One of black college football’s most storied rivalries will soon be reborn. Alabama State and Tuskegee have agreed to start a four-year series starting in 2017. The first game is slated for Sept. 2, 2017.
The two Alabama HBCUs have played each other 99 times in their history, but have not met since 2012 when Tuskegee pulled out a 27-25 win in the Turkey Day Classic.
“We are excited about bringing Alabama State back on the schedule,” Tuskegee athletic director Curtis Campbell said in a release. “This is something a lot of the fans and alumni have wanted, and scheduling this early will allow us to renew the series but also be able to compete in the NCAA Division II playoffs.”
The games will be played at ASU Stadium at the first of September, marking a departure from the Turkey Day Classic format the teams have met in for the better part of its rivalry.
“It’s outstanding to renew one of the greatest and most storied rivalries in all of college football,” Alabama State Interim Athletic Director Melvin Hines said in ASU’s release. “Fans and supporters of both universities have wanted this series to continue, and both institutions worked diligently to make this happen. We’re pleased to have Tuskegee back on the schedule and look forward to exciting contests in the future.”