October 31st, 2025 9:00am
Games in Order of Intrigue:
#19 Johnson C. Smith at Fayetteville State – The unranked team is the one who comes into this game tied for the conference lead. Imagine that. This game features an FSU team who is fourth in the country in sacks and tackles for loss. FSU preys on opposing offenses and uses the power of the turnover (+1.25) to put its offense in ideal positions. On the flip side, you have a high flying JCSU team who can beat you with the running game and in the passing game. This game could be a trendy upset pick, but FSU’s secondary concerns me as it surrenders a lot of yards, and QB Kelvin Durham has been racking up yards against opponents. (yes, interceptions is a different story, and FSU leads the conference there) Moreover, FSU’s running game must line up against a unit that doesn’t surrender a lot of yards either, and FSU is a little more dependent on rushing as a percentage of its total offense. But again, a lot of FSU’s offense is build off short fields. FSU is a tough place to play, but you would have to think that JCSU is mentally ready for that, right? Advantage: JCSU
Elizabeth City State at Bowie State – It is homecoming at Bowie State. The Bulldogs have a strong rushing attack behind Micah Robinson, and it is easy to see how the run game will give the Vikings fits. Partner that run game with ECSU allowing teams to convert 45 percent of their third downs and you have a recipe for success. I do think that ECSU has a higher ceiling, though at times it feels like a lower floor too. For ECSU to win this game, it will need QB Chris Perkins’ best effort, as the run game isn’t design to win games in its current shape. For Bowie, it would need to curb penalties and not settle for field goals. Overall, I think the Bulldogs have more options to win this game and extend their long winning streak over the Vikings. Advantage: Bowie
#13 Virginia Union at Bluefield State – There is a clear favorite here, make no mistake. But, Bluefield State has given teams fits with its passing game that’s currently top 3 in the conference. Big Blue has had three games this year in which they put up more than 14 points in a single quarter. There’s just two main challenges that B-State is going against this week. First, it faces a defensive unit that had six sacks last week, likes to force fumbles, and overall has been a problem for opposing offenses. Secondly, VUU RB Curtis Allen remains the nation’s rushing leader at 1558 yards, and Bluefield State has the fourth worst rushing defense in the country (261 yards allowed). As a team, VUU is second in the country in rushing yards (305 yards). Third, B-State’s own running game is the seventh worst in the country (65 yards a game). So, as fun as the pass offense is, I do not see it being enough to take down the Panthers. Advantage: VUU, with lots of points scored in this game
Shaw at Livingstone – This game feels like it could be a slugfest, with Livingstone’s defense leading the country in tackles for loss. DL Kenyon Garner leads that unit, and he has 23 tackles for loss this season. Shaw isn’t passing the ball much and instead uses the rushing attack to help power its young offense. It’s a scenario where the Bears need to find a way to keep Livingstone honest and not crowd the box. Livingstone’s offense isn’t wildly consistent, but I think it, along with slowing the rushing attack will be good enough to give the plain ol’ Bears the blues. Advantage: Livingstone, because strange things happen on the blue turf
Lincoln at Virginia State – Last week, VSU showed that they have some offensive firepower even with backup QB Baron Davis leading the way. The offense keeps on clicking and the Trojans are on a 3 game winning streak. That does not leave much hope for Lincoln, who needed to party at homecoming to drown out the huge loss to ECSU. The Lions’ strength is its defensive line, but it may not be able to stop RB Ri’Jon Hammond if its secondary continues to get so abused that someone calls PETA. Advantage: Virginia State, big.
Winston-Salem State is on a bye week in the same week they said bye to the AD. The Rams just find ways to stay in the conversation even when they are not playing. I think JCSU just scored again.