The Rattlers are set to face the Alabama State Hornets on Ken Riley Field on Saturday.
Last year when the Rattlers played the Hornets in Montgomery it was a relatively close game, and the Rattlers barely escaped with a last-minute field goal blocked and returned for touchdown by Kendall Bohler for a final score of 21-14.
As FAMU approaches this year’s matchup, the Hornets are undoubtedly eager for an opportunity to seek revenge. However, it remains uncertain whether the upcoming game will be as close as the previous game.
FAMU is playing at home this year, It enjoys an impressive record of not having lost at Bragg Memorial Stadium for the past five years. Given that this will be their last home game for the next month, the Rattlers are highly motivated to secure a victory.
ASU is coming of a tough loss and a bye week to mourn that tough loss it had two weeks ago. The Hornets lost to Division 2 SIAC Miles College at home on Sept. 9, a team they had never lost to in school history. The Golden Bears came from behind, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter to complete the upset. This week ASU is looking to do the same. To avoid that upset against the Hornets, FAMU coach Willie Simmons said his team must slow down quarterback Dematrius Davis, who leads the team in passing and rushing.
“Well, the plan is to contain him. We have to make sure we keep him in the pocket and once he breaks the pocket that someone is spying on him at all times. He is a dangerous threat and can hurt you, So we have to drive on the ball when he throws it and not allow him to make plays in open field, our defense has to keep eyes on him at all times,” Simmons said.
The Rattlers’ offense had a great week last week with Jeremy Mousa winning offensive SWAC player of the week after passing for 271 yards and three touchdowns. FAMU’s wide receivers had a field day with nine different players getting a reception. Marcus Riley led the receiving corps with four catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. The Rattlers’ ground game was pretty good as well with running back Terrell Jennings leading the way with 77 yards and a touchdown on only two carries.
“Last week we had a situation where Marcus Riley had the hot hand and Nick Dixon who played a really good game two weeks in a row, so we kind of stayed with the hot hand,” Simmons said. “We missed Jah’Marae on a couple opportunities but I thought they (West Florida) did a good job trying to bracket him which allowed our outside receivers to have success.”