FAMU football wins fourth straight Florida Classic vs Bethune-Cookman in nail-biter | Takeaways

FAMU football defeated Bethune-Cookman 41-38 in the Florida Classic at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. The Rattlers have won four straight Florida Classic over in-state rivals Wildcats.

Florida A&M football still reigns supreme over Bethune-Cookman.

The Rattlers defeated the Wildcats 41-38 before a crowd of 56,453 football fans at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. It was FAMU’s fourth straight year beating its in-state rivals, Bethune-Cookman.

FAMU outgained Bethune-Cookman 487-416. The Rattlers erased a 21-17 halftime deficit to claim the victory.

FAMU running back Thad Franklin Jr. starred for the Rattlers, carrying the football 26 times for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Franklin’s performance earned the Florida Classic’s Most Valuable Player Award.

FAMU football Thad Franklin Jr. runs all over Florida Classic rivals Bethune-Cookman

FAMU heavily relied on its rushing attack.

The Rattlers rushed 47 times for 305 yards.

Behind Franklin’s MVP outing, Kelvin Dean Jr. also was productive on the ground. Dean added 14 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown.

FAMU quarterback Daniel Richardson picked his spots, completing 15 of 21 passes for 182 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. His top target was wide receiver Quan Lee, who had five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.

FAMU football tested by Bethune-Cookman in Florida Classic

The Rattlers got a run their money with the Wildcats’ rushing attack.

Bethune-Cookman rushed 44 times for 183 yards. Dennis Palmer led the Wildcats with 37 carries for 178 yards.

Despite that, FAMU had bent but don’t break situations.

For example, FAMU held up Bethune-Cookman in a critical drive after the Rattlers threw an interception with 8:10 left. Nay’Ron Jenkins tackled Bethune-Cookman running back Palmer for a loss to turn the ball over on downs on 4th and 1.

The Rattlers had six tackles for loss and an interception which was caught by Jenkins.

FAMU football’s special teams gives up yardage, touchdown vs Florida Classic rivals Bethune-Cookman

The Rattlers’ special teams unit put the team in compromising situations.

Bethune-Cookman gained 123 yards on kickoffs on five returns.

Those returns pushed FAMU’s defense back in some situations.

On punts, the Rattlers gave allowed Wildcats punt returner Maleek Huggins to return a 51-yarder in the first quarter.

Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.

Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.