Texas Southern Loses Tale of Two Halves Game to FAMU, 31-21

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Florida A&M (5-1) University defeated Texas Southern University (2-4) by the score of 31-21 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston in a game that was a tale of two halves.

TSU and Florida A&M met for the 1st time since the 2017 season opener for both teams, in which FAMU won 29-7. FAMU entered this game riding high as they are 4-0 in SWAC play with a two-game lead over its closet SWAC East foe. They have won four straight and are coming off a bye week. TSU was looking for their third win of the 2023 season.

On their first offensive possession, FAMU failed to put together an opening drive as the TSU defense held on a fourth-and-four play at the FAMU 37-yard line. Two consecutive FAMU defensive penalties moved the ball to the 7-yard line where TSU QB Jace Wilson completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR Jyrin Johnson for the first score of the game at the 7:07 mark of the 1st Qtr. The score held to the end of the 1st Qtr.

At the 6:17 mark of the second quarter, TSU scored again on a 4-yard pass from QB Jace Wilson to WR Trenton Leary on a drive that consisted of a combination of run and pass from the TSU offense. But the Rattlers would answer this time. With 33 seconds remaining in the 2nd half, FAMU speedy receiver Jamari Gassett beat his TSU defender on a 58-yard toss from QB Jeremy Moussa to score. The teams would go into the locker room with Texas Southern holding a 14-7 lead over the FAMU Rattlers.

That would be the tale of the first half where TSU was able to play their game and win the battle. By the time FAMU was done with a three-touchdown third quarter, it was 28-14 and the game was about done. During this third quarter, the Tigers had 10 yards of offense and had the ball for less than three minutes. They would get a late score from Wilson to Kerien Charlo for the final score of the game with 1:15 left.

During the post-game interview with TSU coach Clarence McKinney was asked about the momentum shift in the 2nd half of the game. He stated, “The inability of the TSU defense to get off the field and injuries to key players played a huge part in controlling the game.”

Game Notes

FAMU

Had a total of 76 plays for 435 yards, were 8 of 17 on 3rd down conversions, and completed three out of four 4th down attempts
Controlled the ball with a time of possession of 38:29 to just 21:31 for TSU
Ran for 275 yards with no 100-yard rusher

TSU

Had 60 plays for 309 yards, were 4 of 12 on 3rd down, and 1 for 1 on 4th down attempts

LaDarius Owens ran for 140 yards on 19 carries

Jace Wilson finished 16-29 for 183 and three touchdown passes