Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

Bethune-Cookman to face challenging 2017 schedule

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:22 a.m. ET

(STATS) - Bethune-Cookman will play two FBS opponents and only four home games as its tries to rebound in its 11-game 2017 schedule, which was announced Thursday.

The perennial MEAC power slumped to 4-6 overall and 4-4 in conference games in coach Terry Sims' second season.

Bethune will open on the road for all three of its non-conference games, with FBS matchups against Miami (Sept. 2) and Florida Atlantic (Sept. 16) sandwiched around a trip to Southeastern Louisiana (Sept. 9).

The Wildcats will stay on the road for their MEAC opener against Howard (Sept. 23) before they play their first home game against Savannah State (Sept. 30).

South Carolina State (Oct. 14), Hampton (Oct. 28) and Morgan State (Nov. 4) also will visit Municipal Stadium in the MEAC. The Wildcats' other conference games will be at North Carolina A&T (Oct. 21) and defending champion North Carolina Central (Nov. 11) before they face rival Florida A&M (Nov. 18) in the Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

2017 Bethune-Cookman Schedule

Sept. 2, at Miami (Florida)

Sept. 9, at Southeastern Louisiana

Sept. 16, at Florida Atlantic

Sept. 23, at Howard*

Sept. 30, Savannah State*

Oct. 14, South Carolina State*

Oct. 21, at North Carolina A&T*

Oct. 28, Hampton*

Nov. 4, Morgan State*

Nov. 11, at North Carolina Central*

Nov. 18, Florida A&M (at Orlando)