Arlington, Texas— MEAC schools have dominated the rankings over the first four weeks in most black college polls. However, Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State have both under-performed. Both have been blown out by BCS schools. Both have incurred early conference losses.
As a result, Defending SWAC East Champion, Alabama State(4-1), tops the Urban Sports News Poll for week five. The Hornets topped Alcorn State 31-23 last week.
“Alabama State has earned the number one ranking,” said John Posey, CEO of Urban Sports News. “They were virtually ignored by everyone but us over the first three weeks of the season. Their only loss was to Eastern Michigan (14-7). When you consider the Hornets lost sixteen players to academics, this is an amazing accomplishment. They can’t rest on their laurels because they will be playing an angry Texas Southern team coming off an horrific loss (58-13). I also wonder what Jackson State has to do to be ranked higher. They are ranked number 7 by Sheridan which is a joke. The only team they lost to was Alabama State (21-14). I guess SWAC schools can’t get any respect in the Sheridan Poll. I also think that Hampton is the best 2-2 team in Black College Football. They are seven points from being undefeated. Alabama A&M and Prairie View are trending up in our eyes. FAMU and Stillman could break into the Top 10 with wins coupled with losses from key teams. ”
Alabama State (4-1), Jackson State (4-1), Norfolk State (4-1), Albany State (4-1) and Hampton (2-2), round out the USN Top Five for week five. Winston-Salem State (5-0), South Carolina State (2-3), Bethune-Cookman (2-2), Morehouse (4-1), and Prairie View (3-2) round out the second five. Ranked Texas Southern, UAPB, Bethune, and South Carolina State lost last weekend. Prairie View debuts in the USN Top 10.
Coach Bailey thinks this will continue to be a year full of upsets.
“It’s a crazy year. No one would have thought Tuskegee would be 1-3. They get a chance at redemption when they play Morehouse. Grambling is 1-4 and Shaw just won their first game of the season which is surprising as they have been strong over the last few seasons. I think part of it is that a lot of these teams have young quarterbacks and aren’t getting consistent play at that position.”
This will be an important week for several teams as they face key match-ups that could make or break their post-season chances. Games to watch include: 1) Prairie View vs. Southern; 2) Tuskegee vs. Morehouse; 3) Texas Southern vs. Alabama State; 4) Hampton vs. Princeton; 5) and, Jackson State vs. UAPB.
“Prairie View has a chance to solidify their lead in the SWAC West with a win and a UAPB loss,” explained Posey. “Tuskegee could climb into the SIAC West race with a win over Morehouse. They could still take the crown and meet the SIAC West winner on November 12th.
Urban Sports News Black College Football Poll: Week 5
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Alabama State Hornets | 4-1 |
| 2. | Jackson State Tigers | 4-1 |
| 3. | Norfolk State Spartans | 4-1 |
| 4. | Albany State Golden Rams | 4-1 |
| 5. | Hampton Pirates | 2-2 |
| 6. | Winston-Salem State Rams | 5-0 |
| 7. | South Carolina State Bulldogs | 2-3 |
| 8. | Bethune-Cookman Wildcats | 2-2 |
| 9. | Morehouse Maroon Tigers | 4-1 |
| 10. | Prairie View Panthers | 3-2 |
Dropped Out of Top 10: Texas Southern, UAPB; Moving Up: FAMU, Stillman. Trending Down: Bethune-Cookman, South Carolina State, Texas Southern.
Others Receiving Consideration: Alabama A&M, Bowie State, Texas Southern, Virginia Union, UAPB.
