SIAC fall sports cancellations puts wrench FAMU, VSU football schedules

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - With the SIAC’s announcement of the cancelation of fall sports, the football schedules for Florida A&M and Valdosta State have been impacted.

Both programs were set to play SIAC opponents to the start season; FAMU was scheduled Albany State in the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens, Fla. on September 6, while Valdosta State was set to host Savannah State the day before, on Sept. 5.

VSU had two more games scheduled against SIAC teams; a Sept. 12 (Week 2) matchup at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium against Kentucky State and a Week 3 (Sept. 19) road game with Albany State.

For FAMU, if the Orange Blossom Classic is not-to-be, the loss of the game also carries a financial impact. The Classic is one of two games on the Rattlers’ schedule that included a financial guarantee; the other is their November 7 date at the University of Central Florida.

The Sept. 6 date was originally slated to bring revenues north of $300,000. However, COVID-19 had already reduced the amount of the guarantee: According to a previous conversation with athletic director Kortne Gosha, now it appears the school may not receive any funds.

FAMU is back down to 10 games with the season, starting on Sept. 12 at Jackson State. Gosha declined to comment about the cancelation of the Orange Blossom Classic.

Following the cancelation of their first three games, Valdosta State currently has seven games on their schedule. As it stands, their first game would be a home game against North Greenville on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.