Nunnie on the Sideline
By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Attending the Orange Blossom Classic with my publisher, brother-in-law, fraternity brother and friend, I quickly learned, requires enormous patience. Immediately after arriving at the Hard Rock Stadium, we were gifted a parking space which guaranteed a path through tailgate paradise where politicians, families, sororities, fraternities, former schoolmates and game day revelers filled the air with the aromatic smell of barbecue ribs, chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers and all the fixings suitable for a game of this magnitude. However, while I was focused on getting situated to cover the impending game action, it became painfully obvious that my plans would need adjusting as so many individuals stopped Bobby Henry to engage in friendly banter, something he obviously enjoys. Once we finally reached our destination, the well appointed Edwin Pope Press Box named after the long time Miami Herald sports editor, we settled in, anticipating a competitive, exciting contest between two of the premier HBCUs in the country. As one of the entities promoting the game, attendance was a concern. However, once the game began, it was obvious the FAMU faithful were present and accounted for. Howard? Not so much! Certainly the numbers exceeded last year’s disappointing total featuring ASU and North Carolina Central. Most of game justified our expectations – hard fought and competitive – but with minimal drama or excitement until the very end when FAMU finally overcame a 7-6 deficit as placekicker Daniel Porto made his third field goal to give the Rattlers a 9-7 lead with 2:18 remaining in the game. A failure to score a touchdown would prove detrimental, allowing the Bison to mount a dramatic comeback in the waning seconds of the game. Perfect execution of the 2 minute offense allowed Bison kicker Matt Conor to kicked the game winning 43 yard field goal with no time remaining. The momentary exhilaration experienced by Rattler fans was short-lived, leaving fans perplexed and disappointed while causing Coach Colzie and his staff to scrutinize where it all went wrong. The big question for FAMU is executing offensively, thus avoiding settling for field goals as was the case in the loss to the Bisons. Of note, PK Porto attempted 4 field goals, one of which was blocked.
Statistically, the Rattlers dominated in key areas: total yards 272- 195, rush yards 89 – 50, pass yards 183 – 145 and first downs 15-12. The Rattlers simply failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, settling instead for field goals. For example, in the first quarter Rattler quarterback RJ Johnson failed to pick up a running back who had slipped out of the backfield, heading uncovered toward the end zone, a certain touchdown. Instead he ran the ball for a minimal gain. In the second half, a similar play to the left side revealed an open receiver that Johnson indeed saw but threw an errant pass that fell incomplete because he led him to the sideline instead of throwing it directly to the back, resulting in another missed scoring opportunity.
Although the Rattlers on paper appeared to be the better team, the Bisons made the plays necessary to win the game. After all, to quote former college and NFL coach Herm Edwards, you play to win the game.
FAMU next plays Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton. Go Rattlers!