Taylors has his Rattlers in "Classic" form

For the first time in about five years, this year's Florida Classic means a little more than state bragging rights. FAMU, 8-3, and Bethune-Cookman, 8-2, could be playing for a postseason berth in the NCAA playoffs as the MEAC's second place team.

That alone raises the expectations for a victory Saturday at the Citrus Bowl.

Taylor is looking forward to his first Florida Classic. The classic has grown to become one of the largest of football games between historically black schools, attracting more than 65,000 in recent years. The "Magic City Classic" , between Alabama State and Alabama A&M, recently surpassed the Florida Classic as #1.

“If you can’t get excited being a part of that, then you’re in the wrong sport,” Taylor said. “We’re looking forward to it, the actual contest.”

“When you put 80 hours in a week you expect to do well,” Taylor added. “I expect to do well because that’s how we approach every game. The (fans’) expectation coming here is that we win and that was my expectation coming here.”

Coaching against the Wildcats isn’t new, as Taylor has faced them as coach of Hampton where he spent 16 seasons before coming to FAMU. But even with all that’s at stake, he said there is nothing about the game that supersedes the X’s and O’s.

“It doesn’t change,” he said. “It’s still the team that blocks and tackles the best that’s going to be the team that wins.”

Taylor said he has no problem getting his team hyped for this game, especially because of the atmosphere surrounding it.
That the Rattlers are in position to contend for second place in the MEAC, which could mean an at-large berth in the NCAA playoffs, is another reason that his players’ adrenaline is flowing in anticipation of Saturday’s game. A win over the Wildcats and help from Howard and Hampton universities, which also have to win, would greatly enhance the Rattlers’ chances.

“To be in this position says (the players) have been excited all along,” Taylor said. “I told them to have done this the first year, you can feel good about yourselves. That’s not to say we’re satisfied with where we are.”

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