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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
FAMU football, Howard to settle unfinished business in Orange Blossom Classic showdown
The Florida A&M and Howard football rivalry will turn a new page in three months. On Saturday, Aug. 30, the Rattlers and the Bison are set to face off in Week 1's Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium to kick off the 2025 season. Advertisement FAMU versus Howard is a rematch of the 2023 Celebration Bowl, which determined the Black College Football National Champion. The Rattlers won the nail-biter in Atlanta, 30-26, to capture the program's 16th Black College Football National Championship in December 2023. Two Florida A&M University flags fly in the pre-game tailgate area outside Hard Rock Stadium before the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens, Fla. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. Second-year FAMU head coach James Colzie III served as the Rattlers' assistant head coach and cornerbacks coach during the Celebration Bowl game two years ago. Howard's Larry Scott was in his fourth year leading the program during the Bison's Black College National Championship runner-up finish. This year's Orange Blossom Classic is also a nod to the game's beginnings when FAMU defeated Howard 9-6 in the 1933 inception. The teams also met in the 1974 Orange Blossom Classic, with FAMU beating Howard again, 17-13. Advertisement 'It's a chance to honor the legends who paved the way and allows us to write our chapter in the story of Black College Football,' Colzie said at the Orange Blossom Classic Kickoff Press Conference on Wednesday, May 21. 'Playing Howard is something we look forward to. Hopefully, we can bring that same excitement that we brought from the 2023 Celebration Bowl.' In the FAMU versus Howard Celebration Bowl matchup, the Bison allowed the Rattlers to storm back from a 14-0 deficit. All-time, the Rattlers lead the Bison 30-11 dating back to their first matchup in 1933. 'We're fired up. Revenge is the right word,' Scott said. 'We left some luggage in Atlanta, but lo and behold, American Airlines shifted to Miami, Florida, and we're here to pick it up.' Advertisement The Orange Blossom Classic ran from 1933 before being discontinued in 1978, and was considered the de facto Black College National Championship during its first run. The game was revived in 2021, when FAMU and Jackson State met for three consecutive seasons. Sep 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers head coach James Colzie III watches from the sideline against the Miami Hurricanes during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Rattlers didn't participate in the 2024 Orange Blossom Classic, which saw Alabama State and North Carolina Central compete. However, FAMU still played in Miami last season, as it faced the Miami Hurricanes in a Week 2 guarantee game. FAMU has a large contingent of alums in Miami. Howard also has a fair number of graduates in the South Florida area. Advertisement 'This has been an ongoing process since we didn't play last year,' said Colzie, a Miami native. 'Our fanbase down here is going to be strong. Not playing in it last year, and then getting a chance to come back and play in it again ― it's for everybody affiliated with our university, having the opportunity to open up in South Florida. They want to make sure we come here win, play well, and then move on to the next week. 'Hopefully, we're able to provide that.' FAMU vs Howard in the Orange Blossom Classic a significant HBCU football matchup Florida A&M University's Marching 100 perform during halftime of the Orange Blossom Classic between Florida A&M University and Jackson State University at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. FAMU typically plays in multiple HBCU classic games per football season. Advertisement For example, the Rattlers participated in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and the Florida Classic last season. It will return to the usual Orange Blossom Classic and Florida Classic lineup this year. The Rattlers utilize those premium games as a recruiting tool. Colzie has brought about 30-35 new players to the team. 'Some of our guys chose FAMU to play in this game. We have some guys that aren't used to playing in this environment,' Colzie said. 'We're taking it day by day, getting our guys ready for the football game.' FAMU football returns from a 7-5 season in 2024. Howard went 4-8 last season. Both teams look to rebound this season and could meet for another Celebration Bowl matchup as FAMU represents the Southwestern Athletic Conference. In contrast, Howard looks to come out of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Advertisement And opening the 2025 season 1-0 could springboard FAMU or Howard into a successful year on the gridiron. 'It's going to be a great matchup of two teams fighting to win the first game of the year,' Colzie said. 'We got a pretty seasoned football team, and they're excited to play in this football game.' Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Garden's Hard Rock Stadium) Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC) Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― at Mississippi Valley State (SWAC) Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming) Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC) Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC) Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC) Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC) Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game (If Necessary) Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida A&M football vs Howard Orange Blossom Classic rivalry renewed
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
FAMU football to open 2025 season with ESPN games vs Howard, FAU
Florida A&M football will begin its 2025 season with two nationally-televised games. The Rattlers' Week 1 game versus Howard in the Orange Blossom Classic will be on ESPNU, with a start time scheduled for 4 p.m. at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. Advertisement This year's Orange Blossom Classic marks FAMU's return to the historic HBCU football game after the Rattlers opted out of game in 2024. The Rattlers last played in the Orange Blossom Classic in 2023, beating the Jackson State Tigers, 28-10. North Carolina Central and Alabama State played in the 2024 Orange Blossom Classic. The FAMU versus Howard Orange Blossom Classic matchup is a rematch of the 2023 Celebration Bowl, the de facto Black College National Championship game. FAMU thrillingly outlasted Howard 30-26. The Orange Blossom Classic is also a homecoming for second-year FAMU head football coach James Colzie III, a Miami native. Dec 16, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers offensive lineman Kardell Thomas (58) talks to Howard Bison defensive lineman Jamel Stewart (96) in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports In Week 2, FAMU travels to Boca Raton to face Football Bowl Subdivision team Florida Atlantic Owls on Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. That game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start and will be carried on ESPN Plus. Advertisement The Rattlers and Owls have only met once, which ended in FAU trouncing FAMU 38-8 at Bragg Memorial Stadium in 2004. The Rattlers will play 12 regular season games in 2025 after finishing 7-5 last year. Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Garden's Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 6 p.m. Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC) Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― at Mississippi Valley State (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming) Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC) Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC) Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC) Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game (If Necessary) All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time. Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football scheduled for ESPN games vs Howard, Florida Atlantic
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
James Colzie III, FAMU football learning from 'past mistakes' during 2025 spring practices
It's still early, but James Colzie III likes who his second Florida A&M football team is shaping up to be. The Rattlers' head coach proctored his fourth out of 15 spring practices on Friday as his team began incorporating shoulder pads this week. What stands out to Colzie in FAMU football's formative days of spring camp is the squad's quality of players and the healthy mesh of personalities. Florida A&M head coach James Colzie III looks on during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. 'We got some talented guys on the field, and I think we're a lot closer as a football team right now than we were at this stage last year,' Colzie told the Tallahassee Democrat after Friday's practice. Advertisement 'We got some guys who can do some good things once they get the ball in their hands. And we got some guys on defense flying around and adjusting to some of the new schemes that we're running.' Talent isn't everything, however. Colzie is urging his team to play cohesive and heady football, which was his pre-practice message to his team on Friday. Colzie spoke of the FAMU being plagued with unsportsmanlike penalties in 2024, a season that saw them finish with a 7-5 record. The Rattlers were the 11th most penalized team in the nation last year, losing 73 yards per game from flags. 'I just think that as a football team and the veterans that we have, we just have to learn from past mistakes. We can't repeat those. Sometimes those mistakes were small, but at times, they were big and cost us drives, points, and ultimately football games,' Colzie explained. Advertisement 'If we can learn from some of the undisciplined things we did last year, that will help us as a football team,' Colzie later added. Rattlers running back Thad Franklin Jr. says he and his FAMU football teammates are absorbing Colzie's lessons. They know they're good players. Florida A&M running back Thad Franklin Jr. goes through drills during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. But directing their energy correctly will increase the Rattlers' chances of competing for a Black College Football National Championship and ascending on the Football Championship Subdivision rankings when the regular season begins in August. 'I like what I've been seeing. We're way better and talented than last year,' said Franklin, the single-game rushing yard record holder (195) for the Florida Classic. 'We're just working on being disciplined now because that hurt us last year.' 'We're where I want to be': FAMU football finishes first two weeks of spring camp FAMU has completed its second week of spring football camp. Advertisement Next week, the Rattlers will practice on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Thursday will be FAMU's first of three spring scrimmages. It's an opportunity for players to respond to game-like settings under promoted offensive coordinator Henry Burris, first-year special teams coordinator Kevin Weston, and a modified defensive staff. 'Our guys are learning the new things on the offense and defensive side ― not necessarily schematically, but new coaching styles,' Colzie said. 'We're where I want to be and steadily improving daily.' Spring camp success hinges on how well the Rattlers practice, with three and a half weeks left until the final meeting on Wednesday, April 16. Advertisement FAMU's Orange and Green Spring Game is on Saturday, April 12, at 4 p.m., on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium. 'Just come every day ready to practice and give 100 percent effort,' Franklin said. 'That's all [Colzie] asks from us. As long we do that, he takes care of us.' Florida A&M Football Remaining Spring Practice Schedule Florida A&M quarterbacks drop back to pass during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. Tuesday, March 25 Thursday, March 27 ― Scrimmage Friday, March 28 Tuesday, April 1 Thursday, April 3 ― Scrimmage Friday, April 4 Tuesday, April 8 Thursday, April 10 Saturday, April 12 ― Orange and Green Spring Game Monday, April 14 Wednesday, April 16 Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football, James Colzie correcting past mishaps during 2025 spring camp
Miami Herald
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU head coach doubles as umpire
Florida A&M head football coach James Colzie III loves sports. He was a star athlete at Florida State, playing both football and baseball. The coach of the HBCU powerhouse from the SWAC recently went viral because of how he likes to spend his spare time pursuing his passion. Earlier this month, while FAMU was on spring break, Colzie made a trip to Starkville, Mississippi, for a surprising reason. He took on the role of umpire during Mississippi State's three-game softball series against Auburn. Colzie worked at third base on Saturday, first base on Sunday, and behind home plate on Monday for the finale. Colzie III's connection to the game is rooted in his family as well. His father, James Colzie, has been the softball assignor for Dade County Public Schools in Florida since 1975 and has served as an athletic director since 1991. In recognition of his contributions to high school athletics, Colzie was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2020. His father's Hall of Fame bio reads in part, 'The Miami, Florida native began his officiating career in basketball, softball, and volleyball. To present, Colzie has officiated over 4,000 FHSAA contests and has appeared on a crew in 290 District Championships, 270 Regional Championships, and 36 State Championship games. His commitment and perseverance led him to become the Greater Miami Athletic Conference Commissioner of Commissions, where he played an instrumental role in recruiting and retaining officials and became a member of the FHSAA Officials Advisory Committee (1990-95).' In 2024 Colzie led the Florida A&M Rattlers football team to a 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark in the SWAC, finishing second in the SWAC East. FAMU finished with a 4-1 record at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Despite a challenging 1-4 record on the road, the team ended the season on a positive note with a two-game winning streak. In 2023 FAMU won the HBCU National Championship under the final season of Willie Simmons as head coach. The post HBCU head coach doubles as umpire appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
31-01-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
FAMU releases 2025 Football schedule
The Florida A&M (FAMU) Athletic Department announced their 2025 HBCU football schedule tonight during a home women's basketball game as the Lady Rattlers took on the Alabama State Hornets. The Rattlers will play a full 12-game slate with a mixture of Division-I FBS, Division-I FCS, and Division-II. The Rattlers, coming off a 7-5 season (5-3 SWAC) look to rebound to championship form under second-year head coach James Colzie III. Along with rebuilding the roster with one of the top-rated FBS-to-FCS classes in the NCAA, he has revamped his coaching staff. The Rattlers will definitely be a representation of the Colzie era. The Rattlers revive their participation in the Denny's Orange Blossom Classic with a season-opening rematch of the 2023 Celebration Bowl as they will face the Howard Bison. The Aug. 30 game will take place in Hard Rock Stadium and is a throwback to the very first Orange Blossom Classic in 1933 when the Rattlers and Bison faced off in Miami. The Rattlers will travel back down south on the second week to Boca Raton to take on the first of two FBS teams. FAMU will take on the FAU Owls on Sept.6. The home season opener will be on Sept. 13 against the Albany State Golden Rams of the SIAC. The game will be a return to Bragg Stadium for ASU head coach Quinn Gray who is a FAMU Sports Hall of Famer for his career as a Rattler signal caller under legendary coach William "Billy" Joe. The Rattlers will enjoy their only open week on Sept. 20 before returning to Ken Riley Field to take on Eddie Robinson's Alabama State Hornets to open SWAC play. October 4, the Rattlers will travel to Ita Bena, MS to take on the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils. The Rattlers will look to square things up with MVSU after the Delta Devils pulled the home upset of the Rattlers that was the longest in FCS football. October 11, the Rattlers face their second MEAC team as Trae Oliver and the Eagles of North Carolina Central University visit Tallahassee for the first time since the Rattlers left the MEAC. This will constitute a showdown of two of the last three Celebration Bowl Champions. October 18, the Alcorn State Braves will make their way to Bragg Stadium after an extended absence. This will be the first time the Rattlers have faced the Braves since joining the SWAC. October 25, the Rattlers make the trek to Baton Rouge, LA. The defending SWAC West champions will try to break the Rattlers' streak of victories in the series. The Rattlers pulled out a 24-6 win over the Jaguars om a nationally-televised game in 2024. Coach Terrence Graves will look for the opportunity to clamp down on the Rattlers down in the bayou. On November 1., the HBCU national champions come to Tallahassee. T.C. Taylor and the reloaded Jackson State Tigers make their way to Tallahassee for a battle of the last two Celebration Bowl and SWAC Champions. The winner of the last two games in this matchup have gone on to win the SWAC east, SWAC Championship and Celebration Bowl. November 8, FAMU will travel for the first time as a SWAC team to Pine Bluff, AR to face the Golden Tigers of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. Last season, the Rattlers and Bulldogs had to postpone their game because of hurricanes that affected Tallahassee and surrounding areas. The game played at the end of last season was the final game of Connell Maynor. This year the Rattlers will travel to Huntsville, AL to face Sam Shade and his new regime on Nov. 15. The regular season finale is the same as it has been. The Rattlers and B-CU Wildcats will square off in the Florida Blue Florida Classic on Nov. 22 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fl. The Rattlers are on a four-game winning streak against the Wildcats, with a steadily growing attendance in the classic. The post FAMU releases 2025 Football schedule appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
