Don't miss it! Here are FAMU football's must watch games for the 2022 season
Some can't-miss games punctuate the Florida A&M football schedule this season.
Certain games will hold major implications in the SWAC and offer players the opportunity to showcase their skills on television.
On top of that, Rattler football has been on an upward swing since coach Willie Simmons arrived in 2017.
With the season kicking off in a week at North Carolina, onlookers of the highly-regarded Rattlers should not touch their dials during these contests.
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at North Carolina | Aug. 27
This is a bread-and-butter game for FAMU football's NFL hopefuls.
A game against a Power 5 program that will be broadcasted on the ACC Network.
Playing on a big scope against an ACC school in UNC will allow Rattler NFL prospects to display what they can do against what is looked to as the top talent in college football.
All-Americans linebacker Isaiah Land and wide receiver Xavier Smith are already on NFL scouting boards. Imagine what an outstanding performance would do for their stock.
A breakout performance by an unlikely player also may turn heads for professional teams.
A win or competitive game?
Perfect. That'll show that the FCS program in FAMU can challenge and compete with FBS programs.
vs. Jackson State | Sept. 4 | Orange Blossom Classic, Miami Florida
One point.
That's been the topic since Sept. 5, 2021 when the Rattlers faltered to Jackson State 7-6 in the revitalization of the Orange Blossom Classic.
That single point was the culprit of why FAMU didn't represent the SWAC East in the conference championship against Southern for a chance to go to the HBCU Celebration Bowl.
The Rattlers haven't forgot about that.
FAMU and Jackson State are looked to be the two powerhouses in not only the SWAC East, but the conference altogether.
After last season, Jackson State has a leg up on them in bragging rights.
With the bright lights of Hard Rock Stadium shining on them as ESPN2 broadcasts, revenge will be on the mind of the Rattlers.
at South Carolina State | Oct. 8
FAMU fandom deeming themselves as the HBCU National Champions a season ago was a story within itself after South Carolina State handled Jackson State 31-10 in the Celebration Bowl.
The self-proclamation as the HBCU natty winners came from FAMU having a convincing win over the South Carolina State, thwarting them 30-7 at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
This time around, the Rattlers will take the trip to Orangeburg, South Carolina and will likely be met with banter and jest by Bulldog fans and players.
This could possibly be chapter one of FAMU versus the MEAC's finest as both teams will be on the hunt to represent its conferences for the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia.
vs. Southern | Nov. 5
ESPNU will be on the scene when FAMU host the defending SWAC West champions and conference runners-up in Southern.
A season ago, the Rattlers went to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and defeated the Jaguars 29-17.
With Southern usually being left out of being at the top of SWAC powerhouses discussions, a motivation factor will be added as it attempt to knock off FAMU on its home turf.
The Rattlers will have a chance to flex their muscle and fortitude in the SWAC.
vs. Bethune-Cookman | Nov. 19 | Florida Classic, Orlando Florida
Nine years of misery was laid to rest in the 2021 Florida Classic where FAMU handled Bethune-Cookman 46-21.
ESPNU has picked up this year's game, too.
The rivalry of FAMU and B-CU runs deep as a contest that first began a century ago when the Rattlers defeated the Wildcats 23-0 in 1925's inaugural Florida Classic game.
Beyond the rivalry, this game will serve as the final regular season game of the year.
If granted postseason entry — regardless of FCS playoffs or SWAC/Celebration Bowl contention, this can indicate how the Rattlers will enter those contests as they navigate through the madness of the long-running rivalry game.
2022 Florida A&M Football Schedule
Aug. 27: North Carolina — ACC Network, 8 p.m. ET
Sept. 4: Jackson State (Orange Blossom Classic , Miami Gardens)* — ESPN2, 3 p.m. ET
Sept. 10: Albany State — HBCU GO 6 p.m. ET
Sept. 24: Alabama A&M* — ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET
Oct. 1: Mississippi Valley State*, 6 p.m. ET
Oct. 8: South Carolina State, 2 p.m. ET
Oct. 15: Grambling State* — HBCU GO 3 p.m. ET
Oct. 29: Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Homecoming)* — HBCU GO 4 p.m. ET
Nov. 5: Southern* — ESPNU, 6 p.m. ET
Nov. 12: Alabama State*, TIME TBA
Nov. 19: Bethune-Cookman (Florida Classic, Orlando)* — ESPNU, TIME TBA
Home games are in BOLD
*SWAC
Gerald Thomas III covers FAMU athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football: Don't miss these 2022 Rattler football games
