As Miami Hurricane fans are coming down after the Notre Dame win, they move on to Bethune Cookman Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. The score of the Notre Dame wasn't indicative of the game. While not quite a smack them with a hose filled with sand beat down, it was an impressive handling on both sides of the ball. Also, the `Canes never trailed. There has been some play-calling criticism based on the uber conservative nature the last for possessions. They did not get a first down.
Keys to the Bethune-Cookman game:
- -Don’t get hurt. That pretty much is the key to these type of games when a non-power 4 team is scheduled and there is a 50-plus point spread. The outcome is not in question but it’s still football and injuries can happen. The Wildcats have some talented players and it is a contact sport.
- -Get younger players some game time. In this transfer portal era, players do not have patience of years past and interest in sitting and becoming “developed” and “waiting your turn.“ These games can provide a taste of what is to come for younger players.
- -Lastly, a very minor and overlook opportunity in these types of games are for coaches to scout potential players for transfer. Who knows what type of players may flash and create an opportunity for themselves in a game like this. The Bethune Cookman players with elite talent can showcase themselves for a potential move to the big league. Chamar “Marty” Brown last year was at North Dakota St.
Wait, I came to see the band!
Just found out the Bethune Cookman University band will not be making the trip. Very sorry to hear that. “Let’s Go Wildcats“ is the hardest fight song in all of sports! Argue with your mama! (full disclosure my oldest daughter attended Bethune Cookman University one year, and I applaud their academic excellence and treatment of students. As a fellow graduate of a UNCF institution, the idea of Mary McLeod Bethune armed with $1.50 starting an institution by first teaching four girls is quite a a success story.) Having grown up in the heart of the classic of classics, the Bayou Classic I understand the culture. If you really want to see how many people are at the Classic (chose any), watch the stands at halftime. Everybody will be in their seats watching the band. I’ve been to Bayou Classic, Circle City Classic, Orange Blossom Classic, the Florida Classic, etc., While the football is certainly interesting, it’s the battle of the bands that many fans see as the main event. It's to the extent that there is something called “5th Quarter” at HBCU football games. A sizable portion of the fans will stay for postgame back and forth playing of songs by the bands. It’s quite enjoyable and a unique culture to experience.
If all goes well for the Canes, this could be better than having a bye week.