The first in-season poll for Division II football is in and HBCUs are moving on up. Three HBCUs, including two from the SIAC, are listed in the AFCA Coaches Poll.
Winston-Salem State headlines the list of HBCUs on the national poll, going from unranked to no. 19 after defeating UNC-Pembroke 34-31 in its opener. UNC-P was previously ranked 19th before being beaten by the two-time defending CIAA champions. WSSU has a tall task ahead of it this week as it faces Bowie State, the team it has beaten in the last two CIAA title games, and one that is coming off a resounding 48-7 win over Seton Hill.
Albany State comes in at no. 20 in the country after stunning traditional D2 power Valdosta State 29-12 in its opener. It was the first game for ASU under new head coach Gabe Gardenia and just ASU’s second win in 20 games against Valdosta State.
