Florida A&M releases its football schedule, hosts five games in 2022
Florida A&M fans knew of the opponents. Now, the Rattler faithful can set their digital calendars for the dates of football games in 2022.
The athletics department released the 11-game regular-season schedule on Tuesday.
This fall, the Rattlers will play five home games. Their non-conference slate includes teams from the ACC, SIAC and MEAC.
FAMU begins the year with a week zero matchup at North Carolina on Aug. 27. It welcomes Albany State to Bragg Memorial Stadium for the home opener on Sept. 10.
The other non-conference contest is against a familiar foe in South Carolina State. This clash with the 2021 Celebration Bowl champions takes place in Orangeburg on Oct. 8.
Homecoming for 2022 is a SWAC East-West division duel versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Oct. 29.
"The first thing that jumps out is five home games. After missing football in 2020 and only having four home games in 2021, we're glad to have five in 2022," FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons said.
"There are some tough road games beginning with North Carolina. We also get a chance to get some revenge against Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic. All these games have a lot of interest and we'll have more games on TV this year."
FAMU has two bye weeks this upcoming season.
Its first open date is Sept. 17. This break comes between home games versus Albany State and Alabama A&M.
The second bye on the schedule is Oct. 22. The rest period leads the Rattlers into homecoming week.
FAMU's opponents this season have a combined record of 62-64 from 2021.
North Carolina, Jackson State, Albany State and South Carolina State advanced to the postseason.
The players are revved up about the official announcement of games. They are ready to begin spring practice to start the foundation of what's to come this fall.
"This is another chance for us to prove we're the best in FCS," said FAMU defensive end/linebacker Isaish Land, winner of the Buck Buchanan Award as the FCS Defensive Player of the Year.
"I'm really looking forward to opening at UNC and then playing Jackson State again. The first two games of the season will tell a lot. I'm happy we don't have to do a lot of traveling and play in front of our crowd."
FAMU's home games versus SWAC squads are Alabama A&M, Mississippi Valley State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Southern.
The Rattlers continue their annual tradition of closing the regular season in the Florida Classic against arch-rival Bethune-Cookman.
During the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens and Florida Classic in Orlando, FAMU is listed as the road team.
In 2021, FAMU finished nationally ranked at No. 25 with a 9-3 record. The Rattlers placed second in the SWAC East Division at 7-1.
They advanced to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2001. FAMU lost 38-14 at Southeastern Louisiana in the first round on Nov. 27.
Season ticket prices and packages will be released at a later date.
Listed below is the full schedule. The times and broadcast information have not been confirmed by the athletics department.
2022 Florida A&M Football Schedule
Aug. 27 - North Carolina
Sept. 4 - Jackson State (Orange Blossom Classic - Miami Gardens)*
Sept. 10 - Albany State
Sept. 24 - Alabama A&M*
Oct. 1 - Mississippi Valley State*
Oct. 8 - South Carolina State
Oct. 15 - Grambling State*
Oct. 29 - Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Homecoming)*
Nov. 5 - Southern*
Nov. 12 - Alabama State*
Nov. 19 - Bethune-Cookman (Florida Classic - Orlando)*
Home games in bold
* SWAC
Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida A&M releases its football schedule, hosts five games in 2022
