BOXTOROW HBCU Coaches Poll: North Carolina A&T continues to cruise atop poll as pivotal MEAC and SWAC clashes loom
Michael WallaceRALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina A&T Aggies went on the road and defeated Florida A&M 31-20 last weekend to remain undefeated and No. 1 in this week’s BOXTOROW Coaches poll.
The Aggies improved to 7-0 on the season and 4-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and are off to their best start in nearly 75 years. Their latest victory, however, didn’t come as comfortably as many of the games they’ve played this season. Heading into last weekend, N.C. A&T had won six of their seven games by double figures, including four by at least 30 points.
But in Tallahassee, the Aggies committed three turnovers and were outgained 171-65 in total offense during the second half after taking a 21-7 lead. N.C. A&T coach Rod Broadway said facing and overcoming adversity late in games should help his team as it heads into the season’s stretch run, with three of its final four games at home as the program goes for its third MEAC title in four years.
“Every great team I’ve known has had to win a game like this,” Broadway told reporters after Saturday’s win over FAMU. “We didn’t play our best – we actually played really bad in spots. But despite not playing well, we can come back next week and get better knowing we got a win.”
The Aggies face a crucial test in their attempt to remain unbeaten when No. 7-ranked Bethune-Cookman (3-3, 2-1 MEAC) visit Greensboro on Saturday. Also in the Coaches poll, Nos. 2 – 4 remained unchanged as Grambling had a bye and both North Carolina Central and Alcorn State won home games.
Tennessee State fell to Austin Peay and dipped out of the top five to No. 6 this week, making room for Hampton to take over the No. 5 spot after defeating Norfolk State in the Battle of the Bay. This weekend’s schedule features a highly-anticipated top-five showdown when No. 2 Grambling plays host to No. 4 Alcorn State in a battle between Southwestern Athletic Conference division leaders.
The BOXTOROW HBCU FCS coaches poll is administered by FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW. The coaches poll is voted on by the HBCU Football Championship Subdivision coaches.
2017 BOXTOROW FCS HBCU Football Coaches Poll Week 7
(Records through October 14, 2017)
No. Team W/L Pts Last Week 1. 
North Carolina A&T (19)7-0 199 1 2. 
Grambling (1)5-1 181 2 3. 
North Carolina Central 5-1 158 3 4. 
Alcorn State 5-2 139 4 5. 
Hampton 4-2 115 6 6. 
Tennessee State 4-3 71 5 7. 
Bethune-Cookman 3-3 69 8 7. 
Southern 3-3 69 9 9. 
Howard 3-3 64 10 10. 
Prairie View A&M 2-4 22 7 Others receiving votes: Alabama A&M (3-4) 9, South Carolina State (2-4) 2.
(1st place votes in parentheses)Note: (1st place votes in parentheses)
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Published on Oct 17, 2016
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