Week 6 saw business as usual for the top two in our HBCU Sports Ultimate Division I football poll, as well as a few teams making a case to slide up – and in one case, back into – the rankings. Let’s take a look at the poll heading into what promises to be another exciting week.
1. North Carolina Central (4-2)
North Carolina Central has reached the halfway point of their schedule on a heater, including a 28-point second quarter to defeat Campbell last weekend.
NCCU’s current three-game winning streak has seen them outscore their opponents 148-48. We can confirm that’s pretty good.
The Eagles’ final non-conference “test” of 2024 will be Virginia-Lynchburg next Saturday.
2. Florida A&M (3-2)
The Rattlers didn’t look overpowering in defeating Alabama State but did enough of the small things and made enough big plays in all three phases to win their SWAC East opener.
FAMU now has their officially scheduled bye week before a trip to Jackson State in what will likely decide the division championship.
3. Grambling (3-2)
Grambling head coach Mickey Joseph said this was a week for corrections and we’ll find out just how much the Tigers corrected when Alcorn State invades Robinson Stadium for a pivotal SWAC West showdown.
4. Jackson State (4-2)
Jackson State almost gave up the ghost against Alabama A&M Saturday night but held on to win their division opening contest.
The Tigers are also on a bye this week so their visit from Florida A&M will see two rested teams battling it out for the top spot in the SWAC East.
5. South Carolina State (3-2)
The Bulldogs survived a tense second half and a last-second field goal attempt by Tennessee Tech that failed to improve to 3-2 on the season. Next up for South Carolina State is another bye week before welcoming Division II Fort Valley State to Orangeburg for homecoming.
6. Howard (2-3)
The Bison were off this week and will welcome FCS independent Sacred Heart to Greene Stadium this Saturday, looking to get back on track before a homecoming battle with Tennessee State.
7. Morgan State (3-3)
Homecoming win over Lincoln (Pa.) secured, Morgan State turns their attention to FCS independent Merrimack, their final non-conference game of the season before MEAC play begins.
If the Bears can keep the 1-4 Warriors from leaving Hughes Stadium with a win, it would be a huge confidence booster for that team.
8. Tennessee State (4-2)
The Tigers overcame an early deficit to edge out Lindenwood and make themselves a player in the Big South-OVC championship race.
Homecoming vs. Eastern Illinois this Saturday is Tennessee State’s biggest test to date; can they put away an opponent like they should, or will they let them hang around?
9. Alcorn State (3-3)
Since head coach Cedric Thomas said his team needed to “grow up,” the Braves have won the games they were supposed to win – at Mississippi Valley State and their SWAC West opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
They’ll look to keep first place for themselves when they travel to Grambling this Saturday in what should be a game of the year candidate.
10. Alabama State (2-3)
A disappointing SWAC East opening loss to FAMU has the Hornets now playing from behind in the division race.
They’ll look to get back on track this weekend at home against an improved Mississippi Valley State team, so ASU should take the Delta Devils seriously.
