FAMU football may have its way with Alabama A&M, what happened during Rattlers' bye week

Florida A&M football's (1-2, 0-1 SWAC) battery should be fully-charged, now.

After a strenuous start to the season, the Rattlers welcomed a bye week. Coach Willie Simmons focused on internal work instead of trying to get ahead on preparation for Week 4 opponent Alabama A&M (0-3).

Tinkering with the practice schedule, FAMU took the field at 6 a.m. Players embraced the change, which will continue this week in preparation for AAMU Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

The new week also provides the Rattlers with a healthier backfield.

FAMU missed running backs Terrell Jennings (turf toe) and A.J. Davis (sprained ankle) in the 23-13 home opening win over Albany State last week. Jaylen McCloud left the game early with a hip pointer.

The trio's statuses have been upgraded to day-to-day heading into game week.

The injuries led to former Rickards standout running back De'Andre Francis to carry the load with 18 attempts, 79 rushing yards and the first touchdown of his collegiate career touchdown at the expense of Albany State.

Being a spectator this past weekend, FAMU is still in search for its first win in the SWAC this season and will look to make up ground as conference football resumes.

MORE RATTLERNEWS COVERAGE

► 'Facts are better than words': Willie Simmons analyzes FAMU's first three games | Q&A session

► 'A group of future leaders': FAMU football players are feeling heard by school administration

► My latest column: Judging from first three games, FAMU football's bye week is perfect timing | G. Thomas

Alabama A&M remains winless in Week 3

Alabama A&M fell to 0-3 on the season, losing to Austin Peay, 28-3 last Saturday.

The Bulldogs scored first on a 30-yard field goal by Victor Barbosa, but allowed 28 unanswered points.

Austin Peay tallied 315 total offensive yards which was led by 215 rushing yards.

The Bulldogs have given up an average of 438.3 total offensive yards per game, seventh most in the SWAC on 200 plays against — two spots behind FAMU's 458.7 average on 209 plays against.

► FAMU football predictions: 3 reasons to worry, 3 reasons to hope in 2022 season

► Pop your popcorn!: Listing the top five storylines surrounding FAMU football's 2022 season

Jackson State still atop the SWAC East

FAMU is optimistic that it can overtake Jackson State (3-0, 1-0 SWAC) for the No. 1 spot in the SWAC East for a chance to win the conference and represent it in December's HBCU Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.

JSU defeated SWAC West opponent Grambling State 66-24 in the W.C. Gorden Classic on Saturday.

After leading 21-17 after the first half, JSU turned up the heat on GSU by outscoring them 38-7.

With eight games left for both squads, JSU isn't anticipated to slow down and FAMU may have to lock in an at-large FCS playoff bid for the second consecutive season.

► All eyes on them! Five fun and intriguing FAMU football players to watch in 2022 season

► The only win that ultimately matters: FAMU faith tested, but football player baptisms at Bethel turn 'despair into destiny'

FAMU passing attack can have a field day on AAMU

Though the loss to Austin Peay came mostly from the ground, AAMU has struggled stopping the pass and has allowed the third-most passing yards in the SWAC with 811 (270 per game).

FAMU's offense is due to click on all cylinders at any time now.

Against UNC, the Rattlers passed well. Jackson State — well, nothing went well. In last week's home opener against Albany State, FAMU's offense showed flashes behind 230 passing yards and 165 rushing (395 total offensive yards).

Following defeating Albany State, Simmons noted that quarterback Jeremy Moussa must stop trying to be perfect and allow the game to come to him.

Moussa is second in passing yards in the SWAC with 611 behind Jackson State's Shedeur Sanders (956). Moussa also adds three passing touchdowns and interceptions on a 58.5 completion rate.

In every game, he has found seven or more receivers in the offense's rotation.

Saturday is the perfect time for FAMU unleash its aerial attack on AAMU.

Wide receiver Xavier Smith is fresh off an eight completion, 118-yard, and one touchdown performance against Albany State. The attention may be on him after that.

It wouldn't be shocking if other receivers like Jah'Marae Sheread, DayDay Oxendine, or David Manigo serve as some breakout performers against the shortcoming AAMU secondary.

► 'It means more': What kept FCS Defensive Player of the Year Isaiah Land with FAMU football

► Rattlers on Sundays: Former FAMU All-American Markquese Bell taking next step to make Dallas Cowboys' roster

Game Information

Who: Florida A&M (1-2, 0-1 SWAC) vs. Alabama A&M (0-3)

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.

Where: Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida

Broadcast/Radio: ESPN+, Rattler Sports Network

Gerald Thomas III covers FAMU athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

Follow the Tallahassee Democrat on social media at Tallahassee Democrat (Facebook), TallahasseeDemocrat (Instagram), and @TDOnline (Twitter)

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football Bye: Still a game behind in SWAC East, Alabama A&M next