FAMU gets last chance for second win against Wildcats in annual Florida Classic
Although the Rattlers gave up more than 500 yards of total offense, their defense had bright spots with some gang tackling.
Photos by Vaughn Wilson/FAMU athletic
By Morgan Culler
Special to the Outlook
Baltimore, Md. – Florida A&M is down to one last chance to end the season with at least two victories, after fall 21-7 to Morgan State University at Hughes Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Rattlers will get their last shot to close the season with more than one win Saturday in the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic against Bethune-Cookman University at the Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
“We came up short,” said coach Alex Wood. “I thought at times we played competitive on offense but not enough to put points on the board and score the win.
“It’s more of the same right now. We just have to find a way to dig deep and get ready for the Classic.”
After a scoreless first quarter against the Bears, it took the Rattlers 2:17, seven plays to march 80 yards to score their only touchdown. They scored on a 12-yard pass from starting quarterback Kenny Coleman to sophomore wide receiver Brandon Norwood, who had to make a leaping catch. Placekicker Colby Blanton added the extra point.
On the ensuring play, MSU running back, Orlando Johnson, ran 8-yards into the end zone for a Bears touchdown. Chris Moller added the PAT to tie the game at 7-7 with six minutes left in the half.
The Bears (4-5, 4-3 MEAC), missed an opportunity to go on top by a field goal when Moller missed the upright on a 30-yard attempt. He also missed a 28-yard try in the first quarter.
However, the Bears got the go-ahead score on a short run by quarterback Moses Skillon with 4:40 left in the third quarter. Morgan added another touchdown later in the quarter for their final score.
The Rattlers (1-9, 1-6) finished the game with 196 yards of total offense, while the Bears racked up 540 yards.
Junior defensive back Jules Dornevil and senior linebacker Kashawn Butler led the Rattler defense with seven tackles apiece.
Norwood led the offense with 66 yards. Coleman finished the game with 136 yards, connecting on 15 of 34 attempts.
Morgan State’s sophomore running back Orlando Johnson led the Bears’ ground attack with 96 yards on 20 carries, while senior wide receiver Andrew King paced the Bears in the air with 168 yards and one touchdown.
