FAMU Lets TSU Slip Away In Home Opener, 30-14

Devondrick Nealy gives FAMU the early lead with an 83-yard punt return
against Tennessee State.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  The visiting Tennessee State Tigers staged a 23-point scoring surge in the second half to overtake the FAMU Rattler football team for a 30-14 non-conference victory in Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday night.

The setback saw the homestanding Rattlers (0-4) hold a 14-7 lead early in the third period on a 46-yard pass from Carson Royal to Kareem Smith, which broke a 7-7 halftime tie, with 12:05 left in the frame.

FAMU electrified their home fans who came 18,020 strong for the 2015 home opener, when former Jefferson County prep star Devondrick Nealy took at TSU punt and scorched the far sideline for an 83-yard TD return and a 7-0 lead with 11:03 left in the half.

Tennessee State (3-1) would even the count 7-7 before halftime when Tallahassee native Ronald Butler tossed a 12-yard scoring strike to to Mahlon Medley.

The Rattlers 14-7 third quarter lead faded late in the frame, when Butler hit Patrick Smith with a 38-yard scoring toss for a 14-14 tie with 4:54 left.

Things continued to slide away from the Rattlers, when Jason Morrow tackled running back Devondrick Nealy in the end zone for a safety, and a 16-14 TSU lead with 44 seconds left in the third.

Ronald Butler tossed his third scoring pass of the game in the fourth period, capping a 68-yard drive with a 32-yarder to Patrick Smith for a 23-14 edge with 13:32 left in the game.

TSU closed out the game with a 13-play, 80-yard drive, capped by Erick Evans’ one-yard run with 31 seconds left.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: The Rattler Defense stood up strong for the most part Saturday, holding TSU to 370 yards, well under their pre-game average…. FAMU rushed for 40 yards on 27 carries, led by Nealy’s 20-yards on five carries…. QB Carson Royal passed for 161 yards and a score, on 10 of 21 passing, while Brandon Norwood led with four receptions for 47 yards…. Ronald Butler of TSU went 16-for-34, for 194 yards and three TDs through the air, while Tevin Hooks led the Tigers’ ground game with 117 yards on 13 carries, and Patrick Smith topped the TSU receiving charts with seven grabs for 109 yards and two scores…. LB Akil Blount had 11 tackles to lead the FAMU defense, with DT Michael Lovejoy and LB Kashawn Butler each getting five solo stops.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers hit the road for the only time in October, as they head to Savannah,COU Georgia to face winless Savannah State next Saturday, October 3 at 7 p.m. in T.A. Wright Stadium.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION