The Rattlers claimed a piece of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title in front of a crowd of 61,712 with a 38-27 victory over the previously unbeaten Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) Wildcats.The MEAC championship will be shared between the Rattlers, South Carolina State and B-CU, each of whom finished 7-1 in conference.
FAMU won the Classic for the third straight year and spoiled the Wildcat’s unblemished 10-0 mark.
“I’m not going to let this damper our season,” B-CU Coach Brian Jenkins said. “I’m hurt and I apologize to the fans for not getting it done, but 10-1? I’m good. We have to turn around and get ready for the playoffs next week.”
Days before the game, Jenkins called FAMU’s Phillip Sylvester “the best running back in the conference.” Sylvester lived up to that description by rushing for all but two of his 146 yards in the second half and scoring three touchdowns. Sylvester’s performance helped the Rattlers (8-3) erase a 27-14 halftime deficit with 17 third-quarter points.
B-CU committed two fumbles that FAMU capitalized upon to seize momentum, with one sending B-CU Quarterback Matt Johnson to the sideline for the rest of the game with an injury.
The Rattlers took the lead on Lavante Page’s 1-yard run with 2:29 remaining in the period. Sylvester, who has rushed for 100 yards in each of the Rattlers’ last six games, added an insurance touchdown with 28 seconds to play.
By virtue of South Carolina State’s 48-3 win over North Carolina A&T earlier in the day, B-CU was assured of the conference’s automatic berth in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The Wildcats will learn who they play Sunday morning.