Run Offense: FAMU was supposed to have one of the best combinations of backs in the division, but so far, Devvin Richardson has been out with an injury. Quarterback Ben Dougherty is the team’s leading rusher through two games, which shows how much the Rattlers need a legitimate running game. Florida freshman DeShawn Wynn ran for 100 yards against Miami last week, and he’s not even the starter. That job belongs to Ran Carthon, who may not be as talented as Florida backs of the past, but is still very solid.ADVANTAGE: Florida
Pass Offense: “When [coach Billy Joe’s ‘Gulf Coast Offense’] is clicking, it’s very hard to stop it, ” said receiver Rod Miller after Saturday’s game. That statement is right on the money. No one knew how the offense would perform after the ineligibility situation during the summer, but Dougherty has the unit clicking on all cylinders. Meanwhile, Florida has three quarterbacks, none of which have stepped up to take the starting job. Receivers Carlos Perez and Kelvin Kight are good, and the Gators have a beast of a tight end in Ben Troupe.ADVANTAGE: FAMU
Run Defense: The Gators have a much-improved unit from a year ago, but there still aren’t many names on this side of the ball for them. The Gators lost several of their top tacklers from last year. FAMU did a better job of stopping the run last week than in previous games, but this area remains an Achilles’ heel for the Rattlers.ADVANTAGE: Florida
Pass Defense: FAMU got a boost last week when safety Levy Brown returned after a shoulder injury and some eligibility issues. With Brown in, the corners can play a little tighter, knowing they have backup. But with the Gators’ speed receivers, FAMU will most likely play back. The Gators lost their top defensive back in safety Todd Johnson, but still have talent in the backfield, led by corner Keiwan Ratliff and safety Daryl Dixon.ADVANTAGE: Florida
Special Teams: FAMU’s special teams performed well last week. Punter Damon Miller was hot, averaging almost 47 yards on his six punts, even though a couple of them landed in the end zone. Kick and punt coverage was a lot better than in the past, but the Rattlers will have to do better on returning. Field position can mean the difference between FAMU being competitive, or being blown out. Freshman speedster Andre Caldwell is the Gators’ return man, and he might be a handful to stop.ADVANTAGE: Florida