FAMU Turns to Accountability Ahead of SWAC Opener Against Alabama A&M

Florida A&M (1-3) hosts Alabama A&M (3-1) on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET in Tallahassee after a team meeting aimed at resetting the season.

Florida A&M enters Southwestern Athletic Conference play at 1-3 after a 29-26 home loss to Tennessee State on Sept. 19, a game decided in the closing seconds. First-year head coach Quinn Gray Sr. said the team held what he described as a family meeting the following day to address accountability and preparation issues.

Gray said players took ownership of problems within the program during the meeting, including off-field issues such as tardiness to team meetings that he said had affected on-field performance. He added that the staff would not use outside criticism as an excuse for the slow start.

FAMU is not eligible for the SWAC title or the Celebration Bowl this season because of an NCAA postseason ban tied to Academic Progress Rate issues that predate Gray's tenure. The program also faces restricted practice time as a result.

The Rattlers open their conference schedule Saturday at 7 p.m. ET against Alabama A&M (3-1) at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee. The game will be televised on SWAC TV. Alabama A&M enters on a three-game winning streak, including a 45-3 win over Bowie State last week.