By Andreas Bulter / Daytona Times
(Source Daytona Times):
The defense and special teams lifted the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats to a 20-7 win over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in front of 4,380 fans in a nationally televised game on ESPNU at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 2.
The Wildcats picked up their first SWAC win of the season.
Their second win of the season also ties their win total of the past two seasons.
B-CU’s defense recorded four sacks, forced three turnovers, and got a key fourth-down stop in the fourth quarter while special teams blocked a punt and field goal.
“I’m really proud of the guys. We fought hard in all three phases of the game and found a way to put the nail in the coffin,” said B-CU Head Coach Raymond Woodie, Jr.
“Defense made stops and kept them out of the end zone. Special teams got some blocks and the offense scored points. I’m really excited about this team.”
The Delta Devils had their chances but failed to capitalize due to three turnovers, two missed field goals, penalties and a failed red zone attempt late.
Tink Boyd had a career-high four catches for 76 yards with two scores for the Wildcats.
“I just did what coach has been telling us all week. He always says if we do our assignment, it will be a big game for everybody,” responded Boyd.
The players are also ecstatic about the win as well.
“It’s crunk right now in the locker room. We’re enjoying this,” said B-CU defensive back/kick returner Darnell Deas.
Deas had a key interception late in the game that he almost returned for a score along with three pass breakups.
He said, ‘It’s good to finally get one. I saw the receiver and when the quarterback looked at him, I crept over. He looked at him all the way.”
Bethune-Cookman (2-7, 1-5) struck first for a 7-0 lead when running back Mar’Kai Shaw threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Tink Boyd on a halfback pass with 7:27 left in the first quarter.
The Wildcats extended their lead to 14-0 when Tylik Bethea found Boyd from eight yards out with 14:12 remaining in the second quarter.
B-CU added a field goal and led 17-0 at halftime.
Mississippi Valley State (1-8, 1-5) got within 17-7 on Jared Wilson one-yard run with 11:23 remaining in the third quarter.
Penalties, turnovers and a failed fourth and goal from the five-yard line would do in Mississippi Valley.
The Delta Devils held the advantage in total offensive yardage 394-292, passing yards 296-177, first downs 24-15 and time of possession 37:05-22:55.
The Wildcats held the edge in rushing yards 115-98.
B-CU was 0-for-9 on third-down conversions but 3-for-4 in red zone scoring chances.
Mississippi Valley was 5-for-14 on third down conversion and 2-for-3 on fourth down conversion but just 1-for-5 in redzone scoring chances.
The Delta Devils were penalized nine times for 70 yards compared to four for 50 yards for the Wildcats.
Back-up quarterback Jayden Sisk threw for 174 yards for Mississippi Valley State.
Bethea threw for 136 yards with a touchdown for B-CU.
Wilson added 56 yards rushing with a score and Jaxon Davis had four catches for 92 yards for the Delta Devils.
Jimmie Robinson added 61 yards rushing and Decari Allen-Johnson had three catches for 37 yards for B-CU.
The Wildcats were led defensively by Dearis Thomas (11 total tackles) along with Conroy Cunningham, Iverson Clement, Stephen Sparrow and Ja’Bari Jaudon who all had seven total tackles apiece; Eddie Walls (6 total tackles, .5 sack); Ebenezer Dibula (6 total tackles, .5 sack); Omari-Hill Robinson (1 interception); Adrian Hall, Jr. (5 total tackles 1.5 sacks) and Amari Jones (1 sack).
Daverno Ellington also blocked a punt and Deonte Washington blocked a field goal B-CU.
Bethune-Cookman hosts Alabama A&M while Mississippi Valley State plays Alabama State on Saturday, Nov. 11.
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