The picture keeps getting clearer and clearer in the A-Sun. Both divisions have found their pretenders and their contenders as we approach championship week. Week 10 was packed with action, which warranted another double-barrelled ASUNGotWpbC™.

Kennesaw State (5-4) at #1 Bethune-Cookman (8-1)

Atlantic Sun Game of the Week presented by Cookout ™

Bethune-Cookman looked to rebound against an upstart Kennesaw State, but the Owls were hungry for the top of the standings and a win against the #1 team in the country. The game started close, and KSU took a 15-14 lead into the half. The Wildcats were doing a good job of forcing the Owls to take field goals instead of TDs. They couldn’t hold up though, as a blocked punt and a fumble on consecutive drives allowed KSU to go up 29-14. B-C tried to mount a comeback, but to no avail. Kennesaw State intercepted the last pass of the game, securing sole possession of first place in the South division and a huge upset of the #1 team.

Samford (6-3) at Alabama A&M (6-3)

Atlantic Sun Game of the Week presented by Cookout ™

In Normal, AL, we had Bulldogs battling for the driver’s seat of the A-Sun North. Samford and Alabama A&M were tied for first place in the division. A&M put on an offensive show in the first half, leading 28-14 going into the break. It was an emphatic performance as A&M wanted to prove themselves legitimate after the near miss against Jacksonville State last week. Samford offered little challenge and the Bulldogs of the maroon variety came away with a statement win.

#9 Jacksonville State (7-2) at Jacksonville (2-7)

Which Jacksonville is the realest? That was settled in this contest. While Jacksonville, Florida may have an NFL franchise and the largest population in the state, Jacksonville, Alabama has a lean, mean, Gamecock machine. The Dolphins surprisingly led 22-18 going into the fourth quarter, but JSU kept the running game churning, hitting paydirt twice at the end. Jacksonville State survived the trap game to move to 8-2 and stay one game back of Alabama A&M.

#12 Florida A&M (6-3) at Stetson (3-6)

Everyone knew that Stetson’s new coach had a lot of potential, but few could have predicted it all coming together this quickly. It was a blowout from the opening kick. 27 first quarter points from the Hatters had the Rattlers playing catch-up the whole game. Stetson forced a couple of interceptions and avoided mistakes on the way to a 29 point stomping. One has to wonder if this was a letdown/lookahead spot for Florida A&M, after the huge B-C win and before a pivotal tilt with Mercer next week. This won’t help their playoff resume.

Mercer (6-3) at Alabama State (2-7)

Mercer has high aspirations for a conference title this year, but first they would need to travel to Montgomery to take on the Hornets. For the third week in a row, the Bears pitched a shutout. It’s a defensive accomplishment that should be celebrated. Mercer has gone under the radar this season, but if they win their next two games, they will win the North division. Alabama State still has not recorded a conference win, and the Hornets remain the only A-Sun team winless.

East Tennessee State (1-7) at Campbell (4-5)

The Camels have not met expectations this year, and this matchup had teeth with an ETSU squad coming off their first win of the season. Could Campbell avoid another letdown? Ever since the Bucs made a coaching change, all of ETSU’s games have been full of excitement. ETSU took a 10-0 lead into the half. No one in Barker-Lane Stadium was prepared for what happened next. Campbell scored 34 points in the third quarter, and the Bucs relinquished the lead. The fourth quarter went back and forth, back and forth, but the Camels escaped with the 48-44 victory. A candidate for Game of the Year if I ever saw one.

Savannah State (3-6) at Chattanooga (2-7)

The Mocs were able to grab another win, but it didn’t come without stress. Savannah State showed signs of a comeback throughout the game, but 4 turnovers kept them a step behind. It was another thrilling fourth quarter in the A-Sun, showing that even the teams that aren’t in the hunt can still provide plenty of fireworks. Both the Tigers and the Mocs have much to play for.

Standings Snapshot

Alabama A&M and Kennesaw State each took sole possession of first place in their respective divisions. AAMU has a 66% chance of winning the North, followed by Jacksonville State with a 25% chance. Samford is still alive. KSU has a 64% chance of taking the South, with Mercer still in control of their destiny if they win out. The Bears have a 25% chance of winning the division. Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman are still alive. All other teams have been eliminated from contention, as shown by their graying out above.

Week 11 Lookahead

Alabama A&M (7-3) at Savannah State (3-7)

Campbell (5-5) at Bethune-Cookman (8-2)

Chattanooga (3-7) at Samford (6-4)

East Tennessee State (1-8) at Jacksonville State (8-2)

Stetson (4-6) at Alabama State (2-8)

Florida A&M (6-4) at Mercer (7-3)

Jacksonville (2-8) at Kennesaw State (6-4)