Better late than neverFAMU’s offense has gotten off to slow starts in its first two games this season. The Rattlers have not scored in the first quarter so far this season, and have given up 21 points in the opening period. FAMU knows it can’t allow Florida to get an early lead, especially in the hostile “Swamp.”
Noise factorOn Tuesday, coach Billy Joe brought two huge speakers out to the practice field, and played simulated crowd noise while his players practiced, to give them a feeling of how game conditions are going to be. Joe said the players are working on hand signals in case they can’t hear each other on the field.
Slide show*Joe worked with quarterback Ben Dougherty this week on learning to slide after he runs out of the pocket. Joe said Dougherty “is such a warrior, but sometimes he takes hits he doesn’t need to take.” One hit Dougherty took last week caused him to dislocate his pinky finger, but he will still start Saturday.
Getting defensiveFAMU’s defense disrupted Morgan State’s timing last week, which is why they only managed seven points. The reason FAMU was so successful was because it won the battle at the line of scrimmage, which the Rattlers will try to duplicate Saturday. Getting pressure on whichever quarterback is in the game will be crucial if FAMU hopes to make the game competitive.
Three for the price of oneDespite missing the second half of last week’s loss at Miami with a concussion, Florida quarterback Ingle Martin is scheduled to start against the Rattlers. Martin will share duty with true freshman Chris Leak and converted quarterback Gavin Dickey. All three have played each of Florida’s first two games this season.
Game show before the gameESPN will host its popular game show “2 Minute Drill” Saturday at noon. The first 100 people to show up at Emerson Alumni Hall on Florida’s campus will participate. The grand prize winner will get an all expenses paid trip to either the X-Games or the ESPY Awards.