25 
0 Bethune-Cookman delivered a smothering defensive performance and controlled the game on the ground to shut out Florida A&M, 25–0, in the 1988 Florida Classic at Tampa Stadium.
The Wildcats dominated from the opening quarter, holding FAMU to just 115 total yards and forcing three interceptions while never allowing the Rattlers’ offense to find traction. B-CC’s offense, meanwhile, leaned on physical rushing and efficient passing to seize control early and never let go.
Bethune-Cookman set the tone in the first quarter when Kevin Finnie punched in a 1-yard touchdown, though the PAT was missed. In the second quarter, the Wildcats extended their lead with two more rushing scores: a 7-yard run from Michael Thompson and an 8-yard run by quarterback Anthony Thomas, building an 18–0 halftime advantage.
Finnie added his second touchdown of the afternoon in the fourth quarter, scoring from 7 yards out to push the margin to 25–0.
Finnie led all rushers with 64 yards on 15 carries, while Thompson and Thomas combined to keep the Rattlers’ defense off balance. Thomas also excelled through the air, completing 14 of 24 passes for 159 yards without an interception. Lebrone Sumpter paced the Wildcats’ receivers with 46 yards on three catches.
Florida A&M struggled throughout, managing only seven first downs and 68 rushing yards. Quarterback Tony Ezell completed just three passes and threw one interception, while Sean Gilliam led the ground game with 32 yards. Derrick Gainer was the lone bright spot in the passing attack, recording three catches for 17 yards.
Bethune-Cookman’s commanding performance marked one of its most dominant wins in the rivalry, as the Wildcats controlled every phase to secure the 1988 Classic.