It’s been a while since traditional HBCU football powers Tennessee State and FAMU matched up on the football field, but that time could be coming to a close.
A recent Board of Trustees meeting for TSU was held on June 7th. Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen updated his constituents on the state of the department, including upcoming games against HBCUs.
“When I was hired it was an initiative and a directive that we play more HBCUs for homecoming,” Allen told the board.
He explained the status of the home-and-home football series with Howard University that will see the two teams play each other for homecoming over the next two seasons, starting with TSU traveling to Howard.
Dr. Allen didn’t stop there, however. He gave a sneak peek of potential future opponents.
“We’re also working to get games against Alabama State, Alabama A&M and Florida A&M,” Dr. Allen said. “We’re currently in negotiations – well talks – to get those games back online.”
While all of those matchups against SWAC schools would likely be highly anticipated, a matchup between FAMU and Tennessee State is likely to gather interest around the HBCU football world.
Tennessee State holds a 31-24 all-time edge over Florida A&M in a matchup of two of HBCU football’s perennial powers for the better part of a century. The rivalry features some of the most accomplished coaches in HBCU history – Tennessee State’s John Merritt, Florida A&M’s Jake Gaither, Rudy Hubbard and Billy Joe.
The two teams once met consistently in the Georgia Dome for the Atlanta Football Classic. The two programs most recently met in Tampa back in 2017, with TSU getting the better of the then-MEAC squad.