A hurricane’s remnants notwithstanding, Week 5 of HBCU Division I football held true to form in some cases. Others weren’t so lucky. As we prepare for what promises to be an intense Week 6, here’s the new Ultimate HBCU Sports Division I poll.
1. North Carolina Central (3-2)
The Eagles were dominant in the Circle City Classic against Norfolk State to begin their chase for a second MEAC title in three seasons. Central will look to finish the tough part of their non-conference schedule against a high-scoring Campbell team that needed every point to hold off resilient Delaware State last weekend.
2. Florida A&M (2-2)
It’s tough to move a team that has recently played two FBS programs and had their home opener postponed by a devastating hurricane. If anything, the extra week should sharpen the Rattlers’ focus as they head to Montgomery for an early-season SWAC East showdown against Alabama State.
3. Grambling (3-2)
The Tigers dropped a heartbreaker to Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic, so every game from here on out is a must-win. They’re off this week before welcoming Alcorn State to Robinson Stadium for a critical SWAC West battle.
4. Jackson State (3-2)
JSU returned to the win column at Texas Southern this past weekend and will begin SWAC East play this Saturday with a visit from Alabama A&M. The Tigers won’t take the Bulldogs lightly, but a win should them to the top of the heap as the winner of FAMU/ASU will be the other contender in the East.
5. Alabama State (2-2)
The Hornets flirted with disaster against Bethune-Cookman but were able to hold on for the win. If they are to fulfill their destiny as a SWAC East contender, they cannot fool around with FAMU this weekend.
6. Howard (2-3)
The Bison had a rough go of it at Princeton and will have a much-needed bye this weekend before Sacred Heart invades Greene Stadium.
7. South Carolina State (2-2)
Chennis Berry’s home debut as the new top Dog was a successful one as SCSU outraced North Carolina A&T. South Carolina State is back on the road for a final FCS non-conference test against Tennessee Tech of the Big South-OVC alliance.
8. Morgan State (2-3)
The Bears’ offense struggled mightily against Stony Brook and will look to get back on track with a visit from Division II Lincoln (Pa.) for homecoming.
9. Tennessee State (3-2)
Big Blue sweated out some anxious moments Saturday night before defeating Charleston Southern to even their Big South-OVC record. Tennessee State heads to conference contender Lindenwood this weekend in an attempt to make a statement about their status as a team to watch.
10. Hampton (3-2)
It was tied at 7 after the first quarter, then it was all downhill for the Pirates as William & Mary exploded for 42 unanswered in their Coastal Athletic Association opener. A very good Rhode Island team visits Armstrong Stadium this weekend, so Hampton will need to tighten up quickly if they are to break out of the bottom of a very deep conference.
