FAMU Rattlers hope to overcome penalties, spoil Del. State’s homecoming

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Last season, Florida A&M’s game against Delaware State was called a “must-win” for the Rattlers by head coach Alex Wood.

The Rattlers were reeling after a 37-27 loss to Savannah State in Savannah, Ga., and were off to an all-time worst 0-6 start to the 2015 season. Del. State was FAMU’s homecoming opponent, and Wood said he wanted to give fans something to cheer for.

The Rattlers defeated DSU 41-13 for the team’s first – and only – victory of 2015. It was the team’s second straight blowout of Del. State, following a 41-7 thrashing of the Hornets in Dover in 2014.

The scenario leading into Saturday’s game is flipped. The Hornets are 0-5, and FAMU got its first win of the season two weeks ago. And FAMU, which lost to North Carolina Central last week, is Delaware State’s homecoming opponent.

“The game plan is to try to win the game,” said DSU head coach Kenny Carter during the MEAC’s weekly teleconference. “Coach Wood does a great job. He’s got a great staff and their kids play hard. They’re going to play structured football.

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