FAMU vs TU: Prestige Rivalry

Photo Courtesy of Sports Information

For the first time in more than a decade, this past weekend, the 5th Quarter Classic between the Florida A&M Rattlers (FAMU) and Tuskegee Golden Tigers (TU) was back in Mobile, Ala.

The inaugural rivalry game was the first classic game played in Mobile, Ala. in 7 years.

Tuskegee remain undefeated (3-0) as they defeated winless (0-3) FAMU 20-17 in a hard fought defensive showdown.

“Most of our coaches played in the game back in 1996. The whole week leading up to the game they stressed the importance of us playing FAMU and that we have to win,” said Darnell Hill starting corner back for Tuskegee. Hill made a crucial play in the 4th quarter stripping the ball from Kevin Troutman with about a minute left in the game to seal the victory.

Saturday, September 17, 2016 was the first time both teams stepped on the gridiron to face each other since September 7, 1996. On that day the iconic Billy Joe led FAMU to victory over Tuskegee 56-0, who was coached by the legendary Rick Comegy.

A conference change is the reason why we have not seen the matchup in 20 years.

FAMU holds most of the bragging rights with a 27-16-2 advantage in the series. The rivalry between both universities dates back to 1908 and is filled with a prestigious HBCU football history. There were several games played between the universities in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but the results were not recorded.

FAMU and TU are the two most winningest football programs in HBCU football with TU claiming 670 wins and FAMU 574.

The rivalry can be described as golden. Both programs have proven their greatness through accomplishing countless in and out of conference championships, as well as developing a host of professional players.

According to pro-football-reference.com there has been over 60 football players drafted to the NFL from FAMU and 23 drafted from TU. The most significant being Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion, Bob Hayes, who played for FAMU in 1962. Both schools combine for 18 Black College National Championships (FAMU, 12; Tuskegee 6).

There are many rivals in college football but only a few can measure up to the rivalry of FAMU vs TU. The tradition dates back over 100 years and the accolades both programs share speak for itself. Check back with The FAMUAN for information on a possible rematch.