It's the first day of fall and the first day for conference for many HBCU teams around the country, so this will be a day that goes a long way in showing who will be who as the days get shorter and colder.
In the MEAC, Howard hosts Bethune-Cookman in what is the first FCS game of the year for Howard (1-2) and their star freshman quarterback Jaylin Newton. He will match up against Bethune-Cookman (1-2) quarterback Larry Brihm Jr. who is the MEAC's second-best passer.
Tennessee State (3-0) the top-ranked team in the ADD'S HBCU SPORTS REPORT FCS Top Ten this week, visits Tennessee-Martin in their Ohio Valley Conference opener. It's a game in which the Tigers are facing one of the better teams in the OVC and a team that they nipped in overtime last season.
In Division II football, Winston-Salem State (2-1. 1-0) takes on familiar foe Virginia State (2-0) in the CIAA. Quarterback Trenton Cannon leads the home-standing Trojans while running back Kerrion Moore and quarterback Rod Tinsley head the WSSU offense.
Here are capsules and preview of EVERY HBCU game today:
SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Texas Southern at Alabama A&M - Jay Cristophe's return from a season away with injury has been pretty good for Texas Southern (0-2). He is the SWAC's third-best passer and is third in total offense. But their 24 points in two games isn't very good. Alabama A&M (0-3) has scored only one touchdown this season, and that was in the first week against UAB. Since then they've been shut out twice, 42-0 at SEC Vanderbilt and 45-0 against FBS state neighbor South Alabama. In fact, they haven't played an FCS game - until today.
Southern at Alcorn State - These are two teams who are looking to see exactly who they are this season. Both are 1-2 after having faced FBS teams who have had their way with both. This is actually Alcorn first FCS game this season as they easily handled Division II Miles in their opener. Quarterback Lenorris Footman has been good and had a big game as Alcorn was close to beating McNeese State last weekend. Southern beat a tough defense in South Carolina State, but the offense hasn't sparkled in any of their three games this season. Southern doesn't have a passing touchdown so far this season.
Grambling at Mississippi Valley State - The early season has been a killer for Mississippi Valley State (0-3). They have been dominated by FCS powerhouse North Dakota State (72-7) and Southern Illinois (55-3) and now they have to face Grambling. The Tigers have got things going after a bad loss to Tulane in the season-opener, looking solid in winning games against Northwestern State and Jackson State. MVSU will have to figure out how to stop the SWAC's top runner so farhis season in Martez Carter and the second-best passer in Devante Kincaide. Mississippi Valley State's Patrick Harbin has been great on defense, with 22 tackles so far this season.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Jackson State - Jackson State (0-3) has gotten better each time out this season, pushing Grambling before falling last week. They also slowed down a really good Tennessee State team the week before. They have the SWAC's fourth-ranked defense, but the offense has only averaged 12 points a game. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-2) has only had a win over a Division II Morehouse team that faltered late and had a chance to beat the FCS big brother. Since then, UAPB has been blown out twice and hasn't scored a touchdown.
Prairie View A&M at Alabama State - Both of these teams are badly in need of wins. Alabama State (0-3) opens conference play after having lost to Tuskegee and Troy and in a close one to Kennesaw State. Their defense hasn't been bad at all. Offensively, they are looking to come together still behind first year quarterback Kobie Jones. But the Hornets only average nine points a game. It's hard to get a read on Prairie View A&M (0-2) as they've played two of the nation's better FCS teams in Sam Houston State and Nicholls State. Lavell McCullers has been their main offensive threat, passing and rushing, with DaWonya Tucker and Sta'Fon McCray being their main running backs.
SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Tuskegee at Findlay - In this matchup of football programs that have never met, Tuskegee (2-1, 1-1) sports the nation's 14th best defense and the nation's second-leading Division II tackler in Osband Thompson. Findlay (2-1) has a great offense that had two 100-yard rushers last week and a prolific passer in Rhys Gervais. Tuskegee doesn't score a lot and wow people on offense. They control the game and allow the defense to clamp people down. The Tuskegee defense also has three touchdowns this season, best in the nation. Findlay's defense isnt as stout, giving up 26 points and 450 yards of offense a game so far this season.
Clark Atlanta at Lane - Lane (1-2, 0-2) has dropped their last two games and is home looking for a win. Offensively, they are looking for their two headed quarterback in passer Thurston Rubin and runner Marcus Reynolds, along with running back Marcus Holliday to make some headway. Clark Atlanta (2-1, 1-1) lost their first game of the season last week at Tuskegee mainly because of six turnovers. But they still have the SIAC's leader in total offense, quarterback Johnathon McCrary, and a solid running game.
Benedict at Fort Valley State - Fort Valley State (0-2, 0-1) doesn't have the worst offense around. They are in the middle of the pack in rushing and passing. But they can't score. They average an SIAC worst of 9.5 points a game. But they've faced stiff competition in West Georgia and a good miles team. Benedict (2-1, 1-0) is only an overtime field goal from being undefeated right now. The Tigers run the ball well, though that aren't a good passing team. And they play solid defense.
Albany State at West Georgia - Everyone wondered if Albany State's defense would be able to help out their vaunted defense. Well, they are one of the top offensive teams in the SIAC, so that question is answered. But the Golden Rams (2-1, 1-0) were surprised last week after two big wins. Things don't get easier as they visit West Georgia (2-1) on their homecoming day. Not only is it homecoming at UWG, they also lost last week, so they will be surly. Statswise, the teams mirror each other. Both have balanced offenses. ASU has had the tougher schedule so far, defeating Valdosta State and Tuskegee. Interestingly, West Georgia's wins have come to SIAC teams Miles and Fort Valley State.
Kentucky State at Central State - The issue at Central State (0-3, 0-1) this season - stopping people. They've give up an SIAC-worst 41 points and 479 yards a game this season. It's their offense that can give people fits. Quarterback Trent Mays leads the SIAC's top passing offense, while Darian Nelson leads a solid running game. Kentucky State (1-2) came into the season with high hopes after an SIAC championship game appearance last year, but the offense has struggled to score and the defense is only second worst to Central State in giving up points among SIAC teams.
Morehouse at Miles - Morehouse (2-1, 2-0) has a defense that is tops in the SIAC so far this young season. They have the leading sacker in Antonio Johnson, a top tackler in David Smith and the leader in passes defended in Cameron Miller. Miles (1-2, 1-0) doesn't have stats that jump out at you. They are ninth in total defense and eighth in total offense. But running back Justin Hardy has been solid so far, rushing for nearly 90 yards a game. Linebacker Austin Stevens is second in the SIAC in tackles with 35.
MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Bethune-Cookman at Howard - Now we get to see what kind of team Howard (1-2) really is. They finally play an FCS opponent in their MEAC opener. One thing for sure: Jaylin Newton is for real. the electrifying freshman quarterback is second in total offense in the MEAC, second in rushing and fourth in passing. Bethune-Cookman (1-2) has been blown out by two FBS opponent, including a 45-0 shellacking at Florida Atlantic last week. But they were solid in their win against Southeastern Louisiana. Larry Brihm threw for 354 yards in that game and has the BCU offense ranked second in passing in the MEAC. This could be a very good game today.
Norfolk State at Delaware State - Delaware State (0-3) will be trying to break their 14-game losing streak. They look to their running game for offense, with running backs Bycen Alleyne and Mike Waters. They are playing a Norfolk State (0-3)that hasn't scored an offensive touchdown in three games this season and are coming off a 75-14 rout by the nation's top FCS football team James Madison.
Monmouth at Hampton - Hampton (2-1) gets a good test in their non-conference matchup today with Monmouth (2-1). The Pirates have faced two not so good teams in Livingstone and Delaware State, so this is a step up in competition. Hampton running back Yahkee Johnson has been a beast, rushing for 132 yards last week and three touchdowns last week. Monmouth scores points and are led by Pete Guerriero who has rushed for 354 yards and four touchdowns so far this year, including 263 all-purpose yards in their win over Lehigh.
Florida A&M at Savannah State - Last year, Savannah State (0-2) surprised Florida A&M (1-2), knocking off the Rattlers for the first time. That will be tougher this season as this is an improved FAMU squad. They have struggled offensively since defeating Texas Southern in Week 1. Ryan Stanley is looking to look like the quarterback he was that week running and passing. Savannah State interestingly tops the nation in time of possession. With quarterback T.J. Bell, they will look to move the ball on the Rattlers and keep the ball out of Stanley's hands. And legs.
North Carolina A&T at Morgan State - Morgan State (0-3) hasn't scored an offensive touchdown this season. North Carolina A&T (3-0) isn't the right team to play if that's your distinction. They are the 15th ranked FCS team in the nation, are coming off a big win over FBS Charlotte and have quarterback Lamar Raynard playing like a beast, leading the MEAC in passing with nearly 842 yards and nine touchdowns already. The Aggies offense averages 456 yards a game and has scored 17 touchdowns. Morgan State does have the conference's fourth-ranked defense. They will need them today.
CENTRAL INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Fayetteville State at Virginia Union - One thing has become apparent in watching a Fayetteville State game this season - there will be a lot of points scored. The combined 45 points in their opening game win over Chowan was the fewest in any of their three games so far. They lost 31-21 the week after and 45-41 last week. At 483 yards a game, they are third worst in scoring defense in the CIAA. Virginia Union (1-2) also has the same issue (as does most of the CIAA). But this is a team that nearly defeated Winston-Salem State last week.
Johnson C. Smith at Elizabeth City State - It's a little hard to say where Johnson C. Smith (0-3) is this season as they've played three really good teams in this season. But they've only scored six points over the past two weeks and just 13 in their season opening loss to Wingate. Elizabeth City State (2-1) has had problems on defense. The least they've given up is 23 points to Central State in their Week 1 win. But ECSU's Daquan Neal has accounted for ten touchdowns this season - eight passing and two rushing - for an offense that has averaged 31 points and 387 yards a game.
St. Augustine's at Lincoln (Pa) - Since defense is a theme (or lack thereof), St. Augustine's (0-3) has given up a whopping 52 points and 546 yards a game. Lincoln (Pa) (0-3) isn't much better. They give up 51 points a game. SAU will lean on junior quarterback Darryl Johnson and running back Josh Glisson, the duo who has accounted for four of their touchdowns this season. Lincoln (Pa) is led by Vincent Espinoza who has thrown for 500 yards and five TDs this season while running back Rameses Ownes has rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns so far this season.
Livingstone at Chowan - Both of these teams are 0-3 and are looking for their first win of the season. Chowan has never lost to Livingstone, but Livingstone this week gets back some key players after injuries and sickness, mainly quarterback Xavier Longerbeam and running back Jarius Richardson. Chowan's Bryce Witt has averaged 272 yards a game passing and is second in the CIAA. This game will come down to whose defense who shows up - Livingstone gives up 40 points and 382 yards a game while Chowan gives up 33 points and 353 yards a game.
Shaw at Bowie State - Shaw (1-2) has averaged 18 points per game in their three games this season. They will likely need more at Bowie State (3-0). The Bulldogs have been averaging 48 points per game and quarterback Amir Hall had eight - yes, eight - touchdowns last week. Robert Chesson has averaged 100 yards rushing a game and the Bowie State defense has only allowed 13 points a game. So whoever starts at quarterback - either senior Darron Downing or sophomore Vidal Woodruff who threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns in their win last week - will need to produce.
Winston-Salem State at Virginia State - How do you stop Kerrion Moore? He's averaged 138 yards a game and has rushed for five touchdowns for Winston-Salem State (2-1) - and that's even with a 56 yard game in their loss Week 2 against Bowie State. Virginia State (2-0) will need to figure that out, but they present the same problem for WSSU as they have the CIAA's top rushing team, led by Trenton Cannon and his nearly 300 yards so far this season. This will be a great ground showcase today.
OTHERS
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| TSU's Treon Harris (photo by TSU sports information/Sam Jordon) |
University of the Cumberlands at Edward Waters - Not be confused with Cumberland University in Tennessee, University of the Cumberlands (Ky) is 2-1 and coming off a win over Bethel last weekend. Seph Burke led them with 110 yards rushing last week. Edward Waters (0-3) is winless, but until last week's 38-16 loss to the other Cumberland, the defense had played decently well. Offensively, they are still trying to figure out their quarterback situation as Christian Hayes looked good at quarterback, completing 14 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown last week. Hayes also rushed for 86 yards.
Bacone at Langston - Langston (2-0, 1-0) is hoping this isn't the proverbial trap game. Bacone (0-4, 0-2) averages ten points a game versus Langston's 35, but they are seventh in total offense in the Central States Football League while Langston is sixth. Bacone's Samuel Sewards III is fourth in total offense as a passer and runner. Langston is led by quarterbacks Jaylen Lowe and Milton Harper who have combined for nearly 400 yards and four TDs passing, and a group of running backs who have rushed for nearly 300 yards total this season.
Texas College at Wayland Baptist - Both of these teams are looking for their first wins of the season. Wayland Baptist (0-3, 0-1) has scored only four touchdowns so far this season. Mitchell Parsley has thrown for 858 yards this season, so they can throw the ball well. Texas College (0-3, 0-1) has also scored four offensive touchdowns, but they've given up 22 - in three games. They've only passed for 340 yards and two touchdowns and their leading rusher, Carlos Mosby, has rushed for 148 yards in three games.
Cheyney at Bloomsburg - Cheyney (1-2) will have to deal with a balanced team in Bloomsburg (2-1). Bloomsburg is solid on defense and forces turnovers. On offense, Chris Pabulinsky has been solid as has sophomore running back Qmac Quiteh. Cheyney blew out Lincoln (Pa) in their opener, scoring 56 points. But they've given up 54 and 65 in two losses since. Except for a bad game against California University of Pennsylvania, quarterback Dominick Trautz has been bright spot for Cheyney, throwing for at least 230 yards in each of the other two games.
Truman at Lincoln (Mo.) - It's homecoming week at Lincoln (Mo) (1-2) and the Blue Tigers will be looking to liven up the festivities with a little more offense than they had in last week's 7-3 loss to Quincy. Their dual quarterback system of Henry Ogala and Eugene Sainterling have combined for 561 yards so far this season, while running back Harold Lacy has been decent, totaling 195 in three games. Truman has a balanced offensive attack, with dual threat Jaden Barr primarily under center. He is their leading passer and second-leading rusher. With Truman at 0-3, this may be Lincoln (Mo)'s best shot at their first conference win since September 2014. They haven't beaten Truman since 1973.
West Virginia State at Shepherd - West Virginia State (1-2) had big problems trying to stop Notre Dame College's ground game last week, as they gave up 433 yards rushing. Shepherd (2-0) has a more balanced offense with Connor Jessup, a quarterback who has thrown for 833 yards and eight touchdowns this season. But Jabre Lolley will present problems as he has rushed for 192 yards and three TDs in two games. WVSU counters with Calili Wilkins, who has rushed for 441 yards and two touchdowns. They also have Matt Kinnick who has thrown for 878 yards and eight TDs this season. Their issue: defense. They've given up 28, 34 and 47 points in their games this season.
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