Saturday, September 15, 2012

COMMENTARY By Dwight Floyd: Upset Saturday!!

DWIGHT FLOYD
SPORTSEDIT.ORG
 
In spite of the fact that most of the MEAC teams are playing true Division 1 (FBS) football teams, there will be upsets today. The only question is which upset win will be the most significant? Note the time and video availability.
Bethune Cookman Wildcats vs
Miami Hurricanes
12:00 P.M. EST/ESPN3
I am sure that in the BCU locker room they are saying that if the FAMU Rattlers can defeat Miami, something accomplished decades ago, then certainly BCU can win. It all depends on two things: (1) Which Miami team shows up, and (2) whether the Wildcats can get off to a faster start. Last week Miami played a shameful game and with a 52-13 lost to FBS #15 ranked Kansas State gave the impression they don’t belong in the FBS. The week before, Miami defeated unranked Boston College 41-32. Both were away games and against BCU the Miami Hurricanes will be at home. When they played Boston College some probably thought they were close to being able to say that the Hurricanes are getting their swagger back. Perhaps, or maybe Kansas State showed that the Hurricanes are only a shadow of the past. The real concern and what gives BCU a chance is Miami’s lack of defense. Miami hasn’t stopped anyone in their first two games. For the Wildcats they have a habit of spotting the other team a few points and then dominating in the latter half. That won’t work against a team with more talent coming off the bench. What BCU has going for them is talent at key positions such as running back, quarterback and receivers. Against a more balanced Miami team we’ll see how the Wildcats perform. The team that is more consistent in executing their game plan and avoiding mistakes will likely win this game. Miami started the season okay and then took a step backward. BCU continues to improve and will do okay as long as their head coach maintains his composure. Stay tuned, but don’t be surprised if another MEAC team beats Miami. Go Wildcats!!!
Howard Bisons vs Norfolk Spartans
4:00 P.M. EST/ESPN3/ESPNU Tape Delayed 10:30 P.M. EST
From the start, I’m going with Howard on this one. In their first two games Howard struggled against Morehouse before winning, and against the FBS Rutgers team played competitively without the help of starting key players. They have yet to show their potential, except their comeback win last year against a then decrepit FAMU Ratters, but their performance against Rutgers says they should not be taken lightly. Void some of the mistakes and they would have given Rutgers more of a run for their money. Yes, Norfolk State won the MEAC last year and is undefeated after beating Liberty University in an away game. That is the gospel truth! This is a totally MEAC game with MEAC refs. That means anything can happen. Norfolk is well coached and quite disciplined. The secret is that Howard has the talent to compete. It is a question of whether they have the belief. Howard will not be a leader in the MEAC this year, but they will likely be spoilers. They are Bisons and not Pirates, yet we can expect them to steal a game or two. The Spartans better be prepared because the Bisons will be motivated and ready to “start” their season.


Delaware State Hornets vs Cincinnati Bears
7:00 P.M. EST/ESPN3
All of the media is saying that the Hornets were fiercely defeated by the Delaware Fighting Blue Hens last week. They have concluded that Delaware State will not be competitive and Cincinnati will walk away with a decisive win. This won’t be a Louisiana Monroe versus Arkansas type of game. Cincinnati soundly defeated FBS Pittsburgh last week and appears to be FBS able to complete at the top level. One should take note though that for the first time against the Hens, Delaware State actually dominated most of the game. They lost because they could not get out of their own way. The Hornets allowed too many big plays and made too many mistakes to stay in the game. It would be an upset just for the Hornets to be competitive against the Bears. Take away the big plays and the mistakes and I believe they can be.

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