Nov. 18, 2010

By Dan Ryan - www.B-CUathletics.com - Call Football Contact Michael Stambaugh for more details - 386.481.2278 -

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman linebacker Reggie Sandilands will be at his best on third downs this Saturday when the Wildcats meet Florida A&M in the 31st annual Florida Classic. That's where the junior thinks the game will be decided.

“Florida A&M gets the first downs,” Sandilands said. “So we have to be great on third down. We have to get them off the field and give the ball to our offense."

The Rattlers enter the game on  a five-game winning streak, but have scored 22 or less points in three of those five games. Sandilands isn't looking at the scoreboard.

“They're controlling the game,” Sandilands noted.

Sandilands is coming off one of his best games of the season against Howard, where he returned an interception for a touchdown and finished with a season-high ten tackles. The B-CU defense, which has held the FCS national lead in turnover margin since week one, scored twice and set up another touchdown.

“We're in position to make the plays,” Sandilands said. “Coaches put us where we need to be.”

B-CU is vying for a perfect season and the outright Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship.

“There's no extra pressure or tension, it's championship game number 11,” Sandilands said. “We're playing for our seniors because they've been through some struggles, and for the community and the alumni. 10-1 losing to Florida A&M would be like going 0-10. It wouldn't be the same.”

Kickoff is set for 2:35 p.m. and the game is broadcast live on ESPN Classic.

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