By Bert Leeson
Rattlers look to win their first SWAC Championship Saturday afternoon
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– Rattlers prepare to play in their first SWAC Championship Game after going undefeated in the regular season. The Rattlers enter the game with the nation’s second-longest winning streak at nine games and home game winning streak at 19.
When, Where, How to Watch/Listen, Digital Program:
When: Saturday, December 2, 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Where: Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium
Watch: ESPN2
Listen: Florida A&M Rattlers app or Rattlers+
Digital Program
Coaches in the game
Willie Simmons (Clemson, 2002 | The Citadel, 2003)
Career Record: 64-24 (9th season, 2020 canceled due to COVID-19)
Record at FAMU: 43-13 (6th Season 2020 canceled due to COVID-19)
Bubba McDowell (Miami, 1989)
Career Record: 12-10 (2nd season)
Record at PVAMU: 12-10 (2nd season)
SERIES BREAKDOWN
Overall: FAMU leads 6-3
First Meeting: PVAMU won 6-0 (1936)
Last Meeting: FAMU won 45-7 (2023)
Streak: FAMU, 3
FLORIDA A&M RATTLERS
The Rattlers continue to show to have one of the best defenses in the nation as they’re ranked in the top 25 in 11 categories: passing yards allowed (18), first down defense (14), red zone defense (9), sacks (5), defensive touchdowns (4), pass efficiency defense (3), scoring defense (2), rushing defense (2), 3rd down defense (2), tackles for loss (1), and total defense (1). Even more impressive is that they’re ranked in the top ten in nine categories and top five in eight.
The Rattlers possess the best defensive player in the SWAC, as Isaiah Major won SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. They also possess the best offensive player in the SWAC, as Jeremy Moussa won SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. The Rattlers also had a league-high 13 All-SWAC selections, which is the most by any team since joining the league in 2021.
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M PANTHERS
The Panthers enter the game with the ability to make big plays in the passing game, as they’re ranked third in the nation with 15.71 yards per completion. Offensively, their strength is running the ball, averaging 158 yards per game, which is fourth in the SWAC.
Defensively, the Panthers have seen their struggles as they’re ranked 11th in the SWAC in total defense and 10th in scoring defense. Despite their defensive struggles, the Panthers have had more success slowing down the opponents’ rushing attack, as they’re ranked fourth in the nation.
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