Florida A&M Edges Howard to Win 2023 Celebration Bowl

The Rattlers capped a dominant season by rallying past the Bison.

This season was one to remember for Florida A&M.

The Rattlers announced a new order in the SWAC in resounding fashion in their season opener, topping Jackson State 28–10. After losing to South Florida the next week, Florida A&M reeled off 10 straight wins and reached the FCS's top 10.

On Saturday, the Rattlers beat Howard in the Celebration Bowl to finish 12–1 and claim the de facto Black college national championship.

It will be Florida A&M's 16th Black college national championship from a recognized source, and third of this century. The Rattlers were previously recognized as the best HBCU football team in the country in 2001 and ’19.

CELEBRATION BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!#FAMU | #Rattlers | #OurTime pic.twitter.com/wyCrKyY1j3

— Florida A&M Football 🏈 (@FAMU_FB) December 16, 2023

The Bison, who entered the game 6–6 but had won four of their last five games, jumped out to a 14–0 lead on the strength of two rushing touchdowns early in the first quarter. Florida A&M rallied to take a 17–16 lead 1:15 into the fourth quarter, punctuating a seven-minute drive with a 21-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Jeremy Moussa to running back Kelvin Dean.

When Howard went back up 26–24 on defensive back Carson Hinton's pick-six midway through the fourth, Mouusa quickly responded with a 38-yard touchdown to wide receiver Jah'Marae Sheread that ended up being the difference.