Florida A&M University took down the #10 ranked North Carolina A&T University in front of a shocked Greensboro crowd with a 22-21 upset that shook the Football Championship Subdivision. Willie Simmons’ gridiron squad is now the only undefeated team in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play.
The Aggies held a 21-6 lead over the Rattlers at halftime. But the Rattlers compiled 231 yards in offense, registered 20 first downs and were 8-for-11 on third downs in the second half.
“It was the tale of two halves,” said Aggie Head Coach Sam Washington. “In the first half, we played well on both offense and defense. I thought we left at least 14 to 21 points on the field, and I told the guys at halftime you cannot do that against good teams. You have to score on every opportunity that’s presented to you, and we failed to do that in the first half.”
LB Derrick Mayweather and DE Antonio Miller lead the Rattler defense with seven tackles each.
In offense, RBs Ricky Henrilus (33 yards, eight carries) and Deshawn Smith (22 yards on eight carries) paced the FAMU ground game, which netted 57 yards on 27 carries. QB Ryan Stanley posted his second-ever 300-yard passing game, throwing for 313 yards on career highs in completions (28) and attempts (53). Chad Hunter finished as the Rattlers’ top receiver with eight catches for 105 yards and one TD while RB Azende Rey had eight catches as well for 63 yards.
The Aggies were the highest ranked foe beaten by a FAMU team (No. 10 in FCS) since 1999, when the Rattlers took down another North Carolina team on the road, No. 4 Appalachian State, 44-19 in the opening round of the FCS playoffs.
FAMU’s 4-0 start in MEAC play is its best since 2001, when it won its first four games before losing to North Carolina A&T, 55-23 in Greensboro on yesterday’s date, October 13, 2001.