Many across the nation had high expectations for the A-Sun in Week 9, with 2 conference games getting the Gameday treatment. Competition lived up to the hype with thrilling contests and divisional intrigue.

#2 Bethune-Cookman (8-0) at #22 Florida A&M (5-3)

Atlantic Sun Game of the Week presented by Cookout ™

Part two of the double barreled ASUNGotWpbC™ happened in Tallahassee, as undefeated BC took on a tough FAMU squad. The first half was filled with offense, but Bethune-Cookman was able to stay a step ahead, leading 27-21 at the half. FAMU owned the 3rd quarter, scoring two touchdowns and taking a 35-27 lead. The Rattlers weren’t able to stay ahead though, as a furious 4th quarter ended in a stalemate, 42-42. Each team scored a TD in the first overtime, and the Wildcats kicked a field goal to open the second overtime. Their defense couldn’t hold, however, and Florida A&M walked BC off with a 22 yard pass into the end zone on 4th and 7. Bethune-Cookman is undefeated no more and pads the resume of Florida A&M.

#23 Alabama A&M (6-2) at #11 Jacksonville State (6-2)

Atlantic Sun Game of the Week presented by Cookout ™

This matchup was the early game of our ASUNGotWpbC™ doubleheader. Alabama A&M came in with a pristine 5-0 conference record, facing national powerhouse and highly-ranked division foe Jacksonville State. Things were pretty even most of the game, and the Bulldogs proved that their record was no fluke. But JSU had a 3 point lead at the break, and they just kept churning out yards on the ground. The Gamecocks were up 27-21 early in the 4th quarter, but A&M had two great shots at taking the lead. They could not deliver though, and JSU held on for the win.

Campbell (4-4) at Samford (5-3)

Abandon all hope, ye who enter Homewood, Alabama, for there was no defense to be found here. There were 41 combined points in the first quarter and 36 in the 2nd quarter. The Camels were able to keep up until right before the half, when a flurry of wild action saw Samford open up a 14 point lead. The teams calmed a little in the second half, with no scoring in the third quarter. Samford found a way to retain the edge and notched the victory relatively comfortably.

Alabama State (2-6) at Kennesaw State (4-4)

Red-hot Kennesaw State hosted the Alabama State Hornets in a closer than anticipated matchup. ASU blocked 2 punts in the first half to keep the game in reach, only down 14-7 at halftime. A Hornet TD tied the game in the 3rd quarter, and then Alabama State took a 21-14 lead late in the 4th. 3 missed field goals would end up haunting ASU, and KSU kept plugging away. The Owls scored a quick TD, forced a 3 and out, and hit a short field goal as time expired to break Hornet hearts. Kennesaw State remains in the thick of A-Sun contention after 4 straight victories.

Stetson (3-5) at Chattanooga (1-7)

It’s been a shady season thus far for the Chattanooga Mocs, but relief was found when the Stetson Hatters came to Finley Stadium. There was a slow start to the game, and Stetson scored first. But Chattanooga shone for the rest of the way and dominated the 2nd quarter. Stetson had no answer for the Mocs’ balanced offensive attack. In the end, it was Chattanooga running away with this contest.

Mercer (5-3) at Jacksonville (2-6)

Honestly, there’s not much to say about this one. Mercer took advantage and got on the board first. Jacksonville outgained the Bears, but couldn’t find a way to score any points. Mercer has quietly put together a decent season, and is still alive for the postseason.

Savannah State (3-5) at East Tennessee State (0-7)

Both Savannah State and ETSU have recently made coaching changes, and it has sparked an offensive explosion. The Bucs dominated early in the game, but Savannah State showed a lot of fight, turning the game into a toss-up at the end. ETSU survived the charge and held on. It’s safe to say that both programs are on the upswing, and it will be interesting to watch them in the last three weeks of the season.

Week 9 In Detail

Standings Snapshot

Alabama A&M’s loss muddies up the North, creating a tie for first with Samford that will be settled in week 10. Jacksonville State stays alive and is very well in the hunt for the division. After Florida A&M’s victory over Bethune-Cookman, Kennesaw State holds first place in the South, thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker over FAMU. This sets up a huge matchup in week 10 between Kennesaw State and Bethune-Cookman. Mercer still lurks one game behind the three 4-1 teams.

Week 10 Lookahead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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