By Nunnie Robinson, WSG-Sports Editor
I had a fantastic weekend in Orlando with family and friends as we participated in various events related to the Florida Classic, featuring SWAC conference foes, state rivals, and mutual gridiron combatants: the FAMU Rattlers and the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats, the highly acclaimed Marching 100 and the professionally, synchronized Wildcat band combined with the passionate fan base for each school, one would have to be a comatose zombie to leave this town dissatisfied. Considering the pre and post game activities, the Battle of the Bands, the various non-football related functions around the city, one would be hard pressed to even feign disappointment. The only observation I found somewhat distressing is that there seem to be as many patrons outside the stadium as in, based on one’s purpose for being there. It became immediately apparent that many were there for reasons other than to enjoy the game and halftime show such as reveling in the atmosphere and aroma associated with barbecue, fried fish, chicken, shrimp and the like, while others were there to make money. For me the attraction is twofold: the actual game and the halftime show. So permit minor observations on those two areas.
The Wildcats actually dominated the Rattlers in the first half, should have scored more than 24 points and should have run away with the game. But because that didn’t happen, the proud Rattlers took full advantage of that small window, scored on the first possession of the second half, turning a 24-9 deficit into a respectable 24-16 game with plenty of time left.
Y’all know the rest of the story as FAMU finally led the game 34-31, 22 seconds from victory when disaster, calamity, fate or bad karma snatched or turned certain victory into a devastating defeat. To be completely transparent, I didn’t see the PASS live. My daughter, Stacy and two friends, Earl and Stephanie, made the egregious decision to leave in the middle of third quarter, anticipating beating the inevitable traffic jam following the game’s conclusion. With so many streets blocked off, a direct route to I-4 west proved difficult and challenging even with GPS assistance. The result left us meandering around the same area near stadium we were trying to avoid. Almost two hours later we made it back to our abode. In addition I was texting longtime BCU alum and supporter Fred Beneby with scoring updates. The last to him had BCU up 31-27, so when FAMU retook the lead 34-31, my prophecy to Stacy, another diehard Rattler, was proving accurate as FAMU regained the lead, setting up the dramatic conclusion. I had prophesied to my companions that FAMU could steal the game from the Wildcats. And it certainly appeared that way until BCU quarterback Timmy McClain worked his Majic. The definitive question: how do two defensive players allow a receiver to get behind them, knowing that the only way the opponent could win the game is by scoring a touchdown with 22 seconds left in the game. You must defend the goal line, even interfere if necessary, because in college the penalty is 15 yards for pass interference. It appeared that FAMU defensively broke every situational protocol.
Nevertheless, the 41 yard TD from McClain to Josh Evans placed them in Wildcat yore forever. There was one scene which confirmed my affinity and love for college football. Likely, it was a coach who actually lifted QB MCClain up in the air, placed him on his broad shoulders and preceded to spin him around in joyous delirium, a memory that will be etched in my mind forever. Coach Raymond Woodie and his staff should be commended for a job well done! Besides, are lopsided rivalries truly rivalries?
What say you?
South Carolina State secured its place in the Celebration Bowl, defeating Delaware State 27-17 in Dover, Delaware. Now they wait their opponent, likely Jackson State, who must play Prairie View for the SWAC title and a trip to Atlanta.
