September 4th, 2026 12:00am
Time for a moment of reflection.
I cannot remember a season that started so poorly for the conference against what should have been a manageable schedule. Sure, there are games against the FCS (grumble), or even complete mismatches against the upper echelon of Division II. But week 0 included games against equally matched opponents.
Or so I thought.
Attrition via graduation and the transfer portal seemed to bite hard across the CIAA landscape. Consider the following results involving zeros in week 0:
While coaches attempted to fill talent gaps as needed, such as the mass exodus of quarterbacks at JCSU this spring for three transfers), there is more seasoning and possibly decision making needed to salvage the nonconference slate. Salving the slate is very important for what happens down the road for playoff consideration, especially with the PSAC registering some solid out of conference wins last night and in week 0.
All isn’t lost. Virginia State and Fayetteville State registered wins, and Shaw had a semi-respectable showing. More on the semi part later.
Games in order of interest
UNC-Pembroke at Fayetteville State
Well well well, it is yet another Two Rivers Classic. These two teams have been deadlocked 2-2 in the last four rounds. This rivalry has been very tight, with only two games in this series where the margin of victory was not less than 10 points. UNC-P’s defense is stingy, holding Wingate to 204 yards, shutting down their scoring in the second half, and cueing up three turnovers. FSU’s offensive production really woke up in the second half and was very balanced between pass and run.
Both teams sport some areas of weakness that will be interesting to watch. Expect this game to be penalty heavy for one, as both eclipsed 100 yards last week, and over the last two games have featured each team garnering at least 70 yards in penalties. Penalties is what slowed down the offense last week too, as big plays for the Broncos got wiped away because of penalties (like an ineligible man downfield on a big pass play). FSU will need at least a serviceable run game to keep UNCP off the field, because the Braves want to control the time of possession. The Broncos also cannot afford to risk turning over the ball – 5 fumbles, whether lost or not, is risky in tight games like this. Advantage: FSU, with praying hands. In this decade-long chess match between Richard Hayes and Mark Hall, I’m going to ride will Coach Hayes and company. The home team has won this game in the last four outings.
Albany State vs Johnson C. Smith (Sunday at Canton, Ohio)
Welp, its mentor versus the protégé in this matchup. Albany dropped their game to Florida A&M. While the offense mustered a decent offensive effort, an eye popping 10 sacks by the Rattlers is not sustainable to have success against good teams. The Golden Rams also only converted 2 third downs, which questions their ability to sustain drives. JCSU has to figure their passing game, and quickly. I suspect this game will show whether Parker McQuarrie can bounce back, or the coaching staff pivot to another option. They were heavily reliant on Fabian Duncan and Kamarro Edmonds to move the ball on the ground, making it easier for teams to game plan. Also, the secondary cant give up big plays like they did last week. Surrendering nearly 20 yards a completion is not good. Advantage: JCSU, because only one team can leave this game golden.
Livingstone at Virginia Union
Both teams come into this game licking their wounds. The question for VUU is whether what we saw against L-R just an aberration against a really talented team, or whether there are going to be bigger challenges that will persist throughout this season. Livingstone showed that they could move the ball at times, but a porous defense just didn’t given the offense an opportunity. It was in the air and on the ground that both torched the Blue Bears. So, which area improves more: VUU’s offense, or Livingstone’s defense? Advantage: Virginia Union
Bowie State at Virginia State
This game rarely disappoints, and I expect a retooled Bowie State squad to put some pressure on Virginia State. The Bulldogs are likely to look to challenge VSU’s front seven with Maximus Jones leading the way. But, who will lead the passing game and whether they will be effective is a mystery. VSU is the proven commodity and sported a lot of depth in their win last week. If they can avoid turning the ball over, VSU should be able to flex in both the run and passing game. Advantage: Virginia State
Mars Hill at Winston-Salem State
This game is a return trip for Mars Hill. WSSU has a lot to prove after last week’s debacle. The Rams should find a slightly easier go this week. Still, the Lions sport a top receiver in Charlie Guinade, and MHU have proven to be a feisty club every year. The Rams need to find some offense and in a hurry, and it starts with whether QB Kendall McKoy can get things in gear. What could benefit WSSU is that MHU looks to be really young just like the Rams are…except in the secondary. So, the key to this game is likely to be whether WSSU can establish the run, or whether MHU will be able to air out the ball. Advantage: Mars Hill
Shaw at Barton College
Shaw and Barton both came up short against the upper half of the CIAA. Shaw held Fayetteville State in check for nearly a half, and that was despite their challenges on special teams. Speaking of, they need to short that up, as they left the punter on an island far too many times. Barton let up a big pass play early, and had to take on an onslaught from Virginia State before climbing back into that game. This game is very winnable for Shaw if they can keep QB Cam Estep in check and simultaneously slow Barton’s run game. VSU capitalized on two interceptions as well, and that really helped. Shaw will also need to get the ball downfield too, because a one-dimensional offense will not work here. Also, did I mention needing to correct the punting formations too so that they don’t sacrifice a safety and blocked PATs? Advantage: It’s a 50/50 game, and I am going to take Shaw on the road *closes eyes*
West Chester at Lincoln PA
I love this matchup for the simple fact that these two schools are geographic rivals. This game is also the season opener for both teams. That fact alone should get the Lions pumped up. There are key parts of Lincoln’s team that are returning, including LB Charles Thompson, WR Kyrie Tyson, and QB Jayden Triplett. Lincoln will need to show some consistency and effectiveness on offense to knock off a very capable Golden Rams club that is hoping to get back into the PSAC East’s upper echelon. Advantage: West Chester, unfortunately
Bluefield State at Concord
This week’s game is the second-straight year that these two teams face each other. Bluefield State got blown out in the first half at Tusculum, so much that the Pioneers did not need to score in the second half. Big Blue struggled on offense, tossing three interceptions and only going 1-3 in the redzone. This week, they face a Concord team that knocked off an FCS opponent. Concord made Davidson pay when they turned over the ball, as both DC turnovers lead to points. The Mountain Lions also displayed some good balance on offense. Its an uphill climb for Bluefield, and Concord isn’t going to take them lightly after what happened last year. Advantage: Concord.
ECSU at FCS NC Central
ECSU must learn how to close out games. The Vikings cannot afford self-inflicted wounds like they suffered against Fort Valley State (penalized for 104 yards on 8 penalties). This game is definitely a cut the check game. QB Navian Hilliard has shown the ability to move the ball in the air, and the WRs have shown themselves to be very capable. Keep a lookout for freshman LB Jack Earley, who was all over the field for his debut in a Viking uniform. I just think that the defense is going to get ground down early in this one. On a positive note, Head Coach Adrian Jones will be inducted into the NCCU Hall of Fame during the game. Congratulations! Advantage: NCCU, who will be eager to shake off a surprising loss to Texas Southern. One has to think a gentleman’s agreement is in place to not permit a massive blowout.