BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Florida A&M found itself in an early hole Saturday night but showed flashes of the playmaking ability and determination that define the Rattlers, scoring twice in the second half of a 56-14 loss to Florida Atlantic.

RJ Johnson III connected on two long touchdown passes to keep FAMU battling. He first hit Jamar Taylor for a 27-yard score in the third quarter, then followed with a 65-yard strike to Jordan Edwards early in the fourth quarter. Johnson finished with 227 passing yards and no interceptions.

Thad Franklin Jr. provided a spark on the ground, averaging 5.3 yards per carry with a long rush of 28 yards.

Jamal Hailey added 68 all-purpose yards, catching every pass thrown his way.

Defensively, linebacker Jason Riles Jr. led the Rattlers with 11 tackles, while defensive lineman Antonio Camon added a sack. The unit tightened after halftime, holding FAU scoreless in the third quarter.

FAMU returns home next week and plays host to Albany State at 7 p.m.