Turkey Day Classic, Bayou Classic, NC Central-Richmond Predictions

Another HBCU FCS regular season is in the books as we move closer to finding out who will compete in the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl.

Led by running backs Jarett Hunter (20 carries, 108 rushing yards, touchdown) and Eden James (16 carries, 90 rushing yards), the Howard Bison were crowned this season’s MEAC champions when they defeated Morgan State in a defensive battle, 14-7. This is Howard’s first outright conference championship in 30 years, sending the Bison to Atlanta in December for the first time.

The Improbable Panthers, predicted to finish fifth in their division this preseason, held on to defeat Alabama State 21-14, winning a trip to Tallahassee to face Florida A&M in the SWAC Title Game as both teams compete to represent their conference in the Celebration Bowl for the first time. 

Despite the regular season ending last weekend, there will still be HBCU FCS football played this holiday season, as two sets of in-state antagonists face off, and a program makes their first ever post-season appearance in its quest to compete for a national championship.

Here are my previews and predictions for this week. 

Predictions Record:
2023 record: 113-40
Week 11: 6-5

All times are Eastern Standard

99th Turkey Day Classic 

Tuskegee (7-3) at Alabama State (6-4), Thursday, 3:00 PM (ESPN+)

After a one-year layoff, these two interdivisional adversaries will renew their rivalry in the Turkey Day Classic. Both teams are coming off tough losses in their respective conference finales but would love to end their season with a victory over an in-state rival. Don’t be fooled by Tuskegee’s Division II status. The Tigers are 39-32-1 all-time against the Hornets, splitting their last ten meetings, but Alabama State is currently riding a three-game win streak in the series. Tuskegee will look to slow down ASU quarterback Damon Stewart. Even though the Hornets came up short against Prairie View A&M, the sophomore signal-caller passed for 372 yards and two touchdowns. 

Hornets 24, Golden Tigers 20

50th Annual Bayou Classic 

Southern (5-5, 4-3) vs. Grambling State (5-5, 4-3), Saturday, 2:00 PM (NBC)

This game needs no introduction. Grambling vs. Southern is arguably the most recognized rivalry in HBCU sports. Despite the SWAC West divisional championship not being on the line, bragging rights will again be on the line at the Bayou Classic. Southern, winners of four of their last five matchups against Grambling, currently leads the all-time series at the Classic 25–24. But the Jags parted ways with second-year head coach Eric Dooley amidst a two-game losing streak on November 13th. After compiling 222 total yards and scoring four touchdowns in Grambling’s 43-14 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff two weeks ago, keep an eye on quarterback Myles Crawley as he looks to lead Grambling to its first winning season since 2019. 

Tigers 28, Jaguars 21

FCS Playoffs – First Round

#16 North Carolina Central (9-2) at #22 Richmond (8-3), Saturday, 2:00 PM (ESPN+)

Regardless of their record, the Eagles have fallen short of winning a second straight MEAC championship. Their consolation prize, making their first-ever foray into the FCS Playoffs to face a Richmond football team that will make its 13th FCS playoff appearance.

Central and the CAA Co-Champions will be meeting for the first time this Saturday, as the Spiders will attempt to slow down what NCCU head coach Trei Oliver has dubbed “The Pee-Wee & Mookie Show.” Richmond’s defense has allowed 27 or more points to only two FCS opponents this season. The Eagles offense, ranked seventh in the nation, averages 36.6 points per game. In their season finale, Central scored 45 or more points for the fifth time this year when they molly-wopped Delaware State 55-14, led by quarterback Davius Richard’s 421 total yards and six total touchdowns. 

Eagles 21, Spiders 17