Because the 2024 HBCU soccer season approaches, ESPN has introduced a slate of 11 Black School soccer video games that can seem on its household of networks.
Right here, we rank the nationally televised matchups based mostly on enchantment and curiosity.
11. Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs Arkansas
When: August 29 at 7:30 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPNU
We begin with an in-state HBCU vs FBS matchup because the Golden Lions of Arkansas-Pine Bluff go up towards the SEC’s Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Golden Lions kick off their season trying to enhance over their 2-9 document final 12 months as they enter their second season underneath head coach Alonzo Hampton.
Although there is no such thing as a expectation that UAPB might win this recreation, it is a superb alternative for the Golden Lions to check and enhance their abilities towards a P5 opponent to start the season.
10. Alcorn State vs Vanderbilt
When: September 7 at 7:30 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPNU
Alcorn State can play an SEC opponent in entrance of a nationally televised viewers after they play towards Vanderbilt.
The Braves are coming into a brand new period, ushering in new head coach Cedric Thomas after seven seasons underneath Fred McNair.
This would be the Braves’ second recreation towards an FBS opponent; they’ll open the season enjoying the College of Alabama at Birmingham.
9. Tuskegee vs Alabama State
When: November 28 at 2 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPNU
Tuskegee and Alabama State will conclude their respective common seasons within the Turkey Day Traditional for the second 12 months in a row.
Traditionally, The Turkey Day Traditional between these groups noticed Tuskegee take a seven-year hiatus from enjoying.
Because the Golden Tigers returned to the collection, issues haven’t gone their approach. Tuskegee have misplaced by a mixed 84-12 of their previous two matchups towards the Hornets.
8. Prairie View A&M vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff
When: October 11 at 9:15 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPNU
The one in-conference SWAC matchup introduced to be airing on nationwide tv is between reigning SWAC West champion Prairie View A&M and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Prairie View A&M has been looking for its first SWAC championship since 2012 after showing in two of the previous three convention title video games.
They’ve had full management of UAPB in years previous, successful 10 of their previous 11 matchups, all by double-digit margins.
7. Johnson C. Smith vs Tuskegee
When: September 1 at 7 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPNU
One in every of two matchups between Division II groups introduced for nationwide tv, Johnson C. Smith and Tuskegee conflict within the Crimson Tails Traditional.
Final 12 months was a breakout 12 months for the Golden Bulls, who completed with a successful document for the primary time since 2012. They parlayed their regular-season success into being chosen to the inaugural Florida Seaside Bowl towards Fort Valley State, albeit in a dropping effort.
Johnson C. Smith hopes to carry out higher towards a Tuskegee workforce that was considered one of seven within the loaded SIAC and end with a successful document.
6. Edward Waters vs Benedict
When: September 19 at 8 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPNU
The 2-time defending champion Benedict Tigers will get nationwide tv publicity when dealing with the Edward Waters Tigers.
Like Johnson C. Smith, the 2023 season was additionally a breakout 12 months for Edward Waters, who posted a successful document for the primary time since returning to the SIAC in 2021.
They are going to face a Benedict workforce that’s heading in a brand new route following the departure of former head coach Chennis Berry.
New head coach Ron Dickerson has the daunting job of main a Benedict workforce that has not misplaced a regular-season recreation since October 23, 2021.
5. Florida A&M vs Norfolk State
When: August 24 at 7:30 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ABC
Florida A&M and Norfolk State get the HBCU soccer season began on August 24 after they sq. off within the MEAC/SWAC Problem.
The Rattlers, who develop into the primary workforce to symbolize the MEAC and SWAC within the Problem, enter the 2024 season trying to repeat as SWAC champions.
This would be the starting of a brand new period for the Rattlers, as this may mark James Colzie’s head teaching debut.
In the meantime, the Spartans are coming into their fourth 12 months underneath head coach Dawson Odums and are looking for their first successful season since 2021.
4. Grambling State vs Alabama A&M
When: November 14 at 8 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPNU
In a sleeper matchup within the SWAC, the Grambling State Tigers go up towards the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
Each groups come into this season with a degree to show, having put collectively consecutive dropping seasons for the primary time in a few years.
Whereas Grambling State welcomes head coach Mickey Joseph, Bulldogs coach Connell Maynor faces one other 12 months of debate about being on the proverbial scorching seat.
Though this recreation might not have postseason implications, it’s at all times enjoyable to observe these two groups play towards one another.
3. North Carolina Central vs South Carolina State
When: October 31 at 7 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPNU
The primary of three North Carolina Central contests on this checklist, the Eagles will face South Carolina State on October 31.
For the primary time in over 20 years, Buddy Pough is not going to be on the sideline teaching South Carolina State. That honor will go to Chennis Berry, who will take over for the workforce after main Benedict to consecutive SIAC titles.
Final 12 months, North Carolina Central snapped a three-game dropping streak towards South Carolina State in a dominant 62-28 win.
South Carolina State comes into this recreation with revenge on its thoughts in a matchup that would have MEAC championship implications.
2. North Carolina Central vs Alabama State (Orange Blossom Traditional)
When: September 1 at 3 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPN
In what might possible be a Celebration Bowl preview, North Carolina Central faces off towards Alabama State within the Orange Blossom Traditional.
For the primary time within the Orange Blossom Traditional’s historical past, it is not going to characteristic Florida A&M and Jackson State, which had performed within the recreation within the three years because it was revived.
Of their third 12 months with Eddie Robinson Jr. as their head coach, the Hornets want to develop into SWAC championship contenders.
They’ve steadily improved every year, posting back-to-back successful seasons and sporting one of many high defenses within the nation.
This contest will probably be an important first check of their quest to develop into SWAC champions for the primary time in 20 years.
1. Howard vs North Carolina Central
When: November 15 at 8 PM ET; The best way to Watch: ESPNU
Like North Carolina Central-Alabama State, Howard-North Carolina Central might even have some postseason implications, however with a touch of a private storyline to spice it up.
After Howard and NCCU every received a share of the MEAC championship in 2022, Eagles head coach Trei Oliver voiced his displeasure with having to be a co-champion, seeing as his workforce convincingly beat the Bison within the common season.
This led to the MEAC removing co-champions. With this in thoughts, the stage was completely set for a matchup between the Bison and Eagles, who had sole possession of the MEAC title on the road.
Howard left little doubt about who the deserving champion was this time, knocking off NC Central 50-20.
Revenge will certainly be on the thoughts of the Eagles as they give the impression of being to get themselves again on high of the MEAC. In the meantime, Howard is trying to develop into the primary workforce to win consecutive outright MEAC titles since North Carolina A&T did so in 2018.
