Winston-Salem, NC -- In a thrilling WSSU Homecoming matchup at Bowman Gray Stadium, Fayetteville State took Winston-Salem State to double overtime but ultimately fell short, losing 37-31. The Broncos will close out the 2024 season with a 4-5 overall and 3-4 conference record. WSSU improves to 7-3 and 5-2 in the CIAA. Quarterback Joe Owens led the offensive effort, throwing for 318 yards and two touchdowns.
 
"Our guys fought to the very end," said Head Coach Richard Hayes. "I was really proud of the effort but hats off to Winston-Salem State. We made mistakes in the end and they didn't. We will come back next year better from it. I am a little disappointed in the season but We will be back as the Broncos you know next year."
 
Owens' primary targets were Julia Milligan, who caught four passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, while Harris-Strayhorn added 88 yards and a touchdown on ten receptions. On the ground, Bryce Council led with 25 rushing yards. Defensively, Isaiah Boyd stood out with five tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack.
 
Winston-Salem State responded to Fayetteville State's big moments. After FSU tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter, WSSU quickly regained the lead with a field goal, making it 10-7 going into halftime. When Fayetteville State took a 14-10 lead in the third quarter, the Rams answered with a touchdown to go up 17-14 early moments of the fourth.
 
Midway in the fourth quarter, after Fayetteville State took a 21-17 lead, Winston-Salem State responded with another touchdown to reclaim the lead at 24-21. Even after Fayetteville State tied the game at 24-24, the Rams managed to score again, taking a 31-24 lead in the first overtime. Finally, after Fayetteville State tied the game once more at 31-31 on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Owens to Harris-Strayhorn, WSSU scored the decisive touchdown following a Broncos missed field goal in the second overtime to secure the 37-31 victory.
 
Despite the loss, Fayetteville State's defense held Winston-Salem to 349 total yards and converted 47.4% of their third-down attempts. Daylin Lee led the Rams passing attack, completing 21 of his 37 attempts for 199 yards and three touchdowns. Kaleb Washington was the leading receiver with 77 yards and two touchdowns.