The FAMU Rattlers faced a tough defeat against the Troy University Trojans, losing 34-12 in a Saturday night showdown before a crowd of 29,024 fans at the Trojans' home turf. Despite a strong effort from the Rattlers, the Trojans' performance proved too formidable, leading to their victory.
Daniel Richardson stood out for the Rattlers, showcasing his skill with 288 passing yards. On the ground, Thad Franklin Jr. led the charge with 46 yards and an impressive 4.6 yards per carry, followed by Kelvin Dean Jr. who added 20 yards to the team's total.
Jamari Gassett was a key player in the receiving game, securing 10 catches for 141 yards, demonstrating his pivotal role in the Rattlers' offensive strategy.
Defensively, Nay'Ron Jenkins was a force to be reckoned with, making eight tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss (TFL), and securing a sack, highlighting his contribution to the team's defensive efforts.
Despite the Rattlers' best efforts, the Trojans outgained them with a total of 507 yards compared to FAMU's 343. The Rattlers' highest scoring quarter was the first, where they managed to put up six points. However, they struggled to convert on third downs, succeeding on only 2 of 13 attempts, while Troy converted 6 of 11.
Cameron Gillis was a bright spot for the Rattlers, successfully kicking four field goals with a longest kick of 43 yards. Despite going 2-for-4 on fourth down, the Rattlers won the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 33:05 compared to Troy's 26:55.
For the Trojans, Goose Crowder led the passing attack with 295 yards and four touchdowns on 18 completions out of 25 attempts. Devonte Ross was the standout receiver, catching 229 yards and scoring three touchdowns, solidifying his impact on the game.
The loss marks a challenging moment for the FAMU Rattlers, but their performance on the field, particularly in the defensive and special teams units, shows promise for the remainder of the season. .