Week 2 of the HBCU FCS football season wasn’t as riveting as the season opener. Nonetheless, there were still a few inspiring storylines buried amidst the mire of “payout games” and matchups against two top 5 opponents.
Unfortunately for the nine HBCUs that faced FBS opponents this past Saturday, they would go on to lose by a combined score of 459-70, with no one allowing less than 35 points.
Things weren’t any easier for Tennessee State and Mississippi Valley State, who faced North Dakota State and Tarleton State, respectively. Both teams would lose by the final score of 59-3.
On the brighter side, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, and Hampton were victorious while DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick would earn their first wins as collegiate head coaches.
This week’s docket features a CAA showdown, four intraconference contests, five FBS vs. FCS games, and eight matchups against Division II opponents.
Here are my top five matchups and predictions for this week.
Predictions Record:
2025 record: 29-6
Week 2: 17-2
Week 3 FCS HBCU Top 5 Games
All times are Eastern
5. Hampton (1-1, 0-0 CAA) at North Carolina A&T (0-2, 0-0 CAA), Saturday, 7:00 PM (FloSports)
North Carolina A&T has seen its share of struggles recently. The Aggies have dropped 12 straight games, including a 59-17 loss to Hampton last October. Compound that with A&T’s quarterback room, which is plagued by injuries, and I doubt the Aggies will win another game anytime soon.
Pirates 28, Aggies 10
4. Bethune-Cookman (0-2) at South Carolina State (1-1), 6:00 PM (ESPN+)
These former MEAC foes are looking to rebound after a rough outing against FBS opponents in their first meeting in three seasons. Bethune-Cookman also wants to avoid losing its fourth straight against the Bulldogs. Unfortunately, the level of concern for the Wildcats’ offense continues to grow, totaling 12 points in their first two contests.
Bulldogs 24, Wildcats 14
3. Tuskegee (2-0) at #19 Jackson State (1-1), 3:00 PM (SWAC TV) W.C. Gorden Classic
The Tigers are looking to rebound after a tough loss to Southern Miss last week. However, they won’t find much solace in Division II Tuskegee. Over the past decade, Jackson State is 3-2 against DII opponents, including a 33-7 loss to the Golden Tigers in 2017. Behind Ahmad Miller (214 yards, three touchdowns) and Jacorian Sewell (176 yards, touchdown), the Tigers have the SWAC’s best rushing offense, averaging 248.0 yards. But TU has yielded just 81.5 yards on the ground in their two wins.
Tigers 27, Golden Tigers 17
2. Albany State (2-0) at Florida A&M (0-2), 7:00 PM (SWAC TV)
The Rattlers haven’t started a season 0-3 since 2016. Nonetheless, FAMU fans shouldn’t get too confident that this slide will end because Division II Albany State is coming to Tallahassee. Golden Rams quarterback Isaiah Knowles (623 total yards, 10 touchdowns, one interception) looked amazing while leading DII’s fifth-best scoring offense to 100 points in their first two games.
Rattlers 24, Golden Rams 21
1. Alabama A&M (1-1) at Tennessee State (1-1), Saturday, 4:30 PM (ESPN+) The Legacy Series
The 30th meeting between these two teams will be their first in 15 years. Dating back to 2010, the Tigers are 16-8 against SWAC opponents, including a 27-14 victory over the Bulldogs. That was nearly two decades ago. This iteration of Alabama A&M is led offensively by dual-threat quarterback Cornelious Brown IV (455 total yards, five touchdowns). Let’s see if Tennessee State can take advantage of the Bulldogs’ defense that has allowed 83 points in their first two games.
Bulldogs 30, Tigers 24
More HBCU Predictions
MEAC
Bowie State (1-0) at Delaware State (1-1), Saturday, 1:00 PM (ESPN+)
Hornets 30, Bulldogs 21
Morehouse (0-1) vs. Howard (1-1), 1:00 PM (HBCU Go) HBCU NY Football Classic
Bison 31, Maroon Tigers 10
Morgan State (0-2) at Toledo (1-1), 3:30 PM (ESPN+)
Rockets 35, Bears 20
Norfolk State (1-1) at Rutgers (2-0), 3:30 PM (BigTen Network)
Scarlet Knights 56, Spartans 12
Fayetteville State (0-2) at North Carolina Central (1-2), 6:00 PM (ESPN+)
Eagles 37, Broncos 14
SWAC
Miles (0-2) at Alabama State (1-1), Saturday, 6:00 PM (The Grio Network)
Hornets 30, Golden Bears 17
Alcorn State (0-2) at Mississippi State (2-0), 6:00 PM (SEC Network/ESPN+)
Bulldogs 42, Braves 7
Lincoln (CA) (0-2) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-2), 7:00 PM (SWAC TV)
Golden Lions 28, Oaklanders 12
Kentucky State (1-1) at Grambling State (1-1), 7:00 PM (SWAC TV)
Tigers 31, Thoroughbreds 17
Mississippi Valley State (0-2) at Southeastern Louisiana (1-1), 7:00 PM (ESPN+)
Lions 38, Delta Devils 10
Prairie View A&M (1-1) at Rice (1-1), 7:00 PM (ESPN+)
Owls 52, Panthers 14
#24 Lamar (1-1) at Texas Southern (0-2), 7:00 PM (SWAC TV)
Cardinals 42, Tigers 10
Southern (1-2) at Fresno State (2-1), 10:00 PM (Mountain West Network)
Bulldogs 31, Jaguars 7
