In a thrilling matchup between Florida A&M and South Carolina State, the Rattlers overcame a late deficit to secure a dramatic 22-18 victory. The Bulldogs struck first, taking an early 3-0 lead with a 35-yard field goal by Kyle Gallegos late in the first quarter. FAMU responded in the second quarter with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Richardson to Koby Gross, giving the Rattlers a 7-3 lead. As the half closed, South Carolina State added another Gallegos field goal, cutting the deficit to 7-6.
South Carolina State regained momentum in the third quarter when Eric Phoenix connected with Kazarius Adams for an 8-yard touchdown. Despite a missed extra point, the Bulldogs led 12-7. Early in the fourth quarter, Josh Shaw powered in a 1-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 18-7, although a failed two-point conversion left the door open.
Florida A&M’s offense surged back as Richardson found Karter Johnson for a 7-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion that cut the lead to 18-15. With time winding down, Richardson engineered another drive, capping it with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Thad Franklin to reclaim the lead, 22-18 with 5:39 remaining.