Before a crowd of 10,012, the Rattlers (1–4) were never in the game, outmatched in nearly every phase and outgained 486–196 in total yards. The loss marks the team’s worst start to a season since 2016 and its most lopsided home defeat since 2018, casting a pall over the program as it approaches Homecoming next week.
The Eagles (4–2) seized control in a dominant second quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points to take a 28–0 lead into halftime. The Rattlers’ offense, under the direction of first-time starter quarterback Jett Peddy, sputtered from the opening drive. Peddy, a redshirt sophomore, completed 11 of 26 passes for 154 yards and threw three interceptions while being sacked three times.
“Didn’t play well enough, obviously,” a visibly frustrated Colzie said in his postgame news conference. “When you have a team that’s struggling like we have been — [NCCU] came out there and put it to us and didn’t leave anything out.”
The Rattlers’ defense had no answer for North Carolina Central’s ground attack, particularly star running back Chris Mosley, who shredded the FAMU front for 131 yards on 23 carries, including a demoralizing 50-yard touchdown run that encapsulated the afternoon’s defensive struggles.
The lone bright spot for the Rattlers came late in the third quarter when running back Thad Franklin punched in a 2-yard touchdown, avoiding a shutout.
The loss drops Colzie’s record to 8–9 since taking over the program, intensifying scrutiny on the team’s direction. The challenge does not get easier, with the Alcorn State Braves arriving in Tallahassee next Saturday for FAMU’s Homecoming game.
“The product is unacceptable,” Colzie reiterated, his voice firm. “We have to be better. Our fans, our university deserve better.”
The Rattlers take on the Alcorn Braves, Saturday, Oct. 18, with a 4 p.m. kickoff in a nationally televised game on ESPN+. For a reeling Rattler team, it represents not just another game, but a critical test of resilience and pride.