Bethune-Cookman football takeaways: Wildcats hold off Alabama State in SWAC opener

Tre Rigby, a junior safety for Bethune-Cookman, emphasized that a touchdown could have been scored but a victory is all that mattered. He secured the game-winning fumble, which was initially ruled an incomplete pass but later overturned as a fumble after a review. This play was the final ingredient needed to secure a 16-10 victory for the Wildcats in their SWAC opener against Alabama State, which they accomplished in a four-hour and 34-minute game that included a 90-minute weather delay.

Head coach Raymond Woodie Jr. praised his team's performance, stating that they played the full 60 minutes, contrary to a previous game where they only played 58 minutes. The victory marked the second straight season where Bethune-Cookman started the SWAC season with a win. Additionally, quarterback Tyler Jefferson appeared to be on the verge of a record-breaking season, with 484 rushing yards and eight touchdowns this season.

The point was driven home by Rashon Brown, who had a dominant performance, rushing for 260 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Lanier was also a vital contributor, making significant contributions in field goals and adding to the team's success.