Week three of the HBCU football season brings a pair of MEAC non-conference rivalry games, including one with a team trying to snap an eight-game losing streak.
In the CIAA, we get possibly the biggest game of the year that could determine who plays in the conference championship game.
Finally, we get a pair of SIAC teams with postseason hopes in matchups that could test them in their respective goals.
Here are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 3 of the HBCU football season.
Fayetteville State vs. Johnson C. Smith
When: September 19; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
Johnson C. Smith’s bid for a CIAA championship repeat faces its first major roadblock in a matchup against in-state rival Fayetteville State.
These two teams have been a thorn in each other’s sides, with their last two meetings having a profound impact on the CIAA title picture.
In 2024, when the Golden Bulls needed a win to clinch a spot in the conference championship game, the Broncos marched into their home stadium and walked away with a 27-0 shutout.
One year later, it was Fayetteville State that needed a win to clinch a spot in the title game on its home field, but Johnson C. Smith had other plans, scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute to dash its rivals’ hopes.
As two of the premier teams in the CIAA, this game will once again be critical in determining who fights for the conference title.
Johnson C. Smith is searching for its first home win over Fayetteville State since 2015.
Kentucky State vs. Saginaw Valley State
When: September 19; Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SIAC Network
In its only game against a non-conference Division II opponent this season, Kentucky State gets a hefty test in its hopes of contending for a playoff berth when it hosts Saginaw Valley State.
In its first two games against Division II opponents (both against SIAC competitors), the Thorobreds have shown why they deserved to be among the five HBCUs selected to the DII playoff field last season.
They have outscored their opponents 71-17 in those games, leading the SIAC with a 38.1 points-per-game average.
Kentucky State will face a Saginaw Valley State team that is looking to bounce back from its first loss of the season.
Through three games, Saginaw Valley State ranks among the top passing units in Division II football, averaging 328.3 passing yards per game (seventh in the country).
Albany State vs. Allen
When: September 19; Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SIAC Network
Albany State looks to keep its winning ways going when they go on the road, putting its unbeaten conference record on the line against Allen.
The Golden Rams officially began the defense of their SIAC title with a 49-17 win in their conference opener against Savannah State.
Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets were also successful in their conference opener, coming away with a dominant 43-7 win over Lane.
Albany State has had Allen’s number in their last two matchups, outscoring them by a combined total of 114-31.
Hampton vs. Norfolk State
When: September 19; Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: MEAC Network
In the first of two MEAC non-conference rivalry games, Norfolk State welcomes Hampton to Dick Price Stadium for the 61st edition of the Battle of the Bay.
Despite the teams’ low win total in the past couple of years, this series has been known to produce entertaining games.
Five of the last six meetings between these two teams have ended in single-digit margins of victory, including three in which they combined for over 50 points.
Last year saw Hampton secure its second straight win over Norfolk State, beating them 41-34 in an offensive shootout that saw a combined 853 yards gained on offense.
Morgan State vs. Towson
When: September 19; Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: FloSports
Morgan State looks to do something it hasn’t done since 2009 when it faces Towson in the Battle for Greater Baltimore.
Although the Bears have dropped eight straight to Towson, the last four encounters have been close affairs, each coming within a margin of 10 points or less.
Last year was the closest game yet, with Towson needing a go-ahead score in the final minute to escape with a victory.
