The CIAA standings this season have become a puzzle, even for the most seasoned HBCU sports fans. Unlike other conferences where records seem straightforward, the CIAA’s unique structure and scheduling changes have introduced confusion. Traditionally, the CIAA used divisions, but a recent switch to a divisional-less format has led to inconsistencies that leave many scratching their heads.
Saint Augustine’s University announced it would be suspending its program for the 2024 season this spring, causing teams to scramble to fill that game on their schedules. Schools like Fayetteville State and Livingstone were unable to replace the SAU game on their schedules, further muddying the waters. The conference leadership decided to go away from the division format as a result, instead deciding to have the teams with the best records meet for the conference title game.
The shift to a seven-game conference schedule, rather than the usual eight, means that some games that seem like they should count toward standings don’t—making it hard to track who is leading the pack. In Week Three, Winston-Salem State beat Virginia State, Johnson C. Smith beat Virginia Union and Shaw took down Lincoln University. All three winners were North Carolina-based programs formerly in the CIAA Southern Division along with Saint Augustine’s University. All three winners moved to 1-0 in the CIAA standings — however, Virginia State and Virginia Union’s losses not count in the CIAA standings.
Teams in the CIAA’s old Southern Division all received an unexpected bye due to the loss of divisional foe SAU, so last week began their final seven conference games. Starting this week, all CIAA games will count toward the total that will decide which two programs will compete for the league’s title in Salem, VA on Nov. 16.
As the season unfolds, this complex system could lead to scenarios where a team with fewer losses still misses out on championship contention, despite strong performances. Understanding the CIAA standings will require patience and attention to detail, something that HBCU fans are becoming all too familiar with this season.