You hear that sound?
It’s the loud, slow release of what once was celebratory energy building for Florida A&M’s homecoming now gone after head coach Earl Holmes was abruptly fired.
Everyone is demanding answers from Florida A&M Athletic Director Kellen Winslow.
The stunned Rattler players are.
The alums are.
The boosters are.
The fans are.
FAMU Trustee Torey Alston called the firing “culturally incompetent”
Holmes is no martyr here. There will be no pity party thrown in the wake of his departure. He was a below average head coach, as evidenced by a 6-16 record after taking over for Joe Taylor (ironically right before homecoming).
We all know Holmes was hanging on by a thread even after somehow leading FAMU to a pair of conference wins.
However, the way Winslow went about handling this process leaves much to be desired.
From reportedly having a third party notify Holmes of his demise, to talking down to the players who probed for an explanation to making this move during homecoming week.
It was all rotten just like the last few seasons of FAMU football have been.
FORECAST
Texas Southern versus Grambling State
Grambling has been one of the most consistent teams in all of HBCU football since starting the season 0-3. Five straight wins led by a steady offense and a defense that makes just enough plays to get by, has them think SWAC championship.
Texas Southern has cooled off after their hot start. The Tigers are still in the SWAC West race, though it will be difficult to beat a team that honestly believes it won’t lose another game.
Grambling State 30, Texas Southern 21
Alabama State versus Southern
The Hornets — with all their talent — was supposed to breeze to a SWAC East title. That was before they embarked on their annual mid-season swoon. Alabama State is the biggest tease in the SWAC.
Southern, who still has a chance to defend its division and league championship, are getting healthy at the right time just before the showdown in two weeks with Grambling.
Southern 27, Alabama State 23
North Carolina Central versus Bethune-Cookman
NCCU wasn’t suppressed to be here. But they are thanks to wins over South Carolina State, Savannah State and Howard. The Eagles have acquitted themselves well in big games this season.
B-CU were manhandled — at least from an offense standpoint — by an always game SCSU bunch. It was not the performance we have come to expect under a Brian Jenkins coached team. The Wildcats have opened the door for a number of teams in a crowded MEAC race. Playing NCCU at home should help.
Bethune Cookman 30, North Carolina Central 27
Norfolk State versus Florida A&M
The Rattlers homecoming has been ruined by the bizarre firing of head coach Earl Holmes. We just don’t know how FAMU will respond in a game that matter a lot of Norfolk State.
Norfolk State has to take advantage of what figures to be a mentally wounded opponent to keep their hopes of winning the MEAC alive.
Norfolk State 20, Florida A&M 13
