Delaware State Extends Winning Momentum
James Jones powered Delaware State’s offense with 115 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries, helping the Hornets edge Morgan State 14-12 on Friday night.
Jones struck early, sprinting 68 yards for a touchdown less than a minute into the game, giving Delaware State (7-3, 3-0 MEAC) a quick 7-0 advantage. Early in the second quarter, Jones nearly added another score before fumbling at the goal line, but freshman lineman Amori Francis was there to recover the ball in the end zone for his first collegiate touchdown.
Morgan State’s Randall Nauden kept things close, breaking free for a 67-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to bring the Bears (3-7, 0-3) within two points. However, the two-point conversion attempt failed, sealing their fate. Kicker Alex Amaya connected on two field goals earlier but missed a 45-yard try as time expired, falling just short of the comeback.
Despite Delaware State’s recent success, Morgan State still leads the all-time series 10-4. The Hornets’ last win over the Bears came in a 33-30 thriller back in 2017.
South Carolina State Dominates to Stay Unbeaten at Home
South Carolina State wrapped up its home schedule in dominant fashion, cruising to a 42-12 victory over Howard on Saturday (Nov. 8) at Oliver C. Stadium.
The Bulldogs (7-3, 3-0 MEAC) continued their perfect home streak under coach Chennis Berry. Defensive standout Jarod Washington made headlines with two touchdowns—one on a 27-yard interception return and another on a blocked field-goal recovery—contributing to a 21-point first quarter and a commanding 28-3 halftime lead.
Quarterback William Atkins IV threw for 213 yards and two scores, while Jordan Smith added both a rushing and receiving touchdown. Receiver Jalen Johnson chipped in with six catches for 87 yards and a score.
North Carolina Central Tops Norfolk State on Senior Day
North Carolina Central celebrated Senior Day with a thrilling 31-28 win over Norfolk State, thanks to quarterback Walker Harris’ three-touchdown performance.
The Eagles (7-3, 2-1 MEAC) grabbed the lead late in the first quarter when Harris connected with Mehki Wall on a 33-yard touchdown strike to make it 10-7—a lead they would not relinquish. NCCU now looks ahead to a highly anticipated showdown with conference rival South Carolina State on Friday, Nov. 14, airing live on ESPN2.
Jackson State Cruises Past Mississippi Valley State
No. 19 Jackson State continued its dominance, rolling to a 42-3 victory over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday.
Quarterback Jared Lockhart threw for two touchdowns—both to Nate Rembert—while the Tigers (7-2, 5-1 SWAC) balanced 241 passing yards with 217 on the ground. Running backs Travis Terrell Jr., Donerio Davenport, and Ja’Naylon Dupree each added rushing scores.
Rembert stood out with six receptions for 97 yards, including a 46-yard strike and a 14-yard touchdown grab. Defensively, Mike Smith III returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown, helping Jackson State limit the Delta Devils to just 179 total yards and 53 on the ground.
Grambling Triumphs Over Bethune-Cookman Despite Halftime Brawl
Grambling State secured a hard-fought 31-23 win over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday—a game marred by a halftime brawl that resulted in nine ejections between both teams.
Quarterback Hayden Benoit threw four touchdown passes, including three in the first half, leading the Tigers’ offensive charge. Running back Andre Crews added 130 yards on 14 carries, powering a balanced attack that controlled possession for more than 32 minutes.
For Bethune-Cookman, quarterback Timmy McClain was sharp, completing 15-of-18 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Maleek Huggins led the Wildcats with 122 yards and a 61-yard score that tied the game at 17 before halftime. Kicker Juan Dominguez kept the Wildcats close with three successful field goals, including a late 42-yarder.
Following the altercation, SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland is expected to review footage and issue disciplinary measures that may affect players and staff from both programs.
Harris Leads Alabama State Past Texas Southern
Marcus Harris II spearheaded Alabama State’s offense with three rushing touchdowns, lifting the Hornets to a 42-24 win over Texas Southern on Saturday night.
Harris’ 13-yard score midway through the second quarter gave Alabama State (7-2, 5-1 SWAC) a 21-17 advantage. He later added back-to-back 3-yard touchdowns to put the game out of reach. Backup quarterback Te’Sean Smoot threw for 215 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown strike to Jalen Jones on the opening play from scrimmage.
Special teams also shined as Nehemiah Hixon electrified the crowd with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown in the second quarter, helping the Hornets secure another crucial conference win.
