Georgia Dome – Atlanta, GA

The FAMU defense forced 5 turnovers. Here TSU quarterback Richard Hartman fumbles the snap as lineback #42 Darius Fountan approaches.

The Atlanta Football Classic. A traditional rivalry, a great city, a perfect venue and a charitable cause have combined to make this game one of the hottest college football classics across the nation. The Rattlers currently lead the Atlanta Classic series with TSU, 8-3 since 1989 but this year, the Tigers would like lessen the margin.

The game was definitely a defensive game. The FAMU defense forced 5 turnovers and O’ Bryan Brandy led the defense with 10 tackles, two sacks.

In the last meeting between these 2 teams Roosevelt Kiser caught a 37-yard touch down pass from Ben Dougherty with 2:12 to go in the game. Later in that game rattlers’ Safety Cardan Alexander would intercept a Tigers pass to seal the victory.

This year attendance was 11,000 short of last years 67,712, but the 56,000 on hand were loud enough to bring the crunk atmosphere needed to make the game a classic. The Rattlers' Marching 100 along with the 8 drum majors (8 wonders of the world) and the TSU marching Tigers put on an unforgettable halftime performance.

There was no running for TSU, LB O’ Bryan Brandy led the defense with 10 tackles, two sacks.

 

The game would get under way with the Tigers striking first on the third play from scrimmage when TSU quarterback Richard Hartman would hit Richard Gayle for 62 yards to put the Tigers up 7-0 with 14:07 to go in the first.

The defense for FAMU would tighten up after that awakening, causing three fumbles, and gathering two.

With 18 seconds to go in the first half, A&M's sophomore kicker Wesley Taylor (ranked third in the nation among NCAA Division I-AA kickers, avg 44.7 yards a kick) would come on to rocket a 23-yard field goal to bring the score closer 7-3. The Tigers would take the lead into the half, leaving the Rattler hopeful quiet for the moment but loud at halftime.

First year coach Rubin Carter would gather the troops together and they would come out ready to win after the half.

The Rattlers quarterback Chris Owens (MEAC Rookie of the Week) would connect with junior wide receiver Roosevelt Kiser for 23 yards to put FAMU up for the stretch with 10:07 left in the third. Rattlers extra point attempt was blocked by an aggressive Tigers special team, who wanted to give their team an opportunity to win it with a field goal 9-7.

The big fellas up front take care of business while running back Paul Sharpe rush for a team high 68 yards on 20 carries.

  

Taylor would show up with 1:45 left in the third to nail a 42-yard field goal to give the Rattlers a cushion at 12-7.

The defense for FAMU would handle the rest. The Tigers would turn the ball over on three possessions, throwing two interceptions with the latter coming at a crucial moment with 32 seconds to go in the game.  The Rattlers LaJuan Walker would pick off a pass on the 5-yard line but fumble it back to the Tigers with 34 seconds left in the game. With the fumble recovery the Tigers have 4 more downs to try to win the game from the 2-yard line.

100 Black Men of Atlanta Inc with head coach Rubin Carter for the victory trophy.

 

On the Tigers fourth down possession, defensive lineman Steve St. Felix happen to be in the right place to intercept Hartman pass and seal the victory for the Rattlers.

Final Score:  FAMU 12 TSU 7

Kut Note:  FAMU defense held the Tigers to 26 yards rushing on 40 attempts.

---

Got Spirit!