Jackson State vs Florida A&M Odds
| Jackson State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 47.5 -110o / -110u | -182 |
| Florida A&M Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 47.5 -110o / -110u | +150 |
The Orange Blossom Classic is bound to look very different this season. Last year, Jackson State trounced Florida A&M, 59-3.
However, Deion Sanders has left Jackson State, and he took a whole load of FBS-caliber talent with them. Although, don't tell the Tigers they can't be successful after Sanders, as they enter this matchup 1-0 on the year after a 30-point victory over South Carolina State last week.
There could not be a program happier to see Sanders leave than Florida A&M, as the Rattlers have a shot to ascend back to the top of the SWAC. Let's not forget this FAMU team has had three consecutive nine-win seasons, which were all led by current NFL talent.
If there's any program primed to bounce back, it's FAMU. But can it knock off its rival in the Orange Blossom Classic? Let's take a closer look at the Jackson State vs. Florida A&M odds and make a pick for Sunday, Sept. 3.
Jackson State Tigers
This Jackson State team has several question marks surrounding it, as it's very different from the team it was under Sanders. The Tigers returned just one of their 12 All-SWAC players from last season. Their starting quarterback, top-four pass catchers and top-eight tacklers on defense are all gone.
Although, they appeared to pick up right where they left off against South Carolina State. Virginia Tech transfer Jason Brown made a tremendous first impression, throwing for 356 yards and three touchdowns.
The Tigers also got it done on the ground, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. However, this FAMU defense will be a big step up. Last season, the Rattlers allowed just 246 total yards per game and were great at getting off the field, allowing their opposition to convert at just a 37% clip on third down.
Florida A&M Rattlers
Coach Willie Simmons feels the Rattlers are primed to finally get over the Jackson State hump, and there are many in agreement with him. FAMU has talent all over the field, as it boasts a conference-high seven players on the preseason All-SWAC team.
The X-factor for this team is going to be quarterback Jeremy Moussa. Moussa transferred over from Vanderbilt in 2021 and has now ground his way to the starting spot. Simmons noted Moussa's intangibles and on-field talent that will help make the offense a constant threat.
While the Rattlers were shut down by Jackson State last season, the Tigers' new defense is far from what it was. For the first time in two years, the Rattlers will have the edge when in possession.
Jackson State vs Florida A&M
Betting Pick & Prediction
There are a lot of unknowns coming into this matchup. Clearly, Jackson State tried to reload after Sanders left, but we all know the talent gap between this year's team and last year's team is wide.
Florida A&M comes into this game with a ton of motivation. It knows this game will set the tone for the season and is ready to seize the opportunity.
I'm backing the Rattlers as underdogs. We don't honestly know how much the Tigers have dropped off, and they may not be worthy of being favorites in this matchup.
