The regular season of FCS football has concluded for most teams, but three HBCU football teams are gearing up for one final game this Thanksgiving weekend. Here’s what you need to know about each matchup.
First, the Turkey Day Classic has been a longstanding tradition since 1924, predominantly featuring the rivalry between Tuskegee and Alabama State. In a rare occurrence, Mississippi Valley State claimed victory in this classic in 1971, but it wasn’t until Prairie View A&M won in 2019 and Arkansas-Pine Bluff took the title in 2022 that the drought of non-Tuskegee and non-Alabama State winners ended.
Next up is the Alabama A&M and Florida A&M matchup, which was originally set for September 28 but was postponed due to Hurricane Helene. This highly anticipated game will determine third place in the SWAC East, adding extra significance to an already critical contest.
Lastly, the Bayou Classic, which pits two historic teams from the SWAC West division against each other, has not played a decisive role in the SWAC West standings since 2019. This year’s matchup carries historical weight and brings the opportunity to reconnect with the competition that once defined the rivalry.
In summary, even as the FCS regular season reaches its conclusion, HBCU football remains vibrant with these key matchups. These games not only highlight the resilience of the teams involved but also showcase the rich history and significance of HBCU football traditions. As fans look forward to these exciting contests, there is hope that these games will further revive the rivalry spirit and competitive edge that HBCU football is known for.