How FAMU football QB RJ Johnson led a run to tame Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Week 11 SWAC game

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Florida A&M football got a much needed win on the road this Saturday, Nov. 8.

The Rattlers traveled to and defeated the Arkansas-Pine Bluff 31-28 in a Week 11 Southwestern Athletic Conference game on Simmons Bank Field.

FAMU (4-5, 3-2 in SWAC) narrowly outgained Arkansas-Pine Bluff (4-6, 2-4 in SWAC) 441-440 before the Pine Bluff crowd.

The Rattlers held off a late fourth-quarter comeback effort by the Golden Lions that saw the FAMU lead trim to three points in the fourth quarter on three separate occasions.

Quarterback RJ Johnson III led the way for the Rattlers.

The redshirt sophomore went 17-for-25 for 235 yards, tossed two touchdowns, and had an interception. His touchdown passes went to wide receivers Jordan Edwards on a 15-yarder and Goldie Lawrence, who went for a 42-yard score.

It was a bounceback performance from the FAMU signal caller after struggling versus Jackson State in a critical SWAC game last week.

FAMU football goes on 17-0 run to get breathing room vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff

The Golden Lions drew first blood.

Putting together a collection of big plays, Arkansas-Pine Bluff quarterback Christian Peters connected with receiver D’Avery Robinson for a 33-yard first-quarter touchdown.

From there, it was all FAMU until Arkansas-Pine Bluff tried to rally.

First, kicker Daniel Porto made a 47-yard field goal to put the Rattlers on the board in the second quarter.

Then, it was Johnson had his two touchdown throws, with the one going to Edwards in the second quarter and Lawrence getting his in the third quarter.

FAMU scored 17 unanswered points on Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

FAMU football’s offensive turns in a balanced attack vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff

FAMU played complimentary football versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday.

Alongside Johnson’s peformance, the Rattlers eclipsed 200 rushing yards for just the second time this season.

Running back Thad Franklin Jr. had 26 carries for a season-high 122 yards, and a 47-yard touchdown. Jamala Hailey added seven rushing attempts for 76 yards, and a touchdown for 28 yards.

Both of those rushing touchdowns came in the fourth quarter as the Rattlers fought off the Golden Lions.

FAMU’s top receiver was Lawrence, with five catches for 95 yards, and a touchdown.

FAMU went seven-for-13 on third down conversions.

A drawback from FAMU’s offensive performance was Johnson throwing his first interception of the season. He attempted a pass to receiver Armand Burris in double coverage and was picked off by Arkansas-Pine Bluff defensive back Azayvonne Stribling.

FAMU football defense wins middle half, but allows late scores by Arkansas-Pine Bluff

After allowing an early Arkansas-Pine Bluff score, the FAMU defense held up pretty well for awhile.

It allowed no points in the second an third quarter.

What stood out was FAMU’s ability to get Arkansas-Pine Bluff off the field, especially on fourth downs.

The Rattlers forced three turnover on downs in the first half. Those were Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s lone three fourth-down conversion attempts.

A good sequence for the FAMU defense was when linebacker Brian Norris and defensive end Antonio Camon had back-to-back sacks to halt an Arkansas-Pine Bluff drive in the second quarter.

The Golden Lions got their second, third, and fourth touchdown scores in the fourth quarter.

First, DJ Stevenson subbed in for Peters and passed a 12-yard touchdown pass to running back Jaylen Jennings.

Afterwards, Peters returned to action and had a 31-yard touchdown pass to Ellis Stewart and a one-yarder to Jaxson Isaac as Arkansas-Pine Bluff inched closer to the FAMU lead.

However, it was too little, too late.

After its final touchdown, the Golden Lions kicked an onside kick, which was recovered by the Rattlers.

Peters finished the game going 26-for-36 for 333 yards, three touchdowns, and added 44 rushing yards on 11 attempts.

Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.

Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football’s RJ Johnson throws 2 TDs in win vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff

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