MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – It's game week for the most anticipated opener for the 2021 season. The Jackson State Tigers and the Florida A&M Rattlers meet Sunday in the Orange Blossom Football Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in front of a national audience on ESPN 2. Kickoff is set for 3 (ET) p.m./2 (CT) p.m.
Rivalry Renewed
Jackson State and Florida A&M are two blue blood football programs and share a mutual level of respect. The two teams have met 19 times as non-conference opponents, with FAMU representing the MEAC and JSU from the SWAC. This is the first match-up as conference foes. The Tigers hold a 10-7-2 series record and have won two in a row; most recently in 2018 when the Blue & White topped the Rattlers 18-16 in Tallahassee. This also marks the third time JSU and FAMU will meet in the Orange Blossom Classic. The two programs played in the first illustration of the event in 1961 and 1962, with each team winning a game.
Jackson State Leads 10-7-2
Original Record: 10-7-2, JSU
In Orange Blossom Classic: 1-1, JSU/FAMU
In Jackson: 6-2, JSU
In Tallahassee: 4-3-1, JSU
In Indianapolis.: 0-1-1, FAMU
Longest JSU Win Streak: 4, 1980-1983
Longest FAMU Win Streak: 3, 1997-2003
Largest Margin of Victory: 16, 1962 (22-6)
Largest Margin of Defeat: 38, 1998 (45-7)
Year Location Result
| 1961 |
Miami, Fla. |
L, 14-6 |
| 1962 |
Miami, Fla. |
W, 22-6 |
| 1978 |
Jackson |
L, 15-10 |
| 1980 |
Jackson |
W, 10-0 |
| 1981 |
Tallahassee |
W, 14-6 |
| 1982 |
Jackson |
W, 15-14 |
| 1983 |
Tallahassee |
W, 28-22 |
| 1984 |
Jackson |
T, 10-10 |
| 1985 |
Tallahassee |
W, 28-23 |
| 1988 |
Indianapolis |
T, 10-10 |
| 1993 |
Tallahassee |
L, 41-17 |
| 1994 |
Jackson |
W, 35-34 |
| 1995 |
Tallahassee |
L, 15-12 |
| 1996 |
Jackson |
W, 16-9 |
| 1997 |
Tallahassee |
L, 30-14 |
| 1998 |
Jackson |
L, 45-7 |
| 2003 |
Indianapolis |
L, 28-14 |
| 2014 |
Jackson |
W, 22-17 |
| 2018 |
Tallahassee |
W, 18-16 |
| 2021 |
Miami, Fla. |
TBA |
Offense Continues to Evolve and Improve
The JSU offense that takes the field Sunday versus FAMU will look drastically different than the offensive unit that took the field this past spring. Despite an offense that was not fully installed this past spring, the Tigers were one of the most efficient offensive teams in the SWAC. JSU scored a league-high 214 points and averaged 35.7 points per game. JSU also led the conference with 29 touchdowns and five field goals.
A rebuilt and re-tooled offensive line, a new quarterback in
Shedeur Sanders, five new running backs, and a new group of wide receivers came together throughout the summer and had a successful Fall Camp. A complete install of the offense, coupled with the complete buy-in, the offensive potential is through the roof.
Defense Fast and Athletic
Just like the offense, the defensive unit will look significantly different than this past spring.
Keonte Hampton,
Aubrey Miller Jr.,
De'Jahn Warren project to earn significant playing time, but beyond that, a new wave of talented players will hit the gridiron. Joining Warren in the secondary will be a host of transfers former Power 5 programs. Several transfers and freshmen arrive at linebacker the defensive line added depth and speed on the edges.
Freshmen & Newcomers
Spring 2021 was success as the Tigers played six games in the shortened season. During JSU's 4-3 run which included a forfeit win versus Alcorn State, the program was busy on the recruiting trail. Sanders and staff secured the best class at the FCS level and for an HBCU ever on record. The 247 Sports composite ranking for the 2021 Signing Class ranked ahead of Kansas State, Syracuse, Duke, Iowa State, TCU, Purdue, Colorado several Power 5 programs. The program also welcomes nine transfers from the Power 5 ranks and several top-ranked freshmen such as
Shedeur Sanders,
Trevonte Rucker, KaTron Evans, Javonte Gardner,
Charles Armstrong,
Herman Smith,
Baron Hopson,
Aalah Brown. Transfers include
Malachi Wideman (Tennessee), Kevric Wiggins (ULM),
James Houston (Florida),
Antwan Owens (Georgia Tech),
Peytton Pickett (Liberty), Keith Corbin (Houston),
Nyles Gaddy (Tennessee),
Shane Hooks (Ohio),
Coynis Miller (Auburn),
Tony Gray (UCF),
Shilo Sanders (South Carolina),
Dylan Spencer (Missouri),
Isaiah Bolden (Florida State),
De'Jahn Warren (top-ranked JUCO corner), and
Abdul-Malik McClain (USC).
Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders Effect
Since
Deion Sanders was introduced as the Tigers' 21st head football coach in September of 2020, the light has shined brightly on Jackson State, the SWAC, and Historically Black Colleges & Universities in a way that's never been seen.
In the unprecedented Spring 2021 season, the Tigers appeared on ESPN Networks six times, including twice on ESPN and ESPN 2. It created exposure for HBCU and FCS football that hasn't been seen – ever.
ESPN: Jackson State vs. Alabama A&M: 312,654
ESPN: Jackson State vs. Southern: 271,405
ESPN 2: Jackson State vs. Alabama State: 205,942
ESPN 2: Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State: 167,607
ESPNU/ESPN3: Jackson State vs. Grambling State: 71,498
ESPN3: Jackson State vs. Edward Waters: 24,748
It was the first time JSU appeared on the flagship ESPN station since 1989 and marked the first times Southern and Alabama A&M were broadcast on ESPN or ESPN 2.
Tigers Set for 8 ESPN Games in Fall 2021
The Tigers are scheduled to appear on ESPN Networks at least eight times. Jackson State vs. Florida A&M (ESPN2), Jackson State vs. Tennessee State (ESPN3), Jackson State at UL-Monroe (ESPN3), Jackson State at Alabama A&M (ESPN+), Jackson State vs. Alabama State (ESPN+), Jackson State vs. Bethune-Cookman (ESPN+), Jackson State at Southern (ESPN3), Jackson State vs. Alcorn State (ESPN+). The SWAC Championship game is scheduled to be played on ESPNU and The Celebration Bowl will appear on ESPN. In all, JSU can appear on ESPN Networks 10 times.
