CIAA Predictions: Week 1

Predictions

Game Of The Week:
California PA (PSAC) @ Virginia State

Last year’s game was a light heavyweight fight. Both teams traded blows and went all four rounds. In the end, Cal simply wore down VSU. Cal and VSU do have one thing in common – both schools have their starting quarterbacks and receivers returning. VSU is better in the run game, especially with Lamont Britt back on the team to complement KaVon Bellamy. Problem is, Cal is very effective in the passing game, and the Vulcans got better as the season went on. Just like Massey and all the models, this game is a true tossup….but I look for Cal to start off with a win.

Keep your eye on:

#24 Winston-Salem @ UNC-Pembroke:

This game will be a true testament to how well WSSU can reload. The Rams have alot more coming back on both sides of the ball than the coaches let on. Nonetheless, the make or break for this game will likely whether WSSU guesses correctly which on quarterback can really guide the offense. UNCP was really suspectable to the pass last year(80th in the country); thus, I dont think WSSU will be able to get by with just their running game. I expect the Rams to win, but I dont expect this to be a pretty game.

Pimp my team:

The FCS games will get ugly. Shaw is highly dependent on the run game, and St. Aug is a shadow of its former self. The MEAC Co-Champions (NC A&T and NCCU) will have their way with them. On the flip side, this logic should work in Elizabeth City’s favor, as they host Virginia University Lynchburg. Blah.

Quickies for everyone else:

Bowie State @ Merrimack Collage (Northeast-10) – Bowie is one school that seems to do respectably OOC, especially against the NE-10. Had Trevon Bennett been at QB, I think they would have beaten St. Anselm last year. I’ll take Bowie.

Brevard (South Atlantic) @ Virginia Union – The addition of a QB tranfer from Purdue should really bolster VUU’s passing attack after losing Kenneth Graham. Look for VUU to renew their airmile status for 2015 as they start off their season with going to the air for the win. 

Lincoln PA @ Cheyney (PSAC) – Whomever loses will likely be winless this season. Conference homer rules require me to pick Lincoln.

Livingstone @ Benedict (SIAC) – This is actually an intriguing game. Benedict is certainly not that great in the SIAC, but they tend to surprise CIAA teams in OOC play. The key here is whether Livingstone actually learned the concept of defense in the offseason. Hard to go against a Mike White-coached team. 

Wingate (South Atlantic) @ Johnson C Smith – Bulldogs will trounce Kermit Blount in his return to the CIAA.

Chowan @ Fayetteville State (Nonconference) – Gahhhhhh Fayetteville State, can you win a conference opener this year? Please? As my pick, I beggeth of you.