Game Preview: Fayetteville State at Benedict College

Labor Day Classic Showdown
Fayetteville State hits the road to take on Benedict College in a high-stakes season opener this Saturday at 5 PM in Columbia, SC. The Broncos look to break their winless streak at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, while the Tigers aim to showcase their elite defense and new-look offense. Catch all the action live on HBCU GO!

Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM ET
Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, Columbia, SC
Broadcast: HBCU GO (Web, Mobile, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV)

Fayetteville State Broncos

Head Coach: Richard Hayes Jr. (10th season)
2024 Record: 4–5 overall
Preseason CIAA Rank: 4th

Key Players

• QB Joe Owens Jr. – 2,000+ passing yards, 12 TDs in 2024
• RB Caden Davis – Red-zone threat (7 TDs on 19 carries)
• LB Jamari Slade – 77 tackles in 2024, Preseason All-CIAA
• DB Keyshawn Monk – Anchors the secondary
• OL Benjamin Hicks – Preseason All-CIAA selection

Game Strategy

• Start Fast: Quiet the home crowd early
• Defensive Pressure: Disrupt Benedict's QB rhythm
• Balanced Offense: Mix run and pass to stay unpredictable

Benedict College Tigers

Head Coach: Ron Dickerson Jr. (2nd season)
2024 Record: 4–6 overall
Preseason SIAC Rank: Top 3

Key Players

• LB Ty'Metrius Patterson – SIAC Preseason Defensive POY
• LB Isaiah Stephens – 68 tackles in 2024
• DB Cam Williams – All-SIAC, Elite 100 Watch List
• DL Israel Nwokocha – Proven pass rusher
• KR Jaxon Williams – Top returner in Division II
• QB Battle: Darius Ocean vs. Josef "Tre" Manley 

Game Strategy

• Defense First: Let the elite unit control tempo
• Limit Turnovers: Especially against FSU's secondary
• Special Teams Edge: Jaxon Williams could flip field position

Series History

• All-Time Record: Tied 3–3
• Last Meeting: FSU won 35–21 (2019)
• FSU Road Record vs Benedict: 0–3 

Weather Forecast (Columbia, SC)

• Kickoff: Mostly sunny, mid-80s
• Evening: Cooling to upper-70s
• Conditions: Ideal for football