November 7th, 2025 12:00pm
2025 Rivalry Week
Games in order of Interest
Livingstone at #17 Johnson C. Smith
All eyes should be on this game, as JCSU controls the keys to whether they or possibly Fayetteville State get into the playoffs. Wild and crazy things happen in this game. Its actually Livingstone who has won two of the last three in this match, including last year’s shock win. The Blue Bears would have no greater pleasure than to have a redux.
I’m really interested to see how both teams prepare for this game. Livingstone has won and lost games in the trenches, and that’s where their perceived defensive strength lies. JCSU seemed content to run the ball a lot last week against Fayetteville State, so expect them to test that defensive line early. Livingstone’s offense sports some good pieces, particularly RB Javen Parker, third in the conference in rushing yards per game, and WR Tavion Jackson. The problem is, JCSU comes into this game with the second leading rusher (Bobby T. Smith) and a wide variety of options as WR. Those weapons, combined with a steady, above average QB in Kelvin Durham, and good special teams play, says that JCSU should be preparing for a rematch with VUU after Saturday. Advantage: JCSU
Virginia State at #13 Virginia Union
VUU has already locked up their spot in the CIAA Championship game. Still, there’s unfinished business, as it takes on rival VSU. The Trojans have had a good season, having figured out their QB situation early, and RJ Matthews will be a force in future season as he has been this season. Keep an eye on RB Ri’Jon Hammond and WR Jaylen Pretlow, both of who have had over 100 yard games of offense from their prospective positions in multiple games this year. VSU’s defense have their hands full with the nation’s leading rusher, Curtis Allen, who has rushed for over 100 yards in every game this season. Still overcommitting to stopping the run leaves the Trojan secondary vulnerable, and several teams have exploited that weakness. While VSU is the more balanced team, expect VUU to disrupt that balance on Saturday. Advantage: VUU
Winston-Salem State at Fayetteville State
FSU has a lot to play for in this game, including a championship berth and the playoffs. Standing in their way is an inconsistent WSSU squad that either scrambles their opponents minds or lays an egg. WSSU getting to .500 seems like a positive end to what was otherwise been a disappointing season. Still, FSU is a tough place to play, its defensive line is formidable, and the Broncos relish close games. If the Rams can get the ball downfield, then this game could turn into the 2018 matchup that ended up in a blowout. If not, it might be a slog that favors the Broncos. Think of it this way, WSSU feels like a Maserati, as it's flash, fast, and often breaks down on you, while FSU is a 6-cylinder Camry that doesn’t stand out, but has more than enough to hold its own even if you don’t change the oil after 15,000 miles. Advantage: Fayetteville State
Bluefield State at Elizabeth City State
B-State and ECSU games have been rather entertaining lately, and expect no different in this one. Both teams have been homecoming fodder for opponents, except that ECSU has been the one spoiling homecomings lately (ask Lincoln and Bowie State). This time though, its their own homecoming that they have to protect. Regular readers know the drill – ECSU has been topsy turvy of late, and Bluefield is all pass, no run, and no stopping the run. So, expect a bit of offense in this one. ECSU did show us how they can be resilient though, and I hope they have some of that juice left in the tank after last week. Advantage: ECSU
Bowie State at Lincoln
A Lincoln win would send the Bowie faithful into a total meltdown. Alas, the winless Lions just haven’t been able to get a jump on opponents and maintain it during the course of this season. Bowie showed it can score points, but one way or another it just doesn’t always stick. In this game, I just don’t have enough faith that Lincoln can get it done. I do have a lot of faith that there likely will be a lot of penalties though. Advantage: Bowie State
Shaw at Emory & Henry
Shaw’s schedule this year has been a who’s who of teams that have made an appearance in the top 25 this year: Albany State, Virginia Union, Johnson C. Smith, and now the Wasps. Throw in Fayetteville State, and its just been a tough slate. I applaud Shaw for taking on this game, and it will be a good measuring stick to see how the stack up going into the offseason. E&H has a lot of offensive firepower in the air and on the ground, and Shaw is overly dependent on the run right now. I don’t have high hopes, as I expect E&H’s defense to put a lot of pressure on the offensive line to force the Bears into mistakes. Advantage: Emory & Henry stings the Bears.