Best Moments From the First And Most Watched HBCU Homecoming Football Game So Far

HBCU Homecoming 2024: Alabama State University and Florida A&M University set the tone for this homecoming season.

It’s officially October which means pumpkin spice, fall leaves, and most importantly: HBCU Homecoming season! Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) always put on a show for homecoming, but this year’s football season is already tuning up to be one for the history books.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Why Black-Owned Businesses Face Bigger Risks in a Global Trade War

Alabama State University (ASU) kicked off homecoming with a week’s worth of celebrations and events, but we’d be lying if we said the highly anticipated face-off between ASU and Florida A&M University (FAMU) wasn’t the real reason we were tuning in.

In the sixth week of the HBCU football season, FAMU blew ASU out the water on their own home field (28-13), according to HBCU Sports. And with over 30,000 people present, it’s safe to say the energy was electric and the vibe was simply unmatched. There’s nothing like a HBCU football game. Let’s take a look at exactly how it all played out…

Right Before the Game

ASU going against FAMU was an interesting matchup considering the Florida Rattlers were the reigning SWAC champions. “It’s homecoming for them, and normally, you put a team on your homecoming that you think you can beat,” said FAMU head coach James Colzie III said with a smile.

The History Between ASU and FAMU

Photo: Getty Images Don Juan MoorePhoto: Getty Images Don Juan Moore

The FAMU Rattlers are clearly the team to beat. Last year, they went up against ASU, and to no one’s surprise, FAMU completely mopped the floor (23 to 10).

Coaches Shake Hands

No matter who wins, football is all about good sportsmanship and homecoming is all about community!

The Coin Toss

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

You can just feel the tension in the air…

ASU Stingrettes

Check out ASU’s rendition of this Sade classic!

FAMU Showing Up and Out!

If it’s one thing to know about the Rattlers is that they’ll show up to support their boys despite the travel time, weather, or any other inconvenience. Even a hurricane couldn’t throw supporters off their course to ASU’s home field.

Let the Game Begin!!

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

Currently, the NCAA ranks the ASU Hornets no. 10 heading into week seven of the SWAC power rankings.

Setting A Crowd Record

Over 30,000 fans flooded the ASU stands this year, setting a record!

FAMU Halftime Show

From a Mary J. Blige tribute to the formation changes and witty announcer, FAMU’s band certainly left it all on the field.

ASU Halftime Show

ASU showed out with a Rich Homie Quan tribute and some impressive takes on R&B hits from our favorite singers!

Celebration Dance

Arguably some of the best parts of HBCU football are the celebration dances!

Even the Kids Get Active!

Photo: Getty Images Don Juan MoorePhoto: Getty Images Don Juan Moore

We know homecoming is a family affair, but even at the football games, the little ones tend to steal the shine.

Lovers Reunite for ASU Homecoming

These college sweethearts met on ASU’s campus. Now they’re back on their old stomping grounds, supporting the Hornets!

Another Touchdown?!

By the fourth quarter, the Hornets were in big trouble. FAMU score another touchdown, widening the gap (21-10).

Getting Active!!

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

The NCAA currently puts the FAMU Rattlers no. 1 heading into week seven of the SWAC power rankings.

Rattlers Celebrate

FAMU sure wasted no time celebrating their victory this time around. Players were spotted on ASU’s field showing off their best dance moves.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Tragic and Inspiring Story of WNBA Coach Dawn Staley

The Tragic and Inspiring Story of WNBA Coach Dawn Staley

From losing both of her parents to suffering her own personal tragedies on and off the court, it’s time we get to know more about Staley. Here’s your reintroduction! …
Everything You Need To Know About Fredi Washington, The Black Hollywood Star Who Refused To Pass As White

Everything You Need To Know About Fredi Washington, The Black Hollywood Star Who Refused To Pass As White

Here’s everything you need to know about Fredi Washington, the Black woman who refused to pass as White in a time when it would’ve benefited her …
Zendaya's Character in 'The Drama' Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

Zendaya’s Character in ‘The Drama’ Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

There’s a lot of rightful online chatter about Zendaya’s character in her latest movie. But there’s an even bigger person we need to talk about! …
Could This Black Man Flip the House Seat Left Vacant by Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Could This Black Man Flip the House Seat Left Vacant by Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Here’s everything to know about Shawn Harris, the Democratic candidate in Georgia aiming to fill Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s House seat …
DaBaby Goes Off on Fan for Painting His Kids, His Reaction Has The Internet Divided

DaBaby Goes Off on Fan for Painting His Kids, His Reaction Has The Internet Divided

Rapper DaBaby is making news for how he responded to a fan who painted a picture of his daughters. Let’s get into it …
Terry Crews' Wife Reveals Shocking Health Diagnosis

Terry Crews’ Wife Reveals Shocking Health Diagnosis

Rebecca Crews, the longtime wife of actor Terry Crews, is opening up like never before about her health. And it’s something nobody saw coming …
Trick Daddy Defends His Music After Performance at AKA Event is Cut Short

Trick Daddy Defends His Music After Performance at AKA Event is Cut Short

The room was filled with AKAs of all generations. So when Young began performing his hit songs like “I’m a Thug,” many were caught off guard …
Why Black Folks Are Side-Eyeing Jonathan Majors’ New DEI-hating Boss More Than His Set Accident

Why Black Folks Are Side-Eyeing Jonathan Majors’ New DEI-hating Boss More Than His Set Accident

Jonathan Majors’ falls out of window while filming action movie with Daily Wire, causing crew members to walk off set …
Why Black People Dress up On Easter

Why Black People Dress up On Easter

While Easter is dedicated to serving the Lord, it’s also been a time for Black people to serve looks while honoring the ancestors …
The GOP is Losing its Black Voices as Trump Fails to Turn Endorsements into Black Votes

The GOP is Losing its Black Voices as Trump Fails to Turn Endorsements into Black Votes

MAGA is obsessed with advertising Black conservative candidates… but rarely do these Black GOP leaders get support they need to reach Black voters …
The African Pope Behind Easter That You Never Heard of

The African Pope Behind Easter That You Never Heard of

African-born Pope Victor I (c. 189–199 AD) pushed for Easter to be celebrated on Sundays and shaped early Christian practices, leaving a legacy that still shows up in how we honor the holiday today …
LeBron James' Comments About Memphis Have Some Calling Him a Culture Vulture

LeBron James’ Comments About Memphis Have Some Calling Him a Culture Vulture

NBA superstar LeBron James made it plain that he’d rather not have to spend a night in Memphis when he’s on the road. But his comments have garnered a strong reaction online …
Why A League of Voting Rights Group Are Challenging Trump's Latest Executive Order on Mail-in Ballots

Why A League of Voting Rights Group Are Challenging Trump’s Latest Executive Order on Mail-in Ballots

A coalition of voting rights groups is challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order regarding mail-in ballots …
The Easter Speech Is The Original Masterclass of Black Excellence

The Easter Speech Is The Original Masterclass of Black Excellence

Long before they became icons, voices like Martin Luther King Jr. and Oprah Winfrey were shaped in the Black church, where generations of children found their first stage and audience through the Easter speech …
Dawn Staley's Dominant Win Brought Out  Geno Auriemma's White Male Privilege

Dawn Staley’s Dominant Win Brought Out Geno Auriemma’s White Male Privilege

The UConn Huskies’ coach tried to ruin Staley’s moment after the South Carolina Gamecocks incredible victory …
Three Black Easter Fashions That Need to Be Laid to Rest

Three Black Easter Fashions That Need to Be Laid to Rest

A professor gives a loving critique of church hats, loud suits, tired traditions, and why that little boy deserves better …
Dr. King's Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on the Anniversary of His Murder

Dr. King’s Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on the Anniversary of His Murder

Fifty-eight years after Dr. King was killed, let’s take a closer look at little known facts about the life and legacy of one of the most famous men in history …
Keke Palmer Finally Speaks On That Shocking SXSW Proposal

Keke Palmer Finally Speaks On That Shocking SXSW Proposal

Keke Palmer is opening up about that shocking and scary impromptu proposal she received at SXSW. But her experience and explanation is sadly one that most women are familiar with …
Anti-Affirmative Action Groups are Now Coming for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Scholarships

Anti-Affirmative Action Groups are Now Coming for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Scholarships

An anti-affirmative action organization has filed a lawsuit against Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s scholarships aimed at helping disenfranchised Black students …
Michael Jackson's Legal History Ahead of the New Movie

Michael Jackson’s Legal History Ahead of the New Movie

Ahead of his biopic, we’re laying out a full timeline of the allegations and legal drama surrounding the King of Pop …