ORLANDO, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman fell behind early and could not find a footing offensively as they dropped the 2023 Florida Blue Florida Classic, 24-7, Saturday night at Camping World Stadium. 



Florida A&M (10-1, 8-0 SWAC) opened the scoring in the first quarter, capitalizing on a B-CU fumble deep in their own territory, punching in a three-yard rush from running back JaquezYant.

The Bethune-Cookman (3-8, 2-6 SWAC) defense held strong, forcing multiple Rattlers punts before FAMU finally cashed in again with just under eight minutes in the first half. The Rattlers rode an 11-play 91-yard drive to their second score that made it 14-0 after a Terrell Jennings touchdown rush. 

FAMU tacked on three more with a field goal with four minutes before the half that made it 17-0.

The WIldcats finally cracked the scoreboard with just three minutes remaining in the third quarter. It took 13 plays, including over eight plays within the FAMU five-yardline, but Walter Simmons III took it in himself for a seven-yard rushing score that made it 17-7.

Florida A&M answered in the fourth quarter with another long drive, as FAMU took the ball 98 yards on nine plays ending in a 35-yard rush by Jennings for the score to push the Rattlers lead to 24-7. 

Quarterback Dominiq Ponder entered the game late in the fourth quarter, completing two of five passes for 33 yards, but the Wildcats were unable to find the endzone as FAMU finished off the 24-7 win. 

•  Walter Simmons finished the game 9-23 passing for 79 yards. He rushed 10 times for 74 yards and a score.
• Jimmie Robinson III was named B-CU MVP for the contest He rushed 21 times for 74 yards.
• Daveno Ellington caught a pair of passes for 60 yards to lead B-CU receivers. 
• Isaiah Clement led B-CU in tackles with eight, four solo.
• Eddie Walls finished with 1.5 tackles for loss.
• Anthony Frederique punted the ball six times for an average of 42.3 yards, including four inside four inside the 20. 

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