As HBCU football’s calendar turns to November (with one big October game left), Week 10 looks to be a week where we get answers to our Division II questions, a potential answer to who the MEAC’s best team is and SWAC teams will try to answer the bell to keep their championship game hopes alive.
This is another one of those weeks where predictions could go out the window rather quickly, so before we pick Week 10’s winners, let’s take a quick look back at how Week 9 went.
Last Week’s Record: 21-6
2024 Overall Record: 177-67-1
Best Pick: Johnson C. Smith 20, Winston-Salem State 17 (JCSU won 24-15)
Worst Pick: West Virginia State 31, UNC-Pembroke 28 (UNCP won 62-17)
Game Of the Week: North Carolina Central (6-2, 2-0 MEAC) at South Carolina State (5-2, 1-0 MEAC), Thursday Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. EST, ESPN2
You can never be too sure about the MEAC, but this Halloween Night clash feels like it could be the deciding factor in who opposes the SWAC champion on December 14th in ATL.
North Carolina Central has looked dominant during its current five-game winning streak, out-scoring their opponents 232 to 55, while South Carolina’s four-game winning streak has been a bit more competitive in nature (166 to 83).
Two of the best offensive and defensive lines will square off to give their guys the protection and lanes necessary to move the ball down the field.
The quarterback battle is especially intriguing as Walker Harris has settled in nicely since taking over for the since-graduated Davius Richard while Eric Phoenix has proven to be the leader Chennis Berry knew he would be for a revamped Bulldog attack.
Neither team has an on-field advantage over the other, but the Eagle veterans have seen postseason football each of the last two years. There are a few guys left from SCSU’s 2021 Celebration Bowl team, but can they overcome a North Carolina Central team focused on redemption?
Prediction: North Carolina Central 23, South Carolina State 20
Tuskegee (5-3, 5-1 SIAC) at Clark Atlanta (5-2-1, 4-2 SIAC) Saturday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m. EST, ESPN+
This amounts to an elimination game in a congested SIAC race that has five teams within two games of each other. The Golden Tigers have won five straight since a stunning loss to Savannah State while the Panthers were beaten soundly by Miles two weeks ago.
Clark Atlanta having a bye gives them an advantage in terms of rest, but right now Tuskegee looks like the better team at the moment.
With a win, TU’s homecoming contest against Miles next weekend would have major title game implications. They can’t look past CAU, however.
Prediction: Tuskegee 31, Clark Atlanta 24
Fayetteville State (3-4, 2-3 CIAA) at Johnson C. Smith (8-0, 5-0 CIAA), Saturday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m., CIAASN
JCSU has passed every test so far this season, and this could be their biggest – a win puts them in the CIAA championship game for the first time in 52 years, but they’ll face a Fayetteville State squad in the rare role of spoiler after their seven-year string of CIAA title games appearances came to an end this season.
The Golden Bulls will have to be aware of a Bronco team with a two-quarterback system of Joe Owens and Demari Daniels – Daniels is capable with his legs, while Owens appears to be the pocket passer of the two.
Also, FSU has not won a road game this year and of course Smith is unbeaten at home. Stranger things have happened on Halloween weekend, but JCSU has chased all kinds of ghosts away this season, so this Saturday should be no different.
Prediction: Johnson C. Smith 26, Fayetteville State 18
Alcorn State (4-4, 2-1 SWAC West) vs. Alabama State (4-3, 3-1 SWAC East) at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama (Port City Classic), Saturday, Nov. 2, 5 p.m. EST, ESPN+
Two SWAC teams who need conference wins to aid in potential tiebreakers meet in the middle – or Mobile – Saturday.
Alcorn State has had a week to soul search following a baffling loss to Southern while Alabama State is coming off of an uneven Magic City Classic win over Alabama A&M.
The Hornets appear to be in better shape with Kareem Keye settling in at quarterback and an aggressive defense that once again is at the top of the SWAC in most categories.
The Braves have to figure out a way to make Keye rush his throws and somehow score more than 14 points against that ASU defense. Good luck.
Prediction: Alabama State 24, Alcorn State 14
Division I
Howard 30, Delaware State 20
Norfolk State 19, Morgan State 14
Villanova 34, Hampton 30
William & Mary 35, North Carolina A&T 17
Tennessee State 28, UT-Martin 27
Grambling State 20, Bethune-Cookman 19
Alabama A&M 24, Southern 17
Jackson State 32, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 21
Prairie View A&M 25, Mississippi Valley State 16
Florida A&M 27, Texas Southern 14
Division II/NAIA
Bowie State 21, Elizabeth City State 16
Virginia State 31, Lincoln (Pa.) 20
Shaw 33, Livingstone 31
Virginia Union 35, Bluefield State 10
Fort Valley State 28, Benedict 18
Central State 22, Allen 17
Albany State 29, Savannah State 21
Lane 34, Edward Waters 28
Miles 32, Morehouse 15
Frostburg State 31, West Virginia State 23
Truman State 35, Lincoln (Mo.) 15
Texas Wesleyan 35, Texas College 30
Langston 27, Ottawa University Arizona 20
Shorter 34, Virginia-Lynchburg 17
