The MEAC's conference champion will be revealed this weekend, with three teams vying to hoist the championship trophy and stamp their tickets to the Cricket Wireless Celebration Bowl. All eyes are on Howard as their fate is in their own hands. A win gets them in. But Morgan State, who also has a shot at winning the title, will hope to stand in their way. Defending Celebration Bowl Champion, North Carolina Central aims to keep their title dreams alive with a win against Delaware State and a Morgan State defeat over Howard. South Carolina State's Buddy Pough ends a legendary career after today's game, as he begins a well-deserved retirement after 22 years on the Bulldog sideline.
Here is a look at this week's matchups.
Morgan State Bears (4-5, 3-1 MEAC) at Howard Bison (5-5, 3-1 MEAC)
Saturday, Nov.18 | Greene Stadium | Washington, DC| 1:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
After a dominating performance last weekend against #7 North Carolina Central Eagles, 50-20, the Bison are in the driver's seat for the MEAC conference title. A win for the Bison clinches the championship title and trip to the Cricket Wireless Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. Last week's team performance received multiple accolades, including the Stats Perform FCS Team of the Week and MEAC Player and Rookie of the Week honors. Quarterback Quinton Williams recorded a season-high four touchdowns, three through the air and one on the ground, to earn the conference's top weekly player recognition. Freshman Gavin Harris was named the week's top rookie. The matchup pits the conference's top offense, Howard (363.9 avg/g), facing off against the top defense (Morgan State, 300.3 avg/g). Morgan State has muscled its way to remain in the conference title discussion, boasting a 3-1 MEAC record, including a 20-17 win over South Carolina State in their last outing. The Bears are not only a potential spoiler for Howard but can earn their trip to Atlanta with the win over the Bison and a North Carolina Central loss to Delaware State. Saturday's matchup is the 76th meeting between the two schools. Morgan State holds the all-time series advantage, 43-31-1. However, in their last meeting, Howard recorded a 35-6 victory over the Bears (Nov. 18, 2022).
South Carolina State Bulldogs (4-6, 2-2 MEAC) at Norfolk State (3-7, 1-3 MEAC)
Saturday, Nov.18 | Dick Price Stadium | Norfolk, Va. | 2:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
While two teams will battle on the gridiron this week, wrapping up a grueling schedule that will give way to a winning record for either team, many eyes will be on the Bulldog’s sideline as legendary head coach Buddy Pough takes to the field for the final time. Coach Pough, the Dean of MEAC Football, announced his retirement at the start of his 22nd season. He is poised to leave a legacy of MEAC and national football championship titles, NFL standouts, and leadership both on and off the field. The Bulldogs enter the matchup following a tough loss last week, 20-17, against Morgan State. With the loss, S.C. State’s chances of earning the conference title and a winning record this season were diminished. To make matters worse, the Bulldogs lost their standout running back Jawarn Howell, who suffered an injury and is reportedly out for the game. Norfolk State snapped a five-game losing skid last week with a convincing 44-21 win over Delaware State. NSU’s Terron Mallory recorded three interceptions in the win and earned the MEAC’s Defensive Player of the Week honors. Teammate Garrison Wheatley received Offensive Lineman of the Week accolades. S.C. State holds a 20-5 lead in the all-time series. Norfolk State defeated S.C. State in their last outing, 42-38.
Delaware State Hornets (1-9, 0-4 MEAC) at #14 North Carolina Central Eagles
(8-2, 3-1 MEAC)
Saturday, Nov. 18 | O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium | Durham, N.C. | 2:00 p.m.
Delaware State Head Coach Lee Hull sets to close out his first season with the Hornets this weekend in a growth and building campaign that did not always translate in the win column. The Hornets suffered a 44-21 loss last week against Norfolk State, leaving them with just one chance to possibly earn a win in conference play. Delaware State stands in the way of North Carolina Central’s ability to remain in the hunt for the conference title or possible at-large bid to the FCS playoffs. North Carolina Central suffered a disappointing loss in their last outing, falling to Howard, 50-20. With the loss, the Eagles dropped out of the Top 10 of FCS polls and were unable to clinch the conference title. As a result, the Eagles must defeat Delaware State to keep their title dreams alive and await the finish of the Howard/Morgan State matchup. A win against DSU and a MSU win, propels the Eagles to back-to-back titles. Scoring is a statistical theme this game as North Carolina Central leads the MEAC in scoring, 34.8 avg/g, while Delaware State has given up more points per game than any other conference team, 36.0 avg/g. This will be the 29th meeting between the Eagles and the Hornets. NCCU leads the all-time series 21-7, including 12 of the last 14 meetings.
MEAC Football Tie Breaker Scenarios
Howard wins MEAC title if:
Howard defeats Morgan State
North Carolina Central wins MEAC title if:
North Carolina Central defeats Delaware State, and Morgan State defeats Howard
Morgan State wins MEAC title if:
Morgan State defeats Howard, and Delaware State defeats North Carolina Central