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.

Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” On Sunday night, the Carolina Panthers proved patience pays.  Quarterback Bryce Young threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers defeated the Detroit Lions 32-26 during NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Football, the first time the Panthers were featured since 2015. And for large portions of that game, the score did not accurately indicate how dominant Bryce actually was.

Young was in total control. Calm. Decisive. Dialed in on every read. Detroit’s defense couldn’t stop a line of ants, and he shredded it anyway. It was the same point guard I photographed at Alabama not so long ago, only now with an NFL offense in his hands.

Tetairoa McMillan had 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns. All the more remarkable considering Carolina was without Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.

The numbers back it up. Through four games, Young has 1,268 yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions, and a completion rate near 63%. Against Detroit, he hit 70%. He leads the league in passing first downs (63), completions of 10-plus yards (55), completions of 25-plus yards (13), and deep passing yards (321). His nine touchdown passes are tied for third.

So, is an MVP candidate emerging?

“Yeah, I heard it,” Young said. “In the moment, you’re just focusing on executing and trying to move the team. Obviously, a huge blessing, the support, and I mean the Bank tonight was electric. They caused some false starts. They made it hard on them, and when the Bank’s rocking like that, we take a lot of pride in that. So I’m super, super grateful for the fans.”

Yes, the Panthers have only faced the Bears, Falcons, Browns, and Lions. But Young is making the most of it. He’s building on what offensive coordinator Brad Izdik put in place: get the ball out on time and make the right read on every snap.

The critics have continually said of Young: he’s too short, he’s too light, he isn’t strong, he’s injury-prone, and he’s a bust. However, a quarterback in the NFL is only as good as the structure surrounding him. In four years, Young was sacked 128 times (including 10 this season). However, Young’s (and Carolina’s) perseverance is paying off.

During the bye week, Young and the Panthers will be reminded of Galatians 6:9. It says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

ATLANTA — DeWanna Bonner scored 23 points, and Jordin Canada added 25 points as the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 92-82 at State Farm Arena on Sunday afternoon. Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three blocks.

This victory marked Atlanta’s first semifinal win since 2018, leaving them the only undefeated team remaining in the postseason. The Dream are currently on an eight-game winning streak, dating back to the regular season. Bonner’s addition on August 27th provided crucial veteran leadership as they pursue a potential championship.

“DB got into us at halftime, I’ll just say that,” said guard Jordin Canada. “We knew we didn’t play our best in the first half. We just weren’t aggressive enough on the defensive end or the offensive end. We talked about a second-half surge and emphasized that the first three minutes of the second half would be really important, so we came out ready to go.”

The Dream capitalized on New York Liberty turnovers, scoring 32 points off them, including 16 in the third quarter. 

“We tried to get her a couple of times, but it just never worked out,” said Dream head coach Karl Smesko, referring to Bonner. “I thought she was exactly what we needed. Not just because she is a veteran presence, but because she still plays like she did tonight. That was a huge performance. Whenever we needed a play, she made it.”

Meanwhile, New York’s Sabrina Ionescu scored 27 points. “They increased their defensive pressure, and we were driving into lanes without creating good outlets for our teammates,” said Ionescu. “We’ll review the film and understand that points off turnovers really matter, especially against a team that thrives on them.”

Atlanta’s Allisha Gray injured her hand in the first quarter but returned to the bench after her ring finger and pinkie were taped up.  

Game 2 will take place back at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Wednesday before the series moves to New York for Game 3 on Friday and, if necessary, Game 4 on Sunday.