For 44 minutes, the rousing spirt of Florida A&M Rattlers had the team leading the 2012 Florida Classic. However, the team failed to capitalize on late opportunities and make cruical stops as they dropped to rival Bethune Cookman 21-16.
Quarterback Damien Fleming almost completed a late rally after throwing a touchdown pass to Travis Harvey. He was sacked with just over a minute remaining in the game that sealed the game for BCU.
It was a roller coaster game for the rattler offense. The Rattlers stalled with good field position and engineered long drives. In the second quarter they gashed the BCU defense on a 97 yard drive in just three minutes.
Coach Earl Holmes defense was in the backfield all day. However, BCU converted two key forth downs late in the game. Both resulting in touchdowns.
FAMU finished off the season 4-4 in the MEAC and 4-7 overall.