It’s homecoming, Rattlers! Florida A&M is hosting its homecoming football game versus Alcorn State for a Week 8 Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
The Rattlers (1-4, 0-1 in SWAC) are trying to end a two-game losing streak, most recently losing to non-conference opponent North Carolina Central last Saturday, Oct. 11. Meanwhile, the Alcorn State Braves (1-5, 0-2 in SWAC) want to maintain momentum stemming from their 42-0 homecoming victory versus the Lincoln Oaklanders. It’s FAMU’s first meeting against Alcorn State since 1987.
The Tallahassee Democrat is bringing you live updates from the highly attended FAMU homecoming showdown versus Alcorn State. Don’t forget to refresh the page for the latest information.
Watch FAMU vs Alcorn State game live on the new ESPN app
FAMU vs Alcorn State score updates
FAMU LB Nay’Ron J
Alcorn State fighting to stay in game vs FAMU football
Alcorn State isn’t giving up.
The Braves quarterback Jaylon Tolbert tossed a 34-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Davis to trim their deficit to three.
4Q | 8:13 | FAMU 24, Alcorn State
FAMU football gets separation vs Alcorn State in fourth quarter
FAMU is a few minutes away from having a happy homecoming.
RJ Johnson just extended the Rattlers’ lead on a quarterback scrambling, which went for a 26-yard touchdown.
Johnson has starred so far, going 22 for 32 for 275 yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing score.
4Q | 12:24 | FAMU 24, Alcorn State
FAMU football gets first TD of game vs Alcorn State
The Rattlers have regained the lead versus the Alcorn State Braves.
After a blocking an Alcorn field goal, then missing an attempt, FAMU has finally got its first touchdown score of the night.
RJ Johnson completed a 17-yard touchdown pass Jamar Taylor Jr. Then, FAMU went for a two-point conversion and it was successful as Johnson completed a pass to Goldie Lawrence.
3Q | 2:08 | FAMU 17, Alcorn State 14
FAMU football vs Alcorn State halftime update
Alcorn leads FAMU 14-9 at halftime.
The Braves took the lead by scoring 14 unanswered points on the Rattlers.
FAMU got a score on a 51-yard field goal by Daniel Porto, his third field goal make of the game.
The Rattlers trail on the scoreboard, but still leads the Braves in yardage, 177 to 100.
FAMU quarterback RJ Johnson has gone 14 of 20 for 136 yards.
FAMU football gives up special teams score vs Alcorn State
Alcorn State could have swung the game on their most recent score.
Ja’Coby Matthews scored a punt-return for 79 yards to extend the Braves’ lead.
2Q | 9:34 | Alcorn State 14, FAMU 6
FAMU football troubled by Alcorn State QB Jaylon Tolbert
Alcorn State quarterback Jaylon Tolbert is giving the FAMU defense issues.
But it’s not with his arm.
Tolbert has rushed three times for 52 yards, and a touchdown. He recently scored a 31-yard touchdown on the Rattlers, breaking tackles and juking FAMU defenders in the process.
2Q | 11:14 | Alcorn State 7, FAMU 6
FAMU vs Alcorn State stats update after first quarter
FAMU is outgaining Alcorn State in yardage, 133-15.
Rattlers quarterback RJ Johnson is seven for nine with 94 passing yards.
Alcorn State player ejected for targeting FAMU’s Kenari Wilcher
Alcorn State defensive back Deitron Parker will not play for the rest of the game.
He was ejected for targeting after he launched his body at FAMU punt returner Kenari Wilcher, knocking off the Rattlers player’s helmet. Wilcher immediately popped back up.
FAMU leads Alcorn State 6-0 after the first quarter.
FAMU football opens up playbook in opening drive vs Alcorn State
Has the Rattlers offense resurged?
FAMU opened the game versus Alcorn State moving the ball downfield pretty good.
The Rattlers even threw in a trick play, a flea flicker, which led to quarterback RJ Johnson finding Kenari Wilcher for a 29-yard gain.
FAMU couldn’t punch a ticket in the endzone, though. Rattlers kicker Daniel Porto made a 36-yard field goal to cap off a 10-play, 46-yard opening drive.
1Q | 9:29 | FAMU 3, Alcorn State 0
FAMU football’s RJ Johnson III to start vs Alcorn State
RJ Johnson III is back as FAMU’s quarterback.
He watched from the sidelines last week as the Rattlers turned to Jett Peddy to run the offense versus North Carolina Central. Peddy went 11 for 26 for 154 yards, and threw three interceptions in the 45-7 loss.
Johnson has started four games for the Rattlers this season, with a statline of 72 completions for 115 attempts, 810 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions
Amphitheater viewing of FAMU football game canceled to ensure ‘safe and enjoyable’ homecoming
The planned on-campus game viewing of Florida A&M’s homecoming football sold-out showdown against Alcorn State was abruptly canceled a little more than two hours prior to kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 18.
FAMU athletics posted the announcement on its social media pages, and Rattlers interim Athletic Director Michael Smith confirmed the decision with the Tallahassee Democrat.
Initially, an explanation did not accompany the announcement. However, in a subsequent statement Smith suggested there was a security issue with opening the Will Packer Amphitheater to overflow crowds.
More details here.
FAMU vs Alcorn State team threads
FAMU: Orange helmets, Orange jerseys, Orange pants
Alcorn State: Gold helmets, Gold jerseys, White pants
FAMU vs Alcorn State weather report
84 degrees, Sunny at 4 p.m. kickoff
What time does FAMU vs Alcorn State start?
What TV channel is Florida A&M vs Alcorn State on today?
Florida A&M vs Alcorn State predictions
FAMU schedule 2025
Here is Florida A&M’s schedule and results. All times Eastern.
*- SWAC game
Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football vs Alcorn State live updates: Rattlers fighting to protect homecoming vs Braves
Reporting by Gerald Thomas III, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

