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The Side-Splitting Saga of HBCU Sports

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The uproarious world of HBCU sports, where every game day is filled with thrills, spills, and plenty of laughter. From the iconic halftime shows to the spirited mascots roaming the sidelines, the atmosphere is electric with excitement and anticipation. Join us as we take a closer look at some of the most memorable and hilarious moments from the sidelines and beyond.

Mascot Mayhem: The first stop on our journey through the side-splitting saga of HBCU sports takes us to the colorful world of mascots. These larger-than-life characters bring an extra dose of energy to every game, but they’re not immune to a little mischief themselves. Picture this: halftime at the annual rivalry game between Southern University and Grambling State University. As the bands take the field for their epic battle of the bands showdown, the mascots decide to join in on the fun. What ensues is a hilarious dance-off between the Southern Jaguar and the Grambling Tiger, complete with outrageous dance moves and plenty of laughs from the crowd.

Halftime Hijinks: No HBCU game day would be complete without the electrifying halftime shows that showcase the incredible talent and creativity of the marching bands. But sometimes, things don’t always go according to plan. Take, for example, the time when the drum major at North Carolina A&T State University accidentally tripped and fell during a high-stepping routine, only to bounce back with an impromptu breakdance session that had the entire stadium cheering. Or the moment when the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South attempted a daring formation that ended in a spectacular collision of tubas and trombones. Despite the occasional mishap, these halftime hijinks only add to the excitement and charm of HBCU sports.

Fan Frenzy: Of course, no game day experience would be complete without the passionate fans who live and breathe for their favorite teams. From the die-hard alumni who never miss a game to the enthusiastic students decked out in school colors, the stands are always buzzing with energy and excitement. But it’s not just the cheers and chants that make HBCU sports so special – it’s the camaraderie and sense of community that bring fans together, whether they’re celebrating a victory or consoling each other after a tough loss.

We bring our journey through the side-splitting saga of HBCU sports to a close, one thing is clear: whether it’s the spirited mascots, the unforgettable halftime shows, or the passionate fans in the stands, there’s never a dull moment when it comes to game day at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. So the next time you find yourself in the stands cheering on your favorite team, remember to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride – because you never know what hilarious moments might unfold before your eyes.

 

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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Bowie State Bulldogs 28, Lincoln University (PA) Lions 17 Lincoln, PA — Frank “Tick” Coleman Field

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Location: Lincoln University, PA
Date: November 8, 2025

Game Summary:
Bowie State closed their 2025 season with a strong 28–17 road victory over Lincoln University (PA). After falling behind 14–0 early, the Bulldogs stormed back behind quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who accounted for three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing.

Lincoln opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Rhyel Miles-Eubanks to Omarion Dupree, followed by a 1-yard TD run from Dexter Baptism to make it 14-0.

Bowie State responded before halftime when Witherspoon hit Xavier Belton on a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-7. In the second half, Witherspoon tied the game with a 4-yard rushing TD and later connected with Raymon Lewis for a 51-yard strike to give Bowie its first lead. Micah Robinson sealed the win with a 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.


📊 Team Stats

Category Bowie State Lincoln (PA)
Total Yards 312 389
Passing Yards 215 246
Rushing Yards 97 143
Turnovers 1 2
Time of Possession 30:48 29:12

Top Performers

  • Savion Witherspoon (BSU): 15/21, 215 YDS, 2 TD; 36 YDS rushing, 1 TD

  • Xavier Belton (BSU): 26-yard TD reception

  • Raymon Lewis (BSU): 51-yard TD reception

  • Micah Robinson (BSU): 42 YDS rushing, 1 TD

  • Samuel Graham (BSU): 13 tackles

  • Rhyel Miles-Eubanks (LIN): 22/36, 246 YDS, 1 TD

  • Omarion Dupree (LIN): 6 REC, 72 YDS, 1 TD


Final Record:
Bowie State finishes the 2025 season 3–7 overall (2–6 conference).
Lincoln (PA) closes out their campaign 0–10.

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DELAWARE STATE SURVIVES MORGAN STATE COMEBACK

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Final Score:
Delaware State Hornets 14 – Morgan State Bears 12
📍 Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, MD
🗓️ Friday, November 7, 2025
📺 ESPNU

In a tough MEAC battle under the Baltimore lights, Delaware State University held off a late surge from Morgan State to escape with a 14-12 victory.

Running back James Jones was the difference-maker, racking up 115 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, including a 68-yard dash in the first quarter that set the tone early.

The Hornets’ second score came in dramatic fashion — Jones fumbled at the goal line, but A. Francis recovered in the end zone for a Delaware State touchdown, giving them a 14-3 lead at the half.

Morgan State battled back with a pair of field goals from A. Amaya and a 67-yard touchdown run by Randall Nauden, but a failed two-point conversion left them short in the final minutes.

Defensively, Delaware State’s Jianni Woodson-Brooks led with 8 tackles, and Quincy Robinson added a clutch sack to help seal the win.

With the victory, Delaware State improves to 7-3 overall and 3-0 in MEAC play, staying firmly in the hunt for the conference title. Morgan State falls to 3-7 (0-3 MEAC) after a strong but incomplete comeback.

🔥 HBCU Original was on the ground capturing every moment — from the sideline intensity to the fan energy. Stay locked in for exclusive highlights, interviews, and all-access coverage from this MEAC rivalry matchup!

 

#HBCUOriginal #MEACFootball #DelState #MorganState #HBCUPride #CollegeFootball #DSU #MSU #HBCUSports #WeCoverTheCulture

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Coppin State Shows Fight in Season Opener Against Maryland at CFG Bank Arena

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BALTIMORE, MD — The Coppin State Eagles opened their 2025–26 men’s basketball season under the bright lights of CFG Bank Arena, taking on the University of Maryland Terrapins in a much-anticipated in-state showdown. Though the Eagles ultimately fell 83–61, the night was a showcase of heart, hustle, and promise for a young Coppin squad looking to make noise this season.

From the opening tip, Coppin came ready to compete. The Eagles matched Maryland’s energy early, trading baskets and pushing the pace behind Khali Horton, who led the way with 19 points, showing his ability to create shots and finish through contact. Coppin’s defensive intensity in the first half forced Maryland to work for every possession, keeping the game within reach before the Terps’ depth and size began to show.

By halftime, Maryland had built a 47–32 lead, powered by the hot shooting of Pharrel Payne and Darius Adams, who combined for 37 points. Still, Coppin refused to fold. Coming out of the break, the Eagles went on a 7-2 run sparked by Nhyier Bethea and Justin Winston, cutting the deficit and re-energizing the Baltimore crowd.

Throughout the second half, Coppin State continued to battle, showing flashes of what’s to come this season — active hands on defense, strong rebounding effort, and improved offensive movement. Head Coach Larry Stewart praised his team’s resilience, noting that early-season tests like this help build character and chemistry.

“We’re learning who we are,” Stewart said. “Playing a team like Maryland gives us the opportunity to see where we can grow, and I loved the effort our guys brought tonight.”

Maryland’s depth and shooting proved too much in the final stretch, but Coppin’s intensity and fight never wavered. Despite the scoreline, the Eagles’ energy on both ends of the floor stood out — a clear sign that this team plans to compete every night.

For fans and supporters, the game was more than just a season opener; it was a celebration of Maryland basketball and the continued rise of Coppin State’s program, representing Baltimore and the HBCU community with pride.

The Eagles return to action later this week, ready to build on the lessons learned from their season debut. With a roster filled with new faces and a commitment to growth, Coppin State’s future looks bright.


Final Score: Maryland 83, Coppin State 61
Top Performer: Khali Horton – 19 points
Next Up: Coppin State continues non-conference play before returning home to the PEC Center for their home opener.

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Elizabeth City State Stuns Bowie State 28–27 in Homecoming Heartbreaker

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BOWIE, Md. — On a crisp Homecoming Saturday at Bulldog Stadium, Bowie State seemed in full control — until the Elizabeth City State Vikings engineered one of the most dramatic comebacks of the CIAA season.

Trailing 27–7 midway through the third quarter, ECSU stormed back with 21 unanswered points, capped by a 19-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Navian Hilliard to Terrance Holland with 1:51 left, to edge the Bulldogs 28–27 in front of a stunned Bowie State crowd.

The loss overshadowed a career day from Bowie State quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who racked up 81 rushing yards, three touchdowns on the ground, and 139 yards passing, and a highlight defensive play by Tommie McKoy III, whose 97-yard interception return gave the Bulldogs a 20-point cushion late in the third quarter.

But the Vikings refused to fold.

Moments after McKoy’s pick-six, ECSU’s defense flipped the script. On 1st-and-10 from the Viking 13, Manuel Montout read Witherspoon perfectly and came away with a red-zone interception — a momentum-turning moment that swung the energy to the visiting sideline.

Hilliard quickly made the Bulldogs pay. Aided by consecutive penalties, the Vikings’ offense capitalized on a short field, as running back Traquan Johnson punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 27–14 with 3:00 remaining in the third quarter.

From there, ECSU’s defense tightened up. After forcing Bowie State to turn it over on downs, Hilliard connected with Joe Griffin for a 33-yard touchdown, slicing the score to 27–21 early in the fourth.

Then came the play that silenced the Homecoming crowd. On the ensuing kickoff, ECSU’s Shamar Sutton recovered a Bowie State fumble at the Bulldogs’ 29-yard line. Johnson again shouldered the load, setting up Hilliard’s 19-yard dart to Holland for the go-ahead score. Wyatt Jackson’s extra point gave ECSU its first lead, 28–27, with less than two minutes left.

Bowie State’s final drive reached midfield, but the Vikings’ defense held firm — sealing a statement road victory and spoiling the Bulldogs’ Homecoming celebration.


Top Performers

Bowie State (2–7, 1–6 CIAA)

  • Savion Witherspoon: 81 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs, 139 passing yards

  • Maximus Jones: 86 rushing yards on 22 carries

  • Tommie McKoy III: 97-yard interception return TD

Elizabeth City State (3–6, 3–3 CIAA)

  • Navian Hilliard: 198 passing yards, 2 TDs

  • Traquan Johnson: 2 total TDs (1 rushing, 1 receiving)

  • Manuel Montout: Red-zone interception that sparked comeback


Up Next

Bowie State will close its season on the road at Lincoln University (Pa.) next Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth City State returns home for Homecoming against Bluefield State, where a win would secure the Vikings’ best CIAA finish since 2013.

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Philadelphia: DeSean Jackson & Mike Vick Lead the Charge at the HBCU Football Classic

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PHILADELPHIA, PA — HBCU Original was live on the scene as the 2025 HBCU Football Classic brought the energy of the HBCU gridiron straight to Lincoln Financial Field. The matchup featured two Philadelphia legends — DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick — returning home as head coaches, leading Delaware State University and Norfolk State University in an unforgettable clash under the lights.

The crowd came early, the bands were loud, and the city showed up in full force. From the maroon and gold of Delaware State to the green and gold of Norfolk State, HBCU pride filled every corner of the stadium. It was more than football — it was a celebration of culture, community, and homegrown greatness.


The Game: Delaware State 27, Norfolk State 20

The action on the field didn’t disappoint. Delaware State’s balanced attack and fourth-quarter resilience lifted them over Norfolk State with a 27–20 victory.

Norfolk State quarterback Otto Kuhns showed off his arm early, connecting with wide receiver J.J. Evans for a 13-yard touchdown in the second quarter. But Delaware State responded — grinding the clock and leaning on the legs of running back James Jones, who powered through defenders for a 76-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.

Jones finished the night with over 120 rushing yards, while Kuhns threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns for Norfolk State. Delaware State’s defense sealed the win, forcing a late turnover and holding off a final Spartan drive as time expired.

The victory pushed Delaware State to 6–3 overall (2–0 MEAC), while Norfolk State fell to 1–8 (0–2 MEAC) — but both teams walked off to roaring cheers from an HBCU-filled stadium that understood this moment was about more than records.


Philly Legends, HBCU Pride

For DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, the game was more than a sideline duel — it was a full-circle moment. Both coaches, products of Philadelphia’s football culture and NFL greatness, used the platform to shine light on HBCU football and inspire the next generation.

“It’s about giving back, showing these players they belong on any field in America,” Jackson told local reporters postgame.

“The love we get from Philly and the HBCU community — that’s what this is all about,” added Vick.

Fans echoed that sentiment. Between drumlines, step shows, and chants from alumni, the day felt like a homecoming festival meets playoff atmosphere.


The Culture Lives Here

HBCU Original was there to capture it all — from the tailgate parties outside Lincoln Financial Field to the electric halftime performances that had the crowd on its feet. The event proved once again that HBCU sports bring a cultural heartbeat no other stage can match.

As the lights dimmed and fans poured out onto the streets of South Philly, one thing was clear:
This wasn’t just another football game — it was a movement of pride, purpose, and progress.


📸 Stay tuned for HBCU Original’s exclusive interviews, photo galleries, and behind-the-scenes coverage from the 2025 HBCU Football Classic in Philadelphia.

Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and hbcuoriginal.com for more highlights from across the HBCU Nation.

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