By Chris Stevens
The homestretch of Division I HBCU football has made for some fun football games and a lot to discuss, including the HBCU Sports’ Ultimate Division I Football poll.
No changes in the top three as Nos. 1 and 2 both took care of business while No. 3 had the week off. After that, there’s where the movement begins.
1. Jackson State (8-2)
Jackson State fell behind early to a heartbroken but inspired Mississippi Valley State team before coming away with their sixth straight win.
The Tigers can wrap up the SWAC East next weekend when they visit Alabama State next Saturday.
2. South Carolina State (7-2)
South Carolina State overwhelmed Howard, eliminating the Bison from the MEAC championship race and securing their spot as the last unbeaten team in conference play.
The Bulldogs can clinch the MEAC next Saturday, but it won’t be easy as Morgan State has found an offense to match their elite defensive play.
3. North Carolina Central (6-3)
Central had a bye this weekend and will return to action at home Friday with a visit from Howard.
While both teams’ MEAC title dreams are a long shot, the Eagles likely haven’t forgot last year’s 50-20 Bison beatdown that kept them from the Celebration Bowl.
4. Tennessee State (7-3)
The Tigers outraced Western Illinois to get back on the winning track and keep themselves alive for an at-large bid in the FCS playoffs. They’ll travel to Gardner-Webb next weekend with an eye on staying in the playoff conversation.
5. Southern (6-4)
Another heart-stopping game for the Jaguars ended in a six-overtime win against a relentless Bethune-Cookman squad.
Southern still controls their own destiny heading into the Bayou Classic Thanksgiving weekend, but before then, they’ll have a date with Arkansas-Pine Bluff, who can’t be taken lightly.
6. Florida A&M (5-4)
The Rattlers suffered a tough loss at Prairie View that knocks them out of the SWAC championship chase for 2024.
Florida A&M will look to begin a strong finish to their season with a visit from Mississippi Valley State
7. Alabama State (5-4)
The Hornets are definitely in trouble following a last-minute loss to Grambling, so the hope is they defeat Jackson State next week and somehow get help from Alcorn State in the Soul Bowl the following weekend.
Both scenarios seem like a long shot.
8. Morgan State (5-5)
The Bears’ offense has come to life the last two weeks and has them with a chance at forcing a three-way tie between themselves, South Carolina State and North Carolina Central atop the MEAC.
This coming Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs is likely the biggest one Hughes Stadium has seen since the Bears’ 2014 MEAC title year where they won a four-way tiebreaker for the right to represent the conference in the FCS playoffs.
9. Alcorn State (5-5)
Alcorn State put Texas Southern away after a 14-all first half and has one final chance to make Southern sweat a little bit with a showdown at Prairie View this Saturday.
10. Hampton (5-5)
Hampton’s offense couldn’t get going at Towson, now they’ll try to get back on the winning track in their home finale Nov. 16 against Richmond.
