Morehouse Tuskegee Classic
The Morehouse Tuskegee Classic is an annual football game between the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University and the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College of Atlanta, Georgia. It is called the "Grand Daddy" of "Classic" rivalries between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBUs), with the teams having first met in 1902.
Until 2021 the Classic was held annually in Columbus, Georgia, roughly mid-way between the two campuses and in the vicinity of Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning). Since 1936 Columbus' A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium served as the host venue. In 2021 the City of Birmingham signed a 3-year contract with both schools to bring the event to Legion Field. The deal included $500,000 per year in direct incentives, plus in-kind services.
Games
2023
The 87th Classic was held on October 7.
The weekend began with a Friday night block party on Short 20th Street outside Birmingham City Hall and a free concert at Iron City featuring rappers Yella Beezy and Trina. The game kicked off at Legion Field at 7:00 PM.
Tuskegee defeated Morehouse 40-28 before an announced crowd of 33,098. The teams were tied at two field goals each going into halftime, but the Golden Tigers ripped off 27 points in the 3rd quarter and outlasted a late challenged from the Maroon Tigers in the 4th. Tuskegee running back George Morris racked up 188 net yards on the ground with two scores. Quarterback Chris Roberson carried 8 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns, and threw a 71-yard strike to Corey Petty on one of his three successful pass attempts. Morehouse quarterback Miles Scott threw four interceptions on 11-26 passing. Charles Daniels V led the Maroon Tigers on the ground with 131 yards in 24 attempts with one touchdown.
2022
The 86th Classic was held on October 8. The Tuskegee Golden Tigers defeated the Morehouse Maroon Tigers 31-14.
2021
The 85th Classic was held on October 9. The Morehouse Maroon Tigers defeated the Tuskegee Golden Tigers 31-15.
The weekend kicked off with a banquet for players keynoted by columnist Roy S. Johnson followed by a public "soirée" at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
References
- McCloud, Curtis (October 7, 2011) "[https://www.wtvm.com/story/15644765/2011/10/Friday/history-of-the-tuskegee-morehouse-classic/ How it all began: History of the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic." WTVM.com
- Beahm, Anna (February 14, 2020) "[ Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic may be coming to Birmingham]." The Birmingham News
- Prickett, Sam (May 4, 2021) "Birmingham City Council Approves Incentives For HBCU Classic At Legion Field." BirminghamWatch
- Short, Cody (October 8, 2021) "Birmingham Hosts the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic for the First Time." BirminghamWatch
- Flanagan, Ben (October 8, 2021) "Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic: Fan guide for the ‘Grand-Daddy’ of HBCU classics." The Birmingham News
- Short, Cody D. (October 8, 2023) "Will the Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic remain in Birmingham?" AL.com
External links
- Morehouse Tuskegee Classic website