Florida A&M may not have enough players for opener at UNC

Florida A&M Rattlers quarterback Rasean McKay Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

Florida A&M may not have enough players for season opener against North Carolina

By Adam Stites | Last updated 8/26/22

A college football game between the Florida A&M Rattlers and North Carolina Tar Heels is in danger of cancellation due to a number of FAMU players being ruled ineligible, according to multiple reports.

WTXL reporter Alison Posey spoke to FAMU coach Willie Simmons, who said that the team has 20 players unable to participate due to academic and transfer ineligibility rules. Simmons said that the Rattlers have just seven offensive lineman who can travel to Chapel Hill, N.C. for the game.

Coach did say he is leaving the decision to play up to the players. He and the coaching staff have talked to them about playing and not playing - it will ultimately be their decision. https://t.co/BjWwWiFWKR
— Alison Posey (@AlisonPosey14) August 26, 2022

North Carolina is listed by oddsmakers as a five-touchdown favorite against FAMU, an FCS school.

According to blog Rattler Nation, FAMU players are currently boycotting the trip until they receive an explanation for the mess the team is in from school president Larry Robinson and athletic director Michael Smith.

Last season, the Tar Heels were ranked top 10 in the preseason AP Poll, but lost a season opener to Virginia Tech and finished the year 6-7. This season UNC is beginning the year unranked.

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