The Florida A&M Rattlers are headed to Prairie View, Texas to take on the Prairie View A&M Panthers.
The Rattlers are fresh off a huge homecoming win over Texas Southern where they put up the most points they’ve scored all season. But now, it’s back to the road for FAMU.
Going into the game, the Panthers currently sit at a 4-5 overall and have a 2-3 record in the SWAC. The Rattlers are currently 5-3 overall and 3-1 in the SWAC.
This matchup offers the Rattlers a chance to keep their momentum going as they aim for a strong finish.
This matchup between FAMU and PVAMU is their first since last season’s SWAC Championship game. The Rattlers won handily 35-14. During the regular season last year, the Rattlers won 45-7.
Head coach James Colzie III says he knows exactly what is at stake for his team. Colzie emphasized the importance of staying competitive in this road game for playoff contention.
“You got a team that’s trying to stay in contention just like we are,” Colzie said. “Only one team from the East and one team from the West can host, so you got both teams just trying to stay within contention.”
As the team prepares for another away game, Colzie acknowledges the challenges they face on the road, where the Rattlers have struggled the most this season.
“The stakes are high going on the road; the only games we’ve lost have been on the road,” Colzie said. “We [have to] do some things in a better fashion to have success.”
With the stakes high, Colzie says his message is clear – maintaining playoff contention will require grit, discipline and commitment to every play, especially those on the front lines of every play.
As the team gears up for an important away game, Thad Franklin Jr., senior running back, emphasized the role of every player’s effort to lay the foundation to the overall team’s success.
“It starts with the guys up front,” Franklin noted. “Without them, we can’t really do nothing.”
Franklin also emphasized the need for preparation and resilience echoing what head coach James Colzie III said about recent struggles on the road.
“We’re just preparing,” Franklin said. “We’re going to them, so we’re thinking they’re going to give us their best shot.” “We just [have to] come out prepared.”
Kickoff is Saturday, Nov. 9th, at 3 p.m. Fans can catch the game on ESPN+.