james_owens_copy.jpgTALLAHASSEE (AP) — James Owens rushed for three touchdowns and 157 yards on 11 carries as Florida A&M pulled away in the second half for a 44-20 victory over Hampton on Saturday night in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Owens' 56-yard burst gave the Rattlers (1-2) a 30-17 lead with 8:18 remaining in the third quarter.

After the Pirates (0-3) cut it to 30-20 on Taurean Durham's second field goal, the Rattlers added fourth-quarter touchdown passes by Damien Fleming of 4 yards to Lenworth Lennon and 19 yards to Micha Etheridge.

Fleming finished 21-of-28 passing for 184 yards and three touchdowns.
Travis Champion's second touchdown pass, a 33-yarder to Andre Griffin on the first possession of the second half, brought Hampton to within 23-17 before Owens' long run.

Champion threw for 347 yards on 28-of-53 passing, with one interception for the Pirates and Jeremiah Schwartz carried 16 times for 101 yards.