Date/Time: Saturday, November 15 – 3:00 p.m. EST
Location: Huntsville, Ala. | Louis Crews Stadium
Broadcast: SWAC TV | 96.1 JAMZ
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Florida A&M's offense continues to be one of the most disciplined and efficient units in the SWAC. The Rattlers aren't reliant on trick plays or tempo — they win with smart football, clean execution, and patience.
RJ Johnson III – Commanding the Offense
- Completion %: 64.0%
- Pass Efficiency: 141.2
- Passing Yards/Game: 198.6
- 3rd Down Conversion Rate (Team): 41.9%
Johnson has grown into a steady, field-general style passer — decisive, calm, and accurate in high-leverage moments. His ability to manage tempo and protect the football gives FAMU a consistent advantage against blitz-heavy defenses like Alabama A&M's.
The Ground Attack – Franklin and Hailey's Tandem
The Rattlers' rushing game doesn't need gaudy stats to be effective. It's about timing and balance.
- RB Thad Franklin Jr.: 496 yards, 5 TDs, 4.39 yards/carry
- RB Jamal Hailey: 38.5 YPG, 4 TDs
Defense: Physical and Poised
FAMU's defense is defined by its discipline and situational strength. While the raw yardage totals (401.6 YPG) may not pop, this unit thrives when it matters most.
Stopping the Run
- Rushing Defense: 187.4 YPG
FAMU's front seven, led by Antonio Camon and Corey Collier Jr., has held opponents to minimal explosive plays. They rally well to the ball and force teams into uncomfortable down-and-distance situations.
Pass Defense – Limit, Contain, Disrupt
- Passing Yards Allowed: 214.1 YPG
- Pass Efficiency Defense: 145.4
- 3rd Down Defense: 45%
The secondary plays sound coverage — rarely beaten deep and forcing quarterbacks to string together long drives. Opponents struggle to sustain consistency against this back end.
Situational Edge
- Red Zone Defense: 87.9%
- Fewest Penalty Yards/Game: 60.1
FAMU doesn't give away free points or yardage. Their defensive efficiency climbs as the field shortens — a trait that wins tight games.
Special Teams: The Hidden Weapon
FAMU's special teams consistently tilt the field:
The Rattlers also have two blocked kicks this season and have not allowed a single punt block. Special teams' efficiency gives FAMU short fields — a major edge in possession battles.
Player Spotlight
QB
RJ Johnson III – The Quiet Catalyst
RJ Johnson III has quietly become one of the most dependable quarterbacks in the FCS. His 64% completion rate, 141.2 passer efficiency, and poise under pressure have made him the engine of FAMU's balanced attack.
Johnson's ability to manage tempo and avoid turnovers — just five interceptions all season — keeps the Rattlers in control of the game's rhythm. Against Alabama A&M's aggressive secondary, his decision-making will be key to exploiting zone windows and hitting intermediate throws that sustain drives.
K
Daniel Porto – Automatic from Anywhere
When drives stall, Porto delivers points. His 87.5% field goal accuracy ranks among the top 10 in the nation, and his consistency has been invaluable in low-scoring, defensive contests.
He averages 1.56 made field goals per game, the most in the SWAC, and has become a reliable closer in red-zone sequences. In a matchup that could hinge on field position and clock control, Porto's leg is a major separator.
LB
Corey Collier Jr. – Turnover Creator
Collier has emerged as the emotional and tactical anchor of the Rattler defense.
- Fumbles Forced: 0.25 per game (Top-25 nationally)
- Fumbles Recovered: 3-way tie among team leaders
His ability to read and react quickly has generated crucial takeaways, and his tackling consistency helps prevent second-level runs from turning into breakaways. Expect him to spy the A&M backfield and lead the charge in containing their run game.
Alabama A&M: Searching for Consistency
The Bulldogs enter the matchup ranked in the bottom third nationally in Rushing Defense (200.8 YPG) and Turnover Margin (-0.30). Their offensive line has allowed nearly 2 sacks per game, and their 3rd-down conversion rate (35.7%) struggles to sustain drives.
If A&M can't generate chunk plays early, they'll be forced into passing downs where FAMU's discipline and coverage can dictate terms.
Keys to a Rattler Win
- Establish early rhythm – Johnson's quick reads to Wilcher and Campbell set tone.
- Stay on schedule – Avoid 3rd-and-longs against A&M's blitzes.
- Defend early downs – Make the Bulldogs one-dimensional.
- Capitalize in the red zone – Take the points; trust Porto.
- Win field position – Engstler's punting and coverage teams must keep A&M long-fielded.
| Category |
Florida A&M (FAMU) |
Alabama A&M (AAMU) |
Edge |
| Record / Win % |
.444 (FAMU) |
.400 (AAMU) |
FAMU |
| Total Offense (YPG) |
355.6 (69th) |
340.8 (81st) |
FAMU |
| Total Defense (YPG Allowed) |
401.6 (88th) |
430.7 (108th) |
FAMU |
| Passing Offense (YPG) |
227.2 (39th) |
226.5 (41st) |
Even |
| Rushing Offense (YPG) |
128.3 (89th) |
114.3 (103rd) |
FAMU |
| 3rd Down Conversion % |
41.9% (42nd) |
35.7% (86th) |
FAMU |
| 4th Down Conversion % |
80.0% (3rd) |
56.3% (39th) |
FAMU |
| Red Zone Offense % |
84.6% (45th) |
87.5% (29th) |
Slight AAMU |
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