35 
39 In one of the most thrilling finishes in Florida Classic history, Bethune-Cookman stormed back from a 28–10 deficit to defeat Florida A&M, 39–35, in the 2003 Walt Disney World Florida Classic presented by State Farm at the Florida Citrus Bowl.
The Wildcats used a relentless second-half rushing attack, a pair of touchdown runs from Eric Weems, and the late-game playmaking of quarterback Allen Suber to complete the comeback. Despite being outgained 397–275 and holding the ball for fewer plays, B-CU capitalized on short fields, red-zone efficiency, and explosive runs to turn the tide.
Florida A&M started fast behind quarterback Ben Dougherty, who delivered an MVP-caliber performance. After a 40-yard field goal by Jesus Cortez put FAMU ahead, Dougherty orchestrated three first-half touchdown drives. Rashard Pompey scored from 6 yards out, Dougherty found Rod Miller for a 33-yard strike, and Pompey added a 3-yard touchdown to give the Rattlers a 21–10 lead. Dougherty’s 1-yard keeper stretched the margin to 28–10 just before halftime.
Bethune-Cookman began its rally late in the second quarter when Suber scored from 1 yard out, then opened the third with a 1-yard touchdown run by Eric Weems. Suber’s two-point conversion cut the deficit to 28–25 entering the fourth quarter.
FAMU briefly regained control on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Dougherty to Roosevelt Kiser, but the Wildcats answered immediately. Weems broke free for a 12-yard touchdown run to make it 35–32, and with momentum fully shifted, Suber delivered the go-ahead score—an 18-yard touchdown pass to Weems—putting B-CU ahead 39–35.
The Wildcats held on the final Rattlers possession, sealing the win with defensive pressure that forced two incompletions in the closing seconds.
Suber earned B-CU MVP honors with 70 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a touchdown pass. Brad Lee added 88 tough rushing yards, and Weems totaled three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving).
For FAMU, Dougherty shined with 354 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and a rushing score, while Pompey added two touchdowns on the ground. Rod Miller led all receivers with 154 yards on eight catches.
Bethune-Cookman’s timely execution and dominant second-half ground game carried the Wildcats to an unforgettable comeback victory in a Classic defined by momentum swings and offensive firepower.