By james art Entering Week 9 of the HBCU football season, the conference championship races are starting to heat up as the MEAC fully enters its conference schedule.
The heated rivalry resumes in the SWAC as the defending champions take on the SWAC West leaders in another conference game. In addition, half of the championship picture can be decided in the CIAA.
Here are the 5 games to watch in Week 9 of the HBCU football season.
Johnson C. Smith v. Winston-Salem State
Day: October 26; Time: 1 p.m. ET
How to watch: TheGrio
Winston-Salem State is fighting to stay in contention for a CIAA Championship berth when it faces conference leader Johnson C. Smith.
The Rams kept their championship hopes alive after defeating Livingston 31-17, improving their conference record to 4-1.
They currently sit in third place behind Johnson C. Smith and Virginia Union, who each have a perfect 4-0 record against the CIAA.
With one game left in the season, it’s a last gasp for Winston-Salem State, which already has a loss to Virginia Union on its resume.
Meanwhile, Johnson C. Smith will take a big step toward earning its first CIAA Championship berth since 1972 with a win.
Howard vs. Norfolk State
Day: October 26; Time: 2:00 PM ET
How to watch: ESPN+
Howard begins the defense of its MEAC title when it opens its conference schedule at William Price Stadium for the return of Norfolk State.
In their matchup last year, the Spartans nearly thwarted a Bison comeback, but came up short. They surrendered a touchdown in the final minute before being overcome by a late interception.
Both teams enter this game in shaky positions, with the Bison having lost three of their last four contests and the Spartans having lost three in a row.
Norfolk State, which already has a conference loss against North Carolina Central, is looking for its 2018 home win over Howard.
North Carolina Central vs. Morgan State
Day: October 26; Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
How to watch: ESPN+/ESPNU
Morgan State returns to the football field after a bye week, welcoming conference leader North Carolina Central to its home field.
Last season, Morgan State provided a great test for a North Carolina Central team that averaged nearly 36 points per game. They held them to 16 points, albeit in a loss.
However, Morgan State has struggled against FCS opponents this year, holding a 1-3 record against those teams.
North Carolina Central, also returning from a bye week, has won four straight contests, including a conference opener against Norfolk State.
Morgan State has lost seven in a row against NCCU, with their last win coming in 2011.
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State
Day: October 26; Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
How to watch: ESPNU
The 89th annual Magic City Classic kicks off in Birmingham, Alabama as the Alabama State Hornets battle the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
Both teams return to the football field after a week off after wins against Bethune-Cookman and Mississippi Valley State, respectively.
Jackson State’s win over Florida A&M last week gave new life to Alabama State’s SWAC title hopes.
It adds some intrigue to what is already a heated rivalry that Alabama State has won in back-to-back years.
Southern vs. Florida A&M
Day: October 26; Time: 7:00 PM ET
How to watch: ESPN+
Florida A&M will look to keep its hopes of repeating as SWAC champions alive when it hosts current SWAC West-leading Southern.
The Rattlers are looking to rebound after having their 16-game winning streak against the SWAC snapped by Jackson State.
Meanwhile, Southern grabbed the lead in the SWAC West, ousting Alcorn State in the homecoming contest. While Florida A&M will try to stay afloat, Southern needs a win to continue to control its division destiny.