NEW YORK (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant ground attack and a frantic fourth-quarter rally, Florida A&M held off Arkansas-Pine Bluff 31-28 on Saturday at Skidelsky Field at City Park Stadium.

The Rattlers, led by a career day from running back Thad Franklin Jr., appeared to have the game in hand, leading 24-7 entering the final period. But the Golden Lions, spearheaded by quarterback Christian Peters, erupted for 21 points in the fourth quarter, turning a potential blowout into a nail-biter that wasn’t decided until the final seconds.

Florida A&M improved to 4-5 on the season, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff fell to 3-6.

The contest was a tale of two contrasting offensive philosophies. Florida A&M relied heavily on its powerful rushing game, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff leaned on a prolific passing attack that nearly engineered a stunning comeback.

Franklin Jr., a 6-foot, 240-pound junior from West Park, Florida, was the workhorse for the Rattlers, carrying the ball 26 times for 122 yards and a crucial 47-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter that ultimately provided the winning margin. His consistent, bruising runs kept the chains moving and the clock running for much of the game.

Complementing Franklin Jr. was running back Jamal Hailey, who added 76 yards on just seven carries, including a 28-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. Quarterback RJ Johnson III efficiently managed the game, completing 17 of 25 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns. His primary targets were Goldie Lawrence, who caught five passes for 95 yards and a 42-yard touchdown, and Kenari Wilcher, who added four receptions for 56 yards.

For the first three quarters, the Rattlers’ formula was effective. After Arkansas-Pine Bluff took an early 7-0 lead on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Peters to D’Avery Robinson, Florida A&M seized control. They responded with 24 unanswered points, beginning with a 47-yard field goal from Daniel Porto in the second quarter. Johnson III then connected with Jordan Edwards on a 15-yard scoring pass before the half, and found Lawrence for the 42-yard strike in the third quarter to build a commanding 24-7 advantage.

The Golden Lions’ offense, however, refused to quit. Peters, a 6-foot-2 quarterback from Charlotte, North Carolina, put together a stellar statistical performance, completing 26 of 36 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 34 yards on 11 carries. His efforts ignited the fourth-quarter explosion.

The comeback began with a trick play, as backup quarterback DJ Stevenson entered the game and threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Jennings. After Hailey’s 28-yard run extended Florida A&M’s lead to 31-14, the Golden Lions struck quickly again. Stevenson re-entered and hit Ellis Stewart for a 31-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 31-21.

Following Franklin Jr.’s 47-yard touchdown run, which was answered by a failed two-point conversion attempt from the Rattlers, Arkansas-Pine Bluff mounted a desperate, last-minute drive. Peters expertly moved the offense down the field, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jaxson Isaac with just 24 seconds remaining to pull within three points.

The Golden Lions attempted an onside kick, but Florida A&M recovered. Johnson III took a knee to run out the clock, securing the victory for the Rattlers.

Despite the loss, Peters spread the ball to a multitude of receivers. D’Avery Robinson caught six passes for 95 yards and a score, Kareem Burke had five receptions for 79 yards, and Ellis Stewart added five catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. Running back Jaylen Jennings was a dual threat, rushing for 60 yards and catching five passes for 43 yards and a score.

The result defied the pregame projections. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a narrow 37-36 victory for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, while its ELO system had given Florida A&M a 78.5 percent probability to win.

Florida A&M looks to build on the win when it travels to face Alabama A&M on Nov. 15. Arkansas-Pine Bluff will aim to rebound on the road at Prairie View on the same date.