ITTA BENA, Miss. | The Rattlers are coming off their first win away from Bragg Memorial Stadium this year and look to make it two in a row before returning to Bragg for homecoming.
Where can you watch or listen?
Watch: MVSU Sports Network on YouTube
Listen: Rattler Sports Network, WANM 90.5 FM
Coaches in the game
Willie Simmons
Career Record, Conference Record: 40-20, 33-10
FAMU Record, Conference Record: 19-9, 14-4
Vincent Dancy
Career Record: 5-26
MVSU Record: 5-26
Series History
The two teams met for the first time in 1987, which FAMU won 10-0.
FAMU and MVSU have played each other two times, and the Rattlers lead the all-time series 2-0. Florida A&M won the last meeting 28-13 (1990).
Elite Rattlers Defense
The Rattlers come into the game with one of the best defenses in the nation (FCS), allowing only 90 points through six games and 45 points in four FCS games. The defense also ranks top 35 in the following categories:
• Defensive TDs (32)
• 4th Down Defense (31)
• Passes Intercepted (27)
• Rushing Defense (12)
• Team Tackles For Loss (11)
• 1st down defense (9)
• Turnovers Gained (9)
• Red Zone Defense (9)
• Fumbles Recovered (9)
• 3rd Down Defense (7)
• Passing Yards Allowed (7)
• Team Sacks (6)
• Scoring Defense (6)
• Total Defense (5)
• Team Passing Efficiency Defense (1)
The Rattlers also look to extend their 15-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 four sacks and ranks 49th, averaging .67 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. Bohler currently ranks 11th in the nation averaging 1.3 breakups per game. Bohler also tied for the most interceptions on the team with two.
Bohler has the most passes defended in a single-game in the nation with five in the 30-7 win versus South Carolina State.
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 Alabama A&M game, in which they recorded their season-high 273-yards.
Bishop Bonnett leads the way with 500 yards and four touchdowns. Terrell Jennings has been productive on the ground as well, with 307 yards and four touchdowns. Bonnett is currently 8th in the nation averaging 7.1 yards per carry. Jennings averages 5.3 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 5.79
• 4th in receiving yards per game with 77.8
• 10th in receptions with 1612
• 14th in receiving yards with 2,178
• 30th in receiving touchdowns with 16
• 31st in all-purpose yards per game with 94.21
• 32nd in yards per catch with 13.4
Smith also had the most receptions in an FCS football single-game this year with 15 versus South Florida.
Scouting the Delta Devils
• The Delta Devils' offensive strength is their rushing attack as they rank 66th in the nation, averaging 141.3 yards per game. Their biggest threat is running back Caleb Johnson, who ranks 24th in the nation in rushing yards with 526.
• The Rattlers must keep the Delta Devils offense out of the red zone as their red zone offense ranks 28th in the nation.
• The Florida A&M offensive line will have their work cut out for them tomorrow as the Delta Devils rank 15th in tackles for loss and 45th in sacks.
• Bishop Bonnett and Terrell Jennings should succeed on the ground versus the Delta Devils as they are allowing 176.3 yards per game (91st in the nation).
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