October 3rd, 2025 12:00pm
Fayetteville State’s victory over Virginia State caught many by surprise. The Broncos just had not seem to get their offense in gear before breaking out against Elizabeth City State. At this point in the season, Virginia State and ECSU are no where close to being on the same level. Still, VSU’s vulnerabilities have already been exposed by other teams, particularly the pass defense, and FSU played that tune to a victory. The way that FSU was able to bottle QB RJ Matthews was particularly noteworthy, given that he had been a magician when plays broke down in prior games. Nonetheless, the FSU defensive line's stats read like a hit list: Chris Gordon (2 sacks), Shawn Robinson (1 sack, 1 forced fumble), Isaiah Boyd (1 sack, 1 fumble recovery in the endzone), and Taevion Cox (1 sack). That doesnt count the secondary's two interceptions. It was every bit of a trap game. But, there is an alternative way to think about FSU. Think of it this way – FSU’s opponents this point included an FCS team, a now Top 25 team (#24 UNC-Pembroke), and another team that’s undefeated (Benedict). That’s a challenging schedule that would have dealt a lot of teams in the conference the same three losses. So, while it was quick to write off the Broncos, it is Richard Hayes and company who are reprising the horror movie role of Carrie and the infamous line “They’re all going to Laugh at You”.
This weekend represents the most consequential weekend of the season. With key contenders being served a loss, a second setback would put their championship hopes on life support.
Games in order of intrigue:
#19 Virginia Union at Winston-Salem State – WSSU plays a team that can exposed their weakness, that being their rush defense. VUU’s ability to keep the Rams honest and not over commit to stopping the run will also be tested. Both teams can put up tons of points, but its VUU who is most consistent in doing so. The Rams will need to air it out, as it seems like the pass game is where they are most comfortable. While the Rams play well at home, I do not think it will be enough. Advantage: VUU
Johnson C. Smith at Virginia State – In a game of two teams dismissed from the top 25 this year, VSU finds itself where JCSU was two weeks ago – trying to rebound from a tough loss in which the opponent slowly but surely pulled away as the game transpired.It is also VSU’s first home game this season, which must feel good. On defense, I would argue that VSU has the better defensive line, while JCSU has the better secondary. Both are very potent on offense, though JCSU is probably more consistent in the running game while VSU moreso in the passing game. I expect this game to be close, mainly because I think the winner will have to learn how to rise to the occasion in this high stakes affair. Advantage: JCSU
Fayetteville State at Bowie State – FSU comes into this game the winner of two straight, while Bowie continues to search for answers on offense. The Bulldogs need to address its redzone offense, as it had to settle for five field goals last week. While WSSU gave BSU’s offense fits, I think FSU’s front four will be an even bigger challenge for BSU. Can FSU continue its passing streak behind Demari Daniels’ hot hand guiding the offense? Bowie State showed that it could be susceptible to the big play. Advantage: Fayetteville State
Livingstone at Elizabeth City – Two teams that are likely to engage in a low scoring affair isn’t likely to be must see TV, but that’s typically the way that Livingstone likes to play. ECSU is seeking to pick themselves up after getting wiped out by Fayetteville State two weeks ago. Its another game for ECSU where its offense is likely to have a hard time establishing the run. To win, they will need to get more out of its passing game (5.5 yards a pass is rather pedestrian) Maybe they have a quick passing game dialed up given Livingstone’s aggressive line play lead by DLs Kenyon Garner (12 Tackles for Loss, 7 sacks) and DL Kobe Pringle (6 Tackles for Loss). For the Blue Bears, its passing game hasn’t been super strong, but a surging QB Elijah Alexander (198 passing yards last week) is likely to be enough to direct them to a win. Advantage: Livingstone
Shaw at Bluefield State: Bluefield State can score. Lets just get that out there. They actually have a better scoring average than Shaw (20 vs 14 points a game). The problem is that its defense surrenders a whopping 55 points a game, second to last in Division II. Its dead last in rushing defense in Division II (300 yards), though Shaw is amongst the bottom 10 in the same category (239 yards). Bluefield also surrenders the most passing yards in the conference, while Shaw has passed for the least yards per game, so something must give there too. Where I have concern for Bluefield State is that it has turned to QB Brice Koontz instead of its season opening starting QB Wesley Thompson. B-State is heavy towards the pass, as it only averages 1.7 yards per game. Can Big Blue sustain its passing attack against Shaw, who ironically leads the conference in passing yards allowed (though some teams haven’t had to pass a ton against the Bears)? For Shaw, I feel that they are going to match up well against Bluefield, even with B-State’s ability to score against even teams. Advantage: Shaw
Idle: Lincoln, who needs to figure out how to play a complete game during the bye week to prepare for the homecoming circuit.