TALLAHASSEE, FL–Florida A&M University officially released its 2020 football schedule which includes just three home games in 2020. FAMU will play a non-conference schedule that includes the University of Central Florida, Albany State, and Southern University.
“With the addition of the Orange Blossom Classic and with [FAMU] having to return home with Southern this year, and our guaranteed game against UCF. We were forced to play three [home] games,” said FAMU head coach Willie Simmons.
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“The [Mid – Eastern Athletic Conference] is configured with eight conference teams, so they make it to where there are four home and away games. Every even year we are the home team in the Florida Blue Classic. In essence, we have two classics that aren’t played on our campus,” said Simmons”
“Even though we have three games in Tallahassee, there are six games in the state of Florida. We have three opportunities to make them an entertainment destination. Adding value to the gameday experience, pregame, and post-game,” said FAMU Director of Athletics Kortne Gosha.
Classic kicks off the season
The Rattlers open up versus Albany State on Sunday, Sept. 6 in the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens.
In the statement on FAMU Athletics, Gosha confirmed the Orange Blossom Classic will bring in $325,000 for the university.
“We will be playing in the Orange Blossom Classic against Albany State and it will be a great opportunity for our university and our football program. That game, we will be able to walk away with a $325,000 game-guarantee, with all expenses paid for our teams and a guarantee for the Marching 100,” said Gosha.
Former Athletic Director Dr. John Eason signed a two- year agreement to compete in the Orange Blossom Classic with the option for a third. The opponent for 2021 has not been confirmed.
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Following the game, FAMU hits the road versus Southern on Sept.12. This is the second of a home and home.
The MEAC and home opener is against South Carolina State on Sept.19.
Trio of road games
Afterward, the Rattlers have three straight road games against North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T, and UCF.
Homecoming for 2020 is slated for October 24 versus Morgan State. This marks the end of a two- year period when homecoming took place in the first week of October.
FAMU is also eligible for a spot in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta after a self-imposed ban in 2019.
The Rattlers will compete in the Orange and Green Game on Saturday, March 28 during spring practice.
| 2020 Florida A&M Football Schedule | |||
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
| 9.6 | vs. Albany State^ | Miami, Fla. | 7 p.m. |
| 9.12 | at Southern | Baton Rouge, La. | TBA |
| 9.19 | SOUTH CAROLINA STATE* | Tallahassee, Fla. | 6 p.m. |
| 9.26 | NORFOLK STATE* | Tallahassee, Fla. | 6 p.m. |
| 10.3 | at North Carolina Central* | Durham, N.C. | TBA |
| 10.10 | at Central Florida | Orlando, Fla. | TBA |
| 10.17 | at North Carolina A&T State* | Greensboro, N.C. | TBA |
| 10.24 | MORGAN STATE*% | Tallahassee, Fla. | 4 p.m. |
| 10.31 | at Delaware State* | Dover, Del. | TBA |
| 11.14 | at Howard* | Washington, D.C. | TBA |
| 11.21 | vs. Bethune-Cookman*# | Orlando, Fla. | TBA |
* – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Game
^ – Orange Blossom Classic (Hard Rock Stadium)
# – Florida Blue Florida Classic (Camping World Stadium)
% – Homecoming Game
All times are listed as Eastern | Home Games are in ALL CAPS and BOLD