TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– The Florida A&M Rattlers return to Bragg Memorial Stadium for their highly anticipated matchup against the South Carolina State Bulldogs this Saturday. Not only is this the Rattlers’ first home game of the season, but they also enter Bragg Memorial Stadium riding a 20-game home winning streak, the second-longest in the nation.
Coach Colzie’s Reflections and Expectations
Reflecting on the season opener, Coach Colzie expressed excitement about being 1-0 despite acknowledging that the team was “extremely lucky” to secure the victory after some early mistakes. “Our motto is to run the football and stop the run, and that was quite evident early that we did not do so,” Colzie admitted. However, he praised his team’s perseverance, especially after overcoming a 14-0 deficit, showcasing their resilience and ability to adjust.
Preparing for South Carolina State presents unique challenges, as the Bulldogs come with a new coaching staff and little game film to study. Coach Colzie noted that the preparation is similar to the previous week, relying on last season’s strategies and trying to anticipate the new staff’s plans. “We gotta be solid in who we are,” Colzie emphasized. “As far as running the football and playing quality rush defense, which you saw later in the game, that will be our focus.”
Key Matchup: Rattlers Defense vs. Bulldogs Offense
The Dark Cloud Defense will be under the microscope. Coach Colzie noted the disappointment in allowing an 82-yard touchdown run last week, the first such play against his defense in three years. “We can’t allow those types of explosive plays to happen,” he stated. The Rattlers will focus on tightening their tackling and ensuring they remain disciplined and adaptable against the unpredictable Bulldogs.
Offensive Adjustments and Strategy
Offensively, the Rattlers showed promise in their ability to execute under pressure, especially during the final six and a half minutes of their opener, where they controlled the clock and kept the ball out of their opponent’s hands. “It’s great for the players to see that what we’re working on turned out to be successful,” Colzie said. The Rattlers will look to build on this late-game efficiency against a South Carolina State team yet to reveal their cards.
Quarterback Daniel Richardson, who managed the game effectively without any turnovers, will be a key figure. “Daniel made some good plays, but he’d be the first one to tell you there are things he could have done better,” noted Colzie. Richardson’s continued development and the team’s ability to adapt to defensive challenges will be crucial to maintaining their home streak.
The Stakes at Bragg Memorial Stadium
As the Rattlers prepare to defend their home turf, they do so with momentum and the weight of a 20-game home winning streak on their shoulders. Coach Colzie and his squad are focused on extending this streak, solidifying their identity, and executing their game plan against a South Carolina State team that remains unknown.
“We’re excited to open up our home season,” Coach Colzie said. “We’ve got to do what we do best: run the football, stop the run, and adjust on the fly. We’re ready for the challenge.”
Saturday’s game promises to be an intense contest as the Rattlers look to keep their streak alive and continue their march through the season.
—-
Source: Florida A&M Athletics/famuathletics.com
