photos by: DON JUAN MOORE/outlook news
written by: JASON MCDONALD & DON JUAN MOORE/outlook news
TALLAHASSEE, FL – On a warm Saturday evening, the Florida A&M Rattlers once again proved why they are a force to be reckoned with in college football, particularly within the HBCU landscape. In front of a packed and electrified crowd at Ken Riley Field in Bragg Memorial Stadium, the Rattlers delivered a heart-stopping comeback to defeat South Carolina State 22-18, extending their remarkable home winning streak to 21 games—the second-longest in the nation.
This game was more than just a victory; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of a program that has become synonymous with resilience and excellence. The Rattlers, now 2-0 on the season, dug deep to overcome an 18-7 deficit in the fourth quarter, a comeback that will be talked about for years to come in Tallahassee.
The Anatomy of a Comeback
The Rattlers’ comeback was orchestrated by quarterback Daniel Richardson, who showed the poise and leadership that has made him the heartbeat of this FAMU team. With the game on the line, Richardson completed 23 of 38 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns, two of which came in the final 10 minutes and 32 seconds of the game.
The first of those crucial touchdowns was a 7-yard strike to tight end Karter Johnson, who found himself open in the end zone, narrowing the Bulldogs’ lead and reigniting the Rattlers’ hopes. But it wasn’t just the touchdown that mattered; it was the gutsy decision to go for a two-point conversion that truly signaled FAMU’s intent. Richardson calmly connected with Koby Gross to cut the lead to three points, bringing the score to 18-15 and shifting momentum firmly in FAMU’s favor.
Moments later, with the clock ticking down, Richardson once again took control, threading a precise 6-yard pass to running back Thad Franklin Jr. for the go-ahead touchdown. The crowd erupted as the Rattlers seized the lead for the first time since the second quarter, making it 22-18, a lead they would not relinquish.
A Defense That Would Not Break
While Richardson and the offense received much of the spotlight, it was the Rattlers’ defense that provided the backbone of this victory. Despite allowing 154 rushing yards to South Carolina State, with 111 of those yards coming in the second half, the defense stood tall when it mattered most.
Key defensive plays punctuated the game, including a critical sack by safety Deco Wilson on Bulldogs quarterback Eric Phoenix, which stalled a promising South Carolina State drive in the first quarter. Wilson’s sack was part of a broader defensive effort that saw the Rattlers record seven tackles for loss, with defensive back Michael Oppong leading the way.
The defining moment for the defense came after South Carolina State scored in the third quarter to extend their lead. Instead of letting the game slip away, the Rattlers’ special teams unit blocked the ensuing PAT, a play that would prove pivotal in the final outcome.
Overcoming Adversity
As thrilling as the victory was, it did not come without its challenges. FAMU’s path to victory was littered with missed opportunities and mistakes that could have easily derailed their comeback effort.
In the second quarter, kicker Cameron Gillis missed a 31-yard field goal that would have given the Rattlers a 10-3 lead. Instead, they went into halftime clinging to a slim 7-6 advantage. The second half presented more difficulties, as the Rattlers fumbled twice, including a costly miscommunication between Richardson and his center that resulted in a turnover in the red zone.
Karter Johnson, who would later redeem himself with a touchdown catch, also fumbled after a promising 12-yard gain, a mistake that allowed South Carolina State to capitalize with a 1-yard touchdown run by Josh Shaw. Penalties were another thorn in the Rattlers’ side, with FAMU committing six for 65 yards, mirroring the Bulldogs’ ten penalties for the same yardage.
Eyes on the Future
With the victory in hand, the Rattlers now turn their attention to a formidable opponent—the Miami Hurricanes. The September 7 matchup at Hard Rock Stadium promises to be a stern test for FAMU, as Miami is coming off a dominant 41-17 win over Florida. The Rattlers will need to clean up the mistakes and continue to play with the heart and determination that carried them to victory on Saturday if they hope to compete against one of the nation’s top programs.
But if this game showed anything, it’s that the Florida A&M Rattlers are built to fight until the final whistle. Under the leadership of head coach Willie Simmons, this team has embraced a culture of resilience and excellence, embodying the pride of their HBCU heritage. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, the Rattlers know they have what it takes to overcome adversity and continue their journey as one of the most respected programs in college football.
This is more than just a team; it’s a legacy, one that FAMU is determined to uphold, one thrilling comeback at a time.