It wasn’t as if the Florida A&M University’s 28-21 win over the Tennessee State University Tigers in the Atlanta Classic was something new; it was the seventh consecutive victory for the Rattlers over the Tigers. But it was unexpected, even with the Rattlers’ impressive 2-1 record going into Saturday’s contest.

The Rattlers and the Tigers had different paths coming into the contest. Tennessee State was riding a four-game winning streak, with three straight wins over Alabama A&M, Southern and Jackson State to open the year. Florida A&M had a close loss on the road against Delaware State in Week 2, but had convincing wins over lackluster competition in Alabama State and Howard University.

But the Rattlers and the Tigers were so evenly matched, that turnovers and athletic versatility at quarterback made the difference in the game. Two first half fumbles, particularly a second-quarter fumble that ultimately lead to a Rattler touchdown and 21-0 deficit, killed the Tigers early.

Curtis Pulley, a FAMU transfer from the University of Kentucky, passed for 100 yards and a touchdown, and ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns, single-handedly accounting for nearly half of the Rattlers’ total yards and  three-fourths of its scoring. If one man can do that kind of damage to a team ranked in the national Top-25 of FCS, imagine what the rest of the MEAC has to look forward to.

For the Tigers, it’s a painful loss but a blip on the regular season radar. They still have a great chance at the Ohio Valley Conference championship, and a birth in the NCAA playoffs.

But make no mistake about it, this win for Taylor and the Rattlers is and will be the biggest victory on the year for Florida A&M, and among the biggest of Joe Taylor’s career. In his first year as head coach of the Rattlers, Taylor has reversed the recent culture of FAMU football,dethroned the best team in black college football, and positioned the Rattlers for a surprising run at the MEAC championship.

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