Nov. 16, 2011
Reach Football Contact Michael Stambaugh for more details - 386.481.2278 -
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - There's a lot going on surrounding the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Florida Classic for fans to take in, from the Battle of the Bands and Step Show, to the FanFare and finally at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Citrus Bowl, the game.
However, the Wildcats are preparing for a lot as well, facing a diversified attack from the Florida A&M Rattlers, who have won five of six since switching quarterbacks in October.
Bethune-Cookman is on a five-game winning streak of its own, but the players and staff recognize the challenge that lay before
“It's going to be a good game,” said Head Coach Brian Jenkins during the weekly MEAC Coaches Teleconference. “I just hope we can compete and play at their level. A lot is riding on it; possibly a playoff berth.”
Both teams sit at 7-3 on the season with 5-2 records and have their sights set on the same goal, claiming a possible at-large bid to the NCAA Playoffs. Last week, Norfolk State defeated Morgan State handily to finish the year with just one conference loss to secure not only their first MEAC title, but also the conference's automatic Playoff bid.
A good showing Saturday could prove crucial to the three MEAC teams vying for a spot in the field of twenty. South Carolina State, which faces Savannah State, is also on the outside looking in for a playoff berth.
“I think people need to take notice of how tough our conference is,” Jenkins noted. “Anybody in our conference can beat anybody on any given day. Every day it's a dogfight in our conference to win.”
Much of FAMU's 2011 success can be attributed to the addition of freshman quarterback Damien Fleming as the Rattlers' starter. After a shaky start of 1-2 that included a near-loss to Fort Valley State in the opener, Fleming assumed the starting position over Austin Trainor and hasn't relented since.
Despite a setback in his first start, Fleming has won the past four for FAMU and has racked up 1,335 yards passing with nine touchdowns, adding in two rushing TDs and an ability to make plays with his feet. FAMU's offense ranks second in the MEAC and passing and total offense.
“He's a dangerous player, and this young man doesn't play like he's a freshman,” said Jenkins. “Since he stepped on the field, he took the view that this is his team, he took it over. Any time you've got a guy with his ability and his IQ, then it's dangerous, because he's not just an athlete playing quarterback, he's a quarterback with great athletic ability”
However, despite the upsurge in aerial attack, the Rattlers use the ground game to finish off drives, led by Eddie Rocker with 518 yards on the year, but also Lavante Page who 308 yards but more notably, 13 touchdowns on the year.
The Rattlers will have a lot to contend with in the Wildcats as well, who have used their five game streak to maintain offensive supremacy in the MEAC, leading the conference in three of four offensive categories with an average of 34.7 points and 444.8 yards per game. The B-CU rushing offense ranks sixth in the nation and matches up with FAMU's rush defense at 32nd.
The BCBS of Florida Classic is a full day event, but the game kicks off at 2:30 inside the Orlando Citrus Bowl, with FAMU and B-CU battling out the regular season finale for more than just bragging rights.
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