HBCU Football: Florida A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State Game Changes Site To Atlanta

The Rattlers are hoping for vengeance against the Delta Devils after last season's upset at Bragg Memorial.

Kyle T. Mosley | Jun 2, 2025

Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson (10) passes against Alabama State during their game on the ASU campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday October 5, 2024. / Mickey Welsh / Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:

Florida A&M will have an opportunity to avenge last season's stunning loss to Mississippi Valley State not in Itta Bena nor Tallahassee, but at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

On Nov. 16, 2024, the Delta Devils celebrated an upset victory that ended the Rattlers' 23-game home winning streak. What made matters worse for FAMU, who were still in contention for the SWAC East title, they fell 24-21 to a winless MVSU team before a home crowd at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Florida A&M's Vice President and Director of Athletics Angela Suggs announced the switch of venues at the FAMU National Alumni Convention in Frisco, Texas. The contest will be played on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils' players run onto the field before the game against the Jackson State Tigers, in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. / Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tallahassee Democrat beat writer, Gerald Thomas, wrote:

"They decided they were coming to FAMU, Georgia ― also known as Atlanta," Suggs said at the FAMU National Alumni Association Convention's AD's Breakfast on Friday, May 30.

"So on Oct. 4, we won't be in Itta Bena, Mississippi. We will play Mississippi Valley State University in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia."

Florida A&M has had success in Atlanta, especially at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It was the site where the Rattlers defeated the Howard Bison, 30-26, at the 2023 Celebration Bowl. That was head coach Willie Simmons' final game at Florida A&M before he hoisted the 2023 Celebration Bowl Trophy and was named the 2023 HBCU Football Division I National Champions.

The Rattlers overcame a 14-point deficit in the first quarter to defeat Norfolk State, 24-23, in the 2024 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff at Center Parc Stadium.

Atlanta's FAMU alumni and fans anticipate drawing a large crowd for the in-season game at the beginning of October.

HBCU FOOTBALL NEWS

feed

Published Jun 2, 2025

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: