Week 10 HBCU FCS Predictions

The march toward conference championships and postseason play continues as we move to Week 10 of the HBCU FCS football season.

This past Saturday, Alabama State created “magic” in Birmingham. Hampton dominated in their come-from-behind victory, and Florida A&M extended their home win streak to 22 games.

We also watched North Carolina Central win a homecoming slugfest over Morgan State, Jackson State score 27 unanswered points to defeat Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, and South Carolina State score its most points since 2011 in their drubbing of Delaware State. All three teams remain undefeated in league play.

In this week’s slate, Florida A&M and Jackson State celebrate homecoming, first place is up for grabs in the MEAC, and several teams try to keep pace in their respective conference championship chases.

Here are my top five matchups and predictions for this week.

Predictions Record:
2024 record: 103-20
Week 9: 8-3

Week 10 FCS HBCU Top 5 Games

All times are Eastern Standard

5. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-5, 2-2) at #23 Jackson State (6-2, 4-0), Saturday, 3:00 PM (ESPN+)

The Golden Lions haven’t won two conference games in a season since Spring 2021. UAPB quarterback Mekhi Hagens (998 total yards, 11 total touchdowns, two interceptions vs. SWAC) and wide receiver JaVonnie Gibson (549 receiving yards, five touchdowns vs. SWAC) will look to exploit Jackson State’s pass defense, which has struggled against league opponents. Is UAPB’s offense potent enough to keep pace with the Tigers who have averaged 40 points per contest during their four-game win streak?

Tigers 35, Golden Lions 28

4. #13 Villanova (6-2, 3-1) at Hampton (5-3, 2-2), Saturday, 1:00 PM (FloSports)

2018 was the last time Hampton started a season 5-3. A strong run to finish the year could lead to the first postseason appearance for the Pirates since 2006. This final push likely won’t be easy, as Hampton’s final four opponents have a combined record of 10-5 in league play. Not to mention, the Pirates have yet to defeat a CAA team with a winning record and are winless against Villanova (0-2) all-time. However, if Hampton can win the turnover battle, they might have a chance.

Wildcats 24, Pirates 21

3. UT Martin (5-3, 3-1) at Tennessee State (6-2, 3-1), Saturday, 6:00 PM (ESPN+)

Both teams are riding four-game win streaks and are within striking distance of first place in the Big South-OVC. During this run, Tennessee State allowed 15 points per game. However, The Tigers, who have lost three straight in the series, must stop the conference’s leading rusher Patrick Smith (836 yards, 12 touchdowns), and a Skyhawks offense averaging 43.5 points in league play.

Skyhawks 30, Tigers 27

2. Alabama State (4-3, 3-1) at Alcorn State (4-4, 3-1), Saturday, 5:00 PM (ESPN+)

Both teams are a game back of first place in their respective divisions. The Braves have won six of their last seven against Alabama State, but Alcorn is coming off a disappointing 10-point homecoming loss to Southern where dual-threat Xzavier Vaughn was held to 131 total yards, a rushing touchdown, and an interception. It doesn’t get any easier for head coach Cedric Thomas, as they will face the SWAC’s best defense in the Port City Classic. The Hornets allow under 19 points per game while former fifth-string quarterback Kareem Keye has been a pleasant surprise. The redshirt freshman has thrown for 457 yards and six touchdowns in his first two starts.

Hornets 27, Braves 21

1. #21 North Carolina Central (6-2, 2-0) at South Carolina State (5-2, 1-0), Thursday, 7:30 PM (ESPN2)

North Carolina Central and South Carolina State are the lone undefeated teams in conference play. This televised matchup in a short week has the potential to be a shootout as the MEAC’s top two scoring offenses face off. NCCU snapped a three-game losing streak to SCSU last year. However, the Eagles haven’t won in Orangeburg since 2018. Whoever has the ball last could win the game, with the winner having a strong chance to represent the MEAC in Atlanta this December.

Eagles 31, Bulldogs 28

CAA

#24 William & Mary (5-3, 2-2) at North Carolina A&T (1-7, 0-4), Saturday, 1:00 PM (FloSports)

Tribe 38, Aggies 14

MEAC

Delaware State (1-7, 0-1) at Howard (3-5, 0-1), Saturday, 1:00 PM (ESPN+)

Bison 24, Hornets 20

Norfolk State (3-6, 1-1) at Morgan State (3-5, 0-1), Saturday, 1:00 PM (ESPN+)

Bears 23, Spartans 21

SWAC

Grambling State (4-4, 1-3) at Bethune-Cookman (1-7, 1-3), Saturday, 3:00 PM (SWAC Digital Network)

Tigers 24, Wildcats 17

Prairie View A&M (3-5, 1-3) at Mississippi Valley State (0-8, 0-4), Saturday, 3:00 PM (SWAC Digital Network)

Panthers 20, Delta Devils 14

Southern (4-4, 3-1) at Alabama A&M (3-4, 1-2), Saturday, 3:00 PM (HBCU GO Sports)

Bulldogs 24, Jaguars 21

Texas Southern (3-4, 2-2) at Florida A&M (4-3, 2-1), Saturday, 3:00 PM (ESPN+)

Rattlers 27, Tigers 20