After Week 1 (and two weeks of play for at least one team), the Division I HBCU Football field is a work in progress and with a few key games on the schedule for all concerned parties, here is our Ultimate HBCU Sports D-1 Football Poll heading into Week 2
1. North Carolina Central (1-0)
Trei Oliver’s group jumped out to a 21-0 lead against SWAC East favorite Alabama State in Sunday’s Orange Blossom Classic, then had to sweat out some anxious moments following a near two-hour weather delay. Still, the Eagles boast talent on both sides of the ball – quarterback Walker Harris started six of six passing while running back J’Mari Taylor compiled 143 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. Defensively, safety Kole Jones returned an interception for a touchdown and Central’s big guys won the battle up front. That’s enough to keep them at the top of these rankings – for now.
2. Florida A&M (2-0)
Winning pretty does not exist in the minds of football coaches and their teams, and the Rattlers have overcome double-digit deficits in their first two contests and have won both. Florida Atlantic transfer Daniel Richardson has been as good as advertised at the quarterback position while new head coach James Colzie has had his team prepared for every circumstance thus far. While they were picked third in the Eastern Division by SWAC media day pollsters, the fact remains FAMU is the SWAC East, SWAC and Celebration Bowl champions until proven otherwise.
3. Howard (0-1)
The Bison hung with Big Ten foe Rutgers for just about a half, then the Scarlet Knights’ depth finally wore HU down. Still, Howard is a force to be reckoned with and coach Larry Scott believes quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins is the guy to lead this team’s MEAC repeat quest. Howard’s ability to win trench battles with an FBS opponent should give them a confidence boost through the regular season’s remaining 10 games.
4. Alabama State (0-1)
The Hornets showed a ton of fortitude to scrape back from 21 points down to have a final drive opportunity to tie the Orange Blossom Classic, but ASU needs to settle their quarterback situation as well as get some consistency on defense.
5. Morgan State (1-0)
The Bears went into Armstrong Stadium and survived a track meet with the Pirates to start their 2024 campaign on the good foot. Their powerful running game chewed up enough clock to keep Hampton at bay for most of the contest and that will be key with a young quarterback such as redshirt sophomore Tahj Smith navigating new and treacherous FCS waters. Morgan’s defense will inevitably rise to the occasion in the coming weeks, making them one of the favorites to possibly unseat Howard and Central at the top of the MEAC.
6. Jackson State (0-1)
The Tigers were unable to upset Louisiana-Monroe but were still solid enough to remain in the top 10. Jacobian Morgan was efficient at quarterback, completing 23 of 28 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown, while linebackers Reid Pulliam and Ashton Taylor led a spirited Tiger defense. Hosting Lane this week gives JSU a good chance to even their record and possibly move up in our poll.
7. Alcorn State (0-1)
The Braves had a rough go of it at UAB, and it doesn’t get any easier this week as they visit Vanderbilt, who’s coming off an emotional overtime win against Virginia Tech. That actually could work in Alcorn’s favor; the Commodores could be hungover from that dramatic victory. It’ll be important for the Braves to start fast and stay healthy for a chance at the upset.
8. South Carolina State (0-1)
The Bulldogs were right there. Leading FAMU 18-7 on the road in the 4th quarter Saturday night was where they wanted to be, but the Bragg Stadium ghosts haunted SCSU as they’ve done every team that has come through there in the last 21 games. Still, Chennis Berry’s positive and teaching approach appears to bear fruit as several players from his Benedict teams proved they are ready for prime time. A trip to the Citadel awaits S.C. State this week, so the lessons from last week’s game will need to be applied quickly for a winning opportunity.
9. Tennessee State (1-0)
The Tigers took care of business against Mississippi Valley State ahead of a trip to North Dakota State this week and facing a team that gave Colorado fits means the Tigers will have to be at their best. If nothing else, this will give TSU an idea of what it will take to win the OVC-Big South this season.
10. Southern (0-1)
Southern led McNeese deep into the second half, then things swiftly went downhill, but the Jaguars proved they can compete at a reasonable level against FCS opponents. They’ll host Division II Savannah State for the Pete Richardson Classic this weekend, so it’s a chance to even their record and find out more about their roster before an early season SWAC showdown at Jackson State Sept. 14.
