Wildcat

‘Tail of the Tape’ – BCU at CCU – 2013 FCS 1st round

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Credits BCU Athletics Instagram

Credits BCU Athletics Instagram

Coastal Carolina

2013 Record: 10-2, 4-1
Coach: Joe Moglia

Big Wins: 9/7 Furman (35-28), 9/14 at Eastern Kentucky (51-32)
Bad Losses: 11/9 at Charleston Southern (26-31), 11/23 at South Carolina (10-70)

Strengths:
Coastal Carolina is paced on offense by stud running back Lorenzo Taliaferro.  The Walter Payton Award Finalist has gained just under 1,500 rushing this season while accounting for 23 touchdowns on the ground.    As a unit, the Coastal ground attack averages 283 yards per contest and ranks 3rd nationally in that department.

Quarterback Alex Ross may not be as elusive as last year’s signal caller Aramis Hillary but he seems to be more accurate delivering the ball.  Add in the formidable pass catching trio of Matt Hazel, Niccolo Mastromatteo, and DeMario Bennett and it is easy to see why the Chants are 3rd in the nation in scoring offense averaging just over 42 points per game.
Weaknesses:
Coastal’s defense has been less than stellar (at least statistically) for the duration of the season.  CCU’s defense is allowing 435 yards per game to opponents including 210 yards on the ground.  What’s difficult to determine is whether or not Coastal’s defensive statistics are an accurate reflection of the unit’s overall talent level or merely a consequence of their opponents having more opportunities considering the frequency at which the Chant offense scores.

Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, 1,487 yards
Passing: Alex Ross, QB, 2,450 yards
Receiving: Matt Hazel, WR, 817 yards
Tackles: Quinn Backus, LB, 111
Sacks: Colton Blackburn, LB, 3.0; Roderick Holder, DE, 3.0
Interceptions: Quinn Backus, LB, 3; Johnnie Houston, DB, 3

2013 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 283.9 (3rd in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 228.6 (47, 3)
Total Offense: 512.5 (8, 1)
Scoring Offense: 45.5 (3, 1)
Rushing Defense: 198.2 (88, 4)
Pass Defense: 219.8 (61, 5)
Total Defense: 418.0 (83, 4)
Scoring Defense: 25.5 (57, 4)
Turnover Margin: 0.7 (17, 3)
Sacks: 1.55 (94, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 1.36 (30, 4)

Bethune-Cookman

2013 Record: 10-2, 7-1
Coach: Brian Jenkins

Big Wins: 9/1 at Tennessee State (12-9), 9/14 Florida International (34-13), 10/26 South Carolina State (14-3)
Bad Losses: 9/21 at Florida State (6-54), 11/9 Norfolk State (24-27)

Strengths:
The Wildcats get things done through the efforts of a dominating defense and a physical running game. Only Florida State scored more than 27 points on the Wildcat defense this season. BCU has held their opponents to 10 points or fewer in seven of their 12 games.  Defensive ends LeBrandon Richardson and Dyron Dye are strong against the run and pass. Linebacker Jarkevis Fields is a tackling machine and defensive backs Nick Addison and Tim Burke are ball-hawks.

The Wildcats rank in the top ten nationally in total defense, scoring defense, and rushing offense.  Isidore Jackson is the team’s top rusher.  Cary White and Anthony Jordan are more physical, downhill runners who both see a ton of action and quarterbacks Quentin Williams and Jackie Wilson are also capable of making plays with their feet.

Weaknesses:
BCU is the most heavily penalized team in the country averaging 10.50 penalties per contest.  Possessions and hidden yards are precious in postseason play meaning the Wildcats will need to find a way to limit un-timely penalties while still maintaining their aggressive style of play if they are to move on in the tournament.

Bethune’s passing game has all of the pieces needed to be successful but the air attack has sputtered at times this season.  BCU quarterbacks have thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (9) this year and the Wildcats have finished four games with less than 100 yards gained through the air. Ironically, BCU is 4-0 in games in which they pass for under 100 yards.

Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Isidore Jackson, RB, 793 yards
Passing: Quentin Williams, QB, 1,068 yards
Receiving: Eddie Poole, WR, 562 yards
Tackles: Jarkevis Fields, LB, 94
Sacks: Dyron Dye, DL, 6.0
Interceptions: Nick Addison, DB, 5

2013 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 255.4 (8th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 144.4 (113, 9)
Total Offense: 399.7 (52, 1)
Scoring Offense: 30.2 (39, 2)
Rushing Defense: 99.4 (8, 3)
Pass Defense: 151.5 (3, 2)
Total Defense: 250.8 (2, 2)
Scoring Defense: 15.7 (4, 2)
Turnover Margin: 0.4 (34, 2)
Sacks: 2.36 (35, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 2.55 (84, 7)

Jenkins tabbed MEAC Coach of the Year; 12 @BCUGridiron athletes earn All-MEAC honors

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SONY DSCNorfolk, VA – Fourth-year head coach Brian Jenkins of Bethune-Cookman was selected for his third Coach of the Year honor.  Jenkins led the Wildcats to a 7-1 MEAC mark and a 10-2 overall record.  The Wildcats defeated Florida A&M, 29-10, to clinch a share of the conference’s regular season title and secure the MEAC’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division I (FCS) Championships. The Wildcats are currently ranked 12th in both the Sports Network’s FCS and FCS Coaches Poll.  He has led Bethune-Cookman to three MEAC titles in four years and fell just one game shy of back-to-back undefeated MEAC finishes.

Howard quarterback Greg McGhee was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Year and Joe Thomas of South Carolina State earned the Defensive Player of the Year honors, as voted on by the MEAC’s head football coaches and sports information directors.

North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen earned the Rookie of the Year award and Tristan Bellamy, of S.C. State, was selected as Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Junior Greg McGhee led the MEAC in total offense (272.9 avg./g) and ranked second in passing yards per game (198.2 avg./g).  He completed 228 passes on 385 attempts (59%) with 16 touchdowns in 12 games this season. He also finished the season ranked third in the MEAC in rushing with 896 yards (74.7 avg./g), on 157 attempts, and three touchdowns.  McGhee ranks 19th in the nation in total offense and 31st in completions per game (19). He earned conference Offensive Player of the Week accolades twice this season. McGhee is the tenth Bison to earn the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year honor and first since Ted White in 1996.

Joe Thomas recorded 116 total tackles, 84 solo, with a conference-best 19 tackles for a loss during the 2013 campaign.  Thomas collected 7.5 sacks, sixth in the MEAC, with one interception, five breakups, five hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery to help the Bulldogs finish as the nation’s No. 1 rushing defense (80.5 avg./g) and No. 2 scoring defense (14.0 avg./g).  Thomas earned Defensive Player of the Week honors once this season and is currently listed on the Sports Network’s Buck Buchannan Award watch list, which recognizes the nation’s top Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) defensive player.  Thomas becomes the 13th Bulldog to earn the conference’s top defensive award, however he is only the second to have been selected in more than 10 years (David Erby 2010).

As a freshman, North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen led the MEAC in rushing, averaging 104.4 yards per game (,) on 195 attempts with eight touchdowns.  He earned the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week accolades three times and Rookie of the Week honors twice this season.  A native of Bunn, North Carolina, Cohen became the first freshman in North Carolina A&T State history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.  Cohen’s is currently listed on the Sports Network’s Jerry Rice Award watch list, which recognizes the nation’s top FCS freshman.  Cohen is just the second Aggie to be named Rookie of the Year.  He joins the school’s all-time rushing leader, Mike Mayhew, who earned the honor in 2009.

Tristan Bellamy aided a dominating Bulldog offense that accounted for 4,101 yards of total offense ,  including 2,000 yards on the ground.  Behind Bellamy’s blocking S.C. State finished second in the MEAC in scoring offense (29.6 ppg), and third in total offense (341.1 avg./g).  Bellamy earned the conference’s Offensive Lineman of the Week honor twice this season.  Bellamy is the sixth Bulldog to earn Offensive Lineman of the Year accolades.

South Carolina State led all schools with 13 student-athletes recognized on the three MEAC post-season teams.  The Bulldogs have five student-athletes earn first-team honors, in addition to two-of-four top awards.

Bethune-Cookman finished close behind with 12 student-athletes to earn post–season honors, in addition to five first-team selections.

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) – 2013 Football All-Conference Teams

Offensive Player of the Year: Greg McGhee, Howard
Defensive Player of the Year: Joe Thomas, South Carolina State
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Tristan Bellamy, South Carolina State
Rookie of the Year: Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T
Coach of the Year: Brian Jenkins, Bethune-Cookman

 First Team

Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
QB Greg McGhee Jr. Howard Pittsburgh, Pa.
RB Tarik Cohen Fr. North Carolina A&T Bunn, N.C.
RB Rolandan Finch Grad. Norfolk State New Albany, Ind.
WR Tyler McDonald Sr. South Carolina State Summerville, S.C.
WR Milton Williams III Jr. Delaware State Upper Marlboro, Md.
TE Joseph Hawkins r-Sr. Norfolk State Chicago, Ill.
C Andrew Edourad Jr. Bethune-Cookman Philadelphia, Pa.
OL Karim Barton Sr. Morgan State Los Angeles, Calif.
OL Alex Monroe Sr. Bethune-Cookman Jacksonville, Fla.
OL Domanic Wilson r-So. South Carolina State Lake City, S.C.
OL Rashard Brown Sr. Bethune-Cookman Kissimmee, Fla.
DEFENSE        
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
DL Miles Groom So. Hampton Richmond, Va.
DL Andrew Carter r-Jr. South Carolina State Hamlet, N.C.
DL Alex Glover Jr. South Carolina State Charlotte, N.C.
DL Rodney Gunter Jr. Delaware State Haines, Fla.
LB Lynden Trail r-Jr. Norfolk State Miami, Fla.
LB Jarkevis Fields Sr. Bethune-Cookman Samford, Fla.
LB Joe Thomas r-Sr. South Carolina State Blackville, S.C.
DB Nick Addison Jr. Bethune-Cookman Tampa, Fla.
DB Darrin Marrow r-Jr. Norfolk State Virginia Beach, Va.
DB Justin Blake r-Sr. Hampton Piscataway, N.J.
DB Ademola Olatunji Jr. Howard Riverdale, Md.
P Lawrence Forbes r-Fr. Morgan State Upper Marlboro, Md.
PK Anthony Prevost Fr. Hampton Chesterfield, Va.
RS Adrian Wilkins r-So. North Carolina Central Forest City, N.C.

Second Team

Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
QB Cory Murphy Sr. Delaware State Sunnyvale, Calif.
RB Isidore Jackson Sr. Bethune-Cookman Mossy Head, Fla.
RB Anthony Philyaw Fr. Howard Redondo Beach, Calif.
WR Eddie Poole Grad. Bethune-Cookman Belle Glade, Fla.
WR Simon Heyward Sr. Savannah State Savannah, Ga.
TE Kris Drummond Jr. Savannah State Washington, D.C.
C Tristan Bellamy r-Sr. South Carolina State Johnston, S.C.
OL William Robinson r-Jr. North Carolina A&T Clinton, Md.
OL Nathan Isles Sr. North Carolina A&T Atlanta, Ga.
OL Darren Pinnock Jr. Morgan State Miami, Fla.
OL Kory Alpichi Jr. Hampton Winchester, Calif.
DEFENSE        
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
DL Dyron Dye Grad. Bethune-Cookman Sanford, Fla.
DL Javon Hargrave So. South Carolina State Salisbury, N.C.
DL LeBrandon Richardson Jr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
DL Deon King So. Norfolk State Reston, Va.
LB D’Vonte Grant Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
LB Delbert Tyler Sr. Hampton Monroeville, Pa.
LB Tazmon Foster Sr. North Carolina Central Henderson, N.C.
DB D’Vonte Graham Sr. North Carolina A&T Tallahassee, Fla.
DB Michael Jones Fr. North Carolina Central Baltimore, Md.
DB Kimario McFadden Sr. South Carolina State Riverdale, Ga.
DB Carvin Johnson Sr. Hampton New Orleans, La.
P Christian Faber-Kinney r-Fr. Hampton Williamsburg, Va.
PK Nick Belcher r-Sr. South Carolina State Sumter, S.C.
RS* Tubotein Taylor Sr. Morgan State Anaheim, Calif.
RS* D’Vonte Graham Sr. North Carolina A&T Tallahassee, Fla.

Third Team

Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
QB Richard Cue r-Sr. South Carolina State Florence, S.C.
RB Lamont Brown r-Fr. Morgan State Suffolk, Va.
RB Justin Taylor r-Sr. South Carolina State Atlanta, Ga.
WR Antwon Chisholm Sr. Hampton Belle Glade, Fla.
WR* Lenworth Lennon r-Jr. Florida A&M Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
WR* Malik Golson r-Fr. Delaware State Smyrna, Del.
TE Termarrick Hemingway r-So. South Carolina State Loris, S.C.
C Joshua Matthews Sr. Howard Bowman, S.C.
OL Toree Boyd Fr. Howard Miami, Fla.
OL Deonta Allen-Wright r-So. Howard Midolthian, Va.
OL Blake Matthews r-Sr. Norfolk State Manassas, Va.
OL Anthony Kibler Jr. Bethune-Cookman Belle Glade, Fla.
DEFENSE        
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
DL Tyree Hearn Sr. North Carolina A&T Durham, N.C.
DL Damon Gresham Chisholm So. Howard Covington, Ga.
DL George Riddick Jr. Norfolk State Suffolk, Va.
DL Tevin Toney Sr. Bethune-Cookman Sebring, Fla.
LB Marquis Smith So. Savannah State Prince Georges County, Md.
LB Cody Acker Jr. Morgan State Greenbelt, Md.
LB Ernest Adjei Sr. Delaware State Woodbridge, Ga.
DB Terrick Colston So. Delaware State Lakeland, Fla.
DB Travis Crosby Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
DB John Wilson Sr. Savannah State Athens, Ga.
DB* Tim Burke Sr. Bethune-Cookman Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
DB* Patrick Aiken r-So. Florida A&M Miramar, Fla.
P Oleg Parent Jr. North Carolina Central Lake Forest, Calif.
PK Cody Jones Fr. North Carolina A&T Gastonia, N.C.
RS Darius Drummond Sr. South Carolina State Asheville, N.C.

*indicates tie

BCU draws Coastal Carolina for 2nd straight year in FCS Playoffs 1st Round

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SONY DSCFor the second consecutive year, Bethune-Cookman (10-2) and Coastal Carolina (10-2) will square off in the first round of the FCS playoffs.

The Wildcats, who fell to the Chanticleers 24-14 in Daytona Beach last season, will travel to Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C. for a 1:00 kickoff according to www.ncaa.com.

The BCU/CCU winner will travel cross-country for a matchup with Montana who received a first-round bye and the tournaments 8th seed.

Bethune-Cookman defeated their in-state rival Florida A&M 29-10 in this past Saturday’s Florida Blue Florida Classic.  The 45,321 fans in attendance watched the Wildcat defense dominate the FAMU offense limiting the Rattlers to just 89 yards of total offense on the afternoon.

BCU is one of three HBCU teams headed to the FCS playoffs this season.  MEAC Co-Champion, South Carolina State (9-3), and Ohio Valley 2nd place finisher, Tennessee State (9-3), join the Wildcats in the field of twenty-four.

South Carolina State will host their first ever FCS playoff game in a matchup against fellow Palmetto State foe Furman of the Southern Conference while Tennessee State will hit the road for a matchup against Butler (9-3) of the Pioneer League.

The Wildcats own victories over both SCSU and Tenn State this season.  All three games involving HBCU squads kickoff on Saturday at 1:00 EST and can be seen on ESPN3.

BCU secure MEAC title and Playoff berth with 29-10 FL Classic win

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SONY DSC

Dyron Dye

Quentin Williams and Isidore Jakson rushed for two touchdowns each in Saturday’s Florida Classic but it was the Wildcat defense that paved the way for a comfortable 29-10 win for Bethune-Cookman over arch-rival Florida A&M.

The announced crowd of 45,321 watched BCU’s defense stymie the Rattlers and hold them to just 89 yards of total offense and forcing two turnovers on the afternoon.

Dyron Dye led the defensive charge and emerged from the contest with 7 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.  7 other Wildcat defenders finished the day with 4 or more tackles.

FAMU struck first in the contest on a 41 yard Chase Varnadore field goal with 9:58 remaining in the 1st.

BCU responded quickly going 79 yards on 7 plays on the ensuing drive.  Williams hit Jontavious Carter on a 43 yard catch and run to set the Wildcats up in good field position.  6 plays later Williams walked into the endzone to provide BCU with a 7-3 lead.

After a FAMU 3 and out, BCU travelled 66 yards on 10 plays and eventually found the endzone on Williams’ second rushing touchdown of the game, this time from 17 yards out.

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Ike Jackson

The Wildcats capped the 1st half scoring on a 3 yard Isidore Jackson touchdown run.  Senior quarterback Brodrick Waters hit Brandon Bryant in the back of the endzone on the 2 point conversion attempt to push the halftime lead to 21-3.

Florida A&M’s only points of the second half came on a 45 yard fumble return by Jonathan Pillow midway through the 3rd quarter.

Isidore Jackson’s second 3 yard touchdown run of the afternoon followed by Waters 2 point conversion run wrapped up the scoring at 29-10.

With the win, BCU locked up their 3rd conference crown and playoff appearance in the past 4 years.  The win also pushed BCU’s active win streak over FAMU to 3 games.  Only one time prior, 2002, 2003, and 2004, had BCU won 3 straight games over Florida A&M.

The pairings for the 2013 FCS Playoffs will be announced Sunday morning at 11:30 A.M. on ESPNU.

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Memorable Florida Classic Moments

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KJ Stroud ClassicThe 34th installment of the Florida Blue Florida Classic between in-state rivals Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M is upon us. The contest has grown into one of the premier HBCU showcases attracting over one and half million fans since its inception in 1978. The two teams have combined for twelve (12) conference titles during that same timeframe and have created many memorable moments in this annual showdown.

Players and coaches from both teams will look to create their own signature Florida Classic moment when the two teams square off Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the Citrus Bowl.

Here is a look back at some of the more memorable games played in Florida Classic history.

Memorable Florida Classic Moments

1978 – Florida A&M trailed BCU 17-0 at halftime in the first ever Florida Classic played in Tampa Stadium. The Rattlers scored 27 unanswered points in the second half en route to a 27-17 victory. Rudy Hubbard’s squad went on to win the first 1-AA (now FCS) National Championship later that season. A year later (1979) BCU won their first Florida Classic 25-20.

1994 – BCU QB Tony Kerrin connected with Morris Nobles on a 2 yard TD reception in the corner of the endzone to give the Wildcats a 27-24 lead with :47 remaining in the contest. BCU went on to win by the same margin and Coach Cy McClairen earned his first victory over the Rattlers as a head coach.

2003 – Daytona Beach native and current Chicago Bear, Eric Weems, scored 3 touchdowns and helped the Wildcats rally from a 28-10 halftime deficit. The final touchdown was set up by a fake punt attempt on 4th and 17 with less than 2:00 remaining in the contest. A FAMU player was flagged for pass interference on the fake punt and BCU was awarded an automatic first down.

Later in the drive quarterback Allen Suber avoided a sack, rolled to his right, and hit Weems who beat triple coverage just beyond the pylon with 9 seconds remaining in the game. BCU prevailed 39-35 in front of the largest crowd (73,358) in Florida Classic history.

2004 – Florida Classic fans were treated to the first overtime in the history of the series. The Wildcats eventually prevailed 58-52.

FAMU’s Ben Dougherty (QB) and Roosevelt Kiser (WR) had career days in that contest. Midway through the third quarter, Dougherty connected with Kiser on a 66 yard TD reception and extended FAMU’s lead to 45-24.

Head coach Alvin Wyatt then made the decision to move eventual three-time All-Pro defensive back Nick Collins from safety to cornerback with the assignment of blanketing Kiser. The move proved to be very effective for the maroon and gold. The FAMU passing game was severely limited as a result of the coaching decision and the Wildcats outscored FAMU 34-7 from that point forward. Rodney Johnson’s 15 yard touchdown run in overtime sealed the victory for BCU.

Coach Wyatt, who was overcome with emotion after the win, fainted and had to be carted off the field by medical personnel. Wyatt was eventually treated for dehydration but was no worse for the wear.

Not only was the 2004 victory the first overtime fame in Florida Classic history, it was also the first time that BCU won three consecutive victories over the FAMU.

2005 – Like the year prior, this game was also decided in overtime; only this time FAMU would emerge as the victor. The Rattlers entered the contest as underdogs and quickly fell behind to the Wildcats 17-0. But A&M slowly climbed back into the contest and forced the game into overtime on the strength of a Wesley Taylor 43-yard field goal with less than 3 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. Taylor’s 26-yarder in overtime vaulted the Rattlers to a 26-23 win.

2010 – BCU entered the 2010 FC (Brian Jenkins’ first year) with an unblemished 10-0 record. However, a 3rd quarter injury to eventual MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Matt Johnson, derailed BCU’s high-octane “Speedway Offense.” FAMU capitalized on the opportunity and secured a 38-27 win in one of the biggest upsets in FC history. Phillip Sylvester scored 3 times for the Rattlers and rushed for 146 yards on 26 carries in the process.

#18 Wildcats bounce back with 42-12 drubbing of Hampton

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Dion Hanks

Dion Hanks

A week after losing its first MEAC contest in over two seasons, 18th ranked Bethune-Cookman bounced back in impressive fashion thrashing the Hampton Pirates 42-12  on Senior Day in Daytona Beach.

The Wildcats racked up 557 yards of total offense including 475 rushing yards in the contest.

BCU opened the game’s scoring on an 11 play, 87 yard touchdown drive on its second possession of the contest. The Wildcats ran the ball 10 straight times on the drive with the only pass attempt resulting in a 6 yard touchdown reception from Jackie Wilson to Cary White.

The Wildcats doubled their lead on their next possession but needed just 4 plays this time to hit pay dirt.  Isidore Jackson, who finished the contest with 102 yards rushing on 9 attempts, scampered down the right sideline for 53 yards to set the Cats up with 1st and goal at the 6.  Two plays later, Wilson twisted his way into the endzone on a quarterback keeper.

“We came out focused and ready to play” coach Brian Jenkins stated after the contest.  “We are a good football team.  A lot of people doubted us after last week and that’s okay.”  “We had a talk as a team.  There was no panic; it was just (about) cleaning up our act and we did that.  The approach we took is we’re not going to let it go to the score cards.”

Anthony Prevost successfully converted a 34 yard field goal to give Hampton their only points of the first half.   But the Wildcats would respond immediately needing to travel just 15 yards for their third touchdown of the half. Darian Baker took the ensuing kickoff 82 yards to the Hampton 15 yard line.  3 plays later,  Quentin Williams finished the drive on a 1 yard option keeper.

Brodrick Waters scored on a 2 point conversion attempt and put BCU ahead 22-3 at the half.

Hampton had several chances to get back into the contest early in the 3rd but the Wildcat’s tenacious defense kept the Pirates at bay.  After HU trimmed the lead to 22-6, the BCU offense fumbled on its first two possessions of the 3rd quarter but the defense held firm and prevented the Pirates from capitalizing on either of the turnovers holding them to a missed FG attempt and stopping them on a 4th and 1 respectively.

Freshman running back Michael Jones pushed the BCU lead to 28-6 midway through the 3rd quarter on a nifty 30 yard run.  Jones made a couple of HU defenders miss and outran a few others on his way to the endzone.  “I stretched the play to the right, the defense was over-pursuing, I found a cutback lane and hit it” Jones remarked  in the postgame presser.

Quentin Williams and Drexler Dixon added rushing touchdowns in the 4th quarter for the Wildcats while the Pirates’ Marcus Hampton recorded HU’s only touchdown of the game in the final frame.

“It was good to end my last regular season home game with a (convincing) win ” senior defensive end Tevin Toney stated.  He went on to state, “it goes to show you that the hard work that we put in pays off in games.”

Toney and his defensive mates forced 2 Hampton interceptions and limited the Pirate offense to just 216 yards.

BCU takes on archrival Florida A&M next week in the Florida Blue Florida Classic in Orlando.  A Florida Classic win would grant the Wildcats at least a share of the MEAC crown for the third time in four years.  A win would also secure BCU’s 3rd trip to the playoffs in 4 years as the Cats would be awarded the conference’s automatic bid.

Miscues doom Wildcats in 24-27 loss to Norfolk State

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IMG_1039One word summarizes Bethune-Cookman’s 24-27 loss to Norfolk State on Saturday; MISCUES!

The Wildcats got off to an uninspiring start and committed 5 turnovers (including 4 in the first half) in Saturday’s defeat.  On the other side of the ball, Norfolk State started the game redhot and scored on its first 3 possessions.

The Spartans took the game’s opening possession 81 yards on 10 plays and scored on a 2 yard touchdown run by Rolandan Finch early in the 1st quarter.  After a BCU three-and-out, the Spartans stretched their lead to 10-0 on a 43 yard Cameron Marouf field goal.

Bethune-Cookman’s offense showed some life on its second possession and easily sliced through the NSU defense needing only 2:48 to travel 72 yards to cut into the Spartan lead.  Isidore Jackson scored on a 35 yard touchdown run up the right sideline after receiving an option pitch from quarterback Quentin Williams to reduce the deficit to 10-7.  Jackson’s TD run pushes him to 3rd on BCU’s  all-time rushing TD list

NSU’s offense seemed to stall inside the BCU redzone on the ensuing possession; however, 2 redzone penalties on 3 down extended the Spartan drive.  Senior defensive end, Dyron Dye, was flagged for a roughing the passer call after the Wildcats stopped NSU on 3rd and 4 from the 12.  3 plays later Tim Burke was flagged for defensive pass interference after what would have been a 3rd and goal stop from the 5.

The drive finally ended with a 2 yard TD pass from Tyler Clark to University of Florida transfer and Miami native Lynden Trail.

Trail made his second impact play of the evening 3 plays later but this time while playing defense.  The All-MEAC performer forced a fumble on an option pitch.  Natturner Harris scooped the deflected pitch up and raced 31 yards to put ahead NSU 24-7 halfway through the 2nd quarter.

Trails was all smiles after the game.  “We felt like they (BCU) kind of overlooked us and we felt disrespected.  They were probably thinking about next week’s game or maybe even the playoffs.  But we came in here tonight, got the victory, and proved that we are a good football team.”

“It’s a blessing that this game is on our schedule.  My mother is here watching.  I am 6 foot 7; I weigh 260 pounds but I am still my mother’s baby.  She doesn’t like the contact part of the game because I am her baby but I am sure that she appreciated the touchdown.”

“I don’t even know how many family and friends I had here tonight watching (me) but it was a lot.  I am just so proud of my teammates and my coaches.  They (the coaches) gave us a good gameplan and we executed.”

While NSU’s offensivie execution may have been crisp in the opening half, BCU’s execution was anything but.  The Wildcats turned the ball over on four of six first half possessions.

The Wildcats were able to put together a feverish fourth quarter rally but the comeback attempt fell just short.  Nick Addison made what would have been the play of the game had the outcome turned out differently when he stopped Derrick Demps just shy of the first down marker, wrestled the ball away, and scampered 14 yards to make it a two possession game (27-13).

The Wildcats took over their next possession at the NSU 44 yard line.  4 plays later the Cats had it 1st and goal from the 1 but an illegal procedure penalty negated a touchdown and backed the Cats up to the 6.  BCU was unable to punch it in on that drive and instead settled for a 23 yard Jonathan Cagle field goal to make it 27-16.

After forcing a NSU punt, Jontavious Carter hauled in a 61 yard pass from Jackie Wilson and Isidore Jackson’s 11 yard TD run capped a 2 play 72 yard scoring drive that took only 31 seconds on BCU’s ensuing possession.  Brodrick Waters hit Justin Henderson on a short pass to complete the 2 point conversion attempt and cut the lead to 27-24.

BCU’s defense held the Spartans to what would have been a 3 and out and the Cats were set to take over possession at the NSU 44 yardline trailing 27-24 with over 3 minutes remaining and all the momentum.  However, the Wildcats’ special teams unit was flagged 15 yards for a bizarre “snapper interference” call.

Norfolk State was able to essentially run out the clock after that call.

The Wildcats ended the contest with a dismal 15 penalties for 138 yards.

Jarkevis Fields registered 21 tackles while LeBrandon Richardson pitched in 15 of his own.

Norfolk State’s victory was the first for the Spartans in Daytona in 10 tries.

 

 

 

 

BCU runs past NCCU 38-14

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150

150 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The 12th ranked Bethune-Cookman Wildcats piled up 594 yards of offense and raced to a 38-14 win over North Carolina Central.

Heading into the game, senior running back Isidore Jackson needed just 129 yards on the ground to surpass Allen Suber as BCU’s all-time career rushing yardage leader.  Jackson racked up 125 of the 129 yards needed in the first half, finished the contest with 182 yards rushing on 20 attempts, and now sits in first place on the career rushing yardage list.

Jackson seemed likely to open the game’s scoring midway through the 1st quarter but fumbled while attempting to stretch the ball across the pylon.  The Wildcats would, however, get on the scoreboard later in the opening frame on a 3 yard run by Cary White with 1:17 remaining in the 1st quarter.

Quarterback Quentin Williams hooked up with Eddie Poole for a 31 yard touchdown strike on the Wildcats’ next possession.  Williams broke a tackle and extended the play with his legs before finding a wide open Poole in the middle of the field.  The pass and catch put BCU up 14-0 early in the 2nd quarter.

Jonathan Cagle pushed the BCU lead to 17-0 with a 31 yard field goal conversion for the final score of the 1st half.

Jackson added a 9 yard TD scamper for the lone points in the 3rd quarter.

The game action heated up early in the 4th with 21 points being scored in a 26 second span.

Freshman running back Michael D. Jones scored on a 3 yard run to the push the Wildcat lead to 31-0.  On the ensuing kickoff, NCCU return man Thomas Dixon spoiled the Wildcats’ hopes of a shutout and raced 100 yards to give the Eagles their first points of the afternoon.

True freshman Dre’Sean Nelson supplied an immediate response taking a handoff up the middle and outran the NCCU defense 75 yards for the score.

Kevin Thompson ended the game’s scoring on a 6 yard jolt off-tackle for Central.

Quentin Williams finished the contest 12/20 for 147 yards and 1 touchdown through the air.

Eddie Poole extended his pass catching streak to 44 games and supplanted James Adderley as tops on BCU’s consecutive game with a reception list.

Defensively the Wildcats limited NCCU to -1 yard rushing, 137 total yards, and forced 2 turnovers on the afternoon.  Nick Addison and Rony Barrow each recorded interceptions in the contest.

 

Team Stats COOK   NCCU
First Downs 27 14
Total Plays 86 56
Total Yards 594 137
Passing 158 138
Rushing 436 -1
Penalties 24/ 232 9 / 110

Top 5 B-CU/SCSU games in history

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
Suber man

Allen Suber – Onnidan.com

Following 13th ranked (SportsNetwork) Bethune-Cookman’s pivotal 14-3 win over South Carolina State Saturday at Municipal Stadium, I started thinking about the intense battles this matchup has produced in recent history.

Although the Bulldogs lead the series 28-19-1, the Wildcats have won three of the last four meetings and have had some of their most memorable wins in school history versus their conference foes from Orangeburg, SC.

Listed below are the top five games between the Wildcats and Bulldogs.

Bethune-Cookman solidifies position atop the MEAC with 14-3 win over SCSU

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Credits: BCU Athletics

Credits: BCU Athletics

The final transition in the MEAC’s changing of the guard was solidified on Saturday afternoon with #14 Bethune-Cookman’s 14-3 Homecoming victory over South Carolina State in Daytona Beach.

The Wildcat defense limited the Bulldogs to just 143 yards of total offense and forced 3 SCSU turnovers including 2 in the red zone during Saturday’s contest.  Marquis Drayton undercut a Richard Cue pass intended for Temarrick Hemingway to provide BCU with their first impactful defensive play of the afternoon.

On the subsequent drive, quarterback Quentin Williams guided the “good guys” on a 9 play, 81 yard touchdown drive.  Williams went 5-5 on the drive with the biggest play, a 47 yard strike to Eddie Poole, requiring a little divine intervention.

“When I tell you God is good, God is good.  I lost the ball in the sun for like 3 seconds but somehow it landed softly in my hands” Eddie Poole stated when commenting on the reception that gave BCU 1st and goal from the 1.

The drive culminated with a 4 yard pass from Williams to Isidore Jackson giving the Wildcats a 7-0 lead 10 minutes into the contest.

Two possessions later, BCU pushed its lead to 14-0 this time scoring on a 6 yard quarterback keeper by Williams.

Williams, who played the entire game at quarterback, finished the contest 12-16 for 220 yards and 1 touchdown.  Eddie Poole caught 5 passes for 130 yards and moved up to 5th place all-time on the BCU receptions list.

Jarkevis Fields paced the Wildcats with 14 tackles; none bigger than his 4th quarter stop at the 1 yard line forcing a Justin Taylor fumble and BCU recovery in the endzone.  “I saw (Taylor) coming downhill.  I went down low and my helmet hit the ball.  The next thing I knew the crowd was screaming so I knew it was a turnover.  I looked up and thankfully Donald Smith reacted the way our coaches taught us and fell on the ball in the endzone.”

After the game, a consolatory Buddy Pough stated:  “I’m going to be honest; I thought Cookman just outplayed us today.”  “I have to take my hat off to Coach Jenkins and his staff.  They found a couple little things that gave them a chance to get ahead early.  The guy (Coach Jenkins) is a good football coach.  They put together a great program.  They have a great following.  They have probably the most fertile group of (recruiting) talent there is in this part of the country. You put all those things together along with his connections and the great job he’s doing coaching and you win football games.”

BCU’s win over SCSU stretches their MEAC win streak to 17 games.

GAME STATS: http://www.bcuathletics.com/fls/23910/pdf/Football/BCUFB13_Gamebook_08SCSU.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=23910