In an exhilarating Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football contest at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats found themselves on the losing side of a 28-14 decision against Grambling State on a Saturday afternoon. The game was a rollercoaster ride of momentum swings, with turnovers playing a pivotal role in the final outcome.
The opening quarter saw both teams combine for an impressive 28 points, setting the stage for a high-octane showdown. However, it was Bethune-Cookman (1-7, 0-5 SWAC) that found themselves trailing 21-14 at halftime, in spite of their early lead.
The Wildcats began the game with a bang, as wide receiver Tink Boyd, a Virginia Tech transfer, seized the opportunity. Facing a fourth-and-one situation on their own 42-yard line, Bethune-Cookman executed a daring play. Tight end Nebanye Moore took the snap, but the ball was dislodged and found its way into Boyd’s hands, resulting in a remarkable 58-yard fumble return for a touchdown. This electrifying play put BCU ahead 7-0 in the early stages.
Grambling State (4-4, 3-2 SWAC) responded swiftly, with Davonte Webster recovering a BCU fumble and sprinting 17 yards into the end zone to even the score at 7-7 after Tanner Rinker’s successful extra point.
The Tigers then seized the lead for the first time in the game, thanks to a swift drive orchestrated by quarterback Myles Crawley. In just four plays, the Tigers covered significant ground, highlighted by a 33-yard connection with receiver Javon Robinson. Chance Williams capped off the drive with a 21-yard rushing touchdown, and Grambling State took the lead at 14-7.
Grambling State’s dominance continued as Williams added a 61-yard rushing touchdown, concluding a thrilling first quarter with the Tigers ahead 21-7.
Bethune-Cookman didn’t back down, reducing the deficit just before halftime by capitalizing on their second fumble recovery for a touchdown. After Floyd Chalk’s promising runs on a GSU drive, Floyd fumbled at the BCU 23-yard line, and Omari Hill-Robinson made a game-changing play. He scooped up the fumble and raced 77 yards to the end zone, marking his first touchdown of the 2023 season.
In the fourth quarter, Grambling State sealed the deal with a 34-yard rushing touchdown from Floyd, securing the final 28-14 scoreline.
Myles Crawley completed 11 of 22 passes for 142 yards and orchestrated Grambling State’s offense with precision. Chance Williams shone with a pair of rushing touchdowns and over 100 yards on the ground. Crawley connected with six different receivers, with Javon Robinson amassing six catches for 73 yards. The Tigers’ defense was led by the impressive Sundiata Anderson, who contributed 11 tackles, while Lewis Matthews added eight.
Tylik Bethea, making his first start for Bethune-Cookman, displayed his potential by connecting with six different receivers in the game. He concluded the contest with eight completions and 70 yards through the air. Iverson Clement led the Wildcats’ defense with a team-high 10 tackles, and four additional Wildcats made four tackles each.
Bethune-Cookman is set to return to the field with an exciting matchup against Mississippi Valley State on Thursday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m. The prime time action will be broadcast on ESPNU and promises another thrilling chapter in their SWAC journey.
