In a resounding victory, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers seized control of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East division, defeating Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) 45-7 in a homecoming showdown. With this triumph, the Rattlers have now tallied an impressive six consecutive wins and stand at 7-1 overall and 6-0 in SWAC play.
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FAMU showcased their prowess on the gridiron, but it wasn’t a perfect performance. The game had its share of minor mistakes and mishaps. Nevertheless, these little hiccups didn’t deter the Rattlers from maintaining their excellence on the field. This team’s resilience and unwavering determination have them eyeing a spot in the coveted Celebration Bowl, an HBCU national championship game, provided they continue to deliver their remarkable brand of football.
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Despite their triumph in the homecoming game, the Rattlers are not resting on their laurels. Head coach Willie Simmons, always a voice of reason, emphasized the importance of staying focused and disciplined. “We’re not going to change just because it’s homecoming. We will keep the same mindset we’ve had all year because the work isn’t done,” Coach Simmons stated in his press conference.
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Alabama A&M University taking a 31-16 loss to Alabama State allowed FAMU to secure the SWAC East, guaranteeing them a spot in the league’s nationally televised championship game on December 2. This championship game will serve as a stepping stone to their ultimate goal: a berth in the HBCU Celebration Bowl, a first for FAMU since its inception in 2015.
Simmons remains humble about the team’s accomplishment, saying, “We didn’t make it a big deal. We expected to be in this situation. None of the guys should be surprised that we’re sitting here because those were goals we set for ourselves, all centered around winning an HBCU National Championship. But there’s still work to be done because there’s a lot of football left to play.”
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Despite their remarkable success, the FAMU Rattlers are not letting their guard down. Their eyes are now set on hosting the SWAC title game at Bragg Memorial Stadium, marking their first postseason game since 1998. To achieve this goal, they must finish with the best SWAC record.
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Coach Simmons passionately conveyed the importance of this opportunity, saying, “We’re in control of that right now. I hope the guys understand what’s at stake and on the table. But, we continue to focus on being where our feet are and winning the moment.”
The FAMU Rattlers are a force to be reckoned with, and their journey to greatness is far from over. With their unshakable determination, focus, and discipline, they are poised to make history and bring glory to their university on the grand stage of the Celebration Bowl. This is a team to watch as they chase their dreams and etch their names into the annals of college football history. The road ahead is promising, and Rattler Nation is ready to support them every step of the way.
