October 4th, 2024 10:00am
Week five brings some intriguing storylines. The top four teams are matched against each other in what feels like a round robin, especially given that the Virginia schools play each other, and the same for the North Carolina schools later this season.
Of note, Johnson C. Smith enters the D2Football.com poll for the first time ever. That sort of national attention recognizes the fast start the Golden Bulls have been on. Can they maintain that ranking, or is this distinction going to be a footnote in history? Read on to find out.
This week features all 11 schools playing, including an out of conference tilt.
Games in order of interest
Virginia State (1-0, 2-2) at #23 Johnson C Smith (2-0, 5-0)
VSU enters this game with a rebound win over Fayetteville State. The Trojans did so with three haymakers from QB Romelo Williams to WR Kevin Gayles. Offensively, the game showed how potent VSU can be when everything is going their way. The defense also checked FSU, who favored the pass, and was particular pedestrian in the run game.
JCSU rested their two leading rushers, Quavaris Crouch and Kamarro Edmonds in trouncing Bluefield State. Their third rushing option, Avante George, rushed for over 100 yards. Moreover, it was WR Brian Morgan and Tyrek Williams who paced the passing attack, not Brevin Caldwell. That’s depth for ya. Add in how JCSU’s defense, led by LB Benari Black, limited Bluefield State to just 1 of 12 on third down conversions, and you have a recipe for success.
VSU was the one game that got away from me last week. I don’t see that happening this time, as JCSU’s defense has been able to shut down offenses, particularly in the run game. That will put a lot of pressure on QB Williams to deliver. Moreover, the FSU game does not convince me yet that VSU has cured their run defense woes. Advantage: JCSU
Winston-Salem State (2-0, 4-1) at Virginia Union (1-0, 2-2)
Oh boy, what a matchup. This all-time series is tied. They are mirror images of each other, except that WSSU uses several RBs to match up to what VUU’s Byers does. Expect VUU QB Mark Wright to match up against a hostile Ram Secondary that has at least one interception in all of their games this season. Similarly, the WSSU offensive line will face a tough test against VUU’s defensive line. This game feels like it will be a close, low scoring affair. That favors WSSU, especially given that they have had multiple close outings, not counting last week’s win over Bowie. On the other hand, it’s a road game for the Rams, and that scares me. Advantage: VUU at home
Bowie State (0-1, 1-3) at Fayetteville State (1-1, 2-2)
Bowie State has a lot of questions, and I don’t see FSU providing them an opportunity to figure it out. This matchup should be easier for the Broncos, who can go cold at times. An area to watch is to see if the Broncos go after the Bulldogs’ secondary, and whether the Bronco’s defensive line can penetrate the Bulldogs’ offensive line. Last week, the Broncos has three sacks, and it is plausible to see that occurring this week. Advantage: Fayetteville State
Elizabeth City State (0-1, 2-2) at Livingstone (1-1, 3-2)
This fun matchup is winnable for both teams; however, it comes down to some intangibles. Livingstone’s defense has been good on slowing down opponents in the run game. DL Davion Watkins stands out as tied for tops in the conference in tackles for loss. ECSU’s offense is rather inconsistent. Livingstone’s offense just has more life to it. In what I think will be a close game, Livingstone’s won games with their kicker, Jason Zapata (just ask Lincoln last week, whom he notched three FGs against). Advantage: Livingstone
Bluefield State (0-1, 1-3) at Shaw (1-1, 3-2)
Both teams are looking to bounce back after getting their lunch money taken away from them. Bluefield State QB Christian Solino was banged up last week, and depth behind him does not look promising if he doesn’t start. That’s not good given that Big Blue’s rushing attack is not productive, putting more emphasis on the pass. Shaw has a variety of options at its disposal, and it should be enough to carry the Bears to victory with a comfortable margin. Advantage: Shaw
Lincoln PA (0-2, 0-4) at FCS Morgan State
This one isn’t going to be close. Lincoln is just struggling to get into the end zone, and its Morgan’s homecoming. Yikes. Advantage: Morgan State