Orange Blossom Classic Preview: QB Jason Brown Focused on Winning, Blocking 'Outside Noise'
MIAMI - HBCU fans gathered in Atlanta last weekend as the MEAC/SWAC Challenge kicked off the football season. Jackson State would come out victorious with a final score of 37-7, reinforcing their dominance after going through numerous changes this offseason. In an entertaining display of redemption after falling to the Bulldogs in the 2021 Cricket Celebration Bowl, the Tigers were successful in the play-action pass after a tremendous performance by the backfield, Irv Mulligan and Jason Brown.
The offense worked hand in hand to discombobulate the defense with ball fakes, run fakes, efficient blocking, and a lot of chemistry. Defensively, the Tigers shut down Corey Fields and held the Bulldog offense to 63 passing yards. Fresh off an MVP performance throwing 26 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns, Jackson State quarterback Jason Brown is focused as he prepares to lead his team into the highly anticipated Orange Blossom Classic against the Florida A&M Rattlers.
"I don't let the outside noise get to me," Brown said. "That's something that you can't do as a college football player. When you're winning, there's going to be a lot of positivity. When you're losing, there's going to be a lot of negativity. You must know how to balance both and not let it get to your head."
Over the past two years, this game has had implications on the standings in the SWAC East, favoring the Tigers, who have gone on to compete in the conference championship and Celebration Bowl twice. The Rattlers have gone on to beat their other conference opponents and make one FCS playoff appearance in 2021. The Rattlers' crushing 59-3 loss in last year's Orange Blossom Classic and omission from the FCS playoffs served as a catalyst, motivating them not only for a rematch but also their desire to appear in the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl. While Jason Brown is a newcomer to the SWAC, he understands the magnitude of this game.
"This is a very good football team we're about to play. We know that they're going to give us their best, so we respond with our best. Our mindset this week is championship week because this is one of the biggest games of the year, we all do. This is one that we need to get."
The Florida A&M Rattlers are finally appearing for the 2023 football season. They had a successful record of 9-2 in the previous season and remained unbeaten in their home games. This achievement was made possible by the leadership of Head Coach Willie Simmons, who has been rebuilding the program and has only lost 12 games during his six-year tenure. In the offseason, they've added a few impactful additions from the transfer portal, like offensive lineman Kardell Thomas, running back Kelvin Dean, and linebacker Allen Smith.
The coaching staff has dedicated efforts to train and improve players who are already part of the team, such as Kendall Bohler, Gentle Hunt, and Jeremiah Pruitte. This is to prepare them for taking on more responsibilities in the absence of key players like Isaiah Land and Xavier Smith, who are both now playing in the National Football League. Now more than ever, the Rattlers look like a complete team. HBCU football fans have speculated that this is the year they win the conference. Although the Rattlers are Jason Brown's opponents, to him, "game recognizes game."
"Their defensive line is good. They're very solid up front. Their DB room is also good, No. 2 [Javan Morgan] is a really good player. He's going to give us problems Saturday night and we have to know how to respond to it."
This game means a lot to each team and their fan bases, as there is much at stake, from pride, bragging rights, redemption, and even conference standings. The Rattlers and the Tigers want to compete at their highest level, giving spectators an entertaining matchup. The Orange Blossom Classic will broadcast on ESPN at 3 PM ET inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sunday, Sept. 3.
Quick Game Facts:
- Event: Orange Blossom Classic
- Teams: Jackson State Tigers vs. Florida A&M Rattlers
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium–Miami, Florida
- When: Sunday, Sept. 3 at 3:00 PM ET
- Where to watch: ESPN
- First Meeting: 1961- FAMU 14-9
- Latest Meeting: 2022- JSU 59-3