Delaware State delivered an impressive performance Thursday night, rushing for 201 yards en route a 27–20 victory over Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field. James Jones led the ground the Hornets’ ground game with 109 yards and a touchdown, averaging nearly 11 yards per carry, while Marquis Gillis contributed 79 yards.

With the win, the Hornets improved to 6–3 overall and 2–0 in MEAC play, while the Spartans dropped to 1–8 and 0–2. Quarterback Kaiden Bennett connected most frequently with Nathan Stewart, who notched four catches for 46 yards. Defensively, Tahmir Ellis recorded an interception, and Jaydon Mifflin added a sack, tackle for loss, and forced fumble to anchor the defense.

Delaware State dominated the ground battle, out-rushing Norfolk State 201–45 and converting nearly half of its third downs. Head coach DeSean Jackson praised his team’s effort but emphasized focus moving forward.

It’s not outside of the realm of possibility, but, Delaware State could represent the MEAC in the Black College Football National Championship Game, the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.  

“We still haven’t done anything,” Jackson said. “We got three more conference games, and our goal is to go undefeated and hopefully we can make it to our destination in Atlanta.”

Notably, this matchup also featured Michael Vick on the opposite sideline. Both Jackson and Vick were teammates with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2009-2013.

“I never thought I’d look across the field and watch him coach,” Vick said, via the Associated Press. “I know vice versa for him. It was just a really cool moment, a surreal moment. You just never know what life is going to put in front of you.”

Several former NFL players attended the game, including Hugh Douglas, Marshawn Lynch, and Cam Newton. Also, Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham also was there, among total attendance of 47,266.

South Carolina State Holds Off Morgan State in a Thriller

William Atkins IV threw for 363 yards and a touchdown, while Tyler Smith ran for two scores to help South Carolina State edge Morgan State 36–30 on Saturday. The Bulldogs (6–3, 2–0 MEAC) built a 33–10 lead through three quarters before the Bears mounted a late comeback.

Atkins spread the ball effectively, completing passes to nine different receivers. Morgan State quarterback Raymond Moore III fought to rally his team, passing for 229 yards and three touchdowns and adding a rushing score. Despite his heroics, the Bears (3–6, 0–2) fell short after a failed two-point conversion late in the fourth.

North Carolina Central Dominates Howard Behind Spikes’ Career Night

Senior wideout Chauncey Spikes exploded for 208 receiving yards and three touchdowns as North Carolina Central defeated Howard 35–14. Quarterback Walker Harris threw for 321 yards and five total touchdowns — his second such performance of the season.

Spikes’ big plays included scoring receptions of 13, 80, and 8 yards, helping the Eagles (6–3, 1–1 MEAC) jump out to a commanding halftime lead. Howard (4–5, 1–1) struggled offensively, managing just 174 total yards. Tyriq Starks was responsible for both Bison touchdowns.

Jackson State Rolls Past Florida A&M in SWAC Showdown

Jackson State’s running game dominated in a 41–16 road win over Florida A&M at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Ahmad Miller rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown, while Donerio Davenport added 112 yards and a score. Together, they accounted for most of Jackson State’s 392 rushing yards.

The Tigers’ defense limited the Rattlers to just 202 total yards. Ashton Taylor and Tymon Wells led the defensive front with multiple tackles for loss as Jackson State improved to 6–2 overall and 4–1 in the SWAC.

Alabama State Rallies to Top Prairie View A&M

Alabama State overcame an early deficit to defeat Prairie View A&M 31–28 on the road. Quarterback Andrew Body and running back Marcus Harris II combined for four rushing touchdowns as the Hornets (6–2, 4–1 SWAC) continued their strong season.

Jamarie Hostzclaw led all rushers with 127 yards on 21 carries, while the Hornets’ defense came up big with four interceptions, including two by Deontre Morris. Denzel Johnson’s 11 tackles and a pick highlighted a defensive unit that shut down multiple Prairie View drives.

Looking Ahead

Alabama State and Jackson State are tied for first in the SWAC’s Eastern Divison with 4-1 records. However, Jackson State has the edge because they beat Alabama State head-to-head. Meanwhile, Delaware State and South Carolina State are 2-0 in the MEAC. Both teams will face off at the end of the year. If both teams maintain their winning ways, The winner of that game will likely represent the MEAC in this year’s Celebration Bowl.