What Is 2017 Florida A&M Rattlers football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Florida A&M Rattlers football team represented Florida A&M University in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Alex Wood. They competed in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and advanced to the Celebration Bowl.

Key Facts

The 2017 Florida A&M Rattlers finished the season with a 7-4 overall record.
Head coach Alex Wood led the team during the 2017 season before retiring after the year.
They played their home games at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
The Rattlers went 5-3 in MEAC conference play during the 2017 season.
They earned a berth in the 2017 Celebration Bowl, losing 31-10 to North Carolina A&T.

Overview

The 2017 Florida A&M Rattlers football team represented Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in the 2017 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the team was led by head coach Alex Wood, who announced his retirement at the end of the season.

The Rattlers posted a solid performance, finishing with a 7-4 overall record and a 5-3 mark in conference play. Despite not winning the MEAC outright, their strong season earned them an invitation to the Celebration Bowl, a postseason showcase for HBCU teams.

Record: The Rattlers finished the 2017 season with a 7-4 overall record, marking an improvement from previous years and showcasing program growth.
Head Coach:Alex Wood, in his final season, guided the team before retiring; his leadership laid the foundation for future success under his successor.
Home Stadium: The team played home games at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, a venue with a capacity of approximately 25,500 spectators.
Conference: As members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the Rattlers competed against other historically Black colleges and universities.
Bowl Appearance: They earned a spot in the 2017 Celebration Bowl, facing North Carolina A&T, though they were defeated 31-10 in Atlanta.

How It Works

The structure of college football seasons, particularly for FCS teams like Florida A&M, involves a blend of regular-season conference play and postseason opportunities based on performance and rankings.

Regular Season: The Rattlers played a 11-game schedule in 2017, including non-conference matchups and MEAC competition to determine bowl eligibility.
MEAC Standings: With a 5-3 conference record, Florida A&M finished near the top of the MEAC, though they tied for second place behind North Carolina A&T.
Offensive Performance: The team averaged 27.5 points per game, relying on a balanced attack led by quarterback Alex McGough and running back Jeremy Gilchrist.
Defensive Stats: The defense allowed 24.3 points per game, showing improvement but struggling in key moments, particularly against top-tier MEAC opponents.
Coaching Transition: Alex Wood’s retirement paved the way for Dexter Jackson, a former Rattler and NFL player, to take over as head coach in 2018.
Postseason Access: MEAC champions typically earn an automatic bid to the Celebration Bowl, which the Rattlers qualified for due to their strong finish and reputation.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2017 Florida A&M Rattlers compared to key MEAC rivals and their 2016 season:

Team	Overall Record	MEAC Record	Points For	Points Against
Florida A&M (2017)	7-4	5-3	302	267
North Carolina A&T (2017)	11-2	7-1	438	248
South Carolina State (2017)	7-4	5-3	298	232
Florida A&M (2016)	3-8	3-5	201	322
Delaware State (2017)	5-6	3-5	276	354

The 2017 season marked a significant improvement over 2016, when the Rattlers won only three games. Their offensive output increased by over 100 points, and their defense allowed 55 fewer points. While North Carolina A&T dominated the MEAC and Celebration Bowl, Florida A&M remained competitive, showing parity within the conference.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a turning point for Florida A&M football, signaling a resurgence under veteran leadership and setting the stage for future competitiveness in the MEAC and HBCU football landscape.

Program Momentum: The 7-4 record was the team’s best since 2010, reigniting fan interest and boosting recruiting efforts for incoming classes.
HBCU Visibility: Participating in the Celebration Bowl increased national exposure for Florida A&M and HBCU athletics on ESPN.
Player Development: Quarterback Alex McGough emerged as a leader, later transferring to USF and pursuing a professional career.
Coaching Legacy: Alex Wood’s final season honored decades of service, while Dexter Jackson’s hiring brought renewed energy and alumni connection.
Academic-Athletic Balance: The team maintained strong Graduation Success Rate (GSR) metrics, aligning athletic performance with academic standards.
Community Impact: Games at Bragg Stadium drew large crowds, boosting local economy and reinforcing FAMU’s cultural significance in Tallahassee.

The 2017 season laid the groundwork for future success, proving that Florida A&M could compete at a high level within the FCS and MEAC, both on the field and in shaping the future of HBCU football.