Florida A&M Athletics Weekly Update: Highlights and Highlights from This Week

Rattlers face Packed Week: Basketball Battles, Track & Field Opener, and Volleyball Tournament Action

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M Athletics is gearing up for a dynamic week of competition, highlighted by key basketball matchups, the start of the track & field season, and a high-stakes appearance in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. The Rattlers will be in action both at home and on the road, promising an exciting stretch for fans of the Orange & Green.

Basketball Takes Center Stage

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will be busy this week. The women’s team will host Jacksonville University on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:30 PM EST in Tallahassee. Concurrently, the men’s team will travel to Jacksonville to face the Dolphins, tipping off at 7:00 PM EST.

The men’s team continues their schedule on Friday, December 5th with a noon matchup against Barber-scotia College as part of the ESPN HBCU Hoops Invitational in Orlando, Florida. They will then face either Florida Memorial or Tuskegee on Saturday, December 6th, with the game time to be announced.

Track & Field Kicks Off season

The track & field teams will head to Clemson, south Carolina, to compete in the Clemson Opener on Friday, December 5th, starting at 8:00 AM EST. Both the men’s and women’s teams will be looking to build early-season momentum against strong competition.

Volleyball in NCAA Tournament Play

The volleyball team faces a notable challenge as they enter the NCAA Division I Volleyball Tournament. they will take on the University of Texas in Austin,Texas,on Friday,December 5th at 8:00 PM EST. Should they advance, they will play another opponent on Saturday, december 6th, with the time yet to be determined.

Fans can stay updated on all FAMU Athletics events by visiting https://famuathletics.com/.

What are the key matchups for the FAMU Men’s Basketball team in December?

football: Rattlers Prepare for Celebration Bowl Rematch

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) football team is gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch against Howard university in the 2025 Celebration Bowl. This year’s game, scheduled for December 20th in Atlanta, GA, presents a chance for redemption after last year’s narrow defeat.

* Key players to Watch: Quarterback Jeremy Moussa continues to lead the offense, showcasing remarkable passing accuracy. Running back Jahquez Evans is proving to be a consistent threat on the ground, averaging 75 yards per game in the last three contests.

* Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Isaiah Land remains a dominant force, leading the team in tackles and sacks. the defensive secondary,led by safety Markquese Bell,has considerably improved its pass coverage.

* Recent Performance: FAMU concluded its regular season with a dominant 45-21 victory over Bethune-Cookman in the florida Classic, securing their spot in the Celebration Bowl. This win marked their 11th consecutive victory, solidifying their position as a top HBCU football program.

* Celebration Bowl Tickets: Demand for Celebration Bowl tickets is exceptionally high. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets through official channels to avoid inflated prices and scams. [Link to official ticket sales]

Men’s Basketball: Rattlers on a Winning Streak

The FAMU Men’s Basketball team is experiencing a surge in momentum, currently riding a five-game winning streak. Head Coach Byron Smith has instilled a defensive mindset, resulting in improved performance on both ends of the court.

* Recent Victories: The Rattlers secured impressive wins against Florida Atlantic and Jacksonville State this week, showcasing their ability to compete against strong competition.

* Leading Scorers: Guard Jalen Speights is averaging 18.5 points per game, leading the team in scoring. Forward Jordan Chatman provides a strong inside presence, contributing 12 points and 8 rebounds per game.

* Upcoming schedule: FAMU faces a challenging schedule in December, including matchups against Stetson and North Florida.These games will be crucial tests as they prepare for conference play.

* SWAC Basketball Outlook: Analysts predict FAMU to be a strong contender in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) this season, citing their improved defense and offensive firepower.

Women’s Basketball: Building Momentum in Early Season

The FAMU Women’s Basketball team is focused on building momentum as they navigate their early-season schedule. while facing some tough opponents, the team is demonstrating resilience and growth.

* Key Performances: Forward Ahniya Sims recorded a double-double in the recent game against Florida Atlantic, showcasing her versatility and impact on the court.

* Defensive Adjustments: Coach shalon Pillow has emphasized defensive rotations and dialog,leading to a noticeable improvement in the team’s defensive efficiency.

* Upcoming Games: The Rattlers will host a tournament next week, providing an opportunity to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience.

* recruiting Updates: The coaching staff is actively recruiting talented players for the upcoming season, focusing on adding depth and skill to the roster.

Track & Field: Indoor Season Preparations Underway

The FAMU track & Field program is already preparing for the upcoming indoor season. The team is known for its strong sprinting and jumping programs.

* Training Regimen: Athletes are undergoing rigorous training sessions, focusing on strength and conditioning, speed development, and technical refinement.

* Returning athletes: Several key athletes from last year’s successful outdoor season are returning, including sprinters Darrion Williams and kayla Thompson.

* New Additions: The team has welcomed several promising freshmen recruits who are expected to contribute instantly.

* Indoor Season Schedule: The indoor season will kick off in January with a series of meets across the Southeast region.

Volleyball: Season recap & Offseason Plans

The FAMU Volleyball team concluded its season with a strong showing in the SWAC tournament. Despite falling short of their championship goals,the team demonstrated significant progress throughout the year.

* All-Conference Honors: Several players received All-SWAC honors,recognizing their outstanding individual performances.

* Offseason Training: The team will focus on strength and conditioning, skill development, and team building during the offseason.

* recruiting Focus: The coaching staff is actively recruiting talented players to fill key positions and strengthen the roster for the upcoming season.

* Program Growth: The volleyball program continues to grow in popularity, attracting more student-athletes and fans.

Benefits of Supporting FAMU athletics

Supporting FAMU Athletics provides numerous benefits,including:

* Student-Athlete Development: Financial contributions help provide student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed academically and athletically.

* university pride: Strong athletic programs enhance the university’s reputation and foster a sense of community pride.

* Economic impact: Athletic events generate significant economic activity for the city of Tallahassee and the surrounding region.

* HBCU Legacy: Supporting FAMU Athletics helps preserve the legacy of Historically black Colleges and Universities.

Practical Tips for Fans

* Follow on Social Media: Stay up-to-date on the latest news and scores by following FAMU Athletics on social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

* Attend Games: Show your support by attending games and cheering on the Rattlers.

* **Donate to the Athletic