Week 7 was another fun one in the most active FCS conference, as the division races slowly get clearer. We saw a major upset of one highly ranked team, while the division leaders quietly took care of business. First, the Game of the Week:

Samford (4-2, 3-0) at #21 Florida A&M (4-2, 2-1)

Atlantic Sun Game of the Week presented by Cookout ™

Both Samford and Florida A&M were relishing the spotlight, and they looked up to task in the first half. What looked to be a bitter battle went to halftime knotted at 14. According to sources, Coach Slowlow roused his squad with a spirited talk, and the Rattlers responded in a big way. The defense took the ball from Samford 3 times and the offense cashed in, allowing FAMU to roll to a huge 42-14 victory.

Savannah State (2-4, 1-2) at #5 Jacksonville State (5-1, 2-1)

Jacksonville State had been sitting pretty, with a top 5 ranking and an impressive resume. This matchup didn’t look great going in for Savannah State, as both teams love to sit on the ball for large stretches. The Tigers didn’t move the ball at all, but they didn’t have to, sneaking out to an early lead. The Gamecocks tried their hardest, but couldn’t get the upper hand fast enough, falling 17-14. This makes the middle of the North division muddy, with three 2-2 teams.

#3 Bethune-Cookman (6-0, 3-0) at Mercer (4-2, 2-1)

An interesting tilt between the dangerous Mercer Bears and the undefeated Bethune-Cookman Wildcats didn’t live up to the hype in Macon. B-C controlled the game from the start. The Wildcats aren’t much for style points, but they still hung 44 on the board and went back to Tallahassee still a national contender. Mercer falls to 2-2 in A-Sun play.

Chattanooga (1-5, 0-3) at Campbell (3-3, 1-2)

Chattanooga’s shining aspirations couldn’t escape the black cloud of shade in Week 7. The Campbell Camels jumped out to an early 20-0 lead, but the Mocs roared back with 28 straight points and led by 7 late in the 4th quarter. It looked dire for Campbell’s chances, but two quick, methodical touchdown drives sank the Mocs. Campbell gets back to .500 in conference and Chattanooga is still searching for answers.

Stetson (3-3, 1-2) at Kennesaw State (2-4, 2-1)

Kennesaw State’s first 5 drives of the game all resulted in touchdowns, and the Hatters responded by turning the ball over three times. It got ugly quick as the Owls ran away with a resounding 37-7 victory. This marks two consecutive blowout wins for KSU, a team that seems to be firing on all cylinders. Stetson now has fallen below .500 on the season.

Jacksonville (1-5, 0-3) at Alabama State (2-4, 0-3)

A slow slog of a game ends in heartbreak for Alabama State. Both teams were looking for their first conference win, and it was the Dolphins of Jacksonville who stole the victory away. JU staves off elimination and maintains a very small chance in the division.

East Tennessee State (0-5, 0-2) at Alabama A&M (4-2, 3-0)

ETSU fails to score for the second week in a row, as Alabama A&M widens the gap between it and the rest of the A-Sun North. After the no-show against the Bulldogs, ETSU administration swapped head coaches for the Bucs, and we will see if there is an improved squad for the rest of the season.

Standings Snapshot

With the Samford loss, Alabama A&M now stands alone at the top of the North. The 2-2 teams still have a shot, but it will take some help. Bethune-Cookman remains firmly seated on top of the South, with Kennesaw State surprisingly lurking one game back in second place. Florida A&M sits in third as a result of their head-to-head loss to KSU, but the Rattlers have proven themselves worthy of contention.

Week 8 Lookahead

Presbyterian (4-3) at Alabama A&M (5-2)

Alabama State (2-5) at Murray State (4-3)

Houston Baptist (3-4) at Bethune-Cookman (7-0)

Monmouth (5-2) at Campbell (4-3)

Holy Cross (4-3) at Chattanooga (1-6)

East Tennessee State (0-6) at Mississippi Valley State (4-3)

Dixie State (5-2) at Florida A&M (5-2)

Jacksonville (2-5) at San Diego (5-2)

Montana (3-4) at Jacksonville State (5-2)

Albany (2-5) at Kennesaw State (3-4)

The Citadel (4-3) at Mercer (4-3)

Northwestern State (5-2) at Samford (4-3)

Davidson (4-3) at Savannah State (3-4)

Stetson (3-4) at Incarnate Word (6-1)