FINAL
29 
0 GAME LEADERS
1 INT
November 28, 1981
Florida A&M turned in one of the most dominant defensive performances in Florida Classic history, shutting out Bethune-Cookman 29–0 at Tampa Stadium.
The Rattlers controlled the game from start to finish, overwhelming the Wildcats at the line of scrimmage and outgaining them 372–92. FAMU’s defense stifled Bethune-Cookman all afternoon, allowing just 35 rushing yards and intercepting two passes while never letting the Wildcats find any offensive rhythm.
FAMU struck quickly in the first quarter. Curtis Burns opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run, followed later by a 3-yard run from Greg Fashaw to give the Rattlers a 13–0 lead. Burns added his second touchdown early in the second quarter on a 1-yard run as FAMU pushed the margin to 19–0 at halftime.
The Rattlers continued to control the pace in the second half. Kicker Vincent Coleman connected on a 35-yard field goal in the third quarter, and Charles Bevel capped off the scoring in the fourth with an 11-yard touchdown run to seal the decisive victory.
FAMU’s ground game powered the offense, led by Emory Collier’s standout performance of 154 yards on 12 carries. Quarterback Nathaniel Koonce complemented the rushing attack with 124 passing yards on 8-of-15 attempts. Ray Alexander anchored the receiving corps with four catches for 55 yards.
Bethune-Cookman struggled throughout the afternoon, unable to sustain drives or generate explosive plays. Mike Revell was the Wildcats’ top performer, finishing with 62 rushing yards and 30 receiving yards, while quarterback Kenny McMillian completed five passes for 49 yards and threw one interception.
Florida A&M’s dominant defensive showing and balanced offensive effort made the 1981 Classic one-sided, marking one of the most emphatic victories in the long-running rivalry.