It’s been a long, tough year for Hampton, but Thursday night’s win over Bethune-Cookman could be a potential game-changer. Hampton jumped out to an early lead over the two-time defending MEAC champions and held on for a 40-35 win on ESPNU.
The unquestionable star of the game for Hampton was freshman quarterback Jerrell Antoine, completed 21 of 34 passes for 249 yards and five touchdowns. Hampton also got a big lift from freshman running back Eric Carter, Jr. who rushed for 124 yards.
It was a signature win for Hampton under first-year coach Connell Maynor. Maynor came in with a lot of hype, and his team hasn’t lived up to it for most of the year. But they found a way to get it done on Thursday night.
While the win is by far the highlight of Hampton’s season, the loss seriously put Bethune-Cookman’s (8-4) bid for a fourth championship in five years in jeopardy. BCU is now one of four MEAC teams with two losses heading into this weekend.