Florida A&M got what it needed from its season opener: a victory.
What comes next should tell the Rattlers much more about what kind of team they have.
FAMU’s 20-7 victory over Albany State gave first-year head coach Quinn Gray his first win at home, but it also exposed areas that need improvement. The Rattlers’ defense provided a strong foundation, while the offense struggled to find its rhythm early.
South Carolina State presents an entirely different challenge.
The Bulldogs are coming off an explosive offensive performance and bring the speed and physicality that Gray believes will force FAMU to play its best football.
“We do know they’re fast on defense, they’re explosive on offense, and we got to play our best game,” Gray said.
That is what makes Sunday’s Orange Blossom Classic matchup more than another game on the schedule.
It is an early measuring stick for FAMU.
The Rattlers entered the season with expectations, but Albany State did not necessarily provide the kind of opponent that could answer every question about Gray’s team. South Carolina State can.
FAMU’s performance against the Bulldogs should provide a clearer indication of how well the Rattlers’ new offensive system, defense and quarterback Isaiah Knowles can perform against a team capable of challenging them in all three phases.
Gray was pleased with the way his defense performed against Albany State.
The Rattlers consistently pressured the quarterback and largely shut down the Golden Rams’ running game. Although the official rushing numbers were influenced by sacks, Gray said the more important takeaway was the way his defense played.
“I’m excited about the way they flew around and played with the effort and energy that we’ve been looking for all camp long,” Gray said.
Now FAMU needs to show it can reproduce that effort against a more explosive opponent.
The bigger question may be whether the offense can take a significant step forward.
FAMU scored 20 points against Albany State but took time to get going. Gray acknowledged that the Rattlers need to start faster and become more consistent, particularly in the running game.
“Just being more consistent and sticking the jab,” Gray said. “Just got to stay to our rules and make sure we’re doing what we’re coached to do.”
He also wants more physicality from the run game.
Against South Carolina State, those improvements could become critical.
The Bulldogs’ defensive speed will test FAMU’s ability to execute its assignments and sustain drives. At the same time, South Carolina State’s offense will challenge a Rattlers defense that has quickly established itself as a potential strength.
At the center of FAMU’s offensive evaluation will be Knowles.
Gray continues to praise his quarterback’s consistency and leadership, saying the team trusts him to run the offense.
“Isaiah’s been as consistent as he’s been since we’ve been together,” Gray said. “We trust him with the offense.”
Knowles will now have an opportunity to demonstrate that consistency against a significantly tougher test.
The matchup should also reveal whether FAMU can match South Carolina State’s physicality for four quarters.
For Gray, that is ultimately what matters.
FAMU doesn’t necessarily need to be perfect Sunday.
It does, however, need to show progress.
Just how good are the Rattlers?
Sunday should provide the first meaningful measuring stick.
