Game recap: FAMU football never finds its footing against Deion Sanders and Jackson State

As Florida A&M football (0-1) continues to return its full team via NCAA certifications, they will begin SWAC play against the Deion Sanders-coached Jackson State (0-0) in Sunday’s Orange Blossom Classic.

Last week, the Rattlers missed 26 players against North Carolina due to ineligible or certification rulings. Since Wednesday, the number has been cut down to 17, followed further down to eight.

Reigning top FCS defensive player Isaiah Land and right tackle Cameron Covin are among the players who have been ruled eligible. The two had attained attorney Tom Mars to help reinstate their eligibility.

The Dark Cloud Defense will have to sustain against 2021 Jerry Rice Award winner quarterback Shedeur Sanders and former top-ranked recruit wide receiver Travis Hunter.

Last season, FAMU fell 7-6 to Jackson State in the revitalization of the Orange Blossom Classic which ran from 1933-1978 before being brought back in 2021.

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6:30 p.m. | FAMU blown out by the Tigers

FAMU never had a chance against JSU, falling 59-3 in the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens Sunday.

It was the Rattlers’ worst defeat to a fellow HBCU program in school history. FAMU’s previous low mark was a 36-0 defeat at South Carolina State in 2015.

JSU outgained FAMU 471-155.

5:21 | FAMU allows two scores within first six minutes of third quarter

FAMU is down even bigger after giving up two scores from on a rushing touchdown and a pick six by Ke’Vric Wiggins.

JSU 38, FAMU 3 | 3Q | 7:34

4:43 | FAMU trails big at halftime

FAMU defense held firm after a botched snap that gave JSU a short field. The Dark Cloud Defense held JSU from getting in the endzone, forcing them to kick a field goal.

Story continues

Before the half, FAMU was able to get on the board on a 43-yard file goal by Jose Romo-Martinez.

JSU 24, FAMU 3 | HALFTIME

4:18 | Isaiah Land is back, records first sack

Since being cleared to play by the NCAA on Friday, Isaiah Land was the first to help the Dark Cloud Defense show a sign of life.

He sacked Sanders on second down for a ten-yard loss. JSU ultimately ended up punting on fourth down.

JSU 21, FAMU 0 | 2Q | 6:30

3:54 | JSU scores again

Sanders remains unblemished on a nine-play, 72-yard drive. He found wide receiver Dallas Daniels for an 8-yard touchdown.

So far, FAMU hasn’t been able to contain Sanders’ 14 of 14, 117 passing yards, and two touchdown performance.

JSU 14, FAMU 0 | 2Q | 10:53

3:44 | JSU leads 7-0 after first quarter

The sole score of the first quarter was Sanders’ pass to Hooks. The sophomore quarterback has completed 9 of 9 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown.

The furthest FAMU’s offense went was just short of midfield.

Jeremy Moussa has completed 5 of 9 passes for 18 yards. Running back Terrell Jennings has rushed three times for 12 yards.

3:22 | Cold start for the Dark Cloud Defense

Jackson State scores to end a 12-play, 69-yard drive on a Shedeur Sanders touchdown pass to Shane Hooks for eight yards. Sanders completed all six of his passes in the process.

JSU 7, FAMU 0 | 1Q | 8:02

3:03 | JSU wins toss

Isaiah Land, BJ Bohler, and Cameron Covin are the team’s captain.

Jackson State wins the toss and defers to the half; will kickoff.

2:43 | Hunter will play

The 2022 top-ranked recruit Hunter warmed up with Jackson State in full pads.

2:03 | Teams warming up

Sources: FAMU cornerback BJ Bohler WILL play.

Sources: Jackson State wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter questionable.

2:01 p.m. | Weather’s good

Weather is reported at 91 degrees; mostly sunny in Miami Gardens

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Game recap: FAMU football vs. Jackson State score, analysis