The college football season has reached Week 11, and fans of North Carolina’s teams can expect a day packed with rivalry match-ups, playoff possibilities and storylines that stretch across the state and beyond.
From bowl eligibility and conference titles to personal milestones and long-standing feuds, there’s plenty on the line. The action spans every level, with FBS, FCS, D2, D3 and NAIA programs representing the Old North State in high-stakes games across multiple conferences.
Whether you’re following the ACC “Big Four” clash between Duke and NC State, Western Carolina’s bid to stay in the SoCon playoff race, or Johnson C. Smith’s quest for a CIAA title-game berth, here’s a breakdown of today’s top matchups.
A full schedule of games can be found at the end of this guide, so you won’t miss any of the action:
FBS
Can Wolfpack get bowl eligible?
The only instate FBS game being played Saturday will see Duke (6-3) taking aim at NC State (5-4) in a Big Four ACC battle. Can Wolfpack freshman quarterback CJ Bailey keep cooking? Can NC State clinch a bowl berth? Is the winner of this game the best FBS team in our state right now? NCSU has announced that this is the 20th straight sell-out for Carter-Finley Stadium, an impressive streak for one of the best college atmospheres in the state.
FCS
Redshirt freshman will take reins for WCU once again
Taron Dickens earned National Freshman of the Week honors in his first-ever start as Western Carolina’s starting quarterback a week ago. Dickens threw for 400+ and five touchdowns, leading the Catamounts to an upset of Chattanooga. Dickens will be under center again as WCU travels to East Tennessee State for the Blue Ridge Border Battle.
The Catamounts (5-4, 4-1 SoCon) need this one not just for bragging rights but also to keep alive FCS playoff and SoCon championship hopes. East Tennessee State, led by former Gardner-Webb coach Tre Lamb, also is 5-4 overall, 3-2 in the league.
Elon seeks William & Mary upset trifecta
Coach Tony Trisciani’s team has had William & Mary’s number the past two seasons. The Phoenix knocked off the fifth-ranked Tribe 14-6 a year ago and rallied for a 35-31 triumph over then No. 14 William & Mary in 2022.
Elon is 3-6 and heading to Virginia for a 1 p.m. showdown against what is currently the No. 20 team in FCS. The Phoenix will seek to play giant-killer one more time.
—> READ MORE: Elon WR Chandler Brayboy electrifying in his final season
Davidson seeks put losing streak in rearview
The Wildcats have lost two straight and fallen out of the Pioneer Football League title chase. But the Wildcats could play spoiler against second-place Morehead State (4-1 PFL) with a home triumph.
Other FCS Games
- Eastern Illinois (2-7) at Gardner-Webb (3-6)
- North Carolina A&T (1-8) at Villanova (7-2)
- Richmond (7-2) at Campbell (3-6)
Division II
Johnson C. Smith plays its oldest rival with CIAA berth at stake
The Golden Bulls suffered their first loss a week ago, a 27-0 humbling by Fayetteville State. All is not lost, though, big picture. A win today at Livingstone puts JCSU in the conference title game against Virginia Union. Even a loss may not keep them out. Johnson C. Smith and Livingstone played what is regarded as the first HBCU football game in the late 1800s. The legacy for both schools continues.
Wingate looks to affirm top regional ranking
Valdosta State and West Alabama are ranked much higher than Wingate in the latest D2 Top 25 polls. But Wingate holds the top spot in this week’s Super Region 2 rankings, which reflect the view of a more important group of pundits – the playoff selection committee. The Bulldogs, with one of the best defenses in D2, aim to keep impressing when Newberry visits in the regular season finale.
Broncos hoping to be home(coming) wreckers
Fayetteville State spoiled Johnson C. Smith’s perfect season last week. On Saturday, the Broncos (4-4) will look to put the damper on Winston-Salem State’s homecoming. WSSU has a commanding 51-18-3 lead in the all-time series, but FSU has won the last four, including an overtime triumph in 2023.
A Winston-Salem State victory gives the Rams a seventh win for the season and keeps alive slim D2 playoff hopes.
Can UNC Pembroke’s high-octane offense chill Frostburg State?
The Braves (4-5) average nearly 40 points per game, including a 79-point outburst last week against West Virginia Wesleyan and 60+ in two other contests. UNCP’s video game offense will face one of the stingiest defenses in the Mountain East Conference in 6-3 Frostburg State (No. 1 in total defense, No. 2 in scoring defense).
Chowan seeks third win
Chowan football has been a sojourner the past two seasons, journeying from the CIAA toward a permanent home in Conference Carolinas in 2025. Life in the Gulf South Conference, home to some of the nation’s top D2 programs, has been tough. But this weekend brings a winnable home game for the Hawks (2-6), as Erskine (1-6) pays a visit to Murfreesboro. This will be a Conference Carolinas rivalry next fall.
Other D2 Games
- Barton (3-6) at Limestone (6-3)
- Elizabeth City State (2-7) at Bluefield State (1-8)
- Mars Hill (4-3) at Anderson (3-6)
- Lenoir-Rhyne (7-2) at Catawba (2-7)
Division III
Tornado watch issued for Rocky Mount
Brevard’s football team has been the most complete D3 team in our state this season, winning five of six conference games. The Tornados (5-2 overall) will head east to Rocky Mount to face North Carolina Wesleyan’s dynamic offense. The Battling Bishops (3-5) are riding a two-game win streak. Could be a busy day for the scoreboard operator.
Other D3 Games
- Maryville (6-1) at Greensboro (1-7)
- Guilford (3-5) at Averett (2-6)
NAIA
Can Knights end lengthy losing streak?
St. Andrews football last tasted victory on Oct. 8, 2022 – a one-point win over Union. The Knights are 0-7 this season. Will this be the week the lengthy losing skid finally ends?
Complete Week 11 Schedule
