FAMU football's non-conference games spotlight 'things to work on' as focus shifts to SWAC
This story was updated to add new information.
Florida A&M football is washing its hands with the non-conference schedule.
Four games in, the Rattlers sit at 2-2, most recently losing to Troy 34-12 in a non-conference Week 4 game on Saturday.
It was a tale of two halves as the Rattlers trailed 14-9 at halftime, then significantly fell behind after being outscored 18-3 in the second half.
“The team felt that we might’ve let one slip away. But, that also should allow us to understand that we got to take care of our small details,” FAMU head coach James Colzie III said after Saturday’s loss.
“It was evident tonight. We have things to work on and build on.”
FAMU’s two losses this season have eclipsed its total losses from last season which saw the Rattlers win the Black College Football National Championship with a 12-1 record.
The Rattlers have faltered against Football Bowl Subdivision teams Miami and Troy.
The Rattlers will use that to fuel the remainder of their season as they enter the Southwestern Athletic Conference slate, opening against Alabama A&M next Saturday.
Alabama A&M (2-2) lost to Austin Peay 59-16 on Saturday.
“For a team not used to losing, you’ve played two quality opponents like Troy and University of Miami. You’re excited to start SWAC play now,” Colzie said. “That’s really what our season is technically all about ― win SWAC and play for the Celebration Bowl. Now it’s time to get ready for Alabama A&M.
“Playing Miami and Troy ― they show you the things you have to be really, really good at,” Colzie added.
FAMU football looks towards SWAC schedule and return to Bragg Memorial Stadium
FAMU has had to be a road warrior for most of the season thus far.
The Rattlers beat Norfolk State 24-23 in Week 0’s neutral site MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta. In Miami, the Rattlers lost to the College Football Playoff contender Hurricanes 56-9 in Week 2.
Lastly, the Rattlers faded away in the second half against Troy on Saturday.
“We had to come on the road. And no matter where we go, we’re going have to show our best,” Colzie said. “We didn’t. That’s why we lost by 22.”
FAMU’s lone home game was against South Carolina State, which the Rattlers won 22-18 in Week 2.
The Rattlers look forward to returning to Bragg Memorial Stadium, home of the nation’s second-longest home winning streak of 21 games, to host Alabama A&M.
“It’s always important when you go back home,” Colzie said. “But we got some work to do. Alabama A&M has a very good offense. So, we’re going to have to tighten up some things defensively. But when in doubt, if we ever need to go home and get back to what we do, it’s always very nice to do it in Bragg Stadium.”
As FAMU transitions into SWAC play, Colzie will emphasize eliminating penalties, as it committed 13 for 95 yards.
Colzie added that the Rattlers must stymie opponents from making big plays ― offensively and defensively.
“We got to major in the minors and do a better job taking care of our details. Because those minor things tonight became major blows for us,” Colzie said.
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: How FAMU football plans to improve as Rattlers transition to SWAC play
