HBCU Football: Power Rankings | Week 3

HBCU football's power rankings ahead of Week 3.

HOUSTON - Here are the top five power rankings for HBCU football going into Week 3. In Week 2, several notable programs, including Grambling, Alcorn State, Florida A&M, Texas Southern, South Carolina State, Morgan State, Delaware State, and Prairie View, fell in their "Money Games" against either Power 5 or FCS schools. Still, the traditional rivalry contests between NCCU-NC A&T, Jackson State-Southern, and Norfolk State-Hampton gave us compelling results but room for concern in the Jags' case.

The most intriguing story of the weekend may have been how Miles (CIAA) upset Alabama State 21-17. The Golden Bears used a solid rushing attack (143 yards) to record its first win over an FCS opponent. Losing stung the Hornets following their Week-1 victory over Southern.

Several programs need help with the starting quarterback position. Last weekend, we noticed conference contenders struggling and requiring offensive tweaks, such as Florida A&M (3 INT), Southern (2 INT), Alabama State (3 INT), Alcorn State (84 passing yards), and Texas Southern (97 passing yards without Andrew Body). While in Baton Rouge covering the Jackson State-Southern game, I overheard conversations from the Jaguar Nation fans who were panicking and calling for changes.

Keep an eye on offensive newcomers like quarterback Myles Crawley (Grambling) and running back Irv Mulligan (Jackson State). Also, Benedict's quarterback, Aeneas Dennis, has seamlessly transitioned into the Tigers' offensive leader from last season's SIAC championship-team leader, Eric Phoenix. These student-athletes have the potential to become HBCU football's brightest stars this season. Although Morgan State lost a heartbreaker to Akron 24-21 in the final minute due to a 13-yard fumble recovery touchdown. Coach Wilson and the Bears are serious challengers for the MEAC title - watch out, Eagles.

Credit: FB_Benedict College vs Edward Waters Photos by (Nathan Salley/Benedict Athletic)

HBCU FOOTBALL: POWER FIVE TEAMS - WEEK 3

1. Benedict (1-0, 0-0 SIAC) | The Tigers are the only HBCU team to shut out its opponents this season, 76-0 in two games. Chennis Berry's defense limited Edward Waters to 69 yards of total offense. Next Game: At Lane College in Jackson, TN, on Saturday, Sept. 16.
2. North Carolina Central (2-0, 0-0 MEAC) | The Aggie-Eagle Classic was all about the Eagles as they knocked off their in-state rivals from North Carolina A&T, 30-16. Next Game: Traveling to visit UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 16. A Pac 12 Network broadcast.
3. Florida A&M (1-1, 1-0 SWAC EAST) | SWAC Preseason Player of the Year, Jeremy Moussa, had a rough outing against South Florida. He threw 3 interceptions as the Rattlers fell 38-24 to the Bulls in Tampa. Next Game: Hosting West Florida at 5 PM ET on HBCU GO, Saturday, Sept. 16.
4. Morgan State (1-1, 0-0 MEAC) | Heartbreak struck when Akron returned a fumble for a 13-yard TD with 52 seconds remaining. The Bears lost 24-21 to the Zips. Next Game: Hosting Towson at 6 PM ET on ESPN+, Saturday, Sept. 16.
5. Jackson State (2-1, 0-1 SWAC EAST) | Coach Taylor prepared the Tigers well as they shook off the loss to FAMU in the Orange Blossom Classic to defeat Southern 27-17. The Tigers were hungrier, faster, and more balanced than the Jaguars. Next Game: Visiting Texas State at 7:30 PM CT in San Marcos, TX, on ESPN+. Kick-off on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Teams Lurking, Waiting to Rise into the Top 5: Prairie View, Tuskegee, Virginia Union, Howard, Miles, Norfolk State

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HBCU FOOTBALL: POWER FIVE COACHES - WEEK 3

1. Chennis Berry - Benedict
2. Trei Oliver - NCCU
3. Willie Simmons - Florida A&M
4. Damon Wilson - Morgan State
5. TC Taylor - Jackson State

HBCU Coaches Positioned to Rise into the Top 5: Alvin Parker - VA Union, Bubba McDowell, Prairie View

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HBCU FOOTBALL: CONFERENCE LEADERS

• SWAC East:  Florida A&M (1-0)
• SWAC West:  Prairie A&M (1-0)
• MEAC:  NCCU (1-0)
• CIAA Northern:  -
• CIAA Southern: -
• SIAC:  Miles, Tuskegee, Benedict, Fort Valley State (tied at 1-0)

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