Arlington, Texas— Alabama State (6-1) tops the Urban Sports News Poll for the fourth week in a row. The Hornets The Hornets return to action against rival Alabama A&M (5-2) in the Magic City Classic.
Jackson State (6-1) returns to the number two slot. The Tigers face Prairie View (4-3) in the Shreveport Classic. Norfolk State (6-2) drops from number two to the fifth spot in the Urban Sports News Poll after a lackluster effort against Bethune-Cookman in 14-6 loss at home. Alabama State (6-1), Jackson State (6-1), Winston-Salem State (7-0), Albany State (6-2), and
Norfolk State (6-2) round out the USN Top Five for week eight. Morehouse (6-2), Bethune-Cookman (4-3), FAMU (4-3), Hampton (4-3), and Alabama A&M (5-2) fill the second five slots of the USN Poll.
“Alabama State is the best team we’ve seen play this season,” said John Posey, CEO of Urban Sports News. “Jackson State, when the play with focus, is the second-best team. Bethune-Cookman has the most talent, but they have had poor quarterback play and make far too many penalties. South Carolina State has quarterback problems. I think one of the most pleasant surprises of the season is Howard (4-4). The Bison have beaten Morehouse, North Carolina A&T, and FAMU. All have been ranked this year. It looks like FAMU has righted the ship. Winston-Salem State has been outstanding. The SWAC West is weaker than it’s been over the last few years. Most of these teams have young quarterbacks. Who could have predicted that Grambling and Tuskegee would be struggling in 2011?”
Must-see games to watch this week include: 1) Norfolk State vs. North Carolina A&T; 2) Jackson State vs. Prairie View; 3) Howard vs. South Carolina State; 4) Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M; 5) and, Morehouse vs. Fort Valley State.
“This will be an important week for several teams as they face key match-ups that could make or break their title chances,” said Posey. “The MEAC is up for grabs. Bethune-Cookman has come back from the dead. Norfolk, Hampton, North Carolina State and even Howard have a shot. I think Morehouse has to be very focused against a talented Fort Valley State team. The Alabama State game is a must-win for the Bulldogs. The Hornets can clinch the title with a win. Despite Jackson State being ineligible for post-season play, the can spoil Prairie View’s West title hopes.”
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Alabama State Hornets | 6-1 |
| 2. | Jackson State Tigers | 6-1 |
| 3. | Winston-Salem State Rams | 8-0 |
| 4. | Albany State Golden Rams | 6-2 |
| 5. | Norfolk State Spartans | 6-2 |
| 6. | Morehouse Maroon Tigers | 6-2 |
| 7. | Bethune-Cookman Wildcats | 4-3 |
| 8. | FAMU | 5-3 |
| 9 | Hampton Pirates | 4-3 |
| 10. | Alabama A&M Bulldogs | 5-2 |
Dropped Out of Top 10: North Carolina A&T, South Carolina State, Stillman. Moving Up: Bethune-Cookman, Elizabeth City, FAMU, Langston. Trending Down: North Carolina A&T, Prairie View, South Carolina State, Stillman.
Others Receiving Consideration: Elizabeth City, Howard, Langston, Prairie View, South Carolina State, Stillman.
