Sept. 6, 2011

BREAKDOWN: Running Backs Are Back At B-CU

By Dan Ryan
B-CUAthletics.com

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - In the midst of his team racking up 63 points, 500 total yards and forcing six turnovers, what did Brian Jenkins learn about his Bethune-Cookman University football team in Sunday's 63-14 romp of Prairie View A&M?

"They were willing," Jenkins said during Tuesday's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference coach's call.

"That's a major question I ask my team," Jenkins continued. "I challenge them every day and ask them if they are willing to do the right thing and to do it the right way in a manner to help propel them and their teammates forward in a productive way. I saw that Sunday."

Jenkins hopes the willingness continues this week when the 25th-ranked Wildcats host South Carolina State in a crucial MEAC contest that will give the winner the early advantage for the conference championship.

Much was made about last year's 14-0 B-CU victory over the Bulldogs that ended South Carolina State's 21-game conference winning streak. Jenkins dispelled any carryover.

"I'm not concern about last year's result because it doesn't pertain to any of this," Jenkins said. "We have to stay in the moment and focus about what we need to do to beat South Carolina State."

Jenkins watched the game film of South Carolina State's 21-6 loss to Central Michigan and was impressed with the Bulldogs' effort despite the final score.

"They held their own ... if three plays would have gone different, South Carolina State wins that game," Jenkins said. "That speaks volumes about that type of program Buddy Pough is fielding. South Carolina State is a tough defensive team and they hang their hat on that. They'll hit you."

Jenkins did find some room for improvement in his team's victory - the Wildcats committed 12 penalties for 132 yards.

"If the game were a lot closer, that definitely hurts you," Jenkins said. "We have to get that corrected."

While it was an impressive debut for quarterback Jamaar Robinson (281 total yards) and running back Rodney Scott (67 yards) as well as a solid return for defensive back DJ Howard (A 31-yard fumble recovery), Jenkins remained true to form in not singling out individual players - except for cornerback Nick Addison, who registered three tackles and blocked a Prairie View A&M punt to set up a B-CU scoring drive.

"He got in there and showed me some things," Jenkins said of Addison. "He was late getting into camp, but he grabbed on to what we were doing." Kickoff for SCSU-BCU is 4 p.m. Saturday at Municipal Stadium. ESPNU will air the game on delayed basis at 10 p.m.