The CIAA highlights this weekend’s games to watch with a pair of matchups between the last remaining unbeaten teams in conference competition.
Florida A&M returns to the football field to play its conference opener, while North Carolina Central faces a CAA opponent it went into overtime against last season.
Here are the five games to watch in week 6 of the HBCU football season.
Winston-Salem State vs. Virginia Union
Date: October 5; Time: 1 pm ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
Virginia Union’s journey to back-to-back CIAA championships continues this weekend in Hovey Field when they host Winston-Salem State.
The last time these teams faced each other was in 2019 when the Panthers squeaked by the Rams on a game-winning field goal.
Virginia Union is coming off its first conference win of the season against Shaw (its loss to Johnson C. Smith did not count toward its conference record). Meanwhile, the Rams improved to 2-0 in CIAA play with a win over Bowie State.
The Panthers and Rams are two of four remaining CIAA teams with unbeaten records in conference competition.
Virginia State vs. Johnson C. Smith
Date: October 5; Time: 2 pm ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
The other two remaining undefeated teams in conference play in the CIAA will clash in Charlotte when Virginia State travels to face Johnson C. Smith.
Johnson C. Smith, the only HBCU football team with an unblemished record, improved to 2-0 in the CIAA following a win over Bluefield State.
For the first time in school history, the Golden Bulls appeared in the American Football Coaches’ Association top 25 rankings.
They will face a Virginia State team that beat reigning CIAA championship runner-up Fayetteville State in its conference opener (their loss to Winston-Salem State did not count toward their conference record).
As the Golden Bulls look to extend their record-best start, Virginia State tries to keep pace at the top of the CIAA.
Savannah State vs. Clark Atlanta
Date: October 5; Time: 2 pm ET
How to Watch: N/A
The Clark Atlanta Panthers try to remain undefeated in SIAC play when they host the Savannah State Tigers.
In their last outing, the Panthers overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat Lane and improve to 3-0 against the SIAC.
Savannah State comes into this game as heavy underdogs, having dropped to 1-3 last weekend after being shut out by Fort Valley State.
Savannah State has a history of winning against Clark Atlanta, having won three of its last four matchups, including a 28-21 win last season.
Florida A&M vs. Alabama State
Date: October 5; Time: 3 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Reigning SWAC Champion Florida A&M opens its conference schedule looking to spoil Alabama State’s homecoming.
Florida A&M returns to the football field after its game against Alabama A&M, which was rescheduled due to weather concerns.
Meanwhile, Alabama State avoided blowing a 19-point fourth-quarter lead, hanging on to defeat Bethune-Cookman.
The Hornets are seeking their first win over the Rattlers since they joined the SWAC in 2021 (they have lost four straight overall to Florida A&M).
North Carolina Central vs. Campbell
North Carolina Central aims for its fourth straight win when they go down the road to Buies Creek to face Campbell.
Last season, the Eagles overcame a 21-point first-half deficit to knock off Campbell 49-48 in an overtime thriller.
Campbell is coming off a thrilling game against Delaware State, in which they scored a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute to come away with a 44-41 win.
If these games are any indication, we could be in for another Game of the Year contender this Saturday.
