Bulldogs Too Much for Wildcats, 55–41

September 14, 2025September 14, 2025 / J Bell / 1 Comment

Heading into this Bethune-Cookman vs South Carolina State matchup, I told y’all this game had more of a chance to be sneaky good game than the expected one-sided snooze fest. Turns out, we got a little of both.

Let’s put it this way. After the game, I got back home just in time to catch the Bud Crawford/Canelo Alvarez boxing match.

South Carolina State played the role of Bud Crawford, superior from the opening bell to the final horn. Bethune-Cookman was Canelo Alvarez, the proud fighter who kept throwing punches, landed some heavy shots, and fought until the end but was ultimately outmanned, overmatched and never got close enough to pose any real threat.
Jerry Bell – HailWildcats.com

If you were comparing the football game to the boxing match, South Carolina State played the role of Bud Crawford, superior from the opening bell to the final horn. Bethune-Cookman was Canelo Alvarez, the proud fighter who kept throwing punches, landed some heavy shots, and fought until the end but was ultimately outmanned, overmatched and never got close enough to pose any real threat.

The results, a 55–41 victory for the Bulldogs in a game they controlled from start to finish…just like Crawford controlled Canelo.

First Quarter: Bulldogs Blitz

From the opening drive, SCSU had their way. Physical on the ground, sharp through the air, and opportunistic on defense. By the end of the first quarter, the Bulldogs had 24 points on the board and 207 yards of total offense. The Wildcats on the other hand, just 4 yards of offense and zero first downs at that point. Yikes!

SC State 1st quarter scoring drives went as follows:

-14 plays, 83 yards ending with a 3 yard Ryan Stubblefield touchdown run.

-7 plays, 63 yard touchdown drive (1 yard KZ Adams run).

-4 yard Malik Harp fumble return for a touchdown.

-9 plays, 61 yard drive ending in a Nico Cavanillas 44 yard field goal.

In the 2nd quarter, Cavanillas added a 41 yard field goal to stretch the lead to 27-0.

Wildcats Swing Back

Then came the fight. 2nd team All-SWAC quarterback, Cam Ransom, entered the game in the 2nd quarter in place of the largely ineffective Timmy McClain who started the contest.

Ransom led the Cats on their first touchdown drive of the season with a two yard TD run with 1:56 remaining in the first half. The drive covered 17 plays, 75 yards and over 8 minutes.

After the halftime break, the Wildcats had 6 highly productive drives that went like this:

Drive 1 – 8 plays, 75 yards; touchdown.

Drive 2 – 7 plays, 67 yards (almost touchdown drive but the officials decided the ball was fumbled into the endzone for a touchdown back). 😤

Drive 3 – 3 plays, 84 yards; touchdown.

Drive 4 – 7 plays, 67 yards; touchdown.

Drive 5 – 7 plays, 75 yard; touchdown.

Drive 6 – 4 plays, 35 yards; touchdown.

That’s 5 touchdowns in 6 second-half drives. And if that disputed fumble call goes the other way? We’re talking about a perfect offensive half.

That’s the good part. But in football and boxing, you don’t just punch; you also get punched.

BCU closed the gap and had multiple chances to make the contest a one-score game, but South Carolina State answered every time. The Cats never got closer than 14.

The Difference Makers

Cam Ransom put on an absolute show. Despite not starting, he finished with:

302 yards passing and 4 touchdowns through the air; 89 yards rushing and 1 touchdown on the ground, and 391 yards of total offense.

That’s a career night against a top notched opponent.

Maleek Huggins also had his best outing of the season, torching the Bulldog secondary for 8 catches, 148 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

Antwone Watts and Nick Rawls II led the Cats on defense with 7 and 6 tackles respectively.

The Bottom Line

Bethune fought back admirably after an abysmal first quarter, and you have to applaud that effort. But effort without execution doesn’t win games. All of these positives couldn’t overcome the Wildcat mistakes. Bethune turned the ball over three times, including the 1st quarter scoop-and-score for the Bulldogs and that drive crushing end-zone fumble that erased points in the 3rd quarter. That’s a 14-point swing and wouldn’t you know it—that’s exactly the margin of defeat.

The better team—the defending MEAC champs—won the game and showed the distance between the two programs at this juncture in time.

Final: South Carolina State 55, Bethune-Cookman 41.

This young BCU team is still learning that in football, like boxing, it’s not enough to just keep swinging. Wins and losses are decided by making adjustments, being disciplined, and paying attention to the details that turn effort into results.
Jerry Bell – HailWildcats.com

The Wildcats fall to 0–3 and are still searching for that first win. This young BCU team is still learning that in football, like boxing, it’s not enough to just keep swinging. Wins and losses are decided by making adjustments, being disciplined, and paying attention to the details that turn effort into results.

The Cats will get another shot at it next week. Until then, Hail Wildcats!

Statistic	BCU	SCS
First Downs
Total	29	28
Rushing	10	12
Passing	17	15
Penalty	2	1
Rushing
Total (Net)	182	226
Attempts	34	37
Avg. Per Rush	5.4	6.1
Rushing TDs	2	5
Yds. Gained	200	230
Yds. Lost	18	4
Passing
Total (Net)	325	335
Comp.-Att.-Int.	23–38–1	22-37-0
Avg. / Att.	8.6	9.1
Avg. / Comp.	14.1	15.2
TDs	4	1
Total Offense
Yards	507	561
Plays	72	74
Avg. / Play	7	7.6
Fumbles – Lost	2–2	0-0
Penalties – Yds.	7–69	5-50
Punting
Punts – Yds.	2-94	2-77
Avg. / Punt	47	38.5
Inside 20	1	0
50+ Yds.	1	0
Touchbacks	0	0
Fair Catch	0	0
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.	7-336	10–541
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff	48.0	54.1
Touchbacks	0	2
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs	2-9-0	2-15-0
Punt: Avg. / Return	4.5	7.5
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs	7–146-0	4-76-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return	20.9	19.0
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs	0-0-0	1-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs	0-0-0	1–4–1
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards	0	0
Poss. Time	31:26	28:34
3rd. Down Conv.	3 of 10	9 of 13
4th. Down Conversions	2 of 3	0 of 0
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances	3-4	7–7
Sacks: Total – Yds.	1-4	1-2
PAT: Total – Made	5-6	7–7
2PT Conversion: Total – Made	0-0	0-0
Field Goals: Total – Made	0-0	2–2

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.

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

September 9, 2024September 10, 2024 / J Bell / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Bears demonstrated what good football programs do.

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

They weather adversity.

They make the right adjustments.

They win the situational game.

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

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

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

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

Too Aggressive, Too Soon

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

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

42-point swing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some things are easily correctable, others not so much!

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 2, 2024 / J Bell / Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resurge…. 2017 Preview

September 1, 2017 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Credits: BCU Athletics

Resurge……“a rising again into prominence.”

That’s the way Merriam-Webster defines it. In Daytona Beach, Terry Sims hopes to define it as “the return to the summit of MEAC football” as Bethune-Cookman look to amend last year’s sub .500 record and return to the form that saw the Wildcats capture a share of the conference crown in Sims’ first season in 2015.

The “Resurge” theme is attached to everything BCU football. Players and coaches all wear T-shirts with the simple message. It’s on the BCU Athletics webpage. It’s plastered over @BCUGridiron social media sites. In just a little while, we get to see if it is visible in the most important of places…… on the field of play.

There is good cause for the heightened optimism heading into the season. The Wildcats return 8 starters on offense, 7 starters on defense and all of their return specialist from a season ago.

Quarterbacks

Offensively BCU was sluggish and disheveled for far too many long stretches in 2016. New offensive coordinator and former Wildcat great Allen Suber will look to remedy that by picking up the tempo and adding a few more wrinkles to this year’s offense. He will get a boost at his former position in the form of returning experienced signal callers Arkevious Williams and Larry Brihm. Williams will get the nod as the week one starter but we expect both he and Brihm to share snaps throughout the course of the season. Whether it’s a shared responsibility or someone steps up and claims the position as their own, production at the quarterback position is a must if BCU wishes to RESURGE.

Mike Jones

Running backs

The do-it-all Michael Jones was a Preseason 1^st Team All-MEAC selectee in 2016 but missed the entire season with a foot injury. Jones, who can run with power, run with speed and catch the ball out of the backfield, seems to be back at full health. If Jones is fully recovered from his injury, the running game should be much improved. Jamaruz Thompkins, Camron Rigby and Tupac Isme all saw significant minutes due to Jones’ injury last year and each will vie for carries and look to redeem their time in the crowded backfield.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

The receiver position is perhaps the best and deepest position on the field for BCU. Frank Brown and Jawill Davis individually are as good as any receivers in the conference. As a tandem, it would be hard to argue that you will find a better duo in the MEAC. Brown has above average hands and good route running ability while Davis is more of the traditional speed receiver who can take the top off defenses. Add to the mix junior receiver Keavon Mitchell and converted quarterback Anthony Cruz and you have a bevy of dynamic receivers who are electric with the ball in their hands. Ja-Quan Lumas is an outstanding pass catching tight end. Look for Lumas to move around more in Suber’s offense and try to present match up issues for the opposition.

Offensive Line

The immediate impression you get when looking at this year’s offensive line is they are still big but a lot leaner than in years past. I mean don’t get me wrong, there are still some “big-uns” up front with guys like Job Buisserth who checks in at 6’4”, 315. However, you’re likely to see some lineman like Jerry Beauchamp play 40 pounds lighter than Buisserth. There seems to be more of a primacy on technique, footwork and mobility as opposed to sheer girth and size from the guys up front.

Defensive Line

Defensive ends Kevin Thompson and Todney Evans anchor the defensive lines. Thompson and Evans offer great athleticism and speed coming off the edge. The biggest question mark for Earl Lane’s defensive front will be trying to replace DeMarcus Womack’s behemoth size and production. Dishawn Ray and Malik Slaughter offer the size and experience; let’s just hope they offer similar production.

Linebacker

The linebacker corps must improve from a season ago. It is as simple as that. Trenton Bridges is a really good football player at middle linebacker but there was a noticeable drop off after Bridges in 2016. Alexander Morales had to be moved from safety to outside linebacker to stabilize the position in the middle of last year. Thankfully Morales made his share of plays and we are hoping he can continue his maturation at the position. Marquis Hendrix is another guy who has a chance to solidify his name as a playmaker at linebacker. Hendrix originally signed with Boise State and he has all of the physical attributes needed to excel at the position. Veion Robinson, Atreyu Farrior and Deonte Mayo all saw frequent action at linebacker last year but all need to show improvement in their positioning, finishing of plays and consistency.

A Williams and D Richardson

Secondary

Diquan Richardson, Arthur Williams and Elliott Miller are all returning starters and good players in the secondary. The veterans will look to anchor a defense who finished middle of the pack in the MEAC in both scoring (25.2ppg) and total defense (349.2 ypg).

Outlook

There is a lot riding on this season for Bethune-Cookman. A successful campaign could very well see the Wildcats “Resurge” and reestablish their dominance in the conference. However, another mediocre year could spell trouble for the years ahead.

The pieces are all in place for the Wildcats to compete for another MEAC crown. They return all of their key offensive skill players from last year’s squad including their leading passer, leading rusher and leading receiver. A similar thing can be said about the defense as the top tackler, edge rushers, and cover men all return. The teams picked ahead of BCU all have their own share of serious question marks heading into the year too:

NCCU must replace QB Malcom Bell and several other key performers;
NCA&T graduated Tarik Cohen;
SCSU is still unsettled at the quarterback position;
Etc.

When you add all of this up, it says the path to the MEAC crown is more open than the claim to the Iron Throne in King’s Landing. It is not a stretch to argue Bethune-Cookman can bounce back and earn a trip to Atlanta by winning it’s 6^th MEAC crown in 8 years. The crazy thing is we can also envision a very real scenario in which BCU finishes around the .500 mark again. The Cats open the year with 4 straight road games including games against FBS opponents Miami (Florida) and Florida Atlantic in the first three weeks. Sandwiched between the FBS games is an out of conference matchup with Southeast Louisiana.

For the sake of all that is maroon and gold, we hope to see the former of the two scenarios.

It all begins at 12:30 P.M. Saturday, September 2^nd when BCU take on 18^th ranked Miami at Hard rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN WILDCATS

LOCATION: Daytona Beach, Florida

STADIUM: Memorial Stadium

COACH: Terry Sims (13-8, two seasons)

2016 RECORDS: 4-6, 4-4 MEAC (Tie/5th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 15 (8 offense/7 defense)

KEY LOSSES: Trevin Huff, OL; DeMarcus Womack, DE

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 2, at Miami (Florida)

Sept. 9, at Southeastern Louisiana

Sept. 16, at Florida Atlantic

Sept. 23, at Howard*

Sept. 30, Savannah State*

Oct. 14, South Carolina State*

Oct. 21, at North Carolina A&T*

Oct. 28, Hampton*

Nov. 4, Morgan State*

Nov. 11, at North Carolina Central*

Nov. 18, Florida A&M* (at Camping World Stadium, Orlando)

* – MEAC game

Top 5 Moments of Terry Sims Era

August 1, 2017August 1, 2017 / J Bell / Leave a comment

One, two, three—(one). One, two, three—(two). One, two, three—(three). Oh, don’t mind us! We’re just stretching the muscles and trying to loosen up before the kickoff of the 2017 football season.

There is a ton of anticipation heading into Bethune-Cookman’s Fall camp as Terry Sims and his men prepare to rebound after suffering its first losing season since 2009. Before we begin our look ahead at @BCUGridiron’s 2017 “RESURGE” campaign, let’s take a quick look back at the Wildcat’s Top 5 Moments under now 3^rd year head coach Terry Sims.

Starting in reverse order

#5 First Florida Classic victory (2015)

A victory over a one-win team is not normally considered a memorable one, however, when said victory is over your archrival in your first match-up against them as head coach, it definitely gets elevated to the category of memorable.

Quentin Williams passed for three touchdowns and ran for another that November afternoon as BCU thumped the Rattlers 35-14 in the 2015 edition of the Florida Blue Florida Classic.

The win earned BCU its 5^th consecutive victory over FAMU and its fourth consecutive MEAC crown.

#4 SCSU Blacked Out (2015)

BCU vs South Carolina 2015 (354) The Thursday Night “Blackout Contest” televised on ESPNU saw BCU rally late in the 4^th quarter to secure a 17-14 victory over MEAC foe South Carolina State.

Quarterback Quentin Williams played a large role in the win hitting Ja-Quan Lumas for a 2 yard touchdown in the third quarter before rushing for the go-ahead score with 5:14 remaining in the contest.

#3 Circle the Wagons (2016)

After a rash of untimely injuries, lackluster performances and a stunning loss to Savannah State, the 2016 Wildcats were 0-5 and fighting for the future of the program by mid-October.

Sims rallied his guys, led them into The Commonwealth and earned a tough 21-14 victory at Norfolk State. The Beach Cats followed up the NSU win with strong performances against Delaware State, Morgan State and Florida A&M winning those contests by an average margin of victory of 27 points.

It was the first time all year BCU looked like the team predicted to compete for a MEAC crown at the beginning of the season. That string of victories breathed life back into the program and Sims will surely look to ride that momentum as his troops attempt to fight their way back to the pinnacle of the MEAC this season.

Frank Brown – 2017 1st Team All-MEAC

#2 BLOCKED (NCCU 2015)

Hurricane Joaquin forced the 2015 matchup with North Carolina Central to be moved up two hours as North Carolina declared a state of emergence ahead of the contest.

BCU lead the game 7-6 at halftime but NCCU stormed out of the locker room and took a commanding 19 point lead into the final minute of the 3^rd quarter.

The Wildcats scored 21 unanswered to take a 28-26 lead but this is when the real thunderstorm began.

The Eagles marched 92 yards to the Wildcats 1-yardline in the final minutes of the contests. On 3^rd and goal from the 1 yard line, Central thought they scored the go-ahead touchdown but replay officials rained on that thought and ruled the ball never crossed the threshold of the goal line.

No sweat right! All Central had to do was lineup and convert a routine18 yard field goal to secure its 2^nd ever victory over BCU. DIDN’T HAPPEN!

Freshman DB Elliott Miller BLOCKED Nigel Macauley’s 18 yard FG attempt and the Wildcats held on for the rain soaked win.

#1 Sims Earns First Ever Win at Grambling State (2015)

bcu-vs-norfolk-state-2015-2961 Quarterback changes, momentum swings, 109 total points, over 1000 yards of total offense….this game had just about everything.

Larry Brihm and Quentin Williams combined to throw for 463 yards and six touchdowns as Bethune-Cookman scored late and held on for a 56-53 victory over Grambling State at Eddie Robinson Stadium in 2015.

BCU trailed by double digits twice in the matchup and there were 6 lead changes in all. The Wildcats took the final lead at the 3:37 mark in the 4^th when Williams hit Jawill Davis, who finished with 199 yards, on a 29-yard scoring strike to claim a 49-46 advantage. Bethune added another score with 1:48 left when Anthony Jordan ran in from 41 yards out. Jordan’s score proved to be the game winner as Grambling quickly marched down the field and Johna Williams hit Chester Rogers with a 12-yard scoring strike with 54 seconds left to round out the final score at 56-53.

The win was the first for Terry Sims.

Updated: $65 Roundtrip on HAILWILDCATS.COM Fan Bus to South Carolina State, October 25th, 2014, $80 w/ Game Ticket!

October 6, 2014October 24, 2014 / D Will / Leave a comment

Greetings BCU Fans!

You are cordially invited to hop onboard the HailWildcats.com ‘Road to the Championship’ Fan Bus as we support our team in their quest to have another successful season. Our Fighting Wildcats will travel to Orangeburg, South Carolina (Oliver C. Dawson Stadium) on Saturday October 25th, 2014 to take on South Carolina State University Bulldogs, kickoff at 1:3o p.m.

Forget about parking and having to walk long distances, for the low rate of $80.00 you will be guaranteed transportation to and from the game and a game ticket. If you already have a game ticket, you can secure your transportation to and from South Carolina St. Oliver C. Dawson Stadium for just $65.00.

The bus will make a pickup at the Home Depot on Lee Rd in Orlando at 3:00 am, then depart Daytona Beach at 4:00 a.m., make a pickup in Jacksonville, Fl at 5:30 am, we will stop for breakfast in Georgia, and then arrive at South Carolina St. Oliver C. Dawson Stadium around 11:30 am. We will depart for Florida 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game and make a stop for dinner.

Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. No seats are guaranteed until final payment has been received. All sales are final!

We encourage the use of PayPal for a fast, safe, and convenient method of securing your seat. We have attached the PayPal links/options below for your convenience. You do NOT need a PayPal account to complete your transaction. If you prefer to pay with cash or with Credit/Debit card in person or over the phone, please coordinate with Jerry Bell or Darold Williams at the numbers below. Checks will NOT be accepted.

Seats are filling up quickly, so be sure to lock yours in today.

PICKUP LOCATIONS:

ORLANDO, FL- Home Depot- 3:00 AM 5351 Diplomat Cir, Orlando, FL 32810

DAYTONA BEACH, FL –Bethune Cookman University -4:00 AM Between the Facilities building and the Band Hall

JACKSONVILLE, FL – LaQuinta Inn- 5:30 AM 812 Dunn Ave, Jax, FL 32218

If you have any questions, please call or text Jerry Bell at 407-494-5302 or Darold Williams at 904-351-8381.

Hail Wildcats!
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1-Bus Seat to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC (Transportation Only Option)

$65.00

1-Bus Seat & Game Ticket to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC

$80.00

2-Bus Seats to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC (Transportation Only Option)

$130.00

2-Bus Seats & Game Tickets to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC

$160.00

3-Bus Seats to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC (Transportation Only Option)

$195.00

3-Bus Seats & Game Tickets to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC

$240.00

4-Bus Seats to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Orangeburg, SC(Transportation Only Option)

$260.00

4-Bus Seats & Game Tickets to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Orangeburg, SC

$320.00