HBCU football rankings after Week 9: Deion Sanders' Jackson State team again No. 1
Southern had no chance against Jackson State football, "College GameDay and JSU's home crowd. The Tigers remain undefeated and No. 1 in the USA TODAY Network HBCU rankings.
Here’s how we ranked all 21 HBCU football teams in Division I FCS after Week 8 of the season, along with a summary of how each team fared.
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6
Jackson State (8-0)
The No. 5-ranked team in the FCS Coaches poll continues to dominate in all phases of the game under coach Deion Sanders. Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Shedeur Sanders rushed for two touchdowns and threw for one as JSU defeated Southern 35-0 after ESPN's “College GameDay” put a spotlight on Jackson. The Tigers travel to Texas Southern for a 6 p.m. game Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
2. Florida A&M (6-2)
The Rattlers have won six consecutive games. Quarterback Jeremy Moussa passed for three touchdowns in a 27-6 win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. A&M hosts Southern on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
3. North Carolina Central (6-2)
North Carolina Central is used to playing close games and winning in the final minute. That’s exactly what happened as it defeated Delaware State 28-21. Howard visits the Eagles on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
4. Southern (5-3)
Southern was dominated by Jackson State, 35-0. The Jaguars travel to Florida A&M on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
5. North Carolina A&T (5-3)
North Carolina A&T overcame an 18-point deficit to defeat Campbell 45-38. The Bulldogs host Norfolk State on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 6
6. Alabama State (5-3)
Alabama State snapped a four-game losing streak to Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic beating them 24-17. State travels to Bethune-Cookman on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 10
7. Hampton (4-4)
Villanova held Hampton without a touchdown in the first half. It was enough to win 24-10. Hampton hosts William & Mary on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 7
8. Prairie View A&M (5-3)
Prairie View outscored Bethune-Cookman 58-48 to win. The victory puts the Panthers in first place in the SWAC West Division. Alcorn State comes in for “Friday Night Lights” at 6:30 p.m.
Last week’s ranking: No. 8
9. Delaware State (4-4)
Delaware State is going to be sick after losing to North Carolina Central in the final minute, 28-21. The Hornets travel to South Carolina State on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 11
10. Texas Southern (4-4)
Texas Southern is on a three-game winning streak after a 37-2 homecoming victory over Lincoln University. Texas Southern hosts Jackson State on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No.14
11. Tennessee State (3-5)
Tennessee State;s three-game winning streak ended with a loss to Murray State 19-3. The Tigers will host SEMO on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 12
12. Alabama A&M (3-5)
In the 81st River City HBCU Football Classic, Alabama State beat Alabama A&M 24-17 to snap a four-game losing streak. A&M travels to Mississippi Valley State for a game at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 13
13. South Carolina State (3-5)
In an upset no one saw coming, the reigning MEAC champs were shocked by Morgan State, losing 41-14. South Carolina State host Delaware State on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 9
14. Alcorn State (3-5)
The rails have come off for the Braves, who lost to Grambling 35-6. Alcorn plays at Prairie View at 6:30 p.m. Friday
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
HBCU POWER RANKINGS WEEK 8HBCU football rankings after Week 8: Jackson State remains on top
JACKSON STATE ATHLEITC DIRECTOR TALKSYear-end goals for Jackson State football
JACKSON STATE COACH DEION SANDERS GRADESJackson State football, Deion Sanders, coaching get an A on 'College GameDay'
15. Howard (3-5)
Howard is 2-0 in the MEAC after beating Norfolk State convincingly 49-21. Howard travels to North Carolina Central on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 18
16. Morgan State (3-5)
Morgan State pulled the upset, defeating defending conference champion South Carolina State 41-14. Morgan State travels to Stony Brook on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 15
17. Grambling (2-6)
The G-Men defeated Alcorn 35-6 at home. The Tigers play against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 16
18. Bethune-Cookman (2-6)
The Wildcats put on an offensive display, but Prairie View scored more in its 58-48 win. Bethune-Cookman hosts Alabama State on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No.17
19. Norfolk State (1-7)
Norfolk State dropped a game to Howard, 49-21. Norfolk State travels to North Carolina A&T on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 19
20. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2-6)
Playing with an interim coach, Arkansas State could not stop the Rattlers, losing 27-6. Arkansas-Pine Bluff travels to Grambling on Saturday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 20
21. Mississippi Valley State (0-8)
After an open date, the Delta Devils host Alabama A&M on Thursday.
Last week's ranking: No. 21
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: HBCU football rankings: Jackson State firmly grips No. 1 after Week 9
