Dr. Kenyatta Cavil contributed to this report
This week’s Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Top 7 Major Division Poll Rankings breaks from the fluid dynamic of the previous week’s rankings. Four of the top 7 teams retain their placing from the previous week, while 2 other teams move up, with a new entrant making its way into the rankings.
7. Alabama State ( 4-3, 3-1)
The Hornets enter the rankings at the number 7 spot, after being unranked the previous week. Alabama State is coming off a 27-19 win over Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic, the win marked their third consecutive victory over their in-state rivals in what is one of the crown jewels of HBCU Classics. Winners of two straight games, up next for the Hornets is a trip to Mobile Alabama Saturday to meet Alcorn State in the Port City Classic. The Braves defeated the Hornets 23-20 in their meeting last season.
6. Florida A&M ( 4-3, 2-1)
Coach James Colzie’s Rattlers moved up one position from their previous week’s rankings. FAMU returned to the friendly confines of Bragg Memorial Stadium for the first time in 57 days and did so in style, defeating the Jaguars of Southern University, 24-6 in a sparkling effort from the Rattler’s defense. The FAMU defense held Southern to just 210 yards of total offense, including allowing just 83 yards passing. Up next for Florida A&M is a home meeting against Texas Southern on Saturday.
5. Hampton University (5-3, 2-2)
The Pirates slide up one place in the rankings from their 6th spot from last week’s rankings. In their most recent outing, Hampton defeated Elon 41-21 in a Homecoming win. In addition to extending the Pirates’ current win streak to 2 games, the victory also garnered Hampton their 5th win of the season, equaling their win total from the entirety of the 2023 season. The win also marked their first defeat of an HBCU in the season. Up next for the Pirates is a meeting against the Wildcats of Villanova; in their last meeting on October 29, 2022 ‘Nova defeated Hampton 24-10.
4. South Carolina State (5-2, 1-0)
South Carolina State remains at no.4 from the previous week’s rankings. In the Bulldogs’ most recent outing, SCSU racked up 631 yards of total offense in laying waste to Delaware State 69-35. Recently named HBCU National Player of the Week, quarterback Eric Phoenix completed 18-of 21 passes for 341 yards and 4 touchdowns. Up next for the Bulldogs, winners of four consecutive games is a highly anticipated matchup with North Carolina Central that could determine who wins the MEAC. In their meeting last season, the Eagles, stomped a mudhole in the Bulldogs, 62-28.
3.Tennessee State ( 6-2, 3-1)
The Tennessee State Tigers held on to the no.3 spot from last week. Coach Eddie George’s team was on a bye week following their 41-17 defeat on Eastern Illinois to end Homecoming on a proper note. Up next for the Tigers is a meeting with UT Martin in the first of a critical stretch of four Big South-OVC matchups to close the season. Last season UT Martin doubled up the Tigers 20-10.
2. Jackson State (6-2, 4-0)
Jackson State was one of the four teams that stood pat in the poll rankings. In the Tigers’ most recent outing, Jackson State broke open a tied game at halftime to defeat Bethune-Cookman 37-17. Riding a four-game winning streak, Jackson State welcomes UAPB to town as their Homecoming opponent. In their last meeting, October 28, 2023, Jackson State laid a 40-14 beatdown on the Golden Lions.
1.North Carolina Central (6-2, 2-0)
The Eagles remain in a spot they are used to atop our poll rankings. NCCU defeated Morgan State 16-7, in a hard-fought, defensive battle. Up next for North Carolina is a matchup with no.4 South Carolina State in front of a national offense on ESPNU Thursday night could go a long way in determining the MEAC representative live in the Celebration Bowl. Although NCCU destroyed SCSU 62-28 in their most recent matchup, the game Thursday is in Orangeburg, where the Eagles lost the last time they came to town 26-24, October 22, 2022.
Dropped Out: Southern Jaguars-(4-4, 3-1)
Receiving Votes: Southern Jaguars-(4-4, 3-1)-141, Alcorn State Braves-(4-4, 3-1)-138, Grambling State Tigers-(4-4, 1-3)-125
