Week 11 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab saw no new attendees to the proverbial party, with all 7 teams remaining the same from the previous week.
7 Virginia State Trojans (6-4, 4-3)
Image via Chris Waugaman
Although they haven’t played since November 8, Virginia State remains at No.7 in the Week 11 rankings. In their most recent and final outing, the Trojans were bested in a defensive struggle 14-3 by Virginia Union. The Trojans have won 6 or more games in every season since the 2022 campaign.
6.Fayetteville State Broncos (6-4, 6-1)
Image via Topendshoots LLC
Like No. 7 Virginia State, Fayetteville State did not play the previous week, as it had concluded its season on November 8. Despite the inactivity, Fayetteville State retains the 6th spot in this week’s rankings. In the aforementioned season finale, the Broncos defeated Winston-Salem State 31-21 to send their 16 seniors out on a winning note. The Broncos shut the Rams out in the second half, allowing them to ultimately transform a 21-17 halftime deficit into the 31-21 victory.
5.Benedict Tigers (9-1, 7-1)
Benedict drops a spot to No. 5 in the Week 11 polls. In their most recent outing, the Tigers were defeated by Albany State 22-16 in the SIAC Championship Game. This contest, which came down to the last play of the game was far more competitive than the two teams’ October 25 meeting in which Benedict was dominated by the Golden Rams 31-3.
Despite the loss in the SIAC Championship Game, Benedict still earned a berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. The Tigers are the No.5 seed in Super Region Two and will face Wingate Saturday at 1 pm EST.
4.Kentucky State Thorobreds (9-2, 7-1)
Image via Kentucky State Athletics
Kentucky State climbs one spot in this week’s poll rankings. In their most recent outing, the Thorobreds handily defeated Shorter 35-7. The win lifted them to 9-2 overall and they are also 7-1 in SIAC play, with their sole conference loss coming at the hands of eventual SIAC champion Albany State. Having their best season since 1935, Kentucky State also earned a Division II Playoffs berth, where they are the 6 seed in Super Region Two. Kentucky State will travel to Newberry, SC to take on Newberry. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 pm EST.
3.Virginia Union Panthers (9-2, 7-0)
Image via Virginia Union Athletics
The Panthers of Virginia Union fall a spot to No.3 in this week’s rankings. Virginia Union was upended by Johnson C. Smith 45-21 in the CIAA Championship Game, stopping the Panthers’ quest for a three-peat as CIAA champions.
As was the case with Benedict, taking a loss in the conference championship game was not enough to keep VUU from making its fourth consecutive appearance in the Division II Playoffs. The Panthers are the No.3 seed in Super Region Two and will host California University of Pennsylvania on Saturday at 1 pm EST.
2.Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (10-1, 6-1)
Image via JCSU Sports Information
The Golden Bulls ascend from third to second in Week 11. Johnson C. Smith defeated Virginia Inion 45-21 to claim its first CIAA crown since 1969. The 10 wins of this season are a new high-water mark for the program.
The historic season for Johnson C. Smith continues with a berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the first time in program history. The Golden Bulls will host Frostburg State in the opening round at 1 pm EST.
1.Albany State Golden Rams (10-1, 8-0)
For the fourth consecutive week, the Gooden Rams of Albany State are perched atop the poll rankings. Albany State capped a perfect run through the conference by defeating Benedict 22-16 in the SIAC Championship Game.
After claiming their 16th SIAC Championship, the Golden Rams have moved on to the NCAA Division II Playoffs, where they are No.1 in Super Region Two. Albany State will host Valdosta State, a team that has beaten them 9 of their last 10 matchups, Saturday at 1 pm EST.
Dropping Out:
No teams dropped out
