Six pack of questions for SC State ahead of match with Rattlers (2024)

South Carolina State and Florida A&M enter the 2024 football season as mirror images as both welcomed new coaches, new staff members and nearly 50 new players to both rosters.

The James Colzie experiment at FAMU got off to a bumpy start, but eventually found its bearings as the Rattlers defeated Norfolk State 24-23 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

“After watching the film and looking at some of our mistakes, I think we’re excited but also extremely lucky to be (1-0),” Colzie said during his press conference earlier this week. “Extremely excited about our team persevering.”

Florida A&M fell behind 14-0 but were able to cut the lead to 14-10 by halftime. The Rattles outscored NSU 14-3 in the third quarter before the Spartans made a late rally in the final quarter.

FAMU quarterback Daniel Richardson completed 22-of-30 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns. He said he was proud of his team for “not flinching” early in the game.

“Down 14-0, Coach said there would be times when you get punched in the mouth,” Richardson said. “It’s about how you respond.”

Colzie enters Saturday’s game against South Carolina State with a better understanding of what he has on his team. On the other sideline, SC State coach Chennis Berry will be making his Bulldog debut after coaching the last four seasons at Benedict College.

“We’ll find out what kind of team we have after this week,” Berry said during his press conference Monday. “We had some guys out a few practices, but we’re coming back strong. I expect the majority of our team to be ready Saturday. They’re focused and ready to go.”

Here’s a six-pack of questions I hope to have answered in Saturday’s game.

Has Florida A&M shored up its rush defense?

The Rattlers gave up 227 yards rushing against Norfolk State including an 82-yard touchdown on the Spartans first possession. Kevon King finished with 146 yards and two touchdowns for NSU but only carried the ball four times in the second half. SC State is set to feature a stable of running backs and an offensive line featuring three All-MEAC selections. Whichever team is more physical up front will have the advantage.

Is the South Carolina State offense better?

I don’t know if it’s going to be better, but I hope it’s more diverse. In last year’s opener against Jackson State, the Bulldogs ran just three plays on four of its five first quarter possessions. Berry has been adamant about running the football and stopping the run, but the Bulldogs will have to do a better job of throwing the football after averaging just under 127 yards passing last season. Eric Phoenix is expected to be the starter at quarterback Saturday and he’s a true dual-threat who can maybe buy some time to let his receivers come open downfield.

Who’s guarding Jamari Gassett?

FAMU quarterback Daniel Richardson had great numbers Saturday, but mostly it was because of Jamari Gassett. The receiver caught eight passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. The South Carolina State secondary must know where Gassett is on every play, and that responsibility is probably going to fall to Jamare Benjamin. The All-MEAC Preseason selection had 40 tackles last season and led the team in interceptions (3).

Does SC State have the element of surprise?

Chennis Berry has been football coach at SC State for nine months, but he’s kept his cards close to the vest to where nobody knows exactly what to expect from this Bulldog team Saturday. SC State went so far as to not release a depth chart for this week. “We’re looking at film of what we think they’re going to run. Right now, you have to wonder, hope, or think what you may see,” Colzie said during his press conference. “But, for us, we got to be solid in what we do and who we are.”

How do the Bulldogs face adversity?

In preparation for Saturday, Berry has told his team that they may have to weather a storm. He’s anxious to see how his team will react when they are hit with that first wave of adversity. Florida A&M showed what it was made of in that first come-from-behind win.

Can Florida A&M protect its streak?

The Rattlers currently hold the nation’s longest home winning streak at 20 games. Daniel Richardson closed FAMU’s postgame press conference Saturday by saying “we don’t lose at Bragg.” South Carolina State’s last trip to Tallahassee was in 2021 when the Bulldogs fell to the Rattlers 30-7. There are still a few players from that team on SC State’s current roster who I’m sure would love to snap the streak Saturday. “I’ve coached (at Bragg) a few times, and I expect and unbelievable atmosphere,” Berry said. The last team to beat FAMU in Tallahassee? The 2018 SC State Bulldogs.