Arlington, Texas— Two upsets highlighted week six. Bethune-Cookman (2-3) continued its free-fall by losing for the third time in its last four games. The Wildcats were stopped 22-3 at North Carolina A&T and have dropped out of the Urban Sports News Poll. Division II power, Albany State, was surprised by Lane 26-24
Alabama State(5-1), tops the Urban Sports News Poll for the second week in a row and Jackson State (5-1) remains at number 2. The Hornets topped Texas Southern 43-28 and JSU trounced Pine-Bluff 48-10.
“Alabama State is playing the best football in the country right now period. They have a strong linebacking corps and a talented secondary lead by They face a tough Prairie View team Saturday in a battle of SWAC Division leaders,” said John Posey, CEO of Urban Sports News. “Jackson State has righted the ship and is playing to their potential. Maybe the other polls will get religion and rank JSU where they belong. JSU was ranked below Albany State and Bethune by Sheridan last week. Coach Bailey and I like Hampton. Based on what? Stillman (5-1) and Morehouse (5-1) have earned Big Dog status in the SIAC. Keep your eye on Howard, Alabama A&M, Morgan State and North Carolina A&T. Norfolk’s season will be determined over the next two weeks. They host Hampton and Bethune. 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 (5-1), Jackson State (5-1), Norfolk State (3-2), Hampton (3-2), and Winston-Salem State (6-0) round out the USN Top Five for week five. Morehouse (5-1), South Carolina State (3-3), Prairie View (4-2), Albany State (4-2) and Stillman (5-1) round out the second five. Ranked Bethune and Albany State lost last weekend. Stillman debuts in the USN Top 10.
“It seems we have made some people angry last week. I received a phone call from someone at Urban Radio Network and Ralph Cooper, a Houston sports show host, who were unhappy with our poll and the article we wrote on State Fair Classic,” said Posey. “As far as other polls being upset, when you put your work in the public square, be prepared for critics, particularly if you put out a sloppy product. Mr. Cooper called me on behalf of his friend Al Wash trying to intimidate me about our op-ed piece on the State Fair Classic. He then hung up on me. Tacky. Tacky. Tacky.”
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. Alabama State; 2) Tuskegee vs. Albany State; 3) and, Hampton vs. Norfolk State;
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Alabama State Hornets | 5-1 |
| 2. | Jackson State Tigers | 5-1 |
| 3. | Norfolk State Spartans | 5-1 |
| 4. | Hampton Pirates | 3-2 |
| 5. | Winston-Salem State Rams | 6-0 |
| 6. | Morehouse Maroon Tigers | 5-1 |
| 7. | South Carolina State Bulldogs | 3-3 |
| 8. | Prairie View Panthers | 4-2 |
| 9. | Albany State Golden Rams | 4-2 |
| 10. | Stillman | 5-1 |
Dropped Out of Top 10: Bethune-Cookman; Moving Up: Alabama A&M. Trending Down: Albany State, Bethune-Cookman, South Carolina State.
Others Receiving Consideration: Alabama A&M, Bethune, Elizabeth City, FAMU, Virginia Union.
Looks like Prairie View is moving up the list. They need another road win this weekend.
Prairie View desperately needs a win this weekend. This would make a statement. However, PV tends to be prone to turnovers, which if continued, would hamper their efforts against the top ranked ASU.