Entering Week 9 of the HBCU football season, the conference championship races begin to heat up as the MEAC fully enters its conference schedule.
A heated rivalry is renewed in the SWAC, while the defending champions face the leaders of the SWAC West in another conference matchup. Also, in the CIAA, one-half of the championship picture could be decided.
Here are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 9 of the HBCU football season.
Johnson C. Smith vs. Winston-Salem State
Day: October 26; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: TheGrio
Winston-Salem State fights to stay in contention for a CIAA championship berth when they clash with the conference-leading Johnson C. Smith.
The Rams kept their championship hopes alive after beating Livingstone 31-17, improving their conference record to 4-1.
They currently sit in third place behind Johnson C. Smith and Virginia Union, who each have perfect 4-0 records against the CIAA.
With one game remaining in their season, this is a last gasp for Winston-Salem State, who already have a loss to Virginia Union on its resume.
Meanwhile, Johnson C. Smith will take a big step toward clinching its first CIAA championship berth since 1972 with a win.
Howard vs. Norfolk State
Day: October 26; Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Howard begins defending its MEAC title when it opens its conference schedule in William Price Stadium for Norfolk State’s homecoming.
In their matchup last year, the Spartans nearly spoiled the Bison’s homecoming but came up short. They surrendered a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute before being upended by a late interception.
Both teams enter this game on shaky grounds, with the Bison having lost three of their last four contests and the Spartans losing three straight.
Norfolk State, who already holds a conference loss against North Carolina Central, is searching for its win over Howard in its home stadium since 2018.
North Carolina Central vs. Morgan State
Day: October 26; Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+/ESPNU
Morgan State returns to the football field after an idle week, welcoming the conference-leading North Carolina Central to its home field.
Last season, Morgan State provided a great test for a North Carolina Central team that averaged nearly 36 points per game. They held them to 16 points, albeit in a loss.
This year, however, Morgan State has struggled against FCS opponents, holding a 1-3 record against those teams.
North Carolina Central, who is also returning from an idle week, has won four straight contests, including a win in its conference opener against Norfolk State.
Morgan State has lost seven straight against NCCU, with their last win coming in 2011.
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State
Day: October 26; Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPNU
The 89th annual Magic City Classic commences from Birmingham, Alabama when the Alabama State Hornets battle the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
Both teams return to the football field after a week off following wins against Bethune-Cookman and Mississippi Valley State, respectively.
Jackson State’s win over Florida A&M last week gave Alabama State’s SWAC championship hopes new life.
This adds some intrigue to what is already a heated rivalry game that Alabama State has won in consecutive years.
Southern vs. Florida A&M
Day: October 26; Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Florida A&M will fight to keep its hopes of repeating as SWAC champions alive when it hosts the current SWAC West-leading Southern.
The Rattlers are looking to rebound after having their 16-game win streak against the SWAC snapped by Jackson State.
Meanwhile, Southern grabbed hold of the lead in the SWAC West, knocking off Alcorn State in its homecoming contest. While Florida A&M will be trying to stay afloat, Southern needs a win to continue controlling its destiny in the division.