by Henry Funny
Week 1 Picks (11-0)
2015 Season (11-0)
Game of the Week: Bethune-Cookman (0-1) at Grambling St (0-1)
If the MEAC/SWAC Challenge really wanted to have a marquee match-up with competitive football and bands, then this should've been their choice. Last year the Wildcats put together a 4th quarter rally of 14 unanswered points to beat Grambling 36-23 in Daytona Beach, FL.
This time around it's hard again to gauge what to think of each team after their "payday beatdown" games this past weekend. BCU only could muster 78 yards of offense at Miami & Grambling's defense was porous at Cal, allowing 656 yards.
Is BCU finally on the decline after Jenkins departure? Does Grambling still have "The Juice" from last season? This could be a low-scoring defensive battle. In such games, I'll give BCU the nod as that's their specialty as opposed to the high scoring affairs that are common in the SWAC.
My pick: Bethune-Cookman
Howard (0-1) at Boston College (1-0): Howard hits the road for its second FBS opponent of the year. Getting shut out 49-0 at the hands of App. State should be a pretty good precursor to how this game will go for the Bison fans out there. Boston College of the ACC handled its business against FCS foe Maine 24-3.
My Pick: Boston College
#22 Richmond (0-1) at Hampton (1-0): The first real test for 2nd year coach Maynor comes in the form of a top-25 Richmond team that put some real fear in Big Ten team Maryland for a half before the wheels came off. Hampton was tested by Division 2 foe Kentucky St before winning 35-20. If Hampton was being skimp on the playbook, this would be a good week to unleash their many offensive weapons.
My Pick: Richmond
Florida A&M (0-1) at Samford (1-0): FAMU will take a trip out Alabama this weekend to face a formidable team in Samford. FAMU was handled easily by South Florida 51-3 while Samford knocked off Central Arkansas 45-16. As FAMU rebuilds I don't see them coming away with a W here.
My Pick: Samford
North Carolina Central (1-0) at Duke (1-0): The Eagles won't have to travel far to collect their check Saturday as Duke is only a mere five miles down the street. The previous three meetings vs the Blue Devils haven't resulted in W's and I don't expect the fourth to do as well either.
My Pick: Duke
Delaware St (0-1) at Kent St (0-1): Delaware St will face FBS opponent Kent St after a lackluster performance at Liberty last week. While their passing attack will be something to keep an eye on possibly in conference play. Kent St will be hungry for their first win after getting drummed by Illinois 52-3.
My Pick: Kent St
North Carolina A&T (1-0) at North Carolina (0-1): If you watched the South Carolina vs North Carolina game like I did, you can probably assume like I am that their team and fan base is steaming after that performance in a very winnable game against South Carolina. No better time for a first time match-up with North Carolina A&T right? Eyes will be on running backs Elijah Hood for UNC and Tarik Cohen of NC A&T. Both look to make statement seasons in hopes of a future NFL career.
My Pick: North Carolina
#1 Coastal Carolina (1-0) at South Carolina St (1-0): No better way to have a home opener than to have the newly appointed number one school in FCS football pay you a visit right? Last week in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge SCSU looked solid on defense with MEAC Defensive Player of the Week Jovan Hargarve wreaking all kinds of havoc. The offense had too many turnovers and looked asleep at times. They will need to come out firing on all cylinders or this Coastal Carolina team, who is led by QB Alex Ross who helped engineer a 38-35 win at Furman, who SCSU will see later this season.
My Pick: Coastal Carolina
Morgan St (0-1) at #5 Illinois St (0-1): As if last week's opponent Air Force wasn't tough enough, Morgan St will face the runner-up in the FCS Championship game Illinois St. After an NCAA review ruled ten players ineligible on the Morgan St team, the lack of depth really hit them hard getting trounced 63-7. Hate to say it, but expect more of the same this week.
My Pick: Illinois St
Norfolk St (0-1) at Old Dominion (1-0): Here we have yet another cross-town match-up. This one will take place in Norfolk, VA. Norfolk St showed flashes of being way past the pitiful offense that they were a year ago against their Big Ten opponent in Rutgers. That defense is still laying heavy lumber as well. I'm curious to see how they'll do in this game, a solid performance will solidify them as a sleeper pick for the MEAC's slot in the.......................Celebration Bowl. Still expecting ODU to handle business though.
My Pick: Old Dominion
Bye Week: Savannah State
