September 27th, 2024 3:00pm
Quick Notes
Hurricane, now tropical storm Helene, could have an effect on games in the western part of the conference’s footprint, particularly because of some wind.
JCSU is the lone undefeated team in the conference. They were the first team out of the AFCA Coaches poll.
There are no conference teams ranked in the D2football Top 25 poll this week after Virginia Union fell out.
Shaw’s RB Travon Tensley is fifth in the country in rushing yards (393). Two more backs are right behind him, including VUU RB Jada Byers (12) and another mentioned later in this column.
WSSU is tops in the country in blocked kicks with four.
Johnson C. Smith remains in the top 10 in total defense at 226 yards a game. They are ninth.
Games in Order of Interest
Shaw (3-1) at Virginia Union (1-2) – Look for a rebound for VUU in this game. Shaw won’t be an easy out, but they are now faced with the task of being the hunted rather than the hunters. These two schools have the highest points per game in the conference. JCSU showed how to take down VUU, particularly in the passing game, and Shaw does have the wide receivers to give the Panthers the same fits from a week ago. Still, you have to think that VUU’s depth should help them reestablish the run, something they couldn’t do last week.
Fayetteville State (3-1) at Virginia State (2-2) – The preseason front runner Trojans have a notable weakness in the running game, as they are conference’s worst in rushing yards surrendered. It will be interesting to see if FSU, who isn’t the strongest running team, can exploit the weakness. VSU has stayed in games, primarily off the strength of RB Jimmyll Williams, but FSU’s defensive line represents a formidable challenge.
Bowie State (1-2) at Winston-Salem State (3-1) – These teams are rather identical in a lot of ways. Both teams are rather adept at third down conversions, and also fourth down conversions if you’re Bowie State. The difference has been that WSSU is a better rushing team, and has been a threat to intercept the ball (tied with Shaw with six). Additionally, Bowie State has been less proficient in the redzone in general, and even less so in the field goal department. Meanwhile, the Rams have been settling for field goals and are 2-1 in games settled by a touchdown or less. Should be another close one, especially if WSSU’s defense cant get off the field They are allowing opponents to convert 43 percent of their third downs.
Livingstone (2-2) at Lincoln PA (0-4) – I have a hard time thinking Lincoln will go winless, and I see this game as an opportunity to get into the win column. But, they have been such a letdown. They are going to have to shore up that porous defense to get there. Livingstone RB Mohamed Nyanamukenga, 11th in the country in rushing yards, is the conference’s second leading rusher at 112 yards a game. The Blue Bears’ QB situation remains rather perilous. Their defense do lead the conference in sacks. These two teams are the most penalized teams in the conference, so the referees have their work cut out for them. Its also Lincoln’s first home game of the season, for what that’s worth.
Johnson C. Smith (4-0) at Bluefield State (1-2) – B-State isnt a pushover, but the Bullies from Beatty’s Ford are on the scene, and oh boy, I don’t think this one will be pretty. JCSU isnt giving up many points per game (12) or allowing opponents to convert many of their third downs (27 percent). The one thing that could prove helpful to B-State is that they are rather dimensional with the passing game. Its an area where they could see some success, because JCSU allows fewer yards on the ground per game (59) than they have mustered (71 per game).
Bye at Elizabeth City State (2-2) – ECSU should be working on finding more offense during the bye week after last week’s hangover. The Vikings are last in yards per game, and they need to get better in order to see the win column again.