Daytona Beach, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2014) --- Delaware State dug an early hole for itself and never recovered in a 27-7 loss to MEAC preseason favorite Bethune-Cookman at Municipal Stadium today. The Wildcats, ranked 17^th in the two major FCS national polls, won their MEAC opener to improve to 4-1 overall. The Hornets fell to 1-5 overall and 1-1 in conference play.     

Bethune-Cookman took advantage of three special teams shortcomings by the Hornets to open up a 21-0  lead in the first quarter.

After going three-and-out on the opening possession of the game, the Hornets lined up to punt.  The kick under pressure from the endzone by Jeremiah McGeough went off the back of a DSU teammate and recovered by Bethune-Cookman's Leroy Holt for a touchdown just 1:27 into the contest.

A two-yard punt by McGeough after the Hornets' second possession gave Bethune-Cookman the ball at its 45-yard line. Six plays later, quarter Quentin Williams connected with Jhomo Gordon on a 26-yard touchdown pass for the Wildcats' second touchdown. Haden Hoggarth's extra point kick gave BCU a 14-0 lead with 6:21 left in the opening quarter.

Delaware State's third possession of the game also ended in a punt by Milton Williams III, who was brought in to replace McGeough. The punt by Williams III traveled 10 yards, giving Bethune-Cookman the ball at the DSU 38. It took the Wildcats just two plays to take advantage of the good field position. BCU quarterback Williams hooked up with running back Michael Jones on a 15-yard scoring pass to give the Cats a three-touchdown lead.

The Hornets got on the board late in the first quarter on their second defensive touchdown in the last two games.

Terrick Colston stepped in front of a pass by BCU's Williams and scampered 11 yards to the endzone for a touchdown with five seconds left in the first quarter. It was his second career interception return for a touchdown and the Hornets' first since Nick Williams against Howard (79 yards) in 2012.

Mitchell Ward's extra point kick following the score cut the Wildcats' lead to 21-7.

Delaware State forced two Bethune-Cookman turnovers in the second quarter, but failed to take advantage. The Hornets could not move the ball after recovering a Wildcat fumble at the DSU 29; and mishandled a snap on a 44-yard field goal attempt following a recovered fumble at the Bethune-Cookman 27.   

The Wildcats held the two-touchdown lead at the halftime break.  

"The early mistakes put us in a tough spot and we had to fight from behind the whole game," said Delaware State head coach Kermit Blount. "Still, we had opportunities to get back into the game; but couldn't capitalize. We were never able to get much going offensively, which put a lot of pressure on our defense."   

The Hornets were outgained 275-86 in first half total yardage.

Bethune-Cookman added an insurance touchdown when Anthony Jordan capped off a nine-play, 52-yard drive with a one-yard plunge on 14:11 left to play.

Delaware State advanced to the BCU 37 on its first possession of the second half, but failed to reach midfield the rest of the way.

The Wildcats won the total yardage battle 435-to-168. The Hornets were held to 41 yards rushing and 127 yards through the air.

Bethune-Cookman rushed for 237 yards, including 132 by Jones.

Malcolm Williams was Delaware State's top rusher with 39 yards on 14 carries. Hornet quarterback Gilbert Rivera completed 15-of-37 passes for 81 yards. Marlon Kelly came off the bench to complete four-of-eight throws for 46 yards.    

In addition to the interception, Colston led the Hornet defense with 12 tackles, including seven unassisted.  Davon Moore had 11 tackles and Alex Perry 10 for DSU.

The Hornets return to action next Saturday (Oct. 11) at Norfolk State. Game time is 2 p.m. DSU's next home game is Oct. 18 against North Carolina &T in the annual homecoming contest. Kickoff is 2 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.