By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
At 2:40 p.m., the stadium was eerily void of fans. Other than space occupied by the bands, finding a comfortable seat wouldn’t be a concern. After hearing from the presidents of the competing schools, Congresswoman Fredricka Wilson welcomed those in attendance, followed by the singing of both the National Anthem and the Negro National Anthem.
JSU won the tossed and deferred until the second half. That decision proved ill-advised as FAMU’s Marcus Riley ran the opening kickoff back 96 yards for a touchdown, allowing the Rattlers to dramatically gain momentum which lasted for the entirety of the first half as they took a commanding 21-0 lead. Rattler quarterback Jeremy Moussa completed touchdown passes, an 18 yarder to T. Davis and a 5 yarder to J. Sheread. After the ensuing Kickoff, JSU moved the ball into FAMU territory only to be forced to kick a field goal. The errant snapped flew over the holder’s head, giving FAMU great field position, setting up their second score, an 18 yard touchdown to Wide receiver T. Davis. The momentum shift signaled JSU ‘s desultory play which led to Jeremy Moussa’s second TD pass, a 5 yarder to Jah’ Marae, giving the Rattlers a 21-0 lead.
In the second quarter, dominated by FAMU, with 5:55 remaining, the Rattlers scored on a three yard run to take a commanding 28 – 0 halftime advantage.
Because of that ill-fated decision to defer until the half, JSU did receive the second half kickoff but was unable to mount any serious threat against a relentless, tenacious FAMU defense.
The second half, however, proved rather prosaic. FAMU held the Tigers, forcing a punt. A TD pass by Moussa was nullified by a penalty. With 9:17 in 3rd quarter, JSU finally established a running game with a qb change, inserting the more athletic Zy McDonald, who appeared to give the Tigers a spark offensively. Having moved the ball by mixing the run and pass, with 1:22 seconds remaining, ball on 8 yard line, the Tigers were in position to score and conceivably getting them back in game. JSU chose to run a reverse pass that should have worked, but 2 receivers were seemingly in same area, JSU wideout Fabian McCray saw the open receiver too late. The errant pass fell incomplete, forcing the Tigers to settle for a field goal, making the score 28-3, a win for FAMU. The 17 play drive accounted for 71 yards of JSU’s total offense.
After JSU forced a FAMU punt, the Tigers scored on a 66 yard pass play from quarterback Zy McDonald to wideout Rico Powers with 13:51 left in game, making the score 28-10. A subsequent FAMU drive, which could have virtually ended any chance of a JSU comeback, resulted in a blocked field goal attempt, keeping the Tigers’ hopes alive. With 10: 27 to go in the game, Jackson state had possession of the ball, first down on the 25 yard line. Jackson state, endeavoring to get back in the game, fumbled on a fourth and a one, recovered by the Rattlers. After reviewing the play, the referee stated as you often hear on TV, the play stands as called. Rattler ball, first and 10.
A successful ground attack virtually sealed the game for FAMU. FAMU’s final stats: 40 rushing attempts for a total of 224 yards; 12/22 passing totaling 150, with 2 Touchdowns. FAMU total yards: 374.
JSU’s final stats: 32 rushing attempts totaling 135 yards; passing 20/34 for 231 yards. Total yards: 366 Compared to the extreme high temperatures we’ve experienced in south Florida this summer, the 88 degree temperature at the game’s start was a welcome relief.
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