North Carolina Central defeats Alabama State at Orange Blossom Classic
The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles defeat the Alabama State University (ASU) Hornets 31 to 24 in one of the first HBCU football classics of the season.
The teams competed Sunday at the 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. While the game was delayed by rain during the third quarter, the Eagles were able to keep the Hornets from scoring.
“Heck of a game to watch, but I don’t know about coaching in it,” said NCCU Head Coach Teri Oliver during the post-game press conference. “Good, hard-fought game against a good Alabama State team. We knew they were going to make some plays and we had to answer. We responded when we faced adversity. We had about a 7-minute stretch in the fourth, which was ridiculous. Probably the worst-coached game I have coached, so I have to do a better job of putting our student-athletes into a better situation.”
ASU Head Coach Eddie Robinson, Jr. said the Hornets made “first-day” mistakes and the lessons they learned will make for a great season ahead.
Cyril Josh Barker photos
“I thought my kids played hard the entire time — being down with the adversity of the weather and all that,” he said. “We cut it to a one-score game with three timeouts and 1:40 left to play; we put ourselves in position to win the game. These guys never quit.”
The OBC was first played in 1933, welcoming 2,000 fans to the “Blacks-only” ballpark in Jacksonville, Fla., where Florida A&M University (FAMU) beat Howard 9-0 and established the foundation of HBCU classics. After a 43-year hiatus, the OBC was re-established in 2021 with a mission to enhance the exposure of HBCUs. In its second year, the OBC attracts thousands of fans, alumni, school members, and family members, highlighting interest in HBCUs.
“The Orange Blossom Classic has always been a beacon of opportunity and unity in the HBCU community,” said Kendra Bulluck-Major, executive director of the OBC. “This year, we present the talents of the North Carolina Central University Eagles and Alabama State University Hornets, offering an exciting experience. We welcome both teams with open arms and are excited about the unique energy and competition they will bring to the Classic.”
Several community events in Miami took place during the week leading up to the OBC, including a pickleball tournament, career fair, step show, and 5K walk/run.
The ASU Mighty Marching Hornets and the NCCU Sound Machine marching bands performed in a battle of the bands on Saturday. Several local high school marching bands also performed.
The post North Carolina Central defeats Alabama State at Orange Blossom Classic appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.