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The football rivalry between Fort Valley State University and Albany State University is almost a century old, dating back to 1924, and in 1989, the Fountain City Classic was birthed to celebrate this historical matchup. Columbus, Georgia, was chosen as the host site for the Fountain City Classic, as both schools have many alumni in the area and Columbus is centrally located. State Representative Calvin Smyre, a Fort Valley State College alumnus, has been at the helm as Chairman of the Fountain City Classic for over 30 years.
The rivalry began in 1945, although 2022 is just the 32nd meeting of the two teams since it became officially known as the Fountain City Classic in 1990. FVSU leads the series 33-31-3.
The first meeting of the two schools was in 1945, when FVSU beat ASU, 27-21. The two schools did not play each other in 1946, 1947, and 2020. While the rivalry between the two teams spans more than half a century, FCC officials moved the game to Columbus in 1990 to attract more corporate support.
The driving force behind the Fountain City Classic has always been to create opportunities, connections, and financial support for students interested in attending these historically black universities.
The Fountain City Classic also has a significant impact on the economy of the Columbus area, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the region each year to enjoy the festivities. The FCC committee has also sought to give back to the Columbus community through health fairs, college recruitment, networking events, and continued economic development.
The Classic, which has grown to include more than just the football game itself, has become a much-anticipated, must-attend event in the region.
History of the Matchup
| Year | Albany State | Fort Valley State | Series | |||
| 1990 | Albany State | 35 | Fort Valley | 0 | ASU | 1–0 |
| 1991 | Albany State | 20 | Fort Valley | 22 | FVSU | 1-1 |
| 1992 | Albany State | 29 | Fort Valley | 10 | ASU | 2–1 |
| 1993 | Albany State | 14 | Fort Valley State | 0 | ASU | 3–1 |
| 1994 | Albany State | 47 | Fort Valley State | 14 | ASU | 4-1 |
| 1995 | Albany State | 12 | Fort Valley State | 16 | FVSU | 4-2 |
| 1996 | Albany State | 21 | Fort Valley State | 7 | ASU | 5-2 |
| 1997 | Albany State | 12 | Fort Valley State | 7 | ASU | 6-2 |
| 1998 | Albany State | 14 | Fort Valley State | 17 | FVSU | 6-3 |
| 1999 | Albany State | 24 | Fort Valley State | 21 | ASU | 7-3 |
| 2000 | Albany State | 21 | Fort Valley State | 14 | ASU | 8-3 |
| 2001 | Albany State | 7 | Fort Valley State | 45 | FVSU | 8-4 |
| 2002 | Albany State | 31 | Fort Valley State | 7 | ASU | 9-4 |
| 2003 | Albany State | 27 | Fort Valley State | 17 | ASU | 10-4 |
| 2004 | Albany State | 20 | Fort Valley State | 19 | ASU | 11-4 |
| 2005 | Albany State | 41 | Fort Valley State | 23 | ASU | 12-4 |
| 2006 | Albany State | 21 | Fort Valley State | 3 | ASU | 13-4 |
| 2007 | Albany State | 32 | Fort Valley State | 27 | ASU | 14-4 |
| 2008 | Albany State | 31 | Fort Valley State | 7 | ASU | 15-4 |
| 2009 | Albany State | 13 | Fort Valley State | 35 | FVSU | 15-5 |
| 2010 | Albany State | 12 | Fort Valley State | 7 | ASU | 16-5 |
| 2011 | Albany State | 38 | Fort Valley State | 29 | ASU | 17-5 |
| 2012 | Albany State | 20 | Fort Valley State | 38 | FVSU | 17-6 |
| 2013 | Albany State | 19 | Fort Valley State | 10 | ASU | 18-6 |
| 2014 | Albany State | 32 | Fort Valley State | 21 | ASU | 19-6 |
| 2015 | Albany State | 21 | Fort Valley State | 17 | ASU | 20-6 |
| 2016 | Albany State | 17 | Fort Valley State | 21 | FVSU | 20-7 |
| 2017 | Albany State | 34 | Fort Valley State | 9 | ASU | 21-7 |
| 2018 | Albany State | 40 | Fort Valley State | 6 | ASU | 22-7 |
| 2019 | Albany State | 42 | Fort Valley State | 6 | ASU | 23-7 |
| 2020 | Albany State | No Game | Fort Valley State | No Game | ASU | 23-7 |
| 2021 | Albany State | 57 | Fort Valley State | 0 | ASU | 24-7 |
| 2022 | Albany State | 13 | Fort Valley State | 19 | ASU | 24-8 |
