COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Stadium was packed with action Saturday, but not because of the Buckeyes.

What You Need To Know

  • Central State University faced off against Kentucky State

  • The annual Classic for Columbus rivalry football game took place in the Shoe for the first time in 25 years

  • Kentucky State won 20-6
  • The Classic for Columbus is providing $300,000 in financial support for scholarships to the participating schools

Ohio's own Central State University faced off against Kentucky State.

The annual Classic for Columbus rivalry football game took place in the Shoe for the first time in 25 years. For Central State alumna Laeina Lovelace-Musa, it wasn't her first time taking part in the event.

“I cheered when I was a kid, so when I went to Central, I had to live the dream and be a cheerleader,” said Lovelace-Musa. 

Lovelace-Musa was one of the many vendors set up outside the stadium for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) rivalry game. 

“We’re going to win, Central State is going to win,” said Lovelace-Musa. 

Closer to the stadium, Jeffery Ushry, Polemarch of the Columbus Alumni Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., was ready to support both teams. 

“It’s important to be here to showcase our HBCUs to let students know they do exist and that it’s a viable option for secondary education,” said Ushry.

He said he has special ties to both Central and OSU. 

“I have a son who is a senior at Central State University, so for God, for Central, for State, go Marauders,” said Ushry. “I also have a son who is a senior at Ohio State, so this has a lot of meaning.”

Unfortunately, for Lovelace-Musa and her alma mater, Central State did not come away with the victory.

Kentucky State won 20-6.

But both schools came away winners.

The Classic for Columbus is providing $300,000 in financial support for scholarships to the participating schools.