How nail-biters have prepared FAMU football for its high stakes SWAC game at Jackson State

Florida A&M football has shown that it has no issue making things interesting.

This season, the Rattlers have displayed the ability to squeak out narrow victories, beating Norfolk State 24-23, South Carolina State 22-18, and their lone double-digit victory over Alabama State 28-13.

FAMU’s point differential in wins is 6.7 points, less than a touchdown and extra point conversion.

The Rattlers’ two losses were by double digits to Football Bowl Subdivision teams Miami (56-9) and Troy (31-12).

Winning close has built the Rattlers’ character and identity as they embark on a new era under first-year head coach James Colzie III.

“Everybody can blow out a team and feel good about themselves. But I think when you finish a game and shows when adversity comes, you finish harder than you started ― that shows what kind of players you have and the camaraderie we have as a team,” said FAMU junior linebacker and leading tackler Nay’Ron Jenkins.

Florida A&M linebacker Nay’Ron Jenkins celebrates a play during the Rattlers’ home-opening 31-10 win over the West Florida Argonauts on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

FAMU has had to resort to late-game heroics in two of its first five games this season.

The Rattlers erased second-half deficits to prevail over Norfolk State in Week 0 and South Carolina State in Week 1. Daniel Richardson quarterbacked the Rattlers to those wins, throwing lead-taking touchdown passing to claim the victories.

However, Richardson doesn’t want his team to play from behind anymore.

“It’s always good to be down two big scores and come back. But you don’t like playing like that,” Richardson said. “When you play ahead, you feel more comfortable. Coach preaches starting fast. You punch a team in the mouth; it’s hard for them to come back.

“As long as we start…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nail-biters-prepared-famu-football-090825397.html

Author : Tallahassee Democrat

Publish date : 2024-10-16 09:08:25

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