Your weekly news from around the MEAC!
Photo Courtesy of MEACsports.com
At the beginning of the season who would have predicted the Aggies of North Carolina A&T to be upset twice in one season. This past weekend Florida A&M faced off against the Aggies in a highly anticipated conference matchup. NCAT, the clear favorites loss 22-21 by a game-winning 26-yard field goal by Yahia Aly to win the game.
But, it was Herman Jackson who started the Rattlers comeback. After forcing a fumble and carrying it 55 yards to a touchdown, it was not only their first score but what led them to victory. Jackson earned Rookie of the Week honors because of this highlight along with his four tackles and pass breakup.
“It gives me confidence that my school is on the road to many victories ahead, giving FAMU that winning reputation we were once known for,” said Brandon Stubbs sophomore pre-physical therapy student from Miami, FL.
Students across FAMU’s campus are happy at the team's resurgence to the top of the MEAC.
FAMU now has a two-game lead over their nearest competition as they currently sit atop the conference. NCAT, Bethune-Cookman, and Howard are all tied for second place in the conference. Howard and BCU are both coming off victories this past weekend which adds excitement for the coming conference matchups to see who will rise and fall in the standings after another Aggies loss stuns HBCU fans.
FAMU transferred their hot streak to the track as rattlers cross country is still considered the team to beat in the upcoming MEAC championships in two weeks. This past weekend FAMU won their third title of the season with all racers placing in the top eight.
However, as several teams competed this weekend, they put on dominant performances to show critics not to count them out. Savannah State, Morgan State, Maryland Eastern Shore, as well as Norfolk all received victories in their meets this past weekend.
This weekend Bowling across the MEAC went underway. Delaware State opened up their season finishing seventh at the Bud Whitman Memorial. They ended the tournament with a 7-3 record overall which shows signs that despite not winning the match their record shows potential in the team for this season.
Coppin State also started their season at the Bud Whitman Memorial but unfortunately did not have the same success as Delaware State. They finished atop only Bloomfield college and Penn State-Behrend.
With Volleyball at the midway point of their season, the race to the top of the division is heating up. With Howard and NCAT still sitting atop the North and South divisions, it is not a surprise to see other teams chipping away at their lead as several groups are coming off wins this past week.
Morgan State is coming off an impressive 3-0 sweep against Maryland Eastern Shore to add to their four-game win streak. But, it won't mean anything if Howard continues to dominate as they are also still riding high after a sweep over NSU to remain the only unbeaten team in conference play.
NCAT is dominating the abysmal Southern conference as they are riding a four-game win streak heading into this week. The FAMU Rattlers in second place still have a chance to make some noise in the conference as two of their conference matchups postponed due to Hurricane Michael.
With several seasons reaching crunch time this will be another critical week for teams trying to solidify their place at the top of the standings. This is the time where we will see who are the favorites and the time where we realize some of our teams will not be making the cut for a championship this season.