Game week has finally arrived for Florida A&M football.

On Saturday, the Rattlers will open the James Colzie III era when they face the Norfolk State Spartans in Saturday’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Atlanta’s Center Parc Stadium.

The Rattlers return from a 12-1 season and the Black College Football National Championship under former coach Willie Simmons, who left to coach the Duke Blue Devils running backs. FAMU enters the season 25th in the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll, the only HBCU in the rankings.

Norfolk State went 3-8 last season and enters its fourth year with Dawson Odums as head coach.

“For us, it’s about starting the season on the right foot,” Colzie told media in his season-opening press conference Monday. “I just want to go 1-0. We win Saturday, we will be making a statement.”

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is one of seven Week 0 college football games.

The annual game between the NCAA Division I HBCU conferences has garnered a primetime slot at 7:30 and will be nationally televised on ABC.

All 12 FAMU football games will be available via television or streaming services.

“The big stage is great. That’s part of the reason some of these transfers came to us. This is the kind of game they came to play in and be a part of,” Colzie said.

Colzie enters his first season head coaching the Rattlers feeling confident.

The Rattlers have been practicing since July 25.

FAMU had its final closed preseason training camp scrimmage at Saturday’s Beanie Bowl. To Colzie, it went well as the team ran about 55-60 plays, including special teams and situations.

Additionally, Colzie said his team’s health is good. Sunday’s camp wrap-up practice felt like day one, with many players participating after dealing with injuries, Colzie added.

“We’re fine. We look good,” Colzie said.

“Hamstrings were the thing over training camp. We had some things with some ankles. But those guys magically healed over the last 24 to 48 hours.

“We looked like a fast football team [Sunday]. It was good to see. Especially because we looked fast going against what we think or hope Norfolk will be running.

More on the FAMU vs. Norfolk State MEAC/SWAC Challenge football game

FAMU and Norfolk State last met in 2019, when the Rattlers visited and defeated the Spartans 30-28 when both were members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

FAMU has since moved to the Southwestern Athletic Conference, joining in 2021.

Saturday will be the Rattlers’ first time playing in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge since beating Mississippi Valley State 27-10 in 2013.

Before Saturday, FAMU will have to decide its starting quarterback, with redshirt junior Junior Muratovic and graduate transfer Daniel Richardson battling for the job throughout the offseason.

Colzie said he will meet with his players Monday to discuss his long-awaited decision.

“We will meet with both guys today. And going forward, we’ll have our guy who’s number one and our guy who’s number two,” Colzie said.

On the other end, Norfolk State announced Jalen Daniels as its starting quarterback. Daniels transferred from Garden City Community College to play for the Spartans.

On Sunday, the Virginia Pilot’s Michael Sauls reported that Norfolk State’s incumbent starter Otto Kuhns will miss the Spartans’ first four games due to an NCAA ruling.

“We got to be ready to play regardless of who’s spinning the rock for them,” Colzie said. “If we play the Rattler way, play swarming defense, and attack the football, it won’t matter who the quarterback is.”

'Understand what's at stake': FAMU football returns a lot, brings in a lot for 2024 season

FAMU football reached the highest of highs last season, winning its first SWAC and Celebration Bowl titles to claim the program’s 16th Black College Championship.

However, after a coaching change and a new-look roster, Colzie says his returning players and leadership council have communicated the Rattler standard.

That’s reaching the Celebration Bowl again, played in Atlanta on Dec. 14 this year.

“The transfers understand what’s at stake,” Colzie said. “The veterans we have that have gone through the journey of winning championships know what it takes. They quickly remind them of the expectations when they do not see what’s expected.

“Then it gets fixed rather quickly.”

Florida A&M vs. Norfolk State ― Week 0, MEAC/SWAC Challenge

When: Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

Broadcast: ABC (Television), Rattlers Mobile App (Audio)

Tickets: Purchase Here

Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football coach James Colzie III aims to begin tenure with victory