Week 2 of the HBCU football season is where some teams will play their first game of the year.
Among them is a conference title favorite and a pair of Division II teams that can claim a second straight win over FCS opponents.
Here are the five games to watch this weekend.
Virginia State vs. Norfolk State
When: September 7; Time: 4 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
The Norfolk State Spartans have revenge on their mind when they play their home opener against the Virginia State Trojans.
In their season opener last year, Virginia State blocked a Norfolk State game-winning field goal attempt and returned it for a touchdown to seal the win.
This past weekend, Virginia State kicked off its season, ending Benedict’s 22-game regular season win streak in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic.
In addition to seeking revenge against the Trojans, the Spartans are searching for their first win of the year.
Fayetteville State vs. UNC Pembroke
When: September 7; Time: 6 pm ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
The Fayetteville State Broncos begin their quest for a seventh straight CIAA championship appearance when they face their in-state rival, UNC Pembroke.
Fayetteville State has had problems against UNC Pembroke, having lost nine of its last 10 meetings against them dating back to 2009.
Last season, Pembroke knocked off FSU, connecting on a game-winning goal in the final seconds to seal the win.
North Carolina Central vs. Elon
When: September 7; Time: 6 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
After an impressive season debut in the Orange Blossom Classic, North Carolina Central has a chance to keep the momentum going when they host Elon in its home opener.
Last season, the Eagles beat Elon in their first matchup against them since 2012, thanks to Davius Richard’s four-touchdown (three rushing) performance.
This game will serve as the first start for quarterback Walker Harris against a non-HBCU FCS opponent. The last time he played against a non-conference FCS opponent, he delivered five touchdowns against Mississippi Valley State.
Morgan State vs. Towson
When: September 7; Time: 6 pm ET
How to Watch: FloSports
Morgan State looks to snap its losing streak against Towson when they play the 29th edition of the Battle for Greater Baltimore.
The Bears have lost its last six meetings against Towson, and their last win against them came in 2009.
Coming off a win over Hampton in its season opener, Morgan State can secure a second straight win over a CAA opponent.
Miles vs. Alabama State
When: September 7; Time: 6 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Miles has another upset on their mind when they go to Montgomery to play against Alabama State.
Miles overcame a 10-point second-half deficit in their last matchup to knock off Alabama State 27-17. This was Miles’ win against Alabama State after four straight losses dating back to 2015.
Both teams are searching for their first win of the season.
