College football debut for Starks shines as Howard overpowers Florida A&M 10-9 in a thrilling two-minute finishing performance
In a nail-biting finish at the Orange Blossom Classic, Howard emerged victorious over Florida A&M with a score of 10-9.
Tyriq Starks, making his first collegiate start for the Bison, showcased his versatility throughout the game. Starks, who also lined up as a running back, scored the lone touchdown for Howard in the second quarter and added 30 yards on the ground. As a quarterback, Starks completed 17 out of 28 passes for 145 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Starks' passing prowess was evident when he threw a 21-yard pass to KD Mosley for a first down, following a sack that cost him nine yards on Howard's final drive.
On the other side of the ball, Florida A&M struggled to convert on third down, managing only five successful conversions out of 15 attempts. RJ Johnson, the Rattlers' quarterback, went 17 for 32 with 183 yards passing. Jalen Rogers caught four passes for 51 yards, providing a spark for the offence.
However, it was the Howard defence that truly shone. Cam Dyson and Ja'Quavion Smith each recorded seven tackles to pace the Bison defence, which held Florida A&M to 272 yards of total offense.
The game culminated in a dramatic finish, with Matt Conord kicking a game-winning 43-yard field goal for Howard. The Orange Blossom Classic will undoubtedly be remembered as a hard-fought battle, with Howard's victory serving as a testament to their resilience and teamwork.
