MIAMI — Bethune-Cookman struggled to generate offensive momentum in a 42-9 season-opening loss to FlU on Thursday night at Pitbull Stadium.
The Wildcats (0-1) managed just 346 total yards against the Panthers and were held scoreless in the second half after trailing 28-6 at intermission.
Quarterback Timmy McClain completed 18 of 28 passes for 164 yards but was sacked twice and unable to lead the Wildcats into the end zone. Cam’Ron Ransom added 77 yards on 10 attempts in a backup role.
Juan Dominguez provided the only bright spot for Bethune-Cookman, connecting on all three field goal attempts from 35, 22 and 28 yards. The Wildcats reached the red zone five times but managed just three field goals.
Running back Marqui Johnson led the ground attack with 76 yards on nine carries, but the Wildcats were held to 105 rushing yards as a team against FIU’s defense.
Wide receiver Javon Ross caught six passes for 109 yards, including a 59-yard reception, to pace the passing attack. Rickie Shaw II added five catches for 52 yards before leaving with an injury in the fourth quarter.
The Wildcats’ defense struggled against FIU’s rushing attack, allowing 223 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. BCU managed two sacks but couldn’t force any turnovers while committing two fumbles.
A costly third-quarter fumble by Juan Rodriguez led to an FIU touchdown that extended the Panthers’ lead to 35-6.
Bethune-Cookman converted just 5 of 15 third-down attempts and was penalized eight times for 75 yards. The Wildcats also struggled with field position, averaging 42.8 yards per punt compared to FIU’s 51.0-yard average.
This story was drafted using an AI tool based on the official game box score and was then reviewed and edited by a journalist before publishing.
