2023 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic





Kendra Bulluck-Major: Orange Blossom Classic 'Moving Forward' With New Matchup in 2024​

New teams are set for 2024, but OBC executive director and FAMU AD haven't ruled out future participation for Rattlers.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — It's only been a couple of weeks since Florida A&M announced it would not participate in future Orange Blossom Classics, effectively ending the program's participation in the event after this season. Since its establishment in 1933, FAMU has remained a constant presence at the OBC. But for now, the Rattlers' season opener against Jackson State will be its last at the Orange Blossom Classic in the foreseeable future.

Who would replace Florida A&M next season? There's plenty of speculation and curiosity about the replacements in 2024. The teams with the most appearances in the classic are Grambling State, Kentucky State, and Prairie View A&M. And that's assuming Jackson State continues its partnership after this season.

 
If the crowd was any indication, it will be difficult to replicate Florida A&M’s influence on the Orange Blossom Classic. A sea of orange and green filled most of the aqua seats at Hard Rock Stadium. Sounds of glee bounced off the walls any time the Rattlers made a big play. The drums of the Marching 100 boomed at every intermission. The Rattlers played their last game at the Orange Blossom Classic on Sunday afternoon for the foreseeable future, beating the Jackson State Tigers 28-10. FAMU has been a large part of the OBC since its inception, anchoring the game for 45 consecutive seasons from 1933-78 as well as most recently since the classic returned in 2021. The loss of the FAMU, however, raises questions about the classic’s future, especially when many Rattlers say they won’t attend next year’s event. “They need to cancel it,” FAMU alumnus Marcus Myrck said of the OBC. “Nobody from JSU came.”

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/football/article278936694.html#storylink=cpy
 
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