Today's MEAC Football Games (Oct. 27, 2007)

by beepbeep

Photo: Hampton University MEAC Leading Passer, #4, Sophomore quarterback T.J. Mitchell (121 of 244, 1765 yards, 12TD, 6 INT, 49.6%, 252.1 yards per game).

Howard (3-4, 1-3) at Norfolk State (6-1, 5-0), 1:00 p.m, ESPNU

The Howard Bison did the impossible last week in fighting back from a 27-15 deficient with 10 minutes remaining in their homecoming game. The Bison were able to score 20 unanswered points on the Aggies who had beat Howard University in every phase of the game, except finishing. The Bison will be playing the top of the MEAC this week in Norfolk State University. What a difference does a year makes as the Spartans are looking ahead to the show down with Delaware State for conference and FCS playoff honors. This game should be a real test for Norfolk State as Howard's senior quarterback Brian Johnson is a difficult passer and runner to defend. Bison running back Terry Perry can get tough yards to keep the Bison offense moving. The Bison defense can stop the running of Daryl Jones. Expect a Bison upset.

Prediction: Howard 30, Norfolk State 24

Bethune Cookman (2-5, 0-5) at North Carolina A&T (0-8, 0-6) 1:30 p.m.

Finally, the Aggies gets a win and break the string of 23 or 24 straight losses. I've loss count, but they are a long ways away from 80 that was recorded by non-scholarship Prairie View A&M University. The BCU Wildcats have not played well all season and the Wyattbone has only beaten non-scholarship Jacksonville University and lowly Savannah State Tigers. Expect the Wildcats to fumble their way out of the game in the first half. The Aggies will finish this game and win.

Prediction: NCAT 22, BCU 14

Delaware State (6-1, 5-0) at South Carolina State (4-3, 4-1)

Not even homecoming can help Buddy Pough and the SCSU Bulldogs. DSU is coming prepared for payback for the 10-9 loss last year in Dover, Delaware that knocked the Hornets out of MEAC race and the automatic bid to the NCAA FCS Playoffs. Expect this to be a knock down, drag out contest with the Hornets finding a way to win on the road. Delaware has a strong defense and QB Vashon Winton, WR Shaheer McBride and RB Kareem Jones will show why NFL scouts have been making a path to Dover.

The Hornet defense does not make many mistakes and will find a way to contain Bulldog running and passing QB, Cleve McCoy. McCoy will be forced to beat the Hornets with the pass. This will be one of the better games of the MEAC season, but with no television for the conference favorite, SCSU. SCSU Marching 101 Band wins the half-time and 5th quarter without breaking a sweat.

Prediction: DSU 20, SCSU 14

FAMU (2-5, 1-3) at Morgan State (4-4, 3-2), 4:00 p.m.

Morgan State Bears are going no where and their chances of winning the MEAC is non existent. The Rattlers have the Bears numbers and will win this one in the rain with a defense that finally shows up and stops MEAC leading rusher Chad Simpson. Morgan has not proven that they can beat anyone with their passing game. Count this one as a road victory for FAMU who will play a lot of underclassmen in preparation for next season. Rattlers playing for pride only in this one.

Prediction: FAMU 24, MSU 20

Hampton University (4-3, 3-3) at Winston Salem State (4-3, 4-2)

Hampton is out of the MEAC race but don't expect HU Coach Joe Taylor to take the weekend off. Winston Salem has not played a team with the defensive speed of Hampton nor a future NFL second/third round draft pick in DE Kendall Langford. Expect the one dimensional WSSU ground game to get derailed and baptised by the three time MEAC champions, Pirates. Without an effective running game, Hampton will be able to score at will using faster players at the skill positions and special teams. Welcome to the MEAC, Winston Salem State!

Prediction: Hampton 42, WSSU Rams 10

Photo: Morgan State University's MEAC Leading Rusher, Chad Simpson (993 yards) should go well over 1000 yards on the season verses FAMU on Saturday.