Written by Bob Mora
Orlando Florida - In a game that both teams had a hard time getting started, ended a thriller. During first half, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats ( 8-3) out rushed the Florida A&M Rattlers (3-8) 139 yards to 48 yards.
Both teams fell short on 2 Red-zone scoring chances, each teams quarterback threw an interception and the Wildcats kicker Chase Varndore missed from 46 while the Rattlers kicker Ben Noboa missed from 41 late in the second quarter to keep the game scoreless going into halftime.
In the second half the Wildcats running game took over and on their second possession drove 66 yards on 11 plays to score the first points of the game on Michael Jones 9 yard touchdown run with 1:16 in the third quarter.
The Rattlers put together a 12 play 74 yard drive highlighted by Quarterback Damien Fleming 2 yard keeper to tie the score at 7-7 with 9:51 left in the 4th.
Both teams punted, but Wildcats returner Frank Brown fumbled on his return attempt giving A&M prime field position at the the BCU 7 yard line. However, the Rattlers would have to settle for a 29 yard field goal to take 10-7 lead with 3:47 left as they were unable to get into the endzone.
The Wildcats and their run game marched 50 yards down the field on 10 plays to send the game into overtime on Haden Hoggarths 32 yard kick with 39 seconds left in regulation.
In overtime, with the Rattlers having first possession, Fleming completed a 12 yard pass to Gerald Hearns. After an incomplete pass, Fleming connected with Kareem Smith for a 13 yard score to give the Rattlers a 17-10 lead putting all the pressure on the Wildcats.
After 2 incomplete passes, Wildcats QB Larry Brihm connected with Jhomo Gordon at the FAMU 1, giving BC a 1st and goal. It took three plays, but RB Danny Dillard scored to make it 17-16. Instead of playing for the tie, Wildcats Coach Brian Jenkins called for 2 and QB Larry Brihm found a gap to score in what turned out to be a very exciting finish to the 2014 Florida Classic and a 18-17 Bethune-Cookman victory.
Both teams fell short on 2 Red-zone scoring chances, each teams quarterback threw an interception and the Wildcats kicker Chase Varndore missed from 46 while the Rattlers kicker Ben Noboa missed from 41 late in the second quarter to keep the game scoreless going into halftime.
In the second half the Wildcats running game took over and on their second possession drove 66 yards on 11 plays to score the first points of the game on Michael Jones 9 yard touchdown run with 1:16 in the third quarter.
The Rattlers put together a 12 play 74 yard drive highlighted by Quarterback Damien Fleming 2 yard keeper to tie the score at 7-7 with 9:51 left in the 4th.
Both teams punted, but Wildcats returner Frank Brown fumbled on his return attempt giving A&M prime field position at the the BCU 7 yard line. However, the Rattlers would have to settle for a 29 yard field goal to take 10-7 lead with 3:47 left as they were unable to get into the endzone.
The Wildcats and their run game marched 50 yards down the field on 10 plays to send the game into overtime on Haden Hoggarths 32 yard kick with 39 seconds left in regulation.
In overtime, with the Rattlers having first possession, Fleming completed a 12 yard pass to Gerald Hearns. After an incomplete pass, Fleming connected with Kareem Smith for a 13 yard score to give the Rattlers a 17-10 lead putting all the pressure on the Wildcats.
After 2 incomplete passes, Wildcats QB Larry Brihm connected with Jhomo Gordon at the FAMU 1, giving BC a 1st and goal. It took three plays, but RB Danny Dillard scored to make it 17-16. Instead of playing for the tie, Wildcats Coach Brian Jenkins called for 2 and QB Larry Brihm found a gap to score in what turned out to be a very exciting finish to the 2014 Florida Classic and a 18-17 Bethune-Cookman victory.