Date/Time: Saturday, October 18 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium
Broadcast: ESPN + | 96.1 JAMZ
Game Theme: Orange and Green

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Saturday's homecoming match-up against Alcorn State offers a chance for the Rattlers to remind the rest of the conference that their championship bite still matches their trademark swagger.

OFFENSE: Rattlers Seek Balance in Running Game

Florida A&M's rushing attack is finding its stride as the season progresses, led by a determined offensive front and a physical running back room anchored by Thad Franklin Jr. While the numbers don't yet tell the full story, the Rattlers have shown flashes of a bruising, ball-control identity that can wear down defenses and open up their balanced offense.
Running to Set the Tone

• Rushing Offense: 93.4 yards/game
• Time of Possession: 30:53 (Top 40 nationally)
• Fewest Penalties: 1st in SWAC

The Rattlers' commitment to discipline and ball control has laid the foundation for success. Their strong time-of-possession ranking shows a team that plays smart, methodical football — keeping opposing offenses off the field and controlling the tempo. That sets the stage for the ground game to flourish as the offense continues to gel.

Feature Back: Thad Franklin Jr.

• Yards per Carry: 4.6
• Touchdowns: 4
• Rushing Yards per Game: 57.5

Franklin is the heartbeat of the FAMU backfield — a powerful, downhill runner who thrives on contact and keeps the chains moving. His 4.6 yards per carry show that when he gets space, he makes it count. Expect his workload and production to grow as the offensive line continues to find rhythm and chemistry.

DEFENSE: Camon and Riles Anchor a Prideful Unit

If there's one constant in Tallahassee, it's defense. The Rattlers' front seven remains rugged, even as the offense works to catch up. Defensive end Antonio Camon — a 6-foot-3 enforcer with elite burst — has recorded 2.5 sacks and leads the charge in disrupting backfields.

Linebacker Jason Riles Jr., who leads the team with 19 tackles, has emerged as the voice of the defense. His sideline-to-sideline range helps cover up gaps in the run game, an area where FAMU aims to tighten up after allowing 171 rushing yards per game.

In the secondary, Ah'mare Lee continues the program's legacy of ball-hawking defensive backs. With an interception and a team-best 1.25 passes defended per game, Lee's aggressive playstyle mirrors that of past Rattler greats. Look for him to match up frequently with Alcorn's deep threat Ja'Coby Matthews, who averages 17.5 yards per catch.

The key for FAMU will be forcing Alcorn's offense — led by quarterback Jaylon Tolbert — into obvious passing situations. When opponents are forced to throw, the Rattlers' pressure packages under defensive coordinator Ryan Smith can feast.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Quietly Among the Nation's Best

Few FCS teams can match FAMU's consistency in the third phase. Punter Bobby Engstler ranks 17th nationally with a 43.7-yard average, routinely flipping field position. His booming leg has masked occasional offensive stalls and earned him early All-SWAC consideration.

Kicker Daniel Porto has also delivered under pressure, hitting 83 percent of his field goals and providing reliable scoring from distance. Return man Jalen Rogers (9.3 yards per punt return) adds another layer of explosiveness that could tilt momentum in a tight game.

Above all, FAMU's special teams unit embodies discipline — zero blocked punts allowed, just six penalties per game, and no lost fumbles this season. Those small details have historically made the difference in Rattler wins.

ALCORN SCOUTING REPORT: Sewell the Spark Plug

Alcorn State enters the contest with one of the SWAC's most electric players in running back Jacorian Sewell. The junior leads the conference in rushing yards (628) and yards per carry (7.85), ranking among the top 15 nationally in both categories. His combination of power and vision gives the Braves an identity — they want to control tempo and win the line of scrimmage.


Sewell will test a FAMU front that's had occasional issues sealing the edge. However, if the Rattlers can bottle him up early, the pressure will fall on quarterback Jaylon Tolbert, who's thrown for 947 yards but has struggled with accuracy and efficiency (109.3 rating).

Defensively, Alcorn's strength lies in linebacker Stemarion Edwards, who has 42 tackles and a knack for diagnosing plays quickly. Still, the Braves' defense has allowed nearly 375 yards per game, including 156 on the ground — numbers that should give Franklin and the Rattler offensive line confidence.

Alcorn also ranks near the bottom nationally in red zone offense (just 55 percent scoring), which could spell trouble against a FAMU defense that thrives on forcing field goals and turnovers deep in its own territory.