Miami Hurricanes Football: A Preview of Bethune-Cookman

Oct. 1, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Bethune Cookman Wildcats head coach Brian Jenkins before a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Coming off of a 52-13 thrashing courtesy of Kansas State, the Miami Hurricanes seek to rebound this Saturday vs. Bethune-Cookman.

Bethune-Cookman is not a team to be underestimated.  They have two come from behind wins this season and are sitting at 2-0 amid the MEAC.  Since becoming the Wildcats head coach, Brian Jenkins has amassed a 20-5 record during his short tenure.

The ‘Canes are without a doubt the toughest team on the Wildcats schedule.  But Miami fans should not assume the automatic win.  As B-CU prepares for the upset, Miami still remains heavily favored – like a 43 point favorite.  But, don’t expect the Wildcats to be intimidated by the U.  Coach Jenkins has instilled in his players a “stay in the moment” philosophy.  That is, “…how to work the moment, good or bad, so that you are prepared for the next moment.”  Likewise, let’s hope that the ‘Canes can focus on the moment at hand as well.

The Wildcats are coming off of a 27-14 win against South Carolina State, a game in which they scored 27 unanswered points.  DB Dion Hanks will be the player to watch.  He nabbed two interceptions against SCSU and was announced as the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week.  If Miami QB Stephen Morris doesn’t establish an early rhythm, Hanks could add to his interception total.

As if defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio couldn’t be scrutinized any more, could you imagine if the ‘Canes suffered a loss at the hands of a MEAC school?  You can bet that Miami fans will be watching their defense closely this weekend.  While Miami resembles nothing more than an average team, B-CU is sitting nicely atop the HBCU major football poll.

Here’s an impressive stat: “For the second straight game when facing a shutout deficit after the first quarter, B-CU has not allowed any points once they started scoring, with 38 and 27 unanswered in the first two games…”  Also, “B-CU is now 8-3 in televised games of the Brian Jenkins era.”

B-CU does not have any injured players listed for Saturday’s game.  As for Miami – where should we begin?  DT Curtis Porter (appendectomy), LB Raphael Kirby (knee), WR Allen Hurns (concussion), S Vaughn Telemaque (knee) and LB Ramon Buchanan (knee) are all expected to be sidelined on Saturday.

Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.

When: September 15 12 p.m. ET

Channel: ESPN 3

Line: Miami by 43 (If I were a betting man, I would probably take B-CU).