Dr. Kenyatta Cavil contributed to this report
The winds of change blew through this week’s poll rankings, with five of the holdovers from the previous week’s polls finding themselves occupying different positions, along with a pair of new additions.
7. Howard University (2-2, 0-0)
Howard falls a spot to no.7, following their 27-20 loss to Hampton in the Truth and Service Classic/ “The Battle of the Real HU”. The Bison fell behind 14-0 in the first half but battled back to tie the game late in the third quarter. A fumble by running back Jarrett Hunter as he was fighting to cross the goal line ended a potential game-tying drive. Hampton was able to capitalize on the turnover to take a 27-14 lead, which was a deficit that proved too great for the Bison to overcome. Up next for Howard is a trip to Princeton, NJ next week to take on Princeton.
6. Jackson State (2-2, 0-0)
Jackson State tumbles from the no.2 spot following a 41-20 spanking Grambling laid on them Saturday night in another top 7 matchup. Although JSU outgained GSU 438 -271, they were ultimately undone by 5 turnovers. Jackson State further hurt their cause with 11 penalties for 111 yards. JSU will look to bounce back next week when they launch into SWAC play with a road matchup against Texas Southern.
5. Morgan State (2-2, 0-0)
After being unranked the previous week, Morgan State enters the poll at no.5, following its 56-7 annihilation of Virginia University of Lynchburg in MSU’s home opener. The Bears stormed to a 42-0 lead at halftime and scored 49 unanswered points before VUL finally broke the seal on their side of the scoreboard with a touchdown run with 6:49 left in the contest. A touchdown on Morgan’s next possession pushed the score to its final count of 56-7. Up next for Morgan State is a road trip to face Stony Brook; the Seawolves edged the Bears 24-22 in their most recent matchup on November 5, 2022.
4. North Carolina Central (2-2, 0-0)
Like Morgan State the Eagles of North Carolina Central hit the top 7, after being unranked the previous week. Saturday put a 66-24 donkey-kicking on North Carolina A&T in the Aggie-Eagle Classic. A stretch from the 5:51 mark of the first quarter until 7:36 left in the second quarter saw the Eagles score 27 unanswered points, turning a 9-7 deficit into a 34-9 advantage. The Eagles enjoyed a 40-12 lead at halftime and outscored their former MEAC foe 26-12 in the second half. NC Central hosts Norfolk State, whom they defeated 38-24 last season, next week.
3. Florida A&M (2-2, 0-0)
The Rattlers fall to the no.3 spot after taking it on the chin 34-12 from Troy University on Saturday. FAMU was unable to get in the endzone on the evening, with all of their points coming off the feet of Cameron Gillis. Troy liked up 507 yards of offense, with 295 coming through the air while running for 212. FAMU was limited to just 55 yards on the ground. Rattlers quarterback Daniel Richardson completed 25 of 39 passes for 288 yards; wideout Jamari Gassett hauled in 10 of those passes for 141 yards. Florida A&M will host Alabama A&M next week.
2. Grambling State (3-1, 0-0)
Grambling moves up three spots to no.2 after the Tigers’ 41-20 shellacking of Jackson State Saturday evening. The Grambling defense forced 5 turnovers and scored two touchdowns for the win. The GSU defense has scored touchdowns in three consecutive games and currently leads the nation in interceptions (7) takeaways (10) and defensive touchdowns (4). Grambling will host Prairie View next week; GSU defeated the Panthers 35-20 in their matchup last season.
1. Hampton University (3-1, 0-0)
The Pirates ascended to the top spot in the rankings after their win over fellow top 7 team Howard in Saturday’s “Battle of the Real HU”, 27-20. The Pirates never trailed in the contest and capitalized on a key Howard turnover that ultimately sealed the game. Winners of three straight, the Pirates look to continue their winning streak when they host William & Mary, who had their way with Hampton last season, defeating the Pirates 31-10.
Texas Southern (1-2, 0-0) and Tennessee State (2-2, 0-1) dropped out of the poll.
South Carolina State Bulldogs-(1-2, 0-0)-136,
Morgan State Bears-(2-2, 0-0)-134, Southern Jaguars-(2-2, 1-0)-133 also received votes
