Florida A&M Begins Quest for Back-to-Back Celebration Bowl Title with Win Over Norfolk State: Five Key Takeaways

The defending Celebration Bowl champion Florida A&M started their season off on the right foot, narrowly defeating the Norfolk State Spartans 24-23 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Here are the five biggest takeaways from the game:

1. Norfolk State’s run game dominated early on, with junior running back Kevon King leading the charge with an 82-yard touchdown run on the Spartans’ first offensive drive. Norfolk State rushed for 201 yards in the first half alone, setting the tone for the game.

2. A stomach bug made its way through the Norfolk State team, causing two players, including King, to vomit on the field during the game. Despite the setback, the Spartans continued to play with determination.

3. Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson emerged as a key player for the Rattlers, delivering a stellar performance and earning the game’s MVP title. Richardson’s strong play helped lead his team to victory and showcased his potential for the season ahead.

4. The SWAC continued its winning streak against the MEAC in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, marking the third consecutive victory for the conference. While the MEAC still holds the overall series lead, the SWAC’s recent success is notable.

5. The game drew a crowd of 22,210 fans, making it the third consecutive year that the MEAC/SWAC Challenge has seen over 20,000 attendees. This milestone attendance figure highlights the growing popularity of the annual event.

Overall, Florida A&M’s hard-fought victory, combined with standout performances and record-breaking attendance, set the stage for an exciting season of HBCU football ahead.