Florida A&M Rattlers Edge Mississippi Valley State 16-13 on Senior Day

Florida A&M secured a narrow 16-13 victory over Mississippi Valley State at Bragg Memorial Stadium on Saturday, providing a highlight to the Rattlers’ Senior Day festivities.

In a game defined by defensive tenacity and hard-fought yardage, the outcome brought both teams to identical 3-8 overall records and 2-5 marks within the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

The game was a grinder from the opening kickoff, with Florida A&M needing a sustained 11-play, 68-yard drive to break the tension late in the fourth quarter. Gabriel Perez provided the difference-maker, splitting the uprights with a 30-yard field goal with 11:04 remaining on the clock. The Rattlers’ defense held firm in the final minutes, successfully protecting that slim three-point lead until the final whistle.

Chase Gillespie served as the engine for the Florida A&M offense throughout the afternoon. He racked up 111 rushing yards, averaging an impressive 8.5 yards per carry, while Jamal Hailey contributed an additional 47 yards on the ground. Through the air, Armand Burris emerged as the primary target, hauling in three receptions for 57 yards.

Mississippi valley state university sign

The defensive effort also helped keep the Delta Devils from scoring. Isaiah Morrison recorded an interception, and DJ Jones anchored the line with three tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack. The Rattlers’ defense limited the Mississippi Valley State offense to just 231 total yards, a performance that proved essential given the low-scoring nature of the contest.

Mississippi Valley State, led by Dezmond Ray’s 63 rushing yards and a touchdown, had managed to keep pace for much of the afternoon. The Delta Devils briefly tied the game at 13-13 before the Rattlers’ final scoring drive shifted the momentum for good. Despite the loss, Mississippi Valley State quarterback Josh Brown completed nine of 23 passing attempts, though he was hampered by the Rattler defense.

Florida A&M holds on for a 16-13 win over Mississippi Valley State! In their final home game of the season, the Rattlers improve to 3-8. @WCTV pic.twitter.com/L7EQcmFCEP

— Post by @TVilesWCTV on X

The statistical breakdown highlights the efficiency gap that decided the game. Florida A&M outgained the visitors 310 to 231 in total yardage, maintaining a clear 144-70 advantage in the passing game. While the Rattlers struggled to sustain drives—converting only four of 13 third-down opportunities—they effectively won the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 30:39 compared to the Delta Devils’ 29:21.

This victory serves as a final home-field morale boost for the Rattlers before they close out their season. They are scheduled to face Bethune-Cookman on November 21, 2026, at 3:30 PM, with the game set to be broadcast on ESPN+.