When FAMU joined the SWAC back in 2021 a lot of discussion surrounded having the Southern/FAMU rivalry back annually which at one time was one of the longest running rivalries between non-conference opponents at the FCS level. But the rivalry that has really bloomed into something special is the rivalry between Alabama State and Florida A&M. The two schools are only separated by 205 miles and pull students from the same footprints in the Atlanta Metro area, the Florida Panhandle, Central and South Alabama, and the South Florida Area. One of FAMUs largest alumni bases is right there in Montgomery, Alabama. On top of that the two teams used to be SIAC conference rivals until 1978. This game impacts families, communities, and even high school friendships. Both schools travel a rather large contingency to each other's campus which only adds spice to this newly renewed rivalry.
The All-Time record between The Rattlers and Hornets is tied at 20-20-2 so on Saturday the winner will not only break the deadlock but will take a step forward in the race for the SWAC's Eastern Division Title. Since joining the SWAC the Rattlers are 3-0 against the Hornets. In order to win the Eastern Division as predicted the Hornets must get over the FAMU hump. The Hornets are a stout defensive with a rush defense that's ranked 6th Nationally. Offensively the Hornets are in the same boat they've been in te past few years. In the pass game Alabama State is "challenged" to the least. The Hornets are down to their 4th string QB, true freshmen Zach Sims who's completing 47% of his passes for only 184 yards in the three games that he's appeared in.
The Rattlers are right where they want to be coming into the month of October. FAMU is 2-2 and ranked 22nd in the FCS Coaches poll as the open up SWAC play. Offensively Daniel Richardson has been the cream of the crop as far as quarterbacks in the SWAC. FAMU has not only one of the top passing attacks in the conference but they're also ranked in the top 20 in FCS as far as passing yards per game. Defensively the Rattlers have taken a step back from the Dark Cloud defenses of the past two seasons. FAMU gives up a wopping 204.5 yards per game on the ground which put tremendous pressure on the FAMU offense to come from behind to win late 4th quarter games against Norfolk State and South Carolina State. Saturday’s game is not only for bragging rights between rivals but the game will also get one of these teams a step closer to the SWAC Championship game.
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