In week 12 of the HBCU football season, it is championship season at the division II level, with the CIAA and SIAC each hosting their respective conference title games.
Meanwhile, the fate of the MEAC title will be determined, as well as one-half of the SWAC championship picture.
Here are the 5 games to watch this weekend.
Howard vs. North Carolina Central
Day: November 15; Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPNU
We start with a Friday night matchup that could impact the MEAC championship race when the last two conference champions, Howard and North Carolina Central, clash in Durham.
The last time these two teams faced each other, Howard dominated in a 50-20 on its way to claiming its first outright MEAC title in 30 years.
Having both suffered losses to current MEAC leader South Carolina State, this game is crucial for them to keep their hopes of staying in the championship race.
A win and a South Carolina State loss will put either team in a position to snatch the conference title.
SIAC Championship: Clark Atlanta vs. Miles
Day: November 16; Time: Noon ET
How to Watch: ESPNU
The SIAC championship is on the line as the Miles Golden Bears return to the big game to face the rising Clark Atlanta Panthers.
While Miles is playing for its first SIAC championship since 2021 and searching for its first win since 2019, Clark Atlanta has not had a chance to compete for the conference title in a while.
The Golden Bears finished with the best record in the SIAC, posting an 8-2 overall mark, including a perfect 8-0 record against SIAC competition.
Meanwhile, the Panthers snapped a 16-year streak without a winning season, finishing with a 7-2-1 record. They clinched a berth in the SIAC title game after beating Morehouse in their season finale and Fort Valley State losing to Albany State.
When these teams matched up in the regular season, Miles played homecoming spoiler, knocking off Clark Atlanta 49-28.
CIAA Championship: Virginia State vs. Virginia Union
Day: November 16; Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: TheGrio
Virginia Union aims to repeat as CIAA champions when it plays against its in-state rival, Virginia State.
In the regular season finale this past Saturday, Virginia State clinched a spot in the CIAA title game, beating Virginia Union and Johnson C. Smith, losing to Livingstone. Virginia State is searching for its first conference championship since 2017.
On the other hand, Virginia Union clinched its second straight CIAA championship appearance the week prior in a 91-0 shutout win over Bluefield State.
Virginia State’s win over Virginia Union last Saturday snapped a three-game losing streak in the series. They have not beaten the Panthers in consecutive matchups since 2017.
Jackson State vs. Alabama State
Day: November 16; Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
With a chance to clinch the SWAC East division title, Jackson State goes on the road to Montgomery for a matchup against Alabama State.
Jackson State moved one step closer to the division title after beating Mississippi Valley State, while Alabama State and Florida A&M each lost.
They will face an Alabama State team that desperately needs a win to keep their longshot hopes of a division title alive.
The Hornets have struggled recently against Jackson State on their home field, losing two of their last three.
South Carolina State vs. Morgan State
Day: November 16; Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
South Carolina State will travel to Baltimore to face Morgan State, which could give them an opportunity to clinch the MEAC title.
The Bulldogs improved to a perfect 3-0 against the MEAC last weekend after knocking off the defending conference champion Howard.
Meanwhile, Morgan State kept its championship hopes alive, scoring nine unanswered points in the fourth quarter to defeat Delaware State.
Morgan State has beaten South Carolina State twice in a row, something they have not done since they won the first two games in the series in 1971 and 1972.
A win for South Carolina State will guarantee a share of the MEAC title and a spot in the Celebration Bowl.
