In a remarkable display of athletic excellence, Florida A&M University (FAMU) has secured significant victories across multiple sports, marking one of the most successful seasons in recent memory.
Volleyball Dynasty Continues To Soar
The FAMU Rattlers volleyball team has again proven their dominance by clinching their third Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament title in four years. In a thrilling match at Grambling State’s Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, the Rattlers outplayed defending champions Jackson State with a decisive 3-1 victory.
Star performers Brooke Lynn Watts and Jada Rhodes led the charge with a combined 25 kills, while Watts achieved her 11th double-double of the season, adding 15 digs to her impressive stats. The team’s victory earns them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they’ll enter with an outstanding 27-6 record – their best performance under head coach Gokhan Yilmaz.
Football Classic Thriller Silences Critics
In front of a roaring crowd of 56,453 fans at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, the Rattlers football team delivered a nail-biting 41-38 victory over rival Bethune-Cookman in the 44th annual Florida Blue Classic. Thad Franklin Jr. emerged as the game’s MVP, rushing for an impressive 195 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
The victory is significant for first-year head coach James Colzie III, who faced mounting pressure following recent losses. “This is Florida A&M Rattlers football. When you go out there and lose games that people think you should win, there will be chatter,” Colzie acknowledged after the game.
Strategic Changes Pay Off
Colzie’s bold decision to promote Henry Burris to play-caller proved instrumental in the team’s success. Under Burris’s guidance, the offense generated 487 yards, with quarterback Daniel Richardson completing 14-of-20 passes for 180 yards.
Looking Ahead
The Rattlers volleyball team awaits their NCAA Tournament matchup announcement during ESPN’s selection show on December 1. Meanwhile, the football team (6-5, 4-3 SWAC) prepares for their season finale against Alabama A&M on November 29 at Bragg Memorial Stadium. “You want to make sure you leave a program in good hands,” Colzie emphasized, “And the best way to leave a program like Florida A&M in good hands is by winning.”
While football’s championship aspirations may have fallen short this season, the combination of volleyball success and the Florida Classic victory has energized the FAMU community. The Rattlers have shown they can compete at the highest level across multiple sports, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the 2024 season.
The volleyball team’s NCAA Tournament journey begins December 5, while the football team looks to start a new home winning streak in their upcoming season finale. These achievements underscore FAMU’s commitment to athletic excellence and its ability to compete at the highest levels of collegiate sports.
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