No one needs to tell Florida A&M head football coach James Colzie III or Howard head coach Larry Scott the final score of the 2023 Celebration Bowl.
“If anyone forgot, it was 30-26 Florida A&M,” Colzie said during this week’s Orange Blossom Classic press conference, which formally announced the rematch of the Rattlers and Bison Labor Day weekend in Miami Gardens.
Both Scott and Colzie are excited to renew this rivalry, especially in one of the oldest HBCU Football classics in the country.
“These were the first two teams to play in this game in 1933,” Scott said. “Howard vs. FAMU in Miami, Florida; who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”
“Stepping back on this field feels like coming home; it’s a chance to honor the legends who’ve paved the way. It allows us to write our own chapter in the story of Black College Football,” Colzie said. “It felt odd not opening up here last year – it didn’t feel right and now we’re excited to be back here to open the season with Orange Blossom Classic.”
For the first time ever, FAMU was not part of the OBC last season as North Carolina Central and Alabama State faced off. This year, the Rattlers are back and bringing the Bison with them to Miami. In Howard’s part, Scott says he and his team haven’t forgotten about the Celebration Bowl.
“Our guys lost their minds when we found out we were playing this game,” Scott said. “We left some luggage in Atlanta and American Airlines brought it to Miami, so we’re here to pick it up.”
“Howard is someone we look forward to playing. Tremendous program with a proud tradition and top-notch talent,” Colzie said. “We know they’re going to show up ready to compete. Our guys are just as pumped to play them as they are to play us.”
Both coaches were honest about the new NIL and transfer portal landscape that has shifted the ground beneath college sports’ feet as well.
“We recruit to our brand. There’s requirements that must be met; academically, athletically, socially. It’s not hard to recruit once we get them on campus,” Colzie said. “Get them to a game day, let them see our Rattler walk, see our band on the field, the rest is easy. We just want to make sure we take care of FAMU. We’re just fine.”
“Everybody has their challenges in recruiting, whether you’re Florida, FAMU, Howard, or you’re South Dakota State,” Scott added. “You have to find things you’re going to stand on. What are your standards? What are you looking for? Center your attention on that. Water your own grass each and every day and you’ll be successful.”