FAMU to Be Without 20 Players Against North Carolina Because of Eligibility Issues

The Florida A&M Rattlers were expected to have their hands full against the Tar Heels, but they will be far from it.

The program will be down 20 players due to eligibility issues. It won't have any eligible offensive linemen.

The idea of canceling the game was something that came to mind for some.

Willie Simmons said that university leadership may have encouraged the players to play.

Pete Thamel @PeteThamel

Statement from FAMU coach Willie Simmons to ESPN: “After final certification of our entire team late last night, we were made aware that 7 of our Offensive Lineman were deemed ineligible. When you consider that 3 others are nursing injuries, that only leaves us with 7 healthy…

Pete Thamel @PeteThamel

After a few more discussions with university leadership, including the president of the university, the players ultimately decided to play the game. I support these young men 100% in whatever they decide and I’m extremely proud of them for advocating for themselves!”

The program would have to give up its North Carolina payouts, face a cancellation penalty and lose travel fees if it canceled.

The Charlotte Observer's C.L. Brown reported that North Carolina will pay $450,000 for the game with Florida A&M. Mack Brown wanted the Rattlers to bring their famous marching band.

The Marching 100s may be the best band ever. They've played at the Super Bowl, they've played at the Grammys, and they're going to play at the halftime show with our band." Everyone needs to go early. The Marching 100 should be honored and appreciated.

After a 1-2 start, Florida A&M finished the year with a 9-3 record. It was an opportunity for the Rattlers to make a statement on a national stage after Willie Simmons named Jeremy Moussa as the starting quarterback.

The Tar Heels are looking to bounce back from a 6-7 season and possibly win double-digit games for the second time in the last 20 years.

Since they still have to face Notre Dame, Miami, Pittsburgh, Wake Forest and North Carolina State, they will need to win if they want to do that.