In this weekend’s five games to watch, the Division II playoffs get started, featuring the two major HBCU conference champions playing in the opening round.
At the FCS level, two heated SWAC rivalries are renewed in Florida and Mississippi while a team looks to keep its hopes of a playoff berth alive.
Here are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 13 of the HBCU football season.
Miles vs. Carson-Newman
Day: November 23; Time: Noon ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
The SIAC champion Miles Golden Bears begin their Division II playoff run in an opening-round matchup against Carson-Newman.
Miles claimed its first SIAC championship since 2019 after dismantling the Clark Atlanta Panthers in a 53-25 win.
The Golden Bears’ defense powered the team to victory, forcing a season-high eight turnovers, including six interceptions (five in the second half).
Miles has been among the best defenses in the country in forcing turnovers, tallying 33 takeaways this season (tied for most in Division II).
This defense will have a fight on its hands against a Carson-Newman team that is coming off a loss in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) championship game.
Carson-Newman has one of the most lethal rushing attacks in Division II football, averaging 273.7 rushing yards per game (third in Division II) and scoring 34 rushing touchdowns this season (tied for sixth).
This team has produced by committee all season, with seven different players having scored at least two rushing touchdowns.
However, they have had problems taking care of the ball throughout the season, recording 21 fumbles (most in SAC) and losing eight.
Miles’ ability to stop the Carson-Newman run game and force turnovers will be a factor in its hopes of winning.
Virginia Union vs. Wingate
Day: November 23; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Virginia Union returns to the Division II playoffs for the third consecutive, going on the road for the opening round for a date with Wingate.
This is the second time the Panthers will face Wingate in the Division II playoffs in the last three years, having also faced them in 2022 (lost 32-7).
In their 2022 playoff matchup, a slow start on offense for Virginia Union, compounded by two pick-sixes, ended the Panthers’ hopes of getting a win.
Taking care of the ball will be key once again for Virginia Union against a Wingate defense that is among the top units in the country.
Wingate is one of 12 defenses in Division II that has forced at least 10 interceptions and recovered 10 fumbles.
Another key to victory for Virginia Union will be getting CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Jada Byers involved in the offense early.
Although Byers finished the 2022 playoff game with 119 rushing yards on 21 attempts, he had trouble getting going early, only managing 11 rushing yards on seven attempts in the first half.
Wingate is also great at defending the run, only allowing 79.2 rushing yards per game and surrendering just five rushing touchdowns.
Jackson State vs. Alcorn State
Day: November 23; Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
The Jackson State Tigers end their 2024 regular season campaign like they do every year in the Soul Bowl against the Alcorn State Braves.
Having already secured the SWAC East division title, Jackson State is seeking revenge after its win streak over Alcorn State was snapped last season.
A win will boost Jackson State’s confidence in its bid for a third SWAC championship in four years.
Meanwhile, Alcorn State, which was eliminated from SWAC championship contention, has a chance to finish its season with a third straight win.
The Braves have not beaten the Tigers in consecutive years since 2019.
Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman
Day: November 23; Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
An intense rivalry will be renewed in Orlando, Florida when in-state rivals Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman clash in the 79th annual Florida Classic.
Florida A&M comes into this game following an upset loss to Mississippi Valley State, which snapped a 23-game home win streak.
The Rattlers are looking to avoid their first season finishing with a record below .500 since 2017.
In their way is a Bethune-Cookman team looking to end the season on a high note. They have already guaranteed to finish with a losing record for a fourth straight season.
Florida A&M comes into this game with a three-game win streak in the series and is looking to win four straight for the first time since they won seven straight from 1995-2001.
Tennessee State vs. Southeast Missouri
Day: November 23; Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
With a spot in the FCS playoffs on the line, the Tennessee State Tigers have a tough task in their season-finale contest against Southeast Missouri.
The Tigers will face a Southeast Missouri team that has already clinched a share of the Big South/OVC conference title.
On the other hand, Tennessee State needs a win coupled with losses by UT-Martin and Tennessee Tech to gain a share of the conference title and a berth in the FCS playoffs.
Tennessee State has lost five straight contests to Southeast Missouri, including a 42-0 shutout loss in their last matchup in 2022.
The Tigers are searching for their first share of a conference title since 1999 and their first FCS playoff berth since 2013.
