Dr. Kenyatta Cavil contributed to this report.
Pandemonium struck this week’s Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Major Division Poll Rankings, as not one team from the previous week finds itself in the same position as seven days prior.
7. Tennessee State (6-3, 3-2)
Tennessee State was positioned to break through into true Big South-OVC contention but those aspirations took a severe blow with a 28-21 loss at the hands of UT Martin as well as sent the Tigers tumbling down the poll rankings. Tennessee State will look to bounce back Saturday when they take on conference newcomer Western Illinois on Saturday in the first meeting between the two schools.
6. Southern University (5-4, 4-1)
The Jaguars of Southern enter this week’s poll at no.6. In their most recent outing, Southern scored a late touchdown to beat Alabama A&M 25-20 to bounce back from a 24-6 defeat to FAMU the previous week. In the win, SU signal caller Czavian Teasett completed 24-of-37 passes for 294 yards and 3 touchdowns. Up next for the Jags is a visit from Bethune-Cookman, whom Southern defeated 28-18 in their matchup last season.
5. Alabama State (5-3, 4-1)
Alabama State rose two spots to number 5 in this week’s rankings. Alabama State defeated Alcorn State 21-17 this Saturday in the Port City Classic A 7-play, 73-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard touchdown scamper from Marcus Harris II put the Hornets up for good. Winners of three straight games, Alabama State will head to Eddie G. Robinson to take on the Grambling Tigers, whom ASU defeated 17-6 in their meeting last season
4. Florida A&M (5-3, 3-1)
The Rattlers jump up 2 slots to no.4 in the latest rankings. It was homecoming on the Highest of Seven Hills and FAMU ended the week on a high note with a 52-28 thrashing of Texas Southern. Up next for the Rattlers is a meeting with Prairie View A&M, whom FAMU defeated 35-14 in last year’s SWAC Championship Game.
3. North Carolina Central (6-3, 2-1)
The Eagles’ reign atop the poll ranking finally came to an end. NCCU fell 24-21 to then no.4 South Carolina State in a nationally televised tilt that became an instant classic. After falling behind 17-0 in the first 30 minutes of play the Eagles battled back with 21 points in the second half but could draw no closer and the Bulldogs were able to melt the remaining minutes from the clock. Up next for N.C. Central is a bye week followed by a meeting with the Bison of Howard University. Howard blasted NCCU 50-20 in their matchup last season.
2. South Carolina State (6-2, 2-0)
South Carolina State has ascended to the penultimate position in this week’s poll rankings. Thursday the Bulldogs met North Carolina Central in a highly anticipated matchup. The Bulldogs were able to build a 17-0 lead in the first half and withstood a North Carolina Central comeback. When SCSU quarterback Eric Phoenix picked up 19 yards on a 3rd and 20 late in the fourth quarter, it positioned the Bulldogs to convert the subsequent 4th and 1. It was this pivotal play that helped keep the drive alive and ultimately allowed SCSU to milk the final minutes off the clock. Saturday SCSU heads to thenation’s capital to face Howard, whom they defeated 27-24.
1. Jackson State (7-2, 5-0)
Jackson State reaches the zenith of this week’s poll rankings. In their most recent outing, the Tigers eviscerated UAPB, their homecoming opponent 41-3, for their fifth consecutive win. JSU running back Irv Mulligan ran for 141 yards and 1 touchdown on 18 carries. It was his third consecutive game eclipsing the 100-yard barrier. On the season the Beaufort, SC native has run for 709 yards and 7 touchdowns on 103 carries. The Tigers will host Mississippi Valley State on Saturday.
Dropped Out: Hampton Pirates-(5-4, 2-3)
Receiving Votes: Hampton Pirates-(5-4, 2-3)-146, Alcorn State Braves-(4-5, 3-2)-135, Prairie View A&M Panthers-(4-5, 2-3)-123
