FCS Report: Alabama State’s Upset Shakes Up Power Rankings

Mike German and Tennessee State fell short against Alabama State. (Montgomery Advertiser)

Game Of The Week: Alabama State holds off Tennessee State

Tennessee State came into this game as the favorite (yeah, we picked them too), but Alabama State had other ideas. ASU took control of the game early on and held it for most of the game, leading TSU 27-8 at one point in the fourth quarter. TSU would attempt a comeback, but it ultimately fell short, as ASU picked up an impressive 28-21.

*Runner Up: NC A&T nearly upsets Coastal Carolina

Shame of The Week: Savannah State Taps Out Against Georgia Southern

SSU has been figuring out creative ways to lose money games for years, but this may have taken the cake. SSU lost 83-9 to a team that JUST moved into the FBS ranks for a payout less than $200,000.

MEAC Offensive Player of The Week: Herb Walker Jr., Morgan State

Walker set a new Morgan State record with 271 yards on the ground and added two touchdowns as MSU gave Holy Cross all it could handle in a 29-26 loss. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t even supposed to be the starter.

Tony McRae, North Carolina A&T 

Best known as a kick returner, McRae had 7 tackles and picked off a pass as A&T gave Coastal Carolina all it could handle.

SWAC Offensive Player of The Week: Malcolm Cyrus, Alabama State

Cyrus produced more than 250 yards of total offense, including a 70 yard touchdown catch, as Alabama State upset Tennessee State.

SWAC Defensive Player of the Week: Najee Bright, Alabama State

The corner picked off two passes and returned a blocked a kick 63 yards in Alabama State’s 27-21 upset of Tennessee State.

FCS Power Rankings

1) Bethune-Cookman: BCU takes the top spot by default as TSU was upset and the Wildcats didn’t play. Considering Grambling is next on the schedule for them, expect them to keep the top spot for a while.
2) North Carolina A&T: We said after last week that Coastal Carolina would be a good gauge for just how good A&T could be. After a tough 31-30 loss, A&T has definitely proven that it can play with a playoff caliber team.
3) Tennessee State: TSU has dropped out of the top spot, but there’s still a long way to go before the season is over, and Alabama State may be a better team than folks gave them credit for.
4) Alcorn State: Like A&T, Alcorn is 1-1, but the way it played Southern Miss shows it should be looked at as a favorite to get to the SWAC Championship Game.
5) South Carolina State/Jackson State: Hard to judge either of these teams this week, as SC State was playing purely for a paycheck while Jackson State handed out one to VUL for an easy win.