Wildcats Plaster Panthers in MEAC/SWAC Challenge

Karsceal Turner
I Got Next!
Special to West Orlando News Online

The Bethune-Cookman’s 63-14 rout of Texas-based Prairie View A&M University was actually a three-way thrashing. The Wildcats answered all questions concerning continued prowess on the field; B-CU’s fan base showed up en masse to cheer on the hometown Florida team, and B-CU’s Marching Pride gave PVA&M’s “Marching Storm” a halftime clinic. In all, B-CU’s Sunday victory in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge showed which Cat was the baddest in the jungle in more than one way.

These questions abounded. How would Brian Jenkins team respond against a South-Western Athletic Conference (SWAC) foe? Can B-CU continue the winning ways they began last year after being named HBCU National Champions? Who will be the Wildcats starting QB?

The answers to those questions was delivered to over 17,337 and a nationwide ESPN national audience who witnessed B-CU trounce PVA&M on both sides of the ball. Welcome to Florida, Prairie View…You aren’t in Texas anymore!

This was no Florida Classic. The throngs of vendors, gridlocked traffic and Thousands of fans were absent. Still, there was no shortage of B-CU faithful, as evidenced by a full half of the Citrus Bowl Stadium adorned in Maroon and Gold. PVA&M’s crowd looked like a small Omega Psi Phi convention meeting in one section of the stadium.

B-CU: All around solid play

The Wildcat offense wasted no time in making a statement and remained true to its tradition of scoring on their opening possession. In fact, B-CU scored with each succeeding possession for a total of 318 yards in the opening half, finishing with 500, a combination of passing yards (260 yards), and rushing (240 yards).

Judging from Sunday’s ferocity, B-CU’s defense is ready to pick up where it left off too, especially after finishing last season second in the nation with 41 caused turnovers. Linebacker Reggie Sandilands called it the defensive strategy “scoop and score”. Sandilands was good for a fumble recovery and 51yard TD return. D.J. Howard accounted for another 31-yard recovery and score. Overall, B-CU’s Defense, accounted for six turnovers and scored on two. They also held the Panthers to just 262 total yards.

Yes, it was as bad as it looked. The Prairie View A&M was simply outmatched by a faster, stronger, MEAC opponent.
Although the Panthers marching band strutted into the Florida Citrus Bowl with some ferocity, the Panther faithful were deflated before the end of the third quarter. B-CU’s band finished what its football team started.

QB controversy? What QB controversy?

The question of who would perform signal calling was put to rest by Jamarr Robinson. Robinson, a Maryland transfer, rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another as B-CU. Overall, he was accountable for 251 yards passing and 30 on the ground. By halftime, B-CU commanded a 42-7 lead. “I expected to come out quick,” “It just felt good to be back out there and to compete,” Robinson said.

Robinson scored on a 10-yard run as the Cats marched 64 yards on its opening drive, then scored 5 consecutive times. Talent-wise, there was no standout on either side of the ball; everyone was getting into the act. Running backs Isidore Jackson and Anthony Jordan were both good for rushing touchdowns. However, it was Mississippi transfer Rodney Scott who led all rushers with 67 yards on the ground.

B-CU wide-outs, wonderful

The Wildcat receiving corps proved its mettle Sunday too, former quarterback –now receiver Maurice Francois led with four catches for 74 yards. Eight of 12 receivers on the roster were good for at least one catch but Bryan Mcleod caught the lone TD pass for B-CU.

The Panthers broke the shutout on an 11-yard pass from Jonathan Troast to Deandre Cooper with 3:45 remaining in the first half. The Panthers would score for the last time in the third quarter on a Jerry Lovelocke 7-yard run.

Conference title run begins early

One question that wasn’t answered was how well B-CU might fare against the level of talent they will face when the MEAC co-champion South Carolina State Bulldogs touch-down in Daytona Beach Saturday for both team’s conference opener. One thing about SCSU, a PVA&M, they’re not! This team will be looking for blood.

In addition, the hunt for the conference crown will include both these teams. There will be plenty of speculation in the air.

B-CU wasted SCSU last year 14-0 in Orangeburg, S.C., as a result, they must share the MEAC crown However, only B-CU was eligible for post-season play, a fact, that will not be lost on the Bulldogs Saturday at Municipal Stadium. Game time is 4:00p.m.