The Brawl for it all, the Raleigh Rumble, or the Raleigh Rivalry -- whatever the cliché, the HBCU game of the week between St. Augustine’s College and Shaw University promises to live up to the hype.

Both teams are undefeated in conference play, and both are coming off strong victories -- St. Aug. shut out Livingstone College 33-0, and Shaw staged a fourth-quarter comeback to beat powerhouse Winston-Salem State University 31-27.

It is fitting that in a highly anticipated game, the stakes are just as high, with a division title, city bragging rights, and an opportunity to play in the conference championship all on the line. It is widely believed throughout the conference that this game will produce not only the division champion but the CIAA champion as well.

Statistically speaking, St. Augustine’s and Shaw are mirror images, but there are small nuances that will separate the eventual winner in this highly contested game.

The fast-flying Falcons of St. Augustine’s has a conference record of 6-0 with one game left in conference play, and they are tied for 19th in the Division II coaches poll. The falcons boast a superior ground game that highlights running back Walter Sanders, who should top 1,500 yards by season’s end. The Falcons’ philosophy is smash-mouth, run-it-down-your-throat until you stop them, and thus far it has been successful. Yet what is overlooked is the Falcons’ excellent special team play and stingy defense, which, game after game, has produced excellent field position for the offense.

The ferocious Bears of Shaw also have a 6-0 conference record, and they pride themselves on having a balance offense. With a No. 1 ranking in the CIAA in passing offense and a No. 2 ranking in rushing offense, the Shaw comes with an air-ground attack that is a force to be reckoned with. The Bears are double trouble for opponents in that they also have quarterback Kevin Atkins, who has thrown 19 touchdowns. This high scoring offense will test the endurance and conditioning of St. Aug’s defense with their fire (running) and ice (passing) attack.

As usual for a Shaw-St. Aug game, fan turnout will be tremendous, and the tailgating will be enormous, but what makes this year’s game different are the stakes at hand. The team that is best prepared will emerge victorious.

My prediction: St. Augustine’s over Shaw 38-35.

Anyone, be it friend or foe, who has heard the platinum sound of Shaw’s marching band knows who will win the battle of the bands. Enough said.
 

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