TODAY'S FULL HBCU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE ALONG WITH PREVIEWS HERE!

MEAC 

Delaware State at Morgan State -

Howard at Norfolk State -

North Carolina Central at Bethune-Cookman -

Savannah State at Florida A&M - Savannah State is flying high after a huge surprise overtime win over Bethune-Cookman last week. A win over Florida A&M would be their first time winning consecutive games as a MEAC member. In fact, they've never beaten anyone in consecutive years since being a MEAC member.  They did surprise a bad Florida A&M team last year.  Florida A&M hit rock bottom last week in their blowout loss to South Carolina State, after which FAMU head coach Alex Wood was highly critical of his winless team. They opened with losses to a top FBS team, FCS team and Division II team before last week's loss. Kenneth Coleman is having a decent year passing for FAMU, ranking fourth in the MEAC with 146 yards a game.


CIAA

Shaw at Elizabeth City State -

St. Augustine's at Virginia Union -

Winston-Salem State at Lincoln (Pa) -

Fayetteville State at Bowie State -

Livingstone at Virginia State -

Johnson C. Smith at Chowan -


SWAC

Alcorn State at Arkansas - This is the weekend that FBS SEC Arkansas has probably been looking to take their frustrations out on someone. Had this been last season, when Alcorn State had every part of their explosive offense ticking, this may have been at least interesting.  But this year, ASU has sputtered a bit offensively, putting up 27 points a game versus the 30-plus they did last year.  They have moved the ball, averaging 417 yards a game mainly with the SWAC's top rushing offense. They'll need all of that against a confident 3-1 Razorback team that's ranked 20th in the country.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alabama State - These two teams mirror each other in a lot of ways.  They rank next to other in many SWAC statistical categories, though Arkansas-Pine Bluff is a better passing team and Alabama State is a stronger run team. UAPB freshman quarterback Brandon Duncan leads the SWAC in passing with 273 yards a game and is the first SWAC passer this season to surpass 1,000 yards.  Khalid Thomas is averaging 70 yards a game on the ground for Alabama State. There is one common opponent - Alabama State lost a close game to Alcorn State while UAPB defeated Alcorn State.

Mississippi Valley State at Jackson State - Jackson State, who got their first win of the season last week, is one of the better rush defenses in the SWAC.  That's bad news for Mississippi Valley State, who has thew worst rushing offense in the conference as they average four yards - yes, four yards - rushing a game.  In their four losses, MVSU hasn't been close in any game.

Grambling at Prairie View A&M - This is a matchup of two of the better SWAC teams.  Both are 3-1 overall and are undefeated in conference play so far this season.  Grambling only loss this season was to FBS Arizona in a game they could have easily won.  They are led by quarterback Devante Kincaid who has thrown for more than 800 yards and eight TDs. Trey Green has been just as good for Prairie View, though he has thrown six picks this season.  Grambling has the conference's second best defense so far in 2016 while PVAM has the third best offense.  This is set up to be a good one.

Alabama A&M at Texas Southern - Alabama A&M needs to slow some teams down.  In their three losses, they've given up an average of 51 points.  Texas Southern has won two in a row and has scored 31 points in each game.  Also their two losses have been by a combined eight points.  A&M focuses on the run game with freshman running back Jordan Bentley is averaging 75 yards a game while quarterback De'Angelo Ballard adds another 53 yards a game. Texas Southern is led by Averion Hurts who has thrown for 709 yards and six TDs this season.



SIAC

UNC-Pembroke at Tuskegee - This will be one of the better Division II battles of the day around the country.  Both teams are 4-0 and ranked among the top 25 teams in the nation.  Tuskegee is ranked No. 11 while UNC-Pembroke is 21st.  The Braves are led by quarterback Patrick O'Brien, who has thrown for 1021 yards and ten touchdowns already this season.  This is a team that averages 39 points a game and also rushes for 168 yards a contest.  Tuskegee boasts the nation's seventh best defense that only gives up 240 yards and 13.8 points a game.  Quarterback Kevin Lacey leads a Tuskegee offense that leads the SIAC in scoring with 30.5 points per game.  UNC-Pembroke won this matchup 29-17 last season, but that was a Tuskegee squad that was missing some key players with injuries. This time they are at full strength.

Fort Valley State at Alderson Broaddus - This probably isn't the Fort Valley State team you are used to.  They've only won one game so far this season, but they've fallen to three really solid teams in Miles, Lane and Benedict.  Defense has been an issue for FVSU as they rank near the bottom of the SIAC in total defense and scoring defense.  Alderson Broaddus has had an up down season in which the offense has struggled.  They have big problems running the ball.

Morehouse at Clark Atlanta - This battle of the Atlanta University Center is always competitive. This year even more so as Clark Atlanta is playing solid football. They are a solid rushing team that on defense is holding teams to around 300 yards of offense a game. Morehouse needs as win as they head into the annually toughest part of their schedule with Tuskegee and Albany State coming up over the next three weeks. A question is who will start at quarterback - incumbent Marquavious Johnson or UConn transfer Kievon Taylor.  Also, last year's SIAC Newcomer of the Year, kick returner Amyr Smith, is back for the Maroon Tigers.

Miles at Albany State - This is a rematch of last season's SIAC Championship game that Miles won. But don't let this season's 1-3 Albany State record fool you.  This is a loaded team that has tested itself against some of the best teams in Division II football this season.  They've lost three fairly close games to Valdosta State, Tuskegee and West Georgia.  So they are tested.  They play stingy defense. Miles is coming off a big win over Morehouse, but take away Morehouse miscues and Miles was actually in a tussle.  Miles plays solid defense, especially against the run.

Benedict at Gardner-Webb - The story for Benedict this year is defense.  Last season, they were one of the nation's worst on defense.  This year, they've been stellar, holding teams to 269 yards of offense, including 64 rushing per game this season.  That will be important today as Gardner-Webb, an FCS team, is a good team that likes to run the ball with quarterback Tyrell Maxwell and running back Khalil Lewis.  The issue for Gardner-Webb - defense.  They give up 477 yards and 29 points a game.  That's a good sign for Benedict, a team that rushes for close to 170 yards a game.  The question is whether they can handle a team on the next collegiate level.

Central State at Kentucky Wesleyan - Take away a bad loss to Benedict and a defeat to FBS Dayton, and Central State has been competitive even though they are 0-4 this season. De'Michael Jackson is a star on the rise as he has averaged 112 yards rushing a game for CSU this season, helping the Marauders to control the ball and the clock and keeping them close in most games.  For Kentucky Wesleyan they are looking to right an 0-4 start, but it's also homecoming weekend.  Last year, Kentucky Wesleyan defeated Central State 35-7.



OTHERS

Edward Waters at Southeastern -

Tennessee-Martin at Tennessee State - This is the part of the season - Ohio Valley Conference play - where Tennessee State stumbles each year.  It's the OVC opener for the Tigers and they haven't beaten UT-Martin the past couple of years.  TSU also will now have Ronald Butler at quarterback as O'Shay Ackerman-Carter is now out for the year with an injury.  TSU is 7-6 in games Butler has started.

Cheyney at East Stroudsburg -

Lane at Lincoln (Mo) - Lane will be looking to get their running game back on track after the offense was shut down against Tuskegee last week.  Their "Marcus" offense - quarterback Marcus Reynolds and running back Marcus Holiday - were ineffective against Tuskegee, so they'll be looking to get back on track against a Lincoln (Mo) defense that has struggled in their four losses this season. Their defense has given up 33 points a game this season and more than 540 yards rushing in the past two games.

Langston at Arizona Christian -

Bacone at Texas College -

UVA College Wise at West Virginia State -

Tarik Cohen's 256 Yards and Three Touchdowns Leads North Carolina A&T Over Hampton 31-9

By ADD SEYMOUR JR.

Tarik Cohen rushed for 256 yards and three touchdowns and broke North Carolina A&T's career touchdown rushing record as the Aggies defeated Hampton 31-9 Thursday before a national ESPNU audience.

His third touchdown of the night - a 94-yarder - set the North Carolina A&T (3-1, 1-0 MEAC) record for longest touchdown run from scrimmage.  Cohen set the school's career yardage rushing record last year.

What's even more astounding is that those three touchdowns and 204 of those yards came in the second half.

"I kind of felt like I wasn't running to my full capability in the first half, Cohen said, according to the North Carolina A&T athletics web site. "I was tipping.  I told my (offensive line) that I was trying to look for the big play too much and was being too patient.  I told them at halftime that I was going to start hitting the first hole I see and run harder."

Besides their inability to stop Cohen, Hampton (1-3, 1-1 MEAC) had trouble scoring when they got into the red zone.  The Pirates got inside the North Carolina A&T 20-yard line five times but only came away with three points.  Quarterback Jaylian Williamson was 32-of-54 for 388 yards and a touchdown, but had two interceptions, including one in the red zone.  Rashawn Proctor caught 12 passes for 188 yards.

North Carolina A&T has another Thursday night appearance next week when they host Norfolk State. Hampton visits Delaware State next Saturday.

Hampton Visits North Carolina A&T In Thursday Night MEAC Football

By ADD SEYMOUR JR.

One very interesting thing for North Carolina A&T tonight when Hampton visits -- not only will it be the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener for the Aggies.  It will be their first game against an FCS opponent this season.

The Aggies (2-1) opened the season by blowing out Division II St. Augustine's and then defeated FBS Kent State before falling to FBS Tulsa two weeks ago.

And with a week off last week, North Carolina A&T has a chance to breathe and begin another new season in conference play.

They get a Hampton (1-2, 1-0 MEAC) team that played their first FCS game two weeks ago.  The Pirates easily defeated rival Howard 34-7 in the AT&T Nation's Classic.   Their two losses were to FBS squads Old Dominion and William & Mary.  The Pirates threw an early scare into William & Mary before falling late.

The game will feature two of the MEAC's early leaders in offense and defense.  North Carolina A&T leads the conference in total offense and total defense.  A&T's offense is led by superstar running back Tarik Cohen, who is third in the MEAC in rushing with 71 yards a game. Jeremy Taylor leads the Aggies with 24 tackles and two sacks this season.

Hampton isn't far behind in either category they rank third in both total offense and defense. The MEAC's second leading rusher is Hampton's Yahkee Johnson who has rushed for 76.7 yards a game. They also have the conference's top passer in Jaylian Williamson who has thrown for 194 yards a game.  Interestingly, both teams are most stout in run defense.

Kickoff is at 7:30 pm EST and will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Fayetteville State's Samira Luis Named CIAA Volleyball Player of the Week

By ADD SEYMOUR JR.

Fayetteville State's Samira Luis had 26 kills, 30 digs seven service aces and two blocks in three matches last week to be named the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Volleyball Player of the Week.

The CIAA named her teammate Nakia McKinnie Rookie of the Week after she had 50 assists and 17 digs in the same three match span.

Their head coach, Reeshemah Johnson, made it an FSU sweep as she was named Coach of the Week. The Broncos are 2-0 in the CIAA's Southern Division and in second place behind Shaw.  Her team is 3-2 in CIAA play and 5-3 overall this season.

Mark Blackmon and Judith Kibil Named MEAC Cross Country Athletes of the Wee

By ADD SEYMOUR JR.

A second-place finish in his first 8k earned Maryland-Eastern Shore's Mark Blackmon the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Week while the Female Cross Country Athlete of the Week was Florida A&M's Judith Kibil.

Kibil finished ninth out of 266 runners at the University of Florida Mountain Dew Invitational with a season best time of 17;59.64.  Blackmon's time of 26:27.10 his team win the DSU Farm Run Invitational.

Other Top Performers:

Ronaldo Ball (Coppin State) aided the Eagles to a fourth-place finish at the DSU Farm Run Invitational, with a time of 27:24.3.

Jennaya Hield (Maryland-Eastern Shore) recorded a second-place finish at the DSU Farm Run Invitational, with a time of 19:37.9.

Candice Higgins (Norfolk State) led the Spartans, with a time of 20:20.79, at the East Carolina Pirate Invitational.

Felix Kiprotich (Norfolk State) won the 5k East Carolina Pirate Invitational, with a time of 15:18.6.

Geoffrey McCullough (Hampton) registered a time of 26:46.5, at the DSU Farm Run Invitational, to place fifth.

Tatiana Ogundeko (Coppin State) paced the Lady Eagles at the DSU Farm Run Invitational, with a time of 20:44.5.

Pollyanna Velasco (Hampton) finished third, with a time of 19:46.7, at the DSU Farm Run Invitational.

Savannah State Surprises Bethune-Cookman in Overtime; Rundowns and Scores from EVERY HBCU Football Game From Sept. 24

MEAC

Savannah State 16, Bethune-Cookman 10 (OT) - In one of the biggest surprises of the weekend, perennial doormat Savannah State (1-2, 1-0 MEAC) got a 9-yard touchdown run from Cantrell Frazier in overtime to give them their first year in nearly a year and their first win in 16 tries against suddenly struggling Bethune-Cookman (0-3, 0-1 MEAC), last years conference co-champion. Bethune-Cookman needed a fourth quarter touchdown run from quarterback Akevious Williams to tie the game. SSU's Darrell Bonner intercepted a Williams pass to end BCU's overtime drive.  SSU then went on to score.  Tupac Isme led BCU with 91 yards rushing while Savannah State's Marquis Smith had 12 tackles, forced two fumbles, had 1.5 sacks and had three tackles for losses.

Missouri 79, Delaware State 0 - Drew Lock threw five first half touchdowns, four of them to J'Mon Moore as FBS SEC Missouri  (2-2)  blew out Delaware State (0-3). Lock threw for 402 yards as Missouri piled up nearly 700 of offense.  Three Mizzou receivers had more than 100 yards receiving while Damerea Crockett rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Delaware State eight first downs all day.

Morgan State 28, Howard 24 -

South Carolina State 48, Florida A&M 14 -

North Carolina Central 34, Norfolk State 31 -

CIAA

Winston-Salem State 35, Virginia State 14 - Quarterback AJ Nocciolo threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another as Winston-Salem State (2-2, 1-1 CIAA) got a big win over Virginia State (3-1, 0-1 CIAA). Te'Vaughn Hurse had a huge day as he rushed for 187 yards and a touchdown for WSSU, who led 21-0 early and cruised the rest of the way.  Trenton Cannon led VSU with 80 yards and a touchdown rushing.

Johnson C. Smith 31, Elizabeth City State 28 - Matias Lembrecht's 33-yard field goal with no time remaining lifted Johnson C. Smith (1-3, 1-0 CIAA) to the win over Elizabeth City State (1-3, 0-1 CIAA). Quarterback Harold Herbin, aided by two ECSU penalties, drove his team downfield with 1:29 remaining.  He threw for 39 yards and rushed for six on the final drive, setting up Lembrecht for the game-winning field goal. Quarterback Daquan Neal led ECSU with 224 yards and a touchdown passing while also rushing for another TD.

Virginia Union 22, Fayetteville State 16 -

Chowan 41, Livingtone 13 -

Bowie State 55, Shaw 13 -

St. Augustine's 35, Lincoln (Pa) 31 -

SWAC

Jackson State 32, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 20 -

Prairie View A&M 56, Mississippi Valley State 21 -

Southern 59, Alabama A&M 31 -

Texas Southern 31, Alabama State 27 -

SIAC

Tuskegee 38, Lane 7 - Kevin Lacey threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 61 yards and another TD as Tuskegee (4-0, 1-0 SIAC) broke open a close game with 24-unanswered points to ease to the win over Lane 3-1, 0-1 SIAC) in an early battle of unbeaten teams. Lacey threw a TD pass and rushed for a score to put Tuskegee up 14-0 in the first quarter. Lane quarterback Marcus Reynolds threw a touchdown pass midway through the second quarter to pull within seven, but that was as close as they could get. Reynolds only had 66 yards passing while his running back, Marcus Holiday led Lane with 46 yards rushing. Tuskegee's Ladarell Petway had a big day as he caught a 54-yard TD pass from Lacey and returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown.

Miles 31, Morehouse 7 - The Miles defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns and Devin Brown returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown as Miles (2-1, 2-0 SIAC) defeated Morehouse (2-2, 1-1 SIAC).  David Whipple led Miles with 158 yards and touchdown passing while Jamarcus Nance rushed for 96 yards. David Smith had a big day for the Morehouse defense, with eight tackles, four for losses, a sack and a forced fumble.

Kentucky State 17, Central State 14 -

Benedict 28, Fort Valley State 14 -

West Georgia 27, Albany State 23 -

Clark Atlanta 37, Ave Maria 13 -

OTHERS

Truman State 37, Lincoln (Mo) 0 -

Langston vs. McMurry - CANCELED AFTER SECOND QUARTER BECAUSE OF WEATHER

Point 23, Edward Waters 20 - Rashard Louie's 1-yard TD plunge with 1:49 remaining lifted Point (1-3) to a late win over Edward Waters (0-4).  Edward Waters had led by as much as 10 after Joey Williams' 45-yard fumble recovery of the second-half kickoff for a touchdown gave them a 20-10 lead. But the Point defense shut out EWC after that and came back with a Isiah Robinson touchdown run midway through the 3rd quarter.  Tyler Mahla led EWC with 130 yards passing and 68 yards rushing while Drew Kohn rushed for the other EWC touchdown.

Bloomsburg 54, Cheyney 14 - Lawrence Elliott Jr. rushed for three touchdowns and added a 65-yard punt return as Bloomsburg (3-1, 1-0 PSAC) rolled past Cheyney (1-3, 0-1 PSAC) in the conference opener for both teams. His two touchdowns in the second quarter keyed a 23-point 2nd quarter for the Wolves.  Erik Heller led Cheney with 85 yards rushing and a touchdown.

FULL SCHEDULE AND RUNDOWNS OF ALL OF TODAY'S HBCU FOOTBALL GAMES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

SWAC

Alcorn State at Grambling - Alcorn State (2-1, 1-1 SWAC) is looking to shake off a surprising, three-overtime loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff last week.  The Braves  are still looking to hit their stride in this, just third game of the season after their opener with Bethune-Cookman was canceled. Grambling (2-1, 1-0 SWAC) has been rolling, particularly on offense this season.  They nearly shocked FBS Arizona and have blown out Jackson State and Virginia Lynchburg.  This will actually be a better test for both teams to see where they are this season.

Jackson State at Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Looking listless in a blowout loss to Tennessee State and getting beat by NAIA Oklahoma Panhandle State had people expecting the worst last week for Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-2, 1-0 SWAC).  Surprise! They score 45 and beat defending SWAC champs Alcorn State in overtime last week.  Now they host winless Jackson State (0-3, 0-1 SWAC), a team that has struggled on defense.  The fewest points they've given up this year is 35 in their 35-14 loss to Grambling last week.

Prairie View A&M at Mississippi Valley State - Prairie View A&M (2-1, 2-0 SWAC) heads to Mississippi Valley State (0-3, 0-2 SWAC) on a SWAC roll.  They've one eight straight conference games dating back to last season.  In their three games, MVSU has scored 30 points and was shut out last week at Texas Southern.  They rank last in total offense in the SWAC so far this season. The Delta Devils have not been able to run the ball at all, averaging 9.7 - yes, that's 9.7 - yards rushing per game.

Texas Southern at Alabama State - Texas Southern (1-2, 1-0 SWAC) got a needed win last week in shutting out Mississippi Valley State.  And Alabama Sate (0-3, 0-1 SWAC) needs a win. The Hornets had good showings at FBS Texas-San Antonio and against Alcorn State, but everything fell apart in a blowout 64-6 loss to Southern last week. Alabama State relies on a running game by committee, along with quarterback Quinterris Toppings.

Southern at Alabama A&M - Southern (1-2, 1-0 SWAC) may have lost two of their three games so far, but dont let that fool you. The Jags took FBS Louisiana-Monroe to the wire and were outmanned against FBS Tulane.  So they were full ready to take out their frustrations on Alabama State last week. Their offensive threesome in quarterback Austin Howard, running back Lenard Tillery and wide receiver Willie Quinn can light up anyone.  Alabama A&M (1-2, 1-1 SWAC) is led by quarterback De'Angelo Ballard and running back Jordan Bentley who is fourth among FCS freshman running backs with 236 yards a game.


CIAA

Chowan at Livingstone - The Livingstone (1-2) offense has shown life after scoring three in their opening game.  Jarius Richardson has rushed for a little more than 200 yards and three touchdowns in their last two games. Chowan (2-1, 1-0 CIAA) has done it through the air, with Randall Dixon throwing for 399 yards last week against West Florida, though running back Tyree Lee had a breakout game last week with 139 yards and two touchdowns rushing.

Bowie State at Shaw - The Bowie State (1-2, 1-0 CIAA) offense has been clicking this year. The Bulldogs have lost to an FCS team and a strong Division II team, but have scored at least 35 on both of them.  Shaw (0-3) is at the opposite end of the spectrum.  They've given up at least 35 in all three of their losses, and their 19 points was the most they've scored in a game this year.  They scored six and seven in their first two games.

Virginia State at Winston-Salem State - This usually would be the preview of the CIAA title game. This year, there are questions.  Virginia State' (3-0) defense continues to play lights out as 10 is the most they've allowed in a game this season.  The Trojans have controlled the clock with a bruising running game led by Kavon Bellamy (113 yards per game) and Trenton Cannon (72 yards per game). Winston-Salem State (1-2, 0-1 CIAA) has had three tough games, two against really strong Division II programs.  But the loss to Virginia Union last week was unexpected, especially how easily the Panthers won.

St. Augustine's at Lincoln (Pa) - St. Augustine's (0-3) has been in three mismatches this season - FCS North Carolina A&T, FBS ACC North Carolina State and one of the better Division II programs in the country, Carson-Newman. Today, they get to battle someone on their own level in Lincoln (Pa) (1-2) in the CIAA opener for both.  Aside from a blowout loss to FCS Morehead State, Lincoln (Pa) has look solid in losing to Cheyney and defeating Lincoln (Mo) on the road.

Johnson C. Smith at Elizabeth City State - Johnson C. Smith (0-3, 0-1 CIAA) has been shutout in their last two games after scoring 28 against Wingate.  Granted, those losses were to Bowie State and FCS Wofford. Elizabeth City State (1-2) off their first win of the season, a 35-30 victory over Morehouse. Quarteback Daquan Neal has been their leader in the passing game and in the rushing game this season.

Fayetteville State at Virginia Union - Virginia Union (1-2, 1-0 CIAA) is at home after getting a huge win over Winston-Salem State last week. Quarterback Shawheem Dowdy and running back William Stanback have been the offensive cogs for the Panthers.  Fayetteville State (0-3, 0-1 CIAA) before being shut down by FCS Elon last week, fought hard against a good Chowan team but couldn't do much to stop a really good UNC Pembroke squad.

MEAC

North Carolina Central at Norfolk State - These two teams open their MEAC schedules with Norfolk State (1-2) actually playing their first FCS team this season.  They defeated Division II Elizabeth City State in their opener and then fell to two FBS teams. North Carolina Central (1-2) has had much the same story, falling to FBS Duke and Western Michigan before beating up on Division II St. Augustine last week.

Delaware State at Missouri - This one could be ugly. Delaware State (0-2) had a 20-point second half against Monmouth last week, but that was after trailing 27-0 at halftime and being blown out by Delaware 56-14 opening day. Now they have to head to FBS SEC Missouri (1-2), a team that is still smarting from last week's close loss to SEC foe Georgia.  They will be looking to pile up the points today at home.

South Carolina State at Florida A&M - Its the MEAC opener for both teams and no one probably thought that BOTH of these teams would be 0-3 heading into this contest. Florida A&M is still trying to get their program turned around.  But South Carolina State is winless, though coming into this game, they've played two FBS teams - one of them Clemson - and one of the nation's top Division II teams in Tuskegee last week.  But South Carolina State hasn't lost to Florida A&M since 2011.

Howard at Morgan State - In this matchup of old rivals, Howard (0-3, 0-1 MEAC) has had major problems scoring this season.  They haven't scored at all in the second or third quarters and they've only totaled 34 points in three games this season.  Morgan State (0-2) will be playing their first home night game since 2010.  They've won nine of the last 11 games in this series. The Bears are led by graduate transfer quarterback Chris Andrews who has thrown for 312 yards a game this season.

Bethune-Cookman at Savannah State - Bethune-Cookman (0-2) opens MEAC play after two tough losses to FCS North Texas and Tennessee State.  They will be heavily favored against a Savannah State (0-2) team that hasn't scored yet this season and has given up 54 points to Georgia Southern and 56 to Southern Mississippi.

SIAC

Lane at Tuskegee - This is shaping up to be a great game. One thing that Lane (3-0, 1-0 SIAC) won't do much is pass.  This is a running team that has averaged 265 yards a game on the ground, scoring 11 touchdowns this season. That is due to their "Marcus" offense - dual threat quarterback Marcus Reynolds and running back Marcus Holiday.  Tuskegee (3-0, 2-0 SIAC) is a little more balanced offensively, but their strength is on defense, particularly against the rush.

Kentucky State at Central State - Kentucky State (0-3, 0-1 SIAC) is struggling. They are the SIAC's worst team in total offense and defense.  Offense is where they really suffer, averaging only 167 yards a game.  Central State (0-3, 0-2 SIAC) is the exact opposite on offense as they lead the conference in total offense with nearly 400 yards a game.  It's defense where they suffer.  They are next to last -- to Kentucky State -- in total defense.

Miles at Morehouse - It's always hard to say that a game is a big one for a team this early in the season, but for Morehouse, it is.  The Maroon Tigers (2-1, 1-0 SIAC) are looking for momentum heading into the toughest part of a schedule that has Tuskegee and Albany State coming up soon. They move the ball well, but have been mistake prone.  Miles (1-1, 1-0 SIAC), the defending SIAC champs, are smarting from last week's 29-0 shutout by West Georgia.  A key will be whether starting quarterback David Whipple is recovered from injury.  A key matchup - Miles running back Jamarcus Nance (87 yards a game) against the Morehouse defense (allowing only 94 yards rushing a game).

Fort Valley State at Benedict - It took Fort Valley State (1-2, 1-1 SIAC) three overtimes to put down an improving Clark Atlanta team last week.  The Wildcats have been up and down on offense, have been good offensively, except for a tough 10-7 loss to Lane. Benedict (2-1, 1-0 SIAC) has bounced back from an offensively ugly first game when they scored five points in a win to putting up 42 on Central State.

West Georgia at Albany State - Albany State (1-2, 0-1 SIAC) isn't joking around about getting ready now for the Division II playoffs.  Three of their first four games have been against Tuskegee, Valdosta State and now West Georgia, all Division II playoff teams. West Georgia (3-0) has already shut out defending SIAC champs Miles and gave up their first touchdowns of the season last week in a tough win over Delta State.

Ave Maria at Clark Atlanta - This Clark Atlanta (1-2, 1-2 SIAC) team isn't the doormat that they've been in recent years.  They played Tuskegee tough and could just as easily be 2-1 now had they held on in a three-overtime loss to Fort Valley State last week.  They now get Ave Maria, an 0-3 NAIA team averages just under seven points a game this season.

OTHERS

Bloomsburg at Cheyney - It's the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference opener for both Bloomsburg (2-1) and Cheyney (1-2). Bloomsburg suffered their first loss of the season in overtime last week while Cheyney was blown out by Indiana (Pa) 55-0.  Bloomsburg has beaten Cheyney 26 straight times.

Lincoln (Mo) at Truman State - Lincoln (Mo) (0-3, 1-0 GLVC) is looking for their first win of the season after a blowout loss last week to Quincy.  But Lincoln (Mo) (0-3, 0-1 GLVC) has had leads in their other two losses this season. Truman State has beaten Lincoln (Mo) each of the last 20 times they've played. The last Lincoln (Mo) win against Truman State in 1973.

Langston at McMurry - Langston (2-1) defeated McMurry last season 32-29 and looks to follow up using a balanced offense led by quarterback Mark Wright Jr. (586 yards and a touchdown passing this season) and running back Kievon Johnson (309 yards and three touchdowns).  McMurry is a good scoring team, having put up 63 on Texas College last week and 17 in a close loss to Southwestern. It's a game where Langston's Evan Scott and Christian Minies can make a real difference.  The two have led a defense in which they've each had 19 tackles this year.

Point at Edward Waters - Edward Waters (0-3), a NAIA feisty team that has spent much of their season taking on NCAA Division II teams lost last week to FBS Jacksonville. They host a Point (1-3) team that has struggled to score in their three losses.  Their first win of the season came last week over Virginia-Lynchburg, a game in which they did score 34 points.