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In a pivotal matchup that had SWAC championship implications written all over it, Florida A&M's Jeremy Moussa silenced his critics and reaffirmed his status as one of the conference's premier quarterbacks. The Rattlers' victory over Southern not only showcased Moussa's leadership but also solidified FAMU's position at the top of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Just last week, Coach Willie Simmons fervently defended Moussa against skeptics who questioned his abilities despite leading the SWAC in both passing yards and passing touchdowns entering this critical game against Southern. Moussa's performance against the Jaguars was a resounding answer to those doubts.
When the game hung in the balance with a tied score of 19-19 late in the fourth quarter, it was Jeremy Moussa who stepped up and delivered the game-sealing touchdown. Moussa concluded the game with an impressive 325 yards on 31 completions, including two passing touchdowns. His true strength, however, lies in his ability to distribute the ball effectively to his playmakers. FAMU's passing game primarily focuses on shorter throws, allowing Moussa to establish a rhythm with his receivers. This time, he provided ample opportunities to Marcus Riley, who hauled in 7 catches for 97 yards.
The decisive moment arrived when Moussa, with poise and precision, connected with Jamari Gassett on a 12-yard strike for the winning touchdown.
Moussa's arsenal of offensive weapons extends beyond Riley, as Kamari Young, standing tall at 6'4", proved to be another reliable target. Young contributed 6 catches for 68 yards, averaging an impressive 11.3 yards per reception.
What sets Moussa apart is his versatility as a passer, demonstrated by his ability to complete passes to a remarkable 12 different players in this game. This diversity keeps opposing defenses guessing and showcases Moussa's growth as a well-rounded quarterback.
On the opposing side, Harold Blood of the Southern Jaguars had a respectable day at quarterback, finishing with 190 passing yards and 1 touchdown. However, the Jaguars found most of their success on the ground, with Gary Quarles rushing for 80 yards and running back CJ Russell notching two rushing touchdowns.
To maximize their offensive potential, the Jaguars must find ways to get the ball into the dynamic hands of receiver August Pitre III.
The victory marked Florida A&M's 11th consecutive SWAC win, underscoring their dominance in the conference.
With the win over Southern, Florida A&M has firmly asserted itself as a frontrunner in the SWAC, and Jeremy Moussa's performance has silenced critics while amplifying their championship ambitions. As the Rattlers continue their quest for SWAC glory, their faith in Moussa as a leader and playmaker is stronger than ever.
Final Score:
Florida A&M (FAMU) - 26
Southern University (SU) - 19