The 8th edition of the MEAC-SWAC Challenge between the Hornets and Bethune-Cookman Wildcats kicks off Sunday just after 11 a.m. CT/Noon ET (WVAS 90.7 FM/HSRN.com./ESPN) in Orlando, Fla. at the Citrus Bowl.
The Mighty Marching Hornets band played during most of the night practice in the stands, giving both players and coaches a taste of what Sunday's gameday atmosphere could feel like.
“I thought the guys had good energy tonight,” Barlow said. “We tried to bring additional elements out here to be distracting and see how they would perform. It's a direct correlation to Sunday. There will be a lot of things going on on gameday and we want our guys to be focused on the task at hand. I thought the energy level was good and hopefully we will continue that this week.”
The Wildcats posted an 8-3 record last season, 6-2 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. B-CU led the conference in scoring (33.9 ppg) and total offense (435.3 ypg), based on a potent rushing attack that averaged nearly 260 yards per game, also a conference-best.
“They have several outstanding running backs,” Barlow said of the Wildcat offense. “They like to change their formations in a variety of ways, and have had a lot of success with it. We have to make sure we're dialed in and read our keys defensively.”
Last season, the Hornet' D struggled at times against the run, allowing on average 158.1 ypg. With several returning veterans in the front seven, Barlow is confident the run defense will be effective this Sunday.
“Brandon Slater is a big, strong guy for us in the middle, along with Winton Steward,” Barlow said in discussing some key pieces of the linebacker corps. “It's all about our alignments, making sure we're where we are supposed to be and fighting off blocks. We believe we have quality guys in the lineup, but they haven't been tested yet this season. They'll be tested on Sunday, and hopefully we'll be able to hold up.”
The Hornets will practice Wednesday at 3 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m.
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