Saturday, Nov. 29, 3 p.m. EST | Rice-Totten Stadium, Itta Bena, Miss.
Last November, Mississippi Valley State walked into Bragg Memorial Stadium and did the unthinkable—snapping FAMU's 23-game home winning streak with a 24-21 upset that sent shockwaves through the SWAC East. Now the Rattlers get their chance at payback, traveling to Itta Bena for the final game of the regular season. But this isn't the same FAMU team that got stunned a year ago, and honestly, it's not quite the same Valley squad either.
A Tale of Two Seasons
The Rattlers (5-6, 4-3 SWAC) are limping to the finish line after a brutal 38-34 loss to Bethune-Cookman in the Florida Classic last week. That one stung—especially after FAMU clawed back from multiple deficits only to watch the Wildcats ice it late. The season started with promise: a gutsy road win at Southern, a dominant performance against Alcorn, and that thrilling comeback against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. But inconsistency has been the story. Losses to Alabama State, Jackson State, and that Florida Classic heartbreaker have left FAMU looking for something—anything—to build on heading into the offseason.
Meanwhile, the Delta Devils (1-10, 0-7 SWAC) have endured a nightmare campaign. After that stunning opener against Southern where they hung tough in a 34-29 loss, things fell apart. Fast. Blowout losses at Tarleton State (59-3) and Southeastern Louisiana (56-3) set the tone. Their lone victory? A 49-0 demolition of Lincoln (California)—a non-Division I opponent. Since then, it's been nothing but pain: seven straight conference losses, including a soul-crushing 59-6 beatdown at Prairie View last week and a 42-3 humiliation against Jackson State. The Delta Devils are averaging just 16.8 points per game while surrendering a staggering 39.4.
What This Game Means
For FAMU, this is about pride and momentum. At 5-6, the Rattlers need this win to finish .500 and salvage some dignity from a season that promised more. It's also about exorcising demons—last year's loss in Tallahassee still burns. Coach James Colzie III needs his squad to show they've learned from the heartbreakers and can finish strong against a Valley team that's beaten them once already in this series that dates back to 1987.
For Mississippi Valley State, it's about finding any semblance of respectability. The Delta Devils are 1-6 all-time against FAMU, and that lone win in 2024 was their first-ever victory in the series. Can they catch lightning in a bottle twice? With nothing to lose and everything to prove, don't count out a desperate team playing at home with a chance to ruin FAMU's season.
What FAMU Must Do
Protect RJ Johnson and clean up the turnovers. The Rattlers' junior quarterback has thrown five interceptions this season and taken 25 sacks behind an offensive line that's been inconsistent at best. Against a Valley defense that's posted 14 sacks and forced 11 turnovers, Johnson can't afford mistakes. The offensive line has to give him time to work.
Tighten up the red zone. FAMU is converting just 46.9% of red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. That's unacceptable. With kicker Daniel Porto hitting 16-of-21 field goals, the Rattlers have been forced to settle for three too often. Against a Valley defense allowing opponents to score on 79.6% of red-zone trips, FAMU needs to punch it in.
Eliminate the big plays on defense. The Rattlers have allowed 24 passing touchdowns and given up explosive plays all season. Mississippi Valley State's offense is anemic, but if FAMU gets careless and gives up chunk plays, this game could get interesting.
What FAMU Can Lean On
Thad Franklin Jr. and the rushing attack. The junior running back is averaging 67 yards per game and has been FAMU's most consistent offensive weapon. With 737 yards and six touchdowns, Franklin needs to control the clock and wear down a Valley defense that's been gashed for 172.9 rushing yards per game. Pair him with Jamal Hailey (442 yards, 5 TDs), and the Rattlers should own the line of scrimmage.
Kenari Wilcher's playmaking ability. The dynamic receiver leads FAMU with 531 receiving yards and three touchdowns, but he's also a threat in the return game (413 kick return yards). Wilcher is the kind of game-changer who can flip field position or break a long touchdown when FAMU needs it most.
A defense that can take the ball away. Despite their struggles, the Rattlers have forced 10 fumbles and picked off five passes. If they can force Valley into mistakes—and the Delta Devils have coughed it up 18 times this season—FAMU can create short fields and control the tempo.
What Valley Must Do
Establish any semblance of an offensive identity. The Delta Devils are averaging just 269.5 yards per game and converting only 29.1% of third downs. Whether it's Josh Brown at quarterback (1,066 yards, 4 TDs in eight games) or Brandon Nunez (534 yards, 1 TD in nine games), someone has to make plays. Norman Taylor (297 rushing yards, 3 TDs) needs to be the centerpiece, but the offensive line has to give him lanes.
Cut down the penalties and turnovers. Mississippi Valley State has turned the ball over 18 times (11 interceptions, nine lost fumbles) while committing 79 penalties for 690 yards. You can't beat anyone—much less a motivated FAMU squad—while shooting yourself in the foot repeatedly.
Get pressure on RJ Johnson. The Delta Devils have 14 sacks on the season, led by Jalen Wright (3.0) and Colton Vatne (2.5). If they can rattle Johnson early and force him into mistakes, Valley has a puncher's chance.
What Valley Can Lean On
Mekhi Norris and the receiving corps. Norris leads the Delta Devils with 372 receiving yards, while Cameron Nelson (354 yards, 3 TDs) and Christian White (294 yards, 1 TD) provide legitimate targets. If Brown or Nunez can connect downfield, Valley can move the ball.
Special teams with Marko Jovisic. The kicker is 14-of-17 on field goals, including 6-of-7 from 40-49 yards and a made 56-yarder. In a game where Valley might struggle to score touchdowns, Jovisic could be the difference.
Home field desperation. Mississippi Valley State hasn't won at home since that Lincoln (California) blowout. Playing in front of their home crowd in the season finale, the Delta Devils have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Don't underestimate the power of pride.
The Verdict
FAMU should win this game. Period. The Rattlers are more talented, more experienced, and have far more offensive firepower. But if they overlook Valley—if they assume last year's result was a fluke—this could get ugly fast. Mississippi Valley State has already proven they can beat FAMU once. Why not twice?
Expect FAMU to come out motivated, establish the run with Franklin, and let their defense feast on Valley's mistake-prone offense. The Rattlers win, but it won't be pretty.
Final Score Prediction: FAMU 34, Mississippi Valley State 13
