HUNTSVILLE, Ala. | The Rattlers have been dominant in Bragg Stadium as they currently have the fourth-longest home win streak at nine but have struggled away from Bragg. Tomorrow's game versus Alabama A&M allows the Rattlers to win one away from Bragg this season finally.
"We have a tall task on our hands facing a team in their home venue who's looking to get back in the winning tracks," said head coach Willie Simmons. "I know our guys will be ready to play, and I'm looking forward to a great matchup."
Where can you watch or listen?
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: Rattler Sports Network, WANM 90.5 FM
Coaches in the game
Willie Simmons
Career Record, Conference Record: 39-20, 32-10
FAMU Record, Conference Record: 18-9, 13-4
Connell Maynor
Career Record: 85-43
AAMU Record: 20-12
Series History
The two teams met for the first time in 1932, which FAMU won 54-7.
FAMU and AAMU have played each other 15 times, and the Rattlers lead the all-time series 13-2. Alabama A&M won the last meeting 19-14 (1979).
Elite Rattlers Defense
The Rattlers come into the game with one of the best defenses in the nation (FCS), allowing only 59 points through five games and 14 points in three FCS games. The defense also ranks top 35 in the following categories:
• Team Tackles For Loss (35)
• Passes Intercepted (27)
• Defensive TDs (25)
• Rushing Defense (18)
• 3rd Down Defense (11)
• 1st down defense (10)
• Turnovers Gained (8)
• Red Zone Defense (7)
• Team Sacks (6)
• Passing Yards Allowed (6)
• Total Defense (6)
• Scoring Defense (5)
• Fumbles Recovered (5)
• 4th Down Defense (4)
• Team Passing Efficiency Defense (1)
The Rattlers also look to extend their 14-game forced turnover streak.
Sack Masters
The Rattlers have two players coming into tomorrow's game ranked among the nation's best, including the nation's sack leader, Isaiah Land. Land leads the nation with ten sacks after recording a record-setting five sacks versus South Carolina State. Land's five sacks are the second-most in an FCS football single-game.
Deonte Williams is second on the team with three sacks and ranks 62nd, averaging .5 sacks per game.
Outstanding Bohler
Transfer defensive back BJ Bohler has given opposing receivers and quarterbacks fits all season long and will need to continue tomorrow as Alabama A&M has two receivers in the top-20 for receiving yards. Bohler currently ranks 8th in the nation averaging 1.6 breakups per game. Bohler also leads the team in interceptions with two.
Ground Attack
The Rattlers have been at their best offensively when running the ball, and they look to continue their strong rushing attack following the South Carolina State game, in which they recorded their season-high 197-yards.
Bishop Bonnett leads the way with 313 yards and three touchdowns. Terrell Jennings has been productive on the ground as well, with 225 yards and three touchdowns. Bonnett and Jennings are both averaging close to 6 yards per carry.
Xavier Smith Among Nation's Best
The Rattlers has one of the nation's best playmakers in Xavier Smith as Smith ranks top 40 in the following career leader categories:
• 3rd in receptions per game for his career with 6
• 4th in receiving yards per game with 80.7
• 10th in receptions with 1612
• 12th in receiving yards with 2,178
• 23rd in all-purpose yards per game with 97.7
• 23rd in receiving touchdowns with 16
• 32nd in yards per catch with 13.4
• 40th in all-purpose yards with 2,638
Smith also ranks top 30 in the nation this season in the following categories:
• 14th in receptions per game (6.6)
• 29th in yards per punt return (6.5)
Smith also had the most receptions in an FCS football single-game this year with 15 versus South Florida.
Slowing Down the Bulldogs Offense
For the Rattlers to win, they will have to slow down the Bulldogs' elite offense. Their offense ranks 12th in the nation and first in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Their number one strength is their passing attack, as they rank fifth in the nation and first in the SWAC.
Their quarterback, Aqeel Glass, ranks eighth in the nation in total offense, seventh in passing yards, and fifth in passing touchdowns. The Bulldogs have one of the best all-around offensive playmakers in running back Gary Quarles as he ranks 27th in the nation in all-purpose yards.
On the outside, the Bulldogs have three major threats in Odieu Hilaire, Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim, and Dee Anderson. Hilaire and Ibrahim both rank nationally in the top-20 in receiving yards, and Anderson ranks second in the nation for receiving touchdowns with seven.
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