Week 10 of HBCU Football didn’t give us many surprises, but there is some movement in the HBCU Sports’ Ultimate Division I poll.
1. Jackson State (6-2)
Last Week: Defeated Florida A&M 41-16
Up Next: at Mississippi Valley State Saturday Nov. 8
No JaCobian Morgan, no problem for the defending HBCU national champs as they went into Bragg Stadium and crushed the buildings Saturday.
Expect more of the same when they visit Mississippi Valley State this weekend, a place where JSU has never lost.
2. Alabama State (6-2)
Last Week: Defeated Prairie View 31-28
Up Next: vs. Texas Southern Saturday Nov. 8
The Hornet community will hold their breath after Andrew Body left Saturday’s win with injury, but if they can afford to rest him anytime, this week against Texas Southern could be the right time for it.
3. Prairie View A&M (6-3)
Last Week: Lost to Alabama State 31-28
Up Next: at Alabama A&M Saturday Nov. 8
The Panthers saw a 14-point second quarter lead turn into a three-point loss, but with results around the SWAC West being what they were, it’s not a huge loss.
Getting back on track at Alabama A&M this weekend will be key.
4. Delaware State (6-3)
Last Week: Defeated Norfolk State 27-20
Up Next: at Morgan State, Friday Nov. 7
DSU survived the short week (and the pomp and circumstance) to hold off Norfolk State and keep a share of first place in the MEAC.
Morgan State, who scored 20 points in the fourth quarter against South Carolina State on Saturday, will be ready to play the role of spoiler and the Hornets will need to be ready for another national TV game.
5. South Carolina State (6-3)
Last Week: Defeated Morgan State 36-30
Up Next: vs. Howard Saturday Nov. 8
South Carolina State almost led a 26-point lead get away Saturday against Morgan State, so it’s safe to say they’ll need to play 60 minutes of good football against a Howard team desperate to stay in the MEAC title race.
6. North Carolina Central (6-3)
Last Week: Defeated Howard 35-14
Up Next: vs. Norfolk State Saturday Nov. 8
The Eagles responded as most expected they would with a wire-to-wire win over Howard.
Next up is a wounded Norfolk State team, but trap games in November are a thing, so Central will be extra prepared for this one.
7. Grambling (6-3)
Last Week: Defeated Alabama A&M 13-10
Up Next: vs. Bethune-Cookman Saturday Nov. 8
Special teams did it again Saturday for the G-men, who are now down to their fourth quarterback. That could be an issue against a Bethune-Cookman offense that can score in bunches.
8. Bethune-Cookman (5-4)
Last Week: Defeated Mississippi Valley State 42-34
Up Next: at Grambling Saturday Nov. 8
BCU outlasted a game Mississippi Valley State team, now they travel west to Grambling, who will have their hands full with the Wildcats’ offensive firepower.
9. Texas Southern (4-4)
Last Week: Lost to Alcorn State 33-14
Up Next: at Alabama State Saturday Nov. 8
TSU’s SWAC West title hopes are toast following a stumbling loss to Alcorn State, so now all they can hope for is a winning record. Going into Alabama State to achieve that goal will be tough.
10. Howard (4-5)
Last Week: Lost to North Carolina Central 35-14
Up Next: at South Carolina State Saturday Nov. 8
The Bison could never catch up to Central Saturday and now they’ll need a win against a powerful South Carolina State team in Orangeburg, which doesn’t treat visitors wearing pads and helmets kindly.
