It’s Florida Classic time for Florida A&M football.
The Rattlers are ready to take on Bethune Cookman University after coming off a loss to the winless Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils last Saturday.
The loss ended one of the longest home game-winning streaks in FCS history and gave the Delta Devils their first win.
After the loss, the internet was swirling with speculation about who would take over Joseph Henry’s offensive play-calling duties in this historic rivalry against Bethune-Cookman. Henry was promoted to offensive coordinator just this past offseason.
Coach Colzie III answered the looming question of who would call the offensive plays for the foreseeable future after the loss.
“Keep it simple, Coach Buriss has assumed play-calling duties for the rest of the year,” Colzie III said.
Coach Buriss has served as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterback throughout the season.
The Rattlers are now 5-5 on the season and says want to get that bad taste out of their mouths.
FAMU has won three straight against BCU dating back to the 2021-2022 season. In last year’s matchup, the Rattlers won 24 to 7.
Coach Colzie spoke about this year’s matchup now as the head coach.
“Well, obviously, get a chance just to get lined up again for one,” Colzie said. “Second, obviously, you’re getting ready to play in one of the most important football games in the country. Not just for both fan bases but this is a game a lot of people will look at. Two sides that don’t necessarily like each other.”
It’s not the season FAMU defensive back Kendall Bohler imagined, but despite how the season has turned out with two games remaining, he knows how much beating BCU means to him and Rattler nation.
“It’s definitely important,” Bohler said. “I won the last three, so this is my last one, and I’m definitely trying to get a sweep. Bethune versus FAMU is a big Florida game. I’m very excited to go out there and play.”
The 2021 recruiting class has the chance to be the first class in FAMU history to sweep BCU. Senior offensive line TJ Lee spoke about what the sweep would mean to him and the teammates he came in with.
“I feel like we were made of good luck. They were on a nine-year run before we got here,” Lee said. “We brought them guys in here, that 2021 class. We never lost to them, and we’re never going to lose to them.”
Kick-off is set for 3:30 pm at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, and will be streamed on ESPN Plus.