WELCOME TO TALLAHASSEE, AL

Florida A&M Rattlers football (8-2) rolled into Montgomery, Ala., with seven-straight victories, and left the Heart of Dixie with eight after dispatching Alabama State, 21-14.

FUN FACT: This win also solidifies a two-year, series sweep of both Alabama A&M, and Alabama State, by FAMU.

DEFENSIVE STATEMENT

FAMU rolled through ASU Stadium, holding the Hornets’ to 138 yards of total offense (14 rushing and 124 passing) and allowing only a single scoring drive. Rattlers’ defense finished the night with a season-high 13 tackles for loss and six sacks.

Redshirt Junior Dre Jones had his best performance of the season, finishing with four tackles for loss, three sacks, and forcing a fumble. Senior Isaiah Land, finishing with five tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a safety. High Springs native, Gentle Hunt (Gainesville HS) finishing with five tackles, two tackles for loss, forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

OFFENSIVE CHALLENGES

Coach Simmons’ offense continues to be dangerously efficient, finishing with 384 yards (277 passing and 107 rushing). Unfortunately, the red zone presented a huge problem for the Rattlers offense all day. Disastrously, FAMU only converted two red zone drives into scoring drives, and gifted ASU three interceptions.

Simultaneously, a bright spot for the Rattlers’ continues to be connection between graduate standout from Haines City Xavier Smith (Ridge HS), and his quarterback. 13 receptions for 145 yards and one touchdown comprised a season-high performance for Smith.

CLASSIC IN THE AIR

NEXT: The Rattlers travel to Orlando for their annual Florida Classic rendezvous with Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 19 at Camping World Stadium.