Championship Flashback: Rattlers Capture First SWAC Championship in 35-14 Win Over Prairie View A&M
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M clinched their first SWAC Championship with a decisive 35-14 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday night at Bragg Memorial Stadium. The Rattlers, now 11-1 for the season, displayed a dominant ground game, amassing 229 rushing yards, with Terrell Jennings leading the charge with 113 yards and two touchdowns.
Jennings, who averaged 6.6 yards per carry, was the top performer in the Rattlers' backfield. Lelan Wilhoite contributed significantly as well, rushing for 57 yards at an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. In the air, Marcus Riley made five catches for 132 yards, including one touchdown, while Kamari Young added four receptions for 63 yards.
Defensively, Javan Morgan starred with five tackles and two interceptions. Deco Wilson added four tackles and an interception, and Cherif Seye recorded a tackle for loss and a sack. The Rattlers' defense was pivotal, forcing three turnovers and converting them into seven points while preventing any giveaways.
Florida A&M's offense capitalized on their opportunities, converting 41.7% of their third-down attempts and securing 229 rushing yards, outpacing Prairie View A&M by 46 yards. The Rattlers’ defense held Prairie View A&M to 274 total yards, disrupting their passing game with three interceptions and four pass breakups.
Game Recap
Florida A&M struck first with a touchdown at 10:41 in the first quarter, taking an early 7-0 lead. They extended their advantage to 14-0 with another score soon after. In the second quarter, the Rattlers pushed the lead to 21-0. Prairie View A&M managed to close the gap to 21-14, but the Rattlers responded, expanding their lead to 28-14 before sealing the game with a fourth-quarter touchdown, concluding at 35-14.
Key Notes
- Offensive MVP: Terrell Jennings
- Defensive MVP: [Defensive MVP’s name not provided]
- Home Winning Streak: Florida A&M extended the nation's longest home winning streak to 20 games.
- Total Yards: Florida A&M outgained Prairie View A&M 448-274, with a 219-91 edge in passing yards.
- Turnovers: The Rattlers won the turnover battle 3-0, intercepting three passes.
- First Quarter Dominance: Florida A&M scored 14 points in their highest-scoring quarter.
- Third Down Efficiency: Florida A&M converted 5 of 12 third downs, while Prairie View A&M managed only 1 of 7.
- Punting: Trey Wilhoit averaged 51.3 yards per punt over three attempts.
- Fourth Down: The Rattlers were 1-for-2 on fourth down attempts.
- Sacks Allowed: Florida A&M’s offensive line did not allow a sack.
- Time of Possession: The Rattlers controlled the game clock with 35:19 to Prairie View A&M's 24:41.
- Closing Strong: Florida A&M ended the game by scoring 14 unanswered points.
Prairie View A&M's offense was led by Trazon Connley, who completed 7 of 14 passes for 91 yards with one interception. Chris Herron was their leading rusher with 70 yards.
The Rattlers’ comprehensive performance secured their championship title and underscored their dominance in the SWAC.