The FAMU Rattlers (0-2) face a pivotal test tonight as they host undefeated Albany State University (2-0) in their home opener at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, with the Rattlers aiming to rebound from a rocky start against a Division II Golden Rams squad that has dominated early-season competition, outscoring opponents 100-28.
Colzie has a lot on the line
Head coach James Colzie III emphasized the urgency of the moment at a Monday press conference. “Excited to get back home and play our home opener,” he said, channeling defiance. “Expecting a hostile crowd that we normally get and making it extremely uncomfortable for a hungry Albany State football team coming in.” The Golden Rams, fresh off blowout wins over Shaw University and Kentucky State, enter as a confident but untested challenger against FAMU’s Division I talent.
A loss against the Rams this evening could cost Colzie his job.
5 keys to a Rattler victory
Defensive dominance in the trenches
Albany State’s ground game has shredded defenses for 235 rushing yards per game, but FAMU’s front seven—led by linebacker Jason Riles Jr. (team-high 16 tackles) and defensive tackle James Gardner Jr.—aims to stifle the Rams’ momentum. “We’re built different,” Colzie said of a unit allowing just 3.8 yards per carry.Pass rush panic
Edge rushers Antonio Camon (3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) and Latarie Kinsler (1 sack, 3 QB hurries) headline a ferocious FAMU pass rush. With Albany State’s quarterback yet to face a Division I-caliber attack, pressure from Camon and coverage standouts like Jalik Thomas could force game-changing mistakes.Weapons galore
FAMU’s offense boasts firepower: receiver Jordan Edwards (65-yard TD vs. South Florida), dual-threat Jalen Rogers, and bruising tailback Thad Franklin Jr. (48.5 rushing yards per game). Albany’s defense, which allowed 28 points to Tuskegee, hasn’t faced such versatility.Special teams edge
Kicker Daniel Porto (4-of-5 FG, including a 48-yarder) and punter Bobby Engstler (45.0-yard average) give FAMU a field-position advantage. Coupled with stifling coverage units, the Rattlers aim to neutralize Albany’s return game.Finish in the red zone
FAMU’s Achilles’ heel has been settling for field goals inside the 20-yard line. Converting those drives into touchdowns, paired with a defense anchored by safety Ah’Mare Lee and linebacker Justin Bostic, could flip the script.
Game details
The matchup airs on SWAC TV (streaming) and 96.1 JAMZ radio. A rowdy Bragg Memorial crowd is expected to rally behind the Rattlers, who haven’t started 0-3 since 2018. For Albany State, a win would mark their first over an FCS opponent since 2021—and solidify their status as a Division II contender.
Tonight’s stakes
With pride and momentum on the line, FAMU’s home opener isn’t just a game—it’s a statement opportunity. As Colzie put it: “Time to prove who we are.”