Week 5 of Dr.Cavil’s inside the HBCU Sports Lab was more static than in recent weeks. No new teams entered this week’s rankings and 5 of the 7 teams retain their position from the previous week.
7. Delaware State Hornets (3-1,0-0)
The Hornets stand pat at No.7 in this week’s rankings. Saturday Delaware State handily defeated Saint Francis 39-10 to secure their third win of the season under first year head coach DeSean Jackson. Three victories the Honests have already recorded is a win total the program had not approached since a 5-6 mark posted in the 2022 campaign. Up next for Delaware State is a matchup with the Pioneers of Sacred Heart University. The Hornets defeated SHU 17-15 in their meeting August 31,2024.
6. Howard Bison (3-1,0-0)
Coach Larry Scott’s Howard Bison team remains at number 6 in this week’s rankings. In their most recent outing, Howard handily defeated Hampton 34-7 in the P&G Truth and Service Classic , or as it more famously known, “The Battle of the Real HU.” The victory snapped an 8-game losing streak for the Bison in the historic rivalry dating back to September 18, 2015. Howard returns to action Saturday against Richmond. The Bison tasted a 38-14 defeat in their last meeting on September 4, 2021.
5. Alabama A&M Bulldogs ( 3-1, 0-0)
The Bulldogs of Alabama A&M hang on to the No.5 spot in the Week 5 rankings. Saturday AAMU scored 42 points in the second and third quarters to break open their game against Lane College, on the way to a 49-7 beatdown of the Dragons. Alabama A&M opens SWAC Saturday when they head to Daytona Beach, FL to take on the Wildcats of Bethune–Cookman. In their last meeting, October 12, 2024, the Bulldogs obliterated the Wildcats 56-12.
4. North Carolina Central Eagles ( 3-2, 0-0)
As has been a recurring theme in the Week 5 rankings, North Carolina Central holds onto its position from the previous week’s polls. The Eagles racked up a school record 765 yards of total offense in a 62-20 annihilation of rival North Carolina A&T in the Aggie-Eagle Classic. Running back Chris Mosley accounted for 5 touchdowns ( 3 rushing , 2 receiving) and also ran for 168 yards on 11 carries, while adding 90 yards receiving on 4 receptions. This was the Eagles’ fourth straight win over the Aggies as well as the second consecutive game they dropped at least 60 in the matchup, following a 66-24 beatdown of A&T season. Saturday North Carolina Central heads to Commerce,Texas to face East Texas A&M.
3. South Carolina State Bulldogs ( 2-2, 0-0)
The Bulldogs of South Carolina State drop a place to third in this week’s rankings. In their most recent outing, SCSU was taken to the woodshed 63-14 by South Florida in Saturday. Up next for South Carolina State is a matchup with Charleston Southern of the Big South-OVC Football Alliance.
2. Alabama State Hornets ( 2-1,0-0)
Although they were in a bye week, the Hornets of Alabama State moved up to No.2 in this week’s polls. Saturday the Hornets head to Bragg Memorial Stadium to take on Florida A&M. Alabama State has lost five consecutive games against the Rattlers, including 28-13 last season, averaging just 11.4 points per game in the matchups.
1 Jackson State Tigers ( 2-1,0-0)
Jackson State remains perched stop the rankings for the ninth consecutive week, dating back to Week 11 of 2024. After being in a bye week, the Tigers return to action Saturday, facing Southern University in the Boombox Classic, which will now air on ESPN+ and kicks off at 7 pm CST. Their meeting last season was a lopsided affair, 41-13, in favor of the Tigers. Jackson State has won the last 6 meetings with the Jaguars.
