TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– Florida A&M gives Alabama State a Rattler welcome to Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium for this Saturday's showdown. The Hornets' Week 2 loss to Miles College gave them a bye week to assemble for their first SWAC game of this season with their standing at 1-1. Florida A&M is 2-1 after demolishing West Florida at 31-10 last Saturday in the first home game of this season. FAMU has a proven track record with ASU, winning the two previous games and keeping the streak going with a 23-10 win.
 
How it Happened
Florida A&M claimed its territory around the 6:10 mark in the first quarter, as starting quarterback Moussa found receiver Marcus Riley in the end zone, giving the Rattlers the early first quarter 7-0 lead. Alabama State failed to score a touchdown at the end of the first quarter but was able to make a field goal in the second quarter at 13:34 by Jaydon John, making the score 7-3. 
 
FAMU continuing their hot streak on the offensive end, Moussa's pass hit its mark, allowing Jamari Gassett to make a 36-yard touchdown at the end of the second quarter. Following the touchdown, kicker Cameron Gillis scored his second field goal attempt, giving the Rattlers a commanding 14-3 lead. 
 
The Hornets made things interesting to start the second half, scoring a touchdown at the 13:09 mark. The Rattlers almost disrupted the play, as defensive back Eric Smith deflected the pass that wound up in the hands of their opponent. Alabama State cut the deficit to 4 points in a tight 14-10 matchup. 
 
With the score closely contested at 14-10, FAMU converted on a 3-point field goal after failing to complete a touchdown. Kicker Cameron Gillis made the 35-yard field goal with 6:34 left in the fourth quarter, giving the Rattlers a 17-10 lead. Coming in with the rattle, with 3:43 left to go, opposing quarterback Damon Stewart threw an interception, with linebacker Isaiah Major capping off the 40-yard pick-six. This defensive sequence gave the Rattlers a 23-10 lead, with the Hornets running low on time.  

Post Game Press Conference

 
Game Notes
» Moussa goes 14/17 for 168 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. 
» Moussa's stats to end the 3rd quarter: 18-26 completion rate, 200 yards, and two touchdowns 
» Gassett leads FAMU in receiving yards, with 56 and one touchdown in the second quarter  
» Riley scored FAMU's first touchdown, to go along with 37 yards. 
» Florida A&M outgained Alabama State 353-303, including a 59-14 advantage on the ground.
» The Rattlers scored first with 6:10 left in the first quarter and never trailed the rest of the game on their way to victory.
» Florida A&M scored their highest quarter in the fourth period when they put up nine points.
» Florida A&M converted 5 of 12 third downs while Alabama State was successful on 4 of 15.
» The Rattlers had two players with more than eight tackles in the ballgame led by Major, who had 12.
» Florida A&M went 1-for-1 on fourth down, converting on 100 percent of attempts.
» Florida A&M gave up just three points in two Alabama State trips to the red zone.
» The Rattlers racked up eight tackles for loss.
» Florida A&M won the time of possession battle 36:17 to 23:43.
» Damon Stewart led the Hornets passing attack, completing 23 of his 38 attempts for 289 yards and one touchdown with one interception.
» Kisean Johnson was Alabama State's leading receiver with 112 yards.
 
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