FINAL
28 
31 MVP
GAME LEADERS
1 TD
1 TD
2 TD
1 TD
November 18, 2000
In one of the most dramatic Florida Classics ever played, Florida A&M survived a wild back-and-forth matchup to defeat Bethune-Cookman, 31–28, at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The game featured explosive plays, standout receiver performances, and a rare 100-yard missed-field-goal return that swung momentum before FAMU sealed the win late.
The Rattlers built an early lead thanks to quarterback Quinn Gray’s precision passing. Gray opened the scoring with a 54-yard strike to Marco Junious, and later hit Jacquay Nunnally for a 16-yard touchdown to make it 13–0. But Bethune-Cookman countered with two big scoring plays of its own—both from wideout Antonio Stanley, the Wildcats’ offensive catalyst.
Stanley hauled in a 60-yard touchdown pass from Allen Suber and later a 22-yard score from Pa’Tell Troutman, giving B-CU a 14–13 halftime lead.
FAMU regained control in the third quarter as Gray used his legs, scoring twice on 6-yard runs to push the Rattlers ahead 25–21 entering the fourth quarter. Bethune-Cookman answered with one of the most electrifying plays in Classic history when Rashean Mathis returned a missed field goal 100 yards for a touchdown, giving the Wildcats a 28–25 lead.
With the game on the line, Florida A&M turned to its ground attack and its All-America receiver. Running back O.J. Marchbanks powered the Rattlers forward with a series of tough runs, finishing with 128 yards on 29 carries. Gray then guided FAMU into field goal range twice, and Juan Vasquez delivered with kicks of 23 and 34 yards to put the Rattlers back on top 31–28.
Bethune-Cookman had one final possession, but the FAMU defense held firm to secure the victory.
Gray finished the game with 388 passing yards on 30 completions and added two rushing touchdowns. Nunnally, the game’s MVP for Florida A&M, anchored the passing attack with 12 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Stanley starred for Bethune-Cookman, recording 117 receiving yards and two touchdowns while adding 58 rushing yards on just three carries. Troutman and Suber combined for 157 passing yards, but B-CU struggled with consistency through the air, completing just 7 of 26 attempts.
Florida A&M’s late composure, strong rushing attack, and timely kicks helped the Rattlers outlast the Wildcats in a Classic filled with explosive plays and momentum swings.