Date/Time: Saturday, November 8 – 3:00 p.m. EST
Location: Pine Bluff, Ark. | Simmons Bank Field
Broadcast: HBCU Go | 96.1 JAMZ
PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- The Florida A&M Rattlers return to action and ready to make a statement as they travel to the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions in a crucial SWAC showdown. For a team known for its discipline, defense, and big-play capability, this matchup offers a chance for the Rattlers to reassert control and fine-tune for the stretch run.
FAMU's Identity: Discipline and Execution
Few programs in the SWAC play with the focus and structure of Florida A&M. The Rattlers lead the entire conference in fewest penalties (50) and fewest penalties per game (6.25) — a testament to the discipline instilled by head coach
James Colzie III. That attention to detail shows in FAMU's national ranking of No. 2 in fewest fumbles lost (1) and No. 6 in turnovers lost overall (5).
When you combine that kind of ball security with solid time of possession (31:02 per game, 4th in the SWAC), it's clear that FAMU's blueprint remains built on efficiency, patience, and precision.
RJ Johnson III Leading a Steady Passing Attack
Quarterback
RJ Johnson III continues to evolve into one of the SWAC's most reliable passers. Johnson ranks 4th in the conference in passing yards per game (194.0) and 3rd in completion percentage (63.6%), showing growing command of the offense.
With weapons like
Kenari Wilcher (43.5 receiving yards per game) and
Miles Campbell stretching defenses vertically, the Rattlers' passing attack has become more balanced — giving defenses plenty to worry about.
In the red zone, FAMU's 87.5% success rate (2nd in the SWAC) has been a strength, thanks to Johnson's composure and the clutch leg of
Daniel Porto, who's connected on 86.7% of his field goals (No. 13 nationally).
Defense Poised to Rebound
The Rattler defense, anchored by
Corey Collier Jr. and
Antonio Camon, enters the matchup looking to reestablish its dominance. Though the numbers have been uneven this season, FAMU still ranks top-five in the conference in passing yards allowed (197.8 per game) and first downs defense (164).
Against UAPB, which has struggled to establish rhythm on the ground and ranks 12th in the SWAC in rushing defense (217.9 ypg allowed), the Rattlers' defense should have ample opportunity to create pressure, control field position, and capitalize on turnovers.
Special Teams: The Hidden Weapon
Few teams in the SWAC can match Florida A&M's consistency in the kicking and punting game.
This combination gives FAMU a reliable scoring option from distance and a major field-position edge — two key factors in tight conference games.
Scouting the Opponent: Arkansas-Pine Bluff
The Golden Lions enter the matchup at 3–5, still searching for consistency on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Christian Peters has thrown for 1,600 yards and 9 touchdowns, ranking among the top three passers in the SWAC, but his 53.8% completion rate and 9 interceptions have stalled drives.
Running back Jaylen Jennings leads the offense with 529 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, but he'll be running into a motivated FAMU front that's eager to reassert control at the line of scrimmage.
Defensively, UAPB has allowed over 431 yards per game, including 217.9 on the ground — a glaring weakness that FAMU's balanced attack will look to exploit. Their discipline (fewest penalty yards in the SWAC) keeps them in games, but their inability to get off the field on third down (42.9% allowed) could spell trouble against the Rattlers' efficiency.
The Matchup Breakdown
| Category |
Florida A&M |
Arkansas-Pine Bluff |
Edge |
| Total Offense |
344.9 ypg |
339.5 ypg |
Even |
| Total Defense |
396.8 ypg allowed |
431.5 ypg allowed |
FAMU |
| Passing Offense |
226.3 ypg |
202.4 ypg |
FAMU |
| Rushing Defense |
199.0 ypg allowed |
217.9 ypg allowed |
FAMU |
| Red Zone Offense |
87.5% |
81.8% |
FAMU |
| Kicking Game |
Porto: 86.7% FG |
Glymph: 75% FG |
FAMU |
| Penalty Yards/Game |
57.8 |
51.6 |
Slight UAPB |
| Turnovers Lost |
5 |
12 |
FAMU |
