HBCU Rivalry Week: Tuskegee VS. Alabama State

Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow gets a quick shower after a victory over Tuskegee in the 2011 Turkey Day Classic. (AL.com photo)

Nickname: “The Turkey Day Classic”

All-Time Series: Tuskegee 60-36-3

Longest Winning Streak: Alabama State 9 (1983-1995)

Biggest Win: Tuskegee 42-0 (1962)

Latest Result: Tuskegee 27-25 

Next Meeting: TBA

What They’re Saying About It:

Kinda upset there will be no more Turkey Day Classic yo .. TU vs. ASU…. I swear that sucks Bruh!!
— ★Drea’ Gab.★ (@Beautiful_Drea_) July 8, 2013

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@HBCUGameday Big Game, History/Tradition & Alabama State
— Greg Jenkins (@GJenk10) July 9, 2013

The Past: The Tuskegee-Alabama State rivalry has been going strong for nine decades, primarily in the form of the Turkey Day Classic. Started in 1924, the rivalry has ebbed and flowed at times, but for the most part, Tuskegee has been the dominant team. The Golden Tigers won eight of the first ten games in the series, and the other two were ties. Tuskegee had another dominant stretch in the 40s, winning nine of 10 games. Alabama State did some big catching up in the 70s and 80s, winning 15 of 17 contests between 1975 and 1995. Despite the fact that Alabama State is now a member of the SWAC, it’s still not unusual to see Division II Tuskegee defeat Division I ASU.

Tuskegee players celebrate on the sidelines during the 2012 Turkey Day Classic. (AL.com photo)

The Present: Tuskegee caused quite a stir upon releasing its 2013 football schedule this spring. For the first time since a three-year lull in the late ’80s, the two schools will not meet in the Turkey Day Classic. Tuskegee has opted to leave its schedule open in November, with hopes of making a playoff run a la Winston-Salem State. The TDC will go on without Tuskegee, however, as SIAC rival Stillman will take its place opposite ASU in a move orchestrated by recently appointed AD Curtis Campbell.

The Future: Who knows what roads this rivalry game will take next. This year, and possibly the next few years could be a big factor. If Tuskegee has postseason success and makes a substantial playoff run, critics could be few and far between. However, if they don’t make the playoffs, the Monday Morning Quarterbacks will be in full force. Still, even if Tuskegee and ASU don’t resume the TDC, this rivalry is too good for the teams to not face each other on a consistent basis as they are separated by just 42 miles of I-85.

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