September 4th, 2025 2:00pm
I drove in my car after Sunday’s game in silence for about 80 minutes, mainly reflecting on what was not a strong start to the season for the CIAA. Yes, there were positives involving blowouts by the three contenders (Virginia State, Virginia Union, and Johnson C. Smith), but the overwhelming majority of the conference went from costly mistakes late in narrow losses to being blown out. The SIAC took a 3-2 advantage over the CIAA on the strength of some tough defense dispensed to its rival conference.
Lets break it down. Here’s the skinny on the Good, Bad, and Ugly:
Good: Those top three teams all looked like a top 25 squad. VUU went well over 300 yards rushing, while VSU and JCSU matched that effort in the air. Four receivers went over 100 yards last week (Brandon Wiley at Bluefield State, Brian Lane at JCSU, Kevin Gayles at VSU, and Justin Glenn at Livingstone). I cannot recall a time that has happened in recent memory. VUU’s Curtis Allen picked up the baton left by Jada Byers and eclipsed 200 yards of offense. VSU surrendering negative three yards is just scintillating.
Neutral: Shaw’s Darry Felix paced all tacklers with 14, but 4 other players (Livingstone’s Malachi Adkins and Kenyon Garner, Bluefield State’s Mike Riley, and Fayetteville State’s Tajon Roach) had 10 or more tackles. But the teams other than Shaw had their opponents outlast them in time of possession, which is a little problematic. Both Bluefield State and Livingstone allowed their opponent to have the ball for about 39 minutes. That’s just too much time.
Bad: Penalties. Three teams – ECSU, JCSU, and Livingstone had over 100 yards of penalties, and Virginia State was right behind them at 98 yards. That must be cleaned up.
Ugly: Four defenses (Shaw, ECSU, Livingstone, and Bluefield State) gave up over 400 yards of offense to their opponents. The latter two gave up over 500 yards of offense. It is bad when you know the opponent is going to run the ball, and you cant stop it *stares at Big Blue and the 468 rushing yards from Tusculum*.
How will the CIAA fare in this week’s matchups? Read more to find out.
Game of the Week
#14 Valdosta State at Johnson C. Smith
Valdosta stays in the HBCU space and travels to an upstart JCSU. Last week, the Blazers escaped Clark Atlanta with a field goal. That game was back and forth, including lead changes well into the second half before Valdosta kicked a field goal and blocked Clark’s in the waning seconds. JCSU debuted the QB Kelvin Durham-era in style with the senior racking up over 300 yards of offense. Star WR Brevin Caldwell did not play in this game, and it paved the way for Brian Lane to become the top target with 163 yards receiving.
JCSU has a very similar style of play to Clark, with arguably a better defense. Valdosta showed vulnerability in the pass game, giving up big chunk plays in Clark’s scoring drives. Valdosta also showed that the can also get big passing plays as well. Both have run games that can compliment the offense.
There are some keys to the game for JCSU. The secondary is a strength for the Golden Bulls, and that group creating turnovers like they did against Morehouse (4 Interceptions) would really benefit them. JCSU also needs to cut down on the penalties (110 yards worth) and improve its punting average from last week (33 yards a game risks not flipping the field enough). Ultimately, I think JCSU will get let down by a kicking game that does not seem as robust as you need it to be (3/7 on PATs last week). In what seems to be a close game, every point matters. Advantage Valdosta (trail) Blazers
Rivalry Games
Concord at Bluefield State
Last week, Bluefield’s defense got ran over by Tusculum for 468 yards. Bright spots were certainly on offense, with QB Wesley Thompson making his debut along with Brandon Wiley. This pair connected for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns. The problem for Big Blue is that Concord’s reconstituted offense is coming in hot, and its defense had three interceptions last week. That improved performance along with the revenge factor spells trouble for Big Blue. Advantage Concord.
Fayetteville State at UNC-Pembroke
The Mark Hall – Richard Hayes chess match continues after last year’s dramatic Bronco victory. Both teams are not as potent as they are last year, though the matchup to watch is the FSU defensive line against UNCP’s passing game. Can the Broncos finish drives? FSU had an outstanding 52 percent third-down conversion rate, but missing field goals kept them off the scoreboard a week ago. Simply unacceptable. FSU will find the endzone this week, but it won’t be enough. Advantage UNC-Pembroke.
Other D2 Non-Conference Games
Winston-Salem State at Mars Hill
WSSU blew too many chances last week, particularly in the first half, in their loss to Tuskegee. Furthermore, the penalties (9 for 79 yards), some which extended drives, the subpar punting average (33.4 yards per punt), and the poor third down conversion rate (10 percent) all handicapped the Rams. The fact that the Rams were able to still generate more offensive yards than Tuskegee is a testament to how explosive they can be. The previously mentioned lowlights reflect how much further they must go if this season is championship or bust. Expect Mars Hill, with returning QB JR Martin, to favor the passing game. If they have not shored up the pass defense, then expect WSSU to counter with a capable passing game. The difference may be the rushing game, because WSSU’s run defense did not inspire confidence down the stretch last week. Advantage: Mars Hill, as WSSU typically does not play as well on the road.
Bowie State at Shippensburg
The Bowie OOC show continues to be a diverse set of opponents every year, and this year is no exception. It’s the season opener for both teams. Ship has been beached since the 2021 season (when it went 9-2), and really struggled to the reverse (2-9) record last season. Of note is how unproductive its offense was, with six games scoring less than its average of 10 points. Yikes. Still, it found some success against the lower tier schools in the PSAC. That means a lot when you compare Bowie’s wins, the best of which was Livingstone a season ago. The Raiders are a rather young team, with their most experienced group being their secondary. That group should test QB Kevin Taylor and the plethora of WRs coming back. Bowie’s success will likely be on the ground, especially if Ship takes on water (I cannot help myself) if its run defense is as leaky as it was a year ago (4.6 yards a rush surrendered). On paper, Bowie should win this game, but doing so would be reversing the tide of a 1-4 road record from a year ago. Advantage: Shippensburg
Livingstone at Allen
This CIAA-SIAC Matchup has been decided by two points the last two games. Allen returns more on offense with QB Jamir Dismukes leading the way. Allen’s problem has been its defense forcing the offense into track meets. The Yellow Jackets surrendered 38 to FCS foe Morehead State last week, but it managed to put up 31 on its own. Livingstone is going to have to get to 20 minimum to win this game. They also are going to have to address its pass defense, as it surrendered over 10 yards a pass play against a ranked Charleston team. Can they do it. I thought they could yesterday, but after sleeping on it – I’m not so sure given how much Allen seems to have matured in the offseason. Advantage Allen.
The FCS Corner
Virginia State at Norfolk State
VSU had an easy time at Barton, but the stakes and the difficulty significantly increases against FCS Rival NSU. Expect Rahsaan Matthews to have to make decisions quicker in this game if he powers the Trojans to a win. VSU’s defense can certainly keep the score respectable. I just wonder if the rushing attack will be strong enough to overpower the Spartans and build a large enough advantage to overcome NSU’s depth advantage. Advantage: Norfolk State
Lincoln (PA) at Duquesne
This game maybe easier for Lincoln than last week’s game against Grand Valley State. Maybe. Its another opportunity for the Lions to see if they can move the football with QB Hamas Duren leading the way. I do not expect Lincoln to be able to get much done on the ground again this week (less than 1 yard a carry last week). The goal is to learn some things, collect a check, and stay healthy for conference play. Advantage: Duquesne Dukes, big.
Elizabeth City State at Hampton
ECSU’s new look offense seem to focus around RB Traquan Johnson, who had 98 yards rushing and a TD. The Vikings kept things close against Chowan before fading late. ECSU will face a familiar foe in former Lincoln QB Isaiah Freeman, who displayed the ability to effectively pass and run. If ECSU can establish enough balance with its pass game to keep the heat off its rushing attack, then the Vikings could have a change. It just may be a bit too much to ask. Advantage Hampton is just going to overwhelm the Vikings, I fear.
Idle
Shaw, who is licking its wounds after its shellacking from Albany State. Also, #19 Virginia Union who rushed for 375 yards, including 185 from Curtis Allen, in its statement win over a depleted Miles team.