By Brian Howard
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) 2021 football schedule features four home games, seven games in Florida, including three being played at NFL or bowl stadiums.
“We are extremely pleased and excited about the Fall 2021 football schedule,” FAMU VP/Director of Athletics Kortne Gosha said. “The schedule is packed with traditional matchups and great bands.”
Florida A&M, which was scheduled to play in its final Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) slate last fall, revealed the inaugural Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) schedule on New Year’s Eve.
“This schedule is definitely something our amazing fan base can look forward to this year,” Rattler head coach Willie Simmons said.
The Rattlers, who went 9-2 during the 2019 season, begin the 2021 slate and its SWAC schedule on Sept. 5 against Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The two teams last me in 2018 with Jackson State.
The Rattlers’ home opener comes a week later, on Sept. 11, against Fort Valley State.
The following week, Florida A&M wraps up the first month of the season on Sept. 18 with a road trip to South Florida.
The Rattlers begin a stretch of back-to-back home games at Bragg Memorial Stadium to open the month of October. Florida A&M will host Alabama State on Oct. 2. The Rattlers and Hornets last met in 2008.
The Rattlers step out of SWAC play for a week on Oct. 9, as former MEAC rival South Carolina State comes to town. Florida A&M will play its final six games of the regular season against SWAC opponents.
The Rattlers visit Huntsville, Ala. to take on Alabama A&M on Oct. 16. The Bulldogs won the last meeting in 1979.
FAMU wraps up a two-game road swing on Oct. 23 at Mississippi Valley State. The Rattlers have won the only two previous contests, including a 28-13 victory in 1990.
Florida A&M returns to Bragg Memorial Stadium on Oct. 30 for its 2021 homecoming game against Grambling State. The Rattlers and Tigers last met in 2000.
Heading into the last third of the season, Florida A&M play back-to-back road games. The Rattlers visit Southern on Nov. 6 in Baton Rouge, La., and will meet Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 13. Florida A&M and Southern last played in 2019, while this will be the first-ever matchup against UAPB.
The Rattlers conclude the season on Nov. 20 in the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic against Bethune-Cookman at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. FAMU will be looking to snap a nine-game losing streak to the rival Wildcats.
Season tickets went on sale on Jan. 3 and to purchase tickets, contact the FAMU box office at (850) 599-3141.
