Moussa will remain Rattlers QB in rivalry game at Southern
Photo by Ashley Bigbee
By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer
Don’t look for coach Willie Simmons to pull a quarterback switch and bench Jeremy Moussa because he threw two interceptions against Mississippi Valley State University last Saturday.
As far as Simmons is concerned, Moussa will start this Saturday’s rivalry game against Southern University and he is expected to finish out the season under center.
Simmons took the time Monday during his weekly press conference to address calls on social media for Moussa to be replaced. The intercepts seemed to be the most agonizing after a low-scoring first half against a team that the Rattlers eventually beat 31-7.
“He has proven time after time that he is the best guy to lead us,” Simmons said in an unequivocal tone. “So when the naysayers come out and say we need to bench Jeremy. No we are not.”
Against the Delta Devils, Moussa completed 13 of 26 passes for 155 yards. He also threw two touchdowns.
FAMU led 10-7 at halftime. It was the third consecutive game in which the Rattlers had to rally to a decisive victory.
“We are finding ways to win,” Simmons said. “They are not always pretty but I think most people will take an ugly win over pretty loss any day of the week.”
Meanwhile, Simmons has given some opportunities to back-up quarterback Junior Muratovic. He has earned the minutes that he gets to appear in games, Simmons said.
“I have all the confidence in the world,” Simmons said. “If he is needed for whatever reason; whenever that time comes that he will be ready.”
A handful of players like seldom-used running back Leland Wilhoit also appeared in the game. He had two big runs during a third-quarter drive that set up a FAMU touchdown. Terrell Jennings completed the drive with a five-yard run. Cameron Gillis kicked the PAT to give FAMU a 17-7 lead.
Wilhoit seemingly could become a fixture in the Rattlers offense.
“He got his opportunity and he made the most of it,” Simmons said. “Leland is a guy who has always brought a lot of energy; never a dull moment. He doesn’t know the meaning of walk-through. He is 100 mile per hour full speed.”
Saturday’s matchup in Baton Rouge will extend a longstanding rivalry between the Rattlers and Jaguars. FAMU is going into the game with a 4-1 overall record and 3-0 in the East Division of the SWAC.
FAMU has two more wins than any of the four other teams in the division, while Southern stands at 2-2 overall and is tied with Grambling (3-2) with 2-0 conference records for second place in the West Division.
Simmons said he is expecting “a heavily charged game,” adding that “They love when we come there and obviously we love when they come here. It’s a true rivalry in every sense of the word.”
