Last week, we witnessed an instant classic in Jackson. At the same time, seven teams – Alabama A&M, Alcorn State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Bethune-Cookman, Delaware State, Morgan State, North Carolina Central – scored a combined 370 points.
Sadly, Week 8 of the FCS Black College Football schedule may not have the same level of intrigue, with 10 teams being on a bye. With that said, I took the time to preview the seven games that involve HBCUs.
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Here are my previews and predictions for this week.
All times are Eastern Standard.
Predictions Record:
2025 record: 81-21
Week 7: 11-3
Hampton (2-5, 0-3 CAA) at #15 Villanova (4-2, 3-1 CAA), Saturday, 1:00 PM (FloSports)
The Pirates are allowing 238.9 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 119 out of 126 FCS teams. Look for Villanova running back David Avit (535 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) to have a big day. Then again, wide receiver Luke Colella had 10 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 29-21 win over Elon last week. Either way, Hampton allowed 180 points in their previous five contests (1-4).
Wildcats 31, Pirates 14
Virginia-Lynchburg (3-4) at Texas Southern (3-3), Saturday, 3:00 PM (SWAC TV)
Virginia-Lynchburg continues to be homecoming fodder as they travel to Houston to face Texas Southern. The Tigers are on the verge of winning four straight games for the first time in 11 years. Standing in their way is a Dragons defense that yielded 538 yards and 44 points to Morgan State last weekend in Baltimore.
Tigers 35, Dragons 10
Grambling State (3-3, 0-2 SWAC) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-3, 1-1 SWAC), Saturday, 3:00 PM (SWAC TV)
UAPB has lost 9 of its last 11 games against the Tigers, including their previous three. A loss here would make Grambling’s division title hopes that much harder, as no one has advanced to the SWAC Championship game with three or more conference losses since 2016. Keep an eye on GSU’s quarterback situation. Starter C’zavian Teasett (foot) is day-to-day, and backup Ashton Frye left their loss to Texas Southern with an injury.
Golden Lions 21, Tigers 17
Lincoln (CA) (0-7) at Mississippi Valley State (0-5), Saturday, 3:00 PM (SWAC TV)
Both teams have a combined record of 6-74 dating back to 2022. Even though the Delta Devils have seen their share of struggles, they shouldn’t drop a game against a team that hasn’t won a game in three years. Especially on homecoming. Should they?
Delta Devils 24, Oaklanders 7
Alcorn State (1-5, 0-2 SWAC) at Florida A&M (1-4, 0-1 SWAC), Saturday, 4:00 PM (ESPN+)
Off to their worst start in nine years, Florida A&M is still in search of an FCS victory when they welcome Alcorn State for homecoming. The Braves aren’t faring any better, starting a season 1-5 for the first time since 2008. The Rattlers’ defensive game plan is to control Alcorn State’s rushing attack, after giving up 494 yards on the ground in their last two games. However, the SWAC’s leading rusher, Jacorian Sewell, gained 177 yards on 15 carries in his previous outing. Florida A&M’s mettle is on the line, as well as avoiding a third loss in Bragg Stadium since 2017.
Braves 20, Rattlers 17
Prairie View A&M (4-2, 3-0 SWAC) at Southern (1-5, 0-2 SWAC), Saturday, 5:00 PM (SWAC TV)
The Jags were the preseason favorites to repeat as SWAC West Division Champions. Eight weeks into the season, Southern is still in search of their second win as it faces Prairie View A&M for homecoming. Both teams split the last four games of the series, including SU’s 31-24 OT win in 2024. However, PV has won the previous two in Baton Rouge. Panthers head coach Tremaine Jackson believes that Southern’s record doesn’t reflect who they are. Nonetheless, the Jags have allowed 169 points during their four-game losing streak.
Panthers 24, Jaguars 14
Howard (3-3) at Tennessee State (1-5), Saturday, 5:30 PM (ESPN+)
Both teams have seen their share of struggles, with Howard being held scoreless in the second half of their last two games, while Tennessee State has allowed 176 points during their five-game losing streak. Sure, the Tigers spoiled HU’s homecoming the previous year in their first-ever meeting, but the Bison are poised to return the favor. TSU is averaging 12.5 points per game while Howard has given up 26 points in their three games against HBCUs (3-0).
Bison 17, Tigers 14