1. Winston-Salem State (8-1, 6-0): WSSU’s 61-10 win over Shaw marked the program’s 30th consecutive win against a CIAA opponent. Despite that dominance, it will have to beat Fayetteville State on Saturday to seal its spot in the CIAA Championship Game.
2. Virginia State (7-2, 6-0): After a slow start, VSU has turned it on in a big way, winning seven games in a row. It’s last two wins have been complete blowouts, as they outscored Lincoln and Chowan by a combined 103-14. Like WSSU, its hopes of repeating as division champs and making it to the championship game depend on winning this week against rival Virginia Union.
3. Tuskegee (7-2, 6-0): Talk about deja vu. Just like last year, Tuskegee has rolled through SIAC play but its championship hopes hinge on beating Miles. Will ‘Skegee’s offense be solid enough to overcome a tough Miles D?
4. Albany State (6-2, 6-0): The ASU Rams, led by their stingy defense, have already wrapped up the SIAC East title. Still, that won’t make its rivalry game against Fort Valley State any less intense.
5. Virginia Union (7-2, 5-1): Who would have thought coming into the season that VUU’s matchup against rival Virginia State would decided a spot in the CIAA Championship Game. Will the Panthers be able to take advantage of playing at home and pull off the upset?