The Florida A&M University Rattlers (5-2) are accrediting their coaches game plan to the 52-49 win over Southern University (4-3).
“We just came out ready to play,” said Curtis Pulley, transfer quarterback from Hopkinsville, Ky. “The coaches had a great game plan for us and we just came out and executed.”
Pulley completed 13 passes on 17 attempts with one interception.
He had a total of 172 passing yards, three touchdown passes and his longest throw was 39-yards.
Eddie Battle, quarterback from Titusville, completed 5 for 12 attempts with no interceptions.
He had a total of 101 passing yards and one touchdown pass.
His longest throw was 71-yards. He also was sacked one time.
The game was close statistically on the offensive side of the ball. FAMU had a total of 472 offense yards compared to SU 523.
FAMU had 19 first downs compared to SU 25.
But the difference came on the ground as FAMU netted 158 rushing yards compared to 104 from SU.
Offensive Lineman Robert Okeafor said the offense had a good blocking scheme, which helped anchor the rushing attack.
“The plays the coaches called made it easy to block that type of defense that southern ran and we put in a lot of work in practice,” Okeafor said.
FAMU struggled on third down, only completing 2 of 12 attempts.
SU didn’t fair much better going 5 of 12.
Javier Wallace, offensive lineman from Austin, Texas, said the team made a significant effort in practice to prepare.
“We practiced real hard last week with a lot of enthusiasm and focus,” Wallace said. “In the game we executed our plays the way we have been taught to do, but most importantly we were having fun out there playing together as a team.”
Even though, the team came out with a win Saturday, some players felt that they could of done better.
Sean Rush, safety from Chula Vista, Calif., said the defense could have been stronger.
“The defense did okay. We just had breakdowns and a few missed assignments,” Rush said. “They were a talented team, but we pulled it all together and came away with the victory. We did not play our best game though.”
Wallace said it was a team effort that allowed them the overall win.
“It wasn’t just the offensive line, it was the whole offense playing together and executing. Every person and position played a major role in the success of the team,” Wallace said. “It’s a team effort every time we touch the field.”