CHAPEL HILL, NC — Without 25 ineligible players and playing with only seven offensive linemen available, Florida A&M put together an impressive performance before succumbing to North Carolina, 5624, on Saturday night.
Quarterback Jeremy Moussa was 28for38 for 279 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception and kept the Rattlers close in the first half before the Tar Heels’ depth and skill took over in the second.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the character and determination of this football team,” Rattlers coach Willie Simmons said. “This is a special group of guys. We proved we belong tonight. We opened some eyes. I’m very honored and overwhelmed to lead this group of men.”
Drake Maye, named North Carolina’s starter earlier in the week by coach Mack Brown, was 29for37 for 294 yards and five touchdowns, distributing the ball to a host of Tar Heels receivers. Ten different Tar Heels caught passes in the win, led by Josh Downs, who finished with nine receptions for 72 yards and two scores.
Omarion Hampton kept the chains moving for North Carolina as Florida A&M’s lack of depth began to show in the second half. He finished with 14 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns.
Florida A&M arrived with a reduced roster due to unresolved eligibility issues. The absentee list included linebacker Isaiah Land, who led the Football Championship Subdivision last year.
In a statement released Friday, Simmons said the team initially decided not to play after learning Thursday night that the offensive linemen were deemed ineligible. But after more discussion Friday, the team finally decided to go to North Carolina and play the season opener.
“The players didn’t feel comfortable playing in those conditions and they’re all understandably frustrated with a lot of our internal processes in the certification process, so they decided not to play,” Simmons said. “After some more discussions with the university management, including the university president, the players finally decided to play the game. I support these young men 100% in whatever they decide and I am very proud of them for fend for themselves!”
That said, the Rattlers trailed 2114 until Downs caught a 2yard touchdown with 5 seconds left in the first half, and quickly responded to a 70 deficit in the first quarter with a Moussa’s 17yard touchdown. to AJ Davis.
Florida A&M is scheduled to receive a $450,000 guarantee to play the game, which is part of a celebration of historically black colleges and universities this week on the UNC campus.
Maye is a redshirt freshman and the younger brother of former Tar Heels basketball standout Luke Maye. He had a couple of notable hits in the win. He is the first North Carolina player to throw for five touchdowns in a season opener and the first to connect for five touchdowns in a career opener.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.