18 
17 In one of the most dramatic finishes in Florida Classic history, Bethune-Cookman edged Florida A&M 18–17 in overtime at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, rallying late and converting a do-or-die two-point attempt to secure the victory.
Florida A&M quarterback Damien Fleming earned MVP honors despite the loss, accounting for both Rattler touchdowns and extending the game with a clutch scoring drive in the final minutes of regulation. But Bethune-Cookman’s bruising ground game and bold overtime decision ultimately proved decisive.
After a sluggish, scoreless first half defined by defensive stops and missed opportunities, the Wildcats struck first in the third quarter. Michael D. Jones broke through for a 9-yard touchdown run, giving B-CU a 7–0 lead.
Florida A&M responded early in the fourth quarter when Fleming capped a determined drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to tie the game. Moments later, Chase Varnadore drilled a 29-yard field goal to put the Rattlers ahead 10–7.
Bethune-Cookman forced overtime with a 32-yard field goal from Haden Hoggarth, knotting the game at 10–10 with just over a minute to play.
In overtime, Florida A&M struck first. Fleming found Kareem Smith for a 13-yard touchdown, giving the Rattlers a 17–10 lead. But the Wildcats answered immediately as Danny Dillard powered in a 1-yard touchdown run to bring B-CU within one.
With the game on the line, the Wildcats kept the offense on the field. Quarterback Larry Brihm rolled right and muscled across the goal line on a two-point conversion, lifting Bethune-Cookman to the 18–17 win and sending the B-CU sideline into celebration.
Bethune-Cookman outgained FAMU 382–171 thanks to a relentless rushing attack that produced 263 yards. Jones led the Wildcats with 100 yards and a touchdown, while Devonte Washington added 47 yards receiving.
Fleming finished 9-of-25 for 86 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, while also leading the Rattlers in rushing with 44 yards on 16 carries. Jevaughn Reams provided FAMU’s biggest play of the day with an 83-yard receiving effort.
Bethune-Cookman’s resilience, physical ground game, and daring overtime call secured a Classic victory that will be remembered as one of the rivalry’s most dramatic endings.