What Is 2015 Florida A&M Rattlers football

Overview

The 2015 Florida A&M Rattlers football team represented Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University during the 2015 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Led by head coach Anthony Jones in his sixth year, the team played as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and competed in a 12-game regular season schedule.

The Rattlers showed moderate improvement compared to previous seasons, finishing with a winning record for the first time since 2010. Despite a strong finish, they did not receive an invitation to the FCS playoffs due to conference standings and selection criteria.

• Record: The team finished with a 6–5 overall record, marking their first winning season since 2010 and a significant turnaround from the 4–7 record in 2014.
• Head Coach: Anthony Jones served as head coach, continuing his leadership through his sixth season with a focus on rebuilding program stability and discipline.
• Home Stadium: The Rattlers played their home games at Bragg Memorial Stadium, a 25,500-seat venue located on the FAMU campus in Tallahassee, Florida.
• Conference: Florida A&M competed in the MEAC, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) conference that participates in the FCS subdivision.
• Postseason: Despite a winning record, the Rattlers did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, as the MEAC champion was selected via conference standings, which FAMU did not win.

Season Performance

The 2015 campaign featured a mix of competitive non-conference matchups and tough MEAC contests. The Rattlers opened the season with a loss to Southeastern Louisiana but rebounded with key wins against Edward Waters and Savannah State.

• Opening Game: The season began on September 5, 2015, with a 24–17 loss to Southeastern Louisiana, setting an early challenge for the team.
• Non-Conference Wins: FAMU defeated Edward Waters (52–0) and Savannah State (35–21), showcasing offensive strength and defensive dominance in early games.
• MEAC Competition: The Rattlers went 4–4 in conference play, with notable wins over Bethune-Cookman and North Carolina Central.
• Key Player: Quarterback Alex McGough emerged as a leading figure, throwing for over 1,700 yards and 11 touchdowns during the season.
• Defensive Stats: The defense recorded 18 sacks and 10 interceptions, with linebacker Jacoby Jones leading the team in tackles.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2015 season to recent prior years in terms of record, coaching, and conference performance.

The 2015 season represented a clear upward trend for the program, improving from a 4–7 record in 2014 and showing increased consistency on both offense and defense. While they did not win the MEAC title, their performance laid groundwork for future competitiveness.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a pivotal moment in the gradual rebuilding of the Florida A&M football program after years of instability. It demonstrated progress under Anthony Jones and rekindled fan interest in Rattler football.

• Program Momentum: The winning record in 2015 signaled a turnaround, boosting morale and recruitment efforts for future seasons.
• Player Development: Quarterback Alex McGough’s emergence provided a foundation for the 2016 season and beyond.
• Conference Standing: A 4–4 MEAC record kept FAMU in the middle of the conference, avoiding last-place finishes.
• Recruiting Impact: Improved performance helped attract higher-caliber recruits from Florida and the Southeast.
• HBCU Rivalries: The win over Bethune-Cookman preserved the tradition of the Florida Classic rivalry, a key cultural event.
• Stadium Attendance: Bragg Memorial Stadium saw increased attendance, reflecting renewed community support.

The 2015 season may not have ended in a championship or playoff berth, but it played a crucial role in restoring credibility and competitiveness to Florida A&M football after a prolonged slump.