Troy football begins a three-game home stretch against Florida A&M on Saturday.
FAMU has established itself as an HBCU powerhouse in recent years. Last season, the Rattlers were crowned Celebration Bowl champions -- an event that showcases the top two teams from HBCU conferences, the SWAC and MEAC.
The Rattlers slither into the Wiregrass with a 2-1 record. The team is coming off a bye week following a 56-9 loss at Miami. Their first two wins have set them on a path to potentially be the top HBCU team once again, especially with a nationally televised win against Norfolk State in the season opener.
FAMU has a much different style than what Troy has previously faced with run-based offenses like Iowa. The Rattlers’ air attack cannot be taken lightly. Quarterback Daniel Richardson has led the offense so far with over 230 yards per game.
This will mark the fifth time Troy and FAMU face off. The series is tied all-time with two wins each. Troy has won the previous two games, 59-7 in 2018 and 24-7 in 2002. FAMU’s last victory over Troy came at The Vet in 1999 during the first round of the FCS Playoffs.
Troy’s starting lineup remains the biggest question going into Saturday. Both starting center Eli Russ and quarterback Goose Crowder were listed as “gametime decisions” by head coach Gerad Parker in his Monday press conference.
Should Russ be unavailable, it will be Tyler Cappi taking the snapping duties. If Goose Crowder is out for a second consecutive week, it will be between Matthew Caldwell and Tucker Kilcrease going under center.
Caldwell has taken the majority of the snaps in the previous two games but was relieved by Kilcrease in the late stages of the Iowa game due to cramps.
For Troy to earn its first victory of the season, it will be crucial to limit the passing game from the Rattlers defensively. As the offense continues to show improvement from one game to another, whoever is at the quarterback position will be most important in getting Troy into the endzone.
The Trojans aim for their first win of the Gerad Parker era against FAMU Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
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