HBCU football just hits different. If you were in Montgomery this past October, you saw exactly why. The atmosphere at ASU Stadium wasn't just about a game; it was about two programs trying to figure out where they belong in the hierarchy of the SWAC East. When Alabama State vs B-CU kicks off, you aren't just watching a box score happen in real time. You’re watching years of tension, recruiting battles, and a very specific type of Southern swagger.
Honestly, the 2025 matchup was a bit of a wild ride. Most people expected Alabama State to take care of business at home for their Homecoming, but Bethune-Cookman didn't exactly follow the script early on.
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What Actually Happened in the 2025 Matchup
Let's talk about that first play. Cam’Ron Ransom finds Maleek Huggins for an 85-yard touchdown right out of the gate. Talk about a silenced crowd. For about twelve seconds, it looked like the Wildcats were going to spoil the entire weekend for the Hornet faithful.
But football is a long game. Alabama State didn't panic. Behind Andrew Body and a relentless rushing attack, the Hornets basically took over the middle quarters. They scored on seven of their first nine possessions. That’s not just efficient; it’s a beatdown. By the time the third quarter rolled around, Jahbari Kuykendall was ripping off a 48-yard TD run, and the lead had ballooned to 45-14.
The final score of 52-35 makes it look like a shootout, which it sort of was—both teams combined for over 1,100 yards of total offense—but the Hornets were in control for the vast majority of that afternoon.
The Ground Game vs. The Air Attack
It’s kinda funny looking at the stats. B-CU actually outgained Alabama State in total yardage, 569 to 559. You don't see that every day in a 17-point loss. Timmy McClain was throwing the ball all over the yard for the Wildcats, finishing with 266 yards.
However, Alabama State owned the trenches. They ran for 388 yards.
- Jahbari Kuykendall: 106 yards and a score.
- Alihaja Scott Jr.: 100 yards of his own.
- Team Average: A whopping 9.7 yards per carry.
When you’re giving up nearly a first down every single time the opponent hands the ball off, you’re going to have a bad time. That has been the story of this matchup lately. Alabama State has now won five straight in this series, dating back to 2021.
The SWAC East Power Shift
For years, Bethune-Cookman was the "big bad" in the MEAC. Since they moved over to the SWAC, things have been tougher. They lead the all-time series against the Hornets 13-9 (depending on which record book you trust for those early 70s games), but the recent trend is all Montgomery.
The Hornets under Eddie Robinson Jr. have built a defense that people are starting to call the "Black SWARM." In 2024, they were top ten in the FCS in multiple defensive categories. Even when they give up points like they did in the 52-35 win, they have this knack for getting the ball back to their offense in plus territory.
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Key Players to Keep an Eye On
If you're looking forward to the next time these two meet, there are a few names that should be circled in your program.
1. Andrew Body (QB, Alabama State)
He’s the engine. When he’s healthy and moving, the Hornets' offense is multi-dimensional. He’s not just a runner; his 13-yard strike to Derick Harden and 30-yarder to Jalen Jones in the last game showed he can pick you apart if you stack the box to stop the run.
2. Timmy McClain (QB, B-CU)
He’s a gamer. He threw for two scores and ran for two more against the Hornets. Despite the loss, he proved that the Wildcats have the firepower to stay in games if they can just get a few stops on the other side of the ball.
3. The ASU Offensive Line
Guys like Desmond Daniels and Cameron Smith are the reason the Hornets averaged nearly 10 yards a carry. They are massive, they are veteran, and they basically move people against their will.
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The Misconception About "Blowouts"
People see 52-35 and think it was a one-sided affair from start to finish. It wasn't. B-CU scored on their last three possessions. They fought until the clock hit zero. The problem for the Wildcats isn't effort; it’s depth. By the fourth quarter, you could see the fatigue setting in on that defensive front.
Alabama State’s ability to rotate running backs like Jamarie Hostzclaw and Karl Ligon keeps their legs fresh while the defense is sucking wind. That’s the "secret sauce" that has fueled this five-game winning streak.
What’s Next for Both Programs?
If you're a fan or a bettor, you’ve gotta look at the trajectory. Alabama State finished 2025 strong, looking like a legitimate threat to the top of the division. Meanwhile, B-CU is still trying to find that consistency. Head coach Raymond Woodie has the Wildcats playing harder than they have in years, but they need to shore up that run defense if they ever want to flip the script on ASU.
For the Hornets, the goal is simple: keep the boot on the throat. They’ve established dominance in this specific rivalry, and with their recruiting classes lately, they don't look like they’re slowing down.
Next Steps for the Savvy Fan:
- Watch the Trenches: Next game, don't watch the ball. Watch the Alabama State O-line vs. the B-CU defensive tackles. If B-CU can't win that battle, the result won't change.
- Check the Transfer Portal: Both these teams are active. Keep an eye on defensive depth additions for B-CU this offseason.
- Attend a Home Game: If you can, get to Montgomery for a game. The band, the food, and the atmosphere at the New ASU Stadium make it one of the best experiences in college football.