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FAMU football makes second half run to wear down Alabama State in SWAC opener | Takeaways
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- FAMU football makes second half run to wear down Alabama State in SWAC opener | Takeaways
(This story has been updated to add additional information.)
Florida A&M football is off to a positive start in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.
The Rattlers (3-2, 1-0 in SWAC) left Montgomery victorious Saturday with a 28-13 victory over the Alabama State Hornets (2-3, 1-1 in SWAC).
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The Rattlers outgained the Hornets 308-279 before Alabama State's homecoming crowd of 33,576.
"A lot of highs and lows from this football game. But ultimately, you come in on the road, win by two touchdowns against a good football team," FAMU head coach James Colzie III said in his postgame press conference.
"The guys responded."
Florida A&M head coach James Colzie, III, and Alabama State head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. during warm ups on the ASU campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday October 5, 2024.
Knotted at 7-7 at halftime, the Rattlers outscored the Hornets 21-6 in the second half.
FAMU quarterback Daniel Richardson completed 20 of 30 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns. FAMU receiver A'Ceon Cobb caught two touchdown passes and Goldie Lawrence also had one.
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FAMU, the defending SWAC champions, has won 17 consecutive conference games.
FAMU football's offense attacks Alabama State's high-ranked defense
FAMU had a relatively balanced offense.
But passing led the Rattlers to victory over Alabama State's sixth-ranked defense in the Football Championship Subdivision.
FAMU opened the game, testing Alabama State's pass defense. It worked as Richardson completed passes to nine different receivers.
Jamari Gassett led FAMU's receivers with seven receptions. Cobb had a team-high 49 rushing yards.
FAMU did well mixing in the run, adding 105 rushing yards. Bo Summersett had 13 carries for 66 yards (5.1 yards per carry).
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FAMU football's bends but don't break to beleaguer Alabama State offense
Alabama State had FAMU's defense on the ropes, especially when rushing the ball.
In the first half, the Hornets scampered for 142 rushing yards on the Rattlers.
However, FAMU made second-half adjustments and held Alabama State to 69 rushing yards in the final two quarters.
"We didn't change much. We were more gap-sound," Colzie said. "Tribute to [FAMU defensive coordinator Milton Patterson ]. He works extra hard. He knew he had a huge challenge in front of him."
Florida A&M defensive back T.J. Huggins (21) c elebrates an interception against Alabama State during their game on the ASU campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday October 5, 2024.
The Rattlers also had their first two forced turnovers of the season, with safety Deco Wilson and cornerback TJ Huggins nabbing interceptions from the Hornets.
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FAMU linebacker Nay'Ron Jenkins recovered a fumble for a 20-yard touchdown.
"We didn't do anything differently. We just put ourselves in a position to finish plays," Colzie said when asked about FAMU's quest to force turnovers.
FAMU football has turnover issues against Alabama State
Despite the victory, FAMU left points on the board.
Richardson threw two interceptions and had a fumble.
Summersett also had a late fumble.
FAMU has turned the ball over in four of its five games.
"We got to assess our personnel at this time. I have to look at who's on the field when those turnovers happen," Colzie said. "I just wish we could make it a hell of a lot easier on ourselves in some of these games."
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Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee .
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football gradually wears down Alabama State in SWAC opener | Takeaways
