Some might right the FAMU Rattlers off in Week 0 against North Carolina Tar Heels, but this game is a huge opportunity for FAMU players. Every year FCS programs match-up against FBS opponents in order to raise funding for their programs.
These games have been coined ” Money Games” by many who watch the sport. Football is one of the o only sports where the level in competition from the FBS level to the FCS level can be dramatic. Although, every once in a while a FCS programs stuns a FBS program and walks away with the victory and the check.
Florida A&M
As for this Week 0 matchup for FAMU and its players, this is a chance for some of these players to make a name for themselves.
FAMU is coming off a 9-3 record from their 2021 campaign which ended in the FCS Playoffs. The Rattlers are also returning the Buck Buchanan Award Winner Isaiah Land. This award goes to the best defensive player in the FCS.
A game of this magnitude against an FBS opponent could propel Land into a high draft position. Land recorded 19 sacks in 2021. Besides Land, Zay Smith will be a guy to watch this weekend.
Zay Smith is a fast quick wide receiver that can make plays all around the field. The leading receiver from 2021, Zay average 11 yards per-catch in 11 games. The question will be whether or not the offensive line can hold the Tar Hill’s rush long enough for the quarterback to get him the ball.
Coach Simmons reminded his team ” this isn’t a money game, this is a get money game.” Coach Simmons is one of the premier coaches in all of college sports. He has turned FAMU into a real contenders for the HBCU national championship.
This game versus the Tar Heels will be difficult, but he knows that if the Rattlers do well this could lead to more of his players being drafted come spring.
North Carolina
With that being said, the North Carolina Tar Heels are on a mission to make up for a terrible 2021 season. Last preseason, the Tar Heels were projected to win thew ACC coastal by most publications. Unfortunately, those expectations were not met.
Heading into 2022, the Tar Heels will have a new starting quarterback in Drake Maye. However, head coach Mack Brown didn’t rule out back-up QB Jacolby Criswell getting an opportunity this Saturday to play for the job.
After the departure of Sam Howell to the NFL, the Tar Heels want to make sure they have the right guy under center.
Mack Brown reiterates “We’ve looked at everything everyday from spring until now. It’s close.”
I’m ready to see an upset! Good analogy this is a game FAMU can win. August 27th – Baby!!!