Pig cookers, vinegar-based barbeque, coleslaw, collard greens, something white to drink and thousands of excited football fans tailgating. It can only mean one thing -- time for the Down East Classic in Rocky Mount, NC.

The 13th annual Down East Classic -- my HBCU Game of the Week -- features the Fayetteville State University Broncos against their longtime CIAA rival, the Elizabeth City State University Vikings.

Rock Mount is centrally located between both schools, so the fan base will be overwhelming for each side, giving it the feel of a home game for both teams.

This matchup will be fiercely fought, with plenty of scoring from each side. Both teams come into the Classic with 1-1 records and are undefeated in CIAA conference play. Each was a preseason favorite in its respective division.

With a dominant win over Bowie State last week in conference play, Fayetteville State is looking to repeat as conference champions. But make no mistake; Elizabeth City State wants to use the classic to send a clear message that they are championship bound as well.

Elizabeth City State’s conference win was against Johnson C. Smith 45-27, but as we know, you can’t use the JCSU Bulls to gauge a team’s dominance.

My prediction is that Fayetteville State will defeat Elizabeth City State 42-38 in a high-octane, offense-driven game.

My Battle of the Bands prediction goes to Fayetteville State as well. With their new band director, Alfred Davis, at the helm, expect to see a rejuvenated Bronco marching band take the field.
 

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