Florida A&M University’s football team (11-1) are champions once again after rallying to beat the Howard Bisons (6-1) 30-26 and win the biggest prize of them all in the Black College National Title.
Will Brown/Will Brown
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Will Brown
The Rattlers were corralled by a crowd of 40,000 fans who traveled to Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday to witness FAMU play for their first national title in over 20 years in the Celebration Bowl.
It was a nerve-wrecking four quarters for coaches and fans of both squads. The game started off in Howard’s favor as the Bison went on a 14-point run in the opening minutes of the game behind running back Jarett Hunter and wide receiver Kasey Hawthorne.
Will Brown/Will Brown
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Will Brown
FAMU wouldn’t see the endzone until about 17 minutes into the game. The team’s leading rusher, Terrell Jennings, cut the deficit down to 6, ending the half 16-10. But that was also the last time both sides would score for a while.
The second half started out slow as both clubs went scoreless. But an early score in the fourth by the Rattlers, led to a back-and-forth chess match between both clubs. Howard and FAMU would go on to score 30 combined fourth quarter points in what was a nail-biting finish.
A critical interception thrown by FAMU’s Senior Quarterback Jeremy Moussa, nearly crushed the Rattlers chances of a comeback. But the SWAC offensive player of the year kept his composure and answered back with a late 38-yard strike to receiver Jah’Marae Sheared to help take the lead and ultimately win the Rattlers’ very first Celebration Bowl trophy.
After the trophy presentation, FAMU head football coach Willie Simmons joined his team in the locker room to celebrate and praise his team for all their hard work throughout the season.
“All the sacrifices, all the hard work, all the commitment, everything that we’ve asked yawl to do in the classroom, out in the community, and on the football field, yawl have done it. Now that you’re a champion, the expectation is that you’re always a champion,” Simmons said.
Saturday’s victory put Coach Simmons over legendary FAMU coach Rudy Hubbard for the most wins in their first five seasons with 45. Saturday was also the 45th anniversary since Florida A&M became the first and only and black college to win a Division 1-AA FCS national title on Dec. 16th, 1978.
