Rattlers remain winless with 27-7 loss to TSU

big rattler
0
The FAMU Rattlers (0-4, 0-0 MEAC) were unable to overcome their own mistakes as they dropped their fourth straight game of the season to the Tennessee State Tigers (4-1, 1-0 OVC) enroute to a 27-7 loss at LP Field. That makes seven consecutive losses since 2013.

“We knew going into the season that the first four games were against tough opponents, including two teams who made it to the FCS playoffs last season.  We felt the goal was to not complain, but play the opponents we had scheduled.  We have several areas we need to improve, but the good thing about it is we have eight conference games in front of us.  We’ve got to look at the film and make our adjustments and prepare for Morgan State,” Head Coach Earl Holmes said.

The TSU (4-1, 1-0 OVC) defense scored two touchdowns in the contest and held the Rattlers (0-4) to 224 total yards. The unit also notched 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

A 30-yard punt return from De’Ante Saunders set up the TSU offense at its own 49-yard line and a 24-yard rush by Tom Smith later on the drive set up the only score of the first quarter – a 22-yard field goal by Lane Clark at the 7:18 mark.

Butler led an 11-play, 95 yard scoring drive early in the second period, completing two long passes, one to Hakeem Parker for 18 yards and another to Archie Denard that went for 16. The aerial success led to a five-yard touchdown run by Telvin Hooks to increase the Tiger lead to 10-0.

Four plays later, true freshman Terrell Bonds picked off Damien Fleming’s crossing pattern and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. The defensive score put the home side up, 17-0, with 7:19 left in the first half.

Nick Thrasher got another interception for TSU and Clark booted a career-long 42-yard field goal to give TSU a 20-0 halftime lead.

The Tiger rushing game found its footing during the opening 30 minutes, gaining 88 yards on 17 rushes for a 5.2 yard per carry average.

The Rattlers finally punched it into the end zone at the 10:27 mark of the third quarter on a quarterback draw by Fleming. It was the only score of the period and capped a 10-play, 63 yard drive.

During the fourth quarter, quarterback Damien Fleming went down with a foot injury, activating Carson Royal.  On Royal’s first play, he would fumble on a pass attempt, which was scooped up by Samquan Evans, who scampered 12 yards, leading to the final score of 27-7.

The Rattler offense gained 224 total offensive yards, slimly trailing TSU with 278.
Tags

Post a Comment

0Comments

Post a Comment (0)

#buttons=(Accept !) #days=(20)

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Check Now
Accept !