Three key takeaways
- FAMU is coming off a breakthrough win. The Rattlers beat Alabama State, 28-27, for their first SWAC victory and first road win of the season.
- Jackson State’s offense is the biggest challenge. The Tigers average 39.5 points per game and lead the conference in total offense, but surrendered 45 points in their first loss last week.
- Parker and Burris give FAMU a path to an upset. Quarterback Armond Parker and receiver Armand Burris combined for a big performance against Alabama State, and the Rattlers will need more of the same Saturday.
The FAMU Rattler football team (2-4, 1-1 SWAC) takes on the Jackson State Tigers (5-1, 2-1), this afternoon, looking to turn last week's narrow 28-27 against Alabama State into a turning point for its season. It will be the second week in a row that the Rattlers have served as the homecoming opponent for conference foe. Jackson State, meanwhile, is seeking a response after Grambling State handed the Tigers their first loss, 45-38.
The marquee conference match up kicks off at 3 pm EST at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium with the game streaming on ESPN+.
Receiver Armand Burris was his primary weapon, catching four passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns. His 89-yard reception was FAMU’s longest play of the season, and his 30.3 yards per fcatch leads the SWAC’s top 25 receivers.
The Rattlers have other options. Corey Petty leads the team with 15 receptions, Kieren Jackson has 181 receiving yards, and Jaquan Lee averages 16.8 yards per catch. Running back Jamal Hailey has contributed 143 rushing yards and two receiving touchdowns.
FAMU has scored on 11 of its 12 trips inside the red zone. Against a Jackson State team that struggled defensively last week, explosive plays and efficient finishing could give the Rattlers an opening.
Grambling showed that the Tigers can be vulnerable. Jackson State allowed 438 yards and 45 points in the loss and committed three turnovers. Opponents have converted 44.6 percent of their third downs against the Tigers, the second-worst rate in the conference.
FAMU’s defense will need to exploit those weaknesses while limiting an offense capable of scoring quickly.
The Rattlers rank third in the SWAC in red-zone defense and opponent third-down conversion rate, holding opponents to 32.8 percent. They have recorded 14 sacks, fourth in the league.
Linebacker Denzel Johnson leads FAMU with 38 tackles. Defensive back Justin Bostic leads the SWAC with three interceptions, while Antonio Camon has three sacks and a team-high six tackles for loss.
Kicker Emilio Bacardi is 3-for-3 on field goals, and opponents have generated just 34 punt-return yards against FAMU this season.
Jackson State’s defense is particularly strong against the run, allowing a conference-low 105.3 rushing yards per game. That could put greater pressure on Parker and the passing game to produce consistently.
Saturday offers the Rattlers a chance to build on their first conference win and establish themselves as a more dangerous opponent in SWAC play. Jackson State, playing at home after its first defeat, will be looking to restore its momentum.
For FAMU, the formula is straightforward: protect the football, capitalize on its passing-game explosiveness and make Jackson State earn every possession.
Game information: Florida A&M at Jackson State, Saturday, Oct. 17, at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. Eastern time (2 p.m. Central) on ESPN+. Radio coverage is available on WHBX 96.1 FM and the Rattler Sports Network.