While the CIAA and SIAC are entering championship games, there are still some things that need to be worked out in the Division I ranks.
Here are five meaningful games to watch in Week 11 of the HBCU football season.
Florida A&M vs. Alabama State
In a matchup of the second and third-place teams in the SWAC East, Florida A&M goes on the road to Montgomery to face the Alabama State
Both the Hornets and Rattlers are riding lengthy win streaks since their respective loss to Jackson State, with FAMU’s streak spanning seven games and Hornets at three.
Although unlikely, Florida A&M is technically still in contention to win the SWAC East by winning out and needing JSU to lose its last two.
Alabama State provides a great test for the Rattlers as they have the second-ranked defense in the SWAC as well as ranking in the top 20 in the country.
The Hornets are also looking to avenge a 28-0 loss to FAMU last season.
North Carolina Central vs. Norfolk State
North Carolina Central will look to clinch its first MEAC championship since 2016.
History is on the side of the Eagles as they have beaten Norfolk State five times in their last seven contests, including three straight on the Spartans’ home field. The last time these two teams faced off, the Eagles won 38-36 in double overtime.
North Carolina A&T vs. Charleston Southern
The Aggies are attempting to come one step closer to claiming their first Big South title.
North Carolina A&T is riding a six-game win streak, holding a 3-0 record in conference play.
A win is critical for the Aggies who are looking to stay ahead of Robert Morris at the top of the conference before they face off in the season finale next Saturday.
NC A&T has had success against Charleston Southern in recent years, holding wins in each of their last two matchups.
Jackson State vs. Alabama A&M
The undefeated Tigers go on the road to play in the Gulf Coast Challenge.
Unlike the other games on this list, this contest’s intrigue has less to do with stakes and more with the backstory behind it.
These two teams have had some heated battles on and off the field so do not expect this upcoming matchup to be any different.
The last time Jackson State lost a game in conference play was in a 52-43 thriller against Alabama A&M in the 2021 spring season. The Tigers, however, got revenge in a huge way last season spoiling the Bulldogs’ homecoming with a 61-15 win.
South Carolina State vs. Howard
The Bulldogs and Bison will look to remain alive in the race for the MEAC when they clash in Washington D.C.
Should North Carolina Central lose its conference finale against Norfolk State, the winner of this game could be one step closer to taking home the MEAC crown.
