MEAC

Bethune COOKed ‘EM: Dominates Southern 45-14

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

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! 🥰

Love in the rain, football on fire, and a long-awaited win in the books.

Now that’s a full-course meal.

StatisticBCUSOU
First Downs
Total3212
Rushing134
Passing178
Penalty20
Rushing
Total (Net)22765
Attempts4322
Avg. Per Rush5.33.0
Rushing TDs40
Yds. Gained24297
Yds. Lost1532
Passing
Total (Net)271202
Comp.-Att.-Int.30–39-014-26-0
Avg. / Att.6.97.8
Avg. / Comp.9.014.4
TDs22
Total Offense
Yards498267
Plays8248
Avg. / Play6.15.6
Fumbles – Lost1-02-0
Penalties – Yds.8-759-60
Punting
Punts – Yds.0-04–152
Avg. / Punt038
Inside 2000
50+ Yds.00
Touchbacks01
Fair Catch01
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.8–4713-168
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff58.956.0
Touchbacks40
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs1–3-00-0-0
Punt: Avg. / Return3.00
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs3–51-02-19-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return17.09.5
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-00-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-00-0-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards00
Poss. Time41:4118:19
3rd. Down Conv.8 of 131 of 9
4th. Down Conversions1 of 31 of 4
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances6–61-1
Sacks: Total – Yds.3–161-2
PAT: Total – Made6–62-2
2PT Conversion: Total – Made0-00-0
Field Goals: Total – Made1–20-0

Scoring Summary

QtrTimeScoring PlayBCUSOU
1st09:38SOU – Morris,Darren 71 yd pass from McCoy,Cam’Ron (Zimmer,Nathan kick) 1 plays, 66 yards, TOP 00:1007
1st02:24BCU – Ransom,Cam’Ron 13 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 13 plays, 83 yards, TOP 07:0777
2nd13:32BCU – Brown,Rashon 12 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 4 plays, 47 yards, TOP 01:31147
2nd06:01BCU – Shaw II,Rickie 5 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 12 plays, 80 yards, TOP 05:12217
3rd07:00BCU – Scott Jr.,Alihaja 2 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 05:26287
3rd02:54BCU – Dominguez,Juan 32 yd field goal 6 plays, 11 yards, TOP 02:38317
3rd01:50BCU – Jenkins,Lorenzo 33 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 2 plays, 33 yards, TOP 00:10387
4th13:34SOU – Jackson,Malachi 15 yd pass from Strother,Ashton (Zimmer,Nathan kick) 11 plays, 78 yards, TOP 03:103814
4th04:59BCU – Rodriguez,Juan 19 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 12 plays, 90 yards, TOP 08:284514
4514

Big Bama State Bullies Bethune: Tough Lesson in the Gump

/ J Bell / 2 Comments

Big Bama 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.

StatisticBCUASU
First Downs
Total3325
Rushing1216
Passing178
Penalty41
Rushing
Total (Net)207388
Attempts4240
Avg. Per Rush4.99.7
Rushing TDs25
Yds. Gained242392
Yds. Lost354
Passing
Total (Net)362171
Comp.-Att.-Int.27–41–111-16-0
Avg. / Att.8.810.7
Avg. / Comp.13.415.5
TDs32
Total Offense
Yards569559
Plays8356
Avg. / Play6.910
Fumbles – Lost2–10-0
Penalties – Yds.4-377–73
Punting
Punts – Yds.2-783–112
Avg. / Punt3937.3
Inside 2001
50+ Yds.00
Touchbacks00
Fair Catch02
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.6-3249–561
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff54.062.3
Touchbacks02
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-00-0-0
Punt: Avg. / Return00
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs7–137-05-43-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return19.68.6
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01–18-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-00-0-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards00
Poss. Time33:5926:01
3rd. Down Conv.5 of 102 of 6
4th. Down Conversions1 of 20 of 0
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances4-45–5
Sacks: Total – Yds.1-22–13
PAT: Total – Made5-57–7
2PT Conversion: Total – Made0-00-0
Field Goals: Total – Made0-11-1
QtrTimeScoring PlayBCUASU
1st14:44BCU – Huggins,Maleek 85 yd pass from Ransom,Cam’Ron (Dominguez,Juan kick) 1 plays, 85 yards, TOP 00:1270
1st09:39ASU – Harden,Derick 13 yd pass from Body,Andrew (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick) 9 plays, 79 yards, TOP 04:5977
1st03:49ASU – Abu-Akel,Andrew 40 yd field goal 7 plays, 29 yards, TOP 03:08710
1st01:11ASU – Hostzclaw,Jamarie 10 yd run (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick), 4 plays, 70 yards, TOP 01:33717
2nd13:08ASU – Ligon,Karl 2 yd run (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick), 3 plays, 35 yards, TOP 01:00724
2nd01:56BCU – Huggins,Maleek 4 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 10 plays, 88 yards, TOP 04:211424
2nd01:36ASU – Jones,Jalen 30 yd pass from Body,Andrew (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick) 2 plays, 65 yards, TOP 00:201431
3rd12:13ASU – Ligon,Karl 2 yd run (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick), 6 plays, 81 yards, TOP 02:421438
3rd06:20ASU – Kuykendall,Jahbari 48 yd run (Abu-Akel,Andrew kick), 5 plays, 89 yards, TOP 01:581445
3rd02:16BCU – McClain,Timmy 1 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:042145
4th13:31ASU – Harris II,Marcus 1 yd run (Gilliam,Brandon kick), 7 plays, 77 yards, TOP 03:362152
4th06:26BCU – McClain,Timmy 1 yd run (Dominguez,Juan kick), 14 plays, 74 yards, TOP 06:572852
4th01:19BCU – Ross,Javon 20 yd pass from McClain,Timmy (Dominguez,Juan kick) 8 plays, 68 yards, TOP 02:443552
3552

Bulldogs Too Much for Wildcats, 55–41

/ J Bell / 1 Comment
Credits: BCU Athletics

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!

StatisticBCUSCS
First Downs
Total2928
Rushing1012
Passing1715
Penalty21
Rushing
Total (Net)182226
Attempts3437
Avg. Per Rush5.46.1
Rushing TDs25
Yds. Gained200230
Yds. Lost184
Passing
Total (Net)325335
Comp.-Att.-Int.23–38–122-37-0
Avg. / Att.8.69.1
Avg. / Comp.14.115.2
TDs41
Total Offense
Yards507561
Plays7274
Avg. / Play77.6
Fumbles – Lost2–20-0
Penalties – Yds.7–695-50
Punting
Punts – Yds.2-942-77
Avg. / Punt4738.5
Inside 2010
50+ Yds.10
Touchbacks00
Fair Catch00
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.7-33610–541
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff48.054.1
Touchbacks02
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs2-9-02-15-0
Punt: Avg. / Return4.57.5
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs7–146-04-76-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return20.919.0
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01–4–1
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards00
Poss. Time31:2628:34
3rd. Down Conv.3 of 109 of 13
4th. Down Conversions2 of 30 of 0
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances3-47–7
Sacks: Total – Yds.1-41-2
PAT: Total – Made5-67–7
2PT Conversion: Total – Made0-00-0
Field Goals: Total – Made0-02–2

Preview: BCU at South Carolina State; Sneaky Good or One-Sided 🤔

/ J Bell / 1 Comment

Credits: Bryce Hoynoski

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.

Hail Wildcats!

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

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
Credits: BCU Athletics

Week 2 Takeaways: Bethune-Cookman vs. Miami

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

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

Takeaway 1: There is Not Much to Take Away

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

Takeaway 2: Quarterback Steady

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

Takeaway 3: His eye is on the Sparrow

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

Takeaway 4: Battled to the End

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

Looking Ahead: SCSU

Now it’s go-time.

No more holding back the playbook.

No more “preseason”.

No more FBS opponents.

No more excuses.

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

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

StatisticBCUMIA
First Downs
Total1431
Rushing413
Passing717
Penalty31
Rushing
Total (Net)92199
Attempts3330
Avg. Per Rush2.86.6
Rushing TDs04
Yds. Gained115201
Yds. Lost232
Passing
Total (Net)99344
Comp.-Att.-Int.14-18-130–36-0
Avg. / Att.5.59.6
Avg. / Comp.7.111.5
TDs02
Total Offense
Yards191543
Plays5166
Avg. / Play3.78.2
Fumbles – Lost1-11-0
Penalties – Yds.2-204–50
Punting
Punts – Yds.4–1670-0
Avg. / Punt41.80
Inside 2010
50+ Yds.00
Touchbacks00
Fair Catch00
Kickoffs
Total – Yds.2-1268–520
Avg. Yds. / Kickoff63.065.0
Touchbacks18
Returns
Punt: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-02–11-0
Punt: Avg. / Return05.5
Kickoff: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01–25-0
Kickoff: Avg. / Return025.0
INT: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01-0-0
Fumble: Total – Yds. – TDs0-0-01–5-0
Miscellaneous
Misc. Yards00
Poss. Time31:5528:05
3rd. Down Conv.1 of 114 of 6
4th. Down Conversions0 of 10 of 1
Red-Zone: Scores – Chances1-25–5
Sacks: Total – Yds.2-61-8
PAT: Total – Made0-06–6
2PT Conversion: Total – Made0-00-0
Field Goals: Total – Made1-11-1

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.

2024 Bethune-Cookman Football Preview: A New Era Dawns

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
Credits: BCU Athletics

It’s game week Wildcat fans and we are more excited than “a single woman sitting in the front row at an Usher concert”. To say that there is a sense of renewed optimism in Daytona Beach headed into the 2024 season is an understatement. Bethune-Cookman enjoyed a successful offseason bringing in a highly rated recruiting class to go along with key returners from last year’s squad. This, along with several other intriguing storylines, has fans believing the Wildcats can turn things around this season.

A Quick Look Back: The 2023 Season

The 2023 season was one of rebuilding and recalibrating for Bethune-Cookman. Despite flashes of promise, the Wildcats struggled to find consistency, particularly on offense. The team averaged just 18.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the SWAC in most offensive categories. Defensively, the unit showed promise but often found itself on the field too long due to the offense’s inability to sustain drives.

Nonetheless, the silver lining came in the form of BCU’s competitiveness and emergence of young talent. One possession losses against Alabama State and Jackson State on the road; and Preseason 2nd Team All -SWAC honors for guys like Dearis Thomas attest to these facts.

A Strong 2024 Recruiting Class

Coach Raymond Woodie and his staff had a heck of an offseason and did an amazing job of upgrading the talent on this roster. The Wildcats secured a top-tier 2024 recruiting class, featuring several players who are expected to contribute right away. One late addition to the squad is that of transfer quarterback Micah Bowens from Oklahoma/Charlotte, who brings a dual-threat skillset with him, and has fans excited about the potential for a more dynamic offense. Other notable additions include the likes of Raymond Woodie III, Orin Patu, Dallaz Corbitt, and Trey Mejia-Paster, all of whom add playmaking ability to a defense that showed flashes of potential last year.

Top 5 Storylines for the 2024 Season

1. Quarterback Play: Who Will Take the Helm?

Bethune-Cookman enters the 2024 season with a crowded quarterback room. Luke Sprague, Walt Simmons, Tylik Bethea, and Cam Ransom all return from last year’s squad. Simmons, however, has switched positions to wide receiver, adding versatility to the offense. The big addition to the QB room is Bowens, a transfer who brings experience from Power 5 programs. The battle for the starting job will be one of the most closely watched through the first four games as BCU tune up for SWAC play. We expect that the job is Luke Sprague’s unless someone else can wrestle it away. Sprague is a capable starter who returns for year two in this offense. Sprague’s 2023 season was derailed and ultimately ended prematurely after sustaining a shoulder injury in the Miami game and then re-aggravating the injury in the Southern game. Whoever wins the job will need to improve upon last year’s offensive struggles but there certainly are options at the QB position this time around.

2. More Offensive Woes 🫣 or New Offensive Whoas 🙌?

The Wildcats’ offense was their Achilles’ heel in 2023. Ranking near the bottom of the SWAC in total yards and points per game, improvement is critical if Bethune-Cookman is to compete this year. The good news is that the offensive line returns four starters, providing stability up front. Additionally, the running back room has been bolstered by transfers Courtney Reese (UNLV) and Cross Patton (Nevada); as well as the return of JoJo Bazil from an early season injury which caused him to miss the bulk of the 2023 campaign. If the line can gel and the running game can take off, it could open up opportunities for the rest of the offense. The bad news is last year’s struggles are still fresh in mind so the offense will need to prove early that it can consistently move the ball and score points to eliminate doubt from creeping in.

3. Newcomers on Offense and Defense: Immediate Impact?

In addition to some of the names mentioned earlier, guys like Surafel Seyfu and Cameron Vaughn will look to strengthen the offensive line. Caleb Blake (Missouri State) and Andrew Volmer (Louisiana Monroe) were starters at the Group of Five level before transferring to BCU and both will look to help fortify the defensive secondary.

Wide receiver is perhaps the position group that is most in need of an emerging star. Quite a few guys showed flashes in Fall Camp, including a couple of true freshmen. However, we still don’t have a good handle on who will emerge as the top pass catcher or playmaker among the receivers.

4. 7 Wins in 3 Years: Could This Year’s Team Match That Total?

BCU has won just seven games over the last three seasons. (Ouch!) However, there’s a growing belief that this year’s squad could perhaps match that win total in one season alone. The combination of returning talent, impact transfers, and a full offseason under the leadership of Coach Woodie gives the Wildcats a realistic shot at a winning season. If the team can stay healthy and the newcomers contribute as expected, the Wildcats could be in for a significant turnaround.

5. New Excitement: A Buzz Around the Program

There’s a renewed excitement around Bethune-Cookman football heading into 2024. From the energy of the new recruits to the potential of a retooled offense, fans have reason to be optimistic. Head coach Raymond Woodie Jr. has emphasized a culture of competition and accountability, and it’s clear that this year’s team has bought in. The Wildcats will have opportunities early in the season to prove they’re a different team from last year. After the season opener against South Florida, BCU hosts Mercer in Daytona Stadium. Mercer not only made the FCS playoffs a season ago; they also won a playoff game. If Cookman can find a way to beat Mercer and prove to themselves that they can win games against quality opponents, the boost in confidence could translate into the type of season that fans have been longing for since joining the SWAC. Two weeks after the Mercer contest, BCU face DII Clark Atlanta before entering conference play against Alabama State. It is not realistic to believe BCU could enter SWAC play at 2-2 on the season.

Conclusion

Simply put, the 2024 Wildcats have the potential to exceed expectations and make a statement in the league. While challenges remain, the pieces are in place for a successful campaign. In a few short days, we will get our first glimpse into what this year’s version of Bethune-Cookman football has in store.

Bethune-Cookman’s Rocky Start in SWAC Play and the Upcoming Homecoming Clash

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Bethune-Cookman is off to a slow start in conference play, and if you listen closely, you can already hear the troubling winds of murmuring and doubt beginning to blow among the Wildcat faithful. The goal for Coach Raymond Woodie and his staff is to find a way to secure a win at this week’s homecoming clash against Texas Southern and help prevent that doubt from creeping into his football team.

Photo by David Campbell/Alabama State University

There were high hopes for this program at the onset of the season. Coach Woodie brought with him an enthusiasm this program has been missing for years. Along with him came over 50 new players, a brand new coaching staff, and the promise of a return to BCU’s winning ways. Yet the Wildcats find themselves in a challenging spot, having begun conference play 0-2. 

The first blow came from Jackson State on the road, where despite a strong defensive performance and a chance to get the ball back and take the lead in the waning moments of the contest, the Wildcats failed to make the plays necessary to win and succumbed 22-16 to the reigning conference champs.

Their subsequent game against Alabama State in Montgomery was a rinse and repeat of the JSU game. BCU had the ball first and goal from the 10 yard line and trailed by just 5 points with under 2:00 left in the game. Yet again, the Wildcats could not find the right ingredients to close out the game and fell 14-19 to the Hornets.

So here we are; scratching our heads and wondering “is this last year, again”? Are the Wildcats destined for another historically bad season? Is the rebuilding process still on track and did someone put a “Color Purple”, Ms. Ceile curse on the Wildcats due to all the negativity surrounding the university?

Whatever is going on right now, the product on the gridiron needs some immediate attention. A win this weekend for the Wildcats, in front of a homecoming crowd, keeps the rebuild on schedule and cools the feelings of discontentment.  A loss this weekend and…well let’s just say BCU will have BIG PROBLEMS. 

BCU’s Defensive Dominance

One thing that cannot be denied is BCU’s formidable defense. The Wildcats rank first in pass defense, giving up just 146 yards per game against conference opponents. They are also  limiting SWAC opponents to just 20.5 points a game. The stout defensive performances have kept BCU competitive in every conference game they’ve played. Linebacker Dearis Thomas leads the team in tackles (43) and tackles for loss (7).

Offensive Struggles

On the flip side, the offense has been a sore point. In last week’s contest against ASU, Bethune managed to pass for a measly 75 yards and were held to a pedestrian 198 yards of total offense. In the game prior, BCU passed the ball a little better gaining 176 yards through the air but only managed 58 rushing yards against JSU’s defense. 

The Wildcat offense simply has not been good enough to win games at this level. Period. There is no way to sugarcoat it.

Injuries haven’t helped the cause on offense. Starting running back, Jouvensly Bazil, went down midway through the first half against JSU and the Wildcats are depleted along the offensive line. But the biggest blow has come at the quarterback position, the pivotal role for any football team’s offensive success.

QB1, Luke Sprauge, and QB2, Talik Bethea, both suffered shoulder injuries in the Miami game and neither has taken a snap against SWAC opponents this season. The injuries have forced the Wildcats to go with third string quarterback Walter Simmons. Most teams in the country struggle playing with their 3rd string QB and the Wildcats are no different. Bethune’s offense has struggled through the injuries and rank last in passing offense, last in offensive efficiency, last in first downs gained, last in 3rd down conversions and next to last in total offense. 

Yikes!

Perhaps the question we hear most murmured from Wildcat fans is “when is Luke returning?” There is a strong feeling among the Wildcat faithful that Bethune would be 2-0 in SWAC play if they had the full service of starting quarterback Luke Sprauge. We think so too but we don’t know that for sure. We also do not know when Luke will return. Therefore the onus is on offensive coordinator, Joe Gerbino, to come up with a scheme that fits the  personnel he has at his disposal.

For as much as BCU’s offense has struggled with Simmons at QB, I do not place all of the blame at Simmons’ feet. Coach Gerbino has to do a better job of tailoring the offense to match his quarterback’s skillset. Simmons’ running ability is his strength. Asking him to read the entire field and go through 4 or 5 progressions just isn’t his game. Trying to force Simmons to run that type of offense is more of a failure of the offensive coaching staff than it is the player. 

I know coaches tend to get very defensive when fans, journalists, and bloggers report on what’s not working; but you don’t need a bunch of talking heads to state the obvious. Just check the results and stats for all the proof you need. BCU ranks at the bottom of the league in virtually every offensive category. Gerbino has to either tailor his offense to the guy that is available to him under center; or put someone else out there who can operate this offense more efficiently.  

The Road Ahead

A win is crucial to keep Coach Woodie’s rebuild project on the right trajectory. And look at what the Lord ordered up for the Wildcats; a Texas Southern team who are also struggling this season. TSU is without their All-Conference quarterback Andrew Body. The Tigers have been as bad on defense as the Wildcats have been on offense. Like BCU, TSU has failed to win close games against conference opponents and secured their lone win of the season against a Division 2 foe. 

If there were ever a perfect opponent for a get right game, this is it. The problem is, both teams are thanking Jesus for this gift and think they have found the perfect opponent to get things back on track.

Cookman has the fortune of playing this game in front of a homecoming crowd. A win on homecoming can rally the fans and players and restore belief in the direction of the team. A loss would stir the already troubled waters and cast shadows over the future of the program.

The time for excuses is over, Wildcats. It’s time to get it done. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00pm. The game can also be viewed on HBCUGo.

Hail Wildcats!

It’s Time to Go SWACing

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Darryl Powell hauls in a catch vs UCF Photo Credits: Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel

This will sound a little bonkers to you if you only casually followed Bethune-Cookman football through the first two weeks of the season but hear me out. Despite their 0-2 record and despite yielding 1,141 yards of total offense in those two games, Bethune-Cookman has shown me enough to believe they will fair well in SWAC play this season.

I fully admit I often see-through maroon and gold lens. Fair enough.  But I am offering an objective analysis this time. I promise! I think!  

So here goes my reasoning. I had a group chat rolling last Saturday evening during the UCF vs BCU game. It was the same group chat I had rolling when the Wildcats traveled to El Paso to face UTEP but I digress. There were three active football coaches in that chat. The exact quote from one of those coaches was “after 5 quarters of watching BCU this year, we can all agree that they are a good FCS football team.” They matched up well against UTEP from a size, speed and athleticism standpoint and there were several guys who really popped out against UCF as well.

Now admittedly, that chat thread grew awfully quiet by midway through the 2nd quarter of play against UCF, however, the thought process remains. I saw enough positive things and heard enough positive feedback from guys who know what they are talking about to feel pretty good about BCU Football as they enter the portion of the season that truly matters.

We won’t have to wait long before the Wildcats start to prove or disprove these assumptions.

Reigning HBCU National Champions Alabama A&M roll into Daytona stadium this Thursday evening in what will be Bethune-Cookman’s first ever SWAC conference contest.  The Bulldogs head into the contest winners of seven straight including a 42-41 shootout against South Carolina State in Week One. Brian “Juice” Jenkins Jr., former Daytona Beach Mainland standout and son of former Wildcat head coach Brian Jenkins Sr. had a game high 112 yards receiving against South Carolina State. Cookman’s defense will have their hands full trying to slow down Jenkins, SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Aqeel Glass and Connell Maynor’s high octane offense.

Glass’ 426 yards passing and 4 touchdown tosses this season is almost identical to BCU talisman, Shannon Patrick’s 453 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. The glaring difference being Glass’ stats all came in one game compared to Patrick doing it over two. Granted, Patrick led his team against two FBS opponents including one that is headed to the Big 12. The playing field levels out beginning this week when the Wildcats begin a stretch run of 9 straight contests against FCS competition.

Credits: Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel

Alabama A&M’s undersized front seven surrendered 242 yards on the ground against SCSU. Meanwhile the Cats’ Que’shaun Byrd is averaging 6.7 yards per rushing attempt with a long of 68 yards this season. We fully expect the Wildcats will look to take advantage of Byrd’s playmaking ability and their size advantage in the trenches this week.  

Defensive Coordinator Yogi Jones has shown great patience in sticking with a ton of shell coverage so far.  I suppose you can say there has been a lot of “bend” in the defense. Unfortunately for the Wildcats and their “bend but don’t break” philosophy, the “but don’t break” part of the moniker has been absent from the D. Opponents have scored touchdowns on 11 of 13 Red Zone tries and the defense has only forced 5 punts this season. Ouch. The Wildcats have to find a way to limit the Bulldogs to kicking situations. Maybe that comes through pressuring Glass and forcing punts. Maybe that comes by forcing field goal tries once inside the Red Zone. Either way, Cookman’s defense has to find a way to slow down this Bulldog offense.

In addition to Byrd proving himself as a reliable playmaker, pass catchers Darryl Powell Jr., Marcus Riley and Kemari Averett have all proven to be matchup problems. Bethune-Cookman should not have many issues moving the ball against the Bulldogs. It will be critical that the Wildcats finish drives with touchdowns because I believe the first team to score 38 wins this contest.

I also believe this is an excellent opportunity for Terry Sims’ men to plant their flag and remind the HBCU World that the Wildcats are 8-0 against SWAC competition since 2006. We think…I repeat think Bethune-Cookman is a good football team. We will follow up on that assumption in less than 72 hours. See you all at 7:30pm, Thursday, September 16th at Daytona Stadium.

Follow HailWildcats.com on socials and online. We will continue to bring you updates and insights into BCU football. We will also continue to help you support our guys as they play away from home. Click LetsGoWildcats.org for updated information on Fan Trips.

Thank you FAMU

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Back in the day when my crew and I were rocking Jeri Curls, Guess Jeans and Adidas with the fat boy shoelaces, Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen penned the famous line: “you can’t start a fire without a spark.” Today as I sit here with my baldhead, no name jeans and Dr. Scholl inserts, I am unashamedly thanking Florida A&M University for the fire that is currently blazing across the MEAC and HBCU landscape.

Yeah, you heard me correctly. On this 21st day of October, I am thanking Florida A&M University for setting the MEAC landscape on fire.

The spark that started the flames came on Sunday afternoon when the Rattlers defeated reigning Black College National Champions North Carolina A&T 34-31 in overtime.

Prior to Sunday’s rescheduled contest, there was a sense of apathy…inevitability…been-there-done-that permeating MEAC circles. There were no real surprises up to that point. All of the teams we thought would be good heading into the season were handling their business; none more so than the #9th ranked Aggies who seemed on course to win their 3rd straight MEAC crown.

But all of that changed when FAMU pulled off the first real shocker of the season. As a result, lethargy has been replaced with vigor around the conference. Trash talk is ramping up. Half of the league is playing the “what-if” game and reviewing all of the scenarios that would land their squad in the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl.

Buddy Pough and the resurgent South Carolina State Bulldogs now control their own destiny to get to the Celebration Bowl. NCA&T is still in control of their own fate to get to Atlanta. Florida A&M, who isn’t eligible for postseason play this year due to self-imposed sanctions, still control their own destiny as it relates to being named Black College Football National Champions. Rattler fans, who have watched their team defeat Southern, South Carolina State and now North Carolina A&T, are starting to feel real good about themselves. Many of them are already peeking ahead at the Florida Classic.

Speaking of the Florida Classic, let’s not forget about our favorite hBCU. Bethune-Cookman is 6-1 and sitting atop the MEAC standings but if you were not playing close attention you could have easily missed that fact. This is partly because the Wildcats have yet to have a signature win and partly because BCU’s schedule is heavily back loaded with games against SCSU, NCA&T and FAMU all upcoming.

The Bulldogs visit Daytona Beach this Saturday to face the Wildcats in a huge homecoming matchup. A SCSU win would throw the conference race into utter chaos. A win by BCU keeps them looking down at everyone else in the standings and on pace for the MEAC title and one of the most significant Florida Classic matchups in years.

Yeah, I know there is a ton of football left to be played between now and then but a guy can dream can’t he?

Everything is on the table. All of the team goals are still in front of the Wildcats. Let’s hope Terry Sims, his coaching staff and his team can pull it all together and keep the fire burning in the hearts of BCU fans. South Carolina State you’re on the clock. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00pm this Saturday. Who will ascend to the top of the mountain!