The rivalry will be held at Raymond James Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The rivalry between the Southern University Jaguars and the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats will be receiving a venue upgrade and a new name, befitting the occasion, according to a press release from Bethune-Cookman University.
According to Andre “Lucky” White, a Tampa native and executive director of the Tampa Bay Football Classic, the rivalry will now have the premium venue that fans of both programs have long sought since it will be held at Raymond James Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which it also shares with the University of South Florida.
“The Tampa Bay Football Classic will be one of the Tampa Bay Area’s most highly anticipated events, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the traditions and excitement surrounding the football game. This event brings our communities together to celebrate and share in the culture, sportsmanship, and richness of the Tampa Bay Area and its rich HBCU culture,” White stated.
“The enthusiasm and energy that the Tampa Bay Football Classic will create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, celebrated throughout the Tampa Bay Area. We are equally thrilled to introduce our new marching band sport special event property in Band VERZUZ Band. Band VERZUZ Band is the sweet musical science in the precision of the sport of marching band,” David added.
Unfortunately, for Southern, they were soundly defeated in the season opening MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium by the North Carolina Central University Eagles who rode the game’s MVP, running back Chris Mosley, and his 174 yards on the ground en route to a 31-14 drubbing of the Jaguars.
The game, in football terms, was close until it wasn’t. Despite Southern staying in striking distance for two quarters, a 49-yard touchdown from Mosley just before the halftime break that gave NCCU a 17-14 lead was the last time the game would be close, as the second half was dominated by the Eagles in all phases of the game.
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Source: Black Enterprise
