In Week 10, there was a bit of a shakeup atop the MEAC standings while Jackson State extended its win streak to five games with a 38-point victory. We also watched Morgan State steal an overtime win at home and Southern overcome a 10-point deficit to take a divisional lead.
As we wind down the regular season, conference title hopes are still alive for several teams as Norfolk State and North Carolina Central take byes this weekend.
Here are my top five matchups and predictions for this week.
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Predictions Record:
2024 record: 112-23
Week 10: 9-3
Week 11 FCS HBCU Top 5 Games
All times are Eastern Standard
5. Bethune-Cookman (2-7, 2-3) at Southern (5-4, 4-1), Saturday, 3:00 PM (Jaguar Sports Network)
Southern remains in the SWAC title chase thanks to quarterback Czavian Teasett’s big day against Alabama A&M last week (351 total yards, three passing touchdowns). With the third-easiest remaining schedule based on conference records, the Jags have a solid opportunity to win their ninth divisional title since 1999. This will be the first matchup between the two teams in Baton Rouge since 1981. Southern has never lost to Bethune-Cookman in program history, including their 28-18 win over the Wildcats last year.
Jaguars 24, Wildcats 17
4. Tennessee State (6-3, 3-2) at Western Illinois (3-6, 2-3), Saturday, 1:00 PM (ESPN+)
The Tigers had their four-game winning streak snapped last week, but there’s still a chance they can win the Big South-OVC title if things fall in their favor over the next few weeks. They must first help themselves to a victory when they face the Leathernecks for the first time in school history. The conference’s second-best scoring defense, who have allowed 17.2 points per game over their last five games, might be tested when they face quarterback Nathan Lamb (2,263 yards, 15 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) and the WIU offense that averaged 32.5 points against their past four opponents.
Tigers 27, Leathernecks 24
3. Texas Southern (3-5, 2-3) at Alcorn State (4-5, 3-2), Saturday, 3:00 PM (SWAC Digital Network)
Both teams are looking to rebound after tough losses. Be that as it may, the Braves will want to stay within striking distance of the SWAC West divisional lead and avoid a three-game losing streak for the first time since 2022. Texas Southern may have allowed 531 total yards and 52 points to Florida A&M last week, but the Tigers have won three of the previous four meetings against Alcorn State, including a 44-10 beatdown last year in Houston.
Braves 30, Tigers 28
2. Florida A&M (5-3, 3-1) at Prairie View A&M (4-5, 2-3), Saturday, 3:00 PM (ESPN+)
The Rattlers are a game behind Jackson State in the loss column. However, they have the easiest remaining schedule in the SWAC based on conference records. The Panthers are eying a three-game win streak, but they’ve struggled against FAMU, losing twice to the Rattlers in Tallahassee. Things won’t get any easier for Prairie View. The conference’s worst pass defense will welcome FAMU’s offense who have compiled 935 yards and 76 points in their last two games.
Rattlers 28, Panthers 17
1. South Carolina State (6-2, 2-0) at Howard (4-5, 1-1), Saturday, 3:30 PM (ESPN+)
The Bulldogs, who are riding their first five-game win streak in 11 years, are heading to DC to face the 2023 MEAC Champs. Quarterback Eric Phoenix has been impressive during that span, compiling 1,653 total yards and 16 touchdowns against six interceptions. The Bison, who have lost four of their last five against South Carolina State, will have their collective hands full with the Bulldogs’ overall team speed. Nonetheless, Howard is 3-1 at home this season and a win here will make things very interesting in the MEAC championship race.
Bulldogs 31, Bison 21
CAA
Hampton (5-4, 2-3) at Towson (4-5, 2-3), Saturday, 1:00 PM (FloSports)
Pirates 28, Tigers 24
North Carolina A&T (1-8, 0-5) at #11 Villanova (7-2, 4-1), Saturday, 1:00 PM (FloSports)
Wildcats 42, Aggies 10
MEAC
Morgan State (4-5, 1-1) at Delaware State (1-8, 0-2), Saturday, Noon (ESPN+)
Bears 24, Hornets 14
SWAC
Alabama A&M (3-5, 1-3) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-6, 2-3), Saturday, 3:00 PM (SWAC Digital Network)
Bulldogs 30, Golden Lions 21
Alabama State (5-3, 4-1) at Grambling State (4-5,1-4), Saturday, 3:00 PM (ESPN+)
Hornets 28, Tigers 17
Mississippi Valley State (0-9, 0-5) at Jackson State (7-2, 5-0), Saturday, 3:00 PM (HBCU GO Sports)
Tigers 38, Delta Devils 14
