NBC Sports announced Tuesday that it will televise the inaugural Truth and Service Classic football game featuring Howard University and Hampton University from Audi Field on NBCSN Saturday at noon.
The game, commonly known as the “Battle of the Real HU” will be the 96th all-time meeting between the two teams.
“We are excited to have NBC Sports as our broadcast partner for the inaugural Truth and Service Classic,” said Kery Davis, Director of Athletics at Howard University in a press release.
The event is a collaboration between Howard University, Audi Field, and D.C. Events. This home game for Howard will be the first college football game played in Audi Field, home of Major League Soccer club, D.C. United.
Also read: ‘It tears the morale down:’ HBCU football coaches talk cost-benefit analysis of playing money games
“It’s an honor to welcome such a historic rivalry between two long-standing HBCUs to Audi Field for what we expect will deliver an unrivaled gameday atmosphere,” said Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United. “We’re excited to partner with NBCUniversal to bring this game to a national audience and to further the exposure of Howard University, a wonderful academic and athletic institution in our region.”
Commentators for the matchup include former Howard University quarterback Jay Walker, as an analyst, reporter Zora Stephenson, and Chris Lewis handling play-by-play.
“It’s really great that the classic is happening and this will be a great event to further foster both rivalry and camaraderie between Hampton and Howard University,” said Howard alumnus Lawrence Dow.
Howard (0-2) will enter Saturday’s contest seeking its first win of the season following a 62-0 loss to Maryland. Hampton (1-1) is also hoping to rebound after suffering a 47-7 loss last week to Old Dominion.
