After a wild Week Seven, this week's black college football action couldn't possibly top last weeks…could it?
This weekend we could potentially witness another wild week in the MEAC, one which is full of matchups of teams trying to separate themselves from the pack. It's always a big game whenever backyard rivals Norfolk State and Hampton get together; both teams excell at different phases of the game, as Hampton's offense is capable of putting up big numbers while Norfolk State's defense rarely gives them up. This game could be decided by whether Norfolk's offense can find a pulse or if Hampton's defense can make a play and get off the field.
Another interesting game will be North Carolina A&T at Delaware State. A&T recovered from a shutout against South Carolina State with a steady stream of big plays against Hampton last week, but this week they'll face a tougher defensive test. Del State went winless during a tough non-conference stretch, but is 2-1 in the MEAC thanks to a suddenly stingy defense giving up just over 15 points per game in the MEAC.
Perhaps the most intruiging game on the MEAC docket will take place in Baltimore as Morgan State hosts a suddenly-surging North Carolina Central team. Both schools are led by first year head coaches (Lee Hull at Morgan and Jerry Mack at NCCU) and both have two MEAC wins under their belt. Morgan State has been the surprise of the MEAC so far this season, thanks in large part to Payton Award candidate Herb Walker Jr., while NCCU shocked the HBCU football world by putting up 48 points in a win over South Carolina State.
And if that wasn't enough, rumor has it that there's going to be a football game played between the homecoming festivities at Howard University this weekend. We're still working to get this confirmed though.
Things look to be a little more quiet in the SWAC, but you after the last few weeks, you never know. Alcorn State will look to stay atop the SWAC East as it returns home to Misssissippi, but Texas Southern is no easy out. TSU is looking to keep pace with Grambling State as it is currently one game behind the G-Men.
Speaking of Grambling, this week marks the one-year anniversary of the team's decision to skip the Jackson State game as part of last year's player strike. They'll look to mark this historic moment by stretching their winning streak to five against a 1-4 Prairie View squad.
In the Division II ranks, Winston-Salem State will look to extend its winning streak to five as it hosts St. Augustine's University for homecoming. WSSU will hope to make a good impression on pollsters as it has dropped a spot in consecutive weeks despite recording blowouts in each game.
Another great weekend of HBCU Football awaits!
