For 20 years, the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff has been the showcase for FCS programs from historically black colleges.
Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium will host a pair of teams that aren’t new to the Challenge. North Carolina Central and Southern are making a combined seven appearances in the contest. However, this will be the first time these teams have met since their only matchup in 2006, a 27-20 Central victory.
Both teams are entering 2025 with lofty expectations and have an opportunity to do what other programs before them haven’t. Could we be watching a preview of the Black College Football Championship Game this weekend?
Here are my thoughts for the upcoming contests on Saturday night.
North Carolina Central vs. Southern: How to Watch
Date: Saturday, Aug. 23
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta, GA
How to Watch: ABC
Fun Facts
Since 2015, none of the Challenge’s participants have ended that season playing in the Celebration Bowl in spite of the game’s initial pairing of conference champions from the previous season and four MEAC representatives going on to win the conference crown that year (Hampton, 2006; South Carolina State, 2009; Bethune Cookman, 2012; North Carolina A&T, 2014), Both games are played in Atlanta.
The MEAC is currently 11-7 all-time in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, but the SWAC has won five of the last seven contests. Of the current MEAC and SWAC members, Morgan State and Texas Southern are the only programs to have never participated in the Challenge.
Here are a few things to look for in Saturday night’s contest.
When North Carolina Central Has the Ball
Players to watch:
Eagles: QB Walker Harris, WR Chance Peterson,
Jaguars: DL Ckelby Givens, LB Vincent Paige Jr., DB Horacio Johnson
For the third consecutive year, the Eagles’ offense has totaled over 390 points in a season, the first time North Carolina Central has ever achieved this feat in program history.
Quarterback Walker Harris returns after his first full season as the starter (1,882 passing yards, 20 total touchdowns). He will work behind a standout offensive line that includes All-MEAC Preseason selections Trevon Humphrey, Noah McKinney, and A.C. McMoore. The receiving corps is equally decorated, featuring TE Luke Bracey and WR Chance Peterson. Returning running backs Chris Mosley and Arthur Rodgers Jr. are preparing to lead a group that was the best in the conference in rushing yards per game (180.0).
There’s a lot of optimism surrounding the Jaguars’ defense thanks to the 14 returning players who have participated in at least six games in 2024. Led by All-Conference performers Ckelby Givens (73 tackles, 27.5 TFLs, 12 sacks), Horacio Johnson (74 tackles, two interceptions, forced fumble), and Vincent Paige Jr. (84 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks), Southern allowed 18.4 points per game in eight regular-season contests against SWAC opponents.
When Southern Has the Ball
Players to watch:
Jaguars: QB Jalen Woods, RB Mike Franklin, WR Darren Morris
Eagles: DL Christian Smith, LB Max U’Ren, DB Malcolm Reed
There are a lot of uncertainties with this offense that averaged 20.9 points per game in ’24.
Last year’s starting backfield won’t be returning, but that could be a benefit for head coach Terrence Graves. This off-season, the Jaguars have rotated three quarterbacks competing for the starting job: Dillon Compton, Cam’Ron McCoy, and Jalen Woods. Woods (541 passing yards, four touchdowns, three interceptions) is the only signal-caller with playing experience at Southern. Barry Remo (10 carries, 27 rushing yards, two touchdowns) is the only incumbent at running back. However, leading receivers Darren Morris (37 receptions, 434 yards, three touchdowns) and Dupree Fuller (30 receptions, 370 yards, two touchdowns) will be back to assist the starting quarterback.
Whoever the signal-caller will be, they will face one of the nation’s best defenses from a year ago. After giving up 4.93 yards per play and 18.4 points per contest in ’24, new defensive coordinator Jesse Thompson aspires to stay at a similar pace this fall. Thankfully, he’ll have a lot of players from last year’s unit. Defensive backs Malcolm Reed and Jelani Vassell will make it difficult for Jaguar receivers, while linebacker Max U’Ren and that Eagle defensive front will be disruptive towards their ground game.
MEAC/SWAC Challenge Prediction
The Eagles’ offense vs. the Jaguars’ defense has the potential to be a good matchup. Unfortunately, Southern allowed 146 points against FCS non-conference opponents and the SWAC’s league championship game in 2024. Combine that with the unpredictability of the Jags’ offense, and the SWAC’s current three-game win streak in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge will come to an end. The last MEAC team to win in this Challenge was … North Carolina Central.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Jaguars 17
