HBCU football weekend brings upsets and conference shifts

Albany State University football players secured a victory against Fort Valley State University, improving their record to 5-3. The Golden Rams defeated the Wildcats 35-20 in a game played in Albany, Georgia. This win stops a two-game losing streak for Albany State and provides momentum before the Fountain City Classic. The Classic is scheduled for November 14, where the two teams will meet again in Columbus, Georgia.

Fort Valley State had a late surge in the fourth quarter but could not complete the comeback. The Wildcats finished with a 6-1 record after the loss. Meanwhile, in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Alabama A&M University took control of the East Division. The Yellowjackets defeated North Alabama 38-16 in a game in Huntsville, Alabama. This win gives Alabama A&M a 4-1 record in conference play and a 7-2 overall mark.

In the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Johnson C. Smith University of Charlotte, North Carolina, survived a chaotic overtime to beat Virginia Union University. The Blue Devils won 34-29, extending their unbeaten streak to five games. Virginia Union remains 3-2 overall but drops to 1-1 in conference play. The result reshapes the CIAA standings, with Johnson C. Smith now holding the top spot in the conference race.

Delaware State University stole the spotlight with a dramatic win over Norfolk State University. The Hornets defeated the Spartans 33-30 in a game in Norfolk, Virginia. The victory keeps Delaware State at 2-0 in conference play and improves their overall record to 1-1. The game featured a fourth-quarter comeback that forced a late defensive stand from the Hornets.

South Carolina State University made a statement in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference by defeating Morgan State University. The Bulldogs won 51-10 in a game in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The win gives South Carolina State a 2-0 conference record and a 5-1 overall mark. The team limited Morgan State to just 21 minutes of possession time in the first half, establishing control early in the game.

North Carolina A&T State University played in the 100th annual Greater HBCU Classic against North Carolina Central University. The Aggies lost 31-10 to the Eagles in Raleigh, North Carolina. Despite the loss, North Carolina A&T remains 3-1 overall and 2-3 in conference play. The game marked a milestone in HBCU football history, with the 100th edition of the rivalry series drawing a large crowd to the stadium.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff University erupted for 63 points in a win over Western Illinois University. The Golden Lions defeated the Thunder 63-22 in a game in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This victory extends their unbeaten streak to two weeks and improves their record to 3-0. The team scored 33 points in the second quarter alone, overwhelming the Illinois defense. Fayetteville State University also staged a comeback to beat Bowie State University 21-17 in a game in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Bulldogs improve to 5-2 overall with the win.