Another day, another Rattler win.
The Florida A&M football team extended its home winning streak to 21 games with a win over South Carolina State on Saturday. A crowd of nearly 16,000 filled the stadium to cap off another Welcome Week at the Highest of Seven Hills.
The players wore patches on their helmets to honor the late Eddie Jackson, who served as president of the 220 Quarterback Club until his passing in June.
The women’s indoor track and field team was also honored during the game for their SWAC championship this past spring.
Much like the season-opening win against Norfolk State in Atlanta last week, this victory did not come without drama and grit. The Rattlers once again came from behind in the second half to secure the win. After the game, FAMU head coach James Colzie III reflected on his halftime conversation with his team.
“We talked about finishing,” Colzie said. “We talked about dominating the fourth quarter. We talked about winning situations.”
Colzie also praised SCSU head coach Chennis Berry’s performance.
“I thought he did a really good job getting ready for us,” Colzie said. “They did a really good job having their systems in place. They were pretty balanced the whole night.”
SCSU presented a rushing challenge similar to what the Rattlers faced against Norfolk State. The Bulldogs’ combination of running backs Deondra Duhart and KZ Adams amassed over 140 rushing yards.
As the game progressed, Colzie said he made adjustments to limit the run game.
“We put in some bigger guys,” Colzie said. “We went to a bigger front and took care of our gaps.”
The Bulldogs struck first on their second drive of the game following a costly pass interference penalty on FAMU defensive back Michael Oppong. SCSU quarterback Eric Phoenix launched a 39-yard throw to senior wide receiver Justin Smith-Brown, placing the Bulldogs at the Rattlers’ 1-yard line. SCSU settled for a field goal by sophomore kicker Kyle Gallegos to lead 3-0.
In FAMU’s next possession, tight end Kolby Gross caught a 29-yard pass from quarterback Daniel Richardson for a touchdown. Kicker Cameron Gillis made the extra point to put the Rattlers ahead 7-3.
As the second quarter neared its end, the Bulldogs closed the gap to 7-6 with a second successful field goal by Gallegos.
In the third quarter, the Rattlers started strong after electing to receive the ball. However, the drive ended without points due to Richardson’s first turnover of the season on a fumble in the Bulldogs’ red zone. After two quick and unsuccessful possessions by both teams, SCSU marched down the field, scoring their first touchdown on an eight-yard catch from Phoenix to junior running back KZ Adams. Defensive back Kendall Bohler blocked Gallegos’ extra point attempt, keeping the score at 12-7.
Another FAMU fumble late in the third quarter gave SCSU favorable field position. The Bulldogs capitalized early in the fourth quarter with a one-yard rushing touchdown by junior running back Josh Shaw. The Bulldogs were stopped on a two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score at 18-7.
With 12 minutes remaining, the Rattlers needed two possessions to preserve their streak.
“It seems like when we get down,” Colzie said, “that’s when we start playing better.”
The Rattlers did just that. In 90 seconds, they capitalized on a costly SCSU pass interference penalty and a 41-yard pass from Richardson to Gross for a touchdown, closing the gap to 18-12. A successful two-point conversion brought them within 2 points.
FAMU sealed the victory with a touchdown pass to senior running back Thad Franklin Jr., making the final score 22-18. The Rattlers controlled the final four and a half minutes of the game, similar to their performance against the Spartans last week.
For the first time this season, the Rattlers will review film of their opponents to prepare for their next game. Colzie said the availability of game footage for their upcoming match against FBS school Miami gives them an advantage.
“They would’ve had one game film that we would have to look at with the new quarterback and a couple of new systems,” Colzie said. “I trust my staff that if we continue to watch our team and watch who we play, we’ll be able to put a quality game plan together.”
The Hurricanes defeated in-state rival Florida 41-17 on Saturday. The Rattlers and Hurricanes will meet in Miami on Sept. 7.