Final: FAMU falls short in attempt to make history in Tampa against South Florida Bulls

TAMPA ― The Florida A&M Rattlers are playing against the South Florida (USF) Bulls here at Raymond James Stadium.

The game is an FCS (FAMU) versus FBS (USF) crossover game.

The Rattlers (1-0) opened their season with a 28-10 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East Division win against Jackson State at Week 1's Orange Blossom Classic. The Bulls (0-1) fell to Western Kentucky, 41-24.

FAMU is hoping to beat an FBS (formerly known as NCAA Division I-AA) team for the first time since 1979 when it defeated the Miami Hurricanes. The Rattlers win would snap a 26-game losing streak against FBS teams since then (rewarded a forfeit win over Temple in 1986 ― not counted in streak tally).

Follow along for live updates for FAMU-USF.

10:46 p.m. | FINAL: USF 38, FAMU 24

FAMU fell short in Tampa Saturday, falling to the Bulls.

Five turnovers thwarted the Rattlers’ upset hopes

FAMU quarterback Jeremy Moussa competed 23 of 42 passes for 358 for one touchdown and three interceptions.

The Rattlers also lost two fumbles.

FAMU outgained USF 377-360.

The Bulls snapped their 11-game losing streak with the victory. They also improved to 5-0 in their series against FAMU.

END OF 3Q | USF 31, FAMU 17

8:53 p.m. | HALFTIME | USF 24, FAMU 14

The Rattlers turned the ball over four times from two interceptions by Moussa and two fumbles by Marcus Riley.

FAMU has six penalties for 60 yards.

8:35 p.m. | FAMU gets a jolt; regains some momentum

The Rattlers put together their longest drive of the night with nine plays and 58 yards; TOP 4:11.

Terrell Jennings finished the drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown; his second of the night.

USF 17, FAMU 14 | 2Q | 2:51

7:56 p.m. | FAMU falls behind by two possessions; struggling to move the ball

The Rattlers have turned the ball over three times; two interceptions by Jeremy Moussa and a kick return fumble by Marcus Riley.

FAMU has a time of possession of 6 minutes.

USF 17, FAMU 7 | 2Q | 14:51

7:15 p.m. | USF responds to FAMU with fast pace

USF put together a eight play, 78-yard drive in 2:16

Bulls quarterback Byrum Brown connected with receiver Khafre Brown for a 7-yard touchdown.

7:11 p.m. | FAMU strikes first

The Rattlers scored on a six-play, 78 yard drive in 2:37.

Quarterback Jeremy Moussa completed four passes to four different receivers: Marcus Riley, Jah'Marae Sheread, Kamari Young, Darian Oxendine.

Running back Terrell Jennings scored on a one-yard rush.

FAMU 7, USF 0 | 1Q | 11:08

6:49 p.m. | Team threads

FAMU: White helmets, white jerseys, green pants

USF: Gold helmets, green jerseys, green pants

5:38 p.m. | Weather report from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida

• 83 degrees, partly cloudy; expected to still be 83 at 7 p.m. kickoff

What time is FAMU vs. USF?

• When: 7 p.m.Saturday, September 9

• Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

What channel is FAMU football on TV, streaming?

• TV: The game is not available on TV.

• Streaming: ESPN+ ($9.99 per month), WatchESPN (cable subscription needed) and the ESPN app, fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)

Drew Fellios and Patrick Murray will be calling the game for ESPN+.

Where can I find FAMU vs. USF on radio?

• Radio: WANM 90.5 FM (FAMU feed), 102.5 FM and 102.5 HD-2 (USF feed)

• Online radio: Rattler Sports Network (FAMU feed), TuneIn (USF feed)

FAMU schedule 2023

Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Final: FAMU football drops non-conference game at South Florida in Tampa