Simmons: Rattlers have to take advantage of opportunities against Southern
Photo by Don Hayes
By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff writer
Just looking at the statistics, there isn’t much that separates FAMU and Southern. So, there is a great chance that the intangibles might make a difference in the outcome.
For example, as FAMU’s coach Willie Simmons surmised, preparation could be a factor. Naturally he likes what he’s seen from the Rattlers during their 27-6 homecoming victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff last Saturday.
Point blank, Simmons said, the Rattlers can’t afford to miss any opportunity to be better prepared.
“It’s the team that takes advantage of Sunday through Saturday morning that will have the best opportunity to win the game on Saturday evening,” Simmons said. “That’s our goal (and) that’s our mission. We still have a lot to play for.”
For one thing, there is the chance to extend their home win streak to 15 at Bragg Stadium. Doing that will also enhance the Rattlers’ chances of running the table and possibly getting an at-large bid to the NCAA playoffs.
Southern is coming to Tallahassee with 5-3 overall record and 3-2 in conference play. Four of their wins have been by 45 points or more, but they are coming off a 35-0 loss to Jackson State. FAMU is 6-2 and 4-1 in conference play.
Staying zoned in on the importance of the game will be pivotal, Simmons said. But even with the expected high energy for this first meeting between both teams since 2019 when FAMU beat the Jaguars at Bragg, Simmons is convinced his players can handle it.
“The atmosphere can’t be bigger than us,” he said. “It’s a game that a lot of people will have interest in, but don’t let that be bigger than the light that’s in us. We are the show. We don’t want our guys to shrink in the moment. We want them to play within themselves.”
Admittedly, though, Simmons sees the Jaguars being “a huge challenge offensively.”
At the same time, he is encouraged after the offensive output that the Rattlers had against UAPB. FAMU racked up 498 yards of total offense, while their defense held Pine Bluff to 193 yards of total offense.
Quarterback Jeremy Moussa was 25 of 37, throwing for 297 yards. However, his night included throwing two interceptions and losing the ball on a fumble.
Moussa threw touchdown passes of 16 and 12 yards, respectively to Xavier Smith and Jeremiah Pruitte. Both scores came within an eight-minute span in the second quarter. Moussa threw one other touchdown on a 44-yard pass to Jah’Marae Sheread.
Romo-Martinez kicked field goals at distance of 20 and 47 yards after missing his first try from 53 yards.
Rattlers running backs had their biggest performance of the season for 201 yards. A.J. Davis led the corps coming out of the back field with 108 yards. Jaylen McCloud’s biggest burst was a 27-yard run and Terrell Jennings’ longest carry was a 29-yarder.
“It’s encouraging that we are hitting our stride in the running game because that is going to help us moving forward,” Simmons said.
With this matchup being one that could impact the Rattlers’ post season chances, it seemingly has overshadowed the fact that 10 seniors will be playing their last home game. It’s another reason to win.
“Hopefully we can send these guys off the right way with a huge victory so they could leave saying they have a 15-game win streak that they started,” Simmons said.
The seniors will be recognized before kickoff.
