SIAC Football Finale: Championship Berths and NCAA Playoff Hopes on the Line

Benedict, Kentucky State and Central State enter Saturday tied atop the conference, while rivalry games and postseason ambitions add to a packed November 7 schedule.

ATLANTA — The final weekend of the SIAC football regular season brings a crowded championship race, major rivalry matchups and an opportunity for several programs to strengthen their NCAA Division II playoff chances.

Benedict, Kentucky State and Central State enter Saturday, November 7, tied for first place with 6-1 conference records. Kentucky State can secure a championship berth with a victory over Morehouse, while Benedict and Central State meet with a trip to the title game directly at stake.

Tuskegee remains in contention but needs a win and help elsewhere. Edward Waters, meanwhile, is pursuing an NCAA playoff berth despite being out of the conference championship race under the league’s tiebreaking scenarios.

The SIAC Championship Game is scheduled for November 14, followed by the NCAA Division II playoff selection show on November 15.

Kentucky State Can Clinch Against Morehouse

Morehouse (3-6, 3-4 SIAC) at Kentucky State (7-2, 6-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Alumni Field, Frankfort, Kentucky
Watch: SIAC Network

Kentucky State returns from a bye week with a clear objective: beat Morehouse and earn a place in the conference championship game.

The Thorobreds kept that opportunity alive with a dramatic 27-24 victory over Savannah State in their previous outing. Quarterback Juan Gainous connected with Aiyon Carter on a 48-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining to complete the comeback.

Gainous threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns, while Carter finished with 10 catches for 119 yards. Receiver Darius Cyprian, who has 824 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches this season, gives Kentucky State another dangerous option.

Morehouse arrives after a 26-23 loss to Allen, but the Maroon Tigers showed their ability to strike quickly during a late comeback. Receiver Noah Rhodes caught two touchdown passes, and Jordan Woods added a punt return touchdown.

Kentucky State will look for better offensive balance after producing only 21 rushing yards against Savannah State. Morehouse will need to disrupt the passing game and capitalize on its own scoring opportunities to spoil the Thorobreds’ plans.

Benedict and Central State Meet With a Title Berth at Stake

Central State (6-3, 6-1 SIAC) at Benedict (8-1, 6-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
Watch: ESPN+

One of Saturday’s biggest games carries a straightforward reward: the winner advances to the SIAC Championship Game.

Central State enters after defeating Edward Waters 35-28, powered by quarterback Jackson Wasik, who accounted for five touchdowns. Wasik threw for three scores and rushed for two more, while Isaiah Thompson added 154 rushing yards.

The Marauders finished with 429 total yards and scored touchdowns on all five of their red-zone possessions.

Benedict counters with a defense coming off a 23-0 shutout of Savannah State. The Tigers allowed only 220 total yards and 52 passing yards while forcing two turnovers.

Kahmari Cook returned an interception for a touchdown, and kicker Logan Karwacki converted three field goals.

Central State’s offensive balance against Benedict’s defensive discipline makes this a compelling matchup. Both teams also enter among the top three programs in the November 1 Super Region Two NCAA Power Index rankings, adding playoff significance to the championship stakes.

Fountain City Classic Brings Rivalry Stakes to Columbus

Fort Valley State (2-6, 1-5 SIAC) vs. Albany State (4-5, 4-3 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
Location: A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, Columbus, Georgia
Watch: ESPN+

Fort Valley State and Albany State renew their rivalry in the Fountain City Classic, with both programs looking to finish the matchup holding bragging rights.

Fort Valley State quarterback Don Hudson enters after a standout performance in a 35-28 loss to Miles. Hudson accounted for 503 total yards and four touchdowns, throwing for 337 yards and rushing for 166.

Albany State arrives following a 21-17 comeback victory over Clark Atlanta. Quarterback Jeffery Davis found Cameran Loyd for the winning 12-yard touchdown with 26 seconds remaining.

The Golden Rams also intercepted three passes, making their ability to create turnovers a key factor against Hudson and the Wildcats.

Special teams could be equally important. Fort Valley State surrendered both a kickoff return touchdown and a blocked field goal return touchdown against Miles, costly mistakes it will need to avoid in the rivalry game.

Savannah State Seeks a Strong Finish

Virginia University of Lynchburg (0-7) at Savannah State (1-8, 1-7 SIAC)
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Theodore A. Wright Stadium, Savannah, Georgia
Watch: SIAC Network

Savannah State closes its season with a nonconference matchup against Virginia University of Lynchburg.

The Tigers will look to rebound offensively after being shut out by Benedict. Savannah State generated 168 rushing yards in that game but struggled to sustain drives through the air.

Virginia Lynchburg is seeking its first win after a 37-14 loss to Livingstone. Quarterback Max Zavala threw for 212 yards and a touchdown, while Omarion Hairston finished with 101 receiving yards.

Protection will be crucial for the Dragons, who allowed 11 sacks in that loss. Savannah State’s defense recorded four sacks against Benedict and will look to apply similar pressure.

Tuskegee Hosts Miles With Championship Hopes Alive

Miles (4-5, 4-3 SIAC) at Tuskegee (5-4, 5-2 SIAC)
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, Tuskegee, Alabama
Watch: ESPN+

Tuskegee’s homecoming brings a rivalry matchup with Miles and an opportunity to remain in the conference championship conversation.

The Golden Tigers must win and receive help from other results to reach the title game.

Tuskegee enters after defeating Lane 27-14, holding the Dragons to 38 rushing yards while recording five sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Running back Ja’Khael Rowser scored twice on the ground.

Miles brings momentum from its 35-28 victory over Fort Valley State, a game highlighted by Jaecyn Myles’ 97-yard kickoff return touchdown and Jacobi Whitfield’s 70-yard blocked field goal return touchdown.

Quarterback Anthony Mix delivered the deciding offensive play, finding James Gatewood for a 12-yard touchdown with 2:20 remaining.

Tuskegee’s conference championship pursuit remains separate from the NCAA playoff picture. According to the SIAC release, the Golden Tigers’ scheduled Turkey Day Classic against Alabama State conflicts with the Division II postseason window, preventing NCAA playoff participation.

Edward Waters Looks to Strengthen Its Playoff Case

Allen (3-6, 2-5 SIAC) at Edward Waters (6-3, 5-2 SIAC)
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
Watch: SIAC Network

The AME Classic gives Edward Waters an opportunity to finish the regular season with seven victories and strengthen its NCAA postseason résumé.

The Tigers enter ranked No. 5 in Super Region Two in the November 1 NCAA Power Index standings. Although conference tiebreakers have removed them from SIAC Championship Game contention, an NCAA playoff opportunity remains within reach.

Edward Waters will look to rebound from its 35-28 loss to Central State. Defensively, Trevon French leads the SIAC with 101 tackles and 15 tackles for loss.

Allen arrives after defeating Morehouse 26-23, with Ty’Juan Simmons rushing for 126 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. added 99 rushing yards and another score.

The Yellow Jackets controlled possession for more than 34 minutes in that win. Sustaining drives again could help keep Edward Waters’ offense off the field.

The game also features Senior Day, Greek Takeover and Faculty & Staff Appreciation festivities.

Four SIAC Programs Hold Top-Five Regional Positions

The November 1 NCAA Power Index rankings place four SIAC programs among Super Region Two’s top five:

Those positions give the conference a strong presence in the postseason discussion, but playoff berths remain to be determined.

Saturday’s results will help decide who plays for the SIAC championship and which teams enter the final stage of the NCAA selection process with momentum.

Source: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Benedict–Central State kickoff updated using Benedict College’s official schedule.