30 
7 Florida A&M used a barrage of big plays and a suffocating defensive effort to defeat Bethune-Cookman, 30–7, in the 1989 Florida Classic at Tampa Stadium.
The Rattlers exploded for 20 points in the second quarter and held B-CC scoreless over the final three periods, turning the rivalry matchup into a convincing victory despite being outgained in first downs.
After a scoreless opening quarter, FAMU struck first—and in spectacular fashion. Chris Daniels connected with Harry Brown on an 87-yard touchdown pass, the Rattlers’ longest play from scrimmage of the season, putting FAMU ahead 7–0. Bethune-Cookman immediately responded with a big play of its own, as Kevin Gainer returned the ensuing kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown to tie the game.
But the rest of the afternoon belonged to Florida A&M.
The Rattlers reclaimed the lead when Maress Scott fell on a B-CC fumble in the end zone for a defensive touchdown. Minutes later, quarterback Tony Ezell found Amir Rasul for a 7-yard scoring pass, extending the lead to 20–7 by halftime.
FAMU continued to impose its will in the second half. Jimmy Vertuno added a third-quarter field goal, and Rasul capped the scoring in the fourth, punching in a 6-yard rushing touchdown to push the final margin to 30–7.
Rasul finished with a standout performance, rushing for 137 yards on just nine carries and adding a receiving touchdown. FAMU’s ground game tallied 202 yards, while the passing attack needed just seven completions to produce 152 yards and two scores.
Bethune-Cookman’s offense struggled to sustain drives, with quarterback J.D. Hall completing eight passes for 59 yards and an interception. Marty Butler was a bright spot, rushing for 100 yards on 17 attempts, but turnovers and stalled drives prevented the Wildcats from keeping pace.
Florida A&M’s explosive playmaking and steady defensive control sealed a decisive win, closing the decade with a commanding showing in the Florida Classic.