“The exposure on the premier college football network is
part of our strategic recruitment and branding effort,” said FAMU Director
of Athletics Milton Overton. “Millions of college football fans will have the
opportunity to watch the debut of this year’s Rattler football team and witness
the launch of the Jake Gaither Classic. Placing the Jake Gaither Classic
on national television is an outstanding way to share the greatness of FAMU and
honor Coach Gaither’s legacy.”
The Jake Gaither Classic will also be a celebration of three
amazing national championship football teams. The 1947, 1957 and 1977
football teams will be recognized. In addition, the undefeated 1977
Rattlers (11-0), under the leadership of Rudy Hubbard, will be honored on the
field at the game. Hubbard’s team was the only NCAA team at any division to go
undefeated in 1977. The game marks the 40th Anniversary of their
unblemished season and the last undefeated team in FAMU history.
The Jake Gaither Classic will pit the Rattlers from the Mid-Eastern
Athletic Conference against the Tigers of Texas Southern University of the Southwestern
Athletic Conference. Along with football, the game will also feature a
battle of two of the best bands in the country. FAMU’s famed Marching
“100” will square off against TSU’s “Ocean of Soul,” in what is sure to be an
amazing halftime performance.
The game is part of the FAMU Athletic Department’s five-year
strategic plan for more visibility for both the sports teams and the
university.
“Our partnership with ESPN allows for opportunities to
bolster the great things that happen at FAMU every day. It will also be
beneficial for our football coaches to show recruits our brand. It is a
positive step in the process of building champions,” Overton said.