On this week’s edition of the games to watch in HBCU football, we get a pair of former MEAC teams squaring off with respective longtime rivals.
Before then, however, we look forward to a Thursday night clash between two sleeper teams in the SIAC.
Lastly, a pair of contests in the CIAA that could be consequential in determining who represents the conference in the title game.
These are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 4 of the HBCU football season.
Tuskegee vs. Benedict
When: September 18; Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Once again, we begin the week with a Thursday night matchup in the SIAC, when Tuskegee travels to Columbia to face Benedict.
Benedict is one of two undefeated teams remaining in the SIAC, having secured shutout wins in its two contests so far. This includes a 10-0 win over Central State in their conference opener last weekend.
Two weeks ago, Tuskegee also claimed a shutout win over win in its conference opener against Central State, also serving as the first home night game in school history.
This is a critical contest for two teams that are considered darkhorse contenders in a loaded SIAC championship race.
The last time these teams faced each other was in the 2022 SIAC championship game, ending with Benedict holding the trophy after claiming a 58-21 victory.
Howard vs. Hampton
When: September 20; Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: HBCUGo
Howard looks to snap its lengthy losing streak against its HU rivals when they meet Hampton in the nation’s capital for the Battle of the Real HU.
The Bison have not gotten a win against the Pirates since 2014, having lost the last eight in the series, including the last five in D.C.
In addition to wanting to extend its win streak over Howard, Hampton is looking for its first FCS win of the season, having lost to Jackson State in its only FCS contest so far this year.
Meanwhile, Howard has a chance to improve to 3-1 on the season with a win, something they have not done since 2012.
Virginia State vs. Winston-Salem State
When: Septemer 20; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
The CIAA opens its conference slate with a critical matchup between top contenders, Virginia State and Winston-Salem State.
Although Virginia State claimed a spot in the CIAA championship game last season, their hopes of appearing in the title game were nearly dashed because of its loss to WSSU earlier in the year.
While the Trojans come into this game off an idle week, the Rams enter on a two-game win streak, including a 51-14 win in their last outing against Lincoln (PA).
With its championship hopes potentially riding on the result of this game, Virginia State will have the unenviable task of securing its first win in Winston-Salem’s home stadium in over 30 years.
North Carolina Central vs. North Carolina A&T
When: September 20; Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: FloSports
Another MEAC rivalry is renewed this Saturday when the North Carolina Central Eagles clash with the North Carolina A&T Aggies in the Aggie-Eagle Classic.
North Carolina A&T may have the lead in the all-time series but North Carolina Central has taken control of the Classic in recent years, winning three straight over its Greensboro rival.
The Eagles will be looking for their fourth straight win over the Aggies, something they have not accomplished since 1974.
The Aggies enter this game, riding the momentum of their conference-opening win over Hampton last week, snapping a 17-game FCS losing streak in the process.
Virginia Union vs. Johnson C. Smith
When: September 20; Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
The reigning CIAA champion Virginia Union Panthers look to get themselves back in the win column this Saturday when they host the current conference leading Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls.
In the inaugural HBCU Unity Classic, Virginia Union engaged in an offensive shootout against Edward Waters, coming up short thanks to a walk-off field goal.
As a result of the Panthers’ loss, and Johnson C. Smith’s narrow win over Elizabeth City State, the Golden Bulls are the last remaining unbeaten team in the CIAA.
Last season, Johnson C. Smith got the best of Virginia Union for the first time since 2011, claiming a 21-16 win over the eventual conference champs.
Virginia Union has not lost consecutive games against Division II opponents since 2016.
