It's game day: FAMU Rattlers vs JSU Tigers

After an extended weekend of concerts, parties, pool parties, cookouts, A-list celeberaties, and spades games galore in one of the most glamorus settings in the world – Miami-Dade County— it all boils down to today’s big game, the Orange Blossom Classic, at 3 pm, pitting the FAMU Rattlers against the Jackson State Tigers at the Hard Rock Stadium.
 
After a 43-year absence, Orange Blossom Classic has returned and treated to both teams and fans to a major-college bowl like atmosphere.  The game ushers in FAMU’s inaugural season into the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
 
This weekend's Orange Blossom Classic is more than just a football game for many alumni and students in historically Black colleges. It's a family reunion.
 
The football game
"We're a football team that's eager to take the field," said FAMU head coach Willie Simmons. "Obviously, everyone knows it's been over 650 days since we last played in live competition, so we are excited." 
 
FAMU and Jackson State are two blue blood football programs and share a mutual level of respect. The two teams have met 19 times as non-conference opponents, with FAMU representing the MEAC and JSU from the SWAC. This is the first match-up as conference foes. The Tigers hold a 10-7-2 series record and have won two in a row; most recently in 2018 when JSU beat the Rattlers 18-16 in Tallahassee.
 
Today’s game also marks the third time FAMU and JSU have meet in the Orange Blossom Classic. The two programs played in the first illustration of the event in 1961 and 1962, with each team winning a game.
 
In 2019, when the Rattlers last played football, FAMU had one of the most dominant offenses in the country, especially in the passing game, as the Rattlers ranked 17th in the nation. 
 
Expect to see the FAMU offense give defenses fits again. They return two of their best receivers from the 2019 campaign in All-American Xavier Smith and David Manigo and another from 2018 in Chad Hunter. 
 
Smith put up some of the best numbers in the country during the 2019 season and was one of the  top ten receivers in the country. Smith also ranked 16th in touchdowns with 11. Manigo is a red zone nightmare as he consistently wins the jump balls. Manigo caught six touchdowns in 2019. Hunter's production was missed in 2019 as he recorded over 500 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2018. Additionally, the Rattlers add Jah'Marae Sheread, an all-around playmaker, as he recorded over 500 all-purpose yards in 2019 for Texas State.

Defense expected to be 'stingy'
On top of having a dominant offense in 2019, the Rattlers also dominated on defense. Opposing offenses had a challenging time rushing on the Rattlers as the run defense ranked 25th in the nation.  

The defense returns three of the top five tacklers from 2019 in All-American safety Markquese Bell, linebacker Derrick Mayweather, and nickelback Eric Smith.  

Bell is known across the nation as he made every preseason watch list and recorded 61 tackles and five interceptions during his 2019 campaign. Mayweather leads the backers after recording 42 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a safety in 2019. Smith had the slot on lock and helped against the run game as he recorded 41 tackles, one interception, and five pass break-ups in 2019. 

Additionally, the Rattlers return their most significant threat to making a play in the backfield in Renaldo Flowers Jr. In 2019, Flowers Jr. Recorded a team-high nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. 

Special Teams Makes the Difference 
Expect special teams to make a difference in the game, and the Rattlers have some of the best in the nation. When it comes to flipping the field, few can do it like punter Chris Faddoul. Faddoul has been among the nation's best since he has arrived in Tallahassee as he led the nation in yards per punt in 2018 and was 2nd in 2019. 

The Rattlers ranked 33rd in the nation during 2019 and need to find someone to replace Marcus Williams in the return game as he led the team. Rattlers expect to put two of their top playmakers back there in receivers Xavier Smith and Jah'Marae Sheread. 

The FAMU Rattlers and Jackson State Tigers meet today in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in front of a national audience on ESPN 2. Kickoff is set for 3 (ET) p.m./2 (CT) p.m.