Could Bethune-Cookman Bust Up the MEAC Party?

The consensus among most black college football enthusiasts, myself included, is that Florida A&M is going to run away with the MEAC football championship. Too many weapons, too many seniors, perfect timing.

But Bethune-Cookman may have other plans, particularly since their last memory of regular season competition was a 58-35 drubbing at the hands of that same conference favorite in the 2008 Florida Classic.

The pieces that matter to their rush-heavy offense all return, and the defense that allowed the second-fewest points in the MEAC last season returns senior leadership on the defensive line, and in the secondary with lineman Dexter Jackson and cornerbacks Antonio and Antwuan Cox.

There’s no doubt that facing the Wildcats requires a well-conditioned, disciplined defensive interior; opponents will be surprised if the Wildcats throw seven passes in a whole game, and can anticipate five of those attempts to be play action. BC will introduce three new starters on the offensive line this year, and youth along the line may be their downfall – the Wildcats list only four seniors as offensive lineman on their roster.

But BC goes 19 deep in the reservoir for blockers, and with a slate of freshmen and sophomores on deck, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Wildcats find great success on outside running plays with athletic guards pulling for big rushing yardage. When Alvin Wyatt can sub the big guys in and out with regularity to sustain drives, opponents are essentially at his mercy.

Don’t look for them to be champions, but look for the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats to make the final stretch of the regular season very interesting.

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