Rattlers ready for Wildcats in Florida Classic

11/22/2024 7:32:00 PM

ORLANDO, Fla. –– Florida A&M (5-5) looks to continue its dominance over rival Bethune-Cookman (2-9) when the two teams meet in the Florida Classic this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Rattlers enter seeking their fourth straight victory in this historic rivalry.

The Rattlers bring a significantly more potent offense into the matchup, averaging 369 yards per game compared to Bethune-Cookman's struggling 278.7 yards per game. Quarterback Daniel Richardson leads the charge, who ranks among the SWAC's elite passers with impressive numbers: 69.7% completion rate (1st in conference), 2,289 passing yards, and 20 touchdowns against just seven interceptions.

Wide receiver Jamari Gassett has been Richardson's favorite target, hauling in 48 catches for 690 yards and six touchdowns. The Rattlers' passing attack (248.4 yards per game, 2nd in SWAC) could succeed against a Bethune-Cookman defense, allowing 220.6 passing yards per game.

While the Wildcats have struggled this season, they possess some dangerous playmakers, particularly in return specialist Darnell Deas, who has two kickoff return touchdowns this year. The Rattlers' special teams will need to be disciplined, though Florida A&M's coverage units have been solid, allowing just 7.11 yards per punt return.

The Wildcats' main offensive threat has been running back Dennis Palmer, who has rushed for 528 yards despite playing in only eight games. The Wildcats will face a Rattlers defense that's been particularly stout against the pass, ranking 14th nationally in passing yards allowed (169.6 per game).

Keys to victory for Florida A&M:
1. Continue the efficient passing attack with Richardson
2. Contain Bethune-Cookman's return game, particularly Deas
3. Exploit the Wildcats' struggling run defense (230.9 yards allowed per game)
4. Maintain defensive discipline against a Bethune-Cookman offense averaging just 18.5 points per game

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