The second half of the 2024 CIAA football season is upon us and teams continue to scratch and claw their way towards a hopeful spot in the 2024 CIAA Football Championship. This week’s slate will see 10 of the 11 teams compete, with undefeated Johnson C. Smith on their bye week.
Shaw @ Winston-Salem State (1:00 P.M.)
Two teams enjoying a strong 2024 season will go head-to-head this weekend, as Shaw heads to Winston-Salem State. The Bears are coming off an impressive 35-17 victory over Bluefield State while the Rams dropped their first game in a month, falling to Virginia Union, 31-13. The two teams are no strangers, having faced off each of the last 13 seasons. WSSU holds the upper hand in that stretch with an 8-5 record including victories in the last two matchups.
Bluefield State @ Lincoln (PA) (1:00 P.M.)
Bluefield State heads to Lincoln (PA) this weekend as both teams are coming off big losses and will look to right the ship. It’s been tough sailing for both squads as the Big Blue boasts a 1-4 record, and the Lions have yet to find the win column at 0-5. Despite their loss last week, Bluefield State still managed more than double their opponent’s passing yards, with an impressive 311 yards and two touchdowns through the air. As for the Lions, they out-rushed Morgan State last week with 151 yards on the ground. The two teams faced off for the first time last season, as Lincoln came out with a 52-44 victory.
Elizabeth City State @ Virginia Union (1:00 P.M.)
Virginia Union will conclude a three-game home stretch this weekend, playing host to Elizabeth City State who haven’t played on their home field since September 7th. The Panthers are riding a two-game winning streak which saw them score 30+ points in that stretch. Conversely, the Vikings have dropped two in a row but have displayed strong offensive balance and will look to get back on track. The two programs have battled each of the last 11 seasons, with the Panthers currently riding a six-game winning streak.
Fayetteville State @ Livingstone (2:00 P.M.)
Coming off a pair of nail-biting victories, Fayetteville State (3-2) and Livingstone (4-2) will look to hold their place in the standings as they clash for the 15th time in as many seasons. The Blue Bears have already matched their win total from the past two seasons and continue to improve while the Broncos look to pass Livingstone in the standings before their bye week. FSU has dominated LC in their past matchups, holding an impressive 13-1 record since 2009.
Bowie State @ Virginia State (2:00 P.M.)
Bowie State heads to Virginia State this Saturday, as the Trojans look to get back to .500. The Bulldogs are coming off a heart-breaking loss to Fayetteville State, who connected on a game-winning field goal as time expired. Despite the loss, Bowie State held FSU to just five total yards rushing. The two teams have seen each other each of the last 14 seasons, with Virginia State holding an 8-6 advantage in that stretch.
