By Jarrett Hoffman
HBCU Sports
https://hbcusports.com/
Week four of the HBCU football season features a pair of showcase games in the SIAC, with four of the five remaining teams with unbeaten records in conference play set to meet each other.
The CIAA sees yet another big-time matchup that could determine who plays in the conference championship game.
Finally, the first full weekend of SWAC competition sees a pair of historical classic rivalries, including last year’s conference title game participants.
Here are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 4 of the HBCU football season.
Benedict vs. Tuskegee
When: September 24; Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN2
After narrowly keeping its perfect record intact, Benedict faces yet another tough test when it takes on Tuskegee on Thursday night.
In a controversial finish, Benedict squeezed past Fort Valley State in a 34-33 overtime win to improve its record to 3-0. This marks the fourth time in the last five years that the Tigers have started a season 3-0.
Meanwhile, Tuskegee returns to SIAC action after winning its conference opener against Fort Valley State in the Port City Classic on September 5 (lost to Jackson State last Saturday).
Benedict has gotten the upper hand on Tuskegee in their last two meetings, winning by a combined score of 103-45, including a 45-24 win last season.
Virginia Union vs. Fayetteville State
When: September 26; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
Fayetteville State fights to keep itself in contention for a CIAA championship berth when it hosts the reigning conference title runner-up, Virginia Union.
The Broncos’ championship aspirations suffered a minor setback last weekend, losing to the defending conference standard-bearer Johnson C. Smith on a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute.
On the other hand, Virginia Union has been on a roll, having won its last three contests, including a 42-0 shutout in its last outing against Bluefield State.
This will be the first time these two teams have met since Virginia Union won 21-10 over Fayetteville State in the 2023 CIAA championship game, the first of what would become two straight conference titles.
The Panthers have won five of their last six games against the Broncos dating back to 2014.
Kentucky State vs. Albany State
When: September 26; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Albany State faces its first significant roadblock in the defense of its SIAC title when it welcomes Kentucky State to the Albany Coliseum for its home opener.
This is the second of two games between teams undefeated in conference play, along with the Thursday night matchup between Benedict and Tuskegee.
Both Albany State and Kentucky State sport identical 2-0 records in SIAC competition, with the Golden Rams improving their record after beating Allen 32-28 last Saturday.
Kentucky State improved to 3-0 against Division II opponents this season (3-1 overall), following a 21-17 win over Saginaw Valley State.
The Thorobreds are looking for their first win over the Golden Rams since 2003 (12 straight losses in the series).
Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M
When: September 26; Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
The defending SWAC champion Prairie View A&M Panthers return to conference play, matching up with the Grambling State Tigers in the State Fair Classic.
Prairie View A&M already holds a conference win this season, having taken down Texas Southern 52-14 in the Labor Day Classic.
Grambling State, on the other hand, will be making its conference debut (also its first game against an FCS opponent), coming into this game after an idle weekend.
The Panthers have had a handle on the Tigers in recent years, winning seven of their last eight against them since 2018.
Jackson State vs. Southern
When: September 26; Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
For the first time in the Marshall Faulk era, Southern will open its conference schedule against Jackson State in the Boombox Classic.
Both teams come into this game after securing wins over Tuskegee and Louisiana Christian, respectively.
The Jaguars are looking to snap a seven-game losing streak against the Tigers, while Jackson State is looking to set a new mark for the longest win streak it has had against its SWAC foe.
