FAMU football narrowly escapes Alabama State victorious despite mishaps | Takeaways

Someone's streak ended today.

But it wasn't Florida A&M football's as it extended its winning streak to eight by beating Alabama State, 21-14.

The Rattlers relied on the dramatic, too.

They blocked kicker Jayden John's 52-yard field-goal attempt that would have won the game on the game's final play.

FAMU defensive back Kendall Bohler recovered the ball and sprinted for a 52-yard touchdown to secure the win.

This win meant a lot for FAMU coach Willie Simmons and his team, who found out a former student passed away the night before the game.

"I got some devastating news that one of our former at our prestigious institutions took their own life last night and it was tough," Simmons said. "The message to the guys was that if we can keep this same fight that we had tonight, they're going to be successful in life.

"Every game isn't perfect, but we found a way to get it done because our guys kept fighting. That's the sign of a championship football team and individuals.

"We'll fix the problems and the mishaps, but that's the main takeaway from this game."

Receiver Xavier Smith led the way for FAMU with 13 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown. The Dark Cloud Defense held Alabama State to 211 total offensive yards.

Altogether, FAMU (8-2, 6-1 SWAC) outgained Alabama State (6-4, 4-3 SWAC) 414-211.

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FAMU's Dark Cloud Defense holds down the fort

The Rattlers' defense is going to deliver most of the time.

Defensive ends Dre Jones (three) and Isaiah Land (two) led the unit by combining for five sacks.

Defensive lineman Gentle Hunt also recovered a fumble on his team's 33 in the first quarter to end Alabama State's drive to the end zone.

FAMU's pass rush forced Alabama State quarterback Dematrius Davis to throw the ball away in desperation as he was chased into the end zone.

Davis was called for intentional grounding and the Rattlers were awarded two points for the safety to take a 9-7 lead in the third quarter.

Rattlers leave an abundance of points on the board

It could have been a convincing win for FAMU.

But three turnovers and two field goals derailed the Rattlers' chance to run away with the game.

The Montgomery wind gave FAMU kicker Jose Romo-Martinez troubles.

After Hunt recovered the fumble, the Rattlers failed to put together a scoring drive after driving to Alabama State's 29.

Romo-Martinez missed a 46-yard field goal attempt to extend the Rattlers' lead to 10-0. It would be his first of three as he missed a 48-yard attempt before halftime along with a third quarter try.

Quarterback Jeremy Moussa struggled by throwing three interceptions in the third quarter. All of his picks took place in the red zone.

He finished with 25 of 49 for 277 yards, two scores, and three picks.

A tale of two halves by Moussa rectified by rest of offense

After a solid first half, Moussa came out for the second quarter and threw three interceptions.

Luckily it wasn't to the Rattlers detriment as they outlasted Alabama State.

Part goes to Smith's performance along with his running mate receiver Jah'Marae Sheread, who caught the 17-yard pass from Moussa to pull FAMU ahead 15-14 with four minutes left in the game.

Sheread had six catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.

The running back unit also showed up and rushed for 124 yards between Jaylen McCloud, AJ Davis, and Terrell Jennings.

Gerald Thomas III covers FAMU athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football: Rattlers outlast Alabama State for eight straight win