TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Florida A&M has not experienced homecoming since 2019, and Rattler Nation is excited to pack Bragg Memorial Stadium for tomorrow's game versus Grambling State. The Rattlers come into the game on a four-game win streak and the third-longest home win streak in the nation at nine games.
"We're excited about this homecoming game," said head coach Willie Simmons. "Homecoming at FAMU is a huge deal as a lot of Rattlers are coming back to the Highest of Seven Hills.
"We know Grambling State will come in with a lot of heart, a lot of intensity, and no one wants to be anyone's homecoming game. They'll come in with a huge chip on their shoulders. We'll get their best shot, so we have to prepare ourselves mentally for that, and I think our guys will be up for a challenge."
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: 41-20, 34-10
FAMU Record, Conference Record: 20-9, 15-4
Broderick Fobbs
Career Record: 53-29
GSU Record: 53-29
Series History
The two teams met for the first time in 1955, which GSU won 28-21.
FAMU and GSU have played each other 15 times, and the Tigers lead the all-time series 10-5. GSU won the last meeting 12-10 (2000).
Elite Rattlers Defense
The Rattlers come into the game with one of the best defenses in the nation (FCS), allowing only 108 points through seven games and 73 points in five FCS games. The defense also ranks top 35 in the following categories:
• defensive TDs (35)
• 4th down defense (21)
• passing yards allowed (16)
• scoring defense (16)
• turnovers gained (12)
• red zone defense (12)
• rushing defense (11)
• total defense (9)
• 1st down defense (9)
• team sacks (8)
• team tackles for loss (7)
• fumbles recovered (7)
• team passing efficiency defense (6)
• 3rd down defense (4).
The Rattlers also look to extend their 16-game forced turnover streak.
Sack Master
The Rattlers have the nation's leading sacker in Isaiah Land with 11.5 sacks. Land set a Rattlers single-game record recording five sacks versus South Carolina State, the second-most in a single FCS game this season.
Land also leads the nation in tackles for loss with 17.
Ground Attack
The Rattlers have been at their best offensively when running the ball, and they look to continue their rushing success tomorrow versus Grambling State.
Bishop Bonnett leads the team and SWAC with 640 yards, which is also good for 18th most in the nation. Bonnett is also sixth in the nation averaging 7.19 yards per carry. Bonnett and Terrell Jennings both rank 68th in the nation with five rushing touchdowns each.
Jah'Marae Sheread Number One Punt Returner
Jah'Marae Sheread had a game for the ages last week in Itta Bena, going for a combined 229 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. Sheread picked up 154 yards in the punt return game, including a 59-yard punt return touchdown. Sheread's 154 yards are the most in a single game this season.
Sheread currently ranks number one in the nation in yards per punt return averaging 26 yards per return.
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
• 11th in receptions with 1612
• 15th in receiving yards with 2,178
• 30th in receiving touchdowns with 16
• 32nd in all-purpose yards per game with 94.21
• 33rd 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 Tigers
• The Tigers' team strength is their discipline as they are one of the least penalized teams in the nation (8th least).
• The Tigers are starting a freshman quarterback in Noah Bodden. The Tigers have gone 2-1 since making the change to Bodden.
•The Tigers' defense ranks tops in the conference in passes intercepted and defensive touchdowns
• GSU's defense ranks third nationally in defensive touchdowns and 14th in sacks
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