Another wild week HBCU football saw a return to prominence for one SWAC school, the continued hot streak of for one D-I school, and a lot of movement related to those two teams. Let’s take a look at our updated HBCU Sports Ultimate Division I football poll.
1. North Carolina Central (5-2)
The Eagles were off last weekend and resume MEAC play with their homecoming game against Morgan State.
Central already has a game in hand on everyone, so a win here could put some distance between themselves and other potential contenders.
2. Jackson State (5-2)
The Tigers’ brief time outside of the SWAC East spotlight ended with a stirring comeback win over archrival Florida A&M, taking over sole possession of first place in the division.
JSU can build on their lead with a win at Bethune-Cookman, who will be amped up after their first win of the season.
3. Tennessee State (6-2)
Big Blue has won four straight games after their solid 27-14 win at Howard this past Saturday.
They’ll have a bye this week before returning to Big South-OVC play against Tennessee-Martin in what could be a make-or-break game for them.
4. Florida A&M (3-3)
FAMU’s late fourth quarter implosion Saturday forced them to surrender the SWAC East lead, with all of their SWAC losses to date coming at the hands of Jackson State.
The Rattlers will need to be on high alert with Southern coming to Tallahassee this weekend.
5. South Carolina State (4-2)
The Bulldogs took care of business against Division II Fort Valley State and will begin MEAC play for homecoming with an improving but wounded Delaware State team coming to Orangeburg on Oct. 26.
6. Southern (4-3)
The Jaguars stormed to the top of the SWAC West with defense and a solid ground game.
They’ll likely need that same recipe this coming weekend when they visit Bragg Memorial Stadium and a Florida A&M team smarting after their loss to Jackson State.
7. Grambling (4-3)
The Tigers held off an improved Arkansas-Pine Bluff squad to get back on the winning track.
They still have their work cut out for them in the SWAC West race, as a visit to another improved division squad, Texas Southern, looms large this coming Saturday.
8. Alabama State (3-3)
The Hornets were off this weekend, but they jump right back into the fray with the Magic City Classic vs. longtime rival Alabama A&M.
The Hornets still have a faint prayer of winning the SWAC East, but to get to a winner-take-all situation vs. Jackson State, they can’t overlook the Bulldogs.
9. Howard (3-4)
Howard’s 100th homecoming ended in disappointing fashion with a loss to red-hot Tennessee State, but MEAC play is just beginning for the Bison.
They’ll have to be wary of a Norfolk State team coming off of a bye and hungry for a win when they visit Dick Price Stadium this Saturday.
10. Alcorn State (4-4)
The Braves’ immaturity resurfaced Saturday night and knocked them out of first place in the SWAC West.
They’ll have a bye week to think about it, then return to action Nov. 2 vs. Alabama A&M at the Port City Classic in Mobile, Alabama.
