BREAKING: MEAC/SWAC Challenge's Halftime Report

The halftime report of the 2024 MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
Credit: Jamie Walker

The first drive for the Spartans couldn't have worked out better. Daniels handed the ball off to Kevin King Jr., who burst through the Rattlers' defensive line for an 82-yard touchdown run. Norfolk State would take the early lead 7-0 after 1:37 expired on the clock. The three-play, 91-yard drive shocked the Dark Cloud defense.

On the Spartans' next drive, Coach Odums went to his rushing game after FAMU could not move the football on its first drive. Daniels capped off a 12-play, 73-yard possession to increase its lead to 14-0 with 3:49 remaining in the first quarter.

Coach James Colzie III's team didn't panic as his FAU transfer quarterback guided FAMU on a 7-play, 75-yard scoring drive in 2:53. Richardson had three big plays, starting on his first rush for 17 yards. Next, on a crossing route, he lobbed the football to tight end Koby Gross for 27 yards to the NSU 20-yard line.  

Later, Richardson used his touch to pass for a 20-yard touchdown to Thad Franklin Jr. to begin the Rattlers' scoring. FAMU would climb back into the game, 14-7, with 55 seconds left in the Q1.

Punt returner Jamari Gassett returned the football near mid-field at the NFCU 47-yard line to give Florida A&M excellent field position early in the 2nd quarter.

DT Keyshawn Lynch forced a long 3rd down for a five-yard tackle for a loss. FAMU failed to convert a first down, resulting in a 33-yard field goal by placekicker Gillis.   

Florida A&M edged closer, 14-10, after the five-play, 31-yard drive in 2:23. The Rattlers were beginning to get into a rhythm with the passing game as Richardson found open receivers in the Spartans secondary.   

The Spartans mounted a solid 9-play and 62-yard drive, but King was stopped at the line of scrimmage on 3rd and 2. Coach Odums sent in his kicking team, but the center rolled the snap to the holder as FAMU halted the drive, taking over the football.

Unfortunately for FAMU, they went three and out, punting back to NSU at the 19-yard line.

Neither team moved the football before halftime.


HALFTIME SCORE

Norfolk State 14, Florida A&M 10


Players of the First Half

Norfolk State

  • RB Kevon King - 10 carries, 123 rushing yards
  • Spartans Offensive Line - pushing the Rattlers defensive line around for over 200 yards rushing.
  • Five Rushers = 191 yards on the ground

Florida A&M

  • QB Daniel Richardson - 9 of 15, 106 yards, 1 TD
  • Thad Franklin Jr. -2 receptions for 29 yards.

HALFTIME SHOW - MARCHING BANDS


HBCU LEGENDS PODCAST


Published |Modified
Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: