Let’s face it; my editor is thinking it, readers are thinking it, and the Panthers are definitely thinking it, so I will just say what everyone is thinking: Should a sports prognosticator who is 0-2 really be taken seriously?

After my first two “HBCU Game of the Week” predictions this year, I am batting goose eggs. I picked N.C. Central to beat Winston-Salem State and Fayetteville State to beat Elizabeth City State.

Neither happened, of course, so this week I’ll right the ship. I will pick two HBCU games in a desperate bid to even the score. So here goes:

They’re Baaaaacccckkkk!!!! The first contest of interest is in the CIAA, as the undefeated Winston-Salem State Rams take on the 1-2 Fayetteville State Broncos.

The Rams returned to the CIAA this season and have been on fire. With a high-powered offense they look to continue this hot streak well into the season.

Another highlight will be the return of WSSU’s head Coach, Connell Maynor, who is a former offensive coordinator for the Broncos. Meanwhile, Coach Kenny Phillips and his Broncos are looking to even their record and keep alive their hopes of repeating as CIAA champions.

With WSSU leading the CIAA in offensive and defensive scoring, and with FSU giving opponents nearly twice as many rushing and passing yards as they accumulate themselves, my prediction is that pupil, Maynor, will defeat the teacher, Phillips, 38-10.

I also predict that the band outcome will be no different, with WSSU having a sweep of FSU this weekend.

My next Game of the Week is the highly attended, highly hyped Aggie-Eagle Classic in Durham.

The North Carolina A&T Aggies travel to Durham with a 0-3 record and a lackluster offense that has generated 200 yards or more in total offense only once this year. Meanwhile, the team has given up an average of 300 yards to opponents.

The Aggies have losses to Winston-Salem State, Norfolk State and Hampton University. North Carolina Central is 1-2 and is coming off consecutive defeats -- a lopsided loss to Appalachian State University, where they were thumped 44-16, and the heartbreaking loss to Winston-Salem State 27-34. The Eagles of North Carolina Central are in desperate need of a win, and I believe the Aggies will oblige them.

My prediction: North Carolina Central in a 28-14 victory.

The Aggies Marching Band will bring plenty of fanfare, but in the end the Eagles Sound Machine will prevail.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Winston-Salem State and North Carolina Central will get me back on track to a winning record. If not, my editor may be looking for a new prognosticator.

By the way, here’s a prediction I’m certain to get right: The Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls will not lose this week.
 

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