Playoffs preview: 3 keys for Florida A&M in its first-round clash vs SE Louisiana
For the second time this season, Florida A&M is headed back to Louisiana.
The first trip to the Pelican State proved to be successful as the Rattlers defeated Southern 29-17 in Baton Rouge.
On Saturday, they'll be 50 miles west of the state's capital city in Hammond for a first-round FCS playoff game against Southeastern Louisiana. The Rattlers (9-2) and Lions (8-3) kick off at 7 p.m. EST.
FAMU is on an eight-game winning streak that includes last last Saturday's 46-21 win over rival Bethune-Cookman in the Florida Classic in Orlando.
SE Louisiana has dropped two of its last three games. The Lions closed the regular season last Thursday, falling 45-42 to visiting Nicholls.
This playoff matchup is a true battle of strengths on opposite sides of the ball.
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It's expected to be a tug-of-war between SE Louisiana's potent offense versus FAMU's punishing defense. Both units have high national rankings.
"They're prolific on offense with one of the top pro prospects in the country in quarterback Cole Kelley. We're game-planning and in the weight room getting ready to work," FAMU coach Willie Simmons said.
"They pose a huge challenge for us. When you match a top offense against a top defense, something has to give. This will be our toughest challenge. That's what you get in the playoffs."
There's a lot of factors that should come into play for the Rattlers and Lions. Here are the top-3 keys to victory for FAMU.
Tale of the Tape
Who: Florida A&M Rattlers
Conference: Southwestern Athletic Conference
Record: 9-2, 7-1
Signature wins: South Carolina State (30-7), Alabama A&M (35-31), Bethune-Cookman (46-21)
Offensive leaders: QB - Rasean McKay 193/324, 2,219 yards, 20/4; RB - Bishop Bonnett 147 rushes, 974 yards, 5; WR - Xavier Smith 55 receptions, 626 yards, 2 TDs
Defensive leaders: S - Markquese Bell 79 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles; DB - BJ Bohler 46 tackles, 4 interceptions; LB - Isaiah Land 43 tackles, 19 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Who: Southeastern Louisiana Lions
Conference: Southland Conference
Record: 8-3, 6-2
Signature wins: McNeese State (38-35), Nicholls (58-48)
Offensive leaders: QB - Cole Kelley 339/457, 4,382 yards, 38/6; RB - Taron Jones 306 rushes, 297 yards, 6 TDs; WR - Austin Mitchell 66 receptions, 1,035 yards, 9 TDs
Defensive leaders: LB - Alexis Ramos 71 tackles, 1 forced fumble; DB - Zy Alexander 36 tackles, 6 interceptions, 1 forced fumble; DL - Garrett Crawford 18 tackles, 4.5 sacks
1. Dark Cloud Defense showering down on the Lions' spread attack
SE Louisiana goes from sideline to sideline with its offense.
Kelly leads the nation in yards (4,382), completion percentage (74.2%) and is third in touchdowns (38).
The Walter Payton Award winner from Lafayette is sharp with his passes. However, he hasn't faced a defense this season with the force of the Rattlers.
FAMU has 12 interceptions. BJ Bohler leads the team with four picks. Local star Javan Morgan of Florida High ranks second with three.
These turnovers aren't limited to the secondary. Linebackers Nadarius Fagan and Ellrie Allen each have one interception.
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The Rattlers will need to balance aggressiveness with patience when it comes to jumping routes.
Safeties Markquese Bell and Antwan Collier didn't register a lot of interceptions on the stat sheet. This is because quarterbacks tended to avoid throwing in their direction.
This lethal combo in the middle must maintain their intimidation factor in the playoffs.
Linebacker Isaiah Land is another focal point and difference-maker for FAMU.
He's the frontrunner for SWAC Defensive Player of the Year as the nation's sack leader with 19.
Land is versatile to play in a four-point stance or play standing off the line of scrimmage. With him charging off the edge, he can make Kelley rush his passes.
"Defense wins championships. This will put us to the test to show how good we are as a defense," Land said.
2. Rattlers run for glory
Last year, FAMU was a pass-happy team that threw the ball all over the lot.
This fall, it's all about the ground and pound attack.
The Rattlers have rushed for 1,836 yards. Bishop Bonnett leads with a career-high 934 yards.
FAMU has a triple play in the backfield with Bonnett, Terrell Jennings and Jaylen McCloud.
They share a lot in common beginning with Jacksonville serving as their hometown. These Duval County stars also have an unselfish mindset when it comes to getting carries.
The trio should see plenty of action on Saturday.
A key element for FAMU to negate SE Louisiana will be winning the time of possession battle.
This mission is achieved by milking the clock and posting big numbers with its rushes.
Of course, the effectiveness of the running backs is predicated on the performance of the offensive line.
In the win over Bethune-Cookman, FAMU's line cleared the path for 276 rushing yards. The unit also gave up zero sacks.
The Rattlers are looking to build on this in their quest to limit Kelley's time on the field.
3. Hidden yards, points on special teams
Special teams can be the spot where the Rattlers get hidden yards and points.
There hasn't been a drop-off in punting since Chis Faddoul went down with a season-ending knee injury in September.
Jose Romo-Martinez has done well working on punts, kickoff, extra points and field goals.
He has eight punts of 50 yards or more. Romo-Martinez has 11 that have landed inside the 20. This is against five touchbacks.
His ability to flip the field has been the springboard to the defense's success this season.
Return specialist Jah'Marae Sheread will need to have a strong outing versus the Lions.
He's averaging 19.8 per punt return with a touchdown to his name. On kickoffs, his numbers are 24.6 for the year.
Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Playoffs preview: 3 keys for Florida A&M in its first-round clash vs SE Louisiana
