What to look for at B-CU's spring football game today

ABOUT THE GAME
WHERE: Ormond Beach Sports Complex
WHEN: Today, 4 p.m.
ADMISSION: $5 ($1 students with ID); parking

1. Quarterbacks
This could be the last chance for Jackie Wilson or David Blackwell to get a leg up heading into summer drills in the battle to replace 2010 MEAC player of the year Matt Johnson. Head coach Brian Jenkins calls the two QBs mirror images of each other. Will Wilson have an advantage playing with the maroon squad and the first-team O-line?  In the summer, the position battle could heat up even more when freshman Quentin Williams, Florida's Mr. Football winner, arrives.

2. Running backs
This could be a chance for someone to break out of a crowded pack. Three of last season's top four rushers (excluding quarterbacks) return: Isidore Jackson (514 yards, 4.4 yards per carry, eight TDs), Johnathan Moment (257 yards, 4.4 ypc, three TDs) and Andronicus Lovette (261 yards, 6.7 ypc, six TDs). Throw into the mix...


Videographer: madie1898; BCU Symphonic Band, Spring Concert 2011, "Someone"

Will Spirited Spring Game Draft Add To Saturday's Show?

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –- What was the difference between the Bethune-Cookman University football team’s spring game player draft and those drafts you’re accustomed to watching on television? Well, Mel Kiper Jr. would have been completely clueless for one thing.

Part actual draft, part brokering session and part deal-making that you expect to find in smoke-filled rooms – in this case, without the smoke – as the evening progressed, the Wildcats gathered Thursday night in the football coaches office and labored until the wee hours of the morning hammering out the line-ups for Saturday’s game at Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

There were players practicing to be agents and the ever-looming threat of a “blockbuster trade” at the 11th hour, but the most important thing for B-CU Head Coach Brian Jenkins was seeing a lot of enthusiasm and camaraderie among the coaching staff and players.

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Bethune-Cookman Reaps Bay Area Talent, Hopes To Use It To Defeat FAMU

If Florida A&M alumni around the Bay area are still wondering what happened on Signing Day, yes that was your rival Bethune-Cookman coming around here and signing four players to your zero.  Going forward, this 2011 class for the respective rival HBCU schools could be a perfect test study for comparing Bay area prep prospects to those from north Florida. Has the Bay area been overlooked as one of the best training grounds in all of the country?

While both schools plucked some talent from south Florida high schools, FAMU concentrated it’s signings to the northern part of the state and Alabama and Georgia. Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman head coach Brian Jenkins landed one of the top FCS 2011 signing classes by recruiting all over but was heavy with players on the state road 60 corridor.

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B-CU's Baggs chooses stability over NFL spot

Former Bethune-Cookman standout Stevie Baggs got a taste of the National Football League this fall, but found life north of the border more to his liking. The Canadian Football League's sacks leader last year, Baggs spent all of training camp and the preseason with the Arizona Cardinals before being released in the final cut of players Sept. 3.

The Cardinals initially asked the 28-year-old to hang around on their practice squad before doing an about-face and going with younger players. "My main objective was to see if I could go play in the NFL, and I proved to myself that I could do that," Baggs said. "I've been with several teams, but that was my first (NFL).



It's all in the Baggs

Free agent defensive end Stevie Baggs has come to terms with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on a two-year contract plus an option. Baggs, formerly of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders, was a final cut of the National Football League's Arizona Cardinals.

The Ticats gave Baggs a $50,000 signing bonus with a weekly salary of $5,000 ($400,000 over 3 seasons). The Roughriders were in play for Baggs' services, offering the same weekly salary, but a signing bonus of just $25,000. The Alouettes were also in the running, having contacted Baggs three times and had a compensation package similar to Hamilton's.

Shakespeare pens a CFL hit

Stevie Baggs will not tell you the name of the New York Giants scout that he swears told Baggs he should forget about playing football because he was pigeon-toed. But he can rattle off a list of athletes like him: Bullet Bob Hayes, Dominique Wilkins, Jackie Robinson, Ed Reed …

“Pigeon-toed,” the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive end said, as he peeled away from a sideline scrum at Ivor Wynne Stadium for a separate 1-on-1 interview. “All of them. I’ve researched this. I’m serious. [Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker] Barrin Simpson is, too. It doesn’t hinder me at all.”

In seven games with the Ticats, Baggs has 23 tackles, five sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and three fumbles recoveries, as well as two touchdowns.

Ticats' Baggs takes defensive honours

HAMILTON, — Stevie Baggs could be in Arizona, he might be making National Football League money but it’s doubtful he could be having more fun than he is with the Ticats. “The biggest thing I see here is that its actually a team and guys get along off the field,” said Baggs after being named the CFL’s defensive player of the month, Tuesday.  “It’s not about egos. It’s not about who is the better player, who does this or that. I feel a genuine camaradarie among the guys and that’s something that’s different here.”

Ticats try to explain missed opportunities

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats cleaned out their lockers at Ivor Wynne Stadium on Tuesday while still processing how their once promising season came to an end. Hamilton lost to the Toronto Argonauts 16-13 on Sunday in the Canadian Football League East Division semi-final. The Ticats made a number of mistakes during the game, which allowed the Argos to steal a victory even though they did not complete a pass longer than 12 yards. Hamilton players addressed some of the issues that contributed to the disappointing result on Tuesday. Here is a list of the miscues and what the players had to say about each one:

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Bethune-Cookman vs. Savannah State

Bethune-Cookman vs. Savannah State, 4 p.m.

Consider the first game of the Brian Jenkins coaching era a success. The Wildcats (1-0) romped over NAIA Edward Waters 70-10. Bethune-Cookman tallied 635 total yards, including 239 passing. That's significant because Jenkins hopes to have more of a balanced attack than his predecessor, fired Alvin Wyatt. Wildcats QB Matt Johnson put up 281 yards of total offense, with two passing touchdowns and one rushing. Savannah State (0-2) opened the season with a 48-3 loss at Georgia Southern, then lost last week 41-10 to Fort Valley State.

SSU's offense searching for end zone

Before Savannah State University can think about beating Bethune-Cookman University today, the Tigers' offense must do something it has not done this season: score a touchdown.

SSU (0-2) has been outscored a combined 89-13 by Georgia Southern and Fort Valley State. The Tigers managed a field goal in a 48-3 loss to GSU. SSU mustered a field goal and an interception return for a touchdown in a 41-10 loss to Fort Valley State, an NCAA Division II team, last Saturday.

B-CU not taking Savannah St. lightly

Officially there is no preseason in college football. But the first two weeks are when teams often play above or below their own level. And either way, the goal is to work out the kinks for the conference matchups down the road.

While Savannah State will become a member of Bethune-Cookman's conference next season, today's game against the Tigers is just another exhibition. Not that the Wildcats are taking Savannah State lightly, they are just more worried about themselves than their opponent. B-CU thrashed its opening foe, Edward Waters, 70-10 two weeks ago, yet coach Brian Jenkins found much for his squad to improve on, such as preventing letdowns and cutting down penalties.

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Fired B-CU coach sues university

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Alvin Wyatt, the winningest football coach in Bethune-Cookman University's history, has sued the school, claiming breach of contract for firing him in November after a 5-6 season. Neither Wyatt nor his attorney could be reached for comment Thursday, but the lawsuit filed in circuit court Wednesday claims the 62-year-old coach was "wrongfully terminated" without cause and without written notice, as required in his contract with BCU.

Alvin Wyatt, Sr., former head football coach, B-CU.
















Wyatt seeks more than $800,000, including five years of his base salary of $90,000, five years of television appearance income at $35,000 per year and five years of "additional guaranteed income" that totaled $40,000 in 2009. The suit also opens the door for a possible age-discrimination action in federal court after the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission completes its review of the case. Former Rutgers assistant coach Brian Jenkins, 39, was hired to replace Wyatt in December.

Liz Poston, a university spokeswoman, confirmed that B-CU has been served with the complaint, but declined to comment, saying the university has a policy to not discuss personnel matters publicly. Athletics Director Lynn Thompson also refused comment. Wyatt was fired on Nov. 23, 2009, two days after the Wildcats lost to arch-rival Florida A&M, 42-6. He compiled a record of 90-54 in 13 seasons as B-CU's head coach.

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Norfolk State's sparse scoring ranks last in league

NORFOLK, VA - The Norfolk State offense has scored 13 points in its last six quarters. It's no surprise, then, to see the Spartans ranked last offensively in the MEAC, a statistic the team must improve in order to remain competitive in the conference. NSU meets Bethune-Cookman at 4 p.m. today in Daytona Beach. The Spartans won in Jacksonville when the teams played there in 1996 but haven't won in the past six games played in Daytona Beach.

UConn transfer QB Dennis Brown, #10 was a no show at William and Mary as the Spartans were embarrassed 42-12, by a CAA cellar dweller.

"We're looking to reduce a few things, simplify the offense," NSU coach Pete Adrian said. We don't need 60 plays and 10 formations." The Spartans faltered badly in a 42-12 loss at William and Mary because of five turnovers, drive-killing penalties and an inability to move the ball. NSU was 3 of 18 on third-down opportunities, and many of Dennis Brown's passes were either dropped, thrown too hard or tossed behind receivers.

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Bethune Cookman Wildcats release 2008 football schedule

BCU will play 11 football games next season, including nine Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games. Eight of the conference games will count in the standings, while Winston-Salem State plays its final MEAC provisional season.

The Wildcats will host Norfolk State, Delaware State, North Carolina A&T and Howard. They'll meet Florida A&M in the annual Florida Classic in Orlando on Nov. 22 and play South Carolina State, Morgan State, Winston-Salem and Hampton on the road.

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BCU 2008 Football Schedule

Sept. 6 Alabama State, 4 p.m. (home)
Sept. 13 at S.C. State, TBA
Sept. 20 Savannah State, 4 p.m. (home)
Sept. 27 Norfolk State, 4 p.m. (home)
Oct. 4 at Morgan State, 4 p.m.
Oct. 11 Delaware State, 4 p.m. (home)
Oct. 25 at Winston-Salem St., 2 p.m.
Nov. 1 North Carolina A&T, 4 p.m. (home)
Nov. 8 at Hampton, 2 p.m.
Nov. 15 Howard, 4 p.m. (home)
*-Nov. 22 vs. Florida A&M, 3:15 p.m.

*-at Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando

Bethune Cookman University Marching Wildcats Band

BC-U Wildcats' offense never a factor in MEAC loss

Ron White, Special To The Orlando Sentinel

DAYTONA BEACH - In a word, abysmal.

That described the traffic, weather and -- most significantly -- the offense that greeted Bethune-Cookman University's homecoming crowd Saturday at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium.

The Wildcats dropped a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game 33-9 to Morgan State on a rain-soaked field.

B-CU's offense gained 146 yards, including 47 yards in 31 rushing attempts, and committed five turnovers. Meanwhile, the Wildcats' defense, which scored all of the team's points, caved to the pressure in the second half, when it allowed 24 of 27 unanswered points.

"Right now, we're trying to find ourselves. We're going to keep searching and grinding until we get it done," B-CC Coach Alvin Wyatt Jr. said.

The Wildcats (2-3, 0-3 MEAC) got on the board first when James Monds recovered a blocked punt and rambled 24 yards for a touchdown.

Morgan State (2-3, 1-2) answered in the second quarter with Byron Selby's 6-yard touchdown strike to Roderick Wolfe. On the extra-point attempt, Brendan Odom busted through to block the kick, and Ben Ballard recovered and ran the length of the field to give B-CU a 9-6 lead. Morgan State added a 35-yard field goal by James Meade to forge a 9-9 halftime tie.

In the third quarter, the Bears capped a 12-play drive with Selby's 3-yard touchdown run. Morgan State scored again when Selby hit Robert Surratt from 18 yards out to make it 23-9.

Bethune-Cookman 45, Savannah State 13

SAVANNAH, Ga.-- Jimmie Russell scored touchdowns on runs of 12, 2 and 10 yards to lead Bethune-Cookman to a 45-13 victory over Savannah State on Saturday.

Russell, who had 65 yards on 12 attempts, also completed 10 of 15 passes for 112 yards. His backup, McKinson Souverain, completed one of two passes, but it went to Paul Neufville for 39 yards and a touchdown.

The Wildcats (2-1) also got an 85-yard interception return from Corey Council and Brian Sumlar got the other score on a 1-yard run.

JaCorey Kilcrease supplied most of the offense for the Tigers (1-2), hitting on 14 of 26 passes for 112 yards, including a 39-yard scoring pass to A.J. Benson. Greg McCrary scored the other Savannah State touchdown on a 1-yard run.

ATTENDANCE: 5,063

BCU Wildcats eager to get back on track

Photo: BCU QB Jimmy Russell

By BRENT WORONOFF, Daytona Beach News-Journal

In a way, today's football game at Savannah State is bigger for Bethune-Cookman than last week's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference battle with South Carolina State.

With seven more conference games on tap, the Wildcats can get back into the league race. But a loss to the Tigers could provide a psychological setback that would be difficult to bounce back from.

In last week's 24-13 home loss to the Bulldogs, B-CU (1-1) came away with just two field goals from three drives that penetrated S.C. State's 10-yard line. The Wildcats also fumbled away two option pitches that led to Bulldog touchdowns.

"Turnovers really hurt us," B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt said. "(And) I've never seen our team get down there so many times and not come away with at least one touchdown. We just stalled there. But if we linger on that game -- take South Carolina State to this game -- then we'll see the same result."

A B-CU loss to Savannah State would be an upset on the level of Michigan's loss to Appalachian State two weeks ago. Since moving up to Division I-AA in 2002, the Tigers are 1-40 against I-AA teams. The Wildcats have won seven straight against the Tigers by a combined score of 275-76.

This year, Savannah State opened with a 47-7 loss to MEAC member Morgan State before defeating Division II Johnson C. Smith 24-10 last week.

"There is no one on our schedule who can't beat us," Wyatt said. "I know (the Tigers are) fired up to play us."

Like last year, the S.C. State-B-CU game took a toll on both teams. Several Wildcats are questionable for today's game, including quarterback Jimmie Russell (knee) and offensive tackles De'Juan Guillory (thigh) and Reubin Mordecai (ankle).

If Russell can't play, junior transfer McKinson Souverain would take his place. As for the O-line, Wyatt said three defensive linemen (Wayne Byers, Mike London and Fred Brown) got prepped on offense this week in case they will be needed. Byers is likely to play both ways.

This was the second straight year that Russell, who wore a knee brace this week, was "beaten up" in the Bulldogs game, Wyatt said.

"That first play, (in which Bulldogs nose guard James Simmons was called for roughing the passer) kind of shook Jimmie up, and I don't think he was right after that lick, because Jimmie never really makes bad pitches like he did in that game."

But Russell said that was not the play in which he hurt his knee.

"I actually hurt it twice," he said. "The first time I was ripped down by my facemask and I fell on my knee. I said, 'Man, that's a sharp pain.' The next time I was hit, I started grabbing my knee, I thought I was done."

OF NOTE: Wyatt said highly touted freshman running back Brian Sumlar, who did not get in on any offensive plays last week, will "definitely" see action today. "He's going to be very productive in the scheme we have set aside for him," Wyatt said. "Being a freshman it has taken him a while to pick up our scheme. We've got something for him that will fit his talent."

B-CU at Savannah State

WHERE: Municipal Stadium, Savannah, Ga.

KICKOFF: 1 p.m.

RADIO: 1380-AM (WELE)

RECORDS: Bethne-Cookman 1-1, Savannah State 1-1

SERIES: B-CU leads 27-8-2. B-CU won 55-6 last year.

PLAYMAKERS: B-CU -- QB Jimmie Russell, Sr., has rushed for 171 yards (5.2 ypc) and 3 TDs and passed for 160; RB Justin Brannon, Sr., has rushed for 126 yards (6.0 ypc); FS Bobbie Williams, Sr., is second on the team in tackles (15) and has one interception. Savannah State -- QB Jacorey Kilcrease has passed for 158 yards with one TD and one interception; RB Antwan Edwards has rushed for 116 yards with one TD; SS Antwan Allen has 15 tackles, including three for losses, and an interception.

STORY LINE: Both teams like to run the ball. Savannah State rushed for 328 yards in its victory over Johnson C. Smith last week. B-CU will try to iron out its problems in the option offense. But if Russell can't play because of a knee injury, look for the Wildcats to pass more with McKinson Souverain (7-for-9, 85 yards) at QB. The game was moved to Municipal Stadium and pushed back to 1 p.m. because of upgrades to the Tigers' stadium press box.

DID YOU KNOW: The last time the Tigers beat a Division I-AA team was in 2004 when they outlasted Norfolk State, B-CU's opponent next week, 41-34 in double overtime.