Howard University escaped Hard Rock Stadium with a narrow 10-9 victory over the FAMU Rattlers in Saturday’s Orange Blossom Classic, but the box score told a story far removed from the final score. The Rattlers (0-1) outgained the Bison 272-195, controlled possession for over 33 minutes, and stifled Howard’s ground game—yet couldn’t overcome critical red-zone miscues in a defensive struggle.
Rattlers shine in the trenches
FAMU’s offense, on paper, showed balance, racking up 15 first downs (10 via the pass) and averaging 4.6 yards per play. Quarterback RJ Johnson III delivered a steady performance, completing 17-of-27 passes for 183 yards without an interception. His top targets—Jalen Rogers (51 yards), Kenari Wilcher (40 yards), and Andrew Ritter (32 yards)—kept drives alive, while running backs Thad Franklin Jr. and Levontai Summersett combined for 74 rushing yards.
But the Rattlers’ inability to finish drives proved costly. Three trips inside Howard’s 30-yard line resulted in just three points, including a missed 42-yard field goal in the fourth quarter that would have put FAMU ahead.
Defense dominates, but Bison survive
FAMU’s defense stifled Howard at nearly every turn. The Rattlers held the Bison to 1.7 yards per carry (50 rushing yards on 30 attempts) and generated constant pressure. Linebacker Jason Riles Jr. (team-high 5 tackles) anchored a unit that saw Antonio Camon and Latarie Kinsler sack Howard’s QB, while Brandon Calloway’s third-quarter interception set up FAMU’s lone touchdown drive.
“We flew to the ball and executed the game plan defensively,” said FAMU head coach James Colzie III. “But championships are won in the critical moments, and we left opportunities out there.”
Looking ahead
The Rattlers will seek to build on their defensive momentum when they face Florida Atlantic on Saturday, September 6 (6 p.m. ET). For Howard, the escape act marked their first season-opening win since 2017.