In a weekend of HBCU football filled with critical homecoming contests, we see a pair of SWAC contests that will have significant bearing on each division’s championship race.
In the MEAC, we get the final weekend of non-conference games, seeing a team looking to do something it hasn’t done in nearly 50 years.
The SIAC brings about a matchup that could be a preview of its conference championship, while the CIAA is highlighted by the only non-homecoming game on this list between two of the hottest teams in the conference.
Here are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 7 of the HBCU football season.
Virginia Union vs. Bowie State
When: October 17; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
The Bowie State Bulldogs look to keep their momentum rolling when they face their toughest test of the season thus far against the Virginia Union Panthers.
For the first time since 2023, Bowie State is riding a three-game win streak following a 21-0 shutout victory over Winston-Salem State.
Currently sporting a 3-1 conference record, the Bulldogs are entering a gauntlet over the next three weeks, facing top contenders in the CIAA title race, including two of the three teams remaining with an unbeaten record.
The first is Virginia Union, who improved to 4-0 in conference play with a 20-7 win over Elizabeth City State.
In their last three games, the Panthers have allowed just seven points, outscoring conference opponents by nearly 23 points on average.
Edward Waters vs. Benedict
When: October 17; Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Benedict’s homecoming game is a critical battle with SIAC championship implications as it hosts the conference’s top team, Edward Waters.
Since suffering its first conference loss against Tuskegee, Benedict has gotten itself back on track with a pair of wins, including a 37-24 win in its last contest against Allen.
Awaiting them is an Edward Waters team that is the last with an unbeaten conference record, returning to the football field after an idle week.
The last time they played, EWU got its biggest win of the season, taking down previously unbeaten (in conference) Kentucky State 61-42.
Although Edward Waters comes into this game with the advantage, Benedict has had its number in head-to-head matchups in recent years, winning in each of their last four contests
Alcorn State vs. Prairie View A&M
When: October 17; Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: HBCU Go
The defending SWAC champions fight to keep their hopes of a repeat alive when they welcome the Alcorn State Braves into town for their homecoming game.
Prairie View A&M has entered uncharted territory, dropping to 2-5 following consecutive losses to Mississippi Valley State and Southern.
This marks the first time the Panthers have suffered consecutive conference losses since 2021 and are looking to avoid losing three straight for the first time since 2018.
In their way is an Alcorn State team that is returning to SWAC competition after a dominant win in its own homecoming game against Arkansas Baptist.
The last time the Braves faced a conference opponent, they combined for over 1000 yards and 112 points in a loss to Grambling State.
Grambling State vs. Alabama A&M
When: October 17; Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SWAC
Locked in a tight race in the SWAC East, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs engage in a tough battle on their homecoming against the Grambling State Tigers.
The Bulldogs bounced back from their first conference loss against Jackson State with a decisive 55-17 win over Bethune-Cookman.
Meanwhile, Grambling State took down their division foe, Jackson State, 45-38, creating a three-way tie at the top of the SWAC East.
On the other hand, this game has divisional implications for the Tigers as well, tied at the top of the SWAC West with Alcorn State with identical 2-1 conference records.
Although Grambling came out victorious in their matchup with A&M last year, they have not beaten Alabama A&M in Huntsville since 2018.
Morgan State vs. Tennessee State
When: October 17; Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Morgan State eyes a historic achievement when it plays its last non-conference game of the season against Tennessee State.
The Bears had a flair for the dramatic in their homecoming contest against Robert Morris last weekend, overcoming a double-digit halftime deficit to win 28-27 thanks to a go-ahead touchdown with 24 seconds remaining.
Currently holding a 5-1 overall record, Morgan State has a chance to secure its first 6-1 start to a season since 1979.
In the way of this accomplishment is a Tennessee State team that is looking to put an end to a two-game skid in its homecoming game.
This will be the first time these two historic programs have faced each other since 1987. In their four all-time meetings, Tennessee State came out victorious each time.
