money Will FAMU coach Willie Simmons need to break a chalkboard to beat B-CU Saturday?
The rivalry football game between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman had outgrown their respective home stadiums in the 1970s.
In 1974, the game was played at Daytona International Speedway - and dubbed “The Sandspur Bowl.” While the grass was perfect for racing (since the cars were on the pavement), the plethora of sandspurs turned the game into a nightmare for the players. In 1975, the game was played at Florida State's Doak Campbell Stadium.
FAMU Athletic Director Hansel Tookes and Bethune-Cookman Athletic Director Tank Johnson had been toying with the establishment of a partnership game at a neutral site. Finally, in 1978, they settled on Tampa. And the annual Florida Classic was born.
MORE FAMU COVERAGE
More: No. 23 FAMU's postseason aspirations now solely hinge on at-large bid in FCS playoffs
More: FAMU alum Dianne Williams-Cox, B-CU grad Towanda Davis enjoy 'civil rivalry' of the Florida Classic
Hubbard not happy
The first game at Tampa Stadium was not going well for FAMU.
Behind a field goal from future Bethune-Cookman athletic director Lynn Thompson and two touchdowns, B-CC led 17-0 at halftime. FAMU’s offense was flat. The usually stalwart defense was on its heels.
FAMU coach Rudy Hubbard didn’t want to hear it.
At halftime, he met with coaches outside the team's locker room for about 10 minutes before he finally entered. When Hubbard walked in, you could hear a pin drop. Players from that team all said they knew Hubbard was about to lay into them about all the mistakes they had made in the first half.
Hubbard didn’t do that.
Instead, as he began his emphatic speech, he wheeled and punched a hole clean through the chalkboard. Hubbard said he needed the “real” Rattlers to show up, stop making mistakes and win this game.
It was that important.
The Florida Classic eventually moved to Orlando, where it has been played since 1997.
Third time a charm?
Current FAMU coach Willie Simmons has had two swipes at B-CU, and it's as if Murphy’s Law took over both games.
In 2018, the Rattlers lost 33-19 and squandered their third opportunity to earn a Celebration Bowl bid.
In 2019, the Rattlers went up on B-CU, but faltered down the stretch with miscues, probably sinking several national champion declarations with the loss. That one left an awful taste in Rattler fans’ mouths as it was the ninth consecutive loss to B-CU in the Florida Classic.
Last year's showdown, of course, wasn't played as the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the season.
B-CU head coach Terry Sims is the only coach in the history of the rivalry never to have lost to FAMU. Sims’ ritual with his teams has proven to have FAMU’s number.
Maybe Simmons needs to smash a “smartboard.”
Maybe the Rattlers need a jolt to wake up out of the trance they appear to fall into at every Florida Blue Florida Classic since 2011.
Rattler fans who have to face family members, co-workers, church members and friends could not bear another year of the torment associated with losing the Florida Blue Florida Classic. Winning homecoming this season against Grambling was nice. But, even in the year FAMU went 1-10, it won homecoming.
Rattlers across the globe have been talking to themselves since the conclusion of the 2019 game. They are debating whether to stay at home to avert witnessing another heartbreak or support the school and travel to Orlando, all the while ignoring the possibility of a 10th straight disappointment.
One thing for sure, Simmons will not be treating Saturday's showdown as just the next game.
In his four years at FAMU, Simmons has never talked about a game before the week of that game. However, this season has been different. During the weekly 220 Quarterback Club meeting, Simmons has mentioned the B-CU game over the last few weeks.
Like in 1978, when the Rattlers roared back from a 17-0 deficit to win the game, their mission was to make the NCAA I-AA playoffs. The Rattlers' only hope of making this year's NCAA FCS playoffs is beating the Wildcats for the first time since their 38-27 win in 2010.
I don’t know what the 2021 equivalent of a chalkboard is, but Rattler fans are hoping Simmons can punch it in pregame and “Leave No Doubt" in Orlando.
Florida Blue Florida Classic events
What: Florida Classic Night of Distinction
Where: Varsity Club at Camping World Stadium
When: Thursday, 6-9 p.m.
****************************************************************************************************
What: Diversity Job Fair
Where: Amway Center (free parking in GEICO Garage)
When: Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
****************************************************************************************************
What: Florida Classic Consortium Kickoff Luncheon
Where: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
When: Friday 11:30 a.m.
****************************************************************************************************
What: Florida Blue Battle of the Bands
Where: Amway Center
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Will FAMU's Willie Simmons need to break a chalkboard to beat B-CU?
