HBCU Football: Can Florida A&M contend in first year in the SWAC?

How many games will the Rattlers win this fall?

• Game 1: Jackson State (Orange Blossom Classic) (L) — Both teams are breaking in new quarterbacks. This is a toss-up in FAMU’s home state. However, the Tigers have more defense and that is the difference in an opening game for the ages.
• Game 2: Fort Valley State (W) — The Rattlers made short work of the Wildcats in 2019. That same happens here. Rattlers going away.
• Game 3: at USF (L) — This game is closer than the experts think. The Bulls are not very good and the Rattlers are pretty good. However, South Florida is an FBS program. USF pulls way in the fourth quarter.
• Game 4: Alabama State (W) — After losing their SWAC opener, the Rattlers invite the Hornets Tallahassee for their conference home opener. The Hornets give the Rattlers all they can handle but FAMU has too much offense for the Hornets.
• Game 5: South Carolina State (W) — FAMU hosts former MEAC rival South Carolina State. FAMU has too much offense for the Bulldogs.
• Game 6: at Alabama A&M (L) — This is one of the marquee matchups in the SWAC this season. This is going to be a good one, but Alabama A&M has the best player in the SWAC if not all of FCS. Glass is the difference here.
• Game 7: at MVSU (W) — Expect the Delta Devils to give the Rattlers all they can handle. However, FAMU is just better. Rattlers pull away in the second half.
• Game 8: Grambling State (Homecoming) (W) — Though the Tigers will be improved this fall, FAMU will prove too much for Grambling. Rattlers roll on homecoming.
• Game 9: at Southern (L) — This is the second toss-up on FAMU’s schedule. Much like the Jackson State game, this one could go either way. Southern’s running game keeps FAMU’s offense on the sidelines.
• Game 10: at UAPB (W) — This is yet another toss-up on the Rattlers’ schedule. The Golden Lions came from nowhere to win the SWAC West. However, FAMU has too much firepower for the Lions.
• Game 11: Bethune-Cookman (Florida Blue Classic) (W) — The Wildcats upset the Rattler last season. FAMU gets their win back in the season finale.

Prediction: 7-4, 6-2 SWAC

The Rattlers could easily run their record to 9-2. Their game against Alabama A&M will determine the winner of the SWAC West. FAMU has a great first season in the SWAC falling just short of the West title.