October 10th, 2025 6:00am
CIAA Week 6 Preview
Midway through the season, and the separation becomes more apparent. Look to see if there are more spoilers because that’s what it would take for the two loss teams to regain a path to the championship game.
Livingstone at Fayetteville State
Another pivotal matchup between the conference leader (Fayetteville State) and a challenger. They already have two common opponents in Elizabeth City State and Bowie State, and it seems like that alone is a sign of how potent the teams are. FSU’s offense has really picked up over the last three games, while Livingstone got behind early against ECSU and just looked rather flat footed against the Vikings. The score felt closer than the actual game, especially given the two Blue Bear fourth quarter TDs. FSU can easily replicate what ECSU did, especially on offense. Moreover, Livingstone will need to play up to the competition – its last three opponents are a combined 2-13. Advantage: Fayetteville State
Lincoln PA at Bluefield State
Bluefield State is looking for revenge after last year’s 37-13 loss to Lincoln. One way that could get derailed is untimely penalties. Big Blue was penalized for 146 yards last week against Shaw. Lincoln is still looking for their first win of the season. While the passing game has been a bit of a bright spot, its run game is not complimenting it (at 49 yards a game, its rushing offense game is amongst the worst in Division II). Its redzone trips are tied with Livingstone and ECSU for worse in the conference at 12 (all three have the same 67 percent conversion rate). Granted, Bluefield State’s defense may give up some big passing plays too – its passing defense gives up nearly as many yards as Lincoln can muster as a total offense. I expect both teams to score quite a bit, but Bluefield State is just a step ahead in this one. Advantage: Bluefield State
Bowie State at Virginia State
The other BSU goes to Ettrick. Both schools are looking for their first conference win (remember everyone, that VSU win against WSSU didn’t count for a conference win). Historically, this game is ultra-competitive, but it just feels like Bowie State is just in free fall. The Bulldogs got shellacked by FSU last week, and the offense has reentered the Shadow Realm of rotating quarterbacks again this season. VSU has some things to figure out themselves given their recent struggles on offense. Bowie’s chances for the upset is to attack via the passing game, but they are most comfortable in the run game. That’s a tough ask. Advantage: VSU
Winston-Salem State at Shaw
Shaw’s a really young team, and WSSU needs a pit crew every weekend to jump start its offense. Expect WSSU to goof off early before putting some distance between the Bears in this pseudo-rivalry game. Of note here is that QB Daylin Lee is now WSSU’s second most all time in passing yards, and WSSU’s strength is certainly the passing game this year. Shaw’s opportunities for the upset is for its run game to give the Rams fits and to create turnovers. Advantage: WSSU
#17 Virginia Union at Elizabeth City
ECSU is the next opponent who will face the machine that is the Panthers offense. ECSU’s win over Livingstone gives some new life to the Vikings, who had largely been snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. VUU is just on another level right now, especially in the run game, and the Vikings are likely to be overmatched in this one. As of this week, RB Curtis Allen leads Division II in rushing yards. I do not see this game turning into a track meet either. Advantage: VUU
Idle: Johnson C. Smith, who will be basking in their return to the AFCA Top 25 and plotting on how not to crash out down the stretch like last year.