HBCU football’s lucky week #13 promises to be something special; Division Five HBCUS is in postseason action, the Meac title will be decided and the SWAC will know who plays in the championship game at the end of business on Saturday.
The games aren’t abundant, but the importance has increased, so the friendly neighborhood HBCU football prediction is taking its picks very seriously this week.Before we look at the main matches, let’s review the numbers of the week.
Week 12 record: 17-4
2025 General note: 238-71
Best pick: Jackson State 27, Bethune-Cookman 13 (Tigers won 28-13. All that’s left now is soul crucible…)
Worst pick: Virginia Union 31, Johnson C. Smith 21 (The Golden Bulls won 45-21 to win their first CIAA crown in 56 years. An incredible comeback story for a Queen City HBCU.)
Game of the Week: South Carolina State (8-3, 4-0 MEAC) at Delaware State (8-3, 4-0 MEAC), Nov. 22, Nov. 1, EST, ESPN Plus
The Dover Jackson Revival Project in Dover has been one of the biggest sports stories of the year, and the Hornets have a chance to write another incredible chapter this Saturday.
It’s Meac’s gold standard for stand-up football on the road; State of South Carolina Looking for 20th conference title and third trip in last five years.
The Hornet running game still needs to be in high gear to keep FCs overlapping, Billy Atkins, Josh Shaw and a dangerous bulldog offense off the field.
DSU can’t get 18 penalties for 195 yards like it did against Howard or the game will be over before anyone can relax.
All things considered, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Delaware State, with multiple wins this season and even a generational dynasty, wins the Hornets’ first MEAC title since 2007 and their first trip to the festivities.
Prediction: Delaware State 28, South Carolina State 24
Albany State (10-1, SIAC Champions) vs. Valdosta State (6-4), NCAA Division I, first round, Nov. 22, Nov. 1, Nov. 1
The Golden Rams won the top seed in the D-II Playoffs, beating SIAC teams all season long and scaring FCS Florida A&M.
Waiting on the other side of the field will be Valdosta State, but this isn’t the same Blazer team that Prairie View coach Mempere Jackson led to the National Title Game a year ago.
Albany State is healthy and ready to go. Can Valdosta State Turn Back the Clock? It is unlikely.
Prediction: Albany State 34, Valdosta State 23
Wingat (9-2, Siac Runner-up) at Wing (9-2 South Atlantic Conference Runner-Up), NCAA Division II Playoff First Round, Nov. 22, Nov. 22, 1 p.m.
The Tigers got a nice consolation prize on a trip to the postseason party, but when they can get points on the board, they’ll face Albany State-like Sac powerhouse Wingat.
Benedict’s defense will have to be at its best to not let this one slip away, and their offense has a few tips on their arm to advance to the second round.
Prediction: Ganadli 30, Benedikt 17
Kentucky State (9-2) at Newberry (9-2), NCAA Division II Playoffs, Nov. 22, Nov. 22, 1 PM EST
Kentucky has had a dream season so far; The program’s most wins since 1935 (great depression, y’all!) and their first NCAA playoff appearance.
Their reward is Sac Champ Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp Comp
This will be a game if you take a toilet break, you can miss a touch.
Prediction: Newberry 35, Kentucky State 31
Johnson C. Smith (10-1 ciaa champion) vs Frostburg State (9-2, mountain east conference champion), NCAA Division II Playoff, Nov. 22, 1 PM EST
The Golden Bulls have made a lot of history this season, and they will have a chance to win an NCAA tournament title against CEC Champ Frostburg State.
The Bobcats have one of the best defenses in the country, so Smith should take advantage of opportunities when they come.
Prediction: Johnson C. Smith 25, Frostburg State 21
Virginia Union (9-2, Ciaa Runner-up) vs. California (Pa.) (8-3), NCAA Division II Playoff First Round, Nov. 22, Nov. 22, 1 PM EST
For the first time in three years, Union enters the postseason without a CIAA championship, but they do get a home playoff game against PSAC member California.
A long bus ride for the Vulcans, given how the Panthers have hurt teams this season, could be toughened up by tackle Curtis Allen.
Woou made it all the way to the national quarters last year. The road back to winning ways and perhaps starting with the CIAA title against Johnson C. Smith.
Prediction: Virginia Union 28, California (PA) 14
Alcorn State at Jackson State (5-6, 4-3, 4-3, 4-3 SWAC), 22, 32, 3:30, ESPN Plus
A very simple approach for tigers; Win and you’re in the SWAC title game against Prairie View.
The Braves woke up from their first-half slumber to win five of their last six games. Whether that’s enough to convince Alcorn’s brass remains to be seen.
JSU may be back in time for the ghost of Star Quarterback Jacobian Morganbut the way they’re going, the tigers could continue to his conference championship.
Prediction: Jackson State 31, Alcorn State 19
13th week
Saturday, November 22
Norfolk State 24, Howard 18
North Carolina Central 30, Morgan State 27
Alabama State 32, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 16
Prairie a&m 28, Mississippi Valley State 13
Alabama A&M 27, Texas Southern 24
Florida A&M 34Bethune-Cookman 33
24 south of CharlestonTennessee State 20
Rhode Island 33Hampton 23
North Carolina A & T 26Elon 24
