Norfolk State (1-3) at VMI (0-3)
When: 1:30 p.m.
On air: ESPN+, 91.1FM
The Spartans: Norfolk State has shown they are a capable team, but consistency has plagued them so far in 2024, with the perfect example being last week’s 37-7 loss to Hampton. Head coach Dawson Odums said this week he believes they let the NSU faithful down and have plenty of motivation to get back in the win column. Norfolk State’s defense and rushing attack had been dominant in its first three games, but neither came close against HU. Norfolk State will have preseason All-MEAC quarterback Otto Kuhns back from an NCAA suspension on Saturday, but Odums noted that Jalen Daniels (469 yards, three TDs) will remain the starter.
The Keydets: VMI has had a rough start to its sophomore year under head coach Danny Rocco after blowout losses to William & Mary, Georgia Tech and a contest against Bucknell. VMI had four different quarterbacks play against the Yellow Jackets last week, with Chandler Wilson starting after Collin Shannon was injured against Bucknell. Running back Hunter Rice ranks second in the Southern Conference with 257 yards and three touchdowns.
— Michael Sauls
Hampton (2-1) vs. Howard (2-1) at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
When: 4 p.m.
On air: Monumental Sports Network, 88.1FM
The Pirates: Hampton dominated last week’s win over Norfolk State. The Pirates moved the ball with ease against the Spartans and had no trouble stopping the ball on defense. Quarterback Chris Zellous is coming off the most accurate game of his career, but Boykin said he and Malcolm Mays will continue to share quarterback duties. Hampton enters Saturday’s game with a seven-game winning streak against Howard and has won 21 of the last 25 meetings, including a 14-game winning streak from 1997-2010.
The bison: With the exception of a loss to Rutgers (FBS), the defending MEAC champion has played superbly and leads the MEAC in total offense and defense. Ja’Shawn Scroggins was under center for the Bison in the first two games, passing for 273 yards and rushing for 189 yards, while Jaylon Tolbert was the only quarterback to play against Morehouse, and he was named the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 267 yards and four touchdowns.
— Michael Sauls
Furman (1-2) vs. No. 13 William & Mary (2-1)
When: 6:00 p.m. Saturday
On air: FloFootball.com; 92.3 FM The Tide; TribeAthletics.com
The Paladins: Furman, a top-25 team before the season, bounced back from a loss to Charleston Southern with a 48-7 romp over Stetson. Freshman quarterback Trey Hedden passed for 487 yards and three TDs, much of it to favorite target WR Joshua Harris (13 receptions, 257 yards, two TDs). Nose tackle Xavier Stephens (6-foot-3, 292) had three sacks and will be a blocking challenge for W&M’s offensive line.
The Tribe: W&M enters the game after a solid 28-21 road win at Wofford, where they used a late touchdown and a deep defense in their own territory in the final seconds to seal the victory. The Tribe is averaging 30 points through three games thanks to a balance of rushing (196.7 ypg) and passing attacks, while converting more than half of their third downs. The Tribe’s defense is one of the best in the country at stopping opponents on third down, largely because it ranks fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense.
— Marty O’Brien
Christopher Newport (1-1) at Gettysburg (1-1)
When: 1:00 p.m. Saturday
On air: Radio Xtra 99.1 FM; CNUsports.com
The balls: Gettysburg is the Captains’ second Centennial Conference opponent in as many weeks. The Bullets have had no problem scoring points, falling to Montclair State 27-26 last week on a last-second field goal after opening the season with a 61-41 win over Juniata. The Bullets’ offense is well balanced between the run (265.5 ypg) and the pass (235.5 ypg). However, the defense has been porous, allowing 442.5 yards per game.
The captains: Last year, CNU beat Gettysburg 49-17, with two touchdowns thrown by QB Connor Barry and another rushing. QB Matt Dzierski, the all-time leader in passing yards, will miss this game with a foot injury. Barry will start against the Bullets. He will rely heavily on Gunner White, who had two rushing touchdowns last year against the Bullets. CNU’s defense has been excellent in its first two games, allowing just 180 yards in a 14-3 loss last week to No. 7 Johns Hopkins.
— Marty O’Brien
Thaddeus Stevens (1-2) at Apprentice (1-1)
When: 2:00 p.m.
On air: youtube.com/@GoBuilderSports
Bulldogs: Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology beat the Builders 24-21 last season in Lancaster, Pa. This year, Stevens lost 27-8 to Hudson Valley Community College and 21-16 to Erie CC before beating Maryland Showtime Prep 21-6. Oscar Condo, who split time at quarterback last season, is now the offensive focal point.
The manufacturers: Quarterback Grant Swanger and receivers TK Petty, Jasiah Beacham and Makegan Piorkowski have formed a potent combination, and Ty Taylor has led the rushing offense averaging 36 points per game. The Apprentice defense is looking to rebound after giving up 554 yards (446 rushing) in a 68-28 loss at Washington & Lee last week.
— Sonny Dearth
