Florida A&M

Rattlers return home to host Mississippi Valley

11/15/2024 11:14:00 PM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– The Florida A&M Rattlers return to Bragg Memorial Stadium looking to extend their 23-game home winning streak as they host the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Saturday at 1 p.m.

QUARTERBACK SITUATION
The Rattlers may have a new face under center as starting quarterback Daniel Richardson could miss the game due to injury. Junior Muratovic is expected to step in if Richardson can't play. Muratovic has appeared in four games this season, completing 21 of 45 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. The potential change comes at a crucial time as FAMU looks to bounce back from last week's road loss to Prairie View.

SCOUTING THE MATCHUP
FAMU's offense (362.1 yards per game) faces a struggling MVSU defense, allowing 41.3 points and 449.5 yards per game. The Rattlers' passing attack ranks 20th nationally (247.2 yards per game), while the Delta Devils sit 110th in pass efficiency defense. On the other side, MVSU's offense has struggled mightily, averaging just 14.2 points and 259.6 yards per game against FAMU's 45th-ranked defense (344.8 yards allowed).

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jamari Gassett leads the Rattlers' receiving corps with 45 catches for 607 yards and five touchdowns. The running back tandem of Thad Franklin Jr. (340 yards) and Levontai Summersett (329 yards) provides balance to the offense. For MVSU, Nathan Rembert leads the SWAC with 5.8 receptions per game and has accumulated 801 receiving yards, while quarterback Ty'Jarian Williams has thrown for 1,177 yards and seven touchdowns.

KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Quarterback Adjustment: If Muratovic starts, establishing the run game early will be crucial to ease pressure on the backup
2. Defensive Dominance: FAMU's defense, led by Deco Wilson (56 tackles) and Nay'Ron Jenkins (3.5 sacks), must continue their solid play
3. Special Teams Edge: Kicker Cameron Gillis (84.6% field goal accuracy) could be a difference-maker
4. Control the Clock: FAMU's ground game could help maintain possession against an MVSU defense allowing 245 rushing yards per game

The Rattlers aim to protect their impressive home winning streak. A victory would build momentum heading into their rivalry game against Bethune-Cookman in the Florida Classic.

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