Bethune-Cookman’s conference opener against Alabama State brought two different statistical strengths into the same game: a productive Wildcats rushing attack and a Hornets defense that had made yardage difficult to find.
In its October 1 preview of the October 3 contest, BCU Athletics listed the Wildcats at 2–2. Alabama State arrived at 3–1 overall and 1–0 in the SWAC after being chosen to win the conference’s East Division in preseason voting.
Bethune-Cookman was averaging nearly 225 rushing yards per game, the best mark in the SWAC and eighth nationally in the FCS. Rashon Brown already had seven rushing touchdowns, while freshman Isaiah Daniel had gained 243 yards on 35 carries with three scores.
The concern was on the other side of the rushing equation. BCU was allowing more than 200 rushing yards per game, and its first four results followed a simple pattern: the Wildcats won when they outrushed their opponent and lost when they did not.
Alabama State’s strongest early work came defensively. The Hornets allowed 296 total yards per game and led the SWAC in passing yards allowed at 149.5. Their 12 sacks came from a broad group, with 10 players recording at least one.
The series history made the test significant for BCU. Although the teams were tied at nine victories apiece overall, Alabama State had won all five meetings since Bethune-Cookman joined the SWAC.
Those factors put the emphasis on execution in the trenches. BCU needed to sustain its own ground production while preventing the Hornets from controlling possessions.
This archival analysis describes the matchup using BCU Athletics’ October 1 preview, before the October 3 game.
Source: Bethune-Cookman Athletics.
THE CONVERSATION.