FAMU Rattlers disappoint Homecoming crowd

October 24, 2013 Carma Henry Local Sports 0

FAMU-Football — Shaun Ward (17) a Jr. Transfer from Texas A&M and Fort Lauderdale, Fla gives chase to Howard QB Greg McGee

Shaun Ward (17) a Jr. Transfer from Texas A&M and Fort Lauderdale, Fla gives chase to Howard QB Greg McGee

FAMU Rattlers disappoint Homecoming crowd

By Richard Alexander Moore

The Florida A&M University Rattlers continued to find a way to lose early. FAMU 2-5, 1-2 continued to give up big points in the first half and not be able to make up ground in the second half.

Howard University, sporting a record similar to FAMU with their 2-5, 1-3 record, did not look much better than FAMU, but FAMU was unable to get off the field on third downs. Howard was able to convert on 7 of 14 third down attempts and 2 of 2 fourth down attempts.

FAMU was outscored 21-10 in the first half and the game ended the same way. Quarterback Damien Fleming continued to struggle as he passed for a mere 105 yards with no touchdowns. One long pass early in the first drive went right through the hands of an open receiver and that set the tone for a day of disappointment for the home crowd. While Coach Holmes praised his second half defensive effort, the Bison managed 254 yards rushing and another 67 passing.

Howard used a ground control game in the second half to keep the Rattlers at bay, possessing the ball for almost 19 minutes in that half. FAMU hosts North Carolina A&T State University (3-3, 1-3) next in Tallahassee.