If you were at Bragg Memorial Stadium this past September, you felt it. The air wasn't just humid; it was heavy with the kind of tension that only exists when two programs honestly start to dislike each other. For years, the FAMU vs Alabama State matchup was a respected contest between two storied HBCUs, but recently? It has morphed into something much more volatile.
Last season changed everything.
The history between the Florida A&M Rattlers and the Alabama State Hornets goes back over a century—1909 to be exact. But let's be real: nobody is thinking about 1909 when Marcus Harris II is carving up a defense for three touchdowns in a single afternoon. That's exactly what happened in the 2025 meeting. Alabama State didn't just win; they essentially kicked the door down and made themselves at home in Tallahassee.
The 42-14 Statement That Stunned the SWAC
Going into the September 27, 2025, game, the vibe in Tallahassee was optimistic. FAMU had dominated the series since joining the SWAC in 2021. They had a five-game winning streak. They had the home-field advantage. Then the whistle blew.
Basically, Alabama State decided they were tired of being the "little brother" in this specific conference rivalry.
The final score—42-14 in favor of the Hornets—wasn't just an upset. It was a demolition. Marcus Harris II was the catalyst, punching in scores from 2, 3, and 24 yards. He wasn't alone, though. Jamarie Hostzclaw was a human wrecking ball, racking up 135 yards on 22 carries. When a team runs for nearly 300 yards on your home turf, there isn't much to say.
Coach Eddie Robinson Jr. didn't mince words after the game. He told reporters that it isn't really a rivalry until you start winning some games. Well, mission accomplished. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the "Marching 100" was uncharacteristically quiet, while the Alabama State sideline was a party.
Breaking Down the "New" Rivalry Dynamics
Why does FAMU vs Alabama State feel so different now? Geography is the easy answer, but it's deeper than miles on a map. Montgomery and Tallahassee are only about 211 miles apart. That’s a three-hour drive. You can go up and back in a day without needing a hotel room, which means the fans actually show up in droves.
- Attendance Spikes: In 2024, the game in Montgomery drew over 33,000 fans. That’s a record for ASU Stadium.
- The Band Battle: You can’t talk about this game without mentioning the halftime show. The Marching 100 versus the Mighty Marching Hornets is often more anticipated than the kickoff.
- SWAC East Stakes: Since FAMU moved over from the MEAC, this game has massive implications for who represents the East in the championship.
Honestly, the "traditional" rivalries like the Florida Classic (FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman) or the Magic City Classic (Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M) will always be the headliners. But this? This is the one that's "simmering." It’s the game that impacts the standings more often than not.
What Most People Get Wrong About the History
There’s a common misconception that these teams rarely played before the 2020s. Not true. They were both staples of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) for decades. The series record is actually incredibly close—floating right around the .500 mark for both teams over 40+ meetings.
What changed was the gap. When FAMU moved to the MEAC in the late 70s, they played less often. The "flavor" of the matchup faded. Now that they're both in the SWAC, that old SIAC energy is back.
Key Players Who Defined the Recent Era
| Player | Team | Impact Note |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Harris II | Alabama State | 3 TDs in the 2025 blowout; redefined the Hornets' ground game. |
| RJ Johnson III | FAMU | The steady hand under center who struggled against ASU's 2025 pressure. |
| Jamarie Hostzclaw | Alabama State | A workhorse back who exploited the Rattlers' uncharacteristic defensive gaps. |
| Thad Franklin Jr. | FAMU | The power back who provided the lone bright spots for the Rattlers' offense recently. |
The "James Colzie III vs. Eddie Robinson Jr." Chess Match
Coaching matters. When Willie Simmons left FAMU, many wondered if the Rattlers would lose their edge. James Colzie III took the reins and, while he’s kept the program competitive, the 2025 loss to Alabama State was a bit of a wake-up call.
On the other side, Eddie Robinson Jr. has been building something steady in Montgomery. He’s focused on discipline and a "run-first" identity that finally clicked against the Rattlers. His post-game comments about the rivalry "officially" starting now? That’s the kind of subtle shade that fuels ticket sales for the next five years.
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The Cultural Impact: More Than Just a Box Score
You've got to understand the culture here. This isn't just about X's and O's. It's about the Honeybees. It's about the tailgating. It's about the alumni who live in the "in-between" cities like Dothan or Panama City.
When Alabama State travels to Tallahassee, they bring a massive contingent of fans. It feels like a neutral site game even when it's at Bragg. That proximity allows for a level of "trash talk" that doesn't happen when teams are 600 miles apart.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch for Next
The power dynamic in the SWAC East is shifting. For a few years, Jackson State and FAMU were the "Big Two." That's not the case anymore. Alabama State’s 2025 performance proved they are legitimate contenders for the crown.
If you're a betting person, don't just look at the home-field advantage. The 2025 result showed that the Hornets aren't intimidated by the "Bragg Magic." They played cleaner football, committed fewer penalties (5 vs FAMU's 7), and won the time of possession battle.
For FAMU to get back on top, they have to fix the rushing defense. Giving up 7.1 yards per carry is a recipe for a long afternoon, regardless of how good your marching band is.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Students
If you're planning to attend the next FAMU vs Alabama State showdown, here is how to handle it like a pro:
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- Buy tickets early: This isn't a game you can "walk up" to anymore. Sellouts are becoming the norm, especially as the rivalry heats up.
- Arrive four hours before kickoff: The tailgating scene in both Montgomery and Tallahassee is elite. If you aren't there for the food, you're missing half the experience.
- Stay for the 5th Quarter: In HBCU football, the game doesn't end when the clock hits zero. The band battle after the game—the 5th Quarter—is where the real bragging rights are settled.
- Watch the trenches: Keep an eye on the Alabama State offensive line. If they continue to dominate the line of scrimmage like they did in 2025, the Rattlers are going to have a hard time evening the score.
The 2025 season was a turning point. It ended the FAMU streak and proved that Alabama State is no longer just a "geographic rival"—they are a championship threat. Whether the Rattlers can reclaim their dominance or if we’re entering an era of "Hornets Rising" remains the biggest question in the SWAC East.