DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - If you want to "irk" Bethune-Cookman head football coach Brian Jenkins, then just mention that one of the Wildcats' Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) opponents is having a down year.

Jenkins said that label borders on disrespect during his extended stay on the football coaches' conference call Tuesday morning.

"You just can't say this team is down or that team is down," Jenkins said. "Other teams are taking a major step forward."

So that brings up the "P" word - parity - and Jenkins has absolutely no problem with that. Though he didn't pay much attention to the slew of upsets the conference had last weekend during B-CU's bye week, the third-year coach feels the league has a high level of play and coaching this season.

"It just goes to show we have coaches who show up to work and punch the clock and put the time in ... and the result is production when it is due, "Jenkins said. "Across the board, the conference has good coaches who are good leaders, and players who are doing what they're supposed to do on and off the field.

"Everyone wants the crown [MEAC championship], including us," Jenkins said. "This season is no surprise to me."

B-CU (4-2 overall, 3-0 MEAC) hosts defending champion Norfolk State, whose season fits Jenkins' point perfectly. The Spartans (2-5, 0-4 MEAC) have lost five consecutive games, despite having one of the top defenses nationally in the FCS.

"For some reason, Norfolk State hasn't hit full stride, but they are not to be overlooked," Jenkins said. "[NSU Head Coach] Pete Adrian is a veteran who knows how to tread in deep water, and knows how to swim his way out. This will be a heavyweight battle."

Kickoff for the Second Annual Biker Classic is Saturday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.