The Florida A&M Rattlers take on the Norfolk State Spartans in the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Florida A&M comes into this Week 0 FCS showdown as a -17.5 favorite on the spread, while the total sits at 49.5.
So, where's the betting value here? Let's dive into my Florida A&M vs. Norfolk State prediction for Saturday's Week 0 college football clash below.
Florida A&M vs Norfolk State Prediction
Editor's Note: Norfolk State sat at +17.5 as of writing, and our expert recommended a play on the Spartans at that number. However, the line has moved to +13. Our expert still recommends a play for a smaller unit size at the current number of +13.
- Florida A&M vs Norfolk State Pick: Norfolk State +17.5 (Play Smaller at +13)
My Florida A&M vs Norfolk State best bet is on the Spartans to cover the spread with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Florida A&M vs Norfolk State Odds
| Florida A&M Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-13 -110 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | -500 |
| Norfolk State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+13 -110 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | +375 |
Florida A&M opened as a -21.5 favorite, but action on Norfolk State has moved the line to Rattlers -13. The over/under, meanwhile, opened at 50.5 and remains there.
Florida A&M Rattlers Betting Preview: FAMU in Transition Period
Florida A&M comes into this season-opening matchup after a thrillingly successful season in which it went 11-1 and came out victorious in the Celebration Bowl over Howard.
The Rattlers experienced a ton of success not only on the field last season but also at the betting window late in the year, as they covered their last four regular-season games while proving to be the SWAC's top team.
This year, however, they're experiencing quite a bit of turnover both in the player personnel and coaching departments.
Gone is quarterback and SWAC Player of the Year Jeremy Moussa, and in comes former Central Michigan and Florida Atlantic signal-caller Daniel Richardson.
Richardson threw for 38 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his final two seasons with the Chippewas, but his numbers dropped to 13 scores and 10 picks in his lone season with the Owls.
FAMU's top four receivers are also gone, meaning the Rattlers have to replace over 1,600 receiving yards. Plus, three of the four running backs have departed.
Florida A&M returns three starters on the offensive line from last season, but it's worth noting that one of the departures is a first-team All-SWAC performer at right tackle.
On defense, the losses are just as prevalent.
Leading tackler and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Isaiah Major is now in mini-camp with the New Orleans Saints. Second-leading tackler Johnny Chaney Jr. is off to Colorado, and third-leading tackler Anthony Dunn Jr. is set firmly in the two-deep at Toledo.
Of the Rattlers' seven All-SWAC contributors last season, only one returns in 2024. In fact, only four of the top 16 tacklers are back on the roster.
FAMU did reach into the FBS ranks to fill several key transfer holes on defense, and they're expected to make an impact in the two-deep right away.
First-year head coach James Colzie III replaces Willie Simmons, who stepped down after six seasons to become the running backs coach at Duke.
Interestingly this is not the hire that the FAMU administration settled on, as FAMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes originally pegged a hire from the Division II ranks. However, that didn't sit well with the board of directors and alumni base, so they settled on Colzie.
Norfolk State Spartans Betting Preview: NSU Has Continuity
Norfolk State did not have a successful 2023 campaign on the field, going 3-8 with a loss in its season opener against D-II Virginia State.
The Spartans' wins came as 10-point underdogs at Hampton, 17-point underdogs at Towson and 7-point favorites at Delaware State. However, they went an impressive 8-2 against the spread in 2023. Good teams win, great teams cover!
Fourth-year head coach Dawson Odums returns in Norfolk and brings in their fourth offensive coordinator in four years in Jason Phillips. However, reports out of fall camp are that their players are grasping the offense and expect to score a ton of points this season.
The Spartans turned to the JUCO ranks in the spring and brought in quarterback Jalen Daniels to compete with starter Otto Kuhns. However, Daniels is expected to get the nod with Kuhns suspended.
The offensive line for Norfolk State is a solid group with four starters back. The lone departing player was Baron Franks II, a starting right tackle who left to play for Trent Dilfer at UAB.
The Spartans also have continuity at the skill positions with several returning contributors in the wide receiver and running back rooms.
My Florida A&M vs Norfolk State Pick
Florida A&M vs Norfolk State Best Bet
The market opened this game at Florida A&M -21.5 with a total of 49.5, and Norfolk State has taken some action in the market.
The Rattlers lost a ton of production on both sides of the ball, and while the Spartans aren't a great team by most accounts, they did take Howard to the wire last year, losing by four and getting outgained by only 18 yards. Meanwhile, FAMU beat Howard by 4 in the Celebration Bowl.
I'm not sure Florida A&M will have it all together to begin the season — especially at a neutral site in Atlanta.
The Rattlers are getting way too much respect for what they did last year, but this year's team finds itself in a big transition period. It will take time to get it all figured out.
Norfolk State is worth a shot here.
Pick: Norfolk State +17.5 (Play Smaller at +13)
How to Watch Florida A&M vs Norfolk State: Start Time, Channel, Location
| Location: | Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Date: | Saturday, August 24, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV/Streaming: | ABC |
Florida A&M vs Norfolk State Weather
