When N0. 19 Bethune-Cookman University faced up against N0. 8 Florida State University on Saturday, this was the first time in B-CU history that the Wildcats played two FBS opponents…ever.
Well, the Seminoles gave B-CU some “act right juice” to the tune of a 54-6 thrashing in front of 74841 screaming fans. It was a tad difficult to tell everyone apart in the monstrosity of a stadium. Fans were either wearing Garnett and Gold or Maroon and Gold. If you know your colors, you realize the two are somewhat similar.
Sorry Wildcats fans. THIS TIME, there would be no upset. There would be no revelry upon defeating an FBS top 10 contender and Atlantic Coast Conference power, however, The Marching Wildcats still had no trouble handling the musical festivities. They rocked Doak Campbell Stadium just like they rock every stadium they walk into. Kudos to Mr. Donovan Wells and his staff for an outstanding performance. For once the band was overshadowed by the game. Imagine that.
For the first time this season, B-CU was the underdog. I’m uncertain how that affected the team’s psyche but I doubt they were awestruck. This time they were the ones who traveled a great distance to accept a paycheck and the ass-whipping which accompanies such.
Ambushed!
I can certainly say it was different to sit down and compose this piece. For the first time in a hot minute, the shoe was on the other foot. No longer the aggressor on offense and defense, B-CU didn’t hit the scoreboard until the third quarter.
In fact, FSU sent a message early on when Telvin Smith intercepted a Quentin Williams pass and dashed 68 yards for the touchdown on the game’s first drive.
B-CU held the ball for 12 minutes in the opening period and had early success moving the ball, but miscues helped the Seminoles score nine of their first 12 points.
Unlike the first two games of his career, FSU quarterback Jameis Winston didn’t fill up the box score with eye-popping numbers in the win. Winston only played until the 8:13 mark of the third quarter, completing 10-of-19 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns — all career lows.
Winston may have to answer to Jimbo Fisher even on scoring plays, but his performance was enough to impress B-CU coach Brian Jenkins. We all know Coach “J” isn’t easily impressed.
“You are looking at a future Heisman Trophy winner,” Jenkins said. “I don’t know if there’s a better quarterback in the country.”
Meanwhile in other FSU domination, Devonta Freeman registered his second 100-yard game in a row and the sixth of his career as his 10 total rushes went for 112 yards and one touchdown.
“I am very pleased with Devonta,” Fisher said. “I thought he had a great game.”
Fisher mildly optimistic
The defending ACC champions (3-0, 1-0) will want to clean up their offense before starting a seven-game stretch against conference foes next week.
“Had three or four dropped balls. Had two dropped touchdowns. We have a lot of room to grow,” Fisher said. “We have to clean a lot of things up. I just think it was a lack of focus. It was lack of concentration. It can happen to anybody, you have to stay focused.”
Do you think it perhaps is how many teams treat HBCU programs coach?
As I jump up on my soapbox right quick; at least my alma mater scored on the defending ACC champions. BCUs 7-yard touchdown run by Jackie Wilson at the 8:21 mark in the third quarter snapped Florida State’s defensive scoreless streak at 78 minutes and 10 seconds – a span covering four completed quarters (Nevada and Bethune-Cookman games). Noles fans know how FSU handled Nevada.
At least we scored
I noted all that info. from our friends in Sports Information at FSU to simply state this – Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (in case you didn’t know what it really was), was blanked and had a 76-0 basketball score laid on them by THE Ohio State University. OSU is N0. 4 in this nation…and it clearly showed.
QB Kenny Guiton set a school record with six touchdown passes – all in the first half – in a blow-out of historic proportions.
I revel in the fact that my HBCU schools are being taken more seriously…or not. My alma mater will put the “loser’s” cash to good use I am certain.
As I stated, Coach Jenkins has his nose in a playbook even as I typed this sentence. “I feel as good as I can feel about a game like this,” Jenkins said. “We finished the game fighting, we finished the game strong.
“For me it’s some good and some bad too that we’ve got to get corrected.”
Moving on…quickly
It is no surprise that Coach “J” didn’t harp on the loss too tough. Remember, he celebrated for half an hour after beating FIU. Even now he’s deep into that playbook of his in preparation for a game that is.
B-CU is idle next week, but if you know Jenkins, they aren’t exactly idle. The Wildcats open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play with back-to-back road games against Delaware State (Oct. 5), and Howard University (Oct 12). The next home game is Oct. 19 against another Tigers team. This time Savannah State, who aren’t exactly the push over they used to be. Once again, you can look for me on the side lines and in the stands because I Got NEXT!
