Florida Classic: Willie Simmons' triumph vs B-CU 'Leaves No Doubt' to his essence as a winner | Rory Sharrock
Florida A&M had its share of problems over the past decade.
There was instability with officials in the athletics department, money mismanagement, low morale and NCAA infractions just to name a few.
However, for many, the most glaring woeful element was the nine-year losing streak to arch-rival Bethune-Cookman.
For 3,285 days, FAMU had to deal with the lament of "next year" when referencing the outcome in the Florida Classic.
The magnitude of the Florida Classic is the standard of excellence for both the Rattlers and the Wildcats.
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So, even though he sparked a cultural revitalization of respectability from a local and national standpoint, FAMU head coach Willie Simmons' legacy was measured by his 0-2 record against B-CU.
Simmons knew this too.
He is a proud native of nearby Quincy. His childhood was spent engulfed in the history of FAMU and the football program.
When he transferred from Clemson, he tried to come to FAMU. However, due to a technicality, he ended upto The Citadel.
As the face of the program, he has to answer all types of questions.
Will you sign my relative? Can you speak at our function? Why didn't you call this play?
But the constant inquiry he always dealt with was winning the Florida Classic.
Simmons' record has improved each season at FAMU, going 6-5, 9-2 and 9-2. The team missed playing in 2020 due to the pandemic cancelation.
These upward trending marks are reason enough to smile.
He woke up Saturday morning with 23 victories while sporting his trademark FAMU visor.
However, none of those cheerful moments compared to the jubilee he shared with his wife and kids, players and assistant coaches when the clock hit triple zeros at Camping World Stadium.
Final score: FAMU 46, Bethune-Cookman 21.
"I feel 50 pounds lighter now that I got that monkey off my back," Simmons said.
That's the sound of relief - mentally, physically and emotionally.
The depth of Simmons' credibility as a tactician and motivator is undisputed. But there is always room to elevate your status.
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Simmons did just that at halftime versus the Wildcats.
FAMU led 13-7 at the break. When the fourth quarter began, the game was well out of reach with the Rattlers leading 43-7.
The 30-point explosion in the third quarter was the byproduct of a passionate halftime speech in the locker room followed by a brilliant in-game adjustment.
As the play-caller, Simmons gathered with co-offensive coordinators KJ Black and Ryan Stanchek for a revised scheme. They made a stronger commitment to the run and added a twist to the passing attack.
The strategy worked to perfection.
FAMU's offensive line cleared the turf like a street sweeper truck.
By hitting the Wildcats like a blocking sled, running backs Bishop Bonnett and Terrell Jennings broke free with scores in that epic third quarter.
Bonnett ended the day with a game-high 128 yards.
FAMU's giants on the offensive line didn't allow a sack by B-CU.
"We showed we're one of the best teams in America," Simmons said.
"At halftime, I told the defense to keep doing what they've been doing. I told the offensive line to establish the tempo. We played hard and did what we do all year."
This effort speaks to the talent and effectiveness of the Rattlers.
It also speaks to the talent and effectiveness of Simmons.
The final result led to a bonus reward.
FAMU beat its arch-rival and clinched a berth in the FCS playoffs. It next faces Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond on Saturday.
Postseason football is a beautiful thing.
Simmons preached every day the mantra of "Leave No Doubt" during the regular season.
He also told his players to embrace a playoff mindset. So, the flow during practice this week won't be any different than it was in September, October or early November.
From head to toe, Simmons lives the words - Leave No Doubt. This winning essence is who he has always been to the core.
The only difference now is he has a victory over B-CU in his pocket.
Such is the weight of the Florida Classic.
And for the next 365 days, it's a bench press he can clear with ease.
Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Willie Simmons' triumph vs B-CU 'Leaves No Doubt' to his essence as a winner | Rory Sharrock
