The FAMU Rattlers dropped their home opener to the defending MEAC Champions South Carolina State 19-0 on Saturday night in front of 14,052 fans. This was the first time in 76 years that the Bulldogs have held the Rattlers scoreless. The Rattler offense only racked up six first downs in four quarters of play.State rode the leg of kicker Blake Erickson who scored on four field goals to lead the Bulldogs to victory. The Rattlers (2-3, 2-1) had not been shut out at home since losing to Tuskegee 23-0 in 1987 and coach Joe Taylor has not beaten South Carolina State since 2007 when he was at Hampton.
The Bulldogs rolled up 409 yards while holding Florida A&M to 106 yards, 48 on the ground.
South Carolina State, the two-time defending MEAC champion, has won 20 straight league games and nine in a row over the Rattlers (2-3, 2-1). The Bulldogs have outscored opponents 124-20 in three wins since losing to Georgia Tech 41-10 in their season opener.