By: Juamarley Miller

On October 15, 2016, the Delaware State University (DSU) Hornet football team (0-6) lost to the Florida A&M Rattlers (FAMU) (2-5) for this year’s Homecoming game 41-27.

Both teams prepared themselves for a hard fought must win contest, while we saw alumni, families and friends fill up Alumni Stadium to witness this physical Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) battle between two struggling sports programs.

Following the opening kick-off, FAMU started the drive on their 36-yard line and finished it off with a 39-yard field goal from Colby Blanton to take an early 3-0 lead.

The Hornets started off the game slow, as they could not answer this scoring drive with a scoring drive of their own. In result, the Hornets ended the first quarter with two punts and an interception already under their belt.

After another field goal by FAMU increased score to 13-0, the Hornets had to decide if they were going to let their fans down on Homecoming or fight to get a win.

To begin this game changing drive, Dan Epperson redeemed himself by throwing a 53-yard bomber to receiver Fatu Sua-Godinet advancing the ball to the FAMU 22-yard line.

Later in the drive after a few run plays by Mike Waters, Dan Epperson ran in a 1-yard touchdown for the Hornets first touchdown of the day.

DSU defense had a hard time stopping the FAMU offense as they scored on the following drive increasing their lead to 13.

However, the Hornet offense was not ready to give up that easy, so they marched down and scored quickly on an 8-play touchdown drive, that only lasted one minute and 37 seconds, capped off by another Dan Epperson 1-yard run.

The Hornets gave hope to their fans when they tied up game up at 20 a piece with a 13-yard touchdown run from Brycen Alleyne, to top of a 12-play, 71-yard drive.

As the game seemed to be in winning reach, the Hornet crowd erupted releasing excitement for the players to thrive off. Unfortunately for fans, Hornets gave up three quick touchdowns to FAMU, increasing score 41-20 late in the game.

With the game almost out of reach, the Hornets still fought to score one more touchdown run by Bryce Alleyne from 42-yards out.

Although this game racked up season-highs in points, rushing yards and total offense, it was no match for the Rattlers as they walked out this homecoming spoiler with a win.

“Offensively I think we ran the ball with authority, which was great to see. Passing wise we also moved the ball well but I can’t turn the over as much as I did. It was a learning experience and I will continue to move forward with the season,” said quarterback Dan Epperson

Up next, the Hornets (0-6) will face South Carolina State (2-5), with intentions on winning their first game of the season.

(Photo: DSU Athletics)