In this week’s edition of HBCU football games to watch, we start on Halloween with an MEAC contest that could decide who represents the conference in Atlanta for the Celebration Bowl.
One-half of the CIAA championship game could be settled this weekend while two teams in the SIAC fight to stay in contention.
A cross-divisional matchup in the SWAC could eliminate one of the teams from the championship race, and a team returning to the football field tries to keep itself in the conference title conversation.
Here are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 10 of the HBCU football season.
North Carolina Central vs. South Carolina State
Day: October 31; Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN 2
Week 10 of the HBCU football season kicks off on Halloween in a spooky MEAC contest between North Carolina Central and South Carolina State.
Both teams enter this game after securing wins in respective conference contests against Morgan State and Delaware State.
Entering this game 2-0 in conference play, with an idle week ahead, North Carolina Central has an opportunity to take a commanding lead in the standings.
Last season, the Eagles emphatically ended their losing streak against the Bulldogs, dishing out a 62-28 beat-down.
North Carolina Central has not beaten South Carolina State on the road since 2018.
Fayetteville State vs. Johnson C. Smith
Day: November 2; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
Johnson C. Smith can punch its ticket to Salem, Virginia, for the CIAA championship game when it hosts Fayetteville State in its home finale.
The mission for Johnson C. Smith is simple: win and secure a spot in your first CIAA title game since 1972.
However, the Golden Bulls have struggled to win against Fayetteville State, which they have not beaten in their last seven meetings.
While a loss would not eliminate JCSU from title game contention, it would put pressure on them to win in the final week of the season against Livingstone.
Tuskegee vs. Clark Atlanta
Day: November 2; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Tuskegee hopes to keep its hopes of competing for an SIAC championship alive when it travels to face Clark Atlanta.
While Tuskegee has overcome a slow start to its season, winning five straight after starting the season 0-3, Clark Atlanta has been the opposite, dropping two of its last three after a school-best start.
The Golden Tigers are one of three teams tied for second place in the SIAC who could qualify for the conference title game.
Meanwhile, although a lot would have to go right for Clark Atlanta to be in contention, a win would help them in their long-shot hopes of making it to the championship game.
Alcorn State vs. Alabama State
Day: November 2; Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
A battle between two teams looking to keep their championship hopes intact commences from Mobile, Alabama when Alabama State faces Alcorn State.
While Alcorn State is returning to the field after an idle week, Alabama State comes into this game after beating fierce rival Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic.
This is a must-win game for Alabama State, which already has a head-to-head loss against Florida A&M, and a clash against division-leader Jackson State is looming.
Alcorn State also needs a win to keep its head above water. It is tied for first place in the SWAC West with Southern, who it already has a head-to-head loss against.
Tennessee State vs. UT-Martin
Day: November 2; Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Tennessee State’s bid for its first conference championship since 1999 will be tested when it hosts in-state rival UT-Martin.
Tennessee State returns to the football field from an idle week after spoiling Howard’s homecoming the previous weekend.
The Tigers hold a 3-1 record in Big South-OVC play, tied for second place with UT-Martin in the conference.
Having lost four of their last five against UT-Martin, Tennessee State must get over the hump to give itself a chance to contend for the conference title.
