FAMU took an early 20-0 lead over Mississippi Valley State to clench a commanding victory in the 9th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The Orange & Green rallied to a 27-10 win before a crowd of 24,376 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando Sunday. This was the third straight win for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in the matchup.
FAMU used a very balanced offensive attack to rack up a total of 310 total yards on the afternoon. Three different Rattler players scored on runs, with Damien Fleming, Omari Albert, and Al-Terek McBurse all scampering their way to TDs.
Earl Holmes, who claimed his first win as permanent head coach, said he and his players were energized by the tremendous support they received from the Rattlers who filled the Florida Citrus Bowl to cheer them to victory.
Earl Holmes, who claimed his first win as permanent head coach, said he and his players were energized by the tremendous support they received from the Rattlers who filled the Florida Citrus Bowl to cheer them to victory.
“When we were about to kick the ball off, some of the
players commented on how it felt like home... That
12th man made all the difference in the world today,” Holmes said.
As exciting as the football contest was for the Rattlers, this game was much more about the return of the Marching 100 who took to the field for the first time in nearly 22 months. At just over 130 members the band was much smaller the previous bands, but the distinctive FAMU sound was there.