Week 3 of the HBCU football season features three Division I rivalry games, including a SWAC team looking to snap a losing streak in the series.
Also, a key CIAA matchup between two burgeoning conference championship contenders goes down in Charlotte.
Here are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 3 of the HBCU football season.
Lincoln (PA) vs. Johnson C. Smith
When: September 14; Time: 1 pm ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
In the first full week of conference play in the CIAA, the Lincoln Lions, and the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls will face off in a matchup of two burgeoning contenders.
These two teams were among the most improved HBCU football programs last season, increasing their win totals by two and five games over the previous season, respectively.
The last time these teams faced off, Johnson C. Smith came away with a 27-20 win after holding Lincoln to 187 yards of total offense (second-lowest total of the season).
Hampton vs. Norfolk State
When: September 14; Time: 4 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
The 59th edition of the Battle of the Bay commences from Norfolk, Virginia when the Norfolk State Spartans go up against the Hampton Pirates.
If history is any indication, Hampton should be the favorite to win this game since the road team has won the last five matchups in this series.
However, the last time the home team won in this series was when Norfolk State beat Hampton in 2015.
Last season, Norfolk State forced three Hampton turnovers in the second half (four overall), including the game-sealing interception in the final minutes.
Southern vs. Jackson State
When: September 14; Time: 6 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
We then transition to the infamous Boombox Classic, in which the Southern Jaguars will face the Jackson State Tigers on the road.
Jackson State has won four straight against Southern, its longest win streak against the Jags since they won four straight from 1985-1988.
Southern is looking to avoid a fifth straight loss against Jackson State, something they have not done since 1983.
Alabama State vs. Samford
When: September 14; Time: 6 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Alabama State prepares for its only non-HBCU game of the season, traveling to Birmingham for a first-time matchup against Samford.
The last time Samford played against an HBCU was in 2019 when they beat Alabama A&M 55-21. Overall, since 1999, they are 7-1 against HBCUs, with their only loss coming against Alcorn State in 2001.
Samford’s only game against an FCS opponent so far this season came in a 38-29 loss to West Florida.
Tennessee State vs. UAPB
When: September 14; Time: 6 pm ET
How to Watch: HBCU Go
For the second year in a row, the Tennessee State Tigers will clash with the Golden Lions of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the Southern Heritage Classic.
Tennessee State won the game against UAPB last year, returning a potential game-tying field goal for a touchdown to clinch the win.
The Tigers, who won against Mississippi Valley State in their season opener, have a chance to improve to 2-0 against the SWAC.
