Photo courtesy: Devin Grimes
The Florida A&M Football team kicked off FAMU’s 134th birthday weekend with a 28-0 shutout win over Alabama State University. This victory over ASU marks the team’s first conference win since entering the Southwestern Athletic Conference this season.
“Our team came out the gate with great energy and enthusiasm,” said Head Coach Willie Simmons.
“We had a great crowd and for the second consecutive home game, the student section has really shown out and gotten behind this football team, so that’s a great feeling,” Simmons added.
With over 21,000 spectators in the bleachers, FAMU football gave the Rattler fans an exciting show to be a part of. For the first time this season, Rattlers offense scored on the opening possession. The six-play, 77-yard drive concluded with an electrifying 49-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Rasean McKay to tight end Kamari Young.
The Rattlers offense continued to look impressive as the first half went on. Wide Receiver Xavier Smith added a 6-yard rushing touchdown to his resume, putting the Rattlers up by two touchdowns. Running back Terrell Jennings added to the lead with a wide open 10-yard touchdown run, giving the Rattlers a promising 21-0 lead going into the second half.
The Rattler offense started to look shaky in the second half after going scoreless in the third quarter and only added one touchdown in the fourth.
Photo courtesy: Devin Grimes
Just like every other game this season, the Rattlers defense has performed at a high level. The defense limited ASU to only 24 yards in the first half.
“I think our defense played lights out,” Simmons said. “Whenever you can keep a team off the scoreboard it takes a great team effort.”
Although the defense continued to keep ASU off the scoreboard, they did allow ASU’s offense to get up the field more, earning 173 yards, over 7 times the number of yards allowed in the first half.
Isaiah Land had a monster game with 5 tackles, 3 of those being sacks, which counts as the team’s high for individual sacks this season.
“I used to stress about making plays,” Land said. “Now, I just sit back and let the game come to me.”
Kourtney Cox also showed up big in Saturday’s win with 5 tackles and also recording his first collegiate interception for 50 yards.
“It was a good team win, we went ham on defense,” said Cox. “Everything we saw on film, we saw it tonight on the field,” added Cox.
Head Coach Simmons shared his vision for the team and explained the “Leave No Doubt” statement.
“When we say ‘Leave no Doubt,’ that’s what we mean,” Simmons said. “They want to leave no doubt they’re the best in this conference and the country. As good as we played, we can play better.”
The Rattlers look forward to facing off against South Carolina State, Saturday October 9 at Bragg Memorial Stadium.