NCCU, FAMU Rise In FCS Polls | Week 11

The two HBCU football powerhouses who are on a collision course to meet at the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl are rising in the FCS polls.

HOUSTON - The two powerhouses of HBCU football, who appear to be on a collision course, are rising in the FCS polls ahead of the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl.  North Carolina Central (8-1, 3-0 MEAC) and Florida A&M (8-1, 7-0 SWAC) are leading their conference's foes as probable representatives for their claim to be named the 2023 HBCU Football National Champions.

On Sunday, NCCU and FAMU were ranked No. 7 and No. 9, respectively, in the recent FCS Coaches Poll. The Eagles made an impressive move up the rankings, climbing two spots from 9th to 7th. Meanwhile, the Rattlers jumped from 13th to 9th.

The Stats Perform FCS Top 25 polls show different rankings for the two squads. North Carolina Central moved up five spots from 12th to 7th, while Florida A&M rose two positions from 13th to 15th.

This year's Celebration Bowl will occur in Atlanta, GA, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a noon kick-off on Dec. 16.

Seven Pivotal HBCU Football Games On 'Statement Day' Saturday | Week 10

NCCU Eagles Primed For MEAC Championship

Stopping the NCCU Eagles (8-1, 3-0 MEAC) won't be easy, as the Norfolk State Spartans learned on Saturday. Senior quarterback Davius Richard led the nation's No. 9 team to a Homecoming win over the Spartans, 38-24. They remain unblemished in the MEAC. Trei Oliver's team had 320 yards of total offense with 169 yards on the ground and recorded five touchdowns. Next week, NCCU travels to D.C. for a showdown with Howard at 3:30 PM ET. Defeating the Bison would all but secure the Eagles' second straight MEAC Football Championship and a trip to the 2023 Celebration Bowl.

Florida A&M Will Host SWAC Championship Game

Willie Simmons' knows his Rattlers have been prone to lulls in games. However, he also knows the offense's firepower and how the Dark Cloud defense can change a game's momentum. The Bulldogs rallied from a 17-point deficit to score 21 unanswered points.

Moussa and Rattlers responded with a 4-play, 67-yard drive finished with a Kelvin Dean 4-yard touchdown run to recapture the lead, 24-21. The SWAC East Division winners didn't look back as they floored the gas to win 42-28. Florida A&M (8-1, 7-0 SWAC) will host the 2023 SWAC Football Championship Game at Bragg Memorial Stadium for a 4 PM ET kick-off on Saturday, Dec. 2.