Homecoming season is upon us and so is the midway point of College Football as we prepare for the homestretch. As the season continues, we get a closer look at the teams that represent the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and their identities.
Elite play in the MEAC has been consistent this season; four teams are tied for first place in the MEAC and are staring at undefeated records in conference play: Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T, South Carolina State, and Bethune Cookman. The Rattlers will look to stay undefeated in the conference over the next two weeks as they are scheduled to face both SC State and NCAT. BCU will face off against North Carolina Central in hopes of extending their winning streak to four games.
FAMU’s QB Ryan Stanley has been leading the charge for the Rattlers and is beginning to gain more recognition for his game. Stanley was recently named BOXTOROW National Player of the Week for his game against North Carolina Central. Wideout Xavier Smith had his second consecutive home game with at least 100 receiving yards posting 129 yards on 9 receptions with two touchdowns.
Stanley, who is on the verge of being the all-time leader for numerous school records, threw for 306 yards and four touchdowns with two of those coming in the fourth quarter to lead FAMU to a 28-21 victory over the Eagles.
Heading further into MEAC play, conference teams went into the week swinging as they begin the next phase of the season fighting for ranking.
Howard loss 62-17 to Harvard University behind Harvard’s 455 total yards compared to only 277 put up by the Bison. That loss dropped Howard to an abysmal 1-5 record, good enough for sixth place. On the other hand, NCAT stomped Norfolk State 58-19, this game being the sixth win in as many seasons against the Spartans. The Aggies offense has been ballistic this season, having 10 scoring drives this season of three plays or less with six of those being one-play drives.
BCU QB Akevious Williams had 270 total yards (156 passing, 114 rushing) and threw for three touchdowns while also
running in one as BCU topped Morgan State, 31-20, to drop the Bears to 0-5.
Despite the record, the Bears’ Rico Kennedy and Manasseh Bailey won MEAC defensive and specialist players of the week respectively. Other winners for the week were: Davius Richard from NCCU (rookie player of the week), and Lawrence Lagrone from NCAT (offensive lineman of the week).
Heading into week six, the game to watch could be FAMU going against SC State as both teams have established themselves so far as high flying offenses. SC State QB Tyrece Nick was awarded MEAC offensive player of the week after throwing a career-high five touchdowns in a winning effort, 38-24, against Delaware State. The season will continue unfolding as the race to the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta begins.