Bethune-Cookman Loses in Playoffs, Tennessee State Narrowly Back to No. 1

After the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats were defeated in the NCAA Division I Playoffs, the Tennessee State Tigers return to the number one spot but with fewer votes. While the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions were open this weekend, they still earned an additional vote.

By Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil and guest Jasmine Oliver
Inside the HBCU Huddle Columnist
College Sporting News

Although their season is complete, The Tennessee State Tigers (8-3) jump back to No. 1, as the No. 2 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (9-3) fell to the Big South Champion Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (8-4) in opening round of the NCAA Division I playoffs. As a result of BCU’s loss, the door was left open for the Tennessee State Tigers.

The No. 3 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (9-2) and the No. 4 Jackson State Tigers (7-4) were open this past weekend. The two programs are champions of their respective SWAC Divisions and will face off in the SWAC Championship Game in Birmingham, Ala. on Dec. 8

With the loss of No. 6 Alabama State (7-4) to Dr. Cavil’s Mid-Major Division Poll Rankings No. 2 ranked NCAA Division II Tuskegee Golden Tigers (10-1) in the Turkey Day Classic, the North Carolina A&T State Aggies jumped to No. 5 although their season is complete. As a result, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs dropped to No. 7 as their season is finished also.

The rest of the teams towards the bottom of the poll remain the same from last week as their seasons are all complete. The Howard Bison are ranked No. 8 followed by No. 9 North Carolina Central Eagles and No. 10 Delaware State Hornets as they complete Week 13 of Dr. Cavil’s HBCU Major Football Top 10 Poll Rankings.



This week Dr. Cavil’s “HBCU Sports Top 10 Countdown” show on KCOH 1430AM radio (www.kcohradio.com) announced the Week 12 Poll Rankings.

The 10th Anniversary (2002-2012) of Dr. Cavil's HBCU Major Division Football Top 10 Poll Rankings
(Presented by Bert Simmons - State Farm Agent, 281.485.5572; powered by THG Agency, LLC - (The Heritage Group, www.thg-agency.com) & TSPNSports.com)

Name-Record-1PV-Points-PWR-Last Game-Next Game-(November 29- December 1)
1. Tennessee State Tigers-(8-3)-(4)-100-3-(Season Complete)
2. &-Bethune-Cookman Wildcats-(9-3)-(4)-99-1-(Lost to Coastal Carolina Chanticleers/Division I Playoffs,(24-14), Season Complete)
3. @-Arkansas at P. B. Golden Lions-(9-2)-(4)-98-2-(Did Not Play, Open)
4. %-Jackson State Tigers-(7-4)-93-4-(Did Not Play, Open)
5. N. C. A&T State Aggies-(7-4)-59-7-(Season Complete)
6. #-Alabama State Hornets-(7-4)-57-5-(Lost to DII-Tuskegee Golden Tigers,(27-25), Season Complete)
7. Alabama A & M Bulldogs-(7-4)-55-6-(Season Complete)
8. Howard Bison--(7-4)-32-8-(Season Complete)
9. N. C. Central Eagles-(6-5)-25-9-(Season Complete)
10. Delaware State Hornets-(6-5)-17-10-(Season Complete)
Dropped Out: N/A
Receiving Votes: N/A
PWR = Previous Week Ranking, 1PV = 1st Place Votes, LG = Last Game
# = (Alabama State Hornets) Dr. Cavil's 2011 HBCU Football Major Division National Champion
@ = SWAC Western Division Champion
% = SWAC Eastern Division Champion
& = MEAC Champion

Listen to Dr. Cavil’s “HBCU Sports Top 10 Countdown” show on KCOH 1430AM radio (www.kcohradio.com) announcing Dr. Cavil’s Top 10 Major Division weekly poll rankings at 6:00 p.m. and Dr. Cavil’s “Inside the HBCU Sports Lab” with Ryan McGinty and Mike Washington from 9-10:00 p.m. every Sunday also on KCOH.