ORLANDO ― Florida A&M football’s streak in the Florida Classic is over.
The Rattlers lost to rivals the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 38-34 on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.
FAMU had won the previous four matchups, dating back to 2021, over Bethune-Cookman in the Southwestern Athletic Conference game.
Trailing 24-9 at halftime, FAMU (5-6, 4-3 in SWAC) stormed back on Bethune-Cookman (6-6, 5-3 in SWAC). The Rattlers even took the lead on multiple occasions.
Wildcats quarterback Timmy McClain connected with Josh Evans for a 41-yard touchdown pass with 22 seconds left for the game-winner.
FAMU quarterback RJ Johnson III attempted a Hail Mary to save the Rattlers, but it fell incomplete as time expired.
McClain was named the overall Florida Classic Most Valuable Player. He went 22-for-33 and passed for 274 yards, and threw four touchdowns.
FAMU running back Thad Franklin was named the Rattlers’ MVP for having 11 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown.
FAMU football and Bethune-Cookman trade blows in exciting fourth quarter
The Rattlers and Wildcats are going at it for the Florida Classic trophy.
First, FAMU running back Jamal Hailey took off for a 72-yard rushing TD. Then, BCU immediately responded with a 67-yard TD pass from Timmy McClain to Javon Ross.
4Q | 5:24 | BCU 31, FAMU 27
FAMU football down one possession in fourth quarter vs Bethune-Cookman
The Rattlers are trying to mount a comeback.
FAMU moved the ball downfield but stalled. RJ Johnson had a nice 14-yard rush to get the Rattlers in field goal range.
However, he was sacked, which ended the drive.
FAMU kicker Daniel Porto came in a drilled a 47-yard field goal.
4Q | 8:49 | BCU 24, FAMU 19
FAMU football vs Bethune-Cookman Florida Classic third quarter score
The Wildcats are up 24-16 over the Rattlers.
BCU is outgaining FAMU 325-203 through three quarters.
FAMU football scores on first drive of second half to cut into Bethune-Cookman’s lead
The Rattlers have gotten back in the endzone.
FAMU quarterback RJ Johnson and receiver Armand Burris connected for their first touchdown. It was a 17-yarder.
Burris has two catches for 61 yards, and two touchdowns.
3Q | 11:54 | BCU 24, FAMU 16
FAMU football vs Bethune-Cookman halftime score
The Rattlers trail the Wildcats 24-9 at halftime.
BCU quarterback Timmy McClain connected with Maleek Huggins for a seven-yard touchdown before the break. It was McClain’s second touchdown of the day.
The Wildcats are outgaining the Rattlers 242 to 124.
FAMU’s top performer is quarterback RJ Johnson III. He completed nine of 11 pass attempts for 107 yards, and a touchdown.
FAMU football punches back vs Bethune-Cookman to trim deficit
FAMU moved the ball down the field quickly to respond to Bethune-Cookman going up by double digits.
Quarterback RJ Johnson III hit Armand Burris for a 44-yard touchdown to cap off a six-play, 75-yard drive.
FAMU missed the extra point, though.
2Q | 3:54 | BCU 17, FAMU 9
FAMU football trailing by double digits vs Bethune-Cookman in Florida Classic
The Rattlers are down by two possessions now.
And it only took a one-play drive by the Wildcats.
BCU running back Khamani Robinson rushed for a 50-yard touchdown, racing past FAMU defenders on the way to the endzone.
2Q | 6:25 | BCU 17, FAMU 3
Bethune-Cookman extends lead vs FAMU with field goal at Florida Classic
Bethune-Cookman is up a touchdown over FAMU.
Juan Domiguez hit a 30-yard field goal.
BCU is outgaining the Rattlers 116-59.
FAMU is having trouble stopping both the pass and the run.
BCU quarterback Timmy McClain is six-for-six for 47 yards and tossed a touchdown pass. Wildcats running back Rashon Brown has four carries for 35 yards.
2Q | 12:10 | BCU 10, FAMU 3
FAMU football vs Bethune-Cookman first quarter score
BCU 7, FAMU 3
Bethune-Cookman scores first TD of game vs FAMU in Florida Classic
Nine-play, 61-yard drive by Bethune-Cookman.
Even when their back was against the wall, the Wildcats shined.
On 3rd and 25, Wildcats quarterback Timmy McClain hit receiver Lorenzo Jenkins to score a 25-yard touchdown to pull ahead of the Rattlers.
1Q | 3:29 | BCU 7, FAMU 3
FAMU offense does nothing after forcing Bethune-Cookman to fumble
FAMU offense moved the ball gracefully downfield.
Until it didn’t.
After a 19-yard rush by Thad Franklin, the Rattlers’ first offensive drive stalled.
That included back-to-back Wildcat sacks on FAMU quarterback RJ Johnson III.
FAMU kicker Daniel Porto made a 45-yard field goal.
1Q | 8:33 | FAMU 3, BCU 0
FAMU forces Bethune-Cookman fumble on game’s opening drive
The Rattlers abruptly ended the Wildcats’ opening drive.
Bethune-Cookman rushed on a play, but the Rattlers knocked the football out. FAMU defensive lineman recovered to set the Rattlers up on their own 36-yard line.
See the photos of FAMU football’s arrival for Florida Classic vs Bethune-Cookman
Team Threads: FAMU vs Bethune-Cookman
FAMU: White helmets, Green jerseys, Green pants
B-CU: Gold jerseys, White jerseys, White pants
Weather report: FAMU vs Bethune-Cookman Florida Classic
83 degrees in Orlando, Florida
What time does FAMU vs Bethune-Cookman start?
What TV channel is Florida A&M vs Bethune-Cookman on today?
FAMU vs Bethune-Cookman predictions
FAMU schedule 2025
Here is Florida A&M’s schedule and results. All times Eastern.
*- SWAC game
Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football’s Florida Classic streak ends vs Bethune-Cookman, 38-34
Reporting by Gerald Thomas III, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
