Pulley, Rattlers dominate Wildcats 58-35

Florida A&M capped a resurgent 2008 season in style, throttling rival Bethune-Cookman 58-35 to win its third Florida Classic in four years.

Just a year removed from a disastrous 3-8 finish and lopsided 34-7 loss in the 2007 Classic, the Rattlers punctuated new coach Joe Taylor's first season with a quick striking offensive attack and stifling defense that took advantage of six Wildcats' turnovers Saturday.

FAMU got its biggest boost from junior quarterback and University of Kentucky transfer Curtis Pulley, who accounted four touchdowns (two rushing, two passing) as the Rattlers skated out to an early 31-0 lead and never really looked back.

The Rattlers led 38-21 lead at the half, surviving what wound up being a very sloppy half of football as both teams combined for seven turnovers.

But there were also plenty of early fireworks.

Pulley had both of his rushing scores in the opening 30 minutes, including a 51-yard scamper on his way to 153 yards in the half on just 10 carries. Running back Phillip Sylvester also added a pair of short touchdown runs and teammate Leroy Vann also ignited the crowd with an 83-yard kickoff return for a score.

Though Bethune started slow, the Wildcats found some traction in the second quarter as quarterback McKinson Souverain scored twice and Androse Bell added another 5-yard plunge.

But after opening the second half with a touchdown drive that cut the lead to 10 at 38-28, the Wildcats didn't see the end zone again until a late fourth quarter touchdown pass after the game was well out of reach.