Saturday presented some expected wins and expected losses, but surprises within those games led to some movement in the Ultimate HBCU Sports Division I Football Poll.
1. Florida A&M (2-1)
The Rattlers were off this week, but results elsewhere moved them up to the top spot. They’ll immediately get a test of their new-found top spot status with a trip to FBS opponent Troy this Saturday. If FAMU can avoid following the buzzards, they have a good shot at having the whole world in their hands as the top team in Black College Football.
2. North Carolina Central (1-2)
Central held their own against North Carolina for three-quarters last weekend, but the Tar Heel talent eventually took over and handed the Eagles their second straight loss. Their performance should be an encouraging sign following the previous week’s loss to Elon and a confidence booster as they prepare to renew a rivalry with visiting North Carolina A&T this coming Saturday night.
3. Howard (2-1)
The Bison took care of business against Morehouse in the HBCU NYC Football Classic, gaining a sizable lead and keeping it. It will be a bit tougher this week as Hampton comes to D.C. for the annual Truth and Service Classic, alternately known as “The Battle of HU.”
4. Jackson State (2-1)
There wasn’t much mystery left in the Tigers’ dominant performance over Southern last weekend, and with another big one coming up this weekend against the newest member of our top 10 (spoiler alert) this weekend, JSU could prove that they are indeed back as one of the top contenders for the SWAC and Celebration Bowl titles.
5. Alabama State (1-2)
The Hornet defense, true to form, made life miserable for Samford, but their offense couldn’t get anything going. A bye week should serve the Hornets well as they figure out their quarterback situation after the season-ending injury to Andrew Body.
6. Morgan State (1-2)
For the second week in a row, the Bears’ defense showed up, but their offense had trouble moving the ball. Against an FCS team like Towson, it could cost you. Against an FBS team such as Ohio, it will cost you. However, good news comes twofold for Morgan State this week; they finally make their Hughes Stadium debut…and the opponent is Virginia-Lynchburg.
7. South Carolina State (1-2)
The Bulldogs struggled against Georgia Southern to end an intense three-week stretch of games and are off this week. That could prove to be where SCSU gets jump-started, so look for Chennis Berry and his staff to fine-tune a few things over the next 12 days.
8. Tennessee State (2-1)
The Tigers’ offense was in peak form at the Southern Heritage Classic, dropping 41 points on Arkansas-Pine Bluff in various ways. They open up OVC-Big South play this weekend at Tennessee Tech, so all three phases of the game will need to work if Big Blue is to make a championship run in 2024.
9. Grambling (2-1)
Grambling coach Mickey Joseph admitted to being a perfectionist following a less-than-stellar win over Tuskegee the previous week. He probably still feels the same, but the Tigers’ clutch win at Texas A&M-Commerce vaults them into our top 10 ahead of a visit from Jackson State this Saturday, a game-of-the-year candidate.
10. Alcorn State (1-2)
To no one’s surprise, the Braves handled Division II Edward Waters, but now their schedule picks back up with a trip to McNeese. As Southern proved earlier this year, this game is winnable. Alcorn will need to finish stronger than the Jaguars did to have a chance.
