October 29th, 2026 12:00pm
Bowie State injected a ton of chaos into this season’s outcome.
The Bulldogs ascendence into the conversation with a win over Johnson C. Smith was emblematic of a well thought out defensive strategy. The Bulldogs simply had more energy against the apathetic Golden Bulls that could have been looking ahead. Yes, JCSU got into the redzone five times, and doubled their yardage against the bulldogs, but the BSU D held JCSU to one touchdown in those five tries. That’s impressive.
At this point, there are five teams fighting for four spots at Championship Weekend. Here are some scenarios to consider:
We are back to having a nonconference game on the slate, so everyone is playing this week. It also feels like its self explanatory which games matter the most this week. Onward we go….
Games in order of interest
#22 Virginia State (6-0, 7-1) at Johnson C. Smith (5-1, 6-2)
Whew, what a matchup. It’s the pass happy offense of VSU meeting the run-first offense of JCSU. To me, the offensive player of the year comes down to VSU QB RJ Matthews and JCSU RB Fabian Duncan. It doesn’t get any better than that.
If you are looking for potential weaknesses in this game, then look at the defenses. JCSU’s defense became penalty happy down the stretch last week the same way they did in their loss to Benedict. VSU’s defense is still susceptible against pass-capable teams (cough *Lincoln*). So, there is an opening for JCSU’s QB Damien Mazil and his plethora of catching options, namely WR Brian Lane. Plus, now we have to contend that JCSU’s offense is capable of sleepwalking; meanwhile, VSU has shown little mercy towards opponents with their margin of victory.
The key to this game to me is whether JCSU can slow down the X factor – Matthew’s legs. He can extend plays, and that opens the door to those backbreaking homerun plays to someone like WR Kevin Gayles. Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask: Has VSU really played anyone this tough this season?
Advantage: JCSU. The Golden Bulls will want to avoid repeating the epic collapse of 2024, and I think that along with wanting to prove they are better than their loss to Bowie State will propel them to victory.
Bowie State (4-2, 4-4) at Fayetteville State (4-2, 5-3)
Oh my goodness, what another chess match. These two teams have glaring weaknesses on offense. Bowie isn’t much of a passing team, and FSU is just inconsistent. Still, Bowie is outstanding on third down conversions (40 percent), while FSU is frequently playing behind the sticks. The bulldog rushing attack between Maximus Jones and Daniel Coles Jr is one that just does not get the respect it deserves. This game will be a strength vs strength game, as FSU’s rush defense is really good (second in the conference at 114 yards allowed per game). To me, this game is more about which FSU we get: the one where they struggle to pass the ball and get baited into penalties (see the game against VUU), the slugfest (see the one against UNC-Pembroke), or the dynamic playmaking type (against ECSU). Bowie is likely to prefer the rockfight style game, and that is also what I expect to see. If this game gets close, then both teams possess really good kickers to close out the game. The key question: Will FSU be able to exploit Bowie's marginal defense?
Advantage: I grimace at this pick, but I will go with FSU because of their defense and QB Jamir Dismukes' legs.
#24 Virginia Union (6-0, 7-1) vs Lincoln (Pa) (1-5, 1-7)
This Friday night game is interesting because it is played in an NFL stadium. Outside of that, questions that exist include: can Lincoln shore up its special teams to give itself a chance, and will they be healthy enough at QB to be able to mount a consistent passing attack against a ruthless VUU defense led by LBs Ahmad Ross and Christian Aiken? While Lincoln has slowed down some rushing attacks, VUU’s passing game has come on as of late. This game features three outstanding WRs: Montrell Wright ant Latrell Sutton at VUU, and Kyrie Tyson at Lincoln.
Advantage: VUU, and it will not be close.
Winston-Salem State (2-4, 2-6) at Elizabeth City State (2-4, 2-6)
It is the third consecutive week that WSSU faces a team with the same win total. This time, they are up against ECSU, the more formidable of their last three opponents. ECSU used a hot start to dispatch Livingstone, while WSSU exploited the same weaknesses ECSU saw – special teams – to spoil Lincoln’s homecoming. ECSU’s hot and cold temperament shows up in a tale of two halves. A strong WSSU offensive effort may be needed to overcome QB Tre Manley and company. WSSU’s offense is still growing into its own, and I suspect ECSU will dare WSSU to pass to win this game. I say that because WSSU’s running game behind the duo or RB Jayvion Danzy and Jamison Funderburke can be tough to stop when they are rolling. Can QB Brayden Jeffries deliver against a pretty good ECSU defense against its peers?
Fun Fact: The winner of this game has a chance to get to last year's win total (4 wins). Wild when you think where these teams where at points in the season.
Advantage: ECSU at home.
Bluefield State (0-6, 0-8) at Shaw (2-5, 4-5)
As the record indicates, things are not great at Bluefield State. Injuries have derailed a promising season, and Big Blue lacks the depth to fill in holes when the first team goes down. Shaw is on a four game losing streak, as their scheduled stiffened up and gave a litmus test on where they are in the long-term rebuild. It is Shaw's last game of the season and homecoming. B-State will need QB Rishon Holmes to be able to go because he is their best passer. He does have capable targets, especially WR Brandon Wiley. Big Blue's defense challenged. They are the worst in the conference in scoring defense, and their rushing defense has reverted back to last year by being last in the conference (294 yards a game surrenedered). I expect Shaw's offense, especially its run game, to get going after being dormant for some time.
Advantage: Shaw will roll.
Virginia University of Lynchburg (1-8) at Livingstone (2-5, 2-6)
Livingstone comes into this game on a four-game losing streak, including three games by less than 10 points apiece. The Blue Bears have had slow starts in their last three games, and they were able to mount a furious comeback that fell short in two of those games. Enter VUL as the potential remedy. The Dragons feature a pass-first offense behind QB Max Zavala. VUL’s defense leaves a lot to be desired. Last week’s opponent, Newberry, used a balanced attack to roll up 479 yards of offense. They have had games where they have even surrendered 233 yards to a single running back playing for NAIA Bluefield. I do envision a scenario where Livingstone will be able to replicate the passing success that Newberry had.
Advantage: Livingstone, who is 3-0 all-time against VUL.
Buckle up. It is going to be a wild Saturday.