In front of a crowd of 56,453 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, the Florida A&M Rattlers secured a nail-biting 41-38 victory over their archrival Bethune-Cookman in the 2024 Florida Classic. The win marked FAMU’s fourth consecutive triumph in this storied rivalry and edged out the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 41-38 in a game packed with dramatic moments and stellar performances.
Running back Thad Franklin Jr. delivered a standout performance, rushing for 195 yards and three touchdowns, including a pivotal 70-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter that shifted the game’s momentum. Franklin’s efforts, combined with Kelvin Dean’s 103 rushing yards and a touchdown, helped the Rattlers amass 305 rushing yards. Quarterback Daniel Richardson added balance to the offense, completing 14 of 20 passes for 180 yards, including a touchdown strike to Jamari Gassett in the second quarter.
The game was a back-and-forth thriller, with multiple lead changes and standout performances from both teams. Bethune-Cookman’s Maleek Huggins electrified the stadium with a 77-yard punt return touchdown, and running back Dennis Palmer matched Franklin’s brilliance, rushing for 178 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, FAMU was anchored by linebackers Aric Horne and Nay’Ron Jenkins, each recording 12 tackles. Jenkins added a key interception, while Davion Westmoreland contributed a sack. Special teams also played a critical role, as kicker Cameron Gillis was flawless, hitting two field goals and all five extra-point attempts.
FAMU’s ability to control the clock, dominate the ground game, and execute in critical moments ensured the victory, improving their season record to 6-5 (4-3). The Rattlers continue to etch their legacy in this historic rivalry, with fans already looking forward to next year’s matchup.
