September 12th, 2025 3:00pm
The topsy turvy CIAA threw me for a loop last week. Week 0 felt like the conference underperformed, and admittedly I went very bearish, even with games that I would ordinarily think that teams would win or would at least be competitive (looks at Winston-Salem State, and the BSUs). Last week, the conference returned to form, and one could say that it overperformed, especially given the way that Elizabeth City State and Bluefield State played. ECSU gave Hampton all it could handle and executed a strategy that nearly knocked off the Pirates. That’s a scenario where you can say coaching matters, especially with the Vikings exhibiting more discipline by way of fewer penalties and capitalizing off prosperity given by their better funded Division I opponent. Bluefield State’s second straight win against nearby rival Concord because of an offensive explosion is a signal that you cannot count out Big Blue in any game. They have more consistency in their passing game from Wesley Thompson, even with a defense that remains a work in progress. There’s even Virginia State, who was a doink off the crossbar away from snatching a victory from its Division 1 rival Norfolk State. The first two weeks of the season are nothing more than an indicator that anything is nearly possible in the CIAA.
This week’s games, in order of intrigue
#15 Virginia Union at Edward Waters
Edward Waters has come out of the gate with quite a bit of steam. Their two game win streak comes at Savannah State and Miles’ expense. The Tigers’ run defense is only giving up 66 yards of rushing on the ground, and the offense is putting up 43 points a game. Virginia Union has better statistics in those two categories, though they have only played one game (oddly enough, they both have played Miles).
This game is a step up in competition for Edward Waters against a perennial contender for the playoffs. Keys to the game for them would be to keep VUU’s offense off the field with good ball control (with QB Noah Bodden being able to keep VUU off balance with the pass game) along with the defense slowing down RB Curtis Allen and QB RJ Rosales. Rosales’ ability to scramble when plays break down is such an X-factor for the Panther offense. Moreover, Edward Waters will have to significantly reduce the penalties. Its penalty yardage last week alone (167) is higher than 141 teams have season to date this year so far.
In the end, expect VUU to lead on its advantages in the trenches to win this game. Advantage: VUU
#23 Johnson C. Smith at Elizabeth City State
The conference sports two teams ranked in the D2football.com poll for the first time since week 7 2023. ECSU plays host looking to play spoiler to the Golden Bulls’ undefeated start. JCSU comes into this matchup after vanquishing Valdosta State, while ECSU surprised a lot of folks with its strong showing against Hampton. ECSU will have a hill to climb, as its passing game spearheaded by Christopher Perkins will line up against a very hostile JCSU secondary. That secondary has five interceptions and is the key driver in JCSU’s +2.5 turnover margin. There are some opportunities for ECSU though, especially given JCSU’s concerning penalty habit (110 yards last week). JCSU also gave up some big plays last week in the run game, something that also could bode well for Traquan Johnson (3rd in the conference in rushing yards per game) and his backfield stablemates. Not to mention, ECSU has had a really good showing in their own secondary, leading the conference in pass defense right now (Hampton’s passing game was BAD against the Vikings). In the end, expect the Kelvin Durham show to keep rolling and be a difference maker. Advantage: JCSU
Shaw at Ferrum College
Shaw comes off a bye week and faces D2 newcomer Ferrum. Both teams are winless coming into this game. The Bears are looking to improve their offensive output, as it was not effective in running or passing the ball. Granted, Ferrum should be an easier opponent to do both with, particularly on the ground. The ground game should help Shaw convert more than one third down this go around. Ferrum seems to have some struggles in the punt department, and that may be another opportunity for Shaw to get some opportunities for points. Shaw wasn’t the strongest in that area either (30.8 yards per punt). As they say, there’s big improvement seen from the first to the second game of a season. Advantage: Shaw
Lincoln PA at Winston-Salem State
Lincoln comes into their third game of the season battle tested, even if it doesn’t show up in the win column. The offense is very skewed towards the pass, as the run game does not average one yard per carry. QB Hamas Duren does have a reliable target in WR Kyrie Tyson, who has had at least 4 receptions in each of the first two games. Lincoln’s pass defense is rather suspect right now, and teams are keying in on the secondary. WSSU showed last week that it can be a quick strike on offense, and that is prone to lulls in its offense. Of note, the Rams are a pitiful 5/22 on third down conversion. The Rams also are struggling with run defense, potentially providing an opportunity for Lincoln to improve its position. WSSU has more weaponry at its disposal, but if the last two games are any indication, then that means there will be more adventures than Magellan on this quest. Advantage: WSSU
Bowie State at Delaware State
Bowie State proved doubters wrong in their opening game, and its defense was dominant against Shippensburg. You know you’re in for a bad day when the defense is scoring, and it felt like a vintage Bulldog team in that regard. The Bulldogs will likely have a good showing if it is anything like we have seen in these CIAA vs FCS matchups, but I don’t think the offense has sorted itself out to keep up with a revamped Hornets team. Advantage: Del State
Bluefield State at Wingate
QB Wesley Thompson had a great showing against Concord, and now travels to visit his former school. Big Blue is also a pass-heavy team that just doesn’t run block very well. They will need all the offense they can get, because the defense is hemorrhaging over 500 yards a game. Advantage: Wingate
Fayetteville State at North Carolina Central
Fayetteville State is on the struggle bus right now when it comes to its passing game. At 147 yards a game, 90 yards less than last season’s average. At four sacks, the defensive line continues to be a bright spot for the Broncos. Still, going up against a Division 1 opponent that is expected to contend for a conference title is a tall task for a Broncos team still trying to figure things out. Advantage: NC Central