Coming off an FCS Championship season, FAMU defeated the Miami Hurricanes (FBS) 16-13, during an October 6, 1979, showdown in Tallahassee (FL), marking one of the biggest wins in program history
On October 6, 1979, in a showdown that would echo through the annals of college football history, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers stunned the college football world with a 16-13 victory over the Miami Hurricanes. The game, played in Tallahassee, Florida, was a dramatic and thrilling contest that marked one of the greatest moments in FAMU’s storied athletic history. For the Rattlers, a team coming off an FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) championship season, this victory was not just a win over a major program; it was a statement—a declaration that they belonged among the elite of college football, regardless of division.
At the time, FAMU was primarily known for its prowess in the smaller ranks of college football, having recently captured the 1978 NCAA Division I-AA national championship. Miami, on the other hand, was an up-and-coming powerhouse in the world of college football, playing in the prestigious and competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) of the NCAA’s FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision). Miami, under head coach Howard Schnellenberger, was establishing itself as a program on the rise, soon to become one of the dominant forces in college football in the 1980s and beyond. However, in 1979, the Hurricanes were still a program finding its footing and looking to prove themselves on the national stage.
The 1979 game between FAMU and Miami would turn into a hard-fought battle—one that would have huge implications for both teams’ seasons. But for FAMU, this victory was about more than just the win itself. It was a moment that transcended sports, a symbolic victory for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and a testament to the resilience and talent of players who were often overlooked by the larger, more affluent programs in college football.
By 1979, FAMU had already carved out a reputation as a dominant force in HBCU football. The team had been successful in both the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and nationally. Under the leadership of head coach Rudy Hubbard, FAMU had put together an impressive string of seasons that culminated in the 1978 national championship. The 1978 FCS Championship was a defining moment for the program, solidifying FAMU as a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.
However, the Rattlers were looking to prove themselves on a bigger stage. The 1979 contest against Miami was part of that larger goal. FAMU, coming off a national championship season, was hungry for recognition. While the Rattlers were not yet competing in the same division as the Hurricanes, the game against Miami was an opportunity for them to showcase their talents on a national platform and to prove that their brand of football could stand toe-to-toe with some of the best programs in the country.
The game also represented a significant moment for the legacy of HBCU football. FAMU, as one of the most successful programs in the history of Black college football, had the chance to show that their athletes and teams were just as capable as those from predominantly white institutions (PWIs) in the Football Bowl Subdivision. This would become a rallying cry for future generations of athletes from HBCUs who dreamed of playing at the highest levels of college football.
On the other side, Miami was on the rise as a football program under the leadership of head coach Howard Schnellenberger. In just his second season as head coach, Schnellenberger had already made an impact in shaping the Hurricanes’ future. While the program had not yet reached the heights it would during the 1980s under legendary coaches like Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson, the 1979 team was a reflection of Schnellenberger’s vision of a tough, hard-nosed football squad.
Miami’s roster in 1979 included several future NFL stars, but at the time, the program was still in its growing phase. The Hurricanes were part of a larger, more competitive landscape in the ACC, but they hadn’t yet emerged as the powerhouse they would later become. Schnellenberger’s program was in the process of laying the foundation for what would become a dynasty in the decades to come, but in 1979, they still had a lot to prove.
Coming into the game, Miami was expected to win handily over the smaller program from FAMU, as the Hurricanes had much more depth and resources. The game was seen as a potential tune-up for Miami as they looked to gain momentum heading into the meat of their ACC schedule. But FAMU had other plans.
On October 6, 1979, the stage was set for what would be one of the most unforgettable games in college football history. The Rattlers, led by head coach Rudy Hubbard, had spent the week preparing for the challenge, and they entered the game with a sense of confidence and determination that would prove to be their greatest asset.
Miami took an early lead in the game, as expected, with their superior athletes and depth giving them the advantage in the early going. The Hurricanes were able to establish a lead, but FAMU wasn’t intimidated. The Rattlers answered with grit and determination, refusing to back down against a team that was widely considered more talented.
One of the most significant moments of the game came when FAMU’s defense stepped up in a big way. The Rattlers’ defense, which had been a strong point for them throughout the 1978 championship season, proved itself once again as they shut down Miami’s offense in key situations. The defense was led by standout players like defensive back Robert McAlister and linebacker Willie Taggart, both of whom would go on to have successful careers in football. The Rattlers’ defense bent but did not break, forcing turnovers and limiting Miami’s scoring opportunities throughout the game.
On the offensive side of the ball, FAMU was able to capitalize on the few chances they had, with quarterback David Johnson making some key plays when it mattered most. Johnson, a talented signal-caller, found ways to move the ball down the field and put the Rattlers in position to score. The offense was efficient and effective, taking advantage of every opportunity presented to them. Their discipline and execution helped them chip away at Miami’s lead, keeping the game within reach as it progressed.
FAMU’s running game also played a crucial role in the upset. With running back Albert Chester leading the charge, the Rattlers were able to control the clock and keep Miami’s offense off the field. Chester, who had been a key player for FAMU throughout the season, was able to pick up crucial yards in the second half, helping FAMU sustain drives and keep the pressure on the Hurricanes.
As the game wore on, FAMU’s confidence continued to grow. The Rattlers knew they had Miami on the ropes, and with the clock winding down, they needed one final push to seal the victory. With the score tied at 13-13 in the final minutes, FAMU managed to drive into Miami’s territory. The Rattlers were within field goal range and had an opportunity to win the game with a well-executed play.
With just seconds remaining on the clock, FAMU’s kicker, Tony Fitzpatrick, stepped up to attempt the game-winning field goal. The atmosphere in Doak Campbell Stadium was electric, as the crowd held its breath in anticipation. Fitzpatrick’s kick soared through the air, and as it split the uprights, the stadium erupted into a frenzy. FAMU had done the unthinkable—they had defeated the Miami Hurricanes 16-13, securing one of the biggest upsets in college football history.
The victory over Miami on October 6, 1979, remains one of the most significant moments in FAMU’s football history. The win was not just a statement to the Hurricanes but to the entire college football world. It was proof that, regardless of division or resources, FAMU could compete at the highest level. The win showed the strength, resilience, and determination of a team that refused to be intimidated by a more prominent program.
For the Hurricanes, the loss was a humbling experience that reminded them that college football could be unpredictable and that they needed to improve in several key areas if they were to reach the level of national prominence they ultimately would. But for FAMU, the win became a defining moment in their football legacy, and it reverberated far beyond Tallahassee. The Rattlers had proven they could hang with the best, and they had done so on the national stage.
The 16-13 win over Miami became an iconic moment in the history of HBCU football. It was a victory that transcended sports, serving as a testament to the talent and hard work of players who, in many cases, were overlooked by the major programs. For years to come, that October 6th upset would be a benchmark for FAMU football, reminding the world that the Rattlers could play with anyone, anywhere, anytime.
In the years that followed, the memory of that victory lived on in the hearts of FAMU players, coaches, and fans alike. It was a shining example of what was possible when a program with heart and determination believed in itself—no matter the odds. The Rattlers’ historic 1979 win over the Miami Hurricanes will always stand as one of the most memorable moments in the rich history of both programs, a moment when a smaller program dared to dream big and achieved the impossible.
