The SWAC highlights week six of the HBCU football season with a pair of matchups that will have a profound impact on the conference standings.
In the CIAA, we get the defending champions facing off with a former division rival in a Friday night battle, while the SIAC sees two of its top contenders clash.
Finally, we get arguably the hottest team in the MEAC put to the test in a non-conference matchup.
Here are the Five Games to Watch in Week 6 of the HBCU football season.
Shaw vs. Johnson C. Smith
When: October 9; Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
In a game moved a day earlier out of weather concerns, Shaw looks to get itself back in the win column when it faces the reigning CIAA champion Johnson C. Smith.
Shaw had its four-game win streak snapped last week in a 34-29 loss to Bowie State, dropping to 2-2 in conference competition.
The Bears’ hopes of remaining in the conference title race will hinge on beating a Golden Bulls team that has won their last nine games against CIAA opponents, including their win over Virginia Union in last year’s championship game.
Johnson C. Smith comes into this game after a 51-0 shutout win over Bluefield State.
The last time these two teams faced each other, the Golden Bulls overwhelmed the Bears in a 52-0 shutout.
Morgan State vs. Robert Morris
When: October 10; Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
The Morgan State Bears come into week six looking to extend their win streak in their homecoming contest against Robert Morris.
Last weekend, Morgan State claimed its third straight victory in dramatic fashion, taking down Villanova 38-35 on the road thanks to a go-ahead touchdown by star quarterback Cameron Edge in the final minute.
Edge was sensational for the Bears, recording 444 passing yards (most by a Morgan State quarterback since 2001) on 78% completions, scoring five total touchdowns.
In the way of four straight wins is Robert Morris, who comes into this game after beating Norfolk State in a dramatic 33-31 win of its own.
Miles vs. Kentucky State
When: October 10; Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SIAC Network
In a matchup between teams trying to keep their head above water in the SIAC championship race, Kentucky State hosts Miles in its homecoming game.
Last week, Kentucky State engaged in a battle for first place in the SIAC with Edward Waters, losing 61-42 in an offensive shootout.
They are now in a three-way tie with Miles and Central State for second place in the conference, all boasting respective 3-1 records against SIAC opponents.
Miles secured its third straight win in a slim 9-6 win over Lane in its homecoming contest.
Kentucky State is looking for its third straight win over Miles, which would mark its longest win streak of its SIAC foe since 2007.
Jackson State vs. Grambling State
When: October 10; Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SWACTV
The undefeated Jackson State Tigers aim to keep their unblemished record intact when they face their longtime conference rival, Grambling State Tigers.
Jackson State engaged in a battle with Alabama A&M in its last outing, overcoming a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit to come out with a 31-28 victory.
Meanwhile, Grambling State was locked into an offensive gauntlet with Alcorn State, combining for over 1,000 yards in a 63-59 win.
Despite Jackson State’s recent championship success, Grambling has proven to be a thorn in its side whenever the teams meet.
They have lost consecutive games against Grambling, including a 26-24 loss last season on a go-ahead field goal with 21 seconds remaining.
Bethune-Cookman vs. Alabama A&M
When: October 10; Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SWACTV
Riding high after winning its conference opener, Bethune-Cookman looks to keep itself in contention in the SWAC East race when it faces Alabama A&M.
The Wildcats pulled off a major upset against Alabama State (albeit without star quarterback Andrew Body), coming away with a 16-10 win.
A win in this game would mark the first time BCU has started 2-0 in conference play since joining the SWAC.
In the way of this achievement is Alabama A&M, which suffered its first conference loss of the season in its aforementioned matchup with Jackson State.
