Last weekend, we watched Jackson State and Southern take sole possession of first place within their respective SWAC divisions, Tennessee State win six games in consecutive seasons for the first time in six years, Bethune Cookman win a pillow fight, and North Carolina A&T lose by 42 … again.
As the final weekend of October approaches, everyone in the MEAC will start conference play. Seven schools –Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Bethune-Cookman, Hampton, Norfolk State, North Carolina Central, Prairie View A&M, and South Carolina State — will celebrate homecoming, and a magical rivalry will be renewed. Tennessee State and Alcorn State will be on a bye this week.
Here are my top five matchups and predictions for this week.
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Predictions Record:
2024 record: 95-17
Week 8: 6-1
Week 9 FCS HBCU Top 5 Games
All times are Eastern Standard
5. Jackson State (5-2, 3-0) at Bethune-Cookman (1-6, 1-2), Saturday, 3:00 PM (HBCU GO Sports)
Bethune-Cookman looks to continue their current habit of snapping losing streaks. Last week, the Wildcats snapped their six-game losing streak. This week, they aspire to do the same with their three-game skid against Jackson State. The problem is that the fifth-worst run defense in the nation will welcome a Tigers offense that gained 245 yards and three touchdowns in their win over FAMU last week. BCU fans will hear Irv Mulligan’s name called a lot during their homecoming.
Tigers 35, Wildcats 12
4. Howard (3-4, 0-0) at Norfolk State (2-5, 0-1), Saturday, 2:00 PM (ESPN+)
Both teams are looking to rebound after tough home losses last week. Another loss here would be detrimental, as Howard and Norfolk State aspire to win a conference championship. These offenses are led by their ability to run the ball, averaging over 160 yards per game. Keep an eye on Howard quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins. The dual-threat signal-caller will look to take advantage of the MEAC’s worse pass defense at Norfolk’s Homecoming. Be that as it may, Scroggins has a propensity for turning the ball over and the Spartans lead the conference with 14 forced turnovers.
Bison 20, Spartans 17
3. Alabama State (3-3, 2-1) vs. Alabama A&M (3-3, 1-1), Saturday, 3:30 PM (ESPNU)
This year’s Magic City Classic is the quintessential strength versus strength matchup, as the SWAC’s best offense will face the conference’s best defense. However, the focus should be on Alabama State’s offense. Will we see the iteration that scored 54 points against Mississippi Valley State last week, led by quarterback Kareem Keye (326 passing yards, four touchdowns)? Or will the version that averaged 19 points per game over the first five games make a return?
Bulldogs 24, Hornets 21
2. Morgan State (3-4, 0-0) at #21 North Carolina Central (5-2, 1-0), Saturday, 3:30 PM (ESPN+)
Saying that North Carolina Central’s offense is prolific would almost be an understatement. The nation’s sixth-best scoring offense has amassed 276 points over their first seven games of the season. They are currently on pace to break their single-season record for total points scored if they can average 37 points over their final four games. Standing in their way is the nation’s ninth-best scoring defense. Nonetheless, ball control will be crucial if Morgan State aspires to ruin NCCU’s Homecoming. The Bears are averaging a league-best 32:03 in time of possession, but they’re scoring a paltry 16.5 points per contest against FCS opponents this season.
Eagles 30, Bears 21
1. Southern (4-3, 3-0) at Florida A&M (3-3. 1-1), Saturday, 7:00 PM (ESPN+)
After a strong 2-0 start to the season, the Rattlers have compiled a record of 1-3 since, including a heartbreaking loss to Jackson State last week. If FAMU wants to avoid losing a fourth game in a season for the first time since 2018, they’ll have to stop the West Division-leading Jaguars. The Rattlers are going into Saturday with the nation’s second-longest home game-winning streak at 21. However, their defense is ranked 110th nationally against the run while Southern has rushed for 218 yards per contest against SWAC opponents.
Rattlers 27, Jaguars 24
CAA
Elon (2-5, 1-2) at Hampton (4-3, 1-2), Saturday, 2:00 PM (FloSports)
Pirates 31, Phoenix 17
North Carolina A&T (1-6. 0-3) at Campbell (2-5, 0-3), Saturday, 4:00 PM (FloSports)
Camels 21, Aggies 14
MEAC
Delaware State (1-6, 0-0) at South Carolina State (4-2, 0-0), Saturday, 3:30 PM (ESPN+)
Bulldogs 28, Hornets 12
SWAC
Mississippi Valley State (0-7, 0-3) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2-5, 1-2), Saturday, 3:00 PM (HBCU GO)
Golden Lions 31, Delta Devils 10
Texas A&M-Commerce (1-6) at Prairie View A&M (2-5), Saturday, 7:00 PM (ESPN+)
Panthers 28, Lions 24
Grambling State (4-3, 1-2) at Texas Southern (2-4, 1-2), Saturday, 7:00 PM (SWAC Digital Network)
Grambling State 31, Texas Southern 27
