Game of the Week: Bethune-Cookman (5-1) at North Carolina A&T (4-1)
There are three teams with an unblemished conference record. BCU, NC A&T and Morgan State. The two hitting the field in Greensboro Saturday are the proven contenders of the group. Morgan State has faced lackluster competition in their first three MEAC games.
Both NC A&T and BCU won their games last week against teams with that at the time were tied for first place. And their prize for such a feat? They get to face each other. The matchup will come down to if BCU’s defense can slow Tarik Cohen and a very explosive offense for NC A&T. As we saw last week against SC State, they have no problem grinding out defensive victories.
The winner here is going to be a clear favorite to finish the season strong and take the MEAC’s spot in the Celebration Bowl. And as much as I’m opposed to NC A&T going instead of the playoffs, it’s hard to deny that they’re playing a league above the others currently.
My pick: North Carolina A&T
Hampton (3-3) at Morgan St (3-2): It seems a strong defensive effort, especially in the first half, are the keys to Morgan State’s victories. The last two games, they’ve scored fifty-eight second half points, putting up three and seven points in the first half, respectively.
The MEAC competition that MSU has faced is has been less-than-stellar and if they somehow end up with a top spot, it will be noted that the schedule they’ve had is way easier than that of NC A&T’s or BCU’s.
But we won’t have to worry about all of that after this week because this high powered offense of Hampton is coming to wreak havoc in Baltimore. Hampton keeps their slim bowl hopes alive with a victory here.
My Pick: Hampton in a homecoming upset
North Carolina Central (2-3) at Savannah St (1-4): So, in a parallel universe, SSU beat FAMU handily. NCCU barely beat FAMU so SSU should be able to beat NCCU right? Possibly, there are some that see this as a true “trap game” for NCCU rather than the usual cakewalk. Again, this SSU team is improved, just not enough to beat some of the top ranked teams of the conference. No traps, just beatdowns. Eagles win.
My Pick: North Carolina Central
Howard (0-5) at South Carolina St (2-3): Is it just me or does Howard show up right when a team needs a pick-me-up? Of course it’s merely coincidence, but I’m sure SCSU is not complaining at all. The people of Orangeburg should hear “Get Up For the Bulldogs” early and often in this one.
My pick: South Carolina State
Delaware St (0-5) at Florida A&M (0-6) aka “The Toilet Bowl II”:
In our second edition of the MEAC Toilet Bowl Series, we have what looks to be an improving FAMU team going against a downright ugly team from DSU. Rattlers get this much needed win at home for a crowd that continues to show up in great number despite their struggles.
My pick: Florida A&M
Bye Week: Norfolk St (2-4)
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