TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida A&M faces off against rival Jackson State in another high-stakes SWAC showdown. The Rattlers have the discipline, playmakers, and efficiency to pull off a statement win — but they'll need to execute in five key areas.

1. Win on Third Down — Sustain Drives, Frustrate JSU
FAMU ranks 27th nationally in third-down conversions (44%), while Jackson State's defense gives up a 36% conversion rate. That's a winning matchup for the Rattlers. Sustaining drives with RJ Johnson III's 65% completion rate will keep JSU's high-powered offense off the field and wear down their front seven.

Key stat: FAMU converts 44% on 3rd downs — a top-30 national mark.

What it means: Long, methodical drives neutralize JSU's tempo advantage.

2. Protect the Ball — and Take It Away
No team in the SWAC protects the ball better than FAMU. The Rattlers are No. 1 nationally in fewest fumbles lost (0) and top 10 in turnovers lost (4 total). JSU, on the other hand, has coughed it up eight times and forced just eight takeaways.

Corey Collier Jr. and Dion Villiers will be key in generating extra possessions, especially if they can capitalize on any pressure against JSU QB JaCobian Morgan.
Key stat: FAMU turnover margin: +0.0 (steady) vs. JSU's +0.0 but with higher risk.

3. Let Special Teams Swing the Game
Special teams have been quietly elite in Tallahassee. Punter Bobby Engstler leads the SWAC with a 44.0-yard average, while kicker Daniel Porto ranks No. 3 nationally with 1.71 FGs per game (86% accuracy).

Meanwhile, JSU has allowed three blocked punts and four blocked kicks — both bottom-10 nationally. That's a huge opening to flip field position or even score.

Key stat: FAMU is top-25 nationally in blocked kicks; JSU is bottom-15 in kicks allowed.

What it means: FAMU's special teams could be the X-factor.

4. Stay Disciplined — Make JSU Beat Itself
Coach Colzie's squad continues to be one of the cleanest in the SWAC. FAMU leads the league with just 43 total penalties, compared to JSU's 67 — nearly 25 more flags.

Discipline is often the separator in rivalry games. Avoiding drive-killing flags while letting JSU self-destruct is the smart, veteran approach.

What it means: The Rattlers' composure could decide this one late.

5. Balance the Attack — Use RJ Johnson & Thad Franklin to Control Tempo
Jackson State's run defense is its strength (123.4 yards allowed/game, best in SWAC), but FAMU can counter with balance. QB RJ Johnson III (202.9 YPG, 65% completions) has proven efficient, and RB Thad Franklin Jr. runs with power (4.4 yards per carry).

By mixing play-action, FAMU can attack JSU's secondary — which allows 224 passing yards per game — while controlling the clock (the Rattlers average 31:41 TOP, 2nd in the SWAC).
Key stat: FAMU ranks top-25 nationally in time of possession.

What it means: Keep JSU's explosive backs off the field.

The Rattler Blueprint

If Florida A&M can:
•               Dominate third downs
•               Win the turnover battle
•               Cash in on special teams
•               Stay disciplined
•               Control tempo through balance