By Shandel Richardson
Staff Writer
Posted June 29 2004

MIAMI LAKES · As they were about to unveil the logo for the Orange Blossom Classic, the poster fell off its podium.

Instead of allowing the gaffe to dampen the mood, an audience member at Monday's announcement luncheon at Don Shula's Golf Club quickly made the best of the situation.

"That just means the game is going to be off the chart," he said.

An "off-the-chart" event is exactly what's expected when the Florida International and Florida A&M football teams face each other for the first time Nov. 27 at the Orange Bowl.

"I know FAMU has a lot of fans and graduates in [Miami]," FIU coach Don Strock said. "You always talk about football games being a celebration ... and events. I'm sure there will be lots of things to do. It's going to be quite a weekend."

The Classic, which started in 1933, returns to Miami for the first time since 1995, when FAMU lost 49-3 to the University of Miami. This year's game is expected to be another high-revenue generator because of each school's strong fan base in South Florida. Among the events planned are a fund-raiser with Bill Cosby, a parade and a Battle of the Bands competition.

"It opens us up to a whole different community," FAMU President Fred Gainous said. "We would like to have people come down from our university, but also for all the alumni here in Miami to come out. We're extremely pleased to be a part of it."

The game will be a homecoming of sorts for both coaches. Strock played for the Dolphins for 14 years and FAMU's Billy Joe played in Miami from 1966-67.

"I'm personally happy to be here," Joe said. "We have a legendary history here in Miami. I'm quite ecstatic about it."

<a href='http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/college/sfl-orangeblossom29jun29,0,4218903.story?coll=tf-main-sports' target='_blank'>LINK</a>