TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M defeated Albany State 20-7 Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium in the season opener for both programs.

The game marked the coaching debut for Albany State’s David Bowser and for FAMU’s Quinn Gray, the former Albany State head coach now in his first season at his alma mater, FAMU. The game remained close until the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Isaiah Knowles, who transferred from Albany State to FAMU, gave the Rattlers an early lead with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jaquan Lee. Albany State’s Avery Hall, a former teammate of Knowles, and Evan Wynn were cited for defensive plays against him. Jimmy Dawson and Caleb Anderson were also noted for their play on Albany State’s defense.

A blocked punt put FAMU in scoring position, and the Rattlers were stopped on a fourth-and-goal attempt by the Albany State defense. FAMU led 7-0 at halftime. Albany State also had a field goal attempt blocked in the fourth quarter. Albany State replaced starting quarterback JD Davis with Vince Berry in the fourth quarter. FAMU’s defensive line pressured the Albany State quarterbacks throughout the game.

Bowser reacts to season opener

Albany State head coach David Bowser said the team’s defense set a standard for the season.

“Well, I mean, really proud of the way they fought,” Bowser said. “They got put in some tough situations and they came away with stops. Big fourth down stop before we went into the half. We got another stop in this end in the second half. So, I mean, the defense did a great job of doing what we need them to do.”

Bowser said the team stayed together despite offensive struggles.

“The biggest thing that was the positive is that the team stayed together,” Bowser said. “Offense may have struggled a little bit today. We didn’t have everybody back. We’re still struggling with that offensive line as far as getting the depth that we need. We’re getting everybody healthy. But it was a physical camp. It showed. I think the guys played their butt off, man. We got to clean up a couple things on special teams. But, you know, your biggest jump is always going to be from week one to week two. So, I expect us with an extra day of preparation to get ready for [Johnson C. Smith] that we’ll do some positive things.”

Bowser said he wanted to review film before assessing the quarterback position, where Vince Berry replaced JD Davis in the fourth quarter.

“Well, before I can make that comment, I got to go back and really watch the film. I took a few notes,” Bowser said. “But when it was in the fourth quarter, I said to Coach Hobbs, we know it’s been a great battle, 1A, 1B. Why not give Vince a chance to get into the game? But we got to remember, J.D. also had a good drive down here. But we had a couple of errors on a penalty that messed us up. But we played a pretty good game. We didn’t have too many penalties. So, I just see too many positives that we can build on.”

Bowser said the loss will not define the team’s season.

“The biggest thing I don’t want the guys to do, because like you said, this was a big deal going against their former coach and former teammates, former quarterback ... we don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Bowser said. “So, tonight doesn’t define our season because we’re on a mission. It’s just a journey. And this was the first phase in the journey. So, the positive is we stuck together. We’ll get the film done tomorrow. We’ll get the guys to the training room to see about some of these nicks and bangs. And then we just go from there.”

By the numbers

Next steps

Albany State heads to Canton, Ohio, for the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic. Albany State plays Johnson C. Smith University on Sept. 6 at 4 p.m.

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