South Carolina State Claims Orange Blossom Classic Victory Over Florida A&M
The rain delay could not stop it. South Carolina State University made its return to Miami memorable Sunday, defeating Florida A&M University 31-13 in the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Bulldogs controlled much of the Sept. 6 matchup behind a powerful ground game and a defense that kept Florida A&M’s offense out of the end zone. The victory moved South Carolina State to 2-0 and extended the defending Black College National Champions’ winning streak to 11 games.
Florida A&M struck first with a 30-yard Emilio Bacardi field goal, but South Carolina State answered almost immediately. Running back Mason Pickett-Hicks broke free for a 58-yard touchdown run, giving the Bulldogs a 7-3 lead they would not relinquish.
Pickett-Hicks emerged as one of the game’s biggest difference-makers. The sophomore finished with 210 rushing yards on 17 carries and scored twice, including a 32-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.
South Carolina State’s Josh Shaw added two rushing touchdowns as the Bulldogs built a 21-6 halftime advantage before extending the lead to 28-6 early in the second half.
Florida A&M’s defense provided its biggest spark of the afternoon when Justin Bostic intercepted South Carolina State quarterback Keely Watson and returned the ball 80 yards for a touchdown. The play pulled the Rattlers within 28-13 with 6:07 remaining in the third quarter. Bostic finished the game with two interceptions.
The Bulldogs’ defense, however, never allowed FAMU to establish an offensive rhythm. Florida A&M’s only offensive points came on two field goals, while its lone touchdown was Bostic’s interception return. South Carolina State closed the scoring with a 39-yard Jett Jackson field goal late in the fourth quarter.
The matchup marked another chapter in a rivalry that dates back decades. Florida A&M entered the game leading the all-time series 34-26-2 and had won the previous four meetings between the programs. South Carolina State’s victory snapped that streak on one of HBCU football’s most visible stages.
More Than Football
The Orange Blossom Classic has grown into far more than a football game since its return in 2021.
Now in its sixth year since being revived, the Labor Day weekend tradition has become a celebration of HBCU culture, music, education, business and community, bringing alumni, students, families and visitors from across the country to South Florida.
This year’s game was nationally televised on ESPN and featured two of HBCU football’s storied programs, along with two of its most recognizable marching band traditions — South Carolina State’s Marching 101 and Florida A&M’s Marching 100.
For South Carolina State, the trip to Miami Gardens ended with another statement victory.
For the Orange Blossom Classic, the weekend once again demonstrated why the event occupies a distinctive place in HBCU culture — where the scoreboard matters, but the experience extends well beyond the field.
FINAL: South Carolina State 31, Florida A&M 13
I can also make this more Culture News-style, with a stronger emphasis on the celebrities, Fan Fest, bands, fashion, community and overall Orange Blossom Classic weekend experience rather than making it primarily a sports recap.
