Week 8 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Week Mid-Major Top 7 saw movement in the upper realms of the rankings. The top 4 teams all occupy different positions from the previous week, while the bottom of the polls remained unchanged.
7 Edward Waters Tigers (5-3,4-2)
The Tigers of Edward Waters remain at No.7 in this week’s polls. In their most recent outing, the Tigers traveled to Atlanta, GA, where they spoiled Clark-Atlanta’s homecoming, defeating the Panthers in a high-scoring affair 55-41. The Tigers outscored the Panthers 28-7in the fourth quarter in the come-from-behind win. Next on the docket for Waters is a meeting with the marauders of Central State University. The Tigers randomly cleaned up the marauders in their meeting last season 45–13.
6 Fayetteville State Broncos (5-3, 4-2)
Fayetteville State hangs on to the number six spot in this week’s rankings.
In the most recent outing, led by their defence which forced five turnovers( 3 fumbles, 2 interceptions )in a 31 to 13 victory over Shaw. The Broncos are tied with Virginia Union at 5-0 within the CIAA. Along with Union, they are the hottest team in the CIAA sporting matching 5-game win streak. Up next for the Broncos is a matchup against Johnson C. Smith. Fayetteville State blanked the Golden Bulls 27-0 in their last meeting, which took place on November 2, 2024.
5. Kentucky State Thorobreds (6-2, 5-1)
The Thorobreds of Kentucky State remain at No.5 in the latest polls. Kentucky State’s most recent outing was October 17, a 17-14 win over Franklin Pierce. Winners of five straight, with their only defeats coming at the hands of Grambling and Albany State, Kentucky State will face Clark-Atlanta on Saturday. The two teams have not met since August 31, 2023, a 34-20 victory for the Thorobreds.
4. Benedict Tigers (7-1, 6-1)
Benedict drops three spots to No. 4 in the rankings The Tigers took it on the chin last week via a 31-3 hammering at the hands of Albany State in what was a clash of what were the two unbeaten teams within SIAC play. Licking their proverbial wounds, Benedict will have an excellent opportunity to recalibrate against the Virginia University of Lynchburg. The Tigers won the last meeting between the schools 30-16 on October 6, 2018.
3 Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (7-1, 4-1)
The Gooden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith moves up one spot to No. 3 in this week’s rankings. In JCSU’s most recent outing, they defeated Winston-Salem State 52-27, pushing their season win streak to four games. Quarterback Kelvin Durham completed 22 of 30 passes for 351 yards and 3 touchdowns, while adding 74 yards and 2 more scores on the ground. He was named BOXTOROW HBCU National Player of the Week for his efforts. Saturday Johnson C. Smith hosts Fayetteville State. Last season the Broncos spanked the Golden Bulls 27-0.
2. Virginia Union Panthers (7-1, 5-0)
Virginia Union ascends one position to No.2 in this week’s polls. Last week the Panthers defeated Bowie State 24-7 to push their win streak to 6 and remain undefeated in the CIAA at 5-0. Curtis Allen ran for 198 yards and 1 touchdown; he has ran for no less than 108 yards in any game this season. Up next for Virginia Union is Bluefield State. Last season the Panthers obliterated the Big Blue 91-0.
1. Albany State Golden Rams (7-1, 6-0)
The Golden Rams have reached the peak of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab top 7 rankings. Last week Albany State emphatically claimed the lead in the SIAC via a decisive takedown of then no.1 Benedict, who was also undefeated in the conference. Quarterback Isaiah Knowles made his return to the Golden Rams line-up and completed 22 of 37 passes for 294 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception. In addition to solely establishing Albany State atop the SIAC, the win also moved the Golden Rams into the No. 21 ranking in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll, presented by Hudl.
Also receiving votes:
Virginia State Trojans (5-3, 3-2)
Savannah State Tigers (4-4, 3-2)
Livingstone Blue Bears (4-4, 2-3)
