Rattlers courageous during 69-13 loss to Sooners

Travis Harvey scampers to a 75-yard touchdown.

The FAMU Rattlers made the trip to Norman to face the No. 5 University of Oklahoma Sooners with an upset on their minds. In the end, the Rattlers played a competitive first half, but were unable to keep pace against the depth of OU's bench in the second half.  The sold out crowd of 84,852 was on pins and needles as the Rattlers held their own in the first quarter and most of the second quarter.

Unlike several other Football Bowl Subdivision vs. Football Championship Subdivision games, the FAMU-Oklahoma contest was a competitive matchup for an entire half.

"I thought we came out and showed some things early on. We will get a lot out of this as we return now to conference play. The bottom line is...to come up and be completely outmatched, but to see our guys give a completely great effort, make some plays, get some turnovers, and move the ball...that let's you know that there's a lot of potential in this club, so that to me, is very encouraging," Head Coach Joe Taylor said.


Travis Harvey caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Damien Fleming and finished with 118 yards receiving. Chase Varnadore hit field goals from 41 and 46 yards for the Rattlers.

In the end, Taylor was happy with what he saw.

"I'm so proud of them. The way they played in the first half. I think when we came back out in the second half, they were a little spent because of the depth issue. I told them that this team has a big chance. From here on out, let's take it one game at a time. To come in here an not be intimidated and have a good focus once the game started, this is going to truly help us. I'm not surprised, because I've maintained that we have a good football team," Taylor said.