If you are CIAA fan, you probably are suffering from a case of split personality. My rationale for such a thought is below.

Exhibit A. It sure is difficult to name a front runner in the North. You may be tempted to go with the absolutely undefeated Virginia State Trojans, who survived a sloppy, rainy affair in Frankfort, Kentucky this past weekend versus Kentucky State.The case certainly is there given their strong run game and improved defense. If you missed their win against D-II upstart West Florida, the you missed a treat. You want someone that will simply attempt to outscore you? I have two options for you: Exhibit A1 is Bowie State, who still scored quite a clip in their loss to a FCS opponent. ECSU claimed its first win this week against mediocre Morehouse.

Simply put, the North is the strength of the conference three years running now. The horsepower has decidedly picked up, something I was really hoping it would as everyone wants to be win it all.

*grabs the nearest beer bottle*

*sigh*

And then you have Exhibit B. Watching a WSSU game is like watching a 20 year old drive a manual shift Porsche. You see all the talent, you see the resources, and you see the coaching staff drive it well on the track (i.e. Catawba), then you see them drive it right into a ditch (UNC-P), and finally, into a tree (VUU) . With exception to WSSU and Shaw, everyone received a check and a beat down from a FCS school this year.

Simply put, you want to watch this division just for the entertainment of seeing how everything will play out. Will Fayetteville State finally break out of its slump and challenge for the divisional Crown? Will the young guns at Shaw stop turning over the ball (the do have a serviceable offense)?


*Now everyone around me looks up and gives me a funny look. One person comforts me and tells me its going to be okay*

And now, your predictions for this week. This week features the North schools traveling to take on the South schools.

Your game of the week is Virginia State @ WSSU - Only for the drama. This game surprisingly is a surprisingly easier game for the Rams than last week (you Trojan fans hiss and boo all you like).- the week before, the offense scored 17 points in ideal conditions against a rather weak Tusculum squad.

The last time they played, FSU held on for a realllllly close victory.Surprised the heck out of everyone.
nd worst in the country) does not bode well for the Bears.

Chowan @ Livingstone: If we get the Chowan of last week, then it will be a long day for the Blue Bears.If we get Chowan of week one, it will be a slightly easier day for the Blue Bears.The outcome should be the same, with the Hawks taking the victory.

These two teams appear rather even. They both behave similarly with the run and pass games. The differences are subtle but noteworthy. Lincoln regularly finds themselves in deep 3rd down situations and only converted them 21 percent of the time. The Falcons have had a little more success on third down, converting 32 percent of the time. The Falcons are also the less penalized team despite playing much higher level competition. Lincoln can score against equal opponents, of which this certainly is one. Despite that, I like the Falcons in this one given that they have been moving the ball (mostly against the second and third strings of the teams they have played) and I think they will have an easier time against the Lions.

ECSU @ JC Smith: Over the last three years, we have seen one team within the conference fail to average scoring 10 points over a season. Wofford (shut out), Bowie (shut out), and Wingate (28 points). Not a favorable trend. In short, I like the Vikings in this game.