Game recap: Florida A&M holds off rally by South Carolina State, wins 20-14

Story by

Story by
Game recap: Florida A&M holds off rally by South Carolina State, wins 20-14

Gerald Thomas III, Tallahassee Democrat · Tallahassee Democrat

Sun, Oct 9, 2022 ·

5 min read

About Our Ads

Florida A&M got out to a quick 20-0 lead, then had to hold off hard-charging South Carolina State to pull out a 20-14 win in Orangeburg, S.C. Saturday and improve to 4-2.

More to come with our takeaways.

Earlier: Florida A&M football (3-2, 2-1 SWAC) are back on the road to take on the defending MEAC and HBCU Celebration Bowl champions, South Carolina State (1-3).

Last week, the Rattlers defeated Mississippi Valley, 34-7 to extend its home winning streak to 13 which is the second longest in the FCS.

South Carolina State are back playing after nine days after losing to South Carolina, 50-10 in a Thursday night Week 5 game.

Last season, the Rattlers defeated the Bulldogs, 30-7 powered by edge rusher Isaiah Land breaking the program's single-game sack record with five along with the defense adding three interceptions.

FAMU coach Willie Simmons is looking for his team to have more success in away games as the Rattlers are 8-6 during his tenure. Four of those losses were to FBS schools. The other two was Howard in 2018 and Southeastern Louisiana in the 2021 FCS playoffs.

► Where can I watch the game? Florida A&M Rattlers vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs, how to catch the live stream

► What FAMU needs to do: 3 keys to victory for FAMU football to knock off MEAC powerhouse South Carolina State

► Running wild: FAMU football running back De'Andre Francis returns 'wiggle' to backfield ahead of SC State

A Twitter List by jtullypbp

5:41 p.m. | Florida A&M finishes off 20-14 win

Despite the Bulldogs' best efforts, Florida A&M is able to close out a 20-14 win over South Carolina State. The Rattlers improve to 4-2 on the season.

5:13 p.m. | South Carolina State making comeback effort

After back-to-back interceptions by Moussa to Davis, SC State trails by one score in the fourth quarter.

Shaq Davis scored his second touchdown of the game to trim the lead.

4:55 p.m. | South Carolina State gets on the board

After a Moussa interception to linebacker BJ Davis, South Carolina State capitalized on its favorable field position.

Corey Fields targeted top HBCU receiver, Shaq Davis on a jump ball for the Bulldogs to get their first score of the afternoon.

4Q | 11:32 | FAMU leads 20-7

4:11 p.m. | FAMU attempting to have its first complete game of season

FAMU led South Carolina State, 17-0 at halftime.

The Rattlers have been known as a second half team as they run away with games after the break.

Florida High alum Javan Morgan intercepted Corey Fields to give the Rattlers field position on SC State's 23.

3Q | 12:30 | FAMU leads 17-0

3:14 p.m. | FAMU seems to have the momentum

After two touchdowns through the air from Moussa to Xavier Smith, Jah'Marae Sheread and an interception from BJ Bohler, the Rattlers are in the driver's seat right now.

The Rattlers have been running its tempo offense and going for big plays that have led to a 60 and 35-yard passing touchdown.

The Dark Cloud Defense are neutralizing the Bulldog offense as it rotates two quarterbacks.

2Q | 7:12 | FAMU leads 14-0

2:42 p.m. | Isaiah Land hurt, leaves game

FAMU may have to be without the reigning FCS Defensive Player of the Year, linebacker Isaiah Land.

The redshirt senior had to be helped off the field by trainers after sustaining an injury.

Land leads the team in sacks this season with three.

1Q | 3:00 | FAMU leads 7-0

2:20 p.m. | Xavier Smith has over double his touchdown total from 2021

Smith's 60-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jeremy Moussa was his seventh of the season across six games.

Smith only scored three touchdowns in the 2021 season.

1Q | 8:54 | FAMU leads 7-0

1:49 p.m. | Team threads

FAMU: Orange helmets, white jerseys, orange pants

SC State: White helmets, garnet jerseys, garnet pants

The Polls

Both SC State and FAMU are ranked in the 2022 Box-to-Row Coaches and Media Polls for HBCUs. In the Coaches Poll, the Rattlers are sixth, followed by the Bulldogs at No. 7. The Media Poll has FAMU fourth, with SC State 10th.

Jackson State is number one in both polls.

1:17 p.m. | Initial updates

Orangeburg, South Carolina weather: 75 degrees, sunny

FAMU running back De'Andre Francis slated to return after missing last two games with undisclosed injury; rushed 17 times for 79 yards and a touchdown against Albany State in Week 2

South Carolina State, the reigning HBCU Celebration Bowl champions will play its home opener at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

Key matchups to watch: