Another week, another win for the Florida A&M football team.
The Rattlers (8-1, 7-0 SWAC) traveled to Huntsville, Alabama, to take on the Alabama A&M Bulldogs (4-5, 2-4 SWAC), winning the Week 10 Southwestern Athletic Conference game 42-28.
It was the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll’s 13th-ranked FAMU‘s seventh consecutive victory this season.
FAMU outgained AAMU 352-339 before a crowd of 16,179 at Louis Crews Stadium.
Rattlers quarterback Jeremy Moussa led the way, completing 14 of 27 passes for 245 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
“Another good win for the program,” FAMU head coach Willie Simmons said.
“It’s always tough to win on the road, and the guys showed a lot of resilience. I’m proud of those guys and excited to be where we are.”
FAMU opened the game, jumping to a 17-0 advantage midway in the first quarter. But AAMU scored 21 unanswered points to take the lead with 8:20 remaining in the second quarter.
But the Rattlers struck back.
They regained their momentum and secured the victory behind three rushing touchdowns and a solid second half.
FAMU will host NCAA Division II team Lincoln (California) at Ken Riley Bragg Memorial Stadium next Saturday for its regular season home finale.
FAMU special teams shows up to give team early an advantage
Some forget how important special teams are.
The Rattlers’ special teams unit reminded everyone.
After FAMU scored a 49-yard touchdown pass from Moussa to wide receiver Marcus Riley in the game’s initial drive, the special teams unit was integral in the team’s next ten points.
The Rattlers stopped two consecutive Bulldogs punt attempts.
Defensive back Jalen Glaze recovered AAMU’s first failed punt on the ten-yard line. It gave FAMU a short field that led to a 32-yard field goal made by Cameron Gillis.
On the next drive, the Rattlers blocked the Bulldogs, who were deep in their territory, punt where defensive back Lovie Jenkins recovered and returned it to give FAMU a 17-0 lead within the first eight minutes of the game.
“[FAMU special teams coordinator Doc Gamble] challenged the guys to be elite,” Simmons said. “We saw some things on film that we could take advantage of. Coach Gamble did an amazing job of scouting those guys in scheming ways to get to the punter.”
FAMU hits lull period, breaks free of struggles to put away Alabama A&M
Things became murky for the Rattlers.
FAMU allowed 21 unanswered points to AAMU, squandering the early 17-point lead.
The Bulldogs scored touchdowns on four of their next five drives to take the lead. AAMU gained 279 yards in those drives.
AAMU quarterback Quincy Casey, who subbed in for injured starter Xavier Lankford, passed for two touchdowns to receivers Levar Gumms (nine yards) and Jacolby Hewitt (43 yards). Bulldogs running back Ryan Morrow added an eight-yard rushing touchdown.
FAMU’s stall included an interception by Moussa, which led to the Casey-Hewitt touchdown connection.
“We didn’t capitalize and put ourselves in a closer ballgame than maybe it should’ve been,” Simmons reflected.
“We started missing some opportunities — dropped passes, busted coverages. Lack of fundamentals and discipline plagued us in the first half.”
FAMU then scored 25 unanswered points on AAMU, which included scoring drives on four of the next six possessions.
Rattlers running backs Kelvin Dean Jr. (four yards), Jaquez Yant (one yard), and receiver Kareem Burke (26 yards) rushed for a touchdown apiece.
On the defensive side, FAMU had six sacks, led by linebacker Khalil Hunter, and an interception by defensive back Javan Morgan. The Rattlers have recorded five interceptions in the last three games.
“Fortunately for us, we withstood the blows,” Simmons said. “We played a much cleaner second half. We did enough to win, but it wasn’t our most complete game.”
FAMU finishes road slate making history for Rattlers football
FAMU has clinched the best record in the SWAC.
Saturday’s win assured that the SWAC East champions Rattlers will host Dec. 2’s SWAC Championship game at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
It will be FAMU’s first postseason home game since the 1998 NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) First Round when the Rattlers eliminated Troy State 27-17.
“Being a hometown guy, it means a lot,” Simmons, from Quincy, said.
“[Tallahassee] place made my family who they are today. I’m thankful to have the football program match the academic prowess of this place.”
Additionally, FAMU was presented with the SWAC East Championship trophy following the win over Alabama A&M.
Simmons says it means a lot to check off the box in claiming FAMU’s first SWAC divisional trophy.
“I’ve been afforded the opportunity to work at some amazing places — none more special than Florida A&M,” Simmons said.
“It’s a testament to the guys, the coaching staff, the support staff, and Rattler Nation for us reaching this level of success.”
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.
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