TEXAS SOUTHERN versus CENTRAL STATE
When: Saturday, Sept. 13
What to watch for:
The HBCUX Classic will be the first game played between two black colleges outside of the United States in several decades.
Texas Southern (2-0) heads in their matchup against Central State surprising leaders of the SWAC West Division after stunning Prairie View in the season opener and blowing out Texas College last week.
TSU, however, might be without starting quarterback Homer Causey, who injured his leg in Week 1. If he is unable to play, head coach Darrell Asberry will turn to Jamal Small who played well in limited action.
Central State also comes into the game led by sophomore quarterback Terrance Wafford, who led the Mauraders to 422 total offensive yards, including 201 on the ground in their win against Clark-Atlanta.
The Marauders, also feature a pair of preseason SIAC talents in tight end Zach Thomas and defensive end Justin Woods-West.
Prediction: Texas Southern 40, Central State 7.
JACKSON STATE versus TENNESSEE STATE
When: Sept 13
What to watch for:
Tennessee State has won the last two matchups against Jackson State, but limp into the annual Southern Heritage Classic coming off a loss at home to Alabama State.
Jackson State is a solid 2-0 after thumping Virginia-Lynchburg a week ago. JSU will be looking to get their new-look spread offense going against a TSU outfit that gave up 255 yards on the ground in their 27-21 loss to Alabama State.
Prediction: Jackson State 23, Tennessee State 21.
ALABAMA STATE versus MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
When: Sept. 13
What to watch for:
Alabama State passed their first big test of the regular season by pulling off the upset over Tennessee State.
Mississippi Valley State will try to move past a 62-0 loss at Illinois State.
Alabama State will look to feed the ball to their bell cow running back Malcolm Cyrus, who tallied 171 yards on the ground last week against a MVSU defense that so far has given up five rushing touchdowns this season.
Prediction: Alabama State 27, Mississippi Valley State 16
MOREHOUSE versus HOWARD
When: Sept. 13
What to watch for:
The Morehouse-Howard rivalry dates back to 1923 and the HBCU foes have met in the Nation’s Classic in each of the last four seasons. This year will be last game between the two schools for the foreseeable future.
Howard leads the all-time series against Morehouse 24-10-2.
Prediction: Howard 23, Morehouse 10.