We’ve got movement, ladies and gentlemen. Thanks to a few big wins, a couple of stunning losses, and expected results, the HBCU Sports Division I football poll looks a little different than in previous weeks. And that movement will likely continue as the season progresses.
1. Florida A&M (2-2)
FAMU stayed with Troy for 2 1/2 quarters but couldn’t get enough going offensively. A solid showing against an FBS school keeps the Rattlers in the top spot for now as they’ll look to rebound in their SWAC East opener this Saturday against Alabama A&M.
2. North Carolina Central (2-2)
Central’s 66-24 win over North Carolina A&T was the most lopsided game in the Aggie-Eagle rivalry since A&T won 54-0 five years ago. Now the Eagles turn their attention to their first conference game…and a road trip, as they’ll face Norfolk State in the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis this weekend.
3. Grambling (3-1)
Grambling looked impressive in turning aside Jackson State Saturday night, making an incredible leap from ninth to third in our poll. The last time the Tigers started 3-1 was 2017, which was the last time they won the SWAC and made a Celebration Bowl appearance. GSU’s next opponent will be a Prairie View team in need of a win at the State Fair Classic in Dallas.
4. Howard (2-2)
The Hampton thorn remains in the side of the Bison as they fell behind early and never recovered for their eighth straight “Battle of the real HU” loss. It doesn’t get any easier for Howard this week as they travel to Princeton, who will only be playing their second game of the season.
5. Jackson State (2-2)
Jackson State had a surprisingly rough time at Grambling Saturday night, and they’ll have to be well-prepared for a visit to a Texas Southern team that has looked incredibly competitive under first-year head coach Cris Dishman.
6. Alabama State (1-2)
After a bye, now the heavy lifting begins for the Hornets, who travel to Bethune-Cookman for their SWAC East opener. If the rubber is indeed to meet the road for ASU, a win in Daytona will be vital to their championship hopes.
7. Morgan State (2-2)
The Bears, not surprisingly, soundly defeated Virginia-Lynchburg in their home opener and will return to comparable competition this weekend with a trip to Coastal Athletic Association contender Stony Brook.
8. South Carolina State (1-2)
South Carolina State benefitted from a bye this week, and their home debut Saturday night will come against a North Carolina A&T team smarting from the Central disaster. The energy at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium will be at an extremely high level for sure.
9. Hampton (3-1)
The Pirates have been mostly successful in their non-conference endeavors against former conference opponents and longtime rivals, and that gains them entry into our poll. We’ll find out more about Hampton when they face William & Mary to open Coastal play this weekend.
10. Tennessee State (2-2)
The Tennessee State offense giveth, the Tennessee State offense taketh away. One week after hanging 41 points on Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the Tigers rushed for exactly 0 yards. Not going to win many games like that. TSU looks to get back on track as Nissan Stadium Saturday night against Charleston Southern.
