In the world of H.B.C.U. football, certain matchups have begun to define an era. For the third consecutive season, the game between FAMU and Jackson State could carry significant weight, this time with the top spot in the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s East division on the line.
When the No. 4 Rattlers (3-4, 2-1 SWAC) host the division-leading Jackson State Tigers (5-2, 3-1) on this evening at Bragg Memorial Stadium, more than just bragging rights will be at stake. Since the teams became divisional opponents in 2021, the winner of this contest has invariably gone on to win the conference championship and claim a berth in the Celebration Bowl.
Jackson State, the reigning Black College Football National Champion, enters as the favorite. Under Coach T.C. Taylor, the Tigers boast a high-powered offense and aims to continue their recent dominance, which includes a Celebration Bowl victory last season after runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2022. But the Tigers will have to try and do it without their starting quarterback JaCobian Morgan who was injured in last week's loss against Grambling.
FAMU Coach James Colzie, the 2023 Celebration Bowl champion, knows what's at stake and believes it has the formula to disrupt the Tigers plans. Though trailing in the standings, FAMU is within striking distance of the division lead. A victory, coupled with some help elsewhere in the conference, could catapult the Rattlers into first place.
“We understand the moment,” Colzie said after practice this week. “It’s about execution, discipline, and playing a complete game. We’ve built our identity on those principles.”
That identity will be tested against a formidable Jackson State squad. For the Rattlers to pull off the statement win, analysts point to five critical areas where the game could be decided:
1. Third-down efficiency
FAMU ranks 27th nationally in third-down conversion rate (44 percent), a tactical advantage against a Jackson State defense that allows conversions 36 percent of the time. Sustaining drives with the efficient arm of quarterback R.J. Johnson III, who completes 65 percent of his passes, could keep Jackson State’s offense sidelined and control the game’s tempo.
2. The turnover battle
Ball security has been a hallmark of the Rattlers’ season. They lead the nation in fewest fumbles lost (0) and rank in the top 10 for fewest total turnovers (4). Jackson State has been more volatile, turning the ball over eight times. The ability of playmakers like safety Corey Collier Jr. to generate extra possessions could prove decisive.
3. Special teams dominance
A potential game-changing advantage lies in the third phase. FAMU punter Bobby Engstler leads the conference with a 44.0-yard average, and kicker Daniel Porto is third nationally, making 1.71 field goals per game. They will attack a Jackson State special teams unit that has been porous, ranking in the bottom 15 nationally for allowing blocked kicks.
4. Discipline and composure
The Rattlers have been the S.W.A.C.’s least-penalized team (43 total flags), a stark contrast to Jackson State’s 67 penalties. In a high-stakes, emotional rivalry game, the ability to avoid self-inflicted wounds and costly penalties could be the separator in a close contest.
5. A balanced offensive attack
While Jackson State’s run defense is the conference’s best, FAMU will counter with a balanced offensive scheme. The Rattlers will need a strong performance from running backs Thad Franklin Jr. (4.4 yards per carry) and Jamal Hailey to set up play-action passes against a Tigers secondary that allows 224 yards per game through the air. Controlling the clock—FAMU averages over 31 minutes of possession—is a key part of the strategy.
The matchup promises to be a tactical battle between Jackson State’s explosive playmaking and FAMU's methodical, disciplined approach. For the Rattlers, the path to an upset is clear. Now, they must execute on it.
“They’re a very good football team, well-coached,” Taylor said of FAMU. “We know we’re going to have to play four quarters to leave Tallahassee with a win.”
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Eastern on Saturday. TV: ESPN+ The winner will take a monumental step toward continuing the recent tradition of representing the East in the SWAC championship game.