In a thrilling matchup between Florida A&M and South Carolina State, the Rattlers overcame a late deficit to secure a dramatic 22-18 victory. The Bulldogs struck first, taking an early 3-0 lead with a 35-yard field goal by Kyle Gallegos late in the first quarter. FAMU responded in the second quarter with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Richardson to Koby Gross, giving the Rattlers a 7-3 lead. As the half closed, South Carolina State added another Gallegos field goal, cutting the deficit to 7-6.
South Carolina State regained momentum in the third quarter when Eric Phoenix connected with Kazarius Adams for an 8-yard touchdown. Despite a missed extra point, the Bulldogs led 12-7. Early in the fourth quarter, Josh Shaw powered in a 1-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 18-7, although a failed two-point conversion left the door open.
Florida A&M’s offense surged back as Richardson found Karter Johnson for a 7-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion that cut the lead to 18-15. With time winding down, Richardson engineered another drive, capping it with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Thad Franklin to reclaim the lead, 22-18 with 5:39 remaining.
South Carolina State’s offense couldn’t answer on the following drive as FAMU held the Bulldogs to a three and out series. The Rattlers ran out the remaining 4:31 with a ten play drive.
Phoenix completed just 12 of 25 passes for 132 yards with a single touchdown for SCSU. On the ground, the Bulldogs ran for 154 yards, led by Deondra Duehart’s 74 yards. Meanwhile, Richardson carried the Rattlers’ offense, completing 23 of 38 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns.
The FAMU win spoils the coaching debut for Chennis Berry who took over in the offseason from the now retired Buddy Pough. But for a game that had a lot of buzz heading into the season, it may be a sour note for SCSU fans but the game certainly lived up to expectations. The Bulldogs were playing their first game of the season, FAMU improves to 2-0 coming on the heels of a win against Norfolk State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.