Week Seven’s Division I HBCU football action was light, so our top 10 doesn’t move very much.
The competition picks up again this weekend with the first full week of MEAC play and more SWAC games to decide who has a chance and who is playing for next year.
Here’s our weekly Division I rankings.
1. Jackson State (5-1)
Last Week: Bye Week
Up Next: vs. Grambling at the Las Vegas HBCU Classic, Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday Oct. 25
J-State got to enjoy a bye week following a win in the HBCU game of the year to date, now it’s a business trip to Vegas for a battle with SWAC nemesis Grambling.
Jackson State will be ready for the challenge, even after securing a firm grip on first place in the SWAC East.
2. North Carolina Central (5-2)
Last Week: Bye
Up Next: vs. Delaware State Saturday Oct. 25
The Eagles look like the MEAC’s best team at the moment, and they’ll have a chance to prove it early with a homecoming visit from a much-improved Delaware State team.
A win here announces them as this year’s favorite; a loss sets them back just a bit.
3. Alabama State (4-2)
Last Week: Bye Week
Up Next: vs. Alabama A&M at the Magic City Classic, Birmingham, Alabama, Saturday Oct. 25
The Hornets have had a week to heal following a tough loss at Jackson State.
The Magic City classic is a game for pride and a chance to stay alive in the SWAC East race, so expect Bama State to take this one extremely seriously.
4. Prairie View A&M (5-2)
Last Week: Defeated Southern 24-3
Up Next: vs. Lincoln (Ca.) Saturday Oct. 25
Tremaine Jackson said following the Panthers’ stifling of Southern that it should be a cold day in hell before the Jaguars schedule PV again for homecoming.
Let’s hope he feels the same way about Lincoln (Ca.), who may or may not show up on Saturday for PV’s homecoming.
5. Delaware State (4-3)
Last Week: Bye Week
Up Next: at North Carolina Central, Saturday Oct. 25
This is Delaware State’s most important game in nearly 20 years.
North Carolina Central is the best team in the MEAC at the moment and if DeSean Jackson’s team is to achieve their goal of making it to Atlanta, a win over Central is the best way to make that happen.
The Hornets will need to address their pass defense, which is near the bottom in FCS, if they’re to have a chance.
6. South Carolina State (4-3)
Last Week: Bye Week
Up Next: at Norfolk State, Saturday Oct. 25
The defending MEAC champion Bulldogs begin their repeat quest in the Seven Cities at Norfolk State’s homecoming.
Having a week off to prepare for a Spartans team hungry for a win will be key.
7. Alabama A&M (4-3)
Last Week: Bye Week
Up Next: vs. Alabama State in the Magic City Classic, Birmingham, Alabama, Saturday Oct. 25.
The Bulldogs have had a week to rest following a three-score win over Mississippi Valley State, now it’s back to business – and bitter rivalries – with the Magic City Classic.
8. Texas Southern (4-3)
Last Week: Defeated Virginia-Lynchburg 61-10
Up Next: Bye Week
The Tigers did what was expected against VUL, now they have a week off before returning to action against struggling Alcorn State.
TxSO’s SWAC West title prospects are slim and none, but a winning record in Cris Dishman’s second season as head coach is still a great goal to shoot for.
9. Grambling (4-3)
Last Week: Defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 20-16
Up Next: vs. Jackson State at Las Vegas HBCU Classic, Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday Oct. 25
The Tigers needed a late touchdown to defeat UAPB, so they won’t be in dire straits heading to Sin City.
Can they compete with Jackson State? Time will tell.
10. Howard (3-4)
Last Week: Lost to Tennessee State 24-7
Up Next: vs. Morgan State Saturday Oct. 25
The Bison’s offensive struggles could not happen at a worse possible time as they are now down three straight games heading into MEAC play this week against Morgan State.
The good news is this is Howard’s official home opener at Greene Stadium after a national tour that has featured five NFL stadiums and a soccer park.
