SCSU vs. B-C: 'It's going to be like Ali and Frazier'

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Brian Jenkins is all about "living for the moment."

Rather than dwell on his past or even future accomplishments in just over a year as Bethune-Cookman head football coach, Jenkins stays focused on the next challenge ahead. The 63-14 thrashing of Prairie View A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge three days ago was already a distant memory as Jenkins spoke at Tuesday's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference teleconference.

For Jenkins and the Wildcats, "the moment" for them is this Saturday at Municipal Stadium against co-defending MEAC champion South Carolina State (0-1).

"It's going to be another heavyweight fight," said Jenkins during Tuesday's MEAC teleconference. "It's going to be like Ali and Frazier. You have two programs with great pride that do things the right way."

The Wildcats (1-0) won last year's meeting 14-0 that ended the Bulldogs' conference-record 21-game winning streak. It was the first time since 1978 (14-0 to Newberry) that South Carolina State was shut out at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium and first at the hands of a MEAC opponent since a 39-0 loss to Delaware State in 1990.

Bethune-Cookman had another strong showing defensively against the Panthers, forcing six turnovers. Linebacker Reggie Sandilands earned College Football Performance Award National Linebacker of the Week honors and safety D.J. Howard was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Week for their respective play.

Despite Bethune-Cookman's strong showing against the Panthers, Jenkins was not totally satisfied with the victory. Specifically, the 132 yards in penalties his team was assessed which he found unacceptable and concerned about proving costly in a close contest.

He also sounded non-committal in regard to the starting quarterback position. Even after Maryland transfer Jamarr Robinson threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another score, Jenkins insisted he has to play at a "higher level" and even hint at pulling a "switcheroo" with either David Blackwell, Jackie Wilson or even freshman Quentin Williams.

Although the Bulldogs lost their season-opener 21-6 to Central Michigan, Jenkins came away more than impressed with the play of the defense. In fact, he counted three plays in the contest which could have changed the outcome in favor of S.C. State.

As important as Saturday's conference-opener is for both teams, Jenkins agreed with Pough in not turning it into a "make or break" game.

"The rest of the year is so far away," he said. "My main concern right now is South Carolina State."

Kickoff for Saturday's game is 4 p.m.

Spence running

Wildcats' offense

Guilding Bethune-Cookman's offense this year is Rob Spence.

The former play-caller at Clemson University from 2005-08 was the third offensive coordinator hired in the past year by Bethune-Cookman, following the departures of Mark Orlando and initial replacement Danny Barrett. Jenkins said Spencer has worked diligently to ingratiate himself with the players and has provided a strong influence both on and off the field.

"Rob is a good quality man and that's what makes him a good hire," he said.

During Spence's stint at Clemson, it was the only ACC team to finish in the top four in the league in rushing, passing, and total offense. Spence accomplished that feat with three different starting quarterbacks in Charlie Whitehurst (2005), Will Proctor (2006), and Cullen Harper (2007).

Ironically, the Tigers' final victory with Spence as offensive coordinator came Sept. 20, 2008 against S.C. State in a 54-0 rout. Spence was dismissed from the program two weeks later after head coach Tommy Bowden resigned following consecutive losses to Maryland and Wake Forest.

Contact the writer: tgrant@timesanddemocrat.com^[1] or by calling (803) 533-5547. For more information about S.C. State athletics, visit www.thebulldogzone.com^[2].

References

1. ^{^} tgrant@timesanddemocrat.com (www.thetandd.com)
2. ^{^} www.thebulldogzone.com (www.thebulldogzone.com)