Bethune-Cookman Head Coach Brian Jenkins enjoys watching Florida A&M running back Phillip Sylvester play the game and will do so until 2:35 p.m. today when the Wildcats and Rattlers kick off the the 31st annual Florida Classic. And when the game clock reaches zero, Jenkins once again will appreciate Sylvester’s abilities.But for four hours, the goal will be to contain Sylvester, whose streak of five consecutive 100-yard games just happens to coincide with the Rattlers’ five-game winning streak.
“I’ve watched several of Sylvester’s games and actually enjoy watching him play. My hat goes off to him,” Jenkins said during Tuesday’s Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference . "The kid at North Carolina A&T (Mike Mayhew) was good, but Phillip’s better. He’s the best running back in the conference.”
So how does Jenkins plan on containing Sylvester? He kidded that “kidnapping” is one idea, but it comes down to basics.
“We have to play sound, fundamental football, and put a hand on this kid, swarm tackle him. If not, he’ll have a field day,” Jenkins said. “You can’t stop him, you only hope to contain him or throw him off his rhythm. He has the speed to take it to the house. He runs with power, awareness, can make you miss.”
Everyone knows at stake for the 7th ranked Wildcats: An undefeated regular season, an FCS playoff berth and the outright Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship. Jenkins has been working on focus.
“I’ve been telling the players we could let everything overwhelm us or we can be men and keep it all in perspective, Jenkins said. “It’s a part of our lives. We have to stay in the moment, enjoy it as well as prepare for it and then our trained behavior will become instinct and we’ll be ready. We look at every game the same. Every game is important. That’s helped us all season.”
It’s Jenkins first Florida Classic, and he appreciates how its showcases not only his programs, but the conference and HBCU football.
“This will be a star-studded event,” Jenkins said. “The magnitude of this game is immeasurable. I strongly believe it gives the nation a chance to see two quality HBCU programs who will show they are disciplined, well-coached teams. I don’t know if the nation gives HBCUs enough credit.”
ESPN Classic will air the game today, with kickoff at 2:35 p.m.