Is it time for a FAMU-FSU football game?

Photo courtesy: famuathletics.com

Home to two schools that are members of Florida’s State University System, a battle for city bragging rights in Tallahassee seems inevitable at some point.

Although the universities have never met each other on the football field, they have faced off in softball, volleyball and basketball. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the last time FAMU and FSU played each other on the basketball court, the infamous 1991 brawl occurred that concluded with FAMU forfeiting the game after 15 of its players were ejected.

We often see HBCUs play “money games” that result in exposure and six-figure payouts. Some may not look for these games in terms of competitiveness, but FAMU football was able to hang with top football programs when the Rattlers stuck with UNC this past football season despite the drama before the season opener. When asked how they would feel about a capital city showdown pitting FAMU and Florida State, students at FAMU appear to be on board.

Kiram Harrison, a junior biomedical engineering student, says that she is all for a football match between the two schools.

“I do believe a capital city rivalry game would be treated like homecoming on both sides. From vendors, to traveling fans, to television attractions, both universities would gain major attention,” she said.

“I think a FAMU vs. FSU game would definitely increase revenue and attraction to the city. I think it would bring more awareness to our university, and a possible win or close game would show a lot of people that our HBCU deserves just as much respect and recognition as FSU, not just in sports but as a whole,” she added.

Junior pre-physical therapy student Jasmine Daniels says that not only would she love to see a future game, but she would love to see it become a regular occurrence.

“Personally, I would love if a FAMU vs. FSU game would happen. I think it would be a great, hopefully competitive game for both schools. Both teams would benefit from the game. FSU would be immersed in our HBCU culture and spirit and would see the No. 1 public HBCU atmosphere along with the incomparable Marching 100. The game would bring great awareness to FAMU along with revenue,” she said.

“I would love to see the game come to fruition and be a tradition carried on yearly for both schools to play yearly or biannually. This game should have already happened a while ago. As times change and progress, the game schedules should reflect,” she said.

HBCUs have been receiving an influx of attention and college football is still the most watched sport in the country. So just maybe Tallahassee football fans will get what they are asking for.