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Game Day Vitals: Florida A&M at #5 Oklahoma

By M. Hofeld
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Game Info
Florida A&M Rattlers (0-1, 0-0) vs Oklahoma Sooners (1-0, 0-0)
Saturday, September 8th
6:00 pm (CST)
Television: Pay-Per-View
Tickets: Available, Starting At $32.00
Florida A&M Basics
Florida A&M is an FCS school that landed on Oklahoma's schedule as a result of TCU becoming a member of the Big XII. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, they are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Here's the official FAMU team website.

The Rattlers opened their 2012 season with a 17-14 loss at Tennessee State. After trailing 17-7 going into the fourth quarter their rally fell just short. Stats

Coaches And Players

Head Coach: Joe Taylor (5th Season) 28-13

Offensive Coordinator: Lawrence Kershaw (5th Season)

Defensive Coordinator: Earl Holmes (5th Season)

Leading Rusher: Eddie Rocker -13 carries, 90 yards (6.9 YPC), 0 TDs

Leading Receiver: Travis Harvey - 6 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD

Leading Passer: Damien Fleming - 15/30/119, 1TD/1INT

Leading Tackler: Brandon Hepburn - 10 Total Tackles, 3.5 Tackles For Loss

Scouting Report

Offense

Florida A&M's points came in the second half against Tennessee State after being blanked in the first half. Both of their scores came through the air but the strength of the offense may be the rushing attack. The Rattlers averaged 4.4 yards per carry, as a team, on the legs of Eddie Rocker and quarterback Damien Fleming who also had 52 yards on an equal 13 carries with Rocker.

FAMU may be a test for Oklahoma's linebackers against a zone-read style offensive attack but the concerns for the Rattlers have to start up front and their ability to win the line of scrimmage.

Defense

In addition to Brandon Hepburn's 10 total tackles, you'll also want to be aware of Ellie Hyppolite's two sacks for 15 yards of loss. They are stout along the front seven but struggled in the secondary last Saturday. Tennessee State completed 22-of-32 passes for 263 yards for an average of 12 yards per reception. This could be a good game for Oklahoma's receivers to get on track against.

Special Teams

Devontae Johnson is averaged 12 yards per punt return last week and James Owens 24.8 yards per return on kickoffs. Kicker Chase Varnadore was 2-for-2 on PATs last week but did not attempt any field goals. Punter Branden Holdren averaged 41.4 yards per kick on five punts.

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