In his first game as Florida A&M head coach, Joe Taylor did the same thing he has done everywhere else that he has coached in his 25-year career.
He won.
Taylor's Rattlers came up big on special teams, riding a 99-yard LeRoy Vann kickoff return in the second quarter that sparked the Rattlers to 16 consecutive points en route to a 30-20 win over Alabama State, before 18,088 fans.
Alphonso Walker blocked a punt late in the third quarter to set up another Rattler TD.
"There's four or five plays in every game that's going to decide whether or not you win or lose. All of those plays are found in special teams," said Taylor, who led FAMU to its first opening day win since 2001.
"I've been preaching since we've been here the importance of special teams. Now, maybe I don't have to yell as loud, because they see how it makes a difference."
FAMU's (1-0) special teams made up for shortcomings on offense. The Rattlers finished with 153 yards of total offense, and were outgained in every offensive statistical category.
The Rattlers hit the road for their next three games.
11 comments:
Great first team. This certainly looked like a new team.
Go Rattlers!
Great start Coach Taylor...
What a awesome beginning to the Coach Taylor era....
Gooooooo Rattlers Strike em ssss! lol in all seriousness the team looked like a team to be proud of. Lets hope its only the beginning.
I wish I could watch the game next week. Stupid Comcast doesn't carry ESPNU.
The stats suggest that coach Taylor got luck.
He is not Gaither.
x2 on stupid Comcast not carrying ESP NU
The University should host a viewing party at Lee Hall or Gaither Gym on campus for those local RATTLERS who cant access ESPNU!
JC, give the man a break, he's not a magician. All this negativity from the alumni is not going to help. You people want an undefeated season from a coach who just took over very unstable program a few months ago. Get real. Give the team the support they need to know that the alumni supports them. If you're so passionate become a booster instead of bitching!
Not with M. Clayton involved.
You beat me to it. For the life of me I can't see what they see in Mickey Clayton. I have vowed not to give the Boosters a dime until he leaves.
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