TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Florida A&M University football program was set for its showdown in Baton Rouge, La. against Southern University, but that game was cancelled last week due to issues surrounding COVID-19; however, the Rattlers didn’t have to wait long to fill that vacant spot in the schedule.
FAMU's new opponent on Sept. 12 is another marquee rivalry game and will be an early preview as the Rattlers prepare to move to the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 2021. That new opponent – Jackson State University.
The Rattlers will play at Jackson to face the Tigers on Sept. 12 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
“We are excited that we were able to replace the game quickly once the game with Southern was cancelled,” said Kortne Gosha, the director of athletics at FAMU. “This will be a nice trip for our fans to still make a trip into SWAC Country. Thanks to Jackson State Vice President/Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson for working with us to make the game happen.”
FAMU and Jackson State have met 19 times in the series, with the Tigers holding a 10-7-2 record, including an 18-16 victory at Bragg Memorial Stadium in 2018. The Rattlers’ last win the series came in 2003, a 28-14 victory.
“We are very excited about the decision to replace the Southern game with Jackson State,” said Willie Simmons, the head football coach at FAMU. “Obviously the last time we played them left a bad taste in all of our mouths and I’m anxious to go into their backyard with an opportunity for some redemption against my former boss.”
FAMU will open the 2020 season in the Orange Blossom Classic against Albany State.
Kickoff against the Golden Rams is set for 7 p.m. from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
