass. An airborne receiver must maintain control of the ball while going to the ground in the process of completing a catch”.

XII. “Receiver A85 stretches out at the Team B two-yard line and grasps a forward pass and is going to the ground on his own as he is attempting to complete the catch. As A85 falls to the ground in the end zone, the ball immediately comes loose and falls to the ground. RULING: Incomplete pass. Any receiver going to the ground on his own in the process of making a catch must maintain control of the ball when he hits the ground”.

XIII. “Receiver A85 is airborne in the end zone and grasps a forward pass, but while airborne he is hit by a defender, which causes A85 to fall to the ground. Immediately upon A85 hitting the ground, the ball comes loose and strikes the ground. RULING: Incomplete pass. An airborne receiver contacted before completing all the requirements of a catch must still maintain control of the ball after hitting the ground”.

The video evidence clearly shows that the Hampton receiver was airborne and that he did not maintain possession after hitting the ground. The ruling of incomplete pass was absolutely correct. It is a tough way to lose if you are a Pirate fan, but kudos to the officials for getting the call right.

Sweet Relief

Jackie Wilson replaced Jamarr Robinson at quarterback with just over 3:00 remaining in the 3rd quarter. He ended the night completing 5 of his 6 pass attempts with 2 touchdowns. Eddie Poole –who muscled the ball away from Hampton corner back Kambrell McGee in the corner of the endzone- was the recipient of Wilson’s 2nd td toss. The play capped an 80-yard touchdown drive that proved to be the game winner. The Wildcat offense outscored Hampton’s offense 21-0 in the second half.

Rodney Scott had his best statistical game as a BCU football player. Scott racked up 176 yards of total offense (126 rushing and 30 receiving) including a spectacular 33 yard td catch and run in which he broke three tackles in route to the endzone.

Other Memorable finishes at Municipal Stadium

1998- BCU set an NCAA record defeating Virginia State (VSU) 63-57 in the 8th overtime session. The most memorable moment in that game occurred in the 7th overtime when Wildcat defensive tackle Damion Cook returned a blocked field goal attempt 60 plus yards for a certain game winning touchdown. However, Cook’s attempted celebratory dive in to the endzone fell just short. Cook landed at the VSU 1 yard line and earned the nickname “Big-Dive” as a result of the play. Cook went on to enjoy 5 seasons as an NFL player.
2001- A controversial clipping call on a Rashean Mathis 4th quarter punt return touchdown negated a Wildcat go ahead score against eventual MEAC champion NC A&T. The homecoming jubilation of 16,725 Wildcat fans was spoiled as the Aggies went on to win the contest 16-14.

Team Stat Comparison

	Hampton	Bethune-Cook.
1st Downs	19	21
3rd down efficiency	7-18	6-12
4th down efficiency	2-3	1-2
Total Yards	417	414
Passing	225	154
Comp-Att	14-29	13-21
Yards per pass	7.8	7.3
Rushing	192	260
Rushing Attempts	46	48
Yards per rush	4.2	5.4
Penalties	12-107	10-69
Turnovers	0	3
Fumbles lost	0	2
Interceptions thrown	0	1
Possession	28:36	31:24

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER				HAMP	COOK
	TD	09:27	David Allen 8 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)	0	7
	FG	05:38	Taurean Durham 20 Yd	3	7
	TD	04:59	David Allen 1 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)	3	14
	TD	01:50	Isaiah Thomas 50 Yd Pass From David Legree (Taurean Durham Kick)	10	14
SECOND QUARTER				HAMP	COOK
	TD	03:47	David Legree 3 Yd Run (Taurean Durham Kick)	17	14
	TD	01:26	David Legree 37 Yd Run (Taurean Durham Kick)	24	14
THIRD QUARTER				HAMP	COOK
	TD	11:28	Eddie Poole 6 Yd Pass From David Allen (Sven Hurd Kick)	24	21
	TD	00:37	Rodney Scott 33 Yd Pass From Jackie Wilson (Sven Hurd Kick)	24	28
FOURTH QUARTER				HAMP	COOK
	TD	09:15	Jeremy Jermin 20 Yd Interception Return (Taurean Durham Kick)	31	28
	TD	02:50	Eddie Poole 13 Yd Pass From Jackie Wilson (Sven Hurd Kick)	31	35

Cats fall 26-18 to SCSU–Recap

September 11, 2011September 14, 2011 / J Bell / Leave a comment

SC State QB Derrick Wiley

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

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

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

Missed Opportunites

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

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

Team Stat Comparison

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

Passing Leaders


South Carolina State	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT
Wiley	7/19	46	2.4	0	2

Bethune-Cookman	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT
Robinson	25/45	245	5.4	2	4

Rushing Leaders


South Carolina State	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Wiley	19	121	6.4	1	45
Jordan	12	38	3.2	0	11

Bethune-Cookman	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Jackson	17	92	5.4	0	25
Scott	9	38	4.2	0	15

Receiving Leaders


South Carolina State	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
McDonald	2	23	11.5	1	15
Williams	2	14	7.0	0	10

Bethune-Cookman	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Francois	7	121	17.3	0	40
Poole	9	74	8.2	1	44

Scoring Summary

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

Cats and Dogs

September 9, 2011 / J Bell / 2 Comments

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

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

Previewing the Dogs

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

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

SCSU QB Derrick Wiley

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

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

A Closer Look at the Wildcats

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

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

Fighting like Cats and Dogs

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

Can’t Wait!!!!

___________________________________________________________

Interesting Notes

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

Last 10 contests in the series—

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

Recent Memorable Matchups —

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