Everything is right in front of both Florida A&M and Jackson State.
The outright lead in the SWAC East will be at stake, as will the inside track on a possible berth in the SWAC championship game and a clearer path to the Celebration Bowl.
That’s what is at stake when the Rattlers and Tigers meet in Jackson at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST on ESPNU.
“This is why I’m so excited about this game because you don’t have to get them (the players) up for it,” said Jackson State head coach TC Taylor. This is a big game for us after what they did to us last year.”
Despite Jackson State winning two of the last three meetings over Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami, the Rattlers got the best of the Tigers 28-10 in last season’s matchup.
FAMU won the SWAC East, the conference title, and then the Black National Championship after beating Howard in the Celebration Bowl.
That’s what Jackson State (4-2 overall, 2-0 SWAC), which comes into the matchup ranked No. 21 in the FCS Top 25 Poll and boasts the top offense in the SWAC, wants to accomplish by season’s end.
“This game has always been the big decider of the East,” said Taylor to the media earlier this week. “Guys know what’s at stake and are chomping at the bit to get on the field this weekend.”
For Florida A&M (3-2 overall, 1-0 SWAC), the road game at Jackson State will be its toughest test of the season yet, and first-year coach James Colzie is anticipating his team, which features a heavy veteran presence, will meet the moment.
“That’s what these veteran guys are about. We’re going to continue to build on our experience over the last two or three years,” Colzie told The Tallahassee Democrat.
FAMU played its lone conference road game two weeks ago in a tougher-than-expected 28-13 win at preseason SWAC East favorite Alabama State. The only other true road games the Rattlers have played, both losses, were at FBS Miami and Troy.
But the previous trials by fire, including road games and having to show grit in coming from behind in the second half in two of their three wins, gives FAMU confidence that it can walk away with a win in a hostile environment come Saturday.
“We’re not trying to have every game be close. But it’s shown this football team perseveres, and we can make adjustments as a staff,” Colzie said. “I’m not necessarily hoping for a shootout. But if it turns into one, I still like our chances.”
