Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
MEAC
While most conferences races went down to the wire, that was not the case for the MEAC and Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats had some close contests, but for the most part they dominated the MEAC competition. With a very strong ground game and a tenacious defense, the Wildcats could grind out wins. But the opposition is about to get tougher, much tougher.
2012 Record: 9-2, 8-0
Coach: Brian Jenkins
Big Wins: 9/2 Alabama State (38-28), 10/27 North Carolina Central (42-17)
Bad Losses: 9/15 at Miami FL (10-38), 9/22 Tennessee State (14-21)
Strengths:
Running backs Isidore Jackson and Rodney Scott form one of the best back duos in the FCS. Last year they were good, but this year they are great. Jackson rushed for 992 yards and ten touchdowns during the regular season while Scott added 594 yards and five scores. The Wildcats can dictate the tempo of the game with Jackson and Scott. That will help them stay close against stronger competition and at least give them a chance to pull off an upset or two in the playoffs. But for that to happen, Bethune-Cookman will need to have a strong defensive effort. Linebacker Jarkevis Fields is a tackling machine, but what this defense does best is force turnovers. The interception and fumble numbers are amazing and only one team in all of the FCS had a better turnover margin than Coach Brian Jenkins’ squad. The secondary is full of playmakers and players like end LeBrandon Richardson can make big hits in the backfield. For the Wildcats to win, they have to win the turnover battle. They have won it all year long, so things should not change now.
Weaknesses:
Bethune-Cookman is 0-3 in their playoff history, most recently losing to New Hampshire in 2010. The problem this group will run into is trying to come from behind. At some point the Wildcats are going to have to throw the football. Quarterback Quentin Williams has had some good outings, but the competition is going to be much more difficult in the playoffs. The redshirt freshman has not had to throw very often and when his team falls behind, the pressure will fall on him, not Jackson and Scott. Williams will need some help from receivers Eddie Poole and KJ Stroud. Those two are really the only consistent pass catchers on the team, although Preston Cleckley can be a big play threat. Somebody has to step up and give Williams some passing options. If not, Bethune-Cookman will not be able to afford to fall behind early.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Isidore Jackson, RB, 992 yards
Passing: Quentin Williams, QB, 948 yards
Receiving: Eddie Poole, WR, 323 yards
Tackles: Jarkevis Fields, LB, 88
Sacks: LeBrandon Richardson, DE, 8.5
Interceptions: Nick Addison, CB, 3; Dion Hanks, CB, 3; D.J. Howard, S, 3; Dawud Lane, LB, 3
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 251.70 (9th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 140.30 (110, 10)
Total Offense: 392.00 (46, 1)
Scoring Offense: 31.80 (27, 1)
Rushing Defense: 130.50 (28, 3)
Pass Defense: 164.40 (11, 3)
Total Defense: 294.90 (8, 3)
Scoring Defense: 17.90 (12, 2)
Turnover Margin: 1.80 (2, 1)
Sacks: 1.80 (69, 5)
Sacks Allowed: 1.80 (51, 6)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2010 Second Round Lost to New Hampshire
2003 First Round Lost to Florida Atlantic
2002 First Round Lost to Georgia Southern
*all team stats through 11/10
