Image via Spectrum News
Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman Athletics
34
FAM
38
Winner BCU
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAM | 3 | 6 | 7 | 18 | 34 |
| BCU | 7 | 17 | 0 | 14 | 38 |
Bethune-Cookman quarterback Timmy McClain came up with some late-game magic, as the Wildcats defeated bitter-rival Florida A&M in a thriller at Camping World Stadium. With just :22 second remaining, McClain was able to find his man Josh Evans wide open down the sideline to retake the lead and steal the victory. This was after the Rattlers had climbed all the way back from a 24-9 halftime deficit. The Wildcats’ win gives them their Florida Blue Florida Classic win since 2019, snapping a five-game skid in the series.
Bethune-Cookman (6-6, 5-3) did not get off to the start they were hoping for as Florida A&M (5-6, 4-3) was able to force a fumble on Timmy McClainand take over deep in B-CU territory. The Wildcats defense held strong, as Isaiah Washburn picked up two sacks to hold Rattlers to a field goal.
B-CU got it going offensively on the next drive as McClain found Lorenzo Jenkins for a 25-yard touchdown to take the lead 7-3.
The Wildcats then forced a Rattlers’ three-and-out and began driving the ball down field again heading into the second quarter.
B-CU got the ball inside the red zone, but were held to a field goal, giving them a 10-3 edge.
After both teams exchanged punts, the Wildcats got the ball at the 50-yard line following a 21-yard return by Maleek Huggins. On the first play of the drive, Khamani Robinson took the ball to the house, giving his team the 17-3 advantage.
FAMU came up with a big play on the following drive as RJ Johnson threw a touchdown pass to Armand Burris, however, the Rattlers missed the PAT, keeping the score at 17-9.
The Wildcats started their next drive at their own 16, but were able to drive all the way down the field for another score before half. McClain picked up his second touchdown pass, this time to Maleek Huggins, as B-CU took a 24-9 lead into the locker room.
The Rattlers were able to cut into the lead on their first second half drive as Johnson hooked up with Burris for the second time. FAMU converted on the extra-point this time, trimming the deficit to 24-16.
B-CU then drove inside Rattlers’ territory but missed a 54-yard field goal attempt. FAMU punted on their next drive, while the Wildcats were able to drive inside the red zone. The Rattlers pushed B-CU back to 30, where the Wildcats missed another field goal.
The fourth quarter began with both teams being forced to punt. FAMU added a field goal on the following possession to make it a five-point game. B-CU then went three-and-out.
On the first play of the Rattlers’ next drive, Jamal Hailey took the ball 72-yards for the score, giving his team a 27-24 lead after a successful two-point conversion.
Timmy McClain responded almost immediately with a big play of his own. With 7:27 remaining, McClain threw a 67-yard touchdown to Javon Rossto retake the lead.
FAMU responded by driving down the field and scoring a touchdown with just 2:26 left. The Rattlers were able to come up with several big running plays, capping it off with a 19-yard rushing touchdown by Thad Franklin Jr.
The Wildcats never lost focus after letting the lead slip away. Timmy McClain helped B-CU overcome a 3rd-and-30, converting on 4th down to keep his team alive. On 4th-and-8 from the FAMU 41, McClain came up with the play of the season for the Wildcats. He found Josh Evans open down the sideline and he was able to run it in for the game-winning score.
The Rattlers failed to answer with just :22 seconds left, and Bethune-Cookman completed the epic last-second comeback victory..
- Timmy McClain finished 22-33 for 274 and four touchdown passes (a season-high).
- Javon Ross led the Wildcats with 82 receiving yards on two catches and a touchdown.
- Khamani Robinson had 11 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown.
- Isaiah Washburn collected two sacks and Keyon Clark had one.
- B-CU outgained FAMU 485-423.
