Culver column: Florida A&M Rattlers bring excitement to Bragg for homecoming

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- For the second season in a row, Bragg Memorial Stadium was the happiest place in Tallahassee during FAMU’s homecoming game.

The Rattlers beat Hampton 31-14 in a game filled with huge plays. The place was packed – 26,044 fans came out to the game, eclipsing last year’s 22,678. There was excitement surrounding the game, and the Rattlers put on a show.

I hate to bring up the past, but this was a team that, four weeks ago, was dealing with some turmoil. Head coach Alex Wood said the team wasn’t very good. The Rattlers were thrashed at home by South Carolina State.

Things looked grim, to say the least.

Saturday, one of the top teams in the MEAC came into Bragg and the Rattlers didn’t flinch. Even when the offense slowed down, even when Hampton scored late to make it a 10-point game, even when it looked like the team’s rushing defense was going to get clobbered.

CONTINUE READING