Cheyney to play Alabama St. in 94th Turkey Classic

It only makes sense for one of the oldest Historically Black College and Universities in the country to get an invite to the longestrunning HBCU football classic in the nation.

Cheyney has been invited, and has enthusiastically accepted, a spot in the 94th Annual Turkey Day Classic, which will be held on Nov. 23 in Montgomery, Ala. The opponent and host is Alabama State, an FCS (formerly Division I-AA) program. Kickoff from ASU Stadium is scheduled for 3 p.m.

“We are excited about it,” said Cheyney head coach Chris Roulhac. “It’s deal down there, so will be a big crowd.

“I am excited about it for the kids. We have a couple players from Florida and Alabama, so it will be a chance for their families to see them play.”

It will mark the first football meeting between two. Cheyney is celebrating its 180th anniversary while Alabama a big there State is commemorating its 150th anniversary.

The Turkey Day Classic features a week of activities and acts as the homecoming game Alabama State out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The Hornets have hosted the Turkey Day Classic every year since 1924.

“I went to Albany State in Georgia and we played Alabama State on a regular basis,” Roulhac said. “This is a chance for me to go back home.

“Plus, there is a large group of Cheyney alumni in Atlanta and they’ve already called to tell me they are coming down to support us.”

The 2017 Wolves are in the midst of spring practice and will play the annual Blue-White Scrimmage at noon on Saturday at O’Shields-Stevenson Stadium.

“There is no doubt the Turkey Classic will give us some additional exposure,” Roulhac said. “It will be on TV down there in Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, so hopefully we can generate some interest from players in those areas.”