September 28th, 2023 12:00am
It’s not often that we talk about Johnson C. Smith, but the emergence of QB Robert Adams as a relatively steady hand has proven to serve JCSU well. Adams replaced opening day starter Tyrell Jackson, used his legs and arm to keep the Golden Bulls offense moving and Lincoln guessing in last week’s win. His dynamic ability showed yet again HC Maurice Flowers’ ability to develop quarterbacks in the HBCU ranks. Moreover, JCSU’s defense remains a highly productive unit, ranking third in the country in total defense. A lot of that shutdown defense involves the run stuffing ability of DC Barry Tripp’s unit. JCSU only allows 50 yards of rushing offense on average. That’s impressive.
I don’t know how many readers are Star Wars fans, but there’s the one meme of Admiral Ackbar yelling “It’s a Trap!” This week feels just like that because there’s a clear favorite, but as we all know: nothing is ever easy in this conference. Don’t get comfortable! Here’s where these games rank from a scale of 1-5 on the Trap Game Score (patent not pending)
Game of the week: Virginia State (2-0, 4-0) at Shaw (1-1, 1-3)
Trap Game Score: 3
After last week’s results, we now have just a lone undefeated team in overall play. VSU comes into this game a bit banged up after last week’s driving rainstorm game. Look early to see if QB Romello Williams starts; otherwise, steely veteran Jordan Davis, last year’s starter, may return to the lineup. Similarly, the offensive line is banged up too, and it will be interesting to see if that causes any troubles. Shaw got their first win of the season last week, but they sure don’t make it easy on themselves. The Bears surrendered 17 points in the second half against Elizabeth City State after taking a 20-0 lead at the half. This game is a battle of strengths with Shaw’s passing preference matching up against a VSU defense that’s third in the conference in passing yards allowed. Shaw has a problem with consistently converting third downs, and that’s what it will likely need to do in order to keep that VSU offense off the field. Advantage: Virginia State
Johnson C. Smith (2-0, 3-1) at Elizabeth City State (0-2, 1-3)
Trap Game Score: 2
ECSU is a better team than the one who suffered a 49-14 drubbing at the hands of JCSU. The problem is that JCSU is also a better team too, especially the aforementioned defense. ECSU is just too inconsistent on offense to feel like they can pull an upset at home. Advantage: Johnson C. Smith
Fayetteville State (2-0, 2-2) at Bluefield State (0-2, 1-3)
Trap Game Score: 2
Bluefield has a case of the Blues after last week’s shutout loss to WSSU. Both teams can be careless with the football, as they have negative turnover margins. Bluefield is another pass-happy team, but that reliance creates problems in the redzone. While they aren’t particularly consistent on offense, they do more than enough to push opponents. FSU has a decisive edge on special teams. Advantage: Fayetteville State
#24 Virginia Union (1-1, 3-1) at Saint Augustine’s (0-2, 0-4)
Trap Game Score: 2
Yes, SAU pushed Bowie State in last week’s weather-filled game. Still, Virginia Union’s offense has been more consistent in general. Its been consistent in racking up yards, and even moreso in allowing opponents to remain close. Its not clear whether Jada Byers will play this week, but they do have two other running backs who have rushed for more than 150 yards in a single game. SAU still remains among the least productive offensive team in Division II. Advantage: Virginia Union
Winston-Salem State (2-0, 2-2) at Lincoln (PA) (0-2, 1-3)
Trap Game Score: 4
WSSU faces one an offense built on big plays; thus, this game features a strength versus a strength when comparing Isaiah Freeman and WRs against WSSU’s secondary. Lincoln comes into this game reeling after last week’s close loss, and diversifying from relying on WR Malachi Langley’s production to its plethora of WRs. For WSSU, can its offense drive the field on its own without having to rely on its defense to create turnovers? This game feels like the most even of all the games, but in the end, I think the difference comes which team can flip the field the best. Advantage: WSSU
Bowie State (2-0, 3-1) at Livingstone (0-2, 0-4)
Trap Game Score: 3
BSU’s scoring prowess is average in the conference at 18 points a game. Particularly noteworthy is that its defense is playing lights out right now, headlined by its third down conversion rate allowed (22.8 percent) and total yards allowed (241). That defense should be able to slow down a Livingstone team that is still trying to solidify its offense. It is very possible that Livingstone’s defense, led by LB Jaden Echols. Still, BSU is the favorite here, and its offense getting in gear would be promising going into divisional play. Advantage: Bowie State