September 13th, 2024 11:00am
It was a wild week last Saturday. Our three FCS matchups had CIAA teams leading at some point in the game, ECSU + FSU + Shaw won in the final seconds, and Bluefield State was a refreshing surprise. Can this weekend top it? Read on to find out.
Game of the Week: Fayetteville State (1-0) at #5 Valdosta State (2-0)
I was really concerned about this game during the preseason, but last week FSU showed its offensive prowess last week against UNC-Pembroke. QB Demari Daniels and Joe Owens really took a step forward in running the offense. The Bronco defensive line is as advertised, with Shi Gaskin leading the way. FSU will get tested by the Blazers’ QB Sammy Edwards and the multitude of weapons. You really cant key in on any one person since they spread the ball around so much. The Blazers also have 10 TFL so far, and have only surrendered 24 points this season. The Blazers are not invincible, and on paper it feels like a winnable game for FSU (Don’t give me that look). But, I am not ready to call it in the Broncos favor. But hey, a FSU win, and I’ll sacrifice my tuition money and get in front of the line to join 1000Broncos.
Advantage: Valdosta State
Lincoln PA (0-1) at Johnson C. Smith (2-0)
This game should really test Lincoln on both sides of the ball. JCSU, particularly QB Darius Ocean and WR Brevin Caldwell have been remarkable on offense, while the defense have limited both of their opponents to 13 points a game. Lincoln needs to regain their footing after struggling to get consistency on offense. The Golden Eagles had the Lions’ star QB Isaiah Freeman running around a lot. I’m particularly curious about Lincoln’s rush defense, and whether they can keep the Golden Bulls’ two punch at bay. Advantage: Johnson C. Smith, who is just a bit more dynamic.
Ohio Dominican (1-0) at Winston-Salem State (1-1)
WSSU had a really good showing against FCS rival North Carolina A&T. The Rams took the lead late before the Aggies forced overtime and took the game. That bodes well in this return game against Ohio Dominican, a squad that favors the pass. Watch out for WR Jayden Cornell, as he snatched two TDs against the Rams last year, and paced the Panthers against Seton Hill last week. WSSU will need to take advantage of miscues if they occur this year, as they squandered those opportunities last year. Just like last year, it is a winnable game. Advantage: WSSU, as they are a better team this year.
Catawba (0-1) at Shaw (2-0)
Catawba comes into this game as an intriguing partner to Shaw. The Indians come in with quite a bit of experience (I’m sure ECSU fans would like to forget DB Deno Wardlow’s three interception effort against them last year). QB Preston Brown is back, and was okay last week’s game against FCS Davidson. Davidson had a big preference to run the ball, whereas Shaw has strength in the passing game behind QB Christian Peters. Shaw’s defense will need to keep Catawba from big pass plays, something they can do. Additionally, the question here is whether Shaw can get more separation in the points column. They are literally seven points from being 0-2. Moreover, the Bears will need Peters to be consistent, as he has three good targets at WR: Ah’shaan Belcher, Jon Barnes, and Maceo Wingate. It’s a winnable game. Advantage: Shaw, but I will note I am nervous on this pick.
Davenport (1-0) at Bowie State (0-1)
Bowie State will need to slow down the running game of Davenport, as RBs Myren Harris and Caleef Jenkins return from a year ago. Problem is, Lenoir-Rhyne turned the Bulldogs into roadkill last week. Can Bowie State’s offense avoid a slow start? If so, the game should be competitive. Advantage: Davenport, playing two straight weeks on the road.
Bluefield State (1-1) at Emory and Henry (1-0): Bluefield State surprised many with their win against nearby rival Concord. It was great effort with the airshow they put on by QB Christian Solino and WRs Thomas Lee and Trey Lyles. Whatever they are doing at practice also showed up on defense, because the Big Blue Air Defense System was at work by intercepting Concord three times. Solino will get tested by the Wasps’ defense, a squad who picked off Glenville State four times last weekend. The Wasps are rather efficient on offense too. Advantage: Emory and Henry.
Elizabeth City State (1-1) at Erskine (1-1)
ECSU takes to the road to go to Erskine, who had an outburst against NAIA St. Andrews and was quelled by FCS Presbyterian. So, its hard to peg what Erskine is exactly, except we know they are pass-first team behind QB Craig Pender. ECSU is just a U-G-L-Y team to watch. They don’t have much of an offensive identity right now (we want to run), but at least it QB Damarcus Creecy is providing some stability. Can the Vikings defense get pressure on Pender to turn this game on its head? I think so. Will the game be close? Its going to have to be in order for ECSU to have a chance. Do I think they will win in Due West? No, I think Erskine will have them sent due east with an L. Advantage: Erskine, as ECSU just doesn’t have much in offense to get me excited.
Allen (0-1) at Livingstone (1-1)
Livingstone beat up on Virginia University of Lynchburg after getting rocked by Charleston. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Allen defensive coordinator Kienus Boulware. We know that Boulware will pack some heat on defense, and that alone does not look good for a Blue Bear offense that broken in its third quarterback in two games. Plus, the new look Yellow Jackets still have a lot of talent, as shown by how they took undefeated Clark Atlanta to the wire last week. Give me the functioning offense in this game. Advantage: Allen gets the SIAC its first win against the CIAA this season.
#22 Virginia Union – Bye Week, and they need to figure out if QB RJ Rosales can recover from his injury. Otherwise, they just might squander a lead against Bye Week like they did against Hampton.
Virginia State – Bye Week, and they need to work on their run defense. Otherwise, Bye Week might trample them just like Norfolk State did.