B-CU Terry Sims named MEAC football coach of year

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Bethune-Cookman Football first-year head coach Terry Sims was honored as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, announced Monday afternoon by the league office in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition, five B-CU student-athletes were named to the all-conference first team, while another five were selected to the second and third team, respectfully.

Terry Sims, having taken over the reins of the Wildcats program on December 22, 2014, guided the Wildcats to a share of the MEAC title in 2015, including a 9-2 overall finish and 7-1 mark in league play. For the Maroon and Gold, the title represented the school’s fourth consecutive (eighth overall), matching South Carolina State (1980-83) for the second-longest streak in MEAC history.

The Wildcats were victorious over in-state rival Florida A&M, 35-14 in the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic to secure their stake in the conference title. B-CU led the MEAC in several statistical categories, including scoring offense (31.4 avg/g), total offense (445.0 avg/g), rushing offense (191.8 yds./g), pass offense (253.2 avg/g), and pass efficiency (164.1 efficiency). The Cats also hold top 10 positions in the FCS in passing yards per completion (6th) and team passing efficiency (3rd). B-CU entered the STATS FCS Top 25 poll in the final ranking of the season (25th) and have slowly climbed the FCS Coaches Poll to reach No. 21 following the last game of the regular season.

Also representing Bethune-Cookman on the All-MEAC First team was quarterback Quentin Williams (Tampa, Fla.), wide receiver Jawill Davis (Miami, Fla.), offensive lineman Dariusz Bladek (Kissimmee, Fla.), linebacker Robert Way (Belle Glade, Fla.) and defensive back Marquis Drayton (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.).

Williams, a redshirt senior, enjoyed statistically his best season at Bethune-Cookman in 2015. He finished the regular season as the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) leader in passing efficiency (187.2), third in passing yards per completion (16.45), tied for 23rd in passing touchdowns (19), tied for 39th in points responsible for (134), 40th in passing yards (2,171), tied for 40th in points responsible per game (12.2) and 46th in passing yards per game (196.9).

Davis is earning his first postseason accolade, finishing the year leading Bethune-Cookman in receptions (39) and receiving yards (788). He ended the campaign with a team-high matching six touchdown receptions, and finished ninth in the league for receptions per game (3.5). He was second in receiving yards per game (71.6), and ended 46th in the FCS for total receiving yards.

Bladek, a redshirt junior offensive tackle, was a preseason all-conference selection, and earns his first postseason award. Bladek helped pave the way for the Wildcats to lead the MEAC in several statistical categories, including scoring offense (31.4 avg/g), total offense (445.0 avg/g), rushing offense (191.8 yds./g), pass offense (253.2 avg/g), and pass efficiency (164.1 effic.). He also blocked for quarterback Quentin Williams to earn three MEAC Offensive Player of the Week awards throughout the campaign.

On defense, redshirt senior linebacker Robert Way led the Wildcats with 70 tackles, adding a team-high 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also broke up a team-best eight passes from his outside linebacker position, going on to recover two fumbles and force another.

Joining him on the first team for defense was redshirt senior strong safety Marquis Drayton. The Ft. Lauderdale, Florida native amassed 37 tackles on the season, including 21 primary stops. He stepped in front of three passes for interceptions, taking one back 30 yards for a touchdown against Morgan State in the year’s final home game. His three interceptions allowed him to end the year tied for third in the league in that category. He would also finish the year second in the MEAC for kick return yards, averaging 23.4 yards per return.

Representing the Cats on the All-MEAC Second Team was running back Anthony Jordan (Atlanta, Ga.), tight end Ja-Quan Lumas (Orlando, Fla.) and linebacker Donald Smith (Tampa, Fla.). On the third team was running back Michael D. Jones (Sarasota, Fla.) and junior punter Jonathan Cagle (Pensacola, Fla.).

North Carolina A&T running back Tarik Cohen was selected as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year. Javon Hargrave of South Carolina State took the Defensive Player of the Year award. Both student-athletes received the top honors just one year ago. North Carolina Central’s Dorrel McClain earned Rookie of the Year honors and North Carolina A&T State’s Brandon Parker was selected as the Offensive Lineman of the Year, as voted on by the MEAC’s head football coaches and sports information directors.

For a complete list of this year’s All-MEAC Team members, please visit MEACsports.com.

Follow Bethune-Cookman Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics), Twitter (www.twitter.com/BCUathletics) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/BCUathletics) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans also receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year, via the social media outlets or www.BCUathletics.com.

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HBCU notebook: B-CU's Williams puts bow on stellar senior season

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- When longtime intrastate rivals Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M battle in the annual Florida Classic in Orlando, Florida, it’s usually expected that a player on one of these teams is going to have a big-time performance.

This season’s matchup didn’t disappoint.

Bethune-Cookman quarterback Quentin Williams put on quite a show last Saturday at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, throwing three touchdown passes and rushing for another score to lead the Wildcats to a 35-14 victory over the Rattlers.

The 5-foot-11, 209-pound senior completed 15 of 18 passes for 226 yards, helping B-CU grab a share of its fourth consecutive MEAC championship. Williams also earned ESPN.com HBCU Player of the Week honors. B-CU shares the conference title with North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T. The Wildcats finished the season 9-2 overall and 7-1 in the MEAC.

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Rainy weather can't disappoint as largest crowd since 2011 shows up for Florida Classic

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ORLANDO, Florida -- More than 1.7 million fans have taken part in the Florida Classic during its 90-year history.

The neutral-site game, which features a matchup between two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, has been a part of the college football landscape since 1925. The game has been played at Daytona International Speedway and Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, but it moved to the Citrus Bowl in 1997.

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This year's game featured an announced crowd of 45,728 fans despite a dreary day in Central Florida. It was the largest announced crowd since 2011 (60,218) and a good 4,000 fans more than last year's tally of 41,126. That game was the first one played in the Citrus Bowl while it was going through $207 million worth of renovations.

Rain showers moved into the area just after kickoff and quickly transformed into a downpour in the middle of the second quarter, sending spectators searching for cover on the concourse at the Citrus Bowl. Many of those fans returned to their seats by halftime to catch the impressive band performances.


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Bethune-Cookman quarterback Quentin Williams earned Most Valuable Player honors for the winning team following his performance Saturday night. Running back Devin Bowers earned MVP honors in a losing effort for Florida A&M. 

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B-CU continues mastery over rival FAMU with fifth straight Florida Classic win

ORLANDO, Florida -- e only one who could stop Bethune-Cookman Saturday, it seems, was Mother Nature.

The Wildcats jumped out to a 21-7 lead over Florida A&M in the first half and looked to be on their way to a blowout victory in this year's Florida Classic, but torrential rain showers at Orlando's Citrus Bowl sent B-CU's offense sputtering for a bit.

But it didn't last long as Quentin Williams combined for 304 total yards of offense and four total touchdowns to lead No. 22 B-CU (9-2, 7-1 MEAC) to a 35-14 win over FAMU (1-10, 1-7) to take this year's Classic crown.

It was the most points scored by a Wildcats team since 2008 and the largest margin of victory in the series since 2009.

Now the Wildcats hope the Football Championship Subdivision playoff selection committee members are impressed. While an outright conference championship was out of the question, the team did earn a piece of the MEAC title along with North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T.

Bethune-Cookman is trying secure an at-large bid and become one of 24 teams to qualify for the FCS playoffs. The committee will reveal its decision Sunday.

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No. 25 Bethune-Cookman Takes Down Morgan State, 38-14

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – No. 25 Bethune-Cookman closed out its 2015 home schedule Saturday with a 38-14 Senior Day victory over Morgan State before a Municipal Stadium crowd of 7,461.

Quentin Williams, one of 20 Wildcats seniors honored in pre-game ceremonies, threw for 257 yards and a touchdown as the Wildcats (8-2 overall, 6-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) pulled away from a one-score game at halftime to keep their post-season hopes alive heading into a bye week for the upcoming spin.

Williams’ completion percentage (16 of 19 for 84.2 percent) was a season-best as he posted his fifth 200-yard game of the campaign. The Tampa native connected on a 44-yarder to Frank Brown during the Wildcats’ opening drive of the third quarter that gave the Maroon and Gold a 28-14 lead.

Meanwhile, redshirt sophomore signal caller Larry Brihm, Jr. registered 130 total yards (87 rushing, 43 passing) and a touchdown via the ground in the second half to help the Wildcats finish their home slate undefeated in five game and extend their home winning streak to 10 games dating back to 2013.

The Wildcats finished with 600 total yards, seven shy of the season-high against Norfolk State on Homecoming just two weeks prior at “The Cage”.

B-CU running backs Michael D. Jones (73 yards) and graduate senior Anthony Jordan (53) each rushed for first half touchdowns. Jordan’s 3-yard run with 4:39 left in the first half not only gave B-CU a 14-7 lead, but moved the senior into a tie alongside former teammate Isidore Jackson for third in career rushing touchdowns at Bethune-Cookman with 34 under his belt.

Marquis Drayton, another B-CU senior playing in his final home game, registered the Wildcats’ first interception return for touchdown of the season – a 30-yarder that pushed the Wildcats to a 21-7 advantage with 3:19 left showing on the clock before intermission.

Morgan State (3-5, 3-3 MEAC) closed to within 21-14 on Moses Skillon’s 10-yard strike through the air to Landen Marlbrough just 16 seconds before halftime. However, the Bears mustered just four first downs and 91 total yards in the second half, with their lone scoring threat dashed by an Atreyu Farrior interception in the red zone.

Jawill Davis’ four catches for 69 yards paced 11 Wildcats receivers who had at least one catch on the day. Brown and Jontavious Carter each had three receptions for 52 yards, and Jaime Wilson had three catches of his own for 26 yards.

Having played 10 consecutive weeks to begin the 2015 season, Bethune-Cookman will utilize a much-needed bye week next week, before taking on in-state rival Florida A&M on November 21, in the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic at Orlando’s newly renovated Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.

Follow Bethune-Cookman Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics), Twitter (www.twitter.com/BCUathletics) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/BCUathletics) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans also receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year, via the social media outlets or www.BCUathletics.com.



 COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bethune-Cookman Run Past Delaware State, 49-21

DOVER, Delaware  --  Bethune-Cookman rushed for 353 yards and five touchdowns in a 49-21 victory over Delaware State in a MEAC contest at Alumni Stadium this afternoon. Second-string quarterback Larry Brihm, Jr. ran for 141 yards and two scores to lead the Wildcats’ 489-yard offensive attack.

Freshman running back Brycen Alleyne scored his first two collegiate touchdowns, while leading the Hornets in rushing and receiving yards in the contest.

Bethune-Cookman won for the seventh time in eight games to improve to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the MEAC. DSU fell to 0-8 and 0-5.

Delaware State took advantage of a special teams play to score first in the contest.

Bethune-Cookman drove 69 yards on its first possession, but the drive stalled at the Hornet 11. Wildcat placekicker Uriel Hernandez’s 28-yard field goal attempt was blocked by DSU’s Gabe Sherrod. Logan Wescott scooped up the ball and ran 82 yards down the sideline to the endzone to give the Hornets a lead for the first time this season. Wisdom Nzidee’s extra point kick put DSU ahead 7-0 with 7:40 left in the first quarter.

BCU wasted little time to match the Delaware State score. The Wildcats drove 68 yards in five plays on the ensuing possession to even the game. Quentin Williams connected with Frank Brown on a seven-yard touchdown pass to cap off the two-minute-11 second drive. The extra point kick by Hernandez tied the game at 7-7 with 5:21 remaining in the opening quarter.

Bethune-Cookman added touchdowns on each of its next four possessions to take control of the game.

Running backs Michael Jones and Anthony Jordan scored touchdowns on short runs in the second quarter and Brihm scored from a yard out with less than a minute to go in the quarter to give the Wildcats a 28-7 lead at the break.

BCU stretched its lead to 35-7 on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Ja-Quan Lumas on the opening possession of the third quarter.

Delaware State showed some fight by scoring 14 unanswered points to raise its hopes.

Alleyne capped off a 12-play, 78-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run for the first touchdown of his career. Hornet quarterback Gil Rivera completed first down passes to Morris Frasier (13 yards) and Malik Golson (16 yds.), while Dae-Hon Cheung rushed for 23 yards during the five-minute-four-second drive. Nzidee’s extra point kick was blocked, leaving DSU in a 35-13 hole with 7:54 left in the third quarter.

The Hornets took advantage of another special teams miscue by the Wildcats to get closer early in the fourth quarter.

Delaware State received the ball at the BCU 24-yard line after Wildcat punter Jonathan Cagle came up short while attempting to run on fourth down and one.

Four plays later, Rivera found Alleyne open in the endzone for a 14-yard touchdown. It was Alleyne’s first collegiate touchdown catch. The Hornets successfully converted a two-point play following the touchdown when Rivera handed the ball to Golson, who completed a pass to Rivera in the endzone to cut the Wildcats’ lead to 35-21 with 14:48 left to play.

The Delaware State defense forced BCU to punt after three plays and recovered a fumble on the next two Wildcat possessions, but the Hornets could not take advantage.

Bethune-Cookman tacked on two fourth quarter touchdowns, one with 17 seconds left to play, to close out the scoring.

Delaware State totaled 200 yards in the contest, 104 rushing and 96 passing.

Alleyne had a team-high 65 yards rushing on 19 carries, and led the Hornets with two catches for 52 yards.

Rivera completed seven-of-17 passes for 96 yards.

DSU cornerback J.R. Robinson had a career-high 13 tackles, including 2.5 behind the line-of-scrimmage. Linebackers Malik Harris and Rashawn Barrett had 12 and 10 tackles, respectively, for the Hornets.

The Hornets begin a two-game road swing with a visit to North Carolina Central next Saturday (Nov. 7). Game time is 2 p.m. in Durham, N.C.

Delaware State will visit North Carolina A&T the following week (Nov. 14) before returning home to face Howard in the season finale on Nov. 21 at Alumni Stadium (2 p.m.).



COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

B-CU's Sims pushing to avoid a letdown against Delaware State

DAYTONA BEACH — Quentin Williams put together a career-best game in Bethune-Cookman’s 59-49 win over Norfolk State last week.

The senior quarterback finished with 386 yards and four touchdowns, but his coach, Terry Sims, was focused on the bad during Wednesday’s press conference.

Williams threw a pair of interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, and Sims said that can’t happen in Saturday’s 2 p.m. game at Delaware State.

Sims gave Williams a grade of “B or B-plus.”

But is that good enough for the Wildcats (6-2, 5-1 in the MEAC) to make a run at a conference title?

“It’s never good enough,” Sims said. “I always think there is room for improvement and opportunity for guys to get better.”

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Bethune-Cookman wins slugfest with Norfolk State, 59-49

DAYTONA BEACH — A large homecoming crowd of 9,875 at Daytona Municipal Stadium was treated to fireworks Saturday, as Bethune-Cookman raced past Norfolk State, 59-49.

The Wildcats (6-2, 4-1 MEAC) put on a show all day, posting season highs in points and total offense (589). Quentin Williams led the way with a career-high 374 passing yards and five total touchdowns. Michael Jones eclipsed the century mark in rushing (125 yards) and receiving (103).

“We always want to take what the defense gives us,” B-CU coach Terry Sims said. “Quentin did a good job of finding our playmakers, and the offensive line did a great job creating lanes and giving Quentin time.”

Greg Hankerson helped Norfolk State keep pace, passing for 238 yards and four touchdowns, and adding 88 rushing yards.

B-CU jumped ahead early on Anthony Jordan’s 3-yard touchdown run, followed by a 25-yard score from Williams to Frank Brown.



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B-CU Wildcats slip past SCSU Bulldogs

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Quentin Williams said his confidence never wavered as he led his Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on the deciding drive of Thursday night’s 17-14 win over MEAC rival South Carolina State.

And, cornerback Elliott Miller said, the Wildcats believed in Williams too.

“We always believe in (Williams) and our offense,” he said.

That confidence was rewarded with a 51-yard drive, capped by a 3-yard jaunt by Williams in which he fought off a defender on his way to the end zone, to give the Wildcats the lead for good with 5:14 left to play.

The quarterback's run answered a highlight-reel, 83-yard punt return for touchdown by Antonio Hamilton that gave S.C. State the lead with 10:40 left.

And, most importantly, it kept Bethune-Cookman’s MEAC title hopes alive.

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3 keys to success for Bethune-Cookman against South Carolina State

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats enter the national spotlight on Thursday as they host MEAC rival South Carolina State on ESPNU at 7:30 p.m.

B-CU has rebounded from a season-opening 45-0 drubbing at the hands of Miami to post four consecutive wins, most recently a 19-point road comeback against North Carolina Central. Elliott Miller blocked an 18-yard field-goal attempt to preserve a 28-26 victory.

Quentin Williams threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns, while Michael Jones and Anthony Jordan each added a rushing touchdown.

In a game with major Celebration Bowl implications, here are three keys for the Wildcats to continue their hot streak.

Locate Javon Hargrave

Above all else, the Wildcats have to keep defensive tackle Javon Hargrave out of the backfield.

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MEAC Announces Weekly Football Honors

NORFOLK, Virginia – North Carolina A&T State running back Tarik Cohen was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Week, the conference announced today.  North Carolina Central safetyC.J. Moore was named Defensive Player of the Week.

N.C. Central’s Dorrell McClain earned Rookie of the Week honors while teammate Carl Jones was named Offensive Lineman of the Week.  North Carolina A&T State’s Khris Gardinwas named Special Teams Players of the Week.

Cohen (RB, 5-6, 173, Jr., Bunn, N.C.) scored 3 TDs as he rushed for 107 yards on 22 carries in the Aggies 45-31 win over Hampton.  Also, he caught two passes for 15 yards to help the Aggies record their first conference victory of the season.

Moore (SS, 6-2, 200, r-Sr., Raleigh, N.C.) amassed a team-high 11 tackles, nine solo, including 2.0 hits for a loss of five yards.  Also, he accounted for two interceptions in the Eagles’ two-point loss to Bethune-Cookman.

McClain (RB, 5-10, 190, r-Fr., Cary, N.C.) rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries against Bethune-Cookman.  Also, he returned three kickoffs for 59 yards to finish the contest with 203 all-purpose yards.

Jones (C, 6-2, 285, r-Jr., Nashville, Tenn.) graded out at 95-percent of his assignments with eight pancake blocks that paved the way for 502 yards of total offense, including 324 yards-rushing, against Bethune-Cookman. The ground yardage was the best rushing output in 11 years for N.C. Central.

Garden (PR, 5-8, 157, So., Morganton, N.C.) returned four punts for 203 yards (50.8 avg) including a 71-yarder for a touchdown.  He finished the game with returns of 42, 45, 45, and 71 yards out falling one-punt short of competing for the NCAA’s single-game punt return average.

Other Top Performers
Kyle Archie (NSU) notched career highs in total tackles (10) and tackles for loss (3.5) in a 15-12 win over Howard.

John Fleck (HOW) averaged 40.1 yards, on seven punts, including a 65-yarder, and nailed a 40-yard field goal against Norfolk State.

Sean Fogarty (SSU) received a grade of 90-percent with three pancake blocks as the Tigers amassed 300 total offensive yards against Florida A&M.

Greg Hankerson (NSU) completed 24-of-36 passes for 294 yards, with two touchdowns, in a win against Howard.

Malik Harris (DSU) collected 12 tackles, nine solo, with four for a loss of six yards, including one breakup and one recovered fumble against Morgan State.

Trevin Huff (B-CU) shouldered the Wildcats’ offensive line and graded out at 91-percent of his assignments, with one pancake block, against N.C. Central.

Craig Johnson (HOW) recorded eight tackles, six solo, with 5.0 for a loss of 51 yards and 2.0 sacks.

Darius Johnson (MSU) posted his first career interception in the Bears’ win over Delaware State.

Orlando Johnson (MSU) carried the ball a career-high 21 times en route to a game- and career-high 124 yards and one TD run against Delaware State. 

Elliott Miller (B-CU) recorded the game-winning field goal block against North Carolina Central to preserve the Wildcats’ road win.

Chris Moller (MSU) averaged 40.8 yards per punt, including a career-high 63-yarder, and 53.3 yards per kickoff.  He also nailed a pair of field goals of 26 and 23-yards out. 

Twarn Mixon (HAM) caught five passes for 136 yards with one touchdown and completed one pass for a 19-yard touchdown against North Carolina A&T State.

Donnell Pleasant (HOW) rushed for a game-high 87 yards on a career-best 29 carries and his first career touchdown against Norfolk State.

Arshon Spaulding (SSU) registered 91 yards on the 15 carries with one touchdown and connected on 8-of-12 passes for 83 yards to snap a 24-game losing skid against Florida A&M.

Donald Smith (B-CU) tallied a game-high 13 tackles, four solo, with two breakups against N.C. Central.

Marquis Smith (SSU) racked up 10 tackles, five solo, with two for a loss of 14 yards.

Damare Whitaker (MSU) collected seven tackles with one for a loss and one sack, including two breakups, against Delaware State. 

John Wilson (SSU) finished with nine tackles, including three for a loss of six yards, and one breakup against Florida A&M.

Ker-Sean Wilson (SSU) finished with 130 yards of kickoff return yardage including an 88-yarder that was returned for a touchdown against Florida A&M.

Quentin Williams (B-CU) completed 13-of-18 passes (72-percent) for 248 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for 76 yards on 14 attempts in a 28-26 win over North Carolina Central.

Dominique Woods (MSU) graded at 91-percent with three pancake blocks in the Bear’s win over Delaware State.

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Bethune-Cookman Blocks Last-Second Field Goal to Edge NCCU, 28-26

DURHAM, North Carolina – Trailing 26-7 late in the third quarter, Bethune-Cookman University scored 21 unanswered points and blocked a potential game-winning 18-yard field goal try with just 32 seconds left to edge North Carolina Central University 28-26 on a wet Saturday inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

Bethune-Cookman senior quarterback Quentin Williams, who was taken out of the game in the second quarter, returned to the contest midway through the third quarter to spark the Wildcats with 197 yards and two touchdowns passing along with 67 rushing yards after intermission. Williams finished the contest with 320 yards of total offense, including 248 through the air on 13-of-18 passing and a team-high 72 yards on the ground.

The visiting Wildcats opened the scoring with a 5-yard run by running back Anthony Jordan at 9:28 in the second quarter.

NCCU then posted 26 unanswered points courtesy of a pair of field goals by freshman Nigel Macauley, two rushing touchdowns by junior quarterback Malcolm Bell and a dash into the end zone by freshman running back Dorrel McClain.



Bethune-Cookman (4-1, 2-0 MEAC) started its comeback late in the third quarter when Williams found Jawill Davis for a 29-yard touchdown pass. The two connected again from 29 yards out in the first minute of the fourth quarter to pull to within five points of the Eagles.

Junior running back Michael Jones put the Wildcats ahead with 10:50 remaining in the contest with a 6-yard touchdown run.

With Bethune-Cookman threatening to make it a two-score game with the ball at the NCCU 3-yard line, the Eagles recovered a fumble to get the ball back with a chance to win.

Starting at their own 7-yard line with 6:11 left on the clock, the Eagles marched 92 yards to the 1-yard line after McClain thought he had scored the game-winning touchdown, but was ruled down short of the goal line. Macauley lined up for the chip-shot kick to win the game, but B-CU freshman Elliott Miller raced off the edge to block the potential game-winning field goal.

McClain's 144 rushing yards topped a lethal NCCU ground attack that amassed 324 yards for the program's best running effort since accumulating 349 rushing yards against Livingstone on Oct. 23, 2004.

Bell recorded 271 yards of total offense with 178 yards through the air and 93 yards and two scores on the ground.

As a team, NCCU posted 502 yards of total offense and 30 first downs compared to 395 total yards and 16 first downs by the Wildcats.

Defensively, NCCU was charged by senior safety C.J. Moore with a team-high nine tackles, 2.0 hits for a loss and a pair of interceptions. Junior linebacker Jeremy Thompson collected seven stops with a sack, while linemen Richard Mitchell and Antonio Brown each forced a fumble.

After dropping its sixth straight decision in the series with Bethune-Cookman, NCCU (1-3, 0-1 MEAC) returns to MEAC action next Saturday at Florida A&M.

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COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bethune -Cookman Rolls by Savannah State, 42-12

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  --  Bethune-Cookman continued its control of the Savannah State series Saturday with a 42-12 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over the Tigers before a Municipal Stadium crowd of 5,975, on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Redshirt senior quarterback Quentin Williams threw for 207 yards and one touchdown and also rushed for 100 yards as the Wildcats (3-1 1-0 MEAC) downed the Tigers (0-3, 0-1 MEAC) for the 16th consecutive time, dating back to 1992.



Michael D. Jones rushed for two scores and Jamie Wilson caught two for a Bethune-Cookman offense, which racked up 592 yards of total offense and kept the Tiger offense out of the end zone. The lone SSU touchdown was on a fourth quarter interception in the Bethune-Cookman end zone.

“I don't think we have one main guy – we have guys,” said B-CU Head Coach Terry Sims. “Any of them can make a play at any time. And we're comfortable with any of them depending on our package.”

Bethune-Cookman did have 23 penalties for 212 yards – not a record, but that only came into play early.

After two third-down penalties, Savannah State took an early 3-0 advantage on the scoreboard courtesy John Barron’s 38-yard field goal with 4:52 remaining in the first quarter. However, the Wildcats quickly answered with a 6-play, 92-yard drive that produced Williams’ 13-yard scoring strike to Wilson.

Williams had a 36-yard completion to Wilson and a 37-yard connection with Ja-Quan Lumas, as the quick strike offense returned with its ninth touchdown drive of the season that spanned less than three minutes. Dubbed “Lightning Strikes” by the Bethune-Cookman staff, the Cats have had just a single scoring drive all year last longer than three minutes in length.

B-CU would strike quickly the rest of the game – in all, five times, as it pulled away for the team’s third consecutive victory, following a season opening setback at FBS opponent Miami (Fla).

The score also marked B-CU’s first points of the season in an opening quarter.

Platooning with Williams, redshirt sophomore quarterback Larry Brihm, Jr. led the Wildcats to a pair of second quarter scores that gave the Maroon and Gold a 21-3 halftime lead.

Anthony Jordan registered his 30th career rushing touchdown, moving the graduate past Jimmie Russell into fifth on the all-time list, on an 11-yard run with 5:08 remaining in the first half. Brihm would connect with Jawill Davis on a 57-yard catch and run 1:20 before halftime.

The Wildcats defense, which got a fumble recovery from Jamal Thomas and an interception from Jocelyn Borgella, Jr., stopped a pair of Tigers marches into the red zone during the second period, but each possession ended with a missed field goal attempt by John Barron.

Michael D. Jones’ runs of two yards in the third and a 50-yard fourth quarter burst up the middle, along with Williams capping off an 83-yard drive with an 8-yarder to Wilson, highlighted the second half.

Jones and Jordan rushed for 77 and 54 yards, respectively. Davis (77 yards) and Wilson (57) each caught three passes.

Jason Smith, Jr. had seven tackles and a quarterback sack for a Wildcats defense that has not given up a touchdown in two games.

Bethune-Cookman faces North Carolina Central next Saturday at 4 p.m., in an ESPNU nationally broadcasted game. The game is set for 4 p.m., at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

For the latest information on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, follow us on Twitter, @BCUGridIron. For the most accurate and up to date information delivered to your phone, download the official Bethune-Cookman Wildcats app for your Droid or iPhone.

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Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Hold Off Lane Dragons, 7-3

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman held off upset-minded Lane College on Saturday evening, using a hard-fought 7-3 win over the visiting Dragons in front of 6,781 fans inside Municipal Stadium. The game was the home debut for first-year head coach Terry Sims and the 2015 Wildcats.

One week after a 56-53 win at Grambling State, which was one of the highest scoring road games in program history, Bethune-Cookman (2-1) needed two (2) fourth quarter defensive stands to preserve the victory in one of the lowest scoring home tilts the Wildcats have played.

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The combined 10 points made this the lowest scoring collegiate game at Municipal Stadium since it opened in 1988. The previous low was a 10-3 Bethune-Cookman victory over Howard on September 16, 198It was also the first time the Wildcats failed to reach double figures at home since a 24-3 loss to South Carolina State on September 12, 2009.

“We’ll take the win,” Sims said. “But we’ll continue to work to play more disciplined, detailed football.”

After giving up a combined 98 points in the first two games, the young Wildcats defense registered a positive. This was the first time since a 14-3 win against South Carolina State on Homecoming 2013 (October 26) that a Wildcats opponent did not reach the end zone.

“We can feel good about that,” Sims said. “We knew the defense was going to have those ‘bend but don’t break moments’ with nine new guys, and it will take us a bit to get everything together.”

After stopping a Wildcats scoring drive with an interception, Lane (1-2) closed to 7-3 on Carlos Moore’s 28-yard field goal with 6:38 remaining in the contest. The Dragons had a first-and-goal on the B-CU 7, but Donald Smith threw Gerald Gaines for a seven-yard loss that set the tone for the next three plays.

However, the Dragons immediately got the ball back after a muffed kickoff by the Wildcats, but Moore missed a 48-yard attempt three plays later. Lane had one last possession with two minutes remaining, but a fourth-down pass fell incomplete.

Anthony Jordan's 9-yard second quarter scamper was the lone Bethune-Cookman score. The graduate – playing as a senior on the field – rushed for 74 yards, while redshirt senior quarterback Quentin Williams went 14-of-19 for 168 yards through the air, as the Wildcats put up 395 total yards of offense. Still, the Cats failed to capitalize on three of four red zone opportunities.

In the third quarter, B-CU got down to the Dragons 2-yard line on the strength of runs of 12- and 25-yards, respectively, and a 28-yard Williams to Jontavious Carter completion. But after a holding penalty negated a huge B-CU run deep inside the Dragons red zone, a fumble eventually ended the threat.

B-CU would later march from its own nine to the Lane one. But after a seven-yard loss, Williams was picked off by Ira George-Coat for a touchback.

Jordan’s score was set up by a 33-yard Michael D. Jones run and a 28-yard Williams to Frank Brown connection on a six-play, 81-yard drive that made 7-0 with 9:23 remaining in the first half.

Jones and Williams each finished with 70 and 63 yards rushing, respectively. Brown’s six catches for 55 yards paced six Wildcats receivers that tallied at least a single catch. The defense was guided by Robert Way and Smith with nine tackles each, and it was linebacker Atreyu Farrior supplying 1.5 sacks.

The Cats will look to continue their current two-game winning streak next weekend when they open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play against Savannah State at Municipal Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m.

For the latest information on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, follow us on Twitter, @BCUGridIron. For the most accurate and up to date information delivered to your phone, download the official Bethune-Cookman Wildcats app for your Droid or iPhone.



COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bethune-Cookman's Jawill Davis highlights Week 2 HBCU action

JAWILL DAVIS
COURTESY: BETHUNE-COOKMAN ATHLETICS

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  -- It's always nice to have a wide receiver who can make the big catch when the game is on the line. Bethune-Cookman redshirt sophomore Jawill Davis did just that Saturday to help the Wildcats edge host Grambling State in a high-scoring affair, 56-53, in Grambling, Louisiana, the final MEAC and SWAC matchup before the inaugural Celebration Bowl in December.

The 5-foot-11, 177-pound Davis earned ESPN.com HBCU Player of the Week honors against the Tigers, posting a career-best eight receptions for a career-high 199 yards and two touchdowns in Bethune-Cookman's late rally.

Moments after Davis' first career TD reception of 29 yards, with 3:37 remaining, the Wildcats were down 46-41. B-CU quarterback Quentin Williams (17-for-22, 244 yards, 3 TDs) threw a 28-yard pass to Davis for the score that shifted the momentum.

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B-CU rallies for 56-53 win at Grambling State

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Bethune-Cookman, which was held scoreless until the 7-minute mark of the second quarter, rallied to win 56-53 at Grambling State on Saturday.

The Wildcats (1-1) scored two late touchdowns in a span of 1:44 as Terry Sims earned his first victory as B-CU coach. Grambling State dropped to 0-2.

“We told the team it was going to be a heavyweight fight,’’ Sims said. “We came out swinging. I’m proud of these guys. I’m more excited for our team about our first win.

“Both teams had some young players. We had some mistakes, and some penalties. … The wide receivers did what we’ve been looking for them to do all year.”

Quentin Williams threw for three fourth-quarter touchdowns for the Wildcats.

Running back Anthony Jordan’s 41-yard touchdown put B-CU up 56-46 with 1:48 to play.

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3 storylines to watch as Bethune-Cookman’s football team opens spring practice

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- There will be plenty to keep an eye on when the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats step on the field today for their first spring practice.

It will be Terry Sims’ first practice after replacing Brian Jenkins, who left for Alabama State in December, as the team’s head coach.

And it’s the beginning of a trek that could lead, provided B-CU can win the MEAC, to the newly created Celebration Bowl on Dec. 19 in Atlanta.

Here are a few story lines to watch as practice begins:

1. Eyes on the QBs
It will be interesting to see how Sims handles the quarterback position. Quentin Williams returns for his final season after passing for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns last season, but Larry Brihm, an athletic player who will be a redshirt sophomore, came on late last year and passed for 491 yards and four touchdowns.

2. The top target

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21 NSU-Athletes Earn Degrees at Winter Commencement

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- Twenty-one Norfolk State University student-athletes received their bachelor's degrees at the university's winter commencement in December.

The graduates include 10 former Spartan football players, three from men's track and field, two each from the baseball, men's basketball and softball programs, and one each from women's basketball and women's track and field.

The graduates were:

Football
Noel Clarke, Sociology
Ramsey Henderson, Mass Communications
De'Marta Johnson, Health Fitness Instruction
Keenan Lambert, Management
Darrin Marrow, Sociology
Michael Privott, Sociology
Edwin Rogers, Mass Communications
Jairus Spain, Mass Communications
Nick Taylor, Accounting
Cameron Williams, Political Science

Baseball
Justin Bhatti, Marketing
Ryan Montgomery, Medical Technology

Softball
Kathy Cortez, Psychology
Jamie Schulle, Health Fitness Instruction

Women's Track & Field
Ashley Sessoms, Business

Women's Basketball
Rachel Gordon, Psychology

Men's Track & Field
Ian Copeland, Biology
Quentin Parker, Health Fitness Instruction
Quinten Walker, Kinesiotherapy

Men's Basketball
Calvin Brown, Tourism & Hospitality Management
Chris McEachin, Political Science

Congratulations to all of the graduates and good luck in your future endeavors!




By Matt Michalec, SID
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY

MEAC Announces 2014 Football All-MEAC Awards

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Howard quarterback Greg McGhee and North Carolina A&T Staterunning back Tarik Cohen were selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Co-Offensive Players of the Year and Javon Hargrave of South Carolina State earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, as voted on by the MEAC’s head football coaches and sports information directors.

South Carolina State’s Darius Leonard earned the Rookie of the Year award and Morgan State’s Darren Pinnock was selected as Offensive Lineman of the Year. 

First-year head coach Lee Hull of Morgan State was selected as the Coach of the Year.  Hull guided the Bears to a share of the MEAC title, the first MEAC football title for the institution.  Under his leadership, the Bears finished 7-5 overall and 6-2 in conference play. The Bears defeated Savannah State 69-7 in their final game of the season to secure the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division I Championships.

Howard senior Greg McGhee became the conference’s all-time leader in total offensive yards (10,168 yards) after capping his four-year career as the Bison quarterback.  As a senior, he led the MEAC in total offense (3,235 yards), 21^st in the FCS, and passing yards (2,388).  He completed 56-percent of his passes (222-for-399) with 15 touchdowns, ranking 28^th in the nation, and threw only eight interceptions, in 12 games.  He ranks fourth in the MEAC in rushing yards (847) and averaged a team-best 70.6 yards per game. 

McGhee led the team’s rushing output with 164 carries and posted 13 touchdowns.

Sophomore Tarik Cohen of North Carolina A&T State led the MEAC in rushing and recorded his second straight 1,000 yard season with 1,340 total yards to help the Aggies to a share of the conference title. He led the MEAC with 121.8 rushing yards per game, carrying the ball 197 times with 15 touchdowns in 11 games.  He led the MEAC in scoring (96 points) and touchdowns (16) and finished second in all-purpose yardage (143.4 avg./g.). He has earned the Sports Networks’ Player of the Week honor once and received the conference’s offensive player of the week nod twice this season.

South Carolina State’s Javon Hargrave led the MEAC and ranks third in the nation in sacks with 16 for a loss of 199 yards and ranks fourth in the FCS in tackles for loss with 23.5.  He finished the season recording 55 total tackles, three forced fumbles, one recovered fumble (61 yards), eight quarterback hurries and two breakups.  He is listed on the Sports Networks’ Buck Buchanan Award List and has earned national and conference Defensive Player of the Week honors after tying a conference and FCS-best record of six sacks in a single game in a win over ranked Bethune-Cookman. 

As a freshman, South Carolina State’s Darius Leonard led the MEAC and ranked 30^th in the nation in solo tackles (73).  He tallied 88 total tackles (9^th in MEAC) and ranked t-11^th in the conference in tackles for loss with 13.5.  He garnered the MEAC’s Defensive Player of the Week honors once and Rookie of the Week honors twice this season.  Leonard is currently listed on the Sports Networks’ Jerry Rice Award list.

 
Morgan State’s Darren Pinnock started in every game this season for the Bears. He paved the way for the MEAC’s second best rushing offense (211.3 avg.; No. 24 in FCS) and second top scoring offense (28.2 avg./g).  He did not allow a single sack through 11 games and helped the lead the Bears to sacks allowed (15).  He shouldered the offensive line that helped account for 4,464 total offensive yards including 2,536 on the ground. He earned two conference Offensive Lineman of the Week honors this season.

North Carolina Central led with 12 student-athletes to be recognized to the three MEAC post-season teams. North Carolina A&T State and South Carolina State each finished with 11 and Norfolk State followed closely behind with. The N.C. A&T State Aggies received the most first-team honors with seven student-athletes. 

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) - 2014 Football All-Conference Teams

Co-Offensive Players of the Year: Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T State and Greg McGhee, Howard
Defensive Player of the Year: Javon Hargrave, South Carolina State
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Darren Pinnock, Morgan State
Rookie of the Year: Darius Leonard, South Carolina State
Coach of the Year: Lee Hull, Morgan State

First Team
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
QB Greg McGhee Sr. Howard Pittsburgh, Pa.
RB Tarik Cohen So. North Carolina A&T State Bunn, N.C.
RB Herb Walker Jr. So. Morgan State Cleveland, Ohio
WR Adrian Wilkins r-Jr. North Carolina Central Forest City, N.C.
WR Twarn Mixon r-So. Hampton Charlotte, N.C.
TE Tammarrick Hemmingway r-Jr. South Carolina State Loris, S.C.
C Ronald Canty r-Sr. North Carolina A&T State Chester, S.C.
OL William Ray Robinson III r-Sr. North Carolina A&T State Clinton, Md.
OL Darren Pinnock Sr. Morgan State Miami, Fla.
OL Devin Flowers Sr. South Carolina State Charlotte, N.C.
OL Clevonne Davis Jr. North Carolina Central Miramar, Fla.

DEFENSE
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
DL Javon Hargrave Jr. South Carolina State Salisbury, N.C.
DL Deon King Jr. Norfolk State Reston, Va.
DL George Riddick Sr. Norfolk State Suffolk, Va.
DL LeBranden Richardson Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
LB Lynden Trail r-Sr. Norfolk State Miami, Fla.
LB D’Vonte Grant Sr. North Carolina A&T State Charlotte, N.C.
*LB Cody Acker Sr. Morgan State Landover, Md.
*LB Ralph Williams Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
DB Tony McRae Sr. North Carolina A&T State Laurinburg, N.C.
DB Donald Mattocks r-Sr. North Carolina A&T State Burlington, N.C.
DB Michael Jones So. North Carolina Central Baltimore, Md.
DB Keenan Lambert r-Sr. Norfolk State Norfolk, Va.
P Christian Kinney R-So. Hampton Williamsburg, Va.
PK Cody Jones So. North Carolina A&T State Gastonia, N.C.
RS Michael Jones So. North Carolina Central Baltimore, Md.

Second Team
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
*QB Malcolm Bell r-So. North Carolina Central Richmond, Va.
*QB Damien Fleming Sr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
RB Jorrian Washington Sr. Hampton Los Angeles, Calif.
RB Andre Clark r-Sr. North Carolina Central Mauldin, S.C.
WR Isaac White Jr. Norfolk State Portsmouth, Va.
WR Quentin Atkinson Jr. North Carolina Central Raleigh, N.C.
TE Myles Williams r-Jr. Howard Perris, Calif.
C Clarence Swain r-Sr. Morgan State Fayetteville, Ga.
OL Christopher Pressley Sr. North Carolina Central Upper Marlboro, Md.
OL Toree Boyd So. Howard Miami, Fla.
OL Domanic Wilson r-Sr. South Carolina State Lake City, S.C.
OL Kory Alpichi Sr. Hampton Winchester, Calif.

DEFENSE
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
DL Christopher Robinson r-Sr. Morgan State Baltimore, Md.
DL Marquis Ragland r-So. North Carolina A&T State Fayetteville, N.C.
DL Rodney Gunter Sr. Delaware State Lake Hamilton, Fla.
*DL Ty Brown r-Sr. North Carolina Central Charlotte, N.C.
*DL Felix Small Sr. North Carolina Central Brooklyn, N.Y.
LB Tavarus Dantzler Sr. Bethune-Cookman Homestead, Fla.
LB Josh Thorne Jr. Hampton Oxon Hill, Md.
LB Darius Leonard r-Fr. South Carolina Lakeview, S.C.
DB Antonio Hamilton r-Jr. South Carolina State Johnston, S.C.
DB C.J. Moore Sr. North Carolina Central Raleigh, N.C.
DB Paul Eatman Jr. Sr. Morgan State Jersey City, N.J.DB Chris Pauling Jr. South Carolina State High Point, N.C.
P Lawrence Forbes r-So. Morgan State Upper Marlboro, Md.
PK Chase Varnadore r-Sr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
RS Tony McRae Jr. North Carolina A&T State Laurinburg, N.C.
RS Antonio Hamilton r-Jr. South Carolina State Johnston, S.C.

Third Team
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
QB Kwashaun Quick Jr. North Carolina A&T State Laurinburg, N.C.
RB Jalen Simmons Jr. South Carolina State Charlotte, N.C.
RB William Parker Jr. Howard Stone Mountain, Ga.
WR Milton Williams III Sr. Delaware State Washington, D.C.
WR Desmond Lawrence Sr. North Carolina A&T State Durham, N.C.
TE Jvon Simmons Fr. North Carolina Central LaPlata, Md.
C Andrew Edouard Sr. Bethune-Cookman Philadelphia, Pa.
OL Ronald Rose Sr. Hampton Fort Washington, Md.
OL Brandon Parker r-Fr. North Carolina A&T State Kannapolis, N.C.
OL Justin Myler r-Sr. Norfolk State Woodbridge, Va.
OL Malcolm Rutledge Sr. Howard Detroit, Mi.

DEFENSE
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
DL Curtis Hill r-Sr. South Carolina State Columbia, S.C.
DL Miles Groom Jr. Hampton Richmond, Va.
DL Rony Barrow Sr. Bethune-Cookman Brooklyn, N.Y.
DL Erik Williams Grad Bethune-Cookman Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
LB Devin Rollins Jr. Howard Miami, Fla.
LB Marcell Coke Sr. Norfolk State Orlando, Fla.
LB Akil Blount Jr. Florida A&M Pittsburgh, Pa.
DB Darrin Marrow r-Sr. Norfolk State Virginia Beach, Va.
DB Terriick Colston Jr. Delaware State Lakeland, Fla.
DB Devonte Johnson Jr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
DB Dalonte Hall Jr. Morgan State Fort Washington, Md.
*P Dylan Shaddix r-Sr. Norfolk State McDonough, Ga.
*P Colby Blanton r-So. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
PK Cameron Marouf So. Norfolk State Woodbridge, Va.
RS Antonio Hamilton r-Jr. South Carolina State Johnston, S.C.

*Indicates Tie 

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Bethune-Cookman Defense Carries 'Cats 13-7 Over NSU

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Bethune-Cookman’s defense scored two fourth-quarter safeties and held Norfolk State to 67 total yards as the No. 18/20 Wildcats took a 13-7 victory over the Spartans Thursday in a nationally televised ESPNU contest.

It was the 800th victory in program history and helped the Wildcats (7-2 overall, 5-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) remain atop the jumbled MEAC leaderboard. Three other teams – Morgan State, North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State – also have one conference loss.

Rony Barrow registered both safeties for the Wildcats defense, who allowed only three Spartan first downs in a match-up of two of the nation’s top FCS defensive units.

"When your defense scores, it puts you in a position to win," said B-CU Head Coach Brian Jenkins. "Our defense bowed their neck and stood their ground tonight. You saw two well-coached defensive teams. We just were able to make more plays tonight. When you only give up [67] total yards, I really don't have to say anything. "

For the second straight week and fourth time this season, the Wildcats won when they trailed after three quarters.

"we drill our kids on not getting rattled and playing a complete game," Jenkins said. "When we didn't have some success on offense early, we stayed in the moment and prepared for the next moment to come. They played four quarters of football."

Barrow and Ty're Simmons gave the Wildcats an 8-7 lead with 14:36 remaining when he tackled Norfolk State running back Aaron Daniels in the end zone for a safety. Punter Jonathan Cagle set up the score with a 57-yard punt that the Spartans mishandled deep in their own territory.

After the free kick, Bethune-Cookman increased its lead to 11-7 on a 24-yard Ben Noboa field goal. A 29-yard Quentin Williams completion to tight end Justin Henderson on third down kept the drive alive.

Cagle and Barrow came up big again in the game’s final 90 seconds.

A 37-yard Cagle punt pinned the Spartans at their own one-yard line. On the first play, Barrow and David Perry sacked Spartans quarterback Terrance Ervin for the safety with 1:21 to play.

"Cagle's a vet at this thing," Jenkins said. "He knows how to adjust different things -- his drops and positioning the ball to get a good kick."

Bethune-Cookman recovered the ensuing onside kickoff and ran out the clock for the victory.

Williams threw for 83 yards and rushed for 44, but the Wildcat offense gave up three turnovers and failed to punch ball in twice inside the Spartan red zone.

Norfolk State (4-6,4-2) capitalized on the first Wildcat mistake, needing only 45 to drive after an interception. Ervin hit Chris Lee for a 16-yard score with 7:36 remaining in the first quarter.

The Wildcats pulled to 7-6 with 8:16 remaining in the half when Williams connected with Jhomo Gordon on a 23-yard touchdown on a fourth-down play, but the PAT went wide left.

In the third quarter, B-CU got the ball on the Spartan 5-yard line after a blocked punt, but came up empty after a missed field goal.

Michael Jones had 50 yards for the Wildcats while Jaime Wilson had a 26-yard one-handed catch in the fourth quarter that was trending on ESPN for a spot on SportsCenters Top Ten Plays.

"Funny thing about that is that every day in practice, we're yelling at Jaime `Two hand, two hands' and then he comes in the game and does that one-handed catch," Jenkins said. "It shows you our guys were into the game from beginning to end and wanted to make a play when they had a
n opportunity."

Ralph Williams led the defensive totals with 13 tackles and a sack.

The Wildcats return to Virginia next Thursday for another ESPNU contest, this one at Hampton with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

COURTESY BETHUNE- COOMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION