Florida A&M head coach James Colzie known as the Rattlers efficiency thus far “not acceptable” whereas putting the burden on himself to save lots of the season.
“We’ve obtained to be extra constant,” Colzie stated throughout his weekly media session. “1 and three shouldn’t be acceptable right here at this establishment — not acceptable for myself, not acceptable for that locker room. To remain as the pinnacle coach at most universities, you’ve obtained to win and have success to maintain that seat. I’m simply placing some stress on myself, ensuring we perceive what’s at stake.”
The Rattlers are at present within the midst of their worst stretch of soccer since becoming a member of the SWAC in 2021. They’re 8-8 during the last 16 video games, together with 1-5 on the highway.
Colzie famous that whereas the Rattlers have proven enchancment in some statistical areas, akin to turnover margin — they’ve dedicated only one offensive turnover all season — the on-field outcomes have did not match the progress.
FAMU has struggled offensively all season — averaging 17.5 factors per sport underneath the struggling RJ Johnson III and Jett Peddy, which is nice for No. 9 within the SWAC. The Rattlers’ protection, which had been stout for years however faltered final season, is permitting 33.3 factors per sport and has recorded solely three turnovers.
Rattlers have failing grade at season quarter level
“We’re within the plus vary in turnovers in comparison with final 12 months once we had plenty of giveaways, however we’re nonetheless not taking part in nicely sufficient in sure conditions,” Colzie stated. “To me, it’s a D throughout the board proper now.”
The top coach was adamant that the blame doesn’t fall solely on his gamers. As an alternative, he pointed to preparation and execution as areas requiring quick enchancment.
“I by no means blame the youngsters,” Colzie stated. “If we solely ready them for one thing 15 occasions and it didn’t work, meaning we should always have ready them 16 occasions. As coaches, we’ve obtained to do a greater job getting them prepared. Once we play higher, it means we’ve coached higher.”
Florida A&M discovered itself with an sudden bye week after its sport versus Mississippi Valley State, scheduled for Atlanta, was moved, which Colzie stated was used to sharpen fundamentals and put together for a serious check in opposition to MEAC energy North Carolina Central.
“They’re a really, superb soccer crew,” Colzie stated. “We’ve obtained to play nicely in all three phases — offense, protection, particular groups — and never simply at house, however on the highway, too. We simply haven’t been capable of put a whole sport collectively but.”
With the season nearing the midpoint, Colzie is aware of the margin for error is shrinking.
“The stress is there,” he stated. “We have to play quicker, execute higher, and put it collectively for 4 quarters. That’s the one method we get the place we need to be.”
