There is a new HBCU classic in Rochester, NY, as Black College Football continues its steady matriculation to the Northeast. The Rochester classic, the Frederick Douglass HBCU Classic, is the New York/New Jersey region's second HBCU Classic, joining the HBCUNY Classic. Several events accompany the game to make the event much more than just a SIAC game.
The inaugural matchup features Albany State and Central State. While this inaugural matchup has some appeal, there are multiple other more logical pairings for the classic.
Delaware State vs. Morgan State
The MEAC can make the Frederick Douglass HBCU Classic its own by sending its two northeast teams, perennially overlooked by neutral site classics. Morgan State owns the dubious distinction of being one of two schools in the SWAC or MEAC that have never appeared in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, while Delaware State has not appeared in that classic since 2010, its only appearance. Other neutral site classics have avoided both schools.
Rochester can give Morgan State and Delaware State the classic experience both schools have lacked. The northern New York city is also a manageable drive for both fanbases, totaling approximately six hours. Each MEAC school's five-game in-conference slate makes it realistic that this game could be a Celebration Bowl elimination game, further increasing the classic's profile. There is no better way for the Frederick Douglass Classic to establish itself than hosting a nationally-relevant game.
The Frederick Douglass HBCU Classic gives Morgan State another chance at a neutral site classic in the Northeast after Hampton moved this year's Brick City Classic away from Red Bull Arena. More importantly, it allows both schools to infringe on Howard's increasing Northeast presence. The Bison are trying to become New York City's HBCU, but Morgan State and Delaware State can become Upstate New York's HBCU.
Bowie State vs. Lincoln (PA)
To say Lincoln is an afterthought on the CIAA landscape would be an understatement. Since reviving its football program after a nearly 50-year hiatus, Lincoln has a 22-127 record and has never had a .500 or winning season. Naturally, they are not a hot commodity to HBCU classics.
Lincoln fans would cherish an opportunity to play in a classic.
The Frederick Douglass Classic is a perfect fit for Lincoln. Rochester is only 5.5 hours away from Lincoln's campus. The Lions could play their CIAA travel partner, Bowie State, six hours away from Rochester. Making this game a classic could add much-needed excitement to a series dominated by Bowie State. The Bulldogs are 15-0 against the Lions in a tally including lopsided scores like 57-3, 76-19, and 86-14.
Additionally, Bowie State could generate local interest with its recent success. The Bulldogs have won three CIAA titles since 2018. Bowie State also has a reputation for ambitious travel, playing road games at Michigan Division II schools: Davenport and Saginaw Valley State, in the last two seasons. Rochester is much closer and allows the Bulldogs to headline a classic.
The Flour City's HBCU Classic provides a unique opportunity for schools outside the HBCU limelight to appeal to a new region. Multiple mid-Atlantic schools can enjoy the pageantry of a classic while helping the upstart Frederick Douglass HBCU Classic get off the ground. These matchups are a win-win scenario for Rochester's classic and the schools mentioned.
