Bethune-Cookman pulled off a resounding victory over Jackson State University, 24-21, that completely opened up the SWAC East race. Heading into week 9 of the football season, no one program has the upper hand. Fierce matchups are happening this weekend. Before Bethune-Cookman turned its attention to a competitive University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff team, Woodie discussed his team's upset victory over Jackson State.

On Monday's SWAC Coaches Call, Woodie said he was proud of his players, then walked through how the game unfolded. Bethune-Cookman jumped out to an early lead, and a fourth-down call helped set the tone.

“We started off the game, first quarter, taking a 14-0 lead. We had a 21-yard pass from our Q to Josh Evans. And then we ended up having a 33-yard pass to our running back, Rashad Brown, on fourth down. That was a big call, obviously. We felt like at that point that we needed to do that on fourth and go, and we did it, and it put us in position to go up 14-0.”

Jackson State fought back and eventually took the lead after a special teams mishap gave it the ball at the one-yard line. Bethune-Cookman’s offense answered with less than three minutes remaining.

“Our offense took over with less than three minutes in the game, and we went 75 yards to retake the lead on third and 11 on the scramble,” Woodie said. “It was good to see Tyler being able to look the guy off and then roll out scrambling and hit Ricky Shaw with 40 seconds remaining.”

The Wildcats still needed one more stop, and the defense delivered.

“One last drive for Jackson State, and we had a big-time stop. They tried a 49-yard field goal and they missed it. Then the clock ran out, and we ended up getting out there with a 24-21 win, which was a big-time game by both sides.”

The defense held a Jackson State offense that came in averaging 425 yards per game to just 244 total yards. Woodie credited the group’s attention to fundamentals rather than individual talent.

“We work on the little details, because if you don’t work on the little details, it can cost you in crucial situations. Collectively as a group, we don’t have outstanding guys with unbelievable talent. We’re all working for one cause, and that’s doing your job, and I think that’s what we have.”

With the win, Woodie said, his team is gaining belief as it tries to build the program.

“I’m happy for the guys. We still have a lot to get better at, as far as offense, defense, and special teams. But obviously when you win, the guys start to believe, especially when you’re trying to build a program and get them over the hump. Winning is always good.”

Article Continues Below

Next up is a road trip to Pine Bluff to face Alonzo Hampton and UAPB, a coach Woodie knows well. Woodie said the two are friends who have crossed paths at several stops, including Florida State.

“Hampton and I, we’re good friends. We’ve been to several stops together. He’s gonna have those guys ready to go, doing a really good job with that program. We just got to stay laser focused. You can be up one minute, down the next.”

He said the approach for UAPB won’t change after such a big win.

“We have a 24-hour rule. We’re gonna prepare the same way we prepare each week. We’re not there yet, so we have to worry about us and not worry about the opponent. At the end of the day, we got to make sure we’re doing the things that we’re coached to do, and we do those things well, then everything else will work itself out.”