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34 Bethune-Cookman dominated all phases of the 2007 Walt Disney World Florida Classic presented by State Farm, rolling past Florida A&M, 34–7, behind a punishing ground attack and a smothering defensive performance at the Florida Citrus Bowl.
The Wildcats controlled the line of scrimmage from the outset, rushing for 336 yards on 64 attempts while holding the Rattlers to just 158 yards of total offense. Quarterback Jimmie Russell, named B-CU’s MVP, guided the offense with 78 passing yards and added 54 rushing yards, including a short touchdown run. Running back Justin Brannon delivered the game’s top performance, racking up 140 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.
After a scoreless first quarter, Bethune-Cookman erupted for 21 points in the second. Brannon opened the scoring with a 1-yard run, followed by Russell’s 1-yard quarterback keeper. Moments later, the Wildcats extended the lead when Ben Ballard scooped up a FAMU fumble and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown, sending B-CU into halftime up 21–7.
Florida A&M’s lone highlight came in the second quarter when Eddie Battle found Jarvis Funderburk for a 24-yard touchdown pass, briefly cutting the deficit to 14–7. But the Rattlers struggled to generate consistent offense the rest of the way.
Bethune-Cookman continued to pull away after halftime. Lucas Esquivel added a 34-yard field goal in the third quarter, and McKinson Souverain broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run to make it 31–7. Another Esquivel field goal, this one from 30 yards, capped the scoring in the fourth.
Philip Sylvester earned FAMU MVP honors with 73 rushing yards on just seven carries, providing the Rattlers with their most consistent offensive production. Battle completed eight passes for 57 yards and the team’s lone touchdown, but FAMU struggled to move the ball against a relentless Wildcats defense.
Bethune-Cookman’s ball control, defensive dominance, and physical rushing attack secured a convincing rivalry victory, marking one of the most lopsided Classics of the late 2000s.