The Florida A&M University football team will look to get into the win column on Saturday night as the Rattlers will have its 2019 home opener against Fort Valley State. Kickoff for the Third Annual Jake Gaither Classic is set for 6 p.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Florida A&M (0-1) had an extra week to prepare for Fort Valley State with a bye last week. The Rattlers enter Saturday’s game off a 62-0 loss on Aug. 29 to 17th-ranked Central Florida. FAMU held the Knights to just 14 second-half points. FAMU will look to get the offense going after gaining 96 yards against the tough UCF defense. In addition, the Rattler defense will look to regroup after playing the heavily-favored FBS team.
Fort Valley State (0-1) also will enter Saturday’s tilt off a loss. The Wildcats opened the season last weekend and fell to Miles College, 38-17. FVSU and Miles entered the final quarter tied at 17, but the Wildcats surrendered 21 fourth-quarter points to drop the season opener. Fort Valley State finished with 17 first downs and registered 268 total yards of offense. However, it was the ground game that was held in check as Miles limited FVSU to just 12 rushing yards.
This game is the first of six games here at Bragg Memorial Stadium and the 12th meeting between the two schools.