HBCU Football: How four MEAC squads plan to use bye week

As the HBCU football season heats up, four out of six MEAC programs are capitalizing on their bye weeks to recharge, while two teams prepare for one final non-conference test. With HBCU football powerhouse North Carolina Central University (NCCU) leading the way, the stakes are high as each game could determine the path to a conference title and a shot at postseason glory.

North Carolina Central (5-2, 1-0 MEAC)

NCCU is currently making waves in HBCU football, ranking No. 20 in the Stats Perform FCS Top-25 poll released on October 14, 2024 after a 68-0 wi n. This national recognition highlights their status as a top contender not just within the MEAC but across HBCU football. Head coach Trei Oliver shared how the bye week offers essential recovery time.

“The big thing is to get some rest. My players are young—they’re okay. I think my coaches probably need the rest more than the players,” Oliver said. “We’re gonna get these guys out of the building, let them spend time with their families.”

With two starting running backs nursing injuries, the rest period is crucial ahead of their October 26 homecoming showdown with Morgan State.

“The biggest thing is to reboot and come back fresh for next week… We’ve got a very tough Morgan State team coming in,” Oliver added. This matchup will be pivotal, as the Eagles aim to solidify their position as one of the best in MEAC and HBCU football.

Morgan State (2-4, 0-1 MEAC)

Morgan State enters its bye week eager to regroup following a challenging non-conference schedule. “This bye week comes right on time so we can get some guys back,” said head coach Damon Wilson. The Bears are focusing on fixing special teams issues and improving their third-down defense. Wilson is optimistic about his team’s chances against NCCU. “We’ll be ready to go for North Carolina Central’s homecoming,” he noted.

Delaware State (1-6)

After a 23-0 loss to Robert Morris, Delaware State is taking full advantage of the break.

“I gave our guys some time off… we all needed some time away from each other,” said head coach Lee Hull.

Preparing for its October 26 game against South Carolina State, Hull emphasized the need for changes.

“Sometimes doing the same thing over and over becomes monotonous… so we’re trying to put some new energy into it,” Hull explained, hoping to spark the program’s momentum in the MEAC standings.

Norfolk State (2-6, 0-1 MEAC)

Norfolk State is also using its bye to recover.

“This bye week is needed… We’ve been going hard since June 23rd,” said head coach Dawson Odums. After a narrow 28-23 loss to Towson, the team will use the break to reset before hosting Howard for homecoming on October 26.

“They probably need a break from us, and we need a break from them to get healthy,” Odums admitted.

With NCCU leading the MEAC and positioning itself as one of the top teams in HBCU football, the October 26 games will be crucial in shaping the season’s trajectory. As Oliver put it, “If you come out tiptoeing, you’ll get knocked out.”

The race to Atlanta and a potential Celebration Bowl appearance is on, with every team seeking to capitalize on their preparation and rest.

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