Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
MEAC
Bethune-Cookman got off to a strong start with a win over a good Tennessee State squad and the Wildcats never looked back. Despite five of their first six games coming on the road, Coach Brian Jenkins’ squad only lost one contest in that stretch and that was to Florida State. A win over FBS opponent Florida International highlights the list of wins and proved to be a good indicator of what this team could do.
2013 Record: 10-2, 7-1
Coach: Brian Jenkins
Big Wins: 9/1 at Tennessee State (12-9), 9/14 Florida International (34-13)
Bad Losses: 9/21 at Florida State (6-54), 11/9 Norfolk State (24-27)
Strengths:
Few FCS teams in the nation have been as dominating on defense as Bethune-Cookman. It turns out even allowing 54 points to Florida State was pretty good. Outside of the Seminoles, which did hurt the Wildcats already impressive defensive numbers, no team scored over 27 points. They held the opposition to ten points or fewer in seven of their 12 games. That is extremely impressive no matter who the competition. The team allows under 100 yards per game on the ground and about 150 yards per contest through the air. With a line that includes LeBrandon Richardson and Dyron Dye getting into the backfield, Jarkevis Fields roaming the middle the field and Nick Addison and Tim Burke picking off passes in the secondary, even the most potent offenses will take a step back against this defense.
Weaknesses:
The Wildcats do rank in the top ten in rushing offense, but that is where the tougher competition could be a problem. In games against Florida State, Tennessee State and South Carolina State, three of the tougher games this season, the Wildcats finished well below their 250 yard rushing average. The good news is that Coach Jenkins has options. Isidore Jackson is the team’s top rusher, but Cary White and Anthony Jordan have both started a handful of games and are capable of having big outings. Quarterback Quentin Williams, who rushed for 395 yards and eight touchdowns, is also capable of making plays with his feet. Unfortunately, Williams has not made many big plays with his arm. He has thrown for just 1,068 yards and five touchdowns, while being picked off seven times. There will be times when Bethune-Cookman will have to ask Williams to a win a game for them and get the ball moving down the field in a hurry and that is when this team gets in trouble.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Isidore Jackson, RB, 793 yards
Passing: Quentin Williams, QB, 1,068 yards
Receiving: Eddie Poole, WR, 562 yards
Tackles: Jarkevis Fields, LB, 94
Sacks: Dyron Dye, DL, 6.0
Interceptions: Nick Addison, DB, 5
2013 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 255.4 (8th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 144.4 (113, 9)
Total Offense: 399.7 (52, 1)
Scoring Offense: 30.2 (39, 2)
Rushing Defense: 99.4 (8, 3)
Pass Defense: 151.5 (3, 2)
Total Defense: 250.8 (3, 2)
Scoring Defense: 15.7 (4, 2)
Turnover Margin: 0.4 (34, 2)
Sacks: 2.36 (35, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 2.55 (84, 7)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
No Playoff History
*all team stats through 11/16
