The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s football media day is just around the corner, and there is at least one important question each of the conference’s six football-playing members must answer if they are to have a chance at a trip to Atlanta and the Celebration Bowl.
1. How will Howard handle being hunted?
The Bison were hunters for many a year in the MEAC, but after winning their first conference title since 1993, the target is squarely on their backs as several teams look to place a claim on the crown.
With several playmakers on both sides of the ball returning, the Bison will need to start fast and finish strong if they are to repeat as MEAC champs for the first time in school history.
2. Can North Carolina Central get back to the top?
The Eagles’ Celebration Bowl express was derailed rudely by Howard in a 50-20 romp last season.
After “settling” for a trip to the FCS playoffs, Trei Oliver’s crew is hungry for revenge and the championship they believe is rightfully theirs.
Losing Davius Richard to graduation could hurt or could clear the way for Walker Harris, who threw five touchdown passes in his lone start against Mississippi Valley State in the Circle City Classic last year.
3. Is Morgan State ready to take the leap?
Damon Wilson and his staff are among the best at recruiting and preparation in all of Black College Football.
They were tripped up by a couple of unfortunate circumstances in 2023, but the Bears have just as good of a chance as anyone to win the MEAC.
With Erick Hunter leading a ferocious Bears defense, some offensive consistency might be all Morgan needs for that Atlanta business trip.
4. Can Chennis Berry put the bite back in South Carolina State’s bark?
The enthusiastic and charismatic coach lifted Benedict College from mediocrity to Division II contender status, and now he’s at SCSU replacing legendary coach Buddy Pough, who retired after last season.
Berry’s fiery, passionate coaching style fits an enthusiastic fanbase in Orangeburg. If they can get the talent, the 3 ½ hour drive west to Mercedes Benz Stadium could be a foregone conclusion for the Bulldogs.
5. Will Norfolk State surprise the MEAC?
Dawson Odums’ Spartans were in just about every game they played in 2023, so the key for their 2024 campaign is to finish.
They’ll have an immediate test in Week 0 of the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Black College National champ Florida A&M, so that will give us all as good a guess as anything as to how good Norfolk State can be…or how worried their fanbase should be.
6. Can Delaware State…?
There’s a lot that can be asked of the Hornets – can they win against a Division I opponent, something they haven’t done since Week 10 of the 2022 season?
Can they make life tough for the MEAC contenders, as they did for at least half a game against Howard and Morgan State last season?
Can they secure an above-.500 record, something that hasn’t been done since Barack Obama was re-elected for a second term as president of the United States?
At least they’ll have a trip to Hawaii to start the season in peaceful surroundings in Week 0.
