FAMU denies rumors of football matchup vs FSU

Rory Sharrock
Tallahassee Democrat

Florida A&M Vice President/Director of Athletics has confirmed there is no truth to the rumor of a potential football game versus Florida State this fall.

On Wednesday afternoon, a report surfaced stating FAMU asked the NCAA for a waiver to play a four-game non-conference schedule in 2020. One of the opponents was the Seminoles. 

"This is misinformation. We've had conversations with a lot of people. But they're conversations. We haven't filed any type of waiver with the NCAA. We inquired about an interpretation," Gosha said.

FAMU wide receiver David Manigo (85) forces his way though two defenders. The Rattlers hosted the North Carolina Central Eagles for their 2019 homecoming game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019.

The FAMU AD has frequently talked with David Coburn, his counterpart at FSU, since he joined the Rattlers in December. However, they've never locked in a date of a game in the immediate or distant future.

Gosha also stated FAMU hasn't reached out to any schools. He did note programs have contacted him about filling their scheduling gap with a game.

"We all have an appetite to play this fall. We told them we don't know what we can or cannot do. Mechanically, there's a lot of things that have to happen in between an agreement to play and actually putting on the shoulder pads," Gosha said. 

Florida State Seminoles wide receiver D.J. Matthews (7) runs down the sideline during a game in 2019.

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In mid-July, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced a suspension of fall sports. The league is discussing models for a potential setup for the spring.

One of the formats would include the league being split into divisions with a championship game at the end of the season.

Florida State's football schedule was recently revised with a slate full of ACC opponents. The conference will announce its completed schedule Thursday morning. 

There is the potential of one non-conference contest. Presently, there is nothing but speculation as to who'll be playing the Seminoles in this game at Doak Campbell Stadium.

FAMU and Florida State have competed against each other in different sports. The local schools have never met on the football field.

Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @rattlernews and @married2game1.

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