HBCU Football: 3 Keys to Victory for Jackson State and Florida A&M

The Jackson State Tigers and Florida A&M Rattlers open the season to revive the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami, Florida. Here are three keys for each team to win. 

For the first time since 1978, the Orange Blossom Classic is in Miami, Florida. The classic ran from 1933-1978 and featured the Florida A&M Rattlers hosting another team. The Rattlers are the host team keeping with that tradition.

Their opponent Sunday at 5 pm is the Jackson State Tigers. Not only is this the revival of a classic that ran for 45 years, but it is also a pivotal SWAC East division match-up. A win in this game will give either team an early advantage in the race to the SWAC title game and Celebration Bowl.

Both teams head into tomorrow evening’s matchup with plenty of questions to answer. The Rattlers have not played since 2019 when they finished second in the MEAC to North Carolina A&T. In addition, FAMU has to replace possibly the best quarterback in school history.

Jackson State did have the spring to begin sorting out its roster. The Tigers started the spring 3-0 but lost their last three to more challenging competition. COVID ended their spring season early. Head coach Deion Sanders heads into this game and the fall with a revamped roster full of flips and transfers.

All eyes are on Miami, Florida, on Sunday evening. Who will walk away with a SWAC victory? Here are three keys to victory for each team.