ATLANTA — Conference play takes center stage as the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference moves into Week 2 of the 2026 football season with five games on Saturday, Sept. 12. The schedule features Central State traveling to Morehouse, Edward Waters visiting Miles in the Prince Hall Americanism Football Classic, Allen heading to Lane, Albany State traveling to Savannah State and Kentucky State meeting Clark Atlanta in Atlanta. With all five matchups featuring SIAC opponents, Saturday provides an early opportunity for teams to gain ground in the conference race as programs look to build momentum, rebound from early setbacks and establish themselves heading into the heart of the league schedule. Benedict is idle this week. The Week 2 slate also includes two games selected for ESPN+ — Kentucky State at Clark Atlanta and Central State at Morehouse.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12
Central State Marauders (0-2, 0-1 SIAC) at Morehouse Maroon Tigers (0-2, 0-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Location: B.T. Harvey Stadium — Atlanta, Ga.
Game: Den of Honor
Weather: Atlanta, Ga. Forecast
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Morehouse Live Stats
Series: Morehouse leads, 5-0 (since 2013)
Last Meeting: Morehouse 31, Central State 26 — Oct. 11, 2025
THE MATCHUP
Two teams searching for their first victory of the season meet in Atlanta as Central State visits Morehouse for an early-season SIAC matchup at B.T. Harvey Stadium. Both programs enter Saturday at 0-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play,but each showed encouraging offensive signs in Week 1.
Central State comes to Atlanta following a 48-26 loss at Grambling State. The Marauders fell behind 20-0 before beginning to find an offensive rhythm and eventually produced 386 yards of total offense, including 248 through the air and 138 on the ground. Central State scored 16 points in the fourth quarter and finished 3-for-3 in the red zone.
Quarterback Jackson Wasik continued to give the Marauders production through the air, completing 15-of-28 passes for 248 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while adding a rushing score. Running back Isaiah Thompson gave Central State its first 100-yard rushing performance of the season, gaining 106 yards on 15 carries.
Morehouse, meanwhile, dropped a 31-21 decision to Clark Atlanta in the ATL HBCU Labor Day Classic. The Maroon Tigers generated 348 yards, including 166 rushing, and controlled possession for 35:05. Morehouse also produced 24 first downs and converted four of five fourth-down attempts, but an interception, two missed field goals and two failed extra points helped prevent the Maroon Tigers from capitalizing fully on their opportunities.
Running back Chase DeVaughn provided Morehouse with its best individual performance of the afternoon, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. The Maroon Tigers will now try to translate that production into their first victory against a Central State defense that surrendered 644 yards, including 361 rushing, to Grambling.
The matchup also carries recent history. Morehouse has never lost to Central State in the five meetings contained in its official historical database, but last year's game was the closest since 2017, with the Maroon Tigers escaping Wilberforce with a 31-26 victory.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Central State —
QB Jackson Wasik
Wasik completed 15-of-28 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns without an interception against Grambling. He also rushed for a 15-yard fourth-quarter touchdown, giving him a hand in three of Central State's touchdowns.
Wasik's ability to generate explosive plays could be especially important against Morehouse. The Maroon Tigers did not record a sack against Clark Atlanta, while Wasik completed passes of 59 and 29 yards in Week 1 and helped Central State average 6.4 yards per offensive play.
Central State —
RB Isaiah Thompson
Thompson emerged as Central State's most productive runner against Grambling, carrying 15 times for 106 yards, an average of 7.1 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 31 yards.
Thompson gives Central State a potentially important counter to its passing attack against a Morehouse defense that allowed Clark Atlanta to rush for 171 yards.
Central State —
WR/KR Damon Griffin II
Griffin caught four passes for 88 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 59-yard reception, and was also productive in the return game. His four kickoff returns generated 115 yards, including a 37-yard return.
Griffin's ability to affect both field position and the passing game makes him one of Central State's most versatile weapons entering Week 2.
Morehouse —
RB Chase DeVaughn
DeVaughn was the centerpiece of the Morehouse offense against Clark Atlanta, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, an average of 9.5 yards per attempt. His touchdowns covered 30 and 10 yards.
He could have another opportunity for a productive afternoon against a Central State defense that surrendered 361 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns to Grambling.
Morehouse —
WR Jeremiah Gibson
Gibson led Morehouse with four receptions for 85 yards, averaging 21.3 yards per catch with a long reception of 43 yards.
His downfield ability could be important as Morehouse looks to create more explosive plays in the passing game after finishing with 182 passing yards and no passing touchdowns against Clark Atlanta.
Morehouse —
LB Sean Johnson
Johnson led the Morehouse defense with nine tackles, including seven solo stops, and added two tackles for loss against Clark Atlanta.
Johnson will be central to Morehouse's effort to contain Thompson on the ground while also dealing with a Central State offense that has shown the ability to attack vertically through Wasik.
BY THE NUMBERS
5-0 — Morehouse's record in the documented series against Central State dating to 2013.
192-102 — Morehouse's scoring advantage across the five documented meetings, an average score of approximately 38-20.
31-26 — Morehouse's victory at Central State last season, the closest game in the series since the Maroon Tigers' 35-33 victory in 2017.
2 — Points separating Morehouse and Central State in the 2017 meeting, the smallest margin in the documented series. Morehouse won 35-33.
34 — Largest margin in the series, coming in Morehouse's 43-9 victory at Soldier Field in 2014.
403 — Passing yards by Morehouse quarterback Monqavious Johnson in that 2014 victory, when the Maroon Tigers produced 522 yards of total offense.
386 — Central State's total offense against Grambling in Week 1, including 248 passing and 138 rushing.
248 — Passing yards by Central State quarterback Jackson Wasik against Grambling. He threw two touchdowns without an interception.
106 — Rushing yards by Isaiah Thompson on 15 carries against Grambling.
3-for-3 — Central State's red-zone scoring performance against Grambling.
2 — Interceptions recorded by Central State's defense against Grambling, both credited to Jaylen Burrell.
348 — Morehouse's total offense against Clark Atlanta, with 166 rushing and 182 passing.
105 — Rushing yards by Chase DeVaughn on only 11 carries against Clark Atlanta.
9.5 — DeVaughn's yards per carry in Week 1.
85 — Receiving yards by Jeremiah Gibson, including a 43-yard reception.
35:05 — Morehouse's time of possession against Clark Atlanta despite the 31-21 loss.
4-of-5 — Morehouse's fourth-down conversion performance against Clark Atlanta.
361 — Rushing yards surrendered by Central State to Grambling, which averaged 9.0 yards per carry and scored six rushing touchdowns.
WHAT TO WATCH
Can Morehouse exploit the matchup on the ground?
This may be the biggest storyline entering Saturday. DeVaughn averaged 9.5 yards per carry against Clark Atlanta, while Central State allowed Grambling to rush for 361 yards and six touchdowns. The Marauders surrendered scoring runs of 40, 75 and 58 yards. If Morehouse establishes DeVaughn early, it could take pressure off Scott and the passing game.
Central State's improving offensive balance.
The Marauders produced a 100-yard rusher and a 248-yard passer against Grambling. Thompson's emergence gives Morehouse more to defend than simply Wasik and the passing game. Central State averaged 6.4 yards per play despite the loss.
Can Morehouse turn possession into points?
The Maroon Tigers possessed the football for 35:05, ran 73 plays and generated 24 first downs against Clark Atlanta, yet scored only 21 points. They reached the red zone five times but scored on only three of those opportunities and made just one of three field-goal attempts.
Central State's explosive passing game.
Wasik has shown the ability to attack downfield, and Griffin, Avantae Burt and Nicholas Smith give him multiple targets. Against Grambling, Griffin caught an 88-yard total with a 59-yard reception, while Burt caught a 29-yard touchdown. Morehouse will need to limit explosive plays while improving a pass rush that did not record a sack against Clark Atlanta.
Which team handles urgency better?
Both teams are 0-2 and 0-1 in SIAC play. That gives this matchup added early-season importance as each seeks to avoid an 0-3 start and secure its first conference victory.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Morehouse held off Central State 31-26 on Oct. 11, 2025, at McPherson Memorial Stadium in Wilberforce.
The Maroon Tigers built a 17-6 halftime lead, but Central State made the game considerably tighter after the break. The Marauders scored 20 second-half points, including 14 in the third quarter, but Morehouse answered with a touchdown in each of the final two quarters to preserve the five-point victory.
Miles Scott passed for 158 yards for Morehouse, while Nicholas Woodford rushed for 95 yards. Central State quarterback Qeanu Campbell-Caldwell threw for 156 yards, while Dai'Vontay Young rushed for 68.
The victory extended Morehouse's documented winning streak against Central State to five games.
LAST TIME OUT — CENTRAL STATE
Central State fell 48-26 at Grambling State, dropping the Marauders to 0-2.
Grambling scored the game's first 20 points before Kenyon Gardner's 31-yard field goal put Central State on the board. Wasik then found Griffin for a 12-yard touchdown with 1:48 remaining in the first half, cutting the deficit to 27-10.
Central State continued fighting in the fourth quarter. Wasik scored on a 15-yard run before later connecting with Burt on a 29-yard touchdown, but Grambling answered both scores and finished with a 48-26 victory.
The Marauders produced 386 yards, with Wasik throwing for 248 yards and two scores and Thompson rushing for 106. Griffin finished with 88 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Burt added 53 yards and another score.
Defensively, Bishop Blakely led Central State with eight tackles, while Braylon West added seven. The Marauders also intercepted two passes.
LAST TIME OUT — MOREHOUSE
Morehouse fell 31-21 to Clark Atlanta in the ATL HBCU Labor Day Classic, dropping to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in the SIAC.
The Maroon Tigers trailed 7-0 before Davis Rowe connected on a 30-yard field goal and DeVaughn broke a 30-yard touchdown run to give Morehouse a 9-7 first-quarter lead. Clark Atlanta responded with 10 unanswered points in the second quarter and carried a 17-9 advantage into halftime.
Morehouse twice pulled within two points in the second half. Savion Red's six-yard touchdown made it 17-15, and DeVaughn's second touchdown cut CAU's advantage to 24-21 early in the fourth. Clark Atlanta answered with a 51-yard touchdown pass to Chry'shawn Sellers to produce the final margin.
DeVaughn rushed for 105 yards and two scores, Gibson caught four passes for 85 yards and Sean Johnson led the defense with nine tackles and two tackles for loss.
SERIES HISTORY
Morehouse's official opponent-history database documents five meetings with Central State from 2013 through 2025, with the Maroon Tigers holding a 5-0 advantage. The schools first met in the currently documented series in the 2013 Chicago Football Classic, when Morehouse won 42-20. They returned to Chicago and Soldier Field the following year, where Morehouse recorded the largest victory in the series, 43-9.
The series became significantly tighter in 2017, when Morehouse escaped with a 35-33 victory in Wilberforce. The Maroon Tigers then won 41-14 in Atlanta in 2018 before the series went dormant for seven seasons.
The programs renewed the matchup in 2025, with Morehouse winning 31-26 at Central State. Saturday therefore marks the sixth documented meeting, the first time since 2017-18 that the teams will play in consecutive seasons, and Central State's first trip to B.T. Harvey Stadium since 2018.
One historical note is worth making clear: Central State's current opponent-history page has not yet incorporated the 2025 game and lists only the four meetings from 2013-18, while Morehouse's database includes the 2025 result. Because Morehouse's current database is more complete, 5-0 is the appropriate documented series record entering Saturday.
SERIES RESULTS — SINCE 2013
2025 — Morehouse 31, Central State 26 — Wilberforce, Ohio
2018 — Morehouse 41, Central State 14 — Atlanta, Ga.
2017 — Morehouse 35, Central State 33 — Wilberforce, Ohio
2014 — Morehouse 43, Central State 9 — Chicago, Ill. (Soldier Field)
2013 — Morehouse 42, Central State 20 — Chicago, Ill.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12
Edward Waters Tigers (1-1, 0-0 SIAC) at Miles Golden Bears (0-2, 0-0 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. ET
Location: Sloan-Alumni Stadium — Fairfield, Ala.
Game: Prince Hall Americanism Football Classic
Weather: Fairfield, Ala. Forecast
Watch: SIAC Network
Live Stats: Miles Live Stats
Series: Tied, 2-2 (since 2019)
Last Meeting: Edward Waters 46, Miles 14 — Sept. 6, 2025
THE MATCHUP
Edward Waters and Miles open their 2026 SIAC schedules Saturday afternoon in Fairfield in a matchup between teams trying to rebound from Week 1 losses to Division I opponents.
Edward Waters enters at 1-1 after suffering a 66-14 loss at Jackson State in the HOPE Labor Day Classic. The Tigers were held to 231 yards of total offense after producing 426 yards and 42 points in their season-opening victory over Florida Memorial. Jackson State controlled the line of scrimmage, limiting Edward Waters to 48 rushing yards on 30 attempts while generating 704 yards of offense.
Despite the final score, Edward Waters moved the ball effectively on its opening possession. The Tigers drove from their own 7-yard line to the Jackson State 2 before being stopped on downs, a 90-yard march that included completions of 26 yards to Izaiah Jean-Baptiste, 21 to Jayden Pressey and 36 to Xavier Irvin.
Miles also enters looking for its first win after a 38-23 loss at Alabama A&M. The Golden Bears showed significant offensive improvement from Week 0, generating 329 yards, including 208 passing and 121 rushing. Miles trailed 31-7 in the third quarter before scoring 16 unanswered points to pull within 31-23, but Alabama A&M's fourth rushing touchdown ultimately helped put the game away.
Quarterback Brinley Vandiver was responsible for much of Miles' resurgence. He completed 26-of-39 passes for 208 yards without an interception and added 66 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Golden Bears finished with 21 first downs, possessed the football for 32:45 and did not commit a turnover.
Saturday also renews a series that has swung dramatically. Miles won the first two documented meetings in 2019 and 2021 by scores of 49-28 and 16-9. Edward Waters answered with a 22-16 win at Miles in 2022 before dominating last year's meeting 46-14 in Jacksonville.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Edward Waters —
WR Izaiah Jean-Baptiste
Jean-Baptiste remained Edward Waters' most productive receiver against Jackson State, catching four passes for 64 yards, including a 26-yard reception. He accounted for more than one-third of the Tigers' 183 passing yards.
Jean-Baptiste was especially important on Edward Waters' opening 90-yard drive, catching a 26-yard pass that helped move the Tigers out from deep in their own territory. After posting 140 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Week 0, his continued production makes him the primary downfield threat Miles must account for.
Edward Waters —
DB Dylan McCarthy
McCarthy supplied Edward Waters' biggest play of Week 1, intercepting a Jackson State pass and returning it 52 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter. The pick-six produced the Tigers' first points of the game.
His ability to create a turnover could become significant against a Miles offense that did not give the football away against Alabama A&M. For Edward Waters, generating short fields and defensive points would help take pressure off an offense looking to regain its Week 0 form.
Edward Waters —
LB Trevon French
French again led the Edward Waters defense, finishing with nine tackles against Jackson State. He has been one of the Tigers' most active defenders through the opening two weeks and will be especially important against Vandiver's ability to extend plays with his legs.
Miles rushed for 121 yards against Alabama A&M and Vandiver accounted for 66 of them, making French's discipline in the middle of the defense a key component of Saturday's matchup.
Miles —
QB Brinley Vandiver
Vandiver delivered his most complete performance of the young season against Alabama A&M. He completed 26-of-39 passes for 208 yards with no interceptions and rushed 11 times for 66 yards and two touchdowns.
That gave Vandiver 274 yards of total offense and two scores. His mobility could be particularly important against an Edward Waters defense that did not record a sack against Jackson State.
Miles —
WR Edward Osley
Osley emerged as Vandiver's most reliable target in Huntsville, catching a game-high nine passes for 64 yards. His nine receptions were more than twice as many as any other Miles receiver.
With Edward Waters likely focused on limiting explosive plays, Osley's ability to work underneath and keep the chains moving could play an important role in sustaining Miles possessions.
Miles —
LB Antonio White Jr.
White was the Golden Bears' leading tackler against Alabama A&M, recording 12 tackles, including seven solo stops.
Edward Waters struggled to establish the run against Jackson State but still has Johntarrious Thomas and quarterback Tavion Faulk as rushing threats. White will be central to Miles' effort to force the Tigers into predictable passing situations.
BY THE NUMBERS
2-2 — The documented series is tied through four meetings since 2019. Miles won the first two; Edward Waters has won the last two.
46-14 — Edward Waters' victory over Miles last season in Jacksonville, the largest margin of victory by either team in the documented series.
32 — Edward Waters' margin of victory in 2025.
49-28 — Miles' victory in the first documented meeting on Oct. 19, 2019.
16-9 — Miles' victory at Edward Waters in 2021, the lowest-scoring game in the series.
22-16 — Edward Waters' victory at Miles in 2022, its first win in the documented series.
2 — Consecutive Edward Waters victories in the series entering Saturday.
357-158 — Edward Waters' total-offense advantage over Miles in last season's 46-14 victory.
231 — Edward Waters' total offense against Jackson State in Week 1, with 183 passing and 48 rushing.
48 — Rushing yards by Edward Waters against Jackson State on 30 attempts, an average of 1.6 yards per carry.
64 — Receiving yards by Izaiah Jean-Baptiste on four receptions against Jackson State.
52 — Yards on Dylan McCarthy's interception return for a touchdown, Edward Waters' first score against Jackson State.
329 — Miles' total offense against Alabama A&M, a 97-yard improvement from the 232 yards it produced against Alcorn State in Week 0.
274 — Total offense accounted for by Vandiver against Alabama A&M — 208 passing and 66 rushing.
26 — Completions by Vandiver against Alabama A&M on 39 attempts, without an interception.
3 — Rushing touchdowns scored by Miles against Alabama A&M. Vandiver scored twice and Roderick Thomas added another.
0 — Miles turnovers against Alabama A&M. The Golden Bears neither threw an interception nor lost a fumble.
12 — Tackles by Miles linebacker Antonio White Jr. in Week 1.
704 — Total yards accumulated by Jackson State against Edward Waters, including 316 rushing and 388 passing.
WHAT TO WATCH
Can Miles carry its Week 1 offensive improvement into conference play?
The Golden Bears jumped from 232 total yards against Alcorn State in Week 0 to 329 against Alabama A&M. More importantly, Miles produced three sustained second-half scoring drives against the Bulldogs, including consecutive 75-yard touchdown marches.
Vandiver's legs against the Edward Waters front.
Vandiver's 66 rushing yards changed the dimension of the Miles offense. Edward Waters allowed Jackson State to rush for 316 yards and five touchdowns, and the Tigers did not record a sack. Vandiver does not have to duplicate Jackson State's production to affect the game; his ability to escape pressure and turn broken plays into first downs could be significant.
Can Edward Waters rediscover its explosive offense?
The Tigers scored 42 points in their opener but were held to 14 at Jackson State, with one touchdown coming from McCarthy's interception return. Faulk threw for 157 yards, Jean-Baptiste had 64 receiving yards and the Tigers averaged only 3.9 yards per offensive play.
Miles must improve against the run.
Alabama A&M rushed for 279 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 7.5 yards per attempt. Troy Bruce alone produced 145 yards and two touchdowns. Edward Waters managed only 48 rushing yards in Week 1, but Thomas has already demonstrated his ability to produce against Miles — he rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns in last season's meeting.
A clean game could favor Miles.
The Golden Bears committed no turnovers against Alabama A&M, while Vandiver has now gone through the first two games without throwing an interception. Edward Waters' McCarthy showed last week, however, how quickly a defensive takeaway can change a game with his 52-yard pick-six.
The series momentum has flipped.
Miles owned the first two meetings. Edward Waters owns the last two. Saturday gives one program the opportunity to take its first lead in the documented series.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Edward Waters delivered the most decisive performance in the series last season, defeating Miles 46-14 on Sept. 6, 2025, at Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium in Jacksonville.
The Tigers seized control almost immediately. A safety opened the scoring, Noah Bodden connected with Davari Morris for a 33-yard touchdown less than a minute later, and Johntarrious Thomas added a six-yard touchdown run to give Edward Waters a 16-0 first-quarter advantage. The Tigers led 23-7 at halftime.
Edward Waters then broke the game open in the third quarter. Bodden hit Brady Tillman for a 37-yard touchdown, another safety pushed the lead to 32-7, and Thomas broke a 38-yard touchdown run less than two minutes later. Edward Waters eventually led 39-7 before Miles scored its second touchdown.
The Tigers outgained Miles 357-158, held the Golden Bears to only 33 net rushing yards on 41 attempts and recorded four sacks. Bodden completed 15-of-25 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns, while Thomas rushed for 76 yards and two scores.
The 32-point victory gave Edward Waters its second consecutive win over Miles and evened the documented series at 2-2.
LAST TIME OUT — EDWARD WATERS
Edward Waters suffered its first loss of the season with a 66-14 setback at Jackson State in the HOPE Labor Day Classic.
The Tigers actually generated the game's first sustained scoring threat. Starting at their own 7, Edward Waters drove 90 yards in eight plays and reached the Jackson State 2, but the possession ended on downs. Jackson State responded with a 97-yard touchdown drive and ultimately scored 38 unanswered first-half points.
Jackson State led 38-0 at halftime and extended the margin to 52-0 before McCarthy intercepted a pass and returned it 52 yards for Edward Waters' first touchdown. Torey Morrison later added a 29-yard rushing touchdown with 3:35 remaining.
Faulk completed 11-of-26 passes for 157 yards without an interception. Jean-Baptiste caught four passes for 64 yards, while Xavier Irvin added two receptions for 55 yards. French and Mataye Youman shared the team lead with nine tackles apiece.
Edward Waters finished with 231 total yards, went 4-of-14 on third down and was held to 48 rushing yards. The Tigers' defense faced a Jackson State offense that produced 704 yards and scored on all eight of its red-zone opportunities.
LAST TIME OUT — MILES
Miles fell to 0-2 following a 38-23 loss at Alabama A&M in the Louis Crews Classic, but the Golden Bears showed considerable improvement from their season opener.
Alabama A&M built a 14-0 first-quarter advantage before Vandiver capped an eight-play, 80-yard drive with an eight-yard touchdown run. The Bulldogs pushed their lead to 31-7 early in the third quarter before Miles mounted its comeback.
Vandiver scored again on a four-yard run to finish an 11-play, 75-yard drive. Roderick Thomas then capped another 75-yard march with a three-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and a safety seven seconds later cut Alabama A&M's advantage to 38-23.
Vandiver finished with 208 passing yards, 66 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Lavarion Logan rushed for 44 yards on eight carries. Osley caught nine passes for 64 yards, and Antonio White Jr. led the defense with 12 tackles.
Miles finished with 329 yards, 21 first downs and a 32:45-27:15 advantage in time of possession. The Golden Bears also played turnover-free football but were hurt by 13 penalties for 119 yards and an Alabama A&M rushing attack that produced 279 yards.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12
Allen Yellow Jackets (1-1, 0-0 SIAC) at Lane Dragons (0-2, 0-0 SIAC)
Kickoff: 4 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. ET*
Location: Lane Field — Jackson, Tenn.
Game: "Our City. Our Team." Community Unity Kickoff
Weather: Jackson, Tenn. Forecast
Watch: SIAC Network
Live Stats: Lane Live Stats
Series: Tied, 1-1 (since 2018)
Last Meeting: Allen 29, Lane 21 — Sept. 13, 2025
THE MATCHUP
SIAC play begins for Allen and Lane on Saturday as the Yellow Jackets travel to Jackson for Lane's 2026 home opener and the third documented football meeting between the programs.
Allen enters at 1-1 following a dramatic 38-31 loss to Florida Memorial. The Yellow Jackets appeared to be in control after scoring 21 second-quarter points and carrying a 31-21 advantage into halftime, but Florida Memorial shut Allen out in the second half and scored the game's final 17 points. The Lions tied the game with 10:17 remaining before driving 92 yards for the winning touchdown with 1:12 left.
Despite the loss, Allen generated 404 yards of offense, including 252 passing and 152 rushing, and produced 23 first downs. The Yellow Jackets controlled possession for 33:42 and scored on five of seven red-zone opportunities.
Running back Javis Floyd Jr. provided one of the strongest individual performances of Week 1, rushing 22 times for 131 yards and adding four receptions, including a touchdown. Quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns, although Florida Memorial intercepted him twice.
Lane returns home at 0-2 after a 34-0 loss at Alabama State. The Dragons were held to 182 yards and were shut out for the first time this season, but the final score does not completely reflect several opportunities Lane created. The Dragons drove into Alabama State territory on their opening two possessions and later reached the Hornets' 5-yard line during a 10-play third-quarter drive, but came away without points.
Saturday presents an opportunity for both teams to reset as conference play begins. Allen must respond after surrendering a 10-point halftime advantage, while Lane needs to turn sustained possessions into points after reaching Alabama State territory multiple times without scoring. With the documented series tied and each program owning one victory, Week 2 also provides the winner an opportunity to take the series lead.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Allen —
RB Javis Floyd Jr.
Floyd was Allen's most productive offensive player against Florida Memorial, rushing 22 times for 131 yards, an average of 6.0 yards per carry. He also caught four passes for 11 yards and a touchdown, giving him 142 yards from scrimmage.
Floyd's ability to consistently move the chains could be particularly important against a Lane defense that held Alabama State to 278 total yards despite the 34-point final margin. Establishing Floyd early would also help Allen avoid putting the entire offensive burden on Upshaw.
Allen —
WR Deion Smith
Smith produced Allen's biggest plays in the passing game, catching three passes for 123 yards, including a 63-yard reception. He averaged an explosive 41.0 yards per catch and accounted for nearly half of Allen's 252 passing yards.
His ability to stretch Lane's secondary gives Allen a vertical dimension that could change field position quickly. Lane allowed only 128 passing yards to Alabama State, making Smith's matchup against the Dragons' secondary one of Saturday's most intriguing battles.
Allen —
DB Joseph King
King led the Allen defense with seven tackles, including six solo stops and a tackle for loss, while also breaking up a pass.
Lane has struggled to generate explosive offense through two weeks, but the Dragons showed on their opening possession against Alabama State that they can move the football when they stay ahead of the chains. King's tackling and ability to limit yards after contact will be important as Allen tries to keep Lane from finding an early rhythm.
Lane —
RB Makhi Watson
Watson was Lane's leading rusher against Alabama State, carrying 13 times for 46 yards. While those numbers were modest, he was the Dragons' most consistent traditional rushing option and helped Lane produce 89 rushing yards against a defense that recorded 13 tackles for loss.
Watson's production will be important against an Allen defense that surrendered 548 yards to Florida Memorial. If Lane can establish the run and avoid obvious passing situations, it could keep the Yellow Jackets' offense on the sideline.
Lane —
WR Rkisch Hyppolite
Hyppolyte supplied Lane's longest reception against Alabama State, hauling in a 29-yard pass from Crishon Overton on the Dragons' opening possession. That play helped Lane drive from its own 17 to Alabama State territory.
Allen allowed 432 passing yards and five touchdown passes to Florida Memorial, making Hyppolyte's ability to generate an explosive play especially significant. Lane needs more production through the air after finishing Week 1 with only 93 passing yards.
Lane —
DB Devonte' Huff
Huff led Lane with eight tackles, including three solo stops and five assists, against Alabama State.
Allen brings a much more productive offense into Jackson after totaling 404 yards against Florida Memorial. Huff and the Lane secondary will be challenged by Smith's big-play ability and an Allen passing game that has shown it can attack vertically.
BY THE NUMBERS
1-1 — Allen and Lane have split their two documented football meetings, according to the official opponent-history databases maintained by both schools.
2018 — The first documented meeting. Lane defeated Allen 13-3 at Lane Field in Jackson.
29-21 — Allen's victory over Lane last season in Columbia, evening the documented series.
8 — Allen's margin of victory in 2025.
10 — Lane's margin of victory in the first meeting, 13-3 in 2018.
50 — Combined points in last season's meeting, compared with only 16 in the 2018 matchup.
404 — Total yards produced by Allen against Florida Memorial in Week 1.
152 — Allen rushing yards against Florida Memorial, including 131 from Floyd.
142 — Floyd's yards from scrimmage against Florida Memorial — 131 rushing and 11 receiving.
123 — Receiving yards by Smith on only three receptions against Florida Memorial.
31-21 — Allen's halftime lead over Florida Memorial before being outscored 17-0 after intermission.
432 — Passing yards allowed by Allen against Florida Memorial, which completed 22-of-37 passes for five touchdowns.
182 — Lane's total offense against Alabama State — 89 rushing and 93 passing.
36:49 — Lane's time of possession against Alabama State. Despite possessing the ball nearly 14 minutes longer than the Hornets, the Dragons did not score.
14-13 — Lane actually held a 14-13 advantage in first downs over Alabama State despite the 34-0 final score.
0-for-2 — Lane's red-zone scoring against Alabama State.
5-for-7 — Allen's red-zone scoring against Florida Memorial.
13 — Tackles for loss recorded by Alabama State against Lane, totaling 60 lost yards.
4 — Sacks surrendered by Lane against Alabama State.
WHAT TO WATCH
Can Lane finish drives?
This may be the biggest question entering Saturday. Lane's first possession against Alabama State covered 53 yards and reached the Hornets' 30 before ending on downs. Its second possession covered another 53 yards before a missed 42-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Lane drove 52 yards to the Alabama State 5 and again turned the ball over on downs.
The Dragons possessed the ball for 36:49 and ran seven more offensive plays than Alabama State, yet scored zero points. Moving the ball was not the only problem; finishing possessions was.
Allen's second-half response.
The Yellow Jackets looked explosive in building a 31-21 halftime lead over Florida Memorial, scoring on three consecutive second-quarter touchdown drives. But Allen did not score after halftime. Florida Memorial erased the deficit with 17 unanswered points, including the winning touchdown with 1:12 remaining.
Floyd against Lane's front seven.
Floyd rushed for 131 yards at 6.0 yards per carry against Florida Memorial. Lane allowed only 150 rushing yards to Alabama State, but the Hornets scored three rushing touchdowns. If Floyd establishes himself early, Allen could create favorable opportunities for Upshaw and the passing game.
Can Lane exploit Allen's pass defense?
Florida Memorial quarterback David Buggs completed 21-of-36 passes for a staggering 420 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Lane produced only 93 passing yards at Alabama State, but the vulnerability is clear. The Dragons need Overton and their receivers to capitalize.
Protecting the quarterback.
Alabama State overwhelmed Lane's protection with 13 tackles for loss and four sacks. Allen did not record a sack against Florida Memorial, so Saturday presents an interesting strength-versus-weakness question: can Lane clean up its protection, or can Allen create pressure it was unable to generate last week?
Turnovers could swing a close series.
Allen threw two interceptions against Florida Memorial. Lane committed two turnovers against Alabama State — an interception and a lost fumble — and one directly set up a four-yard Alabama State touchdown drive.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Allen earned its first documented victory over Lane with a 29-21 win on Sept. 13, 2025, in Columbia, evening the series at 1-1.
The Yellow Jackets struck first with a safety and a one-yard Jamir Dismukes touchdown run to build a 9-0 first-quarter advantage. Lane answered with 13 points in the second quarter, but Allen carried a 15-13 lead into halftime.
Allen stretched its advantage in the second half and ultimately held off Lane, 29-21. Dismukes threw for 258 yards, while Fabian Duncan rushed for 121 yards and Marcus Fleming finished with 82 receiving yards. Lane quarterback Nick Billoups threw for 119 yards and also led the Dragons with 48 rushing yards.
The victory marked Allen's first win of the 2025 season and its first conference victory of the campaign. It also avenged the Yellow Jackets' 13-3 loss at Lane in the programs' first documented meeting seven years earlier.
LAST TIME OUT — ALLEN
Allen suffered its first loss of 2026 with a 38-31 setback against Florida Memorial.
The Yellow Jackets opened quickly, building a 10-0 first-quarter lead behind a 26-yard field goal and a three-yard touchdown run by Ja'Morian Phillips. Florida Memorial answered with consecutive touchdown passes before Allen exploded for 21 points in the second quarter.
Upshaw connected with Phillips for a three-yard touchdown, and Floyd caught an eight-yard touchdown with three seconds remaining before halftime as Allen carried a 31-21 lead into the locker room.
The second half belonged to Florida Memorial. The Lions pulled within three in the third quarter, tied the game at 31 on a 24-yard field goal with 10:17 remaining and then marched 92 yards in nine plays for the winning touchdown with 1:12 left.
Allen still finished with 404 yards, including 152 rushing. Floyd rushed for 131 yards, Smith caught three passes for 123 yards and Upshaw completed 18-of-38 attempts for 252 yards and two touchdowns.
The major concern was pass defense. Florida Memorial accumulated 548 total yards and 432 through the air, while Buggs threw five touchdown passes without an interception.
LAST TIME OUT — LANE
Lane dropped to 0-2 following a 34-0 loss at Alabama State.
The Dragons moved the football on their opening possession, driving 53 yards from their own 17 to the Alabama State 30 before turning the ball over on downs. Lane followed with a 14-play, 53-yard drive that reached the Alabama State 25, but Noah Hernandez's 42-yard field-goal attempt was unsuccessful.
Alabama State led 20-0 at halftime, but Lane created another opportunity immediately after the break. Frederick Lewis Jr. intercepted Andrew Body on the first play of Alabama State's second-half possession, giving the Dragons the football at their own 43. Lane then drove 52 yards to the Hornets' 5 before again being stopped on downs.
The Dragons finished with 182 yards, including 89 rushing and 93 passing. Overton completed 9-of-15 passes for 93 yards with one interception, while Watson rushed for 46 yards on 13 attempts. Hyppolyte and Tametrius Pogue each recorded 29 receiving yards.
Lane's defense limited Alabama State to only 278 total yards and 13 first downs, but field position and missed offensive opportunities proved costly. The Hornets scored 10 points on drives beginning at the Lane 11 and Lane 25 in the second quarter and later scored after taking possession at the Lane 4 following a fourth-quarter fumble.
SERIES RESULTS — SINCE 2018
2025 — Allen 29, Lane 21 — Columbia, S.C.
2018 — Lane 13, Allen 3 — Jackson, Tenn.
Documented series: Tied, 1-1
Points: Allen 32, Lane 34
Average combined score: 33.0 points per game
At Lane: Lane leads, 1-0
At Allen: Allen leads, 1-0
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12
Albany State Golden Rams (0-2, 0-0 SIAC) at Savannah State Tigers (0-1, 0-0 SIAC)
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Theodore A. Wright Stadium — Savannah, Ga.
Weather: Savannah, Ga. Forecast
Watch: SIAC Network
Live Stats: Savannah State Live Stats
Series: Albany State leads, 47-18-2
Last Meeting: Albany State 21, Savannah State 18 — Nov. 1, 2025
THE MATCHUP
One of the SIAC's oldest football rivalries returns Saturday evening as Albany State travels to Savannah State for the conference opener for both programs.
The Golden Rams enter Week 2 searching for their first victory after opening the season with consecutive nonconference losses. Albany State fell 20-7 at Florida A&M in Week 0 before dropping a 27-7 decision to Johnson C. Smith on Sunday in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic in Canton, Ohio.
Albany State struggled to establish offensive consistency against the Golden Bulls, finishing with 227 total yards, including 79 rushing and 148 passing. The Golden Rams were also hurt by four turnovers — three interceptions and one lost fumble — and converted only four of 15 third downs.
There were positives. Jaquan Graham continued to emerge as Albany State's primary big-play threat, catching four passes for 95 yards and the Golden Rams' only touchdown, while Jayden Threatts led the rushing attack with 43 yards on eight carries. Defensively, Albany State held Johnson C. Smith to 184 passing yards but surrendered 185 on the ground.
Savannah State enters at 0-1 after having an open date in Week 1. The Tigers last played on Aug. 29, when they suffered an 87-0 loss at FCS opponent South Carolina State. The Bulldogs led 21-0 after the first quarter and 52-0 at halftime.
Savannah State was limited to 117 total yards, including 75 rushing and 42 passing, while South Carolina State accumulated 627 yards and 32 first downs. The Tigers also committed three turnovers.
The open week gave Savannah State additional time to regroup before its home opener and first SIAC contest. The Tigers now return to Theodore A. Wright Stadium against an Albany State team that will be playing on a short week after competing Sunday in Canton.
There is also recent evidence that this rivalry can produce tight finishes regardless of records. The last three meetings have been decided by three points, two points and three points, with Albany State winning two of those three.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Albany State —
WR Jaquan Graham
Graham was easily Albany State's most productive offensive weapon against Johnson C. Smith, catching four passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. His 23-yard touchdown reception from Vinson Berry with 11:31 remaining accounted for Albany State's only points, while his 28-yard long reception gave the Golden Rams one of their few explosive plays.
Graham accounted for nearly two-thirds of Albany State's 148 passing yards. Against a Savannah State defense that surrendered 627 yards in its opener, getting the football to Graham in space should be a priority.
Albany State —
RB Jayden Threatts
Threatts led Albany State on the ground with 43 yards on eight carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt against Johnson C. Smith. He also caught one pass for three yards.
His role could increase significantly in Savannah. South Carolina State rushed for 423 yards and seven touchdowns against the Tigers, averaging 9.2 yards per attempt. Establishing Threatts and the running game would help Albany State avoid the obvious passing situations that contributed to its Week 1 turnover problems.
Albany State —
DB Ian Rembert
Rembert led Albany State with seven tackles, including five solo stops, against Johnson C. Smith.
The Golden Rams did not record a sack or force a turnover in Canton, making Rembert's consistency on the back end especially important. Savannah State is likely to emphasize ball security and manageable down-and-distance situations after its difficult opener.
Savannah State —
QB Fabian Walker
Walker provided Savannah State's most efficient rushing production in the opener, carrying twice for 16 yards, including a 17-yard run, and completing two of four passes for eight yards.
The Tigers used multiple players in the backfield and at quarterback against South Carolina State. Walker's versatility could provide an additional dimension as Savannah State searches for ways to generate explosive plays.
Savannah State —
RB Rodney Hill
Hill handled the largest workload in Savannah State's backfield, carrying 12 times for 12 yards and adding an eight-yard reception. The numbers were limited by South Carolina State's dominant front, but Hill remains notable because he received twice as many carries as any other Tiger in the opener.
Savannah State needs considerably more production on early downs Saturday. If Hill and the Tigers can establish the run, it would reduce the pressure on a passing attack that managed only 42 yards in Orangeburg.
Savannah State —
DB Cameron Leonard
Leonard led Savannah State defensively with seven tackles, including six solo stops, and added a pass breakup against South Carolina State.
Albany State has struggled offensively through two games but possesses a dangerous receiving threat in Graham. Leonard figures to play an important role in limiting explosive plays and forcing the Golden Rams to sustain drives.
BY THE NUMBERS
1932 — The year Albany State and Savannah State first met on the football field, according to Savannah State's official historical research.
47-18-2 — Albany State's reconstructed all-time series advantage entering Saturday. Savannah State's official 2023 preview listed Albany State ahead 45-17-2 entering the 65th meeting; the verified 2023-25 results bring the record to 47-18-2.
68 — Saturday is the 68th meeting when the official historical count through 2023 is carried forward through the 2024 and 2025 games.
21-18 — Albany State's victory in the most recent meeting on Nov. 1, 2025.
3 — Points separating the teams in last season's meeting.
9 — Total points separating Albany State and Savannah State over their last three meetings. Albany State won 15-12 in 2023, Savannah State won 28-26 in 2024 and Albany State won 21-18 in 2025.
2-1 — Albany State's record over those three tightly contested games.
35-19 — Savannah State's 2019 victory over Albany State at Theodore A. Wright Stadium, the Tigers' largest win over the Golden Rams in the modern digital history.
30-0 — Albany State's 2021 victory, its largest margin over Savannah State in the current digital opponent-history database.
227 — Albany State's total offense against Johnson C. Smith — 79 rushing and 148 passing.
95 — Receiving yards by Graham against Johnson C. Smith, accounting for 64.2 percent of Albany State's passing yardage.
4 — Albany State turnovers against Johnson C. Smith: three interceptions and one lost fumble.
117 — Savannah State's total offense in its season opener at South Carolina State.
423 — Rushing yards allowed by Savannah State against South Carolina State.
11-for-11 — South Carolina State converted all 11 of its red-zone opportunities against Savannah State.
12,000 — Attendance for Savannah State's opener at South Carolina State.
0-2 — Albany State's start to 2026 after losses to Florida A&M and Johnson C. Smith.
14 — Days between games for Savannah State after its Sept. 5 open date.
6 — Days between games for Albany State, which played Johnson C. Smith on Sunday, Sept. 6, before Saturday's trip to Savannah.
WHAT TO WATCH
Can Albany State establish the run?
This matchup presents an obvious opportunity for the Golden Rams to get their ground game going. Albany State managed only 79 rushing yards on 27 attempts against Johnson C. Smith, but Savannah State surrendered 423 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns to South Carolina State.
Threatts averaged 5.4 yards per carry last week. A productive ground game would help Albany State stay out of third-and-long situations and take pressure off a passing attack that threw three interceptions.
Savannah State's response after the open week.
Few teams receive a more immediate opportunity to reset than Savannah State has had. The Tigers had two weeks between games following the 87-0 loss at South Carolina State. Saturday is their home opener, conference opener and rivalry game. How much improvement Savannah State can make after the open date will be one of the game's central storylines.
Albany State's quarterback situation and ball security.
Three Golden Rams attempted passes against Johnson C. Smith. Jeffery Davis completed 6-of-9 for 79 yards, Vinson Berry went 5-of-17 for 41 yards with a touchdown and interception, while Xavier Irizarry completed one of six attempts for 28 yards with two interceptions.
Regardless of who receives the majority of snaps Saturday, Albany State must protect the football. The Golden Rams turned it over four times against JCSU, including a fumble on their opening possession.
Can Savannah State generate explosive offense?
The Tigers' longest pass against South Carolina State went for only 14 yards, while their longest run covered 17. They finished with six first downs and averaged just 2.1 yards per offensive play.
Savannah State does not necessarily need a high-scoring performance to make this competitive, but it must find a way to flip field position and generate chunk plays.
Graham versus the Savannah State secondary.
Graham has become Albany State's most consistent downfield threat. He produced 95 of the Golden Rams' 148 passing yards against JCSU and scored their only touchdown. If Savannah State commits extra defenders to slowing Albany State's running game, Graham could see opportunities in single coverage.
Recent rivalry history says expect a fight.
The current records favor neither side, but the recent series deserves attention. Since Savannah State returned to SIAC competition, several meetings have been competitive, and the last three were decided 15-12, 28-26 and 21-18.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Albany State survived a late Savannah State rally to earn a 21-18 victory on Nov. 1, 2025, at the Albany State University Coliseum. The victory improved the Golden Rams to 8-1 overall and 7-0 in SIAC play and clinched the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for the 2025 SIAC Football Championship Game.
Albany State built a 14-3 halftime advantage, but Savannah State pulled within 14-10 on Joseph Hampton's three-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The Golden Rams answered with another touchdown to stretch the margin to 21-10.
Savannah State refused to go away. David Gardner Jr. scored on a five-yard run in the fourth quarter and RaShawn Truell connected with TaDarius Vaughn on the two-point conversion, trimming the deficit to 21-18. The Tigers got additional opportunities after forcing an Albany State stop, but one possession ended on downs and another ended with an interception as the Golden Rams escaped with the three-point victory.
It was the third consecutive meeting decided by three points or fewer.
LAST TIME OUT — ALBANY STATE
Albany State fell to 0-2 following a 27-7 loss to Johnson C. Smith in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic in Canton.
Johnson C. Smith took a 3-0 first-quarter lead and steadily increased the margin, scoring 17 points in the second quarter to take a 20-0 halftime advantage. Fabian Duncan scored three rushing touchdowns for the Golden Bulls, including a 40-yard run early in the third quarter that made it 27-0.
Albany State finally broke through with 11:31 remaining when Berry connected with Graham for a 23-yard touchdown, completing a 10-play, 70-yard drive.
The Golden Rams finished with 227 yards and 12 first downs while converting four of 15 third-down attempts. They were held to 79 rushing yards and committed four turnovers. Johnson C. Smith produced 369 yards, including 185 on the ground, and controlled possession for 33:51.
Graham was Albany State's offensive bright spot with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. Threatts rushed eight times for 43 yards, while Rembert led the defense with seven tackles.
LAST TIME OUT — SAVANNAH STATE
Savannah State was idle in Week 1. Its most recent game came Aug. 29 at South Carolina State, where the Tigers fell 87-0 in their season opener.
South Carolina State scored three first-quarter touchdowns and added 31 points in the second period to take a 52-0 halftime lead. The Bulldogs finished with 627 total yards and averaged 9.0 yards per offensive play.
Savannah State managed 117 yards — 75 rushing and 42 passing — with six first downs. The Tigers converted three of 15 third downs and committed three turnovers.
Christian Burks completed 5-of-14 passes for 34 yards with an interception, while Walker went 2-of-4 for eight yards. Hill received a team-high 12 carries, and Elijah Stephens led the receiving group with two catches for 18 yards.
Defensively, Leonard recorded a team-high seven tackles and a pass breakup, while Antonio Vazquez finished with five tackles and a tackle for loss.
Savannah State has not played since that night. Its Sept. 5 open date provided the Tigers two weeks to prepare for Albany State and their first home and conference game of 2026.
SERIES RESULTS — SINCE 2010
2025 — Albany State 21, Savannah State 18 — Albany, Ga.
2024 — Savannah State 28, Albany State 26 — Savannah, Ga.
2023 — Albany State 15, Savannah State 12 — Brunswick, Ga.
2022 — Albany State 31, Savannah State 20 — Savannah, Ga.
2021 — Albany State 30, Savannah State 0 — Albany, Ga.
2019 — Savannah State 35, Albany State 19 — Savannah, Ga.
2011 — Albany State 37, Savannah State 34 — Macon, Ga.
2010 — Albany State 28, Savannah State 14 — Waycross, Ga.
All-Time Series: Albany State leads, 47-18-2
First Meeting: 1932
Last three meetings: Albany State leads, 2-1, with all three decided by three points or fewer.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12
Kentucky State Thorobreds (1-1, 1-0 SIAC) at Clark Atlanta Panthers (1-1, 1-0 SIAC)
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
Location: CAU Panther Stadium — Atlanta, Ga.
Weather: Atlanta, Ga. Forecast
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Clark Atlanta Live Stats
Series: Kentucky State leads, 13-3
Last Meeting: Kentucky State 43, Clark Atlanta 28 — Nov. 1, 2025
THE MATCHUP
A pair of 1-1 teams with 1-0 SIAC records meet Saturday evening when Kentucky State visits Clark Atlanta for the Panthers' home opener at CAU Panther Stadium.
Kentucky State returns to conference competition after suffering a 34-15 road loss to Southern in Baton Rouge. Despite the 19-point defeat, the Thorobreds actually outgained the Jaguars 378-372 and threw for 245 yards. Kentucky State trailed 27-2 late in the third quarter before scoring two touchdowns in a span of 50 seconds to pull within 27-15.
The Thorobreds showed balance and explosiveness. Tristan Thomas rushed for a game-high 110 yards and also caught a 72-yard touchdown pass. Jaun Gainous completed 17-of-31 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, while Darius Cyprian caught eight passes for 77 yards. Defensively, Roman Hernandez led all players with 12 tackles.
Clark Atlanta enters with momentum after defeating Morehouse 31-21 in the ATL Labor Day Classic. The Panthers scored in every quarter, generated 394 yards of offense and did not commit a turnover.
Quarterback Xzavier Jackson was efficient, completing 13-of-22 passes for 223 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Dae'Jeaun Dennis supplied 104 rushing yards on 18 carries, while Chry'shawn Sellers caught four passes for 83 yards and both of Jackson's touchdown passes.
The matchup also carries an interesting recent history. Kentucky State has won the last three meetings, including a 43-28 victory last season, but Clark Atlanta enters Saturday with a more balanced offense than the one Kentucky State faced in 2025. The Panthers rushed for only 32 yards in last year's matchup; last week against Morehouse, they produced 171.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kentucky State —
RB Tristan Thomas
Thomas was Kentucky State's most productive player against Southern, rushing for a game-high 110 yards while also supplying the Thorobreds' biggest play of the night with a 72-yard touchdown reception from Gainous.
Thomas gives Kentucky State a multidimensional threat out of the backfield. Clark Atlanta allowed Morehouse to rush for 166 yards and three touchdowns last week, including 105 yards and two scores from Chase DeVaughn. Thomas' ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver makes him a central matchup concern for the Panthers.
Kentucky State —
WR Darius Cyprian
Cyprian led all receivers in Kentucky State's loss to Southern with eight receptions for 77 yards.
He also has significant history against Clark Atlanta. In last year's meeting, Cyprian exploded for 254 yards and three touchdowns on only six receptions, including touchdown catches of 80, 81 and 35 yards. That makes his matchup with the CAU secondary one of the most important individual battles Saturday.
Kentucky State —
LB Roman Hernandez
Hernandez led all players against Southern with 12 tackles, including eight solo stops and four assists.
Clark Atlanta is coming off its best rushing performance of the young season, and Hernandez will be central to Kentucky State's attempt to slow Dennis and a Panther ground attack that averaged 6.1 yards per carry against Morehouse.
Clark Atlanta —
QB Xzavier Jackson
Jackson delivered an efficient performance in Clark Atlanta's rivalry victory, completing 13-of-22 passes for 223 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
He was also highly productive the last time these teams met. Jackson threw for 425 yards and four touchdowns against Kentucky State in 2025, although the Panthers lost 43-28. Saturday gives him another opportunity against a Thorobred defense that Clark Atlanta successfully attacked through the air a year ago.
Clark Atlanta —
RB Dae'Jeaun Dennis
Dennis gave the Panthers the rushing presence they needed against Morehouse, carrying 18 times for 104 yards and averaging 5.8 yards per attempt.
His production could be one of the biggest differences between this matchup and the 2025 meeting. Clark Atlanta rushed for only 32 yards on 24 attempts against Kentucky State last season. If Dennis can force the Thorobreds to respect the run, Jackson should have more opportunities to attack downfield.
Clark Atlanta —
WR Chry'shawn Sellers
Sellers caught four passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns against Morehouse. His first score covered 14 yards, and his 51-yard touchdown with 11:40 remaining provided the final points in Clark Atlanta's 31-21 victory.
Sellers has now produced explosive touchdown receptions in consecutive weeks after opening the season with a 64-yard score at Grambling. His ability to stretch Kentucky State's secondary could be critical in a matchup that produced 84 passing attempts and nine passing touchdowns last season.
BY THE NUMBERS
13-3 — Kentucky State's advantage in the documented series against Clark Atlanta.
17 — Saturday will be the 17th documented meeting between the programs.
1998 — The first documented meeting. Kentucky State defeated Clark Atlanta 39-14 in Atlanta.
3 — Consecutive Kentucky State victories in the series entering Saturday.
8-2 — Kentucky State's record over the last 10 meetings.
7 — Kentucky State's longest winning streak in the series, spanning 2001 through 2007.
46-40 — Clark Atlanta's victory in 2000, the highest-scoring game in the documented series with 86 combined points.
43-28 — Kentucky State's victory in the most recent meeting on Nov. 1, 2025.
497 — Kentucky State's total offense in last season's victory over Clark Atlanta. The Thorobreds averaged an extraordinary 11.6 yards per play.
457 — Clark Atlanta's total offense in that same game, meaning the teams combined for 954 yards.
425 — Jackson's passing yards against Kentucky State last season.
254 — Cyprian's receiving yards against Clark Atlanta in 2025 on just six catches.
394 — Clark Atlanta's total offense in its Week 1 victory over Morehouse.
171 — Clark Atlanta rushing yards against Morehouse, a major improvement from the 32 yards the Panthers produced against Kentucky State last season.
223 — Jackson's passing yards against Morehouse, with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
104 — Dennis' rushing yards against Morehouse.
83 — Sellers' receiving yards against Morehouse, with two touchdowns.
378-372 — Kentucky State outgained Southern despite losing 34-15.
110 — Thomas' rushing yards against Southern.
72 — Length of Thomas' third-quarter touchdown reception against Southern.
12 — Tackles by Hernandez against Southern, the most by any player in the game.
0 — Clark Atlanta turnovers against Morehouse. The Panthers also did not throw an interception.
7.9 — Clark Atlanta's yards per offensive play against Morehouse.
WHAT TO WATCH
Can Clark Atlanta finally slow Cyprian?
This is the matchup that jumps off the page. Cyprian produced one of the most explosive receiving performances of the 2025 SIAC season against the Panthers, catching six passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. His scoring receptions covered 80, 81 and 35 yards.
He enters this year's game after catching eight passes against Southern. Clark Atlanta cannot allow the explosive vertical plays that decided last year's matchup.
Clark Atlanta's new-found rushing balance.
Last year's game was almost entirely a passing affair for the Panthers. CAU threw for 425 yards but managed only 32 rushing yards on 24 carries.
Against Morehouse, the Panthers were dramatically more balanced. Dennis rushed for 104 yards, Kelan Anderson added 49 yards and a touchdown, and Clark Atlanta finished with 171 rushing yards at 6.1 yards per attempt.
If that balance carries over, Kentucky State will face a much different offensive challenge.
Thomas versus the Clark Atlanta front.
Morehouse found success on the ground last week, rushing for 166 yards and three touchdowns. DeVaughn alone gained 105 yards and scored twice.
Now the Panthers face Thomas, who just rushed for 110 yards against Southern. Keeping Kentucky State out of favorable second- and third-down situations will be essential.
Explosive plays could decide it again.
Kentucky State's 43-28 victory last year featured touchdown passes of 80, 54, 36, 81 and 35 yards. Four of the Thorobreds' five touchdown passes covered at least 35 yards.
Clark Atlanta has its own big-play weapons. Sellers scored on a 51-yard reception against Morehouse after producing a 64-yard touchdown catch against Grambling in Week 0.
Turnovers and efficiency.
Clark Atlanta played clean football against Morehouse, committing zero turnovers while intercepting Miles Scott once.
That formula — protect the football, run efficiently and create one or two takeaways — gives the Panthers a much better opportunity to reverse their recent series history.
Two early SIAC contenders.
Both teams enter 1-0 in conference play. Kentucky State opened with a 41-14 conference victory over Central State before stepping outside the league against Southern, while Clark Atlanta earned its first conference victory by beating Morehouse.
That makes Saturday significant beyond the series: one team will leave Atlanta at 2-0 in SIAC play.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Kentucky State used a barrage of explosive passing plays to defeat Clark Atlanta 43-28 on Nov. 1, 2025, at Alumni Stadium in Frankfort.
The Thorobreds finished with 497 total yards, including 412 through the air, despite running only 43 offensive plays. Clark Atlanta actually accumulated 457 yards and 25 first downs but committed two turnovers.
Kentucky State struck first when Denim Johnson connected with Cyprian for an 80-yard touchdown. Johnson then found Jon McCall for scoring passes of 54 and 36 yards in the second quarter as the Thorobreds built a 29-10 halftime advantage.
The biggest blow came early in the third quarter. Johnson found Cyprian for an 81-yard touchdown, pushing Kentucky State's lead to 36-10. Clark Atlanta attempted to rally behind Jackson and Armone Harris, but Cyprian's 35-yard touchdown reception with 5:45 remaining effectively put the game away.
Johnson completed 16-of-21 passes for 392 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Cyprian caught six passes for 254 yards and three scores, while McCall added four receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
Jackson was outstanding in defeat, throwing for 425 yards and four touchdowns, while Harris caught 15 passes for 225 yards and four scores.
The victory was Kentucky State's third consecutive win over Clark Atlanta.
LAST TIME OUT — KENTUCKY STATE
Kentucky State suffered its first loss of 2026 with a 34-15 setback at Southern in the Pete Richardson Classic.
After a scoreless first quarter, Southern carried a 13-2 advantage into halftime and extended the margin to 27-2 midway through the third quarter. Kentucky State then produced its best stretch of the night.
Gainous connected with Thomas for a 72-yard touchdown with 2:30 remaining in the third. Kentucky State recovered the ensuing onside kick, and Gainous followed with consecutive completions to Jaden Hale, including a 15-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-15 with 1:40 left in the period.
Southern responded with a seven-play, 55-yard touchdown drive to produce the final 34-15 margin.
Kentucky State finished with 378 total yards, actually outgaining Southern's 372. The Thorobreds threw for 245 yards, while Thomas rushed for 110. Gainous completed 17-of-31 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, Cyprian caught eight passes for 77 yards and Hernandez recorded a game-high 12 tackles.
Special teams also provided a bright spot. Leland Gantz punted eight times for 384 yards, averaging 48.0 yards per punt with a long of 57 and five punts downed inside the 20.
LAST TIME OUT — CLARK ATLANTA
Clark Atlanta evened its record at 1-1 with a 31-21 victory over Morehouse in the ATL Labor Day Classic.
The Panthers struck quickly on Trayvon Pinder's six-yard touchdown run before Morehouse responded with nine consecutive points. Clark Atlanta regained control in the second quarter when Anderson broke a 39-yard touchdown run, followed later by a 24-yard Joseph Wright field goal that gave CAU a 17-9 halftime advantage.
Morehouse pulled within 17-15 in the third quarter before Jackson found Sellers for a 14-yard touchdown. The Maroon Tigers again closed within three, 24-21, early in the fourth quarter, but Jackson and Sellers answered one final time with a 51-yard touchdown that produced the final margin.
Clark Atlanta generated 394 yards on only 50 offensive plays, averaging 7.9 yards per snap. The Panthers rushed for 171 yards, threw for 223 and converted all three of their red-zone opportunities. Most importantly, they did not commit a turnover.
Jackson finished 13-of-22 for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Dennis rushed for 104 yards, while Sellers caught four passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Dwayne Mills Jr. led the Panthers with seven tackles, while Jaiden Cleveland and Sageny Horace recorded six apiece.
SERIES RESULTS — SINCE 1998
2025 — Kentucky State 43, Clark Atlanta 28 — Frankfort, Ky.
2023 — Kentucky State 34, Clark Atlanta 20 — Frankfort, Ky.
2019 — Kentucky State 35, Clark Atlanta 24 — Frankfort, Ky.
2010 — Clark Atlanta 19, Kentucky State 7 — Frankfort, Ky.
2009 — Kentucky State 31, Clark Atlanta 13 — Atlanta, Ga.
2008 — Clark Atlanta 28, Kentucky State 27
2007 — Kentucky State 30, Clark Atlanta 20 — Atlanta, Ga.
2006 — Kentucky State 22, Clark Atlanta 9
2005 — Kentucky State 25, Clark Atlanta 13 — Atlanta, Ga.
2004 — Kentucky State 37, Clark Atlanta 9
2003 — Kentucky State 35, Clark Atlanta 18 — Atlanta, Ga.
2002 — Kentucky State 30, Clark Atlanta 6
2001 — Kentucky State 23, Clark Atlanta 19 — Atlanta, Ga.
2000 — Clark Atlanta 46, Kentucky State 40 — Atlanta, Ga.
1999 — Kentucky State 38, Clark Atlanta 7 — Atlanta, Ga.
1998 — Kentucky State 39, Clark Atlanta 14 — Atlanta, Ga.
Series: Kentucky State leads, 13-3
First meeting: Sept. 19, 1998 — Kentucky State 39, Clark Atlanta 14
Last meeting: Nov. 1, 2025 — Kentucky State 43, Clark Atlanta 28
Current streak: Kentucky State, 3 wins
Kentucky State in Atlanta: 7-1
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men's and eight women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit
www.thesiac.com.