Final Stats

HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University's defense forced four turnovers on Saturday, as they held the Rattlers of Florida A&M to just 184 yards of total offense, while the Pirates offense, led by Steve Robinson, finished the day with 464 yards of total offense and 341 yards rushing on the day as Hampton left Armstrong Stadium with a 25-0 win.

 

“This was as complete a game as we have played all season,” Pirates coach Donovan Rose said. “We've had spurts, one side of the ball would perform, but before today we hadn't put it all together.”

 

With the win, Hampton improved to 5-5 on the year and 3-4 in MEAC play, while the Rattlers suffered just their third loss of the season, dropping to 7-3 and 5-2 in conference play.

 

It seemed the game was going to be a defensive battle until Micah Pellerin picked off Eddie Battle late in the second quarter. With 25 seconds left in the second quarter, Hampton quarterback David Legree ran in for the first score of the game from 15 yards out to put Hampton up 6-0 heading into the half.

 

The Pirates got the ball back to start the second half, and they would drive 82 yards and took up 6:42 off of the clock when Robinson rushed in from two yards out for his first of two touchdowns to make it 12-0 Hampton.

 

Herbert Bynes would get in on the action when he connected with Isiah Thomas from 50 yards out for the Pirates' third touchdown of the game that made it 19-0 with 14:03 reminding in the fourth quarter. Robinson put the icing on the cake when he rushed in from one yard out to finish a nine play 81 yard drive with 4:25 left to sealed the deal for the Rattlers as the Pirates sailed on to a 25-0 victory.

 

The Pirates' win over the Rattlers marked the first time since 1988 that Florida A&M was shut out by another MEAC opponent, when Bethune-Cookman beat the Rattlers by the same score. Prior to Saturday's shutout, the last time FAMU was held scoreless was against Virginia Tech back in 2004. This was also the first time that Rattlers head coach Joe Taylor was shut out since becoming a MEAC head coach back in 1995.

 

“It's been a difference week, with all the attention. But once the game started, it wasn't about Coach Taylor – it was about us,” Rose said. “But it feels great to go against one of the best Div. I-AA (or Football Championship Division) coaches in history; to come out on top feels even better.”

 

Hampton finished out the game with a season-high 25 first downs, 341 yards rushing and 464 yards of total offense. Robinson led the Pirates in rushing yards with 150 on just 17 carries and two touchdowns on the day for the offense. The defense was lead by Ricardo Silva, who finished the game with nine tackles.

 

The Pirates will be back in action on Saturday for their final game of the season for Senior Day as they host the Bears of Morgan State. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.