It’s another weekend of MEAC Football on the slate. There’s a few “Cut The Check” games, a potential FBS upset, and what should be some easy work for other teams. Here are my MEAC picks of the week.
Delaware State vs Saint Francis
DSU was tripped up by Buffalo last week. This week, the Hornets face Saint Francis of the Northeast Conference. The Red Flash last faced an HBCU in 2013 with a 38-7 win over Lincoln. SFU is a program that stays around or above .500; including some FCS playoff berths along the way. DSU will have a tough time in this contest.
Winner: Saint Francis
Gardner-Webb vs North Carolina A&T
North Carolina A&T is just that school right now. They knocked out Jacksonville State on national TV and East Carolina in their own house. This week, Gardner-Webb from the Big South comes to Greensboro. Expect an easy win for the Aggies as they return home.
This soundbite from Coach Washington might just be the best of the year so far ??? #CutTheCheck via @NCATAGGIES pic.twitter.com/XJrBYaMtwE
— HBCU Gameday (@HBCUGameday) September 3, 2018
Winner: North Carolina A&T
Florida A&M vs Troy
Troy went 11-2 last year including a 20 point bowl win. The Trojans are coming off a loss last week so this game will be used to even things out a bit. FAMU handled Fort Valley State last week, but 18 of those points came on field goals. Seven running backs had at least 20 yards as FAMU dropped 41 on FVSU.
They will be looking to have the same success this week in Alabama.But trust, it won’t be easy.
Winner: Troy
South Carolina State vs Central Florida
This will be a tough matchup for South Carolina State. UCF has been white hot and will not stop in this game. Central Florida will continue their roll while SCSU will be happy to simply “Cut The Check.”
Winner: Central Florida
Savannah State vs Miami
Miami got embarrassed on national TV last week. They will be looking to return to their winning ways this week against SSU. SSU lost to UAB last week. It will be looking to cash one more check this week since the Tigers are moving to D2 next season. This will most likely be their last FBS opponent for the foreseeable future.
Game Central Football: Tigers Travel to Miami, Fla. to Face the Hurricanes https://t.co/8inUGkw5bj
— Savannah State Athletics (@SavStateTigers) September 6, 2018
Winner: Miami
Morgan State vs Akron
It’s rough in Baltimore right now. The Bears are headed to Ohio after a tough loss to Towson and anyone who saw that game expects Akron to roll in this contest. They went to MAC title game last season and a bowl game as well.
Morgan State searching for identity after losing opener to rival Towson on Sat. https://t.co/qFT7LvISZd pic.twitter.com/7rsq5e7c9x
— HBCU Gameday (@HBCUGameday) September 3, 2018
Winner: Akron
Howard vs Kent State
This game is on the HBCU vs FBS games to watch list. Howard almost beat Kent State last year. Their MAC foe, Ohio, had the same situation last week. Howard was close to another win but had some issues late. The Bison will be looking to pull an upset this week.
Took the FBS MAC Champs to the final seconds. 38 to 32 31.5pt underdog. Proud of the team. https://t.co/OP3LWlxFGb
— Mike London Sr. ?? (@CoachMikeLondon) September 2, 2018
Winner: Howard
The Virginia University of Lynchburg vs Bethune-Cookman
BCU has a breather after getting smacked by Tennesse State last week. Wildcats will handle business this week.
Winner: Bethune-Cookman
Saint Augustine’s vs North Carolina Central
NCCU just lost their energy during the MEAC/SWAC challenge this week against Prarie View A&M. They started rough and took a little too much time getting started. This week, they face Saint Aug’s in Durham. The Eagles will have a fight will be able to push through for a win.
Winner: NC Central
James Madison vs Norfolk State
James Madison is one of the best FCS teams. NSU having them at home is really good in terms of attendance and fanfare. Now on the field, its another conversation. JMU completely destroyed NSU last season so the Spartans will be looking for a better result. Norfolk State playing tough in this game will get some interest from the FCS community.
"They look drastically different than they did last year with basically the same roster. They're bigger, faster, more polished and functioned very well in all three phases."
-on this week's opponent Norfolk State
— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) September 4, 2018
Winner: James Madison