ATLANTA, Ga. –– The 2024 college football season starts with a highly anticipated MEAC/SWAC Challenge showdown as the Florida A&M Rattlers return to Atlanta to take on the Norfolk State Spartans after finishing the season there winning the 2023 Celebration Bowl. For Rattler Nation, all eyes are on Atlanta, Georgia, where FAMU head coach James Colzie III will make his head coaching debut on a national stage.

Coach Colzie, speaking ahead of the game, expressed his excitement for the season opener. "It's an incredible opportunity to play in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta. We know Norfolk State will be well-coached and disciplined, so it's going to be important for us to stay focused and make the right decisions," he emphasized. FAMU has done extensive work during the offseason, and Colzie is eager to see that translate onto the field.

Despite some nagging injuries throughout training camp, Coach Colzie mentioned the team is now fully healthy and looking sharp heading into the game. "It felt like day one again," he said, referring to a recent practice where the team's energy and speed were on full display. With players returning to full strength, he expects the Rattlers to be fast and physical against Norfolk State.

One of the critical factors will be the Rattlers' ability to play smart and disciplined football. "The team with the least amount of penalties and turnovers will win this game," Colzie stated, acknowledging that, while conference pride is important, the fundamentals will ultimately decide the outcome. The MEAC has historically dominated this challenge, but FAMU broke through last year with a win in the Celebration Bowl, and the Rattlers are keen on keeping that momentum going.

Another storyline to watch is FAMU's quarterback situation, which will see Daniel Richardson make the start for the Rattlers. While Norfolk State's starting quarterback has been suspended for the game, Coach Colzie remained focused on his team's preparation. "At the end of the day, it's about what we do," he said, confident that his defense will be ready regardless of who lines up under center for the Spartans.

Playing in Atlanta significantly boosts the Rattlers, as the city boasts a strong alumni presence and vigorous support for FAMU. "It's great to start the season in a place with such deep ties to our fan base," Colzie noted. The game will broadcast on ABC in prime time, adding to the event's magnitude.

For Coach Colzie, however, the focus remains on one thing: "I just want to go 1-0. If we play well and execute, the rest will take care of itself."

Watch: ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3

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James Colzie III (Florida State, 1997) 

Career Record: 0-0

Record at FAMU: 0-0

Dawson Odums (N.C. Central, 1997)

Career Record: 60-57 (13th season) 

Record at NSU: 11-22 (4th season) 

Overall: FAMU leads 13-3

First Meeting: FAMU won 41-26 (1997)

Last Meeting: FAMU won 30-28 (2019)

Streak: 2, FAMU

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