Just the facts! FAMU football gameday preview, predictions vs. Albany State
Game Information
Who: Florida A&M (0-2, 0-1 SWAC) vs. Albany State (1-0)
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
Broadcast/Radio: HBCU GO, Rattler Sports Network
The basics
Florida A&M football will hit the reset button in its home opener when reigning Division II SIAC champions Albany State visit upgraded Bragg Memorial Stadium this evening.
Simmons called tonight's contest a "much-needed home game," to leave behind the disappointment of the Rattlers' 59-3 loss to Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic.
A break from conference play, FAMU needs a convincing performance to get its confidence back from the conference opening drubbing.
"For the most part, the guys have gotten their mojo back," FAMU coach Willie Simmons said. "They've come back with a refocused attitude and practices have been spirited with a lot of enthusiasm.
"I think you'll see a much sharper football team this weekend."
Albany State won its season opener last week 28-14 against Mississippi College on a balanced offensive attack and a pick six.
"We know that they'll be a tough opponent," Simmons said.
"Coach (Gabe) Giardina does a phenomenal job. They're conference champions and the the top-rated HBCU program in Division II.
"We have to play fundamental football and get back to the basics."
FAMU holds the all-time series lead over Albany State at 11-3. The teams haven't met on the gridiron since 1993 when the Golden Rams defeated the Ken Riley-coached Rattlers 14-6 at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
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Moving on
No need for FAMU to dwell on last week's loss against Jackson State.
This week they need to get back to the basics and do what works after struggling to move the ball in a 155-total-yard, four-turnover performance.
Quarterback Jeremy Moussa is exceptional at finding new targets and spreading the ball between seven receivers at Jackson State. The leading receivers, Xavier Smith and Jah'Marae Sheread, should keep their hands ready.
"I know Albany State plays a little bit of quarters and cover 3 — nothing we haven't seen before," Moussa said.
"But we're not going to take these guys lightly. We got to go out there and play a good game and execute."
The running back tandem of Terrell Jennings, A.J. Davis, and Jaylen McCloud is due for a good performance on the ground, combining for 110 yards and a touchdown through two games.
Linebacker Isaiah Land and cornerback BJ Bohler had a full week of practice as they returned to action on Sunday after being NCAA certified two days ahead of the Orange Blossom Classic.
The defense floundered as a whole though, allowing 471 total yards and five touchdowns. It needs a redeeming performance after giving up more than 50 points over the first two games.
Albany State possesses the weaponry of quarterback Dionte Bonneau, and running backs Marcuis Fulks and Kam Ward, who all scored touchdowns in the victory over Mississippi College.
"We got to find a way to get the ball out on defense and help Isaiah Land and get to the quarterback because he can't be the only guy on that side of the ball," Simmons said.
"We got to manufacture a pass rush to get the ball on the ground and make them snap it again."
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Who wins? Why?
Simmons feels that his Rattler team is more talented than the Golden Rams. He also is cognizant that wins don't solely rely on talent.
Albany State will make a valiant effort despite the Division I-Division II discrepancy.
It won't be easy, but FAMU's determination for a win and the depth of its roster will be overwhelming and will earn its first win of 2022.
The Rattlers need a winning effort that faces adversity, and tonight should feature that to rekindle their season.
FINAL SCORE: FAMU 31, Albany State 7
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Gerald Thomas III covers FAMU athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.
Follow the Tallahassee Democrat on social media at Tallahassee Democrat (Facebook), TallahasseeDemocrat (Instagram), and @TDOnline (Twitter)
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football: Rattlers playing home opener home against Albany State
