Highlighting this weekend’s games to watch are a pair of SWAC division matchups that could determine who claims a spot in the conference title game.
A battle for first place commences in the SIAC, and a historic homecoming matchup between two prominent programs takes place in the nation’s capital.
Here are the five games to watch in Week 8 of the HBCU football season.
Clark Atlanta vs. Miles
Day: October 19: Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
In a battle for first place in the SIAC standings, the Miles Golden Bears look to maintain the top spot when they welcome in the Clark Atlanta Panthers.
Miles gained possession of the lead in the SIAC following a win over Albany State, improving to a perfect 4-0 record against the SIAC.
Meanwhile, Clark Atlanta kept itself in the hunt for a SIAC championship berth, averting disaster by scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute to take down Central State.
This is a must-win for the Panthers, one of four teams with one conference loss on their record.
Miles, on the other hand, has a chance to further separate themselves from the rest of the conference, with three games remaining after this weekend.
Howard vs. Tennessee State
Day: October 19; Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Before the Howard Bison begins the defense of its MEAC title entering the MEAC portion of their schedule, they have one last non-conference contest in a historic homecoming contest against the Tennessee State Tigers.
Two of the most recognizable names in all of HBCU lore, this will be the first time these two teams have faced each other since 2001 (Tennessee State won 45-0).
Tennessee State has been one of the hottest teams in HBCU football at the FCS level, winning three straight contests, including a 41-17 win in their homecoming game against Eastern Illinois.
Howard is looking to string together consecutive wins after snapping a two-game losing streak in a victory over Sacred Heart.
The Bison is also aiming to extend its win streak in Greene Stadium, where they have not lost since 2021.
Florida A&M vs. Jackson State
Day: October 19; Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPNU
The SWAC East title could be determined when Florida A&M and Jackson State, the division’s last two champions, meet at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Both teams enter this contest as nationally ranked, with the Rattlers placing 18th and the Tigers 25th in the AFCA’s latest Top 25 poll.
Last year, Florida A&M beat Jackson State 28-10, claiming its first win over the Tigers since joining the SWAC in 2021.
However, Jackson State is the last FCS team to beat Florida A&M after its 59-3 win in the 2022 edition of the Orange Blossom Classic.
Winston-Salem State vs. Livingstone
Day: October 19; Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
In a matchup between teams trying to keep their hopes of a CIAA championship berth alive, Winston-Salem State goes on the road to face Livingstone.
The Rams and Blue Bears broke a four-way tie in the middle of the CIAA standings with standout wins over Shaw and Fayetteville State, respectively.
Livingstone is currently riding a three-game winning streak and enters this contest with a chance to clinch its first season with a record above .500 since 2015.
Winston-Salem kept itself in the race for a CIAA championship berth after having a three-game losing streak snapped by Virginia Union the previous week.
With Johnson C. Smith and Virginia Union holding the top two spots in the CIAA, this game is important for Livingstone and WSSU to keep pace entering the home stretch of the season.
Alcorn State vs. Southern
Day: October 19; Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: Jaguar Sports Network
With an opportunity to come a step closer to clinching their first division title since joining the SWAC West in 2019, Alcorn State travels to Baton Rouge to face Southern.
Alcorn State improved to a perfect 3-0 against the SWAC after hitting a game-winning field goal in the final minute to squeak past Grambling State.
Southern also averted disaster last weekend, improving to 2-0 in SWAC play after overcoming a late fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Texas Southern in overtime.
A win would give either team a commanding lead in the SWAC West, especially Alcorn State, who is idle next weekend.
