FAMU eager to top rival Bethune-Cookman, post five-win season

ORLANDO, Florida -- Each year when it comes time for the Florida Classic, everyone says throw out the records, they mean nothing.

This year it's different. The record means everything for Florida A&M. The Rattlers (4-6) are on a roll with only arch rival Bethune-Cookman standing in the way of their first five-win season since 2011.

In the annual football showdown between the state's historically black colleges, the atmosphere and emotions usually help to even the playing field, regardless of records. FAMU, however, is riding a 4-2 stretch that has seen the Rattlers turn an 0-4 start into positive signs for the future under second-year head coach Alex Wood.

Heading into Saturday's game at Camping World Stadium, FAMU, winner of three of its past four games, is already guaranteed its first .500 finish in MEAC play since 2012.

Wood, of course, takes a more subdued approach to both the big game and his squad's recent success.

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