Karsceal Turner – I got NEXT!
Forty-one to 12. THAT’S how you begin the defense of a conference championship. Bethune-Cookman continued its dominance in the battle of the cats by bashing the Savannah State Tigers with a 42-12 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) victory before a Municipal Stadium crowd of 5,975.
Savannah State took an early 3-0 advantage courtesy John Barron’s 38-yard field goal with 4:52 remaining in the first quarter. The Wildcats quickly answered with a 6-play, 92-yard drive that produced Williams’ 13-yard scoring strike to Wilson.
You wanted more scoring? Michael D. Jones rushed for two scores and Jamie Wilson caught two for a Bethune-Cookman offense, which was good for 592 yards of total offense while keeping the Tiger offense out of the end zone.
You were looking for some swagger from team? How about this for starters, 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.
You wanted more action? Head Coach Terry Sims was happy to comply with variety of offensive weapons on the ground, in the air, and lent as much talent on the defensive side of the ball too.
“I don’t think we have one main guy – we have guys,” Sims said. “Any of them can make a play at any time. We’re comfortable with any of them depending on our package.”
Sophomore quarterback Larry Brihm, Jr. led the Wildcats to a pair of second quarter scores that gave B-CU a 21-3 halftime lead.
Jones’ runs of two yards in the third and a 50-yard fourth quarter rumble up the middle, along with an 83-yard drive ending with an 8-yarder to Jaime Wilson, highlighted the second half.
Anthony Jordan scored 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.
Jones and Jordan rushed for 77 and 54 yards, respectively. Davis (77 yards) and Wilson (57) each caught three passes.
I also have to mention the bloody penalties. Bethune-Cookman had 23 penalties for 212 yards Saturday afternoon. Earlier on, it seemed every time I set up to take a shot (picture), I heard the sound of the whistle and the ensuing penalty that accompanied it. Such is very irritating when one needs photos, I got them anyway.
B-CU Defense did what defenses do…defend
Let me remind you that Sims is serving in his sixth season with B-CU, Although it is his first as head coach, no one knows this teams strengths better. Be further reminded that Sims defenses have been ranked in the top 25 statistically in varied categories since his arrival at B-CU in 2010.
Aside from the annoying penalties, B-CU stopped a pair of Tigers marches into the red zone during the second period, each Tiger possession ended with a missed field goal attempt by John Barron.
Jason Smith, Jr. was good for seven tackles and a quarterback sack while Atreyu Farrior was good for six stops for a Wildcats defense that has not given up a touchdown in two games. Add SSU to that list. The Wildcats allowed 275 yards. Additionally, the Wildcats held the Tigers to 184 passing and 91 yards on the ground. Each team turned the ball over twice.
Head coach Terry Sims was visibly pleased with the improvement and effort. He noted how versatile this team is. “I don’t think we have one main guy – we have guys. Any of them can make a play at any time. And we’re comfortable with any of them depending on our package,” Sims said.
It appears the Wildcats are exhibiting more parts of their own package and while this game against Savannah State was a decent measuring stick for B-CU one must have the understanding that things only get more difficult from here on out. The Wildcats must now travel to the “Tar heel State” and face 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.
Notice this plug for the bus trip to support the Wildcats. Check out HailWildcats.com or hit them up on Facebook for that information. I can’t do it ya’ll, next Saturday is my first wedding anniversary. I’ll dig you when South Carolina State University comes to town September 8.
