21 
10 Florida A&M rode a dominant rushing performance and a game-changing special teams play to defeat Bethune-Cookman, 21–10, in the 1987 Florida Classic at Tampa Stadium.
The Rattlers totaled 246 rushing yards and controlled the tempo throughout, overcoming a statistically productive passing day from the Wildcats.
The game opened with fireworks as Howard Huckaby took the opening kickoff 95 yards to the end zone, giving FAMU a 7–0 lead just seconds into the contest. Bethune-Cookman quickly answered, driving the length of the field for a 3-yard touchdown run by Michael Thompson to tie the game.
In the second quarter, FAMU regained the lead behind the legs of quarterback Andre Williams, who powered in from 1 yard out. Williams’ dual-threat ability continued to shape the game in the second half. After a Manny Manolas 37-yard field goal cut the Rattlers’ lead to 14–10, Williams again finished a red-zone drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing the margin to 21–10 late in the third quarter.
That score proved to be the final points of the afternoon, as Florida A&M’s defense held firm in the fourth quarter, thwarting multiple B-CC drives.
Williams paced the Rattlers with 105 rushing yards on 15 carries, while adding 72 passing yards despite an interception. Troy Allen accounted for 54 of those receiving yards.
Bethune-Cookman was led by Greg Ross, who threw for 294 yards on 20-of-44 passing but also tossed two interceptions. Greg Taylor had a standout performance with 147 receiving yards on eight catches, but the Wildcats struggled to find balance, posting just 97 yards on the ground.
FAMU’s special teams spark, strong rushing attack, and timely defensive stops carried the Rattlers to another Classic victory in the long-running rivalry.