Courtesy of Daniel Levy, Florida A&M Athletics
7
PVA
45
Winner FAM
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVA | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| FAM | 14 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 45 |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– The traditions set by Florida A&M’s pride and culture reigns most under commemorative events. Tonight’s homecoming game was no different in that tradition but set itself apart in the commanding fashion in which they won the matchup. The team came hungry entering this game as they looked to extend their five-game win streak. The 7-1 FAMU Rattlers played to their record and pedigree with a robust 38-7 win over Prairie View A&M.
A stellar performance overall on both sides of the field left little doubt in the game’s outcome. Lead QB Jeremy Moussa led the team with 272 yards and three touchdowns.
Terrell Jennings and Kelvin Dean led rushers with a touchdown each, with 54 and 38 yards, respectively. Jaquez Yant led all rushers in yards with 63.
Jah’Marae Sheread, Nicholas Dixon, and Jeremiah Pruitte led receivers with a touchdown each, contributing many crucial yards toward their team’s success.
Jalen Glaze and Eric Smith made standout plays with their interceptions, along with Tevin Griffey’s pick-six contributing to their point total.
The team’s defensive dominance shined throughout the game, holding Prairie View A&M to just 5-17 third-down efficiency and a 9-24 passing completion rate, along with three interceptions and two early sacks. Their offense was just as critical in their win, converting on six touchdowns without any missed field goals. They held their opponent to a couple of scoreless quarters while successfully converting a touchdown in each quarter.
How it Happened
Florida A&M began the game with a firm 21-7 lead by the end of the first half. Jeremy Moussa led the charge on the passing end with an 8/16 completion rate, 177 passing yards, and two touchdowns.
The rushing game displayed its imprint on the game early as well, with RB Terrell Jennings capitalizing on the team’s first points on a 3-yard touchdown at 6:48 into the game. The receivers followed their lead with the team’s next two touchdowns. Wide receiver Nicholas Dixon’s 36-yard touchdown extended the lead to 14-0 with 1:44 remaining in the first quarter, assisting Florida A&M in closing out the first quarter concretely. And—during the second quarter, with 0:35 left on the clock—with receiving yards from Jah’Marae Sheread and the 4-yard touchdown by Jeremiah Pruitte, Florida A&M closed out the half with a solid 21-7 lead.
Tight end Kamari Young exemplified the type of energetic atmosphere from Florida A&M’s large Homecoming turnout, namely with a highlight that featured a fundamental 59-yard reception, break-through tackles, and a standout spin move—and which helped spark the run that eventually led to their second touchdown of the game. Cameron Gillis performed his kicking role to the benefit of his team, successfully converting on all 3 of his field goal attempts.
Yet, even as Prairie View A&M excited the pressure during the second quarter, scoring their first-and-only touchdown of the half at the 5:06 mark, Florida A&M’s defense contained their comeback efforts to a minimum. Their stout defense—particularly in the first quarter—impacted their strong first-half performance on full display. Featuring numerous pass disruptions and pressured tackles—including two sacks, led by defensive linemen Cherif Seye and Anthony Dunn Jr. The pressure of their defense held Prairie View A&M to a scoreless first quarter and only seven points to end the half.
Some of the team’s most exciting plays during this half featured momentum-swinging highlight plays. Defensive back Eric Smith converted on his second career interception (his first since 2019) on the 9-yard line with 3:46 left in the second quarter. Defensive back Jalen Glaze answered Prairie View A&M’s first touchdown of the game with urgency, as his 22-yard interception return closed out the half on a strong note.
Florida A&M continued their success during the third quarter with consistency, as Moussa displayed efficient passing on 4/6 completions and another touchdown. Sheread, on the receiving end, extended their lead with a 52-yard touchdown with 13:39 remaining. Gillis not only made the extra point to complement the touchdown but also made a 27-yard field goal at the 5:38 mark, to give the team a 31-7 lead headed into the final quarter.
Their defense followed similar strengths as well, with another quarter that held Prairie View A&M to a scoreless stretch. Florida A&M outmatched them 10-6 in rushing attempts and 4-2 in receptions, forcing enough mistakes to restrict their scoring and boost their own.
Florida A&M took care of business in the fourth to cap off a strong 45-7 performance. Midway into the quarter, RB Kelvin Deanmade a 6-yard touchdown with 7:37 remaining. Defensive back Tevin Griffeytranslated his defense into offense, as his interception with 1:35 left on the clock helped Florida A&M score its final touchdown.
Overall, the team performed all four quarters with great success, playing consistently well throughout many categories. The team’s hunger and grit came through in their defense, along with efficiency and execution on the offensive end—capping off a memorable night for their fans and extending their winning streak.
Game Notes
» Florida A&M outgained Prairie View A&M 453-220, including a 272-93 advantage through the air.
» Florida A&M won the turnover battle 3-2 after picking off three passes.
» The Rattlers scored first with 6:48 remaining in the first quarter and never trailed the rest of the game on their way to victory.
» Florida A&M had their highest scoring quarter in the fourth period, when they put up 14 points.
» Florida A&M converted 5 of 10 third downs while Prairie View A&M was successful on 5 of 17.
» Isaiah Major led the Rattlers with 11 tackles.
» The Rattlers took potential points off the board by forcing two turnovers on their own half of the field.
» The Rattlers totaled nine tackles for loss and added three sacks.
» The Rattlers ended the game on a high note, scoring 31 unanswered points to close out the contest.
» Trazon Connley led the Panthers passing attack, completing nine of his 24 attempts for 93 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions.
» Caleb Johnson led the Prairie View A&M rushing attack with 60 yards.
