HBCU Football’s Week 11 got us closer to the finish line but the top teams in the HBCU Sports’ Ultimate Division I poll are holding their positions…for the most part. Check out the movement in this week’s poll.
1. Jackson State (7-2)
Last Week: Defeated Mississippi Valley State 42-3
Up Next: vs Bethune-Cookman Saturday Nov. 15
JSU is closing in another SWAC East title and a win this weekend against Bethune-Cookman, who will likely be shorthanded, could wrap things up. After that, the Tigers will look to get healthy and prepare for their opponent in the SWAC championship game.
2. Alabama State (7-2)
Last Week: Defeated Texas Southern 42-24
Up Next: vs. Mississippi Valley State in Mobile, Alabama Saturday Nov.15
The Hornets should take care of business against Valley this weekend, but they’ll also be Bethune-Cookman fans as well.
3. Prairie View A&M (7-3)
Last Week: Defeated Alabama A&M 48-5
Up Next: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Saturday Nov. 15
The Panthers trailed by the unorthodox score of 5-0, then zoomed by the Bulldogs to put themselves in position to clinch the SWAC West this weekend. UAPB won’t roll over however, so PV will need to treat this game like any other, even with so much on the line.
4. South Carolina State (7-3)
Last Week: Defeated Howard 42-12
Up Next: at North Carolina Central Friday Nov. 14
Morgan State’s rally last weekend certainly got the Bulldogs’ attention and Howard paid for it.
Up next for South Carolina State is a trip to Durham and a game of the year candidate with North Carolina Central.
5. Delaware State (7-3)
Last Week: Defeated Morgan State 14-12
Up Next: vs. Howard Saturday Nov. 15
The Hornets have wrapped up their first winning season in 13 years, now comes two big home games to close the season, starting with a Howard team looking to play spoiler.
6. North Carolina Central (7-3)
Last Week: Defeated Norfolk State 31-28
Up Next: vs. South Carolina State Friday Nov. 14
NCCU had to sweat out a late NSU rally, but now they have the game they want. If they can defeat South Carolina State, a trip to the Celebration Bowl looks more likely than in previous weeks.
7. Grambling (7-3)
Last Week: Defeated Bethune-Cookman 31-23
Up Next: at Alcorn State Saturday Nov. 15
The Tigers’ storybook win with a walk-on quarterback was marred by a halftime fight that will likely result in multiple suspensions for themselves and Bethune-Cookman.
Against an Alcorn State team that has won four of its last five games, that could bring the good times to a screeching halt.
8. Bethune-Cookman (5-5)
Last Week: Lost to Grambling 31-23
Up Next: at Jackson State Saturday Nov. 15
The Wildcats not only lost the game, but the fight and likely several players for this week’s game against a Jackson State team looking to finish up SWAC East business. Not an ideal situaiton for a team who was playing for a winning season just a week ago.
9. Texas Southern (4-5)
Last Week: Lost to Alabama State 42-24
Up Next: at Southern Saturday Nov. 15
Just about eliminated from the SWAC West chase, the Tigers have only pride to play, so they should be able to get back on track against a downtrodden Southern team…right?
10. Howard (4-6)
Last Week: Lost to South Carolina State 42-12
Up Next: at Delaware State Saturday Nov. 15
It has not been an easy road for the Bison this season and with Delaware State looking to keep ahead in the MEAC race, the trip to Dover will not be an easy one.
The loss at South Carolina State all but finishes off their title hopes for this year, but they could put the Hornets in a bad spot with a great effort.
