HBCUs enter State Fair Classic With Lackluster Records

DALLAS- The Texas- Oklahoma game is usually the centerpiece of the Texas State Fair, but there’s another game that draws just as many fans and just as much attention to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

With a longstanding historic rivalry the State Fair Classic game between Grambling and Prairie View A&M is traditionally one of the biggest games between two historically black universities. However, in the last couple of seasons both programs have hit a slump – Prairie View A&M is 0-3 and Grambling is 1-3 – the draw to the game this season might be the halftime show.

The contest between the bands is just as intense as the play on the field. In fact, the halftime show for this game is actually longer than a typical game to allow both bands to perform elaborate and highly entertaining routines.

More often than not, fans will show up for the first half and leave after the band performances conclude and the bands often draw more cheers than the game.

But don’t let that sour you on the game. Historically black colleges rarely get a platform like this, so the game itself — regardless of the records — is a big deal for the members of the Grambling and Prairie View communities. This State Fair Classic, which has actually been in existence since 1925, but has featured Prairie View A&M and Grambling since 1992, is usually a one-sided affair. Grambling, which has won 14 SWAC championships and 23 Black College titles, has only lost four times to Prairie View. But within the last five years the tides have changed the once high powered Grambling offensive machine has only taken home one win – 34-17 in 2010.