October 18th, 2024 4:00pm
This week's column is dedicated to Virginia State Associate Vice President for Athletics Peggy Davis, who passed away this week.
The decline of Fayetteville State football was on display in last week’s game against Livingstone. The Broncos committed six turnovers in that loss, and now sport a negative turnover margin. Its unbalanced offense heavily favors the passing game, and has contributed to eight of the turnovers. Its not like FSU of the past to rank as low as they are in rushing (second to last), but it feels like it’s a bit of a contributing factor to the 14 touchdowns the team has been able to score on offense. Who is just head of them? Livingstone, with 15, then Winston-Salem State and Virginia State with 20. Its pass defense also leaves much to be desired, ranking among the lower half of the conference in touchdowns allowed (11) and passing yards surrendered (191). The holes in pass defense was exactly what Livingstone exploited in their best passing game of the year (190 yards). Now, FSU, former perennial contender in years past, may have fallen, but by no means are they the worst in the conference. They are just mid, and now need a strong finish to the season and/or a good offseason to prevent calcifying towards the middle of conference over the next few seasons.
On to this week’s slate, in order of interest:
Winston-Salem State (3-1, 5-2) at Livingstone (3-1, 5-2)
The last game of the day is the most intriguing. This game is for the rights to take on JCSU into a projected conference championship spot. The loser will likely be wading in the river with prayer. Livingstone’s defense is highly productive, with 20 sacks and 11 interceptions, both tops in the conference. It’s a team that is equal in points score and given up (21), and reflects they can win close games. On the other hand, the Blue Bears take on a WSSU team that is adept at third down conversions (52%!) and interceptions too (9, second in the conference). In games like this, I have to give the nod to the more flexible team, especially given that they showed last week how potent they can be when they aren’t settling for field goals. Advantage: Rams, or else I really will not be able to show my face in Salisbury
Shaw (2-2, 4-3) at Johnson C. Smith (3-0, 6-0)
The other game of the week that features two winning teams is basically a microcosm of one team trending up and the other treading water. Unfortunately for the team treading water, they don’t have an Ocean on their side. Shaw surrendered 500 yards to WSSU last week, and JCSU averages 421 yards a game. That amount nearly totals what the Bears’ defense surrenders (398 yards per game). Not much more to say here. Advantage: JCSU, big
Bluefield State (0-3, 1-5) at Bowie State (0-3, 1-5)
This television game features the two teams sitting at the bottom of the conference. This game is not a gimme for Bowie State because Bluefield sports a pass heavy attack that matches up very well against Bowie’s porous pass defense. But Bowie is competent enough on offense to limit opposing team’s touches, as they are second in the conference in time of possession. They should be able to score enough to eke out a homecoming victory. Advantage: BSU, I mean Bowie State
Virginia Union (3-0, 4-2) at Lincoln PA (1-2, 1-5)
Lincoln had quite the breakout game last week against B-State, but now they are matched up against one of the top teams in the conference. The Lions have struggled against the pass rush for much of the season, and VUU is one of the best in the conference. That pressure has routinely put the Lions’ offense off schedule, such as long second and third downs that they struggle to convert. The clock has struck 12 and Lincoln Cinderella is turning back into a pumpkin. Advantage: VUU, also big
Virginia State (2-1, 3-3) at Elizabeth City State (0-3, 2-4)
Last week, ECSU landed in the redzone four times, and came away empty handed. It was a smorgasbord of maladies: missed field goals, turnover on downs, even plain ol’ turnovers. The Vikings’ defense remains the conference leader in least passing yards surrendered. The problem, is that VSU can get yards on the ground too, and they have a positive turnover margin that they have displayed with interceptions over the last couple of games. Moreover, VSU is looking for some get back after last year’s 17-16 debacle. Advantage: VSU
Bye: Fayetteville State, probably working on the running attack and avoiding turnovers