South Carolina State 29, North Carolina A&T 24
North Carolina A&T entered its contest with South Carolina State with a perfect record, hoping to prove that it could beat a team with a winning record. SC State entered the game knowing that a loss would severely puncture its hopes of winning a MEAC crown, as it has perhaps the conference's most daunting schedule.
The Aggies hadn't trailed at halftime all season, but that's what happened on Saturday. SC State took a 14-10 lead just before the close of the first half, putting A&T's offense in an unfamiliar position.
The offense responded with points early in the second half, scoring on a 13 yard run by Ricky Lews to take a 17-14 lead. That would be the last time A&T held the lead, however, as a blocked punt and safety gave SC State the momentum, igniting a 16-0 run, which proved to be enough to hold on for the win.
Jackson State 42, UAPB 33
UAPB jumped out to a 20-7 lead in the second quarter, getting a big boost from freshman Jeremiah Young, who scored two early touchdowns.
From then on, it was the Jackson State Show. Or to be more specific, the Tommy Gooden Show. The Jackson State running back rushed for a career-high 214 yards and four touchdowns for JSU. He and backfield mate Rakeem Sims combined for over 300 of JSU's 366 rushing yards.
Jackson State improves to 4-2 on the season, remaining a perfect 3-0 in the SWAC. UAPB drops to 0-5, and remains winless in three SWAC contests.
North Carolina Central 37, Howard 28
On a day where the passing game struggled mightily and the defense gave up a ton of yards, it was special teams and the running game that helped NCCU pick up its third win in four games. NCCU was outgained by nearly 200 yards, converted just 3 of 11 redzone attempts, passed for only 54 yards, and lost the time of possession battle by over ten minutes.
The Eagles trailed 14-13 in the second quarter before Oleg Parent connected on a 49-yard field goal as time expired. Receiver Adrian Wilkins added an 89-yard punt return to give them a 23-14 lead in the third quarter. Greg McGhee and Jonathan Booker would connect on two more touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, but Howard's rally fell short.
Virginia State 14, Shaw 10
VSU's offense wasn't pretty or overly complicated, but it was effective. Quarterback Justin Thorpe had a big half, hitting Javion Smallwood for a 32-yard touchdown pass and running for a 20-yard touchdown of his own. Thorpe's touchdown run gave VSU a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter.
VSU's offense wouldn't score again, but thanks to a ball-hawking defense, it didn't need to. Shaw passed for just 94 yards, and was just 2 of 11 on third down attempts. The Bears managed to score 10 points in the second half, but none of them came via the offense. Darnell Evans 15 yard fumble recovery was the lone touchdown of the day for Shaw.
TSU 40, SE Missouri St 16
Running back Telvin Hooks had a career-high 159 yards and Tennessee State defeated Southeast Missouri State, 40-16, on Saturday night at LP Field.
Senior Tim Broughton added 95 yards on 14 carries as the Tigers (5-1, 2-0 OVC) piled up 544 yards and recorded their third straight game with at least 40 points.
Redshirt junior Michael German completed 12-of-21 passes for 202 yards and two scores and is now seventh on the school’s all-time passing touchdown list with 38.
