ATLANTA — The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) football season moves into Week 5 on Saturday, October 3, with a six-game slate highlighted by a showdown between Kentucky State and Edward Waters, the conference’s two remaining unbeaten teams in SIAC play. Both enter the weekend at 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference, putting added significance on their meeting in Jacksonville as the SIAC race begins to take shape. Beyond the matchup at the top of the standings, Saturday’s schedule features several programs looking to strengthen their position in conference play, build on recent momentum or secure a key victory heading into the heart of October. The weekend also features one of HBCU football’s longstanding traditions as Morehouse and Tuskegee renew their historic rivalry in Montgomery. With all six games carrying conference implications, Week 5 provides an important early measuring point as the road toward the SIAC Football Championship continues.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Fort Valley State Wildcats (1-3, 0-2 SIAC) at Central State Marauders (2-3, 2-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: McPherson Stadium — Wilberforce, Ohio
Weather: Wilberforce, Ohio, Forecast
Watch: SIAC Network
Live Stats: Central State Live Stats
Series: Fort Valley State has won six of the seven meetings since 2016
Last Meeting: Central State 18, Fort Valley State 14 — Oct. 4, 2025, Fort Valley, Ga.
THE MATCHUP
Fort Valley State returns to SIAC play Saturday when the Wildcats travel to Wilberforce to face a Central State team carrying momentum from a dominant Week 4 performance. FVSU enters 1-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play, while Central State stands 2-3 overall and 2-1 in the SIAC.
Central State is coming off a 38-6 road victory over Lane, a game the Marauders essentially put away before halftime. CSU scored on five of its first eight possessions and built a 38-0 halftime advantage behind quarterback Jackson Wasik, who completed 11-of-17 passes for 187 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Central State finished with 358 yards while limiting Lane to 171.
Fort Valley State, meanwhile, is looking to rebound from a 49-7 loss at Division I West Georgia. The Wildcats were held to 174 yards, but the defense produced two interceptions and FVSU finally broke through offensively in the fourth quarter when Isaiah Nathaniel connected with Micheal Cabellero for a 17-yard touchdown.
Saturday's matchup features one of the conference's most productive offenses against a Fort Valley State team returning to the level of competition where it played two extremely close games before the trip to West Georgia. The Wildcats' two SIAC losses came by one point each — 24-23 against Tuskegee and 34-33 against Benedict.
Central State enters Week 5 leading the SIAC in total offense at 426.6 yards per game and passing offense at 297.6 yards per game, while averaging 32.4 points. Fort Valley State is averaging 336.8 yards and 20.0 points per game.
The matchup also carries a significant recent-series storyline. Fort Valley State controlled the series for years, winning six straight verified meetings from 2016 through 2022, before Central State ended that run with an 18-14 victory in Fort Valley last season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fort Valley State — RB Rodrick Payne
Payne did not have the rushing numbers he wanted against West Georgia, but he remained one of Fort Valley State's most involved offensive players. He carried 11 times for 23 yards and caught a team-high five passes for 28 yards, giving him 51 yards from scrimmage against the Wolves.
His season production makes him especially important this week. Payne enters Saturday with 209 rushing yards on 37 attempts, averaging 5.6 yards per carry with two touchdowns. He also has 70 receiving yards and 306 all-purpose yards.
The matchup could provide an opportunity for FVSU to reestablish Payne. Central State is allowing 226.2 rushing yards per game, the highest figure in the current SIAC statistics.
Fort Valley State — QB Don Hudson Jr.
Hudson did not start against West Georgia, with Isaiah Nathaniel handling most of the quarterback duties, but his season body of work keeps him among Fort Valley State's most important offensive players entering conference play.
Through four games, Hudson has completed 50-of-79 passes for 539 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 139 rushing yards and a touchdown. His 678 yards of total offense average 169.5 per game.
Whether FVSU turns back to Hudson, stays with Nathaniel or uses both quarterbacks will be one of Saturday's major offensive questions. Nathaniel completed 11-of-27 passes for 101 yards and the Wildcats' lone touchdown against West Georgia, while Hudson went 2-of-4 for 11 yards.
Fort Valley State — LB Malachi Kemp
Kemp was one of the bright spots for the Fort Valley State defense against West Georgia. He led the Wildcats with seven tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
That performance continued a productive start to his season. Kemp is averaging 1.17 tackles for loss per game, one of the highest rates in the current SIAC individual statistics, with 3.5 tackles for loss through his three appearances.
His ability to create pressure will be particularly important against Wasik, who was not sacked once by Lane last week and has directed the conference's most productive passing offense.
Central State — QB Jackson Wasik
Wasik enters Week 5 as one of the conference's most productive players after another explosive performance. He completed 11-of-17 passes for 187 yards and five touchdowns without an interception against Lane and added a team-high 53 rushing yards on four carries.
His five touchdown passes went to four different receivers: Nicholas Smith Jr., Khamari Adams, Stephen Hogan and Damon Griffin II, who caught two.
Wasik now leads the SIAC with 1,419 passing yards, 15 touchdown passes and 283.8 passing yards per game. His 189.7 passing-efficiency rating also underscores how productive he has been. Add 161 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Wasik leads the conference with 1,580 yards of total offense — 316.0 per game.
Central State — WR Damon Griffin II
Griffin was Wasik's primary target against Lane, catching six passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns. He scored from four yards midway through the second quarter and again from 11 yards with 1:04 remaining before halftime.
He also returned a kickoff 35 yards, giving Central State excellent starting field position on its opening possession.
Griffin's Week 4 production illustrates the depth of Central State's receiving corps. Fort Valley State cannot devote all of its coverage to one target because CSU has multiple receivers capable of producing explosive plays.
Central State — WR Nicholas Smith Jr.
Smith caught only one pass against Lane, but it went for a 19-yard touchdown on Central State's opening possession.
His season numbers explain why that single reception still matters. Smith has 16 catches for 308 yards and four touchdowns in four games, averaging 19.3 yards per reception and 77.0 receiving yards per game, one of the highest marks in the SIAC.
Smith already demonstrated his big-play ceiling earlier this season with a 232-yard, three-touchdown performance against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. With Fort Valley State allowing 238.0 passing yards per game, preventing Smith from creating explosive plays will be a major priority.
BY THE NUMBERS
6 — Consecutive verified Fort Valley State victories over Central State from 2016 through 2022 before the Marauders broke the streak last season.
18-14 — Central State's victory at Fort Valley State in 2025, ending FVSU's long run of success in the matchup.
4 — Interceptions forced by Central State against Fort Valley State in last year's meeting. The Marauders' defense scored twice in the victory.
77 — Points scored by Fort Valley State in its 77-34 victory at Central State in 2019, the highest total in the verified recent series.
426.6 — Central State's conference-leading total offense per game through Week 4.
297.6 — Central State's SIAC-leading passing yards per game.
1,419 — Wasik's passing yards through five games, the highest total in the current SIAC statistics.
15 — Wasik's touchdown passes through five games. He threw five of them against Lane last Saturday.
38 — Central State's first-half points against Lane. The Marauders scored 14 in the first quarter and 24 in the second.
358 — Central State's total offense against Lane despite possessing the ball for only 20:19.
171 — Total yards allowed by Central State against Lane, including only 86 passing yards.
226.2 — Rushing yards allowed per game by Central State, creating a potential opportunity for Fort Valley State despite CSU's dominant Week 4 defensive performance.
154.5 — Fort Valley State's rushing yards per game, one of the Wildcats' strongest offensive areas through four games.
5.6 — Payne's yards per carry through four games, with 209 yards on 37 attempts.
7 — Points scored by Fort Valley State at West Georgia, its lowest offensive output of the season.
174 — Fort Valley State's total yards against West Georgia.
2 — Interceptions by the FVSU defense against West Georgia. Ethan Jackson and Trent Jones recorded the takeaways.
147.4 — Fort Valley State's defensive passing-efficiency figure. The Wildcats have intercepted seven passes in four games, tied among the highest totals in the conference.
WHAT TO WATCH
Jackson Wasik against Fort Valley State's ball-hawking secondary.
Central State has built the conference's most productive passing offense around Wasik, who has thrown 15 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Fort Valley State, however, has intercepted seven passes in four games and picked off West Georgia twice last Saturday. That strength-on-strength matchup could determine whether Central State produces another explosive offensive afternoon.
Can Fort Valley State exploit CSU's run defense?
The numbers point to an obvious opportunity. FVSU averages 154.5 rushing yards per game, while Central State is surrendering a conference-high 226.2 rushing yards per contest. Payne averages 5.6 yards per carry, and Hudson has added 139 rushing yards from the quarterback position. Establishing the run could help Fort Valley State control possession and keep Wasik on the sideline.
Who takes the snaps for Fort Valley State?
Hudson has been the Wildcats' primary quarterback statistically this season, but Nathaniel handled 27 of FVSU's 31 pass attempts at West Georgia and threw the team's only touchdown. Whether FVSU returns to Hudson, continues with Nathaniel or employs both gives Saturday an important personnel storyline.
Central State's receiving depth creates problems.
Lane saw four different Marauders catch touchdown passes last week. Griffin had two scores, while Smith, Adams and Hogan each had one. Smith ranks among the SIAC's leading receivers with 308 yards and four touchdowns, while Avantae Burt has 287 yards and two scores. FVSU cannot simply remove one receiver and expect the passing game to disappear.
Can FVSU regain its offensive rhythm?
The Wildcats' 174 yards at West Georgia were a sharp departure from their previous conference game, when they scored 33 points against Benedict. West Georgia held FVSU to 62 rushing yards, 112 passing yards and 11 first downs. Returning to SIAC competition gives Fort Valley State an opportunity to reestablish the offense that made both of its first two conference games one-point contests.
Turnovers loom large after last year's meeting.
Central State's 2025 victory was fueled by four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. FVSU has thrown only two interceptions through four games this season, while Central State has forced five interceptions and five fumbles. Protecting the football will be critical for the Wildcats.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Central State 18, Fort Valley State 14 — Oct. 4, 2025
Central State snapped Fort Valley State's six-game winning streak in the verified recent series with an 18-14 victory at Wildcat Stadium during FVSU's Homecoming.
Fort Valley State struck first. After its defense forced an opening three-and-out, quarterback Jai'Que Hart directed a 35-yard touchdown drive and connected with Paul Burkly from 13 yards out. Central State answered with a one-yard touchdown run by Jaden Bossie, but FVSU added another first-quarter touchdown to take a 14-6 advantage.
The game then turned on defense. Central State forced four interceptions, and its defense scored twice as the Marauders erased the eight-point deficit. CSU scored six points in each of the first three quarters and kept Fort Valley State off the scoreboard over the final three periods.
The 18-14 victory was Central State's first verified win over Fort Valley State since at least 2016 and sent the Marauders into the 2026 meeting seeking consecutive victories in the series.
LAST TIME OUT — FORT VALLEY STATE
Fort Valley State suffered a 49-7 road loss to West Georgia at University Stadium at Ra-Lin Field in Carrollton. The game kicked off at 6:03 p.m. under sunny conditions before an announced crowd of 5,374.
West Georgia scored touchdowns on two of its first three possessions and built a 28-0 halftime lead. The Wolves extended the advantage to 42-0 in the third quarter before FVSU finally broke through early in the fourth.
Nathaniel connected with Cabellero for a 17-yard touchdown with 10:26 remaining, completing a four-play, 30-yard scoring drive.
Fort Valley State finished with 174 yards of total offense, including 62 rushing and 112 passing. The Wildcats recorded 11 first downs, converted 5-of-15 third downs and possessed the ball for 25:47.
Nathaniel completed 11-of-27 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. Cabellero led the rushing attack with 50 yards on 14 carries, while Payne had 23 rushing yards and caught five passes for 28 yards.
Defensively, Kemp recorded seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Ethan Jackson and Trent Jones intercepted passes as FVSU forced West Georgia quarterback Colton FitzGerald into one of his few mistakes during an otherwise productive afternoon.
LAST TIME OUT — CENTRAL STATE
Central State delivered its most complete performance of the season with a 38-6 victory over Lane at Lane Field in Jackson, Tennessee. The win improved the Marauders to 2-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
CSU wasted little time taking control. Wasik connected with Smith for a 19-yard touchdown less than three minutes into the game before finding Adams for a 38-yard score to make it 14-0.
The second quarter became an offensive avalanche. Wasik hit Hogan for a 46-yard touchdown, Griffin for scoring receptions of four and 11 yards, and Kofi Adubofuor added a 40-yard field goal. Central State carried a commanding 38-0 advantage into halftime.
The Marauders finished with 358 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per play. CSU rushed for 130 yards and threw for 228 while converting five of 10 third downs.
Wasik accounted for 240 yards of offense in limited work — 187 passing and 53 rushing — and threw five touchdowns without an interception. Griffin caught six passes for 81 yards and two scores, Hogan had 60 yards and a touchdown, and Adams' lone reception went 38 yards for a score.
Central State's defense held Lane to 171 yards and 10 first downs, recorded 12 tackles for loss and two sacks, and forced two turnovers. Jonathan Spikes led the defense with 11 tackles, while Bishop Blakely added six tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Clark Atlanta Panthers (1-4, 1-2 SIAC) at Benedict Tigers (3-1, 1-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium — Columbia, S.C.
Weather: Columbia, S.C., Forecast
Watch: SIAC Network
Live Stats: Benedict Live Stats
Series: Benedict leads 15-7-1 in Benedict's official series records dating to 1955
Last Meeting: Benedict 59, Clark Atlanta 24 — Sept. 27, 2025, Atlanta, Ga.
THE MATCHUP
Two SIAC programs trying to rebound from Week 4 losses meet Saturday afternoon in Columbia, but they arrive there with very different statistical profiles.
Clark Atlanta enters at 1-4 after a 32-10 home loss to Warner. The Panthers actually ran the ball effectively, producing 150 rushing yards on 32 attempts, but were held to only 60 passing yards and 210 yards of total offense. Most damaging was CAU's inability to sustain drives: the Panthers finished 0-for-9 on third down and possessed the football for only 24:38.
Benedict suffered its first loss of the season in a 20-17 road setback against Tuskegee. The Tigers produced 389 yards of offense, including 178 rushing and 211 passing, and converted 9-of-15 third downs, but two Jett Peddy interceptions and missed scoring opportunities proved costly. Benedict reached the red zone five times but came away with points on only three of those possessions.
The broader SIAC numbers create one of Week 5's more interesting contrasts. Benedict enters averaging 417.8 yards per game, while Clark Atlanta is producing 238.6. Benedict also owns the conference's top rushing offense at 207.8 yards per game, while CAU is averaging 118.8 on the ground.
There is also considerable history behind this matchup. Benedict's records trace the series to 1955 and show the Tigers holding a 15-7-1 advantage, including six consecutive victories.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Clark Atlanta — RB Kelan Anderson
Anderson was easily CAU's most productive offensive player against Warner, rushing 14 times for 104 yards, including a 37-yard run, for a season-best 7.4 yards per carry.
His performance also strengthened his standing among the conference's rushers. Anderson enters Week 5 with 55 carries for 291 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt and 72.8 yards per game.
His matchup Saturday is particularly important because Benedict has allowed 198.3 rushing yards per game through four contests. If CAU is going to control possession and keep Benedict's offense off the field, Anderson figures to be central to that plan.
Clark Atlanta — WR/KR Chry'shawn Sellers
Sellers remains CAU's most versatile offensive and special-teams weapon. Against Warner, he caught three passes for 14 yards and returned four kickoffs for 73 yards, giving him 87 combined receiving and return yards.
His season numbers tell the larger story. Sellers has 21 receptions for 272 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 296 kickoff-return yards and 54 punt-return yards. His 625 all-purpose yards — 125.0 per game — are among the top totals in the SIAC.
Benedict will have to account for him in multiple phases, particularly if Clark Atlanta can manufacture field position through its return game.
Clark Atlanta — LB Eric Searcy
Searcy continues to anchor the Panthers defensively. He recorded a game-high 10 tackles against Warner, nine of them solo.
Through five games, Searcy has accumulated 39 total tackles — 28 solo and 11 assisted — for 7.8 tackles per game, placing him among the SIAC's leading tacklers. He also has a sack this season.
His ability to diagnose the run will be critical against a Benedict offense averaging more than 200 rushing yards per game.
Benedict — RB Christopher Johnson
Johnson supplied Benedict's biggest rushing plays against Tuskegee, carrying nine times for 76 yards and a touchdown, an average of 8.4 yards per carry. His 24-yard run late in the third quarter moved Benedict to the Tuskegee 2, and he finished the drive with a two-yard touchdown on the opening snap of the fourth quarter to give the Tigers a 17-13 lead.
For the season, Johnson has 23 carries for 175 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an impressive 7.6 yards per attempt.
That explosiveness could become particularly important against a Clark Atlanta defense surrendering 191.4 rushing yards per game.
Benedict — WR TJ Hatch
Hatch was Peddy's leading target against Tuskegee, catching five passes for 95 yards. His night included a 56-yard reception that moved Benedict from its own 41 to the Tuskegee 3 and set up Jayson Salkey's third-quarter touchdown.
Hatch enters Saturday with 12 receptions for 244 yards and a touchdown, averaging an eye-catching 20.3 yards per reception and 61.0 receiving yards per game.
Against a CAU defense allowing 224.2 passing yards per game, Hatch gives Benedict a legitimate vertical threat.
Benedict — DB Caleb Edwards
Edwards led Benedict defensively against Tuskegee with seven tackles, including six solo stops.
The performance increased his season total to 25 tackles, including 18 solo, for 6.3 tackles per game.
With Clark Atlanta likely looking for ways to get Anderson established and Sellers involved in space, Edwards' tackling from the secondary could be especially important.
BY THE NUMBERS
15-7-1 — Benedict's advantage in its official series history against Clark Atlanta dating to the programs' first recorded meeting in 1955.
6 — Consecutive victories by Benedict over Clark Atlanta entering Saturday. The streak began with a 14-3 win in 2017 and continued through last year's 59-24 victory.
59 — Points Benedict scored against Clark Atlanta in 2025, the Tigers' largest victory margin in the recorded series.
417.8 — Benedict's average total offense through four games, compared with 238.6 for Clark Atlanta.
207.8 — Benedict's conference-leading rushing yards per game entering Week 5.
47.5% — Benedict's third-down conversion rate this season. The Tigers are 28-of-59, while Clark Atlanta is 14-of-59 (23.7%).
0-for-9 — Clark Atlanta's third-down performance against Warner.
104 — Rushing yards for CAU's Kelan Anderson against Warner, his first 100-yard outing reflected in the Week 4 box score.
125.0 — All-purpose yards per game for CAU's Chry'shawn Sellers, who has accumulated 625 yards through five games.
389 — Total offensive yards for Benedict in its three-point loss at Tuskegee.
178 — Benedict rushing yards against Tuskegee, with Christopher Johnson, A'chean Durant and David Smith combining for 166.
3 — Interceptions recorded by Benedict's defense against Tuskegee.
186.8 — Passing yards allowed per game by Benedict, one of the stronger marks in the SIAC through four games.
31.8 — Points allowed per game by Clark Atlanta through five contests, compared with 20.8 for Benedict.
1955 — The year of the first matchup listed in Benedict's historical database. That contest finished in a 20-20 tie.
WHAT TO WATCH
Can Clark Atlanta turn its running success into points?
The final score against Warner obscures one encouraging development for CAU: the Panthers ran for 150 yards at 4.7 yards per carry. Anderson gained 104 and Trayvon Pinder added 72 on 10 carries.
The problem was finishing drives. CAU produced only 14 first downs and went 0-for-9 on third down. Against a Benedict team converting nearly half of its own third downs, repeatedly giving possession back could become costly.
Benedict's ground game against CAU's run defense
This may be the defining statistical matchup. Benedict enters averaging a conference-best 207.8 rushing yards per game, while CAU is surrendering 191.4 rushing yards per contest.
Benedict also has multiple options. David Smith has 332 rushing yards at 7.2 yards per carry, while Christopher Johnson has 175 at 7.6 per attempt.
Explosive plays in Benedict's passing game
Jett Peddy completed only 15 of 35 attempts at Tuskegee, but he still threw for 211 yards, including completions of 56 yards to Hatch and 47 to Johnny Arneus Jr.
Peddy has 833 passing yards and five touchdowns through four games, while Hatch is averaging more than 20 yards per reception.
Turnovers
Benedict intercepted Tuskegee three times and recovered a fumble, but Peddy also threw two interceptions of his own. Clark Atlanta threw an interception against Warner that Kelson Meance returned 62 yards for a touchdown, turning a 10-3 game into a two-score deficit shortly before halftime.
A similar defensive or special-teams swing could dramatically alter Saturday's game.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Benedict 59, Clark Atlanta 24 — September 27, 2025
The 2025 meeting produced the most decisive Benedict victory in the documented series.
Benedict scored 21 first-quarter points and added 14 more in the second to carry a 35-24 halftime advantage. Clark Atlanta did not score again after halftime, while Benedict added 24 unanswered points to finish the 59-24 victory in Atlanta.
The 35-point margin is listed by Benedict as its largest victory over Clark Atlanta in the series.
Saturday will mark the first meeting in Columbia since October 29, 2022, when Benedict defeated CAU 49-20.
LAST TIME OUT — CLARK ATLANTA
Clark Atlanta fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter and never fully recovered.
Cedric Oglesby's 30-yard field goal cut the deficit to 10-3 in the second quarter, but Warner answered with a 62-yard interception return for a touchdown. CAU later mounted a seven-play, 90-yard touchdown drive, capped by Xzavier Jackson's five-yard scoring pass to Kenyata Smith, to pull within 17-10 late in the third. Warner immediately responded with a 75-yard touchdown pass just 11 seconds later and eventually pulled away, 32-10.
CAU finished with 210 yards, including 150 rushing, but managed only 60 passing yards. Anderson's 104 rushing yards were the offensive highlight, while Searcy led the defense with 10 tackles.
LAST TIME OUT — BENEDICT
Benedict's first loss of 2026 came down to the closing minutes. After trailing 6-3 at halftime, Benedict opened the second half with an eight-play, 87-yard touchdown drive, capped by Peddy's three-yard touchdown pass to Jayson Salkey. Christopher Johnson later scored from two yards out to give Benedict a 17-13 lead with 14:56 remaining.
Tuskegee reclaimed the lead on Khalib Johnson's 31-yard touchdown pass to Preston Parker with 5:53 remaining. Benedict drove from its own 25 to the Tuskegee 10 on its final possession before an interception ended the comeback bid.
Benedict nevertheless finished with 389 yards, converted 9-of-15 third downs and forced five Tuskegee turnovers — three interceptions and two lost fumbles.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Kentucky State Thorobreds (4-1, 3-0 SIAC) at Edward Waters Tigers (4-1, 3-0 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium — Jacksonville, Fla.
Game: High School Day / Breast Cancer Awareness
Weather: Jacksonville, Fla., Forecast
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Edward Waters Live Stats
Series: Kentucky State leads the documented series, 3-0, with meetings in 2019, 2021 and 2025
Last Meeting: Kentucky State 42, Edward Waters 14 — Oct. 11, 2025, Frankfort, Ky.
THE MATCHUP
Something has to give Saturday afternoon in Jacksonville when Kentucky State and Edward Waters put identical 4-1 overall and 3-0 SIAC records on the line. The two programs sit together atop the conference standings entering Week 5.
Kentucky State arrives riding a three-game winning streak after earning a 24-16 road victory over Albany State, the Thorobreds' first win over the Golden Rams since 2003. KSU produced 406 yards of offense, including 303 through the air, while its defense limited Albany State to 246 yards and recorded five sacks.
Edward Waters has also won three straight, most recently holding off Morehouse for a 46-38 road victory. The Tigers built a commanding 46-10 advantage late in the third quarter before Morehouse scored the game's final 28 points. EWU finished with 469 yards of offense, including 296 passing and 173 rushing, while scoring four rushing touchdowns and two through the air.
The matchup brings together the SIAC's No. 2 and No. 4 offenses in total yardage. Kentucky State is averaging 418.6 yards per game, while Edward Waters averages 405.6. The teams are also among the league's most productive passing attacks: EWU ranks second at 293.8 passing yards per game, followed immediately by Kentucky State at 280.4.
The largest statistical separation comes on defense. Kentucky State leads the SIAC in both scoring defense at 16.8 points per game and total defense at 307.0 yards per game. Edward Waters, meanwhile, leads the conference in scoring offense at 37.4 points per game.
Saturday therefore presents one of the clearest strength-on-strength matchups of the conference season: the SIAC's highest-scoring offense against its stingiest scoring defense.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kentucky State — WR Darius Cyprian
Cyprian continued his outstanding start against Albany State, catching a team-high six passes for 96 yards, including a 38-yard reception.
Those numbers reinforced his position among the SIAC's most productive receivers. Cyprian enters Week 5 with 33 receptions for 480 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.6 catches and 96.0 receiving yards per game. He ranks second in the conference in receiving yards per game, narrowly behind Edward Waters' Izaiah Jean-Baptiste at 96.6.
That creates an intriguing individual storyline Saturday: two of the SIAC's most productive receivers will be on opposite sidelines.
Kentucky State — RB Zaiden Foster
Foster gave Kentucky State an efficient rushing presence against Albany State, carrying 10 times for 68 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt. His five-yard score early in the third quarter extended Kentucky State's lead to 21-10.
Foster's production was particularly important because Kentucky State's offense did not have to rely exclusively on its passing game. The Thorobreds ran for 103 yards despite Albany State recording two sacks for 29 yards.
Edward Waters allows 136.6 rushing yards per game, while Kentucky State averages 138.2 on the ground. Establishing Foster and the running game could help KSU control the tempo against an EWU offense capable of scoring quickly.
Kentucky State — DL Carlos Bazert Jr.
Bazert delivered one of the best defensive performances of Week 4. He recorded six tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks as Kentucky State repeatedly disrupted Albany State's backfield.
His season numbers place him among the conference's premier disruptive defenders. Bazert has 5.5 tackles for loss through five games and leads the SIAC with four sacks.
His matchup with Edward Waters quarterback Tavion Faulk could be pivotal. Faulk has been one of the SIAC's most productive quarterbacks, so Kentucky State's ability to create pressure without compromising coverage will be a major factor.
EDWARD WATERS
Edward Waters — QB Tavion Faulk
Faulk produced one of the conference's top individual performances last week. He completed 17-of-22 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns without an interception and rushed 10 times for 40 yards and two more scores. He accounted for 334 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in the 46-38 win.
Through five games, Faulk has completed 85-of-139 passes for 1,412 yards and 14 touchdowns against only two interceptions. His 282.4 passing yards per game rank second in the SIAC, and his 176.8 efficiency rating is also among the league's best.
Add 105 rushing yards, and Faulk has generated 1,517 yards of total offense — 303.4 per game, second only to Central State's Jackson Wasik in the conference.
Edward Waters — WR Xavier Irvin
Irvin was Edward Waters' leading receiver against Morehouse, catching five passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. His 30-yard scoring reception from Faulk in the third quarter extended the Tigers' lead to 39-10.
Irvin enters Week 5 with 13 receptions for 293 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an explosive 22.5 yards per catch and 58.6 receiving yards per game.
His big-play ability will challenge a Kentucky State defense that has been the conference's best overall unit through five games.
Edward Waters — LB Trevon French
French continued his outstanding season by leading Edward Waters with eight solo tackles and a tackle for loss against Morehouse.
More importantly, French enters Saturday as the SIAC's leading tackler. Through five games he has 57 total tackles — 25 solo and 32 assisted — for an average of 11.4 tackles per game. He has also recorded four tackles for loss.
Against a Kentucky State offense averaging 418.6 yards per game and capable of attacking through both the run and pass, French's ability to limit yards after contact and keep explosive plays from becoming touchdowns will be essential.
BY THE NUMBERS
3-0 — Both Kentucky State and Edward Waters enter Saturday undefeated in SIAC play, making this a matchup between two teams tied atop the conference standings.
3-0 — Kentucky State's record in the three documented meetings with Edward Waters in the Thorobreds' official opponent-history database, covering 2019 through 2025.
418.6 — Kentucky State's total offense per game, second in the SIAC.
405.6 — Edward Waters' total offense per game, fourth in the conference.
37.4 — Edward Waters' SIAC-leading scoring average through five games.
16.8 — Kentucky State's conference-leading scoring defense. The Thorobreds have surrendered only 84 points through five games.
307.0 — Total yards allowed per game by Kentucky State, the best mark in the SIAC entering Week 5.
293.8 / 280.4 — Passing yards per game for Edward Waters and Kentucky State, respectively, ranking second and third in the conference.
303 — Kentucky State's passing yards in its 24-16 victory over Albany State. The Thorobreds completed 22-of-32 attempts without an interception.
5 — Sacks recorded by Kentucky State against Albany State. Bazert had two, Micheal Daniels had two and Elijah Henderson added another.
469 — Edward Waters' total offense in its 46-38 victory at Morehouse.
334 — Total offense produced by Faulk against Morehouse: 294 passing and 40 rushing.
96.6 / 96.0 — Receiving yards per game for EWU's Izaiah Jean-Baptiste and KSU's Darius Cyprian, the top two marks in the current SIAC receiving statistics.
11.4 — Tackles per game for Edward Waters' Trevon French, the highest average in the conference.
626 — Rushing yards produced by Kentucky State in its 76-36 victory at Edward Waters in 2021, an extraordinary average of 12.0 yards per carry.
WHAT TO WATCH
The SIAC's top scoring offense against its top scoring defense
This is the matchup within the matchup. Edward Waters leads the conference at 37.4 points per game, while Kentucky State allows just 16.8.
EWU has scored at least 36 points in four of its five games, including 55 against Savannah State and 46 against Morehouse. Kentucky State, meanwhile, has held three straight opponents to 17 points or fewer.
Can Kentucky State pressure Tavion Faulk?
Kentucky State's front was outstanding against Albany State. The Thorobreds registered nine tackles for loss and five sacks, with Bazert and Daniels recording two sacks apiece.
Faulk has thrown 14 touchdown passes against only two interceptions, so simply waiting for him to make mistakes has not been an effective strategy. Kentucky State may have to create those mistakes with pressure.
Edward Waters' explosive passing game against KSU's secondary
Edward Waters averages 293.8 passing yards per game, and Faulk has multiple weapons. Jean-Baptiste leads the conference at 96.6 receiving yards per game, Irvin averages 22.5 yards per catch, and Tylon Williams adds another 44.4 receiving yards per contest.
Kentucky State, however, has allowed only 189.2 passing yards per game as part of the conference's top-ranked total defense.
Kentucky State's two-quarterback production
Kentucky State received effective play from both Denim Johnson and Juan Gainous against Albany State. Gainous completed 14-of-18 for 178 yards, while Johnson went 8-of-14 for 125 yards and a touchdown. Together they finished 22-of-32 for 303 yards without an interception.
The ability to change quarterbacks without sacrificing production gives the Thorobreds another dimension for Edward Waters to prepare for.
Possession and third downs
Kentucky State leads the SIAC in average possession time at 32:47 and converts 45.6 percent of its third downs. Edward Waters averages only 28:24 of possession and converts 39.7 percent.
Against an explosive EWU offense, Kentucky State's ability to string together long drives could serve two purposes — producing points while limiting Faulk's possessions.
Can Edward Waters finish after building a lead?
The Tigers were dominant for nearly three quarters against Morehouse, building a 46-10 lead with 1:18 left in the third, but Morehouse scored 28 unanswered points to make it 46-38.
Against a Kentucky State team that has won three consecutive games and owns the conference's strongest defense statistically, EWU may not have the same margin for a late-game lapse.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Kentucky State 42, Edward Waters 14 — October 11, 2025
Kentucky State controlled last season's meeting in Frankfort, defeating Edward Waters 42-14 during the Thorobreds' Homecoming.
The Thorobreds produced 509 yards of total offense, including 252 rushing and 257 passing, while holding Edward Waters to 292 total yards. Kentucky State also controlled the chains with 25 first downs to EWU's 15.
Running back Chad Elzy Jr. powered the KSU attack with 154 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Jaylen Middleton added 58 yards and another score. Quarterbacks Torrence Bardell and Denim Johnson combined for 252 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The victory was Kentucky State's third in the three meetings documented by its official opponent-history database and continued a series in which the Thorobreds have scored at least 42 points in each documented matchup.
LAST TIME OUT — KENTUCKY STATE
Kentucky State earned a significant road victory last Saturday, defeating Albany State 24-16 to improve to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in SIAC play. The win was KSU's first over Albany State since 2003.
After Albany State scored first, Johnson answered with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Aiyo’n Carter to tie the game at seven. Juan Gainous then scored from one yard out to give Kentucky State a 14-7 first-quarter advantage.
Foster's five-yard touchdown run pushed the margin to 21-10 in the third quarter. Albany State pulled within 21-16 early in the fourth, but KSU responded with its most important possession of the afternoon — a 15-play, 60-yard drive that consumed 8:03 and ended with Leland Gantz's 33-yard field goal.
Kentucky State finished with 406 yards, 19 first downs and 303 passing yards while converting 6-of-13 third downs. The Thorobreds' defense limited Albany State to 246 yards, including only 81 rushing, and recorded five sacks.
Cyprian caught six passes for 96 yards, Foster rushed for 68 and a touchdown, and Bazert led a disruptive defensive front with three tackles for loss and two sacks.
LAST TIME OUT — EDWARD WATERS
Edward Waters extended its winning streak to three games with a 46-38 victory at Morehouse, improving to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in SIAC play.
After Morehouse took an early 3-0 lead, Johntarrious Thomas scored on a five-yard run and Faulk added touchdown runs of 14 and two yards. Aykenon Rodgers then intercepted a pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown with 24 seconds left in the first half, sending EWU to halftime with a 26-10 advantage.
Edward Waters exploded again in the third quarter. Camren Stewart scored from one yard out before Faulk connected with Irvin for a 30-yard touchdown and Kyron Burroughs for a 16-yard score, extending the lead to 46-10.
Morehouse responded with 28 unanswered points, but EWU held on for the eight-point victory. The Tigers finished with 469 yards of offense, including 296 passing and 173 rushing, while averaging 6.9 yards per play.
Faulk accounted for four touchdowns and 334 yards of offense. Thomas rushed for 77 yards and a score, Irvin caught five passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, and French led the defense with eight tackles.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Lane Dragons (0-5, 0-3 SIAC) at Miles Golden Bears (2-3, 2-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT / 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Sloan-Alumni Stadium — Fairfield, Ala.
Game: Miles College Homecoming
Weather: Fairfield, Ala., Forecast
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Miles Live Stats
Series: Miles leads the documented series, 13-2, since 2010
Last Meeting: Miles 23, Lane 13 — Oct. 11, 2025, Jackson, Tenn.
THE MATCHUP
Miles returns home with momentum after rallying for a 25-17 road victory over Savannah State, its second consecutive win following an 0-3 start. The Golden Bears trailed 14-3 during the second quarter and 17-12 in the third before scoring the game's final 13 points.
Lane is searching for its first victory after falling 38-6 to Central State last Saturday in Jackson. Central State built a 38-0 halftime advantage before Lane put together a 75-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter. The Dragons finished with 171 yards of offense, including 85 rushing and 86 passing.
The matchup features two teams that have produced similar defensive numbers but very different offensive results through five weeks. Miles averages 285.8 yards and 20.4 points per game, while Lane averages 200.0 yards and 3.2 points. Defensively, however, Miles allows 336.6 yards per game and Lane 336.0 — virtually identical marks.
The Golden Bears also bring a significant historical advantage into Homecoming. Miles' official opponent-history database documents a 13-2 record against Lane since 2010, including wins in each of the last three meetings and victories in six of seven documented home games.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lane — RB John Christian III
Christian continued to serve as the focal point of Lane's ground game against Central State, carrying 17 times for 48 yards while also catching one pass.
For the season, Christian has rushed 57 times for 242 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry and a team-high 48.4 rushing yards per game. He has also contributed in the return game, giving him 348 all-purpose yards through five games.
Lane needs more offensive consistency, and establishing Christian against a Miles defense allowing 138.4 rushing yards per game could be one avenue toward sustaining drives.
Lane — QB Donovon Morton
Morton provided Lane's only touchdown against Central State. He completed 5-of-10 passes for 41 yards and carried three times for 12 yards, scoring on a 10-yard third-quarter run to finish a nine-play, 75-yard drive.
Lane has split quarterback work, with Crishon Overton also seeing significant snaps. The Dragons have struggled through the air as a team, completing 44-of-105 passes for 466 yards, one touchdown and eight interceptions through five games.
Morton's mobility gives Lane another element, particularly if Miles' pass rush forces the quarterback out of the pocket.
Lane — LB Jeremiah Malbroue
Malbroue filled several columns of the stat sheet last week. He recorded five tackles, forced a fumble, broke up a pass and blocked an extra-point attempt against Central State.
His season production reinforces his importance to the defense. Malbroue has 28 total tackles through five games, averaging 5.6 per contest, placing him among Lane's leading defenders.
With Miles showing an increased willingness to play field-position football and lean on its defense and kicking game, Lane will need Malbroue and its defensive unit to create short fields for an offense still trying to find consistency.
Miles — QB Brinley Vandiver
Vandiver helped engineer another Miles comeback last week, completing 14-of-24 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown. His biggest throw came with 9:37 remaining when he connected with Jaiden Jones for an 18-yard touchdown that put Miles ahead 22-17.
Through five games, Vandiver has completed 74-of-121 passes for 743 yards and three touchdowns, completing 61.2 percent of his attempts and averaging 148.6 passing yards per game.
He also has considerable history against Lane. In last season's meeting, Vandiver threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns as Miles earned a 23-13 victory.
Miles — K Rourke Davis
Few players had a larger impact on Miles' Week 4 victory than Davis. He converted field goals from 42, 46, 29 and 26 yards, accounting for 12 of Miles' 25 points. His 46-yarder was his longest of the season.
Davis enters Week 5 as the SIAC leader with six made field goals on eight attempts, a 75-percent conversion rate, and his 28 kicking points are also the highest total in the conference.
That gives Miles an important scoring option in a matchup where Lane's defense has generally performed better than its 0-5 record might suggest.
Miles — DL Kingston Lowe
Lowe was one of the central figures in Miles' defensive effort at Savannah State, recording three tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Miles finished the night with six tackles for loss and three sacks.
Lowe enters Saturday tied among the SIAC leaders with six tackles for loss, including four sacks, through five games. His 1.2 tackles for loss per game ranks among the conference's best marks, and his four sacks are tied for the league lead.
Against a Lane offense averaging just 93.2 passing yards per game, Lowe's ability to create negative plays could make sustaining drives even more difficult for the Dragons.
BY THE NUMBERS
13-2 — Miles' record against Lane in its official opponent-history database dating to 2010.
3 straight — Miles has won the last three meetings: 37-24 in 2023, 42-32 in 2024 and 23-13 in 2025.
6-1 — Miles' documented home record against Lane. The Dragons' lone win in Fairfield during this series came in 2022, 35-32.
504 — Points scored by Miles in the 15 documented meetings, an average of 33.6 per game.
25-17 — Miles' Week 4 win at Savannah State. The Golden Bears overcame an 11-point first-half deficit and scored the final 13 points
4-for-4 — Davis' field-goal performance against Savannah State, connecting from 42, 46, 29 and 26 yards.
3 — Takeaways recorded by Miles against Savannah State: two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
336.6 / 336.0 — Total yards allowed per game by Miles and Lane, respectively. Despite the difference in their records, the teams are separated by only 0.6 yards per game defensively.
20.4 / 3.2 — Miles and Lane's respective scoring averages. Miles has scored 102 points through five games; Lane has scored 16.
93.2 — Lane's passing yards per game, the lowest mark in the SIAC entering Week 5.
8 — Interceptions thrown by Lane through five games, compared with just one passing touchdown.
4 — Sacks for Lowe through five games, tied for the SIAC lead.
171 — Lane's total offense against Central State, with 85 rushing yards and 86 passing yards. CSULC4
31:44 — Miles' time of possession against Savannah State. The Golden Bears controlled the ball for 9:47 of the fourth quarter while completing the comeback.
51-0 — Miles' largest documented victory in the series, coming at Lane in 2014.
WHAT TO WATCH
Can Miles continue its turnaround?
The Golden Bears opened the season with losses to Alcorn State, Alabama A&M and Edward Waters but have responded with consecutive conference victories over Clark Atlanta and Savannah State. Miles is now 2-1 in SIAC play, putting the Golden Bears back in the conference race.
Both victories required Miles to respond to adversity. The Golden Bears trailed Clark Atlanta 14-0 before scoring the game's final 27 points, then erased deficits of 14-3 and 17-12 at Savannah State.
Lane's offense against Miles' pressure
Lane has produced only 1,000 total yards through five games, averaging exactly 200.0 per contest, and has scored only two offensive touchdowns. The Dragons average 106.8 yards rushing and 93.2 passing.
Miles' defense comes off a game in which it recorded three sacks, six tackles for loss, two interceptions and a forced fumble against Savannah State.
Lowe will be a particular concern. His four sacks are tied for the conference lead, and he has already generated six tackles for loss.
Can Lane's defense keep the Dragons within striking distance?
Lane's overall record does not tell the entire story defensively. The Dragons allow 336.0 yards per game, which is actually slightly better than Miles' 336.6. Lane also leads the SIAC in pass defense at 183.6 yards allowed per game.
The challenge has been complementary football. Lane's offense has struggled to sustain drives and generate points, repeatedly placing pressure on the defense.
Against Central State, Lane possessed the football for an extraordinary 39:41, but managed only 171 yards and converted just 2-of-13 third downs.
Miles' red-zone opportunities
Miles did not generate huge yardage at Savannah State — only 250 total yards — but repeatedly converted opportunities into points. The Golden Bears finished 4-for-5 in the red zone and Davis' four field goals ensured productive drives did not end empty.
That formula could matter again against a Lane defense that has been respectable in total yardage allowed.
Turnovers could determine whether Lane can threaten
Lane intercepted Central State twice last week, with Rashad Williamson and Frederick Lewis Jr. each recording a pick. But the Dragons also committed two turnovers of their own.
Miles forced four Savannah State turnovers — two interceptions and two lost fumbles — while committing only one turnover.
For an offense averaging 3.2 points per game, Lane can ill afford to give Miles additional possessions or short fields.
Homecoming history
Miles has dominated the documented series at home, posting a 6-1 record against Lane in Fairfield. The Golden Bears' first documented home matchup against the Dragons was also a Homecoming game — a 37-3 victory in 2011 before a crowd of 13,613.
Saturday gives Miles another Homecoming matchup with Lane 15 years later.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Miles 23, Lane 13 — October 11, 2025
Miles went to Jackson last season and earned a 23-13 victory, snapping a seven-game overall losing streak and giving the Golden Bears their first win of the 2025 season.
Vandiver opened the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Marquez Mobley. Roderick Thomas added a two-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter before Lane pulled within 13-6 shortly before halftime.
Miles created separation in the third quarter when Vandiver connected with Glen Williams for a 40-yard touchdown, completing a 10-play, 95-yard drive and pushing the lead to 20-6. Lane answered early in the fourth, but a 30-yard Miles field goal produced the final 23-13 margin.
Vandiver threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns, while Miles finished with 336 total yards. The Golden Bears' defense held Lane to 246 total yards, including 76 rushing, and registered four sacks.
The victory was the first of what has become a current three-game Miles winning streak in the series.
LAST TIME OUT — LANE
Lane fell to 0-5 overall and 0-3 in SIAC play following a 38-6 home loss to Central State.
Central State struck quickly, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions before adding 24 second-quarter points to take a 38-0 halftime lead. All five Central State touchdowns came through the air.
Lane's offense finally broke through in the third quarter. The Dragons marched 75 yards on nine plays, consuming 5:24 before Morton scored on a 10-yard run with 4:36 remaining in the period.
The Dragons finished with 171 total yards, 10 first downs and 85 rushing yards. They converted only 2-of-13 third downs despite controlling possession for 39:41.
Christian led Lane with 48 rushing yards on 17 carries. Overton completed 7-of-11 passes for 45 yards, while Morton was 5-of-10 for 41 yards and added Lane's lone touchdown on the ground.
Defensively, Malbroue and Williamson each recorded five tackles, and Lane intercepted two passes.
LAST TIME OUT — MILES
Miles earned its second consecutive victory with a 25-17 road win over Savannah State, improving to 2-3 overall and 2-1 in the SIAC.
The Golden Bears fell behind 14-3 before Davis connected on a 46-yard field goal and Mix scored on a one-yard run just before halftime to trim the deficit to 14-12. Savannah State extended the lead to 17-12 in the third quarter, but Miles again responded.
Davis' 29-yard field goal made it 17-15. Vandiver then directed an eight-play, 64-yard fourth-quarter drive, finishing it with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jones that gave Miles its first lead of the night. Davis' fourth field goal, from 26 yards, provided the final points.
Miles finished with 250 yards of offense, including 169 passing, while possessing the ball for 31:44. The Golden Bears forced four turnovers and recorded three sacks.
Vandiver threw for 141 yards and a touchdown, Williams caught seven passes for 46 yards, Jones caught the go-ahead touchdown, and Davis went a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals. Defensively, Steven Jones had seven tackles and a sack, while Lowe recorded 1.5 sacks.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Allen Yellow Jackets (2-2, 1-1 SIAC) at Savannah State Tigers (0-4, 0-3 SIAC)
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: Theodore A. “Ted” Wright Stadium — Savannah, Georgia
Game: Military Appreciation/Cancer Awareness Day
Weather: Savannah, Ga., Forecast
Watch: SIAC Network
Live Stats: Savannah State Live Stats
Series: Allen leads, 9-5
Last Meeting: Savannah State 23, Allen 20 (OT) — Oct. 11, 2025
THE MATCHUP
Allen returns to action following its Week 4 bye and enters Savannah at 2-2 overall and 1-1 in SIAC play. The Yellow Jackets last played on Sept. 19, falling 32-28 to Albany State after opening the season with victories over Livingstone and Lane and a loss to Florida Memorial.
The Yellow Jackets bring one of the SIAC’s more productive offenses into Theodore A. Wright Stadium. Allen is averaging 34.8 points and 410.5 yards of total offense per game, generating 161.8 yards on the ground and 248.8 through the air. Running back Javis Floyd has emerged as one of the conference’s top offensive threats, while quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. and wide receiver Deveon Williams give Allen a dangerous passing combination.
Savannah State enters the matchup at 0-4 overall and 0-3 in the SIAC but is coming off one of its most competitive performances of the season. The Tigers carried a 17-15 lead into the fourth quarter against Miles before the Golden Bears scored 10 unanswered points to escape Savannah with a 25-17 victory.
The Tigers showed improvement on both sides of the football in the loss. Savannah State held Miles to 250 total yards and 81 rushing yards while KJ Debruce provided a spark offensively with 82 rushing yards. The biggest issue was turnovers, as Savannah State committed four giveaways that Miles converted into nine points.
Saturday also renews one of the older series in Savannah State football history. According to Savannah State’s current game notes, the series dates to 1915, Saturday will be the 15th meeting, and Allen holds a 9-5 advantage. Savannah State won the most recent meeting, defeating Allen 23-20 in overtime last season
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Allen — RB Javis Floyd Jr.
Floyd enters Week 5 as the centerpiece of Allen’s offense and one of the SIAC’s leading offensive players. In Allen’s most recent game against Albany State, Floyd rushed 18 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns, including scoring runs of five and eight yards. ASUAU4
Through four games, Floyd has rushed for 508 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 127.0 yards per game. Savannah State’s current game notes identify him as the SIAC rushing leader entering Saturday.
His combination of workload and explosiveness makes controlling Floyd one of Savannah State’s primary defensive assignments.
Allen — QB Brent Upshaw Jr.
Upshaw gives Allen the passing production necessary to prevent defenses from loading the box against Floyd. Against Albany State, he completed 17-of-29 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 30 yards on five rushing attempts.
For the season, Upshaw has completed 63-of-112 passes for 954 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Allen enters the game averaging 248.8 passing yards per contest.
Upshaw’s ability to complement the SIAC’s leading rusher is a major reason Allen is averaging more than 410 yards of offense per game.
Allen — WR Deveon Williams
Williams is Allen’s leading receiving threat and is coming off an impressive performance against Albany State. He caught six passes for 119 yards, averaging nearly 20 yards per reception.
Williams enters Saturday with 20 receptions for 401 yards and three touchdowns, an average of 20.1 yards per catch and 100.3 receiving yards per game.
The combination of Williams stretching the field and Floyd commanding attention in the backfield gives the Yellow Jackets multiple ways to create explosive plays.
Savannah State — LB Kaiden Stanciel
The freshman linebacker continues to emerge as one of the young anchors of Savannah State’s defense. Stanciel delivered a game-high 12 tackles against Miles, including 10 solo stops and one tackle for loss.
Stanciel enters the Allen game with 25 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
His ability to diagnose the run will be particularly important against Floyd and an Allen rushing attack averaging more than 160 yards per game.
Savannah State — RB KJ Debruce
Debruce provided Savannah State with its best rushing performance of the season against Miles. The freshman carried 11 times for 82 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt and breaking a 32-yard run.
Debruce's performance was particularly encouraging because he entered the Miles game with only three rushing attempts on the season. He now has 82 yards on 14 carries entering Week 5.
Another productive performance from Debruce could help Savannah State establish balance, sustain possessions and keep Allen’s high-producing offense on the sideline.
Savannah State — QB RaShawn Truell
Truell accounted for both Savannah State touchdowns against Miles, completing 9-of-26 passes for 128 yards and two scores. He connected with Carter Payne for a 14-yard touchdown in the first quarter before finding Cinsere Clark for a five-yard score early in the second.
For the season, Truell has completed 41-of-88 passes for 538 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.
The sophomore has demonstrated an ability to produce touchdowns through the air, but ball security and consistency will be critical against Allen.
BY THE NUMBERS
9-5 — Allen’s advantage in the all-time series according to Savannah State’s current game notes.
15 — Saturday will mark the 15th meeting between Allen and Savannah State.
1915 — The year the series began.
23-20 — Savannah State’s overtime victory over Allen in last season’s meeting.
410.5 — Allen’s average total offense per game entering Week 5.
34.8 — Points per game for the Yellow Jackets through four contests.
508 — Rushing yards for Allen’s Javis Floyd through four games.
8 — Rushing touchdowns for Floyd this season.
954 — Passing yards for Allen quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. through four games.
401 — Receiving yards for Allen’s Deveon Williams on 20 receptions.
12 — Tackles by Savannah State freshman Kaiden Stanciel against Miles.
82 — Rushing yards for Savannah State’s KJ Debruce against Miles on only 11 carries.
250 — Total yards Savannah State’s defense allowed against Miles.
4 — Savannah State turnovers against Miles, including two interceptions and two lost fumbles.
17-15 — Savannah State’s lead entering the fourth quarter against Miles before the Golden Bears rallied.
WHAT TO WATCH
Allen’s offensive balance.
Savannah State cannot simply commit its defense to stopping Floyd. Allen is averaging 161 rushing yards and nearly 249 passing yards per game. Floyd commands attention in the backfield, while Upshaw and Williams give the Yellow Jackets the ability to attack downfield.
Can Savannah State establish KJ Debruce?
The Tigers found something against Miles when Debruce rushed for 82 yards on 11 attempts. His production helped Savannah State finish with a season-best 82 rushing yards. Establishing him early could take pressure off Truell and help the Tigers control possession.
Turnovers.
Savannah State was competitive enough to lead Miles through three quarters despite turning the football over four times. Miles converted those miscues into nine points. Protecting the football could dramatically change Savannah State’s chances of converting a competitive performance into a victory.
Allen coming out of the bye.
The Yellow Jackets have not played since Sept. 19. Their Sept. 26 open date gave them two weeks to prepare for the trip to Savannah following the 32-28 loss to Albany State.
Savannah State’s defense against Floyd.
Stanciel, Zamarian Williams and the Tigers’ front will face one of their most important tests of the season. Floyd has already rushed for 508 yards and eight touchdowns in four games, making early-down run defense particularly important.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Savannah State 23, Allen 20 (OT) October 11, 2025
Savannah State earned a dramatic 23-20 overtime victory when the series resumed last season.
The Tigers trailed 6-3 after the opening quarter before two Joseph Hampton touchdown runs and a Jimmy Tran field goal helped Savannah State build a 20-12 halftime advantage.
Allen held Savannah State scoreless in the second half while scoring eight points to force overtime at 20-20.
Savannah State opened the extra period with Tran connecting on a 25-yard field goal to put the Tigers ahead 23-20. Allen then fumbled on the first play of its overtime possession, with Darrian Bell recovering the football to secure the Savannah State victory.
Bell produced a school-record 23 tackles, while Hampton rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Fabian Walker added 192 passing yards.
LAST TIME OUT — ALLEN
Allen went toe-to-toe with Albany State before falling 32-28 in its final game before the bye.
The Yellow Jackets scored first on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Brent Upshaw Jr. to Talik Graham. After Albany State answered, Javis Floyd broke a 39-yard run before finishing the possession with a five-yard touchdown to give Allen a 14-7 advantage.
Albany State responded with 19 consecutive points before Floyd's second touchdown cut the margin to 26-21 late in the first half. Allen remained within striking distance throughout the second half, and Upshaw found Graham for another touchdown with 3:36 remaining to make it 32-28.
Allen accumulated 350 yards of offense, with 210 through the air and 140 on the ground. The Yellow Jackets converted all three of their fourth-down attempts but finished 0-for-10 on third down.
Upshaw threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns, Floyd rushed for 110 yards and two scores, and Williams caught six passes for 119 yards.
Defensively, JayShawn Smalls delivered a major performance with 11 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks.
LAST TIME OUT — SAVANNAH STATE
Savannah State led through three quarters before Miles rallied with 10 unanswered points in the fourth.
The Tigers answered an early Miles field goal with Truell’s 14-yard touchdown pass to Carter Payne. Truell then connected with Cinsere Clark for a five-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to give Savannah State a 14-3 advantage.
Miles pulled within 14-12 before halftime, but Savannah State put together a 16-play, 67-yard drive that consumed seven minutes in the third quarter. Joshua Woodley finished the possession with a 24-yard field goal, and the Tigers eventually carried a 17-15 advantage into the fourth.
Miles moved ahead on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Brinley Vandiver to Jaiden Jones with 9:37 remaining and later added a field goal for the final margin.
Savannah State finished with 210 yards of offense, including 128 passing and 82 rushing. The Tigers converted 7-of-16 third downs and scored on three of four red-zone opportunities. Defensively, Savannah State limited Miles to 250 total yards and 81 rushing yards.
Debruce rushed for 82 yards, Truell threw two touchdown passes and Stanciel recorded 12 tackles. The Tigers’ four turnovers proved costly in an otherwise competitive performance.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Morehouse Maroon Tigers (1-4, 1-3 SIAC) vs. Tuskegee Golden Tigers (2-2, 2-0 SIAC)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Cramton Bowl — Montgomery, Ala.
Game: Morehouse-Tuskegee Football Classic
Weather: Montgomery, Ala., Forecast
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Tuskegee Live Stats
Last Meeting: Morehouse 27, Tuskegee 20 — Oct. 4, 2025, Montgomery, Ala.
THE MATCHUP
Morehouse arrives in Montgomery at 1-4 overall and 1-3 in SIAC play after a wild 46-38 home loss to Edward Waters. The Maroon Tigers fell behind 46-10 late in the third quarter before scoring 28 unanswered points to make the final margin eight.
Tuskegee enters at 2-2 overall and 2-0 in the SIAC after earning a 20-17 victory over nationally ranked Benedict on Sept. 24. The Golden Tigers regained the lead with 5:53 remaining when Khalib Johnson connected with Preston Parker on a 31-yard touchdown, then protected the three-point advantage down the stretch.
The matchup pits a Morehouse offense that ranks among the conference's most productive against a Tuskegee team that has found ways to win its first two SIAC games. Morehouse enters Week 5 averaging 27.8 points and 343.0 total yards per game, ranking sixth in the conference in total offense. Tuskegee averages 17.0 points and 292.8 yards per game.
Morehouse's greatest offensive strength has been its ground game. The Maroon Tigers rank third in the SIAC at 161.4 rushing yards per game and have scored 13 rushing touchdowns. Tuskegee averages 105.5 rushing yards per game but is coming off its best ground performance of the season after producing 195 yards against Benedict.
Then there is the history. The Morehouse-Tuskegee matchup dates to the early 1900s and developed into an annual neutral-site classic in 1936. Except for the pandemic interruption in 2020, the Classic has been played continuously since then, making it one of the longest-running neutral-site college football traditions in the country.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Morehouse — RB Savion Red
Red is coming off his best rushing performance of the season. Against Edward Waters, he carried 13 times for 70 yards and a touchdown, scoring on a seven-yard run during Morehouse's fourth-quarter comeback.
Red has developed into Morehouse's primary scoring threat. He enters the Classic with 195 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 40 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. His six rushing touchdowns lead the SIAC, and his 36 points rank third among conference players.
With Tuskegee allowing 175.8 rushing yards per game, Morehouse could again lean heavily on Red and the ground game.
Morehouse — RB/KR Chase DeVaughn
Few players in the conference bring DeVaughn's combination of rushing and return-game production.
Against Edward Waters, DeVaughn rushed nine times for 35 yards before providing one of the game's biggest plays with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown late in the third quarter.
For the season, DeVaughn ranks fourth in the SIAC in rushing with 346 yards on 63 carries, averaging 69.2 yards per game and 5.5 yards per attempt. He has scored three rushing touchdowns and four total touchdowns. He also has 180 kickoff-return yards on seven attempts, including last week's 88-yard score.
His ability to affect the game both from scrimmage and on special teams makes him one of Morehouse's most dangerous weapons.
Morehouse — QB Miles Scott
Scott completed 12-of-28 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown against Edward Waters and also scored on a one-yard run. His 29-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Dylan Brooks pulled Morehouse within 46-38 with 3:09 remaining.
Scott enters Saturday having completed 71-of-138 passes for 853 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 170.6 passing yards per game. He has also rushed for three touchdowns.
The Classic also brings back positive memories for Scott. In last year's matchup, he threw for 326 yards and four touchdowns as Morehouse rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat Tuskegee 27-20.
Tuskegee — RB Ja'Khael Rowser
Rowser delivered the best rushing performance of his season against Benedict, carrying 20 times for 124 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt with a long of 24.
That performance nearly doubled his season rushing total. Rowser now leads Tuskegee with 188 yards on 39 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt and 47.0 per game.
His emergence is important for a Tuskegee offense that had averaged only 105.5 rushing yards per game through four contests. Morehouse is allowing 171.8 rushing yards per game, setting up another opportunity for Rowser to establish the Golden Tigers on the ground.
Tuskegee — QB Bryson McGrew
McGrew accounted for two touchdowns against Benedict, completing 11-of-17 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown while adding a 12-yard rushing score. His 15-yard third-quarter touchdown pass to Nasir Powell put Tuskegee back in front, 13-10.
Through four games, McGrew has completed 40-of-72 passes for 691 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 172.8 passing yards per game with a 148.0 efficiency rating. He has also scored three rushing touchdowns, tying him for Tuskegee's team lead in scoring.
McGrew will be looking to clean up the turnovers after throwing three interceptions against Benedict. Morehouse enters Saturday leading the SIAC with eight interceptions, including Joshua Houston's 61-yard interception return for a touchdown against Edward Waters.
Tuskegee — WR Preston Parker
Parker delivered Tuskegee's biggest offensive play against Benedict. He caught four passes for 59 yards, including the game-winning 31-yard touchdown from Khalib Johnson with 5:53 remaining.
Parker has eight receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown in three games, averaging 15.0 yards per catch and 40.0 receiving yards per game.
Tuskegee has spread its passing production among several targets — Ean Nation leads the team with 198 receiving yards, while EJ Hall has 121 and Parker 120 — giving the Golden Tigers multiple options against the Morehouse secondary.
BY THE NUMBERS
1936 — The year the Morehouse-Tuskegee matchup became an annual neutral-site Classic. Except for the 2020 pandemic interruption, the tradition has continued ever since.
27-20 — Morehouse's victory over Tuskegee in last season's Classic at Cramton Bowl.
17-0 — Tuskegee's lead over Morehouse during the second quarter of the 2025 matchup before the Maroon Tigers mounted their comeback.
326 — Passing yards by Miles Scott in last year's win over Tuskegee.
4 — Touchdown passes by Scott in the 2025 Classic.
343.0 — Morehouse's total offense per game entering Week 5, compared with 292.8 for Tuskegee.
161.4 — Morehouse rushing yards per game, third-best in the SIAC.
6 — Rushing touchdowns by Savion Red, the most in the SIAC entering Week 5.
346 — Rushing yards for Chase DeVaughn, fourth-most in the conference.
88 — Yards on DeVaughn's kickoff-return touchdown against Edward Waters
195 — Tuskegee's rushing yards against Benedict, its strongest ground performance entering the Classic.
124 — Rushing yards for Ja'Khael Rowser on 20 carries against Benedict.
8 — Interceptions by the Morehouse defense through five games, the most in the SIAC.
5 — Sacks recorded by Tuskegee through four games. Morehouse has recorded seven.
2-0 — Tuskegee's SIAC record entering Saturday, making the Golden Tigers one of the conference's remaining unbeaten teams in league play.
WHAT TO WATCH
Can Morehouse's rushing attack dictate the game?
The Maroon Tigers enter averaging 161.4 rushing yards per game and have scored 13 touchdowns on the ground. DeVaughn ranks fourth in the conference in rushing, while Red leads the SIAC with six rushing touchdowns. Tuskegee is allowing 175.8 rushing yards per game, making the ground game an obvious area of emphasis for Morehouse.
Rowser's emergence for Tuskegee. Rowser entered the Benedict game with 64 rushing yards on the season before exploding for 124 on 20 carries. Tuskegee finished with 195 rushing yards and controlled possession for 33:07. If Rowser can duplicate that production, the Golden Tigers could reduce the number of possessions available to a Morehouse offense averaging nearly 28 points per game.
Turnovers could swing the Classic.
Morehouse leads the SIAC with eight interceptions through five games. Houston's 61-yard pick-six against Edward Waters helped ignite the Maroon Tigers' fourth-quarter comeback. Tuskegee, meanwhile, turned the ball over five times against Benedict — three interceptions and two lost fumbles — yet still managed to win.
Can Tuskegee contain the explosive play?
Morehouse demonstrated multiple ways to score against Edward Waters. DeVaughn returned a kickoff 88 yards, Houston returned an interception 61 yards and Brooks caught a 29-yard touchdown. The Maroon Tigers scored 28 points after falling behind 46-10.
Miles Scott and the memory of 2025.
Scott's performance in last year's Classic remains one of the defining games of his Morehouse career. With Morehouse trailing 17-0, he threw four touchdown passes as the Maroon Tigers scored 27 of the game's final 30 points.
Fourth-quarter execution.
Both teams enter after games decided late. Morehouse scored 22 fourth-quarter points against Edward Waters but could not complete the comeback. Tuskegee entered the fourth quarter trailing Benedict 17-13 before Johnson's 31-yard touchdown pass to Parker provided the winning points.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Morehouse 27, Tuskegee 20 - October 4, 2025
Morehouse authored one of the most memorable recent comebacks in the rivalry last season, erasing a 17-0 deficit to defeat Tuskegee 27-20.
Tuskegee controlled the opening portion of the game. McGrew scored on a 27-yard run to open the scoring, Lorcan Ryans added a 27-yard field goal, and McGrew connected on a 59-yard touchdown pass to give the Golden Tigers a 17-point second-quarter advantage.
Morehouse finally broke through when Scott connected with Nicholas Woodford for a 44-yard touchdown with 1:04 remaining before halftime.
After Tuskegee extended its advantage to 20-6, Scott went to work.
He found Kamrin Brunson for a 25-yard touchdown in the third quarter and then connected with Brunson again from 24 yards with 5:54 remaining in the fourth to tie the game at 20.
Morehouse completed the comeback with 1:55 remaining when Scott connected with Maurice Veney for a 14-yard touchdown, giving the Maroon Tigers their first lead of the night and the eventual 27-20 victory.
Scott finished with 326 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Woodford led Morehouse with 88 receiving yards. McGrew threw for 230 yards for Tuskegee, Rowser rushed for 76 and EJ Hall produced 152 receiving yards.
The victory snapped Tuskegee's three-game winning streak in the series and gave Morehouse its first win over the Golden Tigers since 2021.
LAST TIME OUT — MOREHOUSE
Morehouse nearly completed a remarkable comeback after falling behind by 36 points.
The Maroon Tigers opened the scoring with Davis Rowe's 30-yard field goal, and Miles Scott later scored on a one-yard run to keep Morehouse within 14-10 midway through the second quarter. Edward Waters then seized control, scoring 32 unanswered points to build a 46-10 advantage late in the third.
Morehouse refused to go away. DeVaughn returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown, Red scored on a seven-yard run, Houston returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown, and Scott connected with Brooks for a 29-yard score with 3:09 remaining.
The four touchdowns cut the final margin to 46-38.
Morehouse finished with 296 total yards, including 142 rushing and 154 passing. The Maroon Tigers converted all three of their red-zone opportunities and scored touchdowns on two of them.
Red rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown, DeVaughn added 35 rushing yards and his kickoff-return score, and Jeremiah Gibson caught four passes for 41 yards. Scott finished with 154 passing yards and accounted for two touchdowns.
Defensively, Joshua Maye recorded eight tackles and forced and recovered a fumble, while Houston added seven tackles and the 61-yard interception return for a touchdown.
LAST TIME OUT — TUSKEGEE
Tuskegee earned a significant conference victory by holding off Benedict, 20-17, at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium.
The Golden Tigers struck immediately, moving 80 yards in five plays on their opening possession. Rowser carried three times for 32 yards during the drive before McGrew scored on a 12-yard run to give Tuskegee a 6-0 advantage.
Benedict eventually moved ahead 10-6 in the third quarter, but McGrew answered with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Powell to put Tuskegee back in front, 13-10.
Benedict regained the lead early in the fourth on Christopher Johnson's two-yard touchdown run.
Tuskegee responded one final time. Johnson entered at quarterback and directed a seven-play, 57-yard drive, connecting with Parker for a 31-yard touchdown with 5:53 remaining to give the Golden Tigers a 20-17 lead.
Tuskegee finished with 383 total yards, including 195 rushing and 188 passing. The Golden Tigers converted 6-of-10 third downs and 2-of-3 fourth downs while possessing the football for 33:07.
Rowser rushed for 124 yards, McGrew passed for 142 yards and accounted for two touchdowns, and Parker caught four passes for 59 yards and the game-winning score.
Defensively, Devin Smith and Masiah Wells led Tuskegee with eight tackles apiece, while the Golden Tigers intercepted Benedict quarterback Jett Peddy twice.
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is an NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) headquartered 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 NCAA Division II. For more information, visit www.thesiac.com.