September 26th, 2025 2:00am
Virginia State has quietly conducted their business to start the season. The quiet part became a little less so in their 34-33 win over Winston-Salem State last weekend. That win propelled them into the Top 25 for the first time this season. The Trojans did do by forcing three turnovers, paired and a strong offensive attack. As a first-year starter, Brandon Rose continues to improve each game as a rusher, gaining 124 yards to pace the offense. It is important to note though that special running backs in the CIAA’s recent history do more than just run the ball, and his five catches for 38 yards and two scores is what adds a new dimension to the VSU offense. Rose and backfield mate Ri’Jon Hammond’s ability to expand VSU’s capabilities will be needed down the season’s stretch.
This week’s games, in order of intrigue:
In my view, each of this week’s games has a clear favorite, so the focus will be on what could happen that could give the underdog the win. Its the CIAA, and matchups like these typically means that someone is going to get upset. I'm not brave enough to try to call it, but I do have that uneasy feeling....
#23 Virginia State at Fayetteville State – This game has all the markings of a trap game for VSU. Fayetteville State showed they have the ability (finally!) to exploit a suspect pass defense behind Demari Daniels’ arm. They also forced ECSU to be one dimensional, taking away the run game. Speaking of matchups, this game has two of the conference’s top defensive lines. Last week, FSU notched five sacks, with DL Shawn Robinson garnering two of them. FSU can win this game by doing what they did last week – forcing turnovers, especially via interceptions and giving the Broncos’ offense relatively short fields. Sacks may be a little harder to come by, especially given RJ Matthews’ running ability. Still, pressure can create diamonds or crush carbon.
Winston-Salem State at Bowie State – In the “We lost last week because we couldn’t convert on PATs” Invitational, WSSU’s high flying offense makes a trip up north to the host Bulldogs in a must win matchup really for both teams. Bowie’s strength is the run offense, an area that WSSU’s is prone to lapse on defense. But Bowie must find some way to shore up its offensive line given the way Livingstone was able to get into the backfield last Saturday. Moreover, the secondary will have to step up against QB Daylin Lee and company. While the Rams like to run the ball, it is its marksman that will allow them to put up points in a hurry if they need it (just ask VSU’s secondary). Bowie will need the same punting performance as last week, as they averaged over 40 yards a punt, well above their 28 yards per punt average for the season. WSSU has played down to its competition at times this season, and allowing an opponent to linger as the game progresses while on the road could give Bowie an opportunity to steal a game.
Lincoln PA at Livingstone – On paper, this game has the markings of a potential upset special. Livingstone’s defensive gave Bowie State fits last week, but Lincoln QB Hamas Duren is a bit of an escape artist and will need lots of tricks up his sleeve to get a win on the road. Lincoln can move the ball, but its pass-happy offense must convert its effort into points. Lincoln’s problem has been more that its defense has not been up to the task in slowing down opposing offenses. Livingstone’s redzone conversion rate is the worst in the conference, while Lincoln’s defense has the worst conversion percentage rate for their opponents. If Lincoln can slow down the Blue Bears’ passing game, then they will certainly have a chance.
#21 Virginia Union at Shaw – When the two most penalized teams in the conference get together, one must wonder who will give up valuable possessions and yards when it matters the most. Shaw’s challenges lie in slowing down the VUU rushing game (which includes former Shaw RB Travon Tensley). Shaw’s defensive strength lies in pass defense, where they lead the conference in fewest passing yards allowed. If Shaw can have success in making not allowing big pass plays that VUU has been feasting on lately, then it does help them to make the game more manageable. On offense, the offensive line will need to protect young QB Alexander Marsh, mainly because a better performance in the air is important to pulling an upset. Marsh was able to pass for 165 yards last week, above the Bears’ 131-yard average (an average that is dead last in the conference). It’s a tall task for the Bears. Odds are just not favorable here, but anything is possible.
Bluefield State at Johnson C. Smith – JCSU, recent departee from the Top 25, looks to rebound after last week’s lackluster affair. It is also homecoming, which means that JCSU rituals such as holding a funeral for the opponent take place. What would it take for Bluefield State to win this game? JCSU would need to elect not to run the ball so that its run defense is not exposed. Big Blue’s run defense is the jump start that a lot of teams could use, and that’s not good. Maybe some of the starters not playing or distracted with homecoming activities could help too. Big Blue also is coming off a loss prior to the bye week, and it needs to return to its high-flying ways behind the arm of Wesley Thompson. Still, a Golden Bulls offense that got a boost from WR Brevin Caldwell debuting his season last week and still has a stout defense is hard to take down.
Idle: Elizabeth City State, who is licking their wounds during the bye week after getting trampled by a stampede of Broncos last Saturday.