Bethune-Cookman to open in MEAC/SWAC Challenge again

Feb 2, 2012 - 1:56 AM Daytona Beach, FL (Sports Network) - Bethune-Cookman will kick off its 2012 football season in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and make a trip to the University of Miami for a second straight season.

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference program announced its 11-game schedule Wednesday night, although a season-opening opponent has yet to be determined for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Sept. 2 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

A year ago, the Wildcats opened their season with a 63-14 rout of Prairie View A&M in the challenge that matches teams from the FCS' two historically black conferences.

Bethune-Cookman also will go to Miami on Sept. 15, hoping to avenge a 45-14 setback last season.

Coach Brian Jenkins' squad will play home games against Tennessee State (Sept. 22) from the Ohio Valley Conference and MEAC rivals North Carolina A&T (Oct. 6, Homecoming), Norfolk State (Nov. 20) and North Carolina Central (Nov. 27).

The Wildcats will visit conference foes South Carolina State (Sept. 8), Hampton (Sept. 29), Morgan State (Nov. 3) and Savannah State (Nov. 10), and play Florida A&M in the Florida Classic at the Florida Citrus Bowl on Nov. 17.

Bethune-Cookman is coming off an 8-3 record in Jenkins' second season.

2012 Bethune-Cookman Football Schedule

Sunday, Sept. 2, TBD at MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Orlando, Fla.

Saturday, Sept. 8, at South Carolina State*, Orangeburg, S.C.

Saturday, Sept. 15, at Miami, Miami Gardens, Fla.

Saturday, Sept. 22, Tennessee State, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Saturday, Sept. 29, at Hampton*, Hampton, Va.

Saturday, Oct. 6, North Carolina A&T (Homecoming)*, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Saturday, Oct. 20, Norfolk State*, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Saturday, Oct. 27, North Carolina Central*, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Saturday, Nov. 3, at Morgan State*, Baltimore

Saturday, Nov. 10, at Savannah State*, Savannah, Ga.

Saturday, Nov. 17, Florida A&M* at Florida Classic, Orlando, Fla.

* - MEAC game