One month of college football is in the books, which means HBCU football is about to really get on and popping. Most of the non-conference and money games have been completed, which means it's time for conference and rivalry games featuring almost exclusive HBCU-on-HBCU action.
The biggest non-conference game this week will take place in Nashville as Florida A&M travels up the road to play Tennessee State for TSU's homecoming. While these two have never been in the same conference, FAMU and TSU have a long history against each other dating back to the middle of the 20th century. However, this game has been the point of much discussion for a while now after Tennessee State refused to pay FAMU to bring it's famed Marching 100 with it. Honestly, FAMU is going to need all the help it can get with TSU as they look to be severely overmatched this week. The parking lots will reflect if this is an issue or not, so only time will tell the impact this has on the Rattlers.
Elsewhere in the MEAC, Howard will host its first true home game of the season as it takes on a surging North Carolina A&T squad.* A&T is coming off a 59-0 beatdown of D2 Chowan, and will be looking to continue its strong play against HU. Howard will be looking to recover from a heartbreaking 37-34 loss to rival Morgan State in New York last week at the Urban League Football Classic.
Down in SWAC country, there are two matchups to keep an eye on. Southern will travel to Mississippi to take on Alcorn State in a game that will be a good indicator of how far SU can go. Alcorn was one touchdown away from beating FBS opponent Southern Miss, the only blemish on their record all season, so Southern has its work cut out for them.
The other game to watch will be Texas Southern at Alabama State. TSU has been the Cinderella of Black College Football this season, coming strong out of the gates with 4-0 start this season. This game is a matchup of two division leaders and could be a preview of the SWAC Championship if both teams continue to play well.
Over in Division II, both the CIAA and the SIAC will dive into conference play as well. Nationally ranked Winston-Salem State will look to win its 25th straight game against CIAA competition when it hosts Elizabeth City State on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Tuskgee returns home to Cleve L. Abbott Stadium to face the Dragons of Lane College.
*HBCU Gameday will be at the Howard/NC A&T game. Follow us on Twitter for live updates and "Like" us on Facebook for exclusive video and photo content.
Don't forget to check out the HBCU Football Report with Steven Gaither of HBCU Gameday on TSL Sports Talk every Thursday from 3-5pm EST.
