Josh Shaw’s late-game burst lifts South Carolina State over NC Central
Josh Shaw delivered the decisive moment for South Carolina State, breaking loose for a 30-yard touchdown run with just under two minutes left to secure a 34–27 victory over NC Central on Friday night.
Shaw powered the Bulldogs’ (8-3, 4-0 MEAC) rushing attack with 83 yards on 10 carries, while KZ Adams chipped in 52 yards on 14 touches. Behind a well-balanced 454-yard offensive effort and a defense that tightened in key moments, South Carolina State strengthened its undefeated conference record.
Quarterback William Atkins IV fueled the passing game, completing 24 of 36 throws for 314 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Senior receiver Jordan Smith hauled in seven passes for 72 yards and a score.
On defense, Roderick Kelly led the Bulldogs with eight tackles and a tackle for loss. Ka’Von Chisolm added five tackles and a sack, and Michael Lunz contributed two tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble to help close out the win.
Delaware State remains unbeaten in MEAC behind dominant ground game
Delaware State stayed perfect in conference play thanks to a standout defensive moment from Wayne Favors III, whose pick-six sparked a 26–13 victory over Howard on Saturday.
Favors jumped a pass deep in Bison territory, returning it for a touchdown to put the Hornets (8-3, 4-0 MEAC) ahead 23–6. Delaware State leaned on its trademark rushing attack once again, with five players surpassing the 20-yard mark on the ground as part of a 205-yard team effort. Entering the weekend, the Hornets led the FCS with 283.6 rushing yards per game.
Marquis Gillis set the tone with 92 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Jayden Sauray added a rushing touchdown, and Ryan Pellum Taylor scored on his lone 4-yard attempt of the day.
Jackson State rolls past Bethune-Cookman with three 100-yard rushers
Jackson State’s backfield overwhelmed Bethune-Cookman on Sunday, piling up 360 rushing yards in a 28–13 win behind three different 100-yard performers.
Travis Terrell Jr. posted 103 yards on 11 carries, highlighted by a 25-yard touchdown burst. Donerio Davenport added 106 yards, including a 6-yard score and a 36-yard breakaway run. Ahmad Miller led the trio with 118 yards on 22 attempts as the Tigers (8-2, 6-1 SWAC) continued their strong season.
Quarterback Jared Lockhart completed 12 of 21 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown, connecting with six receivers. Jameel Gardner Jr. paced the group with 98 yards on three catches. Defensively, 22 Tigers recorded at least one tackle, with Frankie Dunn Jr. leading the way with five.
Alabama State cruises past Mississippi Valley State in Port City Classic
Alabama State made quick work of Mississippi Valley State, rolling to a 41–3 victory on Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
The Hornets (8-2, 6-1 SWAC) extended their winning streak to four games and remain tied with Jackson State atop the SWAC East Division. The blowout victory also secured the program’s first eight-win season since 2018. Under head coach Eddie Robinson Jr., Alabama State improved to 3-0 in the Port City Classic and 12-2 in Classic matchups overall.
Mississippi Valley State dropped to 1-9 on the season and 0-6 in conference play.
Prairie View claims SWAC West crown with dominant win over UAPB
Prairie View A&M clinched the 2025 SWAC Western Division title with an overwhelming 56–9 triumph over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers (8-3, 6-1 SWAC) secured their spot in the upcoming conference championship game after an explosive showing that featured multiple touchdowns each from Chase Bingmon, Lamagea McDowell, and Andre Dennis.
Quarterback Cameron Peters delivered another efficient outing, throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns on 20-for-24 passing with no interceptions.
Bingmon headlined the ground game with 135 yards and two scores on a remarkable nine yards per carry. McDowell added two more rushing touchdowns, and Shadrick Byrd contributed 37 yards as Prairie View dominated the red zone.
The Panthers now turn their attention to Senior Night against Mississippi Valley State before preparing for the championship showdown.
Texas Southern storms back to shock Southern
Texas Southern erased a 10-point deficit and held on late to defeat Southern 35–30 on Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge.
Quarterback KJ Cooper threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Tigers (5-5, 4-3 SWAC) mount their comeback after trailing 24–14. Lawrence Butler narrowed the gap with a 2-yard scoring run, and Texas Southern recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff to seize momentum.
Southern (1-10) pulled within five on a late touchdown run by Cam’Ron McCoy, but the Jaguars ran out of time on their final possession.
Up Next
South Carolina State travels to Dover this Saturday (Nov. 22) for a pivotal showdown with Delaware State at 1:00 p.m. The matchup carries enormous stakes: the MEAC championship and a berth in the Cricket Wireless Celebration Bowl.
