The No. 24 ranked FAMU Rattlers (8-2, 6-1 SWAC) enters this year’s Florida Classic football game on an eight-game winning streak, but the Rattlers have their eyes on a much bigger prize than back-to-back wins over B-CU.
There is a possible at large berth in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs and a chance to host a first round playoff game on the line.
The Rattlers need a win over the Wildcats to secure a place in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
A win today could see FAMU host a playoff game at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee for the first time since 1998.
“This one has special meaning because it’s the Florida Classic and it’s competing against our state rival,” said FAMU coach Willie Simmons. “Everything is at stake this week and we understand the importance of this game on many fronts. As we know, records in rivalry games mean nothing.
“The FCS playoffs – that was our goal and that’s been the goal for the last 10 weeks and we have a chance to achieve that goal with a big win this weekend.”
FAMU needed a fourth-quarter comeback to beat Alabama State 21-14 last weekend and keep its playoff hopes alive. Quarterback Jeremy Moussa connected with receiver Jah’Marae Sheread with a 17-yard touchdown pass to give the Rattlers a 15-14 lead, and Kendall Bohler blocked a possible game-winning field goal and returned it 51 yards as time expired.
The Rattlers hope to avoid that type of dramatic finish this week.
Moussa has 2,535 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while receiver Xavier Smith leads the team in receiving (82), receiving yards (948) and touchdowns (10).
On the other hand, B-CU (2-8, 2-5 SW AC) is on a three-game losing streak and face a second straight classic loss season for the first time since 2006-07.
The Florida Classic 2022
Who: Florida A&M (8-2, 6-1 SWAC) vs. Bethune-Cookman (2-8, 2-5 SWAC)
When: Saturday, at 2:30 p.m. ET
Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Broadcast/Radio: ESPN3, Rattler Sports Network