During the day, most students at Clark Atlanta University will see and many times share classes with students at Morehouse College.   During off time, students at both institutions also often share social activities and form life-long friendships.

That's what the bond is like for students in the Atlanta University Center.

But when it comes to athletic competition, the lines are clearly drawn.  That's what makes the Battle of the Atlanta University Center in every sport a must-see event.

This year, the football battle takes place here at Clark Atlanta on Saturday as both CAU and Morehouse end their football seasons with the traditional rivalry game between the schools.  Saturday's game kicks off at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

There is plenty of history in this rivalry game that brings students and alumni on both sides together each fall.

Just after the turn of the century, in 1900, Clark College and Atlanta Baptist College – Morehouse's name before it was renamed after Morehouse - squared off in football for the first time.  ABC go the best of Clark, winning that game 56-0.  They didn't play again for thirteen years, but in that return battle, ABC defeated Clark 41-0.  But, apparently two squads were representing what had become Morehouse College – teams named Morehouse and Atlanta Baptist.  In 1916, Clark lost to both Morehouse and ABC.

ABC fielded a team against Clark off and on until 1928.  The ABC teams were a combined 7-0-1 against Clark between 1900 and 1928.

1927 saw Clark get it's first win against Morehouse, 38-0, along with a 0-0 tie with ABC.  By 1930, the Clark-Morehouse game was the traditional season-opener for both teams.   The 1930s saw Morehouse winning most of those matchups.

In 1940, Clark defeated Morehouse 8-0 and began a period of dominance over the Tigers from across the street.  Clark defeated Morehouse thirteen times over the next 14 seasons.

Clark went 15-1 against Morehouse through the 1960s until 1979 when Morehouse won 17-3.

But the series between the schools has always been one of streaks, with the Morehouse winning most of the games in the 1980s.  By the 1990s and 2000s, both teams won their share, making it a pretty even series during the later years.

Since 2016, the two teams have traded wins, each winning of their home field.

But bragging rights have fallen in what is now Clark Atlanta University's favor – overall, CAU leads the series with Morehouse with 51 wins, 37 losses and three ties, according to CAU athletics records. 

• Largest margin of victory – 68 points (Clark 68, Morehouse 0 in 1966)
• Longest winning streak – 12 games (Clark from 1942 to 1953)