Week 5 HBCU FCS Predictions

Week 4 of the HBCU FCS season was full of some impressive performances. 

Quarterback Jalen Daniels (20/29, 277 yards, 3 touchdowns) shined in Norfolk State’s win over VMI. Morgan State used a familiar formula of running the ball for almost 300 yards to defeat Virginia-Lynchburg. Strong defensive performances were key for Grambling State and Southern as they remained undefeated in conference play. Hampton continues to prove that they are the “Real HU” on the gridiron as they extend their win streak to eight over Howard, while North Carolina Central easily disposed of longtime North Carolina A&T.

The Eagles would score in almost every way possible in their 66-24 triumph over the Aggies. The 66 points is the largest point total allowed by an A&T defense since their 70-7 loss to Bethune-Cookman in 2006.

In Week 5, the slate is comprised of league play for Hampton, Tennessee State, and the SWAC, Howard will face their third different Ivy League opponent in as many years when they travel to New Jersey, and three teams from the MEAC will compete against CAA adversaries including a rivalry renewed by North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Southern are off this week while Saturday’s game between Alabama A&M and Florida A&M has been postponed because of Tropical Storm Helene.

Here are my top five matchups and predictions for this week.

Predictions Record:
2024 record: 58-11
Week 3: 12-3

Week 5 FCS HBCU Top 5 Games

All times are Eastern Standard

5. North Carolina A&T (1-3) at South Carolina State (1-2), Saturday, 6:00 PM (ESPN+)

This once-heated MEAC rivalry has been lopsided over their last matchups, with A&T winning eight of those including the past seven straight. Unfortunately for the Greensboro Faithful, the Aggies are a combined 2-13 since joining the CAA. That once daunted Blue Death Defense is now the 11th-worst unit in the nation in yards allowed and 7th-worst in points allowed. Look for SCSU quarterback Eric Phoenix (532 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, interception) to have a field day with A&T’s porous pass defense.

Bulldogs 31, Aggies 21

4. Jackson State (2-2, 0-0) at Texas Southern (1-2, 1-0) Saturday, 7:00 PM (ESPN+)

Both teams are looking to rebound from tough losses last week. This week likely won’t be any easier for Texas Southern. TSU running back Quintell Quinn (23 carries, 149 rushing yards vs. Lamar) will have his hands full with the SWAC’s best-rushing defense. Not to mention, JSU hasn’t dropped a game to TSU since 2010, including last year’s two-point loss in Mississippi.

Jackson State 31, Texas Southern 20

3. Prairie View A&M (1-3, 0-2) vs. Grambling State (3-1, 0-0), Saturday, 7:00 PM (ESPN+)

Five forced turnovers led to 24 points in Grambling’s 21-point victory over Jackson State last week. The win gives the Tigers the best overall record in the SWAC and their first 3-1 start in seven seasons. Success this Saturday at the State Fair Classic for GSU will put them in first place in the conference’s Wild Wild West Division. If linebacker Andrew Jones (38 total tackles, 6.5 TFLs) and the rest of the Grambling defense can continue to force turnovers and pressure PVAMU’s quarterback – who has been sacked third-most in the nation – Mickey Joseph will become the first GSU head coach to start his first season 4-1.

Tigers 28, Panthers 17

2. North Carolina Central (2-2, 0-0) vs. Norfolk State (2-3, 0-0), Saturday, 3:00 PM (ESPN+)

Trei Oliver’s Eagles have won three straight against his former teammate Dawson Odums, outscoring the Spartans 124-74 over the past three games. Nonetheless, both teams are fresh off impressive outings as they head to Indianapolis for the 40th Annual Circle City Classic. Norfolk State compiled 393 yards of total offense while forcing three turnovers in their 32-10 win over VMI. However, NC Central racked up 530 yards and pressured NC A&T into four turnovers in their 66-24 shellacking of the Aggies. The Spartans must keep pace with the MEAC’s best-scoring offense (31.5 points per game) if they want to go 1-0 in league play and earn Odums his sixth conference victory in four seasons.

Eagles 31, Spartans 17

1. Hampton (3-1, 0-0) at #12 William & Mary (3-1, 0-0), Saturday, 6:00 PM (FloSports)

The Pirates are riding a three-game win streak, their third stretch since leaving the MEAC in 2018. Record-wise, this is the best matchup in the CAA as the two best-rushing offenses in the conference face off in the first league game of the season for both teams. All eyes will be on running backs Bronson Yoder (117 yards, 2 touchdowns) of the Tribe and Hampton’s Elijah Burris (343 yards, 3 touchdowns). However, it was Ja’Quan Snipes (10 carries, 117 yards, 2 touchdowns) who shined in the Pirates’ win over Howard.

Tribe 34, Pirates 24

Big South-OVC

Charleston Southern (1-2, 0-0) at Tennessee State (2-2, 0-1), Saturday, 6:00 PM (ESPN+)

Tigers 24, Buccaneers 20

MEAC

Delaware State (1-3) at Campbell (1-3), Saturday, 2:00 PM (FloSports)

Camels 21, Hornets 14

Howard (2-2) at Princeton (0-1), Saturday, 3:00 PM (ESPN+)

Tigers 30, Bison 21

Morgan State (2-2) at Stony Brook (3-1), Saturday, 3:30 PM (FloSports)

Bears 24, Seawolves 21

SWAC

Alabama State (1-2, 0-0) at Bethune-Cookman (0-4, 0-0), Saturday, 3:00 PM (HBCU GO)

Hornets 17, Wildcats 10

Alcorn State (1-3, 0-0) at Mississippi Valley State (0-4, 0-0), Saturday, 7:00 PM (Valley Sports Network)

Braves 20, Delta Devils 12