Ladies and gentlemen, loyal readers everywhere: Welcome to week one of the CIAA experience. This part of the schedule always gives me great joy and sadness. The joy comes in with the opportunity to sample the clashes with other conferences and their diverse venues. Conference members such as Virginia State, Virginia Union, Bowie State and WSSU have tasted success and they like it! Even Livingstone, once a laughingstock relegated to the basement, has emerged with a swagger and now talk of challenging the perennial powers. This is a positive trend that should push everyone who truly wants to participate to be better.
There are also some virtually unwinnable money games this week, but those will have little impact on D-II play.

Game of the week #1: UNC-Pembroke @ Winston-Salem State - What a rivalry game this has become. UNC-P has been a steady, quality opponent for CIAA schools in recent years. This is a really even game, with UNC-P adept at the pass game, while WSSU favors the run. WSSU always wins this game when they are able to keep the Braves off balance with a mix of the pass and run. Me thinks Kienus Boulware gets this fact. The tipping point comes with the home field advantage WSSU normally enjoys.

Game of the week #2: LIU-Post @ Virginia Union - This game is equally important for one reason. Post is always in the mix for the NE-10 crown, while VUU is expect to contend for a playoff spot and improved seeding this year.The Pioneers are not far off what they were in 2014 when they were dominated by Virginia State.Just watch those pesky penalties, Panthers.

Virginia State @ Lenoir-Rhyne - This is an interesting game.This is a game of strengths. LR led Division II in rushing last year while running an option offense; as a result, the passing game was rather dormant. That puts their running game against the Trojans strength, which lies in their front seven.If the Bears finds a rhythmic passing game, then VSU is toast. If not, then this is a game that the Trojans can steal.

Chowan @If you remember, Chowan absolutely throttled the Broncos in this designated non-conference game last year. This game should be filled with plenty of offensive fireworks.

Cheyney @ Lincoln (Pa.)

Limestone @ Shaw- Neither team is great. Last year, Limestone has found ways to beat lesser opponents and score against teams that they were theoretically overmatched against. I expect Shaw to have something up their sleeve to send the Saints marching home.

Seton Hill @ Bowie St. - Bowie tends to fair well against OOC competition. I expect the vaunted Bowie defense to give the offenses chances to score with short fields.

Livingstone @Benedict is a really bad team and even a legendary coach like Mike White is having a hard time trying to revive them.

Johnson C. Smith @ Wingate -Wingate shut out JCSU last year. Expect Wingate to control the tempo with a really good mix of pass and run from their balanced offense.

Elizabeth City State @ Norfolk St. and St. Augustine's @ N.C. A&T - Just look away when you collect your game checks.Both games are close in proximity, so that at least keeps expenses down. There are intriguing parts of these games. Unfortunately, I expect that game to get ugly and fast.