Winston-Salem State vs. Valdosta State
The last time these two team met, there was a national championship on the line. And though stakes won’t be as high this time, both teams want this win badly. Fresh off its season-opening win against Albany State, Valdosta has found its way back into the Top 25, and a win over Winston-Salem State would only improve their standings.
WSSU is coming off a surprisingly strong 38-7 win over previously ranked UNC-Pembroke in Kienus Boulware’s head coaching debut. This game will be played in Powder Springs, GA and will likely be the best test as to whether or not this WSSU squad is postseason ready.
(Check our WSSU blog, Rams’ House, for more on Friday.)
Lenoir-Rhyne vs. Virginia State
Virginia State opened the regular season with a 33-24 loss to a tough Califorina (PA) team. Things don’t get much easier for the defending CIAA Northern Division Champs this week as they host Lenoir-Rhyne, last season’s Division II runner-up. The key for VSU will be stopping the Lenoir-Rhyne’s potent run game and getting its rushing attack going. VSU only had 63 rushing yards against Cal. If it can’t do better than that, it could be a long day for that talented defense.
Fayetteville State vs. UNC-Pembroke
Both teams are coming off disappointing losses last week. UNC-P dropped out of the Top 25 after a blowout loss against Winston-Salem State. Fayetteville State lost its season opener 25-22 against CIAA rival Chowan. Fayetteville State has the edge in experience over this young UNC-P team, but it will need to cut down on the turnovers (QB Derek Bryant threw four INTs last week) and improve its special teams coverage as a 95-yard kick return helped Chowan turn the tide against FSU last week.
Other Games:
Kentucky State at Johnson C. Smith
Bowie State at Morgan State
Chowan at Alderson Broaddus
NC Wesleyan at Lincoln
Charleston at Virginia Union
Livingstone at Paine
Tusculum at Elizabeth City State
Shaw at West Alabama