SIAC Week 9: Edward Waters and Central State Headline Conference Showdowns

SIAC Week 9: Edward Waters and Central State Headline Conference Showdowns

Conference title hopes and NCAA playoff positioning add weight to a weekend featuring Edward Waters at Central State, Savannah State at Benedict, and Tuskegee at Lane.

ATLANTA. The SIAC football race enters another important weekend as teams look to protect their championship hopes, improve their postseason standing, and build momentum heading into November.

Edward Waters and Central State headline Saturday’s schedule with matching conference records of five wins and one loss. Benedict also enters with one SIAC defeat, setting up a weekend that could shift the race near the top of the standings.

According to the conference’s October 29 preview, Edward Waters, Benedict, and Central State entered the week ranked second, third, and fifth, respectively, in the October 25 NCAA Power Index for Super Region Two.

Edward Waters and Central State Bring Offensive Firepower

Edward Waters travels to McPherson Stadium in Wilberforce, Ohio, for a 2 p.m. ET matchup Saturday against Central State. The game will stream on the SIAC Network.

The Tigers enter with six wins and two losses after overwhelming Clark Atlanta 62 to 14. Quarterback Tavion Faulk accounted for seven touchdowns, throwing five and rushing for two, as Edward Waters piled up 600 yards of offense.

Running back Johntarrious Thomas added 132 rushing yards, giving the Tigers another threat alongside their productive passing attack.

Central State arrives with five wins and three losses following a 48 to 20 victory over Miles. Quarterback Jackson Wasik threw four touchdown passes and added another score on the ground.

The Marauders also made their presence felt defensively, recording six sacks and forcing three turnovers. That pressure could be a deciding factor against an Edward Waters offense coming off one of its strongest performances of the season.

Central State won last year’s meeting 21 to 17, leaving the series tied at two victories apiece.

Benedict Looks to Hold Its Position Against Savannah State

Benedict hosts Savannah State at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN+.

Benedict enters with seven wins and one loss after defeating Albany State 29 to 8. Its defense held the Golden Rams to 152 total yards, recorded four sacks, and forced three turnovers.

Running back David Smith supplied 113 rushing yards and a touchdown. Kicker Zane Spires added field goals from 53, 54, and 48 yards.

Savannah State has one win and seven losses, but its latest performance gives Benedict reason to pay attention. The Tigers generated 481 yards against Kentucky State and held a 24 to 20 lead with just over a minute remaining before falling 27 to 24.

That effort included 221 rushing yards and 260 passing yards. Repeating that balance against Benedict’s defense will be a major test.

The teams needed double overtime to settle last season’s meeting, with Benedict winning 16 to 13.

Albany State and Clark Atlanta Seek a Response

Albany State visits Clark Atlanta at Panther Stadium on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN+.

Both teams are looking to recover from difficult losses. Albany State fell 29 to 8 against Benedict, while Clark Atlanta surrendered 600 yards in its 62 to 14 defeat at Edward Waters.

The Golden Rams enter with three wins and five losses overall and an even conference record through six games. Their offense will need a stronger showing after producing only seven first downs and converting two of 18 third down attempts against Benedict.

Clark Atlanta enters with two wins and six losses, including two conference victories. Limiting big plays and sustaining possessions will be priorities as the Panthers return home.

Morehouse Returns From Break to Face Allen

Morehouse heads to Charles F. Bolden Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, for a Saturday matchup with Allen. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on the SIAC Network.

The Maroon Tigers enter with three wins and five losses after an open weekend. In their previous outing, Morehouse tied Howard at 17 in the third quarter before the Bison pulled away for a 31 to 17 victory.

Quarterback Miles Scott accounted for both Morehouse touchdowns, while Steven Copeland II led the defense with 11 tackles and a sack.

Allen enters with two wins and six losses after falling 26 to 23 against Tuskegee. Quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. produced 260 yards of total offense and a rushing touchdown, helping the Yellow Jackets stay within reach.

Allen won last season’s meeting 28 to 17.

Tuskegee Visits Lane for Homecoming

Tuskegee will try to earn its third straight conference victory when it visits Lane Field in Jackson, Tennessee, on Saturday. Lane’s Homecoming game begins at 3 p.m. ET, or 2 p.m. CT, on the SIAC Network.

The Golden Tigers enter with four wins and four losses overall and four victories in six conference games. Their rushing attack produced 287 yards in last week’s 26 to 23 win over Allen.

Ja’Khael Rowser led the way with 131 rushing yards and a touchdown. Preston Parker delivered a major special teams play, returning a punt 50 yards for a fourth quarter score.

Lane earned its first victory of the season by defeating Fort Valley State 16 to 6. The Dragons forced four turnovers and finished a lengthy fourth quarter drive with a touchdown pass from Tametrius Pogue to Landon Wilson.

Lane will look to carry that defensive effort into its Homecoming matchup against a Tuskegee team that won last year’s meeting 18 to 13.

Thursday Matchup Opened the Week 9 Schedule

The conference’s Week 9 schedule also included Fort Valley State at Miles on Thursday, October 29.

Entering that matchup, Fort Valley State was coming off its loss to Lane, while Miles was looking to respond after falling to Central State. Ball security was a concern for both programs after they combined for seven turnovers in their previous games.

Saturday’s slate now puts the focus on the conference contenders, with Edward Waters, Central State, and Benedict each looking to strengthen their position as the regular season winds down.

Tags: SIAC Football, SIAC Week 9, HBCU Football, HBCU Sports, HBCU Original, NCAA Division II Football, Edward Waters, Central State, Benedict College, Savannah State, Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse College, Allen University, Tuskegee University, Lane College, Fort Valley State, Miles College, Tavion Faulk, Jackson Wasik, College Football