ATLANTA - Florida A&M football began its 2024 season on a high note.

On Saturday, the Rattlers (1-0) defeated the Norfolk State Spartans (0-1) 24-23 in their Week 0 MEAC/SWAC Challenge matchup.

FAMU outgained Norfolk State 403-369 before a crowd of 22,210 here at Center Parc Stadium.

FAMU rallied from a 14-0 first-quarter deficit, outscoring Norfolk State 24-9 to secure the victory.

It was first-year Rattlers head coach James Colzie III’s first victory as he debuted Saturday.

Rattlers quarterback Daniel Richardson was named the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Most Valuable Player. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns. He also added three rushes for 32 yards.

Saturday was FAMU’s 12th consecutive win dating back to last season, when the Rattlers won the Black College Football National Championship.

FAMU football is troubled by Norfolk State's rushing game

It was all Norfolk State early.

The Spartans rushing game overwhelmed the Rattlers’ Dark Cloud Defense.

On the opening drive, Norfolk State running back Kevon King scored on an 82-yard rush to take an early lead over FAMU. The Spartans added another rushing touchdown on a quarterback sneak by Jalen Daniels.

Norfolk State rode its rushing game in the first half, with 191 yards making up its 224 first-half yards. In total, King had a game-high 14 carries for 146 yards.

Quarterback controversy? Forget about it! FAMU's Daniel Richardson shines

Richardson made an excellent first impression as the Rattlers’ new starting quarterback.

He showed his ability to keep plays alive when the pocket breaks down and not be shy about tucking the football and running.

Richardson scored a first-quarter touchdown, finding running back Thad Franklin Jr. for a 20-yard score. But, the quarterback’s first half was relatively quiet ― but not bad.

The second half is when FAMU let Richardson loose.

Two of Richardson’s three passing touchdowns were scored by FAMU wide receiver Jamari Gassett, who caught eight receptions on eight targets and 110 yards.

FAMU adjusts to make comeback effort against Norfolk State

Alongside letting Richardson run free, the FAMU defense began to hound Norfolk State.

The Rattlers held the Spartans to nine points and 145 yards in the second half.

Additionally, Norfolk State only had 36 rushing yards in the second half.

FAMU defensive backs Andre Powell Jr. and Deco Wilson led the Rattlers with eight tackles.

Rattlers linebacker Nay’Ron Jenkins led the team with 1.5 tackles for loss. Jenkins also added FAMU’s only sack of the evening.

Next: FAMU hosts South Carolina State (0-0) on Aug. 31 at Bragg Memorial Stadium for a Week 1 game.

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 Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football defeats Norfolk State at MEAC/SWAC Challenge: Takeaways