Showing posts with label FAMU Rattlers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FAMU Rattlers. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Florida A&M fined by MEAC for marching band's delay of game

Florida A&M University has been fined $5,000 by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for violation of conference rules regarding bands and spirit groups during football contests.

The violation occurred during the Rattlers homecoming football contest against Morgan State on Oct. 31. The Florida A&M band, famously named the Marching 100, exceeded permitted performance time during the halftime break, causing the host football team to be penalized 10 yards for delaying the start of the third quarter.

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ATTENDANCE: 30,459

Videographer: hbcusportsonline

FAMU Marching 100 BATTLE Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats

ESPNU and the Battle Presented by AT&T shows the world of HBCU band battles with the Florida A&M Marching 100 battling the Bethune Cookman Marching Wildcats. Watch the rivalry, dedication, perseverance shown by this behind the scenes look at being an HBCU band member. Who will win the Florida Classic and the infamous 5th Quarter? Who survives and who quits? The Battle - Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sylvester's TD helps FAMU prevail over N.C. A&T in OT

Greensboro, N.C. - Redshirt freshman quarterback Austin Trainor has never been shy about saying he could take the Florida A&M football team to a possible Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship.

He got off to a good start Saturday in his first collegiate start, carrying the Rattlers to a 22-19 victory in overtime over North Carolina A&T. Trainor, who just two years ago was playing for North Florida Christian, spent the afternoon at Aggies Stadium mixing his booming passes with the bulldozing running of Philip Sylvester. What the duo accomplished, along with two big interceptions by linebacker Brandon Hepburn, kept alive FAMU's chance at the MEAC title. It improved to 6-3, 5-1 in the MEAC with two games remaining.

NC A&T's Lee has maintained touch with Taylor

GREENSBORO, N.C. — One heck of a chess match unfolded Saturday afternoon at Aggie Stadium. Joe Taylor sent his Florida A&M Rattlers to checkmate Alonzo Lee's North Carolina A&T Aggies. At the end, the Rattlers captured Lee's king, 22-19, even though it took overtime.

No surprise there that the football game played out the way it did. Joe Taylor knows Alonzo Lee and vice versa. They went at each other with a sense of purpose — Lee looking for a win and Taylor looking for something spectacular from the redshirt freshman he decided to start at quarterback over Martin Ukpai.

Former Lincoln player starring at N.C. A&T

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Despite its losing record coming into Saturday's game, North Carolina A&T has been getting impressive individual performances each week. The list includes former Lincoln High School standout D'Vonte Graham.

Never mind that at times he has to cope with homesickness. Graham has been the most efficient player in the secondary for the Aggies. Coming into the game Graham was tied for the most interceptions in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with four. In addition to 11 tackles, he also has eight pass breakups. He picked off Florida A&M's Austin Trainor twice Saturday.

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ATTENDANCE: 7,242

Saturday, November 6, 2010

FAMU benches Ukpai, to start Trainor at QB

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Redshirt freshman quarterback Austin Trainor will start today for the Florida A&M football team against North Carolina A&T. FAMU coach Joe Taylor said late Friday night that Trainor, a North Florida Christian graduate, is getting the start while Martin Ukpai works through personal issues. Taylor denied rumors that Ukpai had withdrawn from a class and became ineligible to finish the season.

FAMU expects tough game from NC A&T

Even with North Carolina A&T having a 1-8 record, Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor wasn't just spewing out some quotable lines for the media during his weekly news conference when he tried to explain how dangerous the Aggies are. "I know what type of guy he is," Taylor said, referring to Aggies coach Alonzo Lee. "He is not a quitter and his team won't quit."

FAMU players don't forget their roots

One of the first calls that Oye Ojo received soon after he sustained a broken foot in his first college football game came from his high school coach Jarrod Hickman. The conversation wasn't long but Hickman said enough to lift the spirits of his disappointed protege.

"I was listening because I knew he knows what he is talking about," said Ojo, a redshirt sophomore safety on the Florida A&M football team. "The first time that I was injured (in high school) he was there for me so I knew he would give me good advice."

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Monday, November 1, 2010

FAMU Rattlers hit home run with 31-17 victory

Big plays, local stars helps FAMU top Morgan State on homecoming

It wasn’t so much about Homecoming or even coming home for the Florida A&M football team. Nope, Saturday’s 31-17 victory over Morgan State was more about who stayed home for the Rattlers.

From an unlikely star who simply held his ground and made the game’s biggest play to a homegrown Rattler who ignited the crowd with another electric ...

Late Turnover, Seals Bears Fate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Morgan State rallied from 14 points down, and was driving for the go ahead score but the Bears made a costly mistake.

With the ballgame knotted at 17-17, Delonte Williams had his pass intercepted by Jerrell Stewart who returned it 37 yards for a touchdown with 7:17 left in the game. Philip Sylvester added the dagger in the form of an 89 yard touchdown run, and now the Bears Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title shot hopes seem dim.

    Attendance: 30,459


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    Stewart, FAMU defense do part for win

    Defensive back Jerral Stewart knew he had blown the coverage the moment that Chuka Okakpu went airborne. Okakpu landed in the end zone with a touchdown that put Morgan State back into the game against Florida A&M.

    The Bragg Stadium crowd of 30,459 fans went quiet. Stewart went back to the sidelines with a burning desire. He felt he had to have some redemption — not just for himself but for the FAMU seniors who will not play another homecoming game.

    Sylvester again breaks 100 yards on ground for Rattlers »

    It's hard to talk about the talents of Philip Sylvester without mentioning his speed. That was trademark when the Florida A&M running back burst onto the scene in 2007. It was also on full display Saturday afternoon as the senior used his trademark to average 10.1 yards per carry.

    His 88-yard touchdown run up the far sideline, blowing past the Morgan State secondary, with 3:04 remaining in the fourth quarter capped off an afternoon where he ran for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

    Ukpai remains calm despite different field positions

    No matter where Florida A&M got a drive started Saturday afternoon, quarterback Martin Ukpai refused to flinch. Twice during the Rattlers' 31-17 victory over Morgan State, Ukpai had to get the offense started from inside its own 5-yard line.

    "You always want to have the same attitude no matter where," Ukpai said. "You always want to maintain composure and run big plays. The only thing I thought about was making sure we got the play off."

    Homecoming carries strong sentiment for FAMU's Sands

    Chris Sands' mind was made up this past summer. He just wasn't sure exactly when he'd get the tattoo. Not just any tattoo, mind you. It had to have some significance. He settled on a rattlesnake, imprinting it in his skin on his huge right shoulder.

    Call it baptism as a Rattler, but please don't call it a fad. Not this tattoo because this one has huge sentimental value for Florida A&M's 6-foot-8, 315-pound offensive lineman. He wanted it because it stood for ....

    FAMU homecoming a celebration of 'the people, the band, the heritage'

    Pamela Tolson, director of media relations at Florida A&M University, said this year's homecoming was one of the most memorable. "It's truly been a great week," she said during Saturday's game. "Just look at the stadium — it's filled to capacity and there are people still walking around outside."
    "Everyone knows there is no homecoming like a Rattler homecoming — and...

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  • Kirk Franklin and the FAMU Gospel Choir 10/30/10, "How Great is our God."
















  • Saturday, October 30, 2010

    Morgan State opportunistic on both sides of ball

    One thing that Morgan State football coach Donald Hill-Eley found out about his team last weekend was his players are a very opportunistic bunch.

    The Bears had to rally in the fourth quarter to get a 10-point victory over struggling Delaware State to remain a contender in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship race. Sheldon Jacques returned a fumble 2 yards for the final touchdown, adding to an already tough performance by the MSU defense.

    Morgan State at Florida A&M Matchup

    When Morgan State has the ball... Florida A&M has feasted on teams like Morgan State who statistically are one of the worst offenses in Division I-AA. The Bears are averaging just 3.57 yards per play and 214.1 total yards per game, which is 116th out of 117 teams. The only other team worse than 100th in that category with a winning record is Florida A&M, whose total offense is 107th.

    Morgan State may have a plodding offense, but it takes advantage of scoring opportunities when they arise. In Mid-Eastern Conference play Morgan State is averaging 28.3 points per game, primarily through running the football.

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    Friday, October 29, 2010

    A Rattler with deep roots: Bobby Lang hails from the glory days of Jake Gaither

    A small rose garden at the entrance of Bobby Lang's home seems a fitting prelude to the tranquility inside. There are no wall-of-fame mementos of the many championships his teams won when Lang coached track and field at Florida A&M University.

    Yet hours of conversation reveal the years of accomplishments Lang enjoyed in a coaching career that spanned more than four decades, including the years he spent as a multi-sport coach at FAMU High. Talk long enough with Lang, and he will touch on being the offensive line coach under four different FAMU coaches before becoming Rudy Hubbard's defensive line coach.

    FAMU Rattler relishes homecoming as a chance to give back to her alma mater

    I hail from the university that sits on the highest of Tallahassee's seven hills. Yes, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. It was my school of choice. To this day, I proudly say I'm so glad I'm from FAMU!

    I'm sure you've seen in the Tallahassee Democrat that this week is homecoming. It was always a good time while I was a student — with all the parties and entertainment events going on. Now that I've graduated, homecoming has become more important to me, because it means the Rattlers are returning home. It's the time for me to see all my friends who I haven't seen in a year or longer. It'll be like a big family reunion.



    Ukpai develops as FAMU leader on and off field

    The first day of practice this week had been completed for more than 30 minutes and quarterback Martin Ukpai was still on the field with a handful of Florida A&M players from the offensive unit. When they were done tossing balls and making catches, they huddled in a close circle.

    Ukpai had a lot to say, being very animated as he went through specifics of plays. His mannerism resembled the way he took charge of the offense in Saturday's game against Norfolk State.


    FAMU homecoming activities kick into high gear


    Florida A&M University’s 2010 homecoming has gone into full swing starting with events on Saturday. This year’s theme is: Lights, Camera, Action: The Reel Rattler Spirit. The schedule of events for homecoming is as follows:


    Friday - Homecoming Convocation in Gaither Gymnasium from 10:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Keynote speaker is FAMU alumna Sonia Myles, director for Global Printed Packaging Purchases for Proctor and Gamble Company.


    MSU, Florida A&M Will Battle to Stay in MEAC Title Contention on Saturday

    2010 MORGAN STATE FOOTBALL
    Game 8
    Saturday, October 30 – 3 p.m. (ET)
    Morgan State (4-3, 3-1 MEAC) at Florida A&M (4-3, 3-1 MEAC)
    Florida A&M Homecoming
    Tallahassee, Fla. – Bragg Memorial Stadium
    Live Coverage)
    Radio: WEAA Radio (88.9 FM) in Baltimore, Md. Rob Long (Play-by-Play).
    Live Stream: www.morganstatebears.com
    Rattlers TV: http://www.famu.edu/famcast/


    Rattlers not new to playing crucial homecoming game


    Running back Philip Sylvester can joke about it now, but when Florida A&M lost its 2008 homecoming game to Morgan State, it dealt the Rattlers' postseason hopes a huge blow.

    The scenario is the same this year: FAMU has to beat the Bears on homecoming to keep its hopes alive for a shot at winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title. But Sylvester, who will be one of the Rattlers' featured weapons, couldn't help being a little humorous earlier this week about the matchup.

    FAMU Homecoming parade gets rolling on Saturday


    FAMU's homecoming festivities are winding down with this weekend's activities, which include the annual high-stepping parade and the game against Morgan State, while FSU's homecoming is getting ready to crank up.

    Today (Orange And Green Day)


    Homecoming Convocation featuring FAMU alumna Sonia Myles at 10:10 a.m. in Gaither Gymnasium on Wahnish Way on FAMU campus. Call 599-3400.

    Block party and concert featuring K. Michelle, Midget Mac, Trina, Webbie and Ice Bergat at 1 p.m. at FAMU Park on West Osceola Street, near the softball field on campus. Free.

    Coach heads turf initiative

    With the football season in motion, Florida A&M is standing 4-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, head coach Joe Taylor has put his prime initiative of revamping Bragg Memorial Stadium's football field on pause until the season is over. Artificial turf was initially aimed at being installed by the Oct. 2 game against South Carolina State, but lack of funds from the Got Turf campaign postponed those plans.

    However, Taylor is optimistic that the new field will be installed over the summer and in place for the 2011 football season. University Relations confirmed the amount needed is $750,000, and as of August 5, approximately $50,000 had been raised.

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    Wednesday, October 20, 2010

    FAMU to visit USF for football in 2011, 2015



    First meeting with FAMU in 2005 attracted 43,122 fans to Raymond James Stadium, the second largest home crowd in USF Bulls history.

    TAMPA, FL - Florida A&M will travel to Tampa to play the University South Florida in football in 2011 and 2015. USF announced today it has finalized its 2011 schedule, which also includes a visit by Texas-El Paso.

    The Rattlers and Bulls will meet Sept. 17 at Raymond James Stadium, while the Miners will visit Sept. 24. USF will pay $400,000 to Florida A&M for the meeting, while UTEP will receive $650,000, according to contract figures provided by USF. FAMU, an NCAA Division I-AA team (FCS), will get $450,000 for 2015 game.

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    View Full Press Conference Video: Bulls Complete 2011 Slate with FAMU and UTEP - GoUSFBulls.com—Official Athletics Web Site of the University of South Florida

    Sunday, October 17, 2010

    FAMU shuts out Savannah State

    Coach Joe Taylor has been hinting for more than a week that he would put the rest of the season in the hands of his running backs. On Saturday, senior Philip Sylvester and LaVante Page proved that Taylor might be on to something as they led a ground attack that carried Florida A&M to a 31-0 victory over Savannah State.

    The victory was a prelude to a five-game stretch that the Rattlers must win to keep a meaningful place in the conversation about playing in the postseason.

    FAMU blanks Savannah State, 31-0


    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - For a time Saturday afternoon the Savannah State football team was living on the edge. The game against Florida A&M was in front of them if the Tigers could string together some first downs. But the Tigers (0-7) fell off the precipice following touchdowns on the Rattlers first two possessions of the third quarter. A manageable 10-point halftime deficit became insurmountable one as Savannah State fell 31-0.

    Faithful fan keeps cheering through Rattlers' good times and bad

    Right beneath the press box, where there is usually a lot of ruckus, it was eerily quiet for the first quarter. The shakers were near silent. No whistles blew like they usually do. Folks were wondering about their Florida A&M football team as former West Gadsden star quarterback Antonio Bostick got a nifty drive going before the Savannah State Tigers had to punt.

    "I will cheer for you; hold that line," a lonely voice bellowed from the crowd just below the press box. "Hold that line."

    FAMU's big plays make up for mistakes

    Two possessions were all it took to wipe away a dissatisfying first half. Despite dominating in every statistical category Florida A&M led Savannah State just 10-0 at the half due to eight penalties, clock management issues and offensive ineffectiveness on third down.

    The miscues even permeated to the officiating as an inadvertent whistle from the officials prevented FAMU from scoring what would have been a 90-yard punt return by T.J. Lawrence with two minutes remaining in the first half.

    Coach Taylor predicts competitive MEAC season

    As long as three months ago, coach Joe Taylor has been predicting that before the season is done, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference will turn out to be one of the most competitive among all Division I-AA.

    Taylor was making his case again a few days before Saturday's matchup between Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State. Both teams went into the game with unbeaten records, but it's the Wildcats' 4-0 record that seems to validate Taylor's argument.

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    Attendance: 8834


    Wednesday, October 6, 2010

    FAMU track teams improve under Moore

    Wayne Angel told a group of reporters Tuesday that the sky is the limit for his track team, then made it clear that the potential that his Florida A&M men's track team is showing isn't because of some magic he worked in the short time that he's been at the helm.

    He gave a lot of credit to women's coach Darlene Moore. Up until Angel was hired a little more than a month ago, Moore ran both the men's and women's teams simultaneously.

    FAMU losses spur sense of urgency for turnaround »

    There was a beam in Martin Ukpai's eyes and his mannerism exuded optimism when he heard about coach Joe Taylor's suspicion that the players on South Carolina State's football team might have had a meeting of the minds before coming to Tallahassee last weekend.

    Whether or not Taylor's hunch was right, the Florida A&M quarterback believes there might be something to getting the offensive unit together. He figures it might just help them find the answer for producing points.

    FAMU backups work for some playing time »

    Linebacker Justin Davis would like to get a scholarship one day as a member of the Florida A&M football team. But for now, he has to prove he's deserving.

    Davis, a redshirt freshman out of Florida High, is making a pretty good case as a walk-on. During Saturday's game against South Carolina State, he was on the field not only making plays on special teams, but trying to generate energy among his teammates — just like he has done in every other game.

    FAMU looks to snap losing streak »

    After watching the film of Saturday's shutout loss to South Carolina State, coach Joe Taylor has decided that he's going back to basics with the Florida A&M football team in hopes of ending its two-game losing streak.

    "We're going to play smash-mouth football," Taylor said Sunday. "That's what got me to where I am."

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    Sunday, October 3, 2010

    S.C. State Marching 101 vs. FAMU Marching 100























    FAMU falls to South Carolina State

    Almost every time that camera operators panned the Florida A&M sideline, head football coach Joe Taylor had one arm locked under his chest and the other under his chin.

    It seemed like he was trying to find answers on how to ignite the Rattlers' anemic offense that struggled to get first downs and couldn't put a single point on the scoreboard. Not even a field goal to give a near-capacity crowd something to feel good about.

    Quarterback Martin Ukpai wasn't getting it done and was benched after a half in favor of Eddie Battle. He couldn't get the offense moving either and as a result FAMU was beaten 19-0 for a loss that might just wreck its MEAC title hopes.

    Photo Galleries:
    Tailgate Cam - FAMU vs. S.C. State
    A dam can only hold water, or hold back the South Carolina State offense, for so long.

    After watching the Florida A&M offense constantly cede field position, time of possession and turnovers to their opponent the Rattlers' defense was worn down by an extended drive by the visitors early in the fourth quarter.

    Bulldogs Blank Rattlers 19-0





    TALLAHASSE , Fla. - South Carolina State had a back to rush for the century mark as well a receiver to finish over the century mark as the Bulldogs extended their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win streak to 20 as they defeated the Florida A&M University, 19-0 here Saturday evening at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

    Blake Erickson scored the Bulldogs first nine points as he connected on a pair of 39-yard field goal, the first with 10:35 to in the first and the second with six seconds to in the first half, giving SCSU a 6-0 lead into the break.

    SC State 19, Florida A&M 0 Final


    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - It was a 'Blackout' Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium and not just in the stands. For the first time since 1934, the Bulldogs shut out Florida A&M on the scoreboard to post their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference-record 20th consecutive victory. It's also the eight straight win over the Rattlers, the Bulldogs' 11th straight road conference win and 26th consecutive win over a historically black college.

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    Friday, October 1, 2010

    Albany native Wilson headed to FAMU Hall of Fame

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Add Ulysses Wilson’s name to the list that includes Andre Dawson, Vince Coleman and Hal McRae. Make a spot for the kid from Albany who ran like a rabbit and made playing shortstop look all too easy in a time when baseball was still the No. 1 sport in America.

    He was there before Dawson or Coleman or McRae, an original FAMU Rattler who stung the ball all over the field, a smart hitter who made teams pay with his bat, his glove and his feet — the consummate No. 2 slugger who knew how to get on base and wreak havoc once he was there.

    Tonight, they’ll honor Wilson at Florida A&M University, where he will be inducted into FAMU’s Sports Hall of Fame. Dawson will be there to speak and...

    Hill to be enshrined into FAMU Hall of Fame »

    A lot of what Florida A&M accomplished while Amos Hill was defensive line coach has been pushed into his rearview mirror in 30 years. Of course, he'll always remember major achievements such as winning a national championship and the 1979 upset of Miami.

    But Hill found a reason to look back and bring into view some of the things that he hadn't been thinking about much. Back in the summer he received notice he would be among the five inductees who will be enshrined in the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame tonight at the Lawson Center.

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    Wednesday, September 29, 2010

    FAMU Rattlers Return Home for MEAC Showdown with S.C. State



    Pack up the luggage and break out the grill and tent, the Rattlers finally return home to play in their home opener this Saturday.

    FAMU senior cornerback Qier Hall adds, "It feels great to be at home. We want to play in front of our fans and show them the Rattlers defense, and show how the Rattlers will win this MEAC championship."

    Grad assistants get second chance at football »

    Former offensive tackle Javier Wallace just didn't feel right doing an 8-to-5 routine after he graduated from Florida A&M this past spring. He decided to return for graduate studies and suddenly found a cure for the boredom the hours after his day job usually brought.

    He's back on the football field. As part of the requirement for his graduate program, Wallace was given a handful of options to work a job on campus for 20 hours each week. He chose to become a graduate assistant on coach Joe Taylor's staff, making a move that has propelled many before him into full-time coaching jobs.

    FAMU's Graham has mentality of a leader

    Since two seasons ago when he beat out senior inside linebacker Vernon Wilder for the starting job, Alvis Graham has been trying to prove that he is leader of the Florida A&M defensive unit.

    He made his case even more emphatically last Saturday as arguably one of few impact players during the Rattlers loss to Tennessee State University in the Atlanta Classic. Graham made 13 tackles, which makes him the defensive leader on the team with 31 tackles in their first four games.



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    Tuesday, September 28, 2010

    FAMU sticking with its running game



    FAMU sticking with its running game

    After Saturday's stunning loss to Tennessee State, coach Joe Taylor suggested that receiver T.J. Lawrence might figure more prominent in the offensive mix, but that's not saying that the Rattlers are about to abandon their running back.

    That doesn't seem likely especially with the depth that FAMU has at the position for the first time in more than three seasons. But no matter which one of the four running backs that played against TSU carried the ball, they didn't gain much rushing. FAMU actually finished with just 24 yards on the ground as its eight-game win streak in the Atlanta Classic was snapped with a 29-18 loss.

    FAMU must quickly shake off loss to TSU

    ATLANTA — In so many ways, the way Tennessee State ran past Florida A&M on Saturday mirrored the Rattlers' loss to South Carolina State a year ago.

    FAMU was pounded on the ground for 413 yards and barely responded in its 29-18 loss to the Tigers. South Carolina State beat FAMU 35-20 last year, but the Rattlers bounced back and won three straight games. This time, rebounding after TSU snapped an eight-year losing streak at the Georgia Dome might not be as easy because of the opponent — South Carolina State.

    Pough expects FAMU to be better than in Saturday’s loss
    If watching Florida A&M fall to Tennessee State this past weekend inspired additional confidence in ninth-ranked South Carolina State, head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough gave no indication at Monday's press conference.

    In fact, Pough believes the way the Rattlers were handled by the Tigers at the Atlanta Football Classic in allowing 11 quarterback sacks and close to 300 rushing yards will make them even more motivated for this Saturday's 6 p.m. clash at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee.

    "I think losing creates ...

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