ORLANDO — The trophy is remaining on Wahnish Way.

Florida A&M defeated Bethune-Cookman 24-7 in the annual Florida Classic rivalry football game at Camping World Stadium.

The Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll seventh-ranked Rattlers (10-1, 8-0 SWAC) outgained 325-234 the Wildcats (3-8, 2-6 SWAC) before Orlando’s Week 12 crowd of 56,227 ― the game’s highest attendance since 2011.

FAMU running back Terrell Jennings earned the game’s Most Valuable Player. He totaled eight carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns.

The Rattlers’ win moved their streak to nine games while securing the program’s first 10-win season since 1999.

"Huge win for this program," FAMU head coach Willie Simmons said after the game.

"We came in this season with a lot of goals in mind and have accomplished all those so far. It's a testament to their character and sacrifices they make everyday."

FAMU has no game next week and returns to action for Dec. 2's Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship game.

Prairie View A&M clinched the SWAC West by beating Alabama State 21-14 Saturday to set up the second FAMU-PVAMU meeting on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

The Rattlers beat the Panthers 45-7 in FAMU's homecoming football game three weeks ago.

"We're going to enjoy this win," Simmons said. "But it's hard to beat a team twice. The message and challenge for this team is if we're mature enough to prepare for a team that we beat by 38 points earlier in the year.

"I have no doubt that they'll come in and do what needs to be done."

FAMU offense shows cohesion as ground game takes the lead

FAMU is most dangerous when it has a complete offensive attack.

The Rattlers heavily relied on both rushing and passing.

FAMU’s rushing attack had 175 rushing yards, led by Jennings’ MVP performance.

"I lost my aunt two days ago, so my heart has been heavy this whole weekend," Jennings reflected. "I was playing for her and my family gave me an extra boost to go harder."

Rattlers quarterback Jeremy Moussa completed 14 of 21 passes for 150 yards. His top receiver was Jah’Marae Sheread, who finished with five receptions for 38 yards.

FAMU's second-ranked defense stymies the Bethune-Cookman

The Rattlers keep proving they have one of the best defensive units in the nation.

The FCS second-ranked Dark Cloud Defense held the Wildcats out of the endzone aside from an extended drive caused by redzone penalties against the Rattlers.

B-CU’s lone touchdown was a seven-yard rush by quarterback Walter Simmons III.

Linebacker Isaiah Major led the team with 10 tackles and also recovered a forced fumble.

FAMU forced two additional B-CU turnovers with two interceptions by cornerback Eric Smith.

The Rattlers have had a takeaway in 10 of their 11 games.

"The guys want it as just much as I do," Major said. "Those guys follow along and helps me out. It works well."

FAMU continues to flex muscle over Bethune-Cookman in Florida Classic rivalry

FAMU is starting a streak of its own.

Before 2021, the Rattlers were on a nine-game Florida Classic losing streak to the B-CU Wildcats.

FAMU has now beaten B-CU three years in a row.

And all three victories have been convincing.

"We suffered a streak here for a long time," Simmons said. "It feels good to be on the front side of it three years in a row.

"Thanksgiving dinner will taste a lot better this year."

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

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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: FAMU Football: Rattlers defeat Bethune-Cookman in Orlando | Takeaways