Date/Time: Saturday, September 27 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium
Broadcast: HBCU GO | 96.1 JAMZ
Game Theme: WHITE OUT

Game Preview: Florida A&M vs. Alabama State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M will look to showcase its trademark discipline and defensive muscle Saturday when the Rattlers meet Alabama State in a critical Southwestern Athletic Conference clash.

FAMU (1-2, 0-0 SWAC) enters the game with an identity rooted in ball security, situational football, and defensive toughness — traits that stand in sharp contrast to Alabama State's reliance on a high-volume passing attack.

Disciplined and efficient offense

The Rattlers have proven among the most disciplined teams in the nation. Through three games, FAMU has lost zero fumbles and only one turnover total, tied for the fewest in the SWAC and among the national leaders. That reliability has allowed the offense to sustain drives, converting at a 41.3% clip on third down and ranking top three in the league on fourth down (66.7%).

Quarterback R.J. Johnson III has been steady and efficient, completing 63.4% of his passes with 677 yards and four touchdowns while avoiding interceptions. His 148.9 passer rating ranks him among the top signal-callers in the conference. Johnson has found a deep threat in Kenari Wilcher, who averages 21.3 yards per reception and leads the team with 170 receiving yards, including a 71-yard score.

On the ground, Thad Franklin Jr. has given the Rattlers a physical presence, rushing for 171 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 57 yards per game. While FAMU's rushing offense is still developing (83.0 ypg), the balance between Franklin's power and Johnson's precision passing provides a reliable mix.

Special teams as a weapon

Florida A&M's kicking game has been a major advantage. Daniel Porto has connected on 5 of 6 field goals (83.3%), including a long of 48 yards, and leads the team in scoring with 20 points.

He has already hit multiple kicks from beyond 40 yards, proving he can flip momentum when drives stall.

In the return game, Wilcher has been dynamic, averaging 24.4 yards per kickoff return, giving FAMU consistent field position edges. On punts, Jalen Rogers has contributed 32 yards on five returns, helping the Rattlers win hidden yardage battles.

Defensive front sets the tone

The Rattlers' defense has been tested early but shown flashes of dominance. FAMU is allowing just 121.0 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the SWAC and 24th nationally. The defensive front has piled up 14 tackles for loss and five sacks in three games, led by Antonio Camon (two sacks, three TFLs) and Jameel Sanders (two TFLs, one sack). Linebacker Jason Riles Jr. leads the team with 20 total tackles, while safety Ah'Mare Lee recorded the team's lone interception.

Collectively, the Rattlers have held opponents to just 5.2 yards per play despite facing a high-powered FAU offense in Week 2.

Scouting Alabama State

The Hornets (2-1, 0-0 SWAC, game at Southern will not count in the SWAC standings) bring the league's top passing offense, powered by quarterback Andrew Body, who leads the SWAC in passing efficiency (223.0) and passing yards per game (253.7). Receiver Jalen Jones headlines the attack with 108 yards per game, tops in the conference.

But Alabama State has shown cracks defensively. The Hornets rank just seventh in the SWAC in rushing defense (176.3 ypg) and sixth in total defense (367.0 ypg). They also sit middle of the pack in time of possession, a potential problem against FAMU's ball-control style.

Players to Watch — Florida A&M

• QB R.J. Johnson III: Completing 63.4% of passes with 677 yards and four touchdowns, Johnson is the steady hand of FAMU's offense. His ability to avoid turnovers has been a difference-maker.
• RB Thad Franklin Jr.: The power back leads the Rattlers with 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns. If he finds rhythm against ASU's leaky run defense, FAMU's offense could control the game.
• WR/RET Kenari Wilcher: Averaging 21.3 yards per catch and 98.7 all-purpose yards per game, Wilcher is FAMU's big-play weapon. His contributions as a returner also set the tone in field position.
• DL Antonio Camon: With two sacks and three tackles for loss already, Camon anchors the defensive front. His ability to pressure Andrew Body will be critical.
• K Daniel Porto: A perfect 5-for-6 on field goals, Porto is averaging 6.7 points per game and remains the SWAC's most reliable kicker.

Players to Watch — Alabama State

• QB Andrew Body: Leads the SWAC in passing yards per game (253.7) and efficiency (223.0). A dual-threat playmaker, but FAMU's defensive line will look to disrupt his timing and force him off-script.
• WR Jalen Jones: Tops the conference with 108 receiving yards per game, stretching defenses vertically. The Rattlers' secondary, led by Lee and Corey Collier Jr., will be tested in coverage.
• WR Ajai Harrell: Provides a strong No. 2 option in the passing game, averaging over 60 yards per contest. FAMU's linebackers and safeties must keep him in check to limit Body's options.
• LB Jalil Lenore: A disruptive presence in the Hornets' front seven, Lenore ranks second in the SWAC in forced fumbles. But ASU's defense has still been vulnerable against the run, something Franklin and FAMU's O-line can exploit.
• DB Patrick Smith Jr.: The league leader in fumble recoveries (2). Opportunistic in turnover situations, but with FAMU's elite ball security, his chances may be limited.

What's at stake

For Florida A&M, the matchup represents both an opportunity to grab momentum in conference play and a chance to showcase its completeness. The Rattlers bring the edge in discipline (fewest turnovers lost), special teams (top kicker and returner), and defensive toughness (SWAC's No. 2 rushing defense).

If FAMU can force Alabama State into one-dimensional play and win the field-position battle, the Rattlers are well-positioned to dictate tempo and leave with a statement win in the SWAC East race.