The football team picked up a much-needed against Savannah State 27-13 on Saturday.
Head coach Earl Holmes spoke on the job his team did getting off to an early start on both sides of the ball in the press conference held on Tuesday.
“We started the game off fast,” Holmes said. “That has been our Achilles’ heel, so we changed some things around so we could start out fast and finish strong.”
A fumble recovery in the first quarter from Kashawn Butler, a redshirt sophomore linebacker, set the Rattlers (2-4, 1-1 MEAC) up for a 10-yard touchdown run by junior running back Lemond Buice, giving them an early lead.
Additionally, Terry Johnson, a junior cornerback, increased FAMU’s lead by scoring a touchdown on a 63-yard punt return. After the return, the team was able to maintain the momentum throughout the game.
The Rattlers look to continue to improve heading into Saturday’s homecoming game against the Howard University Bison.
“We are only going to get better,” Holmes said. “We are trying to get that snowball effect. Once you get that first win, then you look to grow on it.”
Kevin House, a senior center, emphasized the importance of winning this year’s homecoming game against Howard.
“Since I have been here, we have not beat them yet, so we have to pull out a victory for the senior class,” House said.
House said the chemistry the offense has is better thus far in the season.
“Early in the season, we were trying to get that gel,” he said. “Now, we are in sync. Usually we have to talk to get the passing assignments out. Now it’s like everybody is on the same page and in one motion.”
Senior safety John Ojo said the key is stopping Howard’s spread passing game.
“I’d have to say the biggest challenge is definitely the passing game,” Ojo said. “They like to throw it a lot, so we have to be disciplined and ready to fly to the ball.”
Holmes expects the extra activities going on for homecoming to motivate his team and for the fans to play a big factor this weekend.
“It’s about the 12th man,” Holmes said. “We have a rich tradition when it comes to winning, and [we’re] looking to get back there.”