Tallahassee, Fl. (Nov. 2, 2019) --- Delaware State cut an early 31-point deficit to 15 in the second half , but could get no closer in a 52-30 loss to nationally-ranked Florida A&M in a MEAC contest at Bragg Stadium today.
The Rattlers, ranked 17th in the major FCS national polls, won their eighth straight game to improve to 8-1 overall and 6-0 in the MEAC. The Hornets have dropped seven in a row to fall to 1-8 and 0-6.
Florida A&M quarterback Ryan Stanley strengthened his case for MEAC Offensive Player-of –the-Year honors by completing 15-of-25 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Rattlers. FAMU wide receiver Xavier Smith was the recipient of three Stanley TD passes. In total, Smith had nine catches for 184 yards and the four scores.
Redshirt freshman running back Thomas Hudon-Bertrand was a bright spot for Delaware State, rushing for 120 yards and two touchdowns, each a career-high, on 20 carries.
Hornet freshman receiver Bizzett Woodley had two catches for 20 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown, his third in the last two games and team-leading fifth of the season.
After failing to get a first down on its first possession of the game, Florida A&M followed with touchdowns on each of its next four on touchdown passes by Stanley to open up a 28-0 lead.
The Rattlers led 31-0 before the Hornets scored on a 19-yard field goal by Jose Romo-Martinez with a minute to go before halftime.
Betrand-Hudon scored his first career touchdown for the Hornets on a 15-yard run to cap off an 11-play, 73-yard third quarter drive that consumed just under five minutes. The extra point kick by Romo-Martinez pulled the Hornets to within 31-10 with 5:55 left in the quarter.
On the second play of the ensuing Florida A&M possession, Delaware State's Muadh Abdus-Salaam forced a Florida A&M fumble on a backfield tackle. The ball was recovered by DSU's Jahad Neibauer at the Rattler 26 and returned for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 31-16 with 5:04 left in the third quarter.
Florida A&M answered with a 10-play, 73-yard touchdown drive to stretch its lead to 38-16 late in the third quarter.
Jordan Hannah returned the ensuing FAMU kickoff 46 yards to the Rattler 42 yard line. The Hornets needed just five plays to get back on the board. Bertrand-Hudon had a 30-yard run to the FAMU 12, and capped off the drive with a one-yard plunge for his second touchdown of the game. The Hornets pulled to within 38-23 after the extra point kick with 10 seconds left in the third quarter.
The momentum was quickly dashed when Florida A&M's Marcus Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown to give the Rattlers a 45-23 lead on the final play of the third quarter.
It also marked the second week in a row that the Hornets have allowed a touchdown on a kickoff return.
Delaware State again pulled to within 15 points (45-30) after a 14-yard touchdown pass from Tylik Bethea to Woodley with 10:33 left to play, but Smith caught his fourth touchdown pass of the game midway through the fourth quarter to provide insurance for the Rattlers.
Florida A&M won the total yardage battle 465-289, although the Hornets held a 183-161 advantage in rushing yards.
Lineman Brandon Carswell was Delaware State's leader with six tackles, including two backfield stops.
The Hornets will play their last three games at home, beginning with a visit by Bethune-Cookman next Saturday (Nov. 9). Game time is 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
The home stand also includes contests against Norfolk State (Hall of Fame/Champions weekend) on Nov. 16 and the season finale vs. St. Francis (Senior Day/ Military Appreciation) on Nov. 23.
