Last season, FAMU head coach Quinn Gray led the Albany State Golden Rams to the most wins in program history. The historic run included an SIAC championship and an opening-round victory in the NCAA playoffs.
This season, Gray traded Albany State’s blue and gold for the orange and green of his alma mater, Florida A&M University.
Joining him at FAMU is Isaiah Knowles, his former quarterback at Albany State. Named the Rattlers’ starting quarterback, Knowles guided FAMU to a 20-7 victory over his former team in the season opener.
In front of a packed house, the Rattlers also reignited their once-feared “Dark Cloud” defense by unleashing a relentless assault on the Albany State backfield.
Gray was pleased with the victory but remained measured as the Rattlers prepared for their next challenge—the defending national champion South Carolina State Bulldogs in the Orange Blossom Classic.
“We’ll take the win,” Gray said. “I tell our guys all the time that we can correct everything on Sunday except a loss. I’m proud of those guys coming up with our first win as a program and we’re moving forward.”
Antonio Camon, named the Pepsi Player of the Game, was relentless in the Golden Rams’ backfield, recording three sacks. FAMU’s defense, led by defensive coordinator Ryan Lewis, finished the season and home opener with 10 sacks.
Six different Rattlers contributed to the sack total, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the defensive unit.
“We couldn’t really game plan for them,” Camon said. “We just had to go out there and play fast, physical and violent. Coming off the ball fast…they couldn’t stop it.”
Knowles completed 14 of 23 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown. He connected with Maliek Denmark twice, including on a 39-yard strike, and found Quan Lee for a 10-yard touchdown that produced FAMU’s first score of the season.
Just as importantly, Knowles protected the football and finished the game without throwing an interception.
“They’re going to fight,” Gray said. “They’re going to play four quarters…they’re going to play 60 minutes. For us, it’s making sure we do what we do on the football field and that’s play for 60 minutes. That’s one thing I definitely saw about our guys today.”
The Rattlers will face South Carolina State on Sept. 6 in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. FAMU will remain in Miami before returning to Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 10 to face the University of Miami Hurricanes.
Season just started
Lot more to do
Defense winz gamez
In the trenches is where da Big Dogg’s pla