Rattlers

FAMU ‌Football Faces Uphill‍ Battle Despite Homecoming Hopes

TALLAHASSEE,FL – Despite the​ electric atmosphere expected for Saturday’s homecoming game against ⁣Alcorn State,the Florida A&M Rattlers ‍are grappling with ‌a ‌challenging​ season turnaround,seeking their first ⁢Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) win. The matchup, scheduled for 4 p.m. at​ Bragg ​Memorial Stadium, ‍represents a⁣ critical opportunity⁢ for FAMU to build momentum ​amidst a season marked by inconsistency.

Head coach Roderick​ Colzie acknowledges the weight ⁤of expectations surrounding the homecoming contest, stating,‍ “It’s going to be ​a packed house. Nobody’s‍ going to worry about any records. They’re ​coming here to make sure that we win.” However, the Rattlers​ enter the game needing a victory to‍ avoid⁢ further ⁢setbacks in the SWAC‍ standings and to deliver a positive experience for the anticipated large crowd ⁤of fans and⁢ alumni.

The Rattlers’ remaining schedule presents​ a demanding path. Following the Alcorn State game on Oct. ⁤11, FAMU faces road contests at Southern (Oct.25) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff ⁣(nov. 8), as⁢ well as a home game ⁣against Jackson State (Nov. 1).⁣ The season culminates with the annual Florida Classic ⁣against Bethune-Cookman ⁣on​ Nov. 22 at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium and a potential makeup⁢ game at mississippi‌ Valley State on ‌Nov.29.

A potential SWAC Championship Game ⁢appearance on Dec. 6 and a ⁢Celebration‍ Bowl berth on Dec. 13‌ remain distant‌ possibilities, contingent‍ on significant improvement⁤ and⁤ consistent wins. Colzie emphasized the importance ​of focusing on the present, saying, ​”All the stuff that happens Monday to Friday, none of that means a whole lot‍ until that game happens on Saturday.So, we’ve got⁤ to make sure we handle business.”

Florida⁤ A&M Football’s Remaining 2025 Schedule:

* Week 8: Saturday, Oct. ‌18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m., ESPN⁣ Plus
* Week 9: ​Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern‌ (SWAC), 5 ⁤p.m., SWAC TV
* ⁢ Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m., ESPN Network
* Week 11: ‌ Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO
* Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama ⁢A&M (SWAC),3 p.m., SWAC TV
* Week 13: ⁢Saturday,⁣ Nov. 22 ― vs.Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/florida Classic at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium), 3:30 p.m., ESPN Plus
*‍ ⁤ Makeup Game: Saturday, Nov. 29 ― at Mississippi Valley State ⁤(SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV
* Saturday, Dec. 6 ― ⁢SWAC Championship Game (If ​necessary)
* Saturday, Dec. 13 ― ⁤Celebration Bowl ‍at ⁤Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz ‍Stadium (If Necessary)