Bethune-Cookman stuns No. 24 Jackson State on late touchdown pass

Tyler Jefferson’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Rickie Shaw II with 40 seconds left gave Bethune-Cookman a 24-21 upset of Jackson State on Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla. The win moved the Wildcats into a tie for first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Facing third-and-11, Jefferson rolled left, doubled back to the right and found Shaw along the right sideline in the end zone for the go-ahead score.

Bethune-Cookman (5-3, 3-1) shares the lead with Alabama A&M, which beat the Wildcats 51-17 on Oct. 10. Jackson State (6-2, 3-2) entered ranked No. 24 in the Stats Perform Top 25. The Tigers have lost two of their past three games after winning their first five.

Jackson State had taken its first lead at 21-17 on Li’Darious Pryor’s 1-yard run with 2:56 remaining. Jared Lockhart had put the Tigers back in the game with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jabari Jones about seven minutes into the second half.

Jefferson completed 8 of 13 passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 68 yards on 19 carries. Deanwar Johnson added 81 yards on nine carries.

Howard stuns Morgan State with overtime pick-six

Howard overcame a 20-6 deficit early in the fourth quarter to beat Morgan State 26-20 in overtime in its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener at Hughes Stadium. The Bison scored 20 straight points, and Ben Chandler IV sealed the victory with an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown in overtime.

The finish mirrored last year’s game at Howard, when the Bison also beat their nearby rivals in overtime.

White, who earned the first MEAC victory of his career, said the team never wavered, even after falling behind by two scores in the fourth quarter.

South Carolina State tops Norfolk State in conference opener

South Carolina State built an early lead and beat Norfolk State 22-7 on Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Mason Pickett-Hicks ran for two touchdowns, and Jett Jackson kicked three field goals for the Bulldogs.

Pickett-Hicks scored on runs of 7 and 21 yards in the first half to help build a 16-0 lead. Jackson connected from 28 and 46 yards before halftime and from 34 yards in the fourth quarter. South Carolina State gained 321 yards and kept Norfolk State out of the end zone on offense. Pickett-Hicks finished with 52 rushing yards and 86 all-purpose yards, and Keely Watson completed 21 of 38 passes for 215 yards.

Norfolk State’s only touchdown came on a 47-yard punt return by Jason Wonodi in the third quarter, which made it 19-7. DaJean Golmond completed 17 of 35 passes for 162 yards, and the Spartans totaled 279 yards. Brevin Caldwell caught six passes for 80 yards, and Jalyn Daniels rushed for 51 yards.

Freshman Addison runs for 214 yards as NC Central beats Delaware State

Freshman running back Gino Addison carried 31 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns Friday night, leading North Carolina Central to a 31-12 victory over Delaware State in its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener at Alumni Stadium.

The Eagles (3-5, 1-0) ended a four-game losing streak. They rushed for 272 yards as a team, their third 200-yard rushing game this season.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff spoils Florida A&M’s homecoming

Arkansas-Pine Bluff beat Florida A&M 31-28 at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla. It was the Rattlers’ first homecoming loss in nine years and ended a seven-game homecoming winning streak. Their previous one came in 2017, a 31-20 defeat against North Carolina A&T.

The Golden Lions (4-3, 2-2 SWAC) outrushed Florida A&M by 136 yards, finishing with 211 yards and three touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry. The Rattlers (2-6, 1-3) managed only 75 rushing yards.

Jalen Williams led the ground game with 66 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Za’Marion Webber added 60 yards and a score. Quarterback Jack Schierholz completed 8 of 12 passes (66.7 percent), and Demetric Whitlock Jr. caught four passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Next up

South Carolina State plays at Morgan State in Baltimore on Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern.

On Saturday, Oct. 31, Howard, unbeaten in MEAC play, visits North Carolina Central in Durham, N.C., at 2 p.m. The MEAC’s marquee matchup pits Delaware State, coached by DeSean Jackson, against Norfolk State, coached by Michael Vick, at 3 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, home of the NFL’s Eagles.

In the SWAC, Alcorn State visits Mississippi Valley State, Bethune-Cookman plays at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Southern visits Florida A&M in Tallahassee. All three kick off at 3 p.m. Eastern on Saturday. Plus, Alabama State and Alabama A&M meet in the Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern (2:30 p.m. Central). Saturday night, Grambling State and Texas Southern close the slate in Houston at 7:30 p.m. Central.

ATLANTA – The 2026 WNBA Finals pairing the Atlanta Dream against the Golden State Valkyries has delivered thrilling basketball, gripping storylines, and plenty of memorable moments. Right now, though, the loudest conversation around the series has less to do with the court and more to do with the calendar: where and when will the remaining Atlanta games be played?

As of this report, no one can say for certain whether Game 6, currently listed for Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, will tip off at that time or whether it will land at a different venue somewhere in the Atlanta area.

Valkyries Even the Series at 2-2

Golden State outlasted Atlanta 67-62 in Game 4 on Saturday at State Farm Arena, leveling the best-of-seven series at two wins apiece. That result settled one question, because a Game 6 will now be played in Atlanta. It also opened a much bigger one: the league has no confirmed date or location for that game, even after a heavy round of talks that carried into Sunday among the WNBA, the NBA, the Valkyries, the Dream, and the Atlanta Hawks.

The League’s Proposed Schedule Change

To work around the conflict, the WNBA is weighing a plan to move both Game 6 and a potential Game 7 to new dates. The shift would keep Game 6 at State Farm Arena and give both clubs enough rest before a possible deciding game. Should the series go the distance, Game 7 would take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Under the proposal, Game 6 would be played Friday, Oct. 30. A Game 7, if necessary, would move from Saturday, Oct. 31 to Tuesday, Nov. 3. Both the Dream and the Valkyries must sign off before the changes can take effect.

What the Teams and Arena Are Saying

A Valkyries spokesperson said the organization is grateful to be part of a Finals this competitive, pleased to see the sport growing, and ready to support whatever the league decides in the best interest of the WNBA.

“We’re proud to be part of such a compelling Finals and love seeing the growth of the game,” a Valkyries spokesperson said in a statement. “We fully support what’s best for the league and will stand behind whatever it decides.”

Steve Koonin, CEO of the Hawks and State Farm Arena, said the building has put several possible Game 6 dates on the table, but any rescheduling rests entirely with the league. Speaking with Mike Conti of 92.9 The Game, he suggested that fans hoping for a change should “write your congressman.”

Alternatives Face Obstacles

Talk during Saturday night’s Hawks–Rockets game turned to the possibility of a matinee at State Farm Arena. According to sources, though, the television partners are unlikely to go along with that idea. Other venues in the metro area, including Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion and Gas South Arena in Duluth, are not considered strong options because both teams would treat them as neutral, road-style environments.

Ticket Buyers Left Waiting

Demand has been strong. Tickets for Games 3 and 4 sold out soon after those games were relocated to State Farm Arena. Sources say fans looking to buy Game 6 seats have been advised to hold off until the scheduling dispute is settled.

Why the Dream Are Playing at State Farm Arena

The Dream’s regular home, Gateway Center Arena, holds roughly 3,500 people. State Farm Arena, home to the Hawks and run by the franchise, seats about 17,000, and Atlanta has played all five of its home playoff games there. Moving Games 3 and 4 required coordination among the leagues, both teams, and several media partners. Game 3 was moved up one day, from Thursday to Wednesday, and the Hawks agreed to a doubleheader with the Dream while pushing back Saturday evening’s home opener by 30 minutes.

Beginning next season, the Atlanta Dream will play their home games at State Farm Arena.

Caleb Williams Returns and has an efficient performance en route to victory against Atlanta

Caleb Williams completed 30 out of 36 passes for 306 yards and a touchdown as the Chicago Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-23 in front of a largely partisan crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Williams completed his first twelve passes to start the game.

Chicago built a 31-7 lead before holding off a fourth-quarter rally by Atlanta.

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. finished 19 of 33 for 225 yards and three touchdowns. He returned after leaving the previous week’s 30-23 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a rib injury. Atlanta dropped to 2-4.

Penix hit Jahan Dotson with a 13-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, a back-shoulder fade that cut Chicago’s lead to 14-7. The Falcons did not score again until the fourth quarter, when Penix found Kyle Pitts from 10 yards out and then connected with Zachariah Branch on the 2-point conversion.

The Bears won despite 12 penalties for 133 yards. Wide receiver Jahdae Walker was ejected in the fourth quarter after a personal foul for head-butting Atlanta’s Chris Blair.

With the loss, the Falcons are 0-3 in games played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season.

Panthers beat injury-riddled Eagles in Philly

Bryce Young threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns, and the Carolina Panthers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 25-14 at Lincoln Financial Field. Chuba Hubbard added 120 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Carolina capitalized on a banged-up Philadelphia team. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is out at least four games with a blood clot, and running backs Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby were also unavailable.

The Panthers committed eight penalties for 105 yards in the first half, including two illegal-man-downfield flags on guard Robert Hunt. “That’s not our football,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said.

Carolina recovered by controlling the ball for more than 11 minutes in the third quarter. Young sealed the win with a touchdown pass to Tommy Tremble with 6:33 left.

Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith left in the first half with a concussion after helmet-to-helmet contact with Hubbard. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis hurt an ankle.

Deshaun Watson leads final drive, and the Browns walk it off against the Ravens

This game didn’t feature a lot of offense until the very end. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson led his team down the field, which included a pass to Jerry Jeudy for a 33-yard gain that set up Andre Szmyt’s 37-yard field goal on the final snap, and the Browns rallied past the Baltimore Ravens 13-10 on Sunday.

“I want to be the guy that makes something happen,” Watson said. “I know (fans) want better play and we want better play … but getting those victories, against a division rival like this in a home stadium is very huge.”

Neither offense topped 250 yards. Watson was 16 of 26 for 164 yards. Baltimore backup quarterback Tyler Huntley was 19 of 31 for 165 yards and a touchdown. Ravens running back Derrick Henry gained 51 yards and fumbled. Cleveland then marched 35 yards in seven plays, with Audric Estime scoring from 2 yards out to tie it 10-10 with 8:33 left. Cleveland signed Estime off Minnesota’s practice squad this week with starter Quinshon Judkins out with an ankle injury.

“I told the team, ‘Put this one on me,’” said Henry. “I’ve just got to do better. Can’t put the team in this position.”

Ravens WR Rashod Bateman (shoulder) left in the second quarter and did not return. Meanwhile, Browns safety Grant Delpit exited in the first quarter and was placed in the concussion protocol.

Titans win first game of the Season

The Tennessee Titans erased a 13-0 halftime deficit, scoring 26 second-half points to beat the Indianapolis Colts 26-20 for their first victory of the season. Joey Slye kicked two field goals in the final 2½ minutes, and quarterback Cam Ward threw a touchdown pass to Carnell Tate.

Oluwafemi Oladejo returned a blocked punt for a touchdown to give Tennessee its first lead with 10:17 remaining. Jonathan Taylor’s 4-yard touchdown run tied it 20-20 with 5:32 left before Slye’s field goals decided it.

Indianapolis outgained Tennessee 232-64 in the first half but managed only three scoring drives, two of which ended in field goals. Daniel Jones was 22 of 42 for 269 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, both of which cost the Colts scoring chances. Taylor ran 21 times for 94 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 57 yards.

Howard Takes Homecoming Matchup Against Morehouse

Howard pulled away from Morehouse College for a 31-17 nonconference homecoming win at Greene Stadium, with 9,995 fans in attendance. Running back Eden James rushed for 120 yards and a score, while quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins accounted for 128 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The Bison defense limited the Maroon Tigers to 264 total yards, led by Kendrick Green and Kyle Dillon, who each recorded six tackles.

Tennessee State Upsets MEAC-Leading Morgan State

Tennessee State celebrated homecoming with a 25-16 victory over Morgan State, the No. 24 team in the Stats Perform Top 25. Quarterback Daylin Lee tossed two touchdown passes, and wide receiver Jaden Jones added a third through the air on a trick play. Although the Tigers gave up 301 yards, their defense made the difference on key downs, stopping Morgan State on 9 of 11 third-down tries and 2 of 3 fourth-down tries. The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Bears, their longest since a six-game win streak in 1979.

Alabama A&M Runs Past Grambling State in SWAC Shootout

A week after Grambling State handed Jackson State its first loss, Alabama A&M dominated the Tigers 61-31 at Louis Crews Stadium. Quarterback Cornelius Brown IV passed for 417 yards and five touchdowns, and receiver Jaylan Bean caught 10 passes for 240 yards and four scores. The Bulldogs piled up 669 yards of total offense and now trail Jackson State by a half-game in the SWAC Eastern Division.

Jackson State Rallies Past Florida A&M on Homecoming

Jackson State overcame an early deficit to beat Florida A&M 27-17 in front of 44,173 fans at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. A fourth-quarter surge and four forced turnovers were the difference. The Tigers (6-1, 3-1 SWAC) rushed for 228 yards and held the ball for more than 36 minutes, dropping Florida A&M to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in SWAC play.

HBCU Football Schedule: What’s Next

MEAC and Independent Games

• North Carolina Central vs. Delaware State: Friday, 5:00 PM ET on ESPN2
• Norfolk State at South Carolina State: Saturday, 1:30 PM ET
• Morgan State vs. Howard: next Saturday, 3:00 PM ET at Hughes Stadium in Baltimore

SWAC Games

• Jackson State at Bethune-Cookman (Daytona Beach): 1:00 PM ET
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Florida A&M at Bragg Stadium in Tallahassee: 3:00 PM ET
• Southern vs. Texas Southern: 3:00 PM ET
• Prairie View A&M vs. East Texas A&M: 7:00 PM ET

MEAC Standings

SWAC Standings

This Saturday N.C. Central University will kick off its 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience — a week-long celebration bringing thousands of students, family, friends and alumni to campus.

This year’s festivities include the Homecoming Countdown, parade, Miss and Mister NCCU Coronation, concerts and the football game.

The number of visitors to the football game on Saturday, Oct. 10 is expected to reach at least 10,000 — O’Kelly Riddick Stadium’s capacity, with NCCU’s recent enrollment increase of more than 10,000 students.

The Eagles will face William & Mary after playing against the Campbell University’s Fighting Camels on Oct 3.

Students are already expressing excitement for the upcoming festivities.

“I’m excited for homecoming because I can meet alumni and go outside and party with my fellow eagles,” Digital Filmmaking junior Rhese Gardner said. “I’m also really looking forward to the Greek Bowl because there’s a lot going on.”

He added that even though he’s disappointed this semester’s Oil Spill was canceled, he’s still excited for the other events like the parade and concerts.

Here is a list of the week’s on-campus events:

• Oct. 3 – Homecoming Countdown

• Oct. 4 – Gospel Concert

• Oct. 5 – Coronation of Miss and Mister NCCU

• Oct. 6 – 10:40 Break

• Oct. 6 – Homecoming Experience Showcase

• Oct. 7 – Fried Chicken Wednesday

• Oct. 7 – Festival Block Party

• Oct. 7 – Late Night Breakfast

• Oct. 8 – Back to the Nest Young Alumni Mixer

• Oct. 8 – Old School Greek Stroll Off

• Oct. 8 – Hip-Hop Concert

• Oct. 9 – Step Show

• Oct. 10 – Football Game

The post NCCU ramping up for the 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience first appeared on Campus Echo Online.

Based on reporting by North Carolina Central University – Campus Echo.

On September 22, U.S. News released its annual HBCU rankings for 2027. Southern University was ranked No. 48, tying with Bethune-Cookman University, Philander Smith College, Savannah State University, Stillman College, and West Virginia State University. When I first saw the ranking, I had mixed feelings about where Southern was ranked. Did I feel like Southern needed to be ranked No. 48? Yes and no. On one hand, I understand how the university received that ranking based on the factors U.S. News uses for their rankings. On the other hand, when I look at some of the other schools that ranked higher than Southern, in my humble opinion, we should have been ranked higher.

To understand why Southern was ranked No. 48, it is important to look at the factors U.S. News uses for their rankings. The rankings consider graduation rates, freshman retention rates, financial resources, faculty information, peer assessments, and student outcomes after graduation. I understand why these factors matter because they can indicate how well a university supports its students, prepares them for life after college, and how students can benefit from attending that institution.

One of the biggest factors affecting our ranking is our graduation rate. The graduation rate measures how many first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students complete their degree within four years. Based on my research, the newest official data available from Southern lists the four-year graduation rate at about 10%. Even though that number is concerning, I believe that number needs more context. Some of Southern’s major programs, including Engineering, can take students five years to complete because of their demanding requirements and how their degree flowcharts are set up. So, while the four-year graduation rate is something Southern needs to improve, I don’t think it tells the whole story of how long it takes every Southern student to graduate.

Another issue is admissions. Southern University talks frequently about the “Southern Standard,” but I think there needs to be more consistency between the standard we expect and the students we admit. Southern should continue providing the opportunities it already provides, but I also believe the university should try to recruit more students who have already shown that they can uphold a certain academic, personal, and professional standard. Additionally, students who are admitted should receive the support and resources they need to succeed.

Overall, I understand why Southern was ranked No. 48, but in my opinion, we could and should be higher. The ranking shows areas where Southern needs to improve, but it should not define the university as a whole. Instead, it should encourage Southern to look at admissions, student support, graduation rates, career opportunities, and whether every major receives the attention it deserves. Southern is more than just a number, but if we want that number to change, we have to be willing to look honestly at what is behind it, including making sure that strong programs like Nursing and Engineering continue to provide opportunities while majors such as Agriculture, Criminal Justice, Education, and Social Sciences receive the same attention and opportunities for their students. At the end of the day, the goal should not only be to move up in the rankings, but to ensure every student at Southern has the support, accessibility to opportunities, and resources they need to succeed, not only while attending Southern, but in their future post graduation careers.

Based on reporting by Southern University – SouthernDIGEST.