Just the Facts: FAMU vs. Savannah State preview box
Jordan Culver
Florida A&M (0-4) vs. Savannah State (0-3)
When/Where: Tonight, 7 p.m., Ted Wright Stadium in Savannah, Georgia
The SKINNY: Florida A&M is off to another 0-4 start. September -- an unlucky month for the Rattlers, who haven't won a September game since Sept. 1, 2013 -- is over and the Rattlers have one more away game before a three-game stretch of games at Bragg Memorial. The opponent? Savannah State. A team that has never defeated Florida A&M and also hasn't won this season. The Rattlers have the full use of their offensive line, with T.J. Jones and Keonte Cash back from injury (though neither is 100 percent). FAMU kept its game against Tennessee State close through three quarters, but eventually caved and lost 3014. Savannah State lost 42-12 to Bethune-Cookman last week. Both teams struggling on offense. The Tigers have one offensive touchdown and the Rattlers have three.
BEST CASE SCENARIO: FAMU wins, and does so because the offense finds a good rhythm. Winning is obviously the biggest goal for the Rattlers, and head coach Alex Wood said he's not interest in "feel-good moments" or "moral victories," but a win plus a good show on offense would be great for FAMU. It won't be easy. Savannah State played a tough game against the Rattlers in Tallahassee last season. The Rattlers need to show something on offense. This is game No. 5 for Alex Wood's crew, and the offense has only shown flashes of good play. Wood said it himself during his weekly presser: The offense needs to stay on the field.
WORST CASE SCENARIO: FAMU losses. Savannah State is 0-7 all-time against Florida A&M. No matter how tough things are for the Rattlers in any given season, they always find a way to defeat the Tigers. Past success has nothing to do with what's going on today, and FAMU is in rebuilding mode, but a loss (by one point or 20) to a team FAMU always beats would have fans everywhere scratching their heads. Plus, FAMU's next three games after SSU -- despite being at home -- are against North Carolina Central (2014 co-MEAC champ), Del. State and North Carolina A&T (another co-MEAC champ).
FINAL SCORE and WHY: FAMU wins 21-14. This is my third week in a row picking the Rattlers to win. Savannah State won't just roll over, but the Rattlers always find a way to get a win over the Tigers. Today's game against Savannah State won't be the start of a six-game winning streak (probably), but it will be a win for the Rattlers.