By james art HBCU fans are watching closely as the 2024 CIAA football season enters its final stretch. The championship race is undisputed as Johnson C. Smith, Virginia Union and Virginia State position themselves for a spot in the CIAA Championship Game. With just two weeks to go, the stakes are higher than ever and every game counts.
Top contenders
Johnson C. Smith has put together a flawless season thus far, boasting an 8-0 overall record and 5-0 in the CIAA. They picked up wins over top teams in the conference, including Virginia Union, Virginia State and Winston-Salem State. However, their win over Virginia Union did not count as a conference game, leaving Virginia Union technically undefeated in the CIAA as well.
Virginia Union, currently 5-0 in the conference and 6-2 overall, is hot on the heels of Johnson C. Smith. They also showed strength, especially with a key win over Winston-Salem State. Their final regular season game is against Virginia State, a game with huge implications for both teams.
Virginia State stands at 4-1 in the CIAA, with a 5-3 overall record. He faced Winston-Salem State, but took a loss in a game that did not affect his conference standings. This gives Virginia State an extra boost in their title race. Their season finale against Virginia Union will be one of the most anticipated games of the season as both teams are fighting for a top two finish.
Winston-Salem State isn’t technically out of contention with a 4-2 conference record and a 6-3 overall record. Despite having a strong season, a recent loss has put them just a step behind the top three contenders. It would take the three teams ahead of him to finish the season with two conference losses, as its win at Virginia State earlier in the season did not count as a loss for VSU.
Remaining challenges and final games
Johnson C. Smith next faces Fayetteville State, a team with a strong championship history that has been a fixture in the CIAA championship game the past few seasons. This might be Johnson C. Smith’s toughest game yet, as Fayetteville State is known for delivering results in high-stakes situations. Johnson K. Smith then closes out their regular season against Livingston in a classic rivalry game that could add one final twist to their undefeated streak.
For Virginia Union and Virginia State, their late-season showdown could be a de facto playoff. If both teams maintain their records, this game will likely decide who wins a championship slot. The potential for an intense battle adds extra excitement to an already competitive season.
CIAA championship hopes are on the line
As the 2024 CIAA season draws to a close, each of these HBCU teams is looking to secure its championship berth. With only two spots available, every play, every drive and every play can shape the final score. While Johnson K. Smith and Virginia Union are currently in control, the unpredictable nature of college football means anything can happen in these final weeks.
Whoever prevails will not only win the CIAA title, but also bring pride to their HBCU, representing the highest level of talent and competition in the conference.