Vann ties a pair of NCAA records, sparks Florida A&M in 31-27 win over North Carolina A&T

Florida A&M defeats N. Carolina A&T 31-27

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — LeRoy Vann’s punt return for a score tied two NCAA records to lead Florida A&M to a 31-27 win over North Carolina A&T on Saturday.

Vann’s 51-yard touchdown on a punt return in the third quarter was the senior’s fifth of the season and his eighth career punt return for a score. He tied both the NCAA single-season and career records, along with setting the Football Championship Subdivision record for career returns.

Vann now shares the Football Bowl Subdivision and FCS records for single-season punt return touchdowns with Hawaii’s Chad Owens (2004) and North Carolina A&T’s Curtis DeLoatch (2001).

He holds the FBS career record along with Texas Tech’s Wes Welker (2000-03) and Oklahoma’s Antonio Perkins (2001-04). Vann also broke the all time FCS career record, formerly held by Northern Iowa’s Kenny Shedd (1989-92) with seven.

The record-setting return gave Florida A&M (7-2, 5-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) a 31-21 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish in the final frame. Vann finished with 81 punt return yards and 51 yards on kickoff returns.

Rattlers quarterback Curtis Pulley threw a 16-yard touchdown pass and scored on a 22-yard run before leaving the game in the third quarter with a groin injury.

Pulley finished 9-for-17 with 145 yards and added 79 yards rushing on seven carries. The Rattlers’ Isaac West caught six passes for 111 yards.

Lewis Kindle threw two touchdown passes and scored on a 7-yard run for North Carolina A&T (5-5, 3-4). He finished 16-for-30 with 206 yards and an interception. Dontavious Payne rushed for 59 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown for the Aggies.

Florida A&M won despite committing six turnovers, missing two field goals and having another kick blocked.

The Rattlers have now won five straight in the all time series, which they also lead 41-11-2.