GAME PREVIEW

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium | Fayetteville, N.C.
Records: Fayetteville State (3-3, 2-2 CIAA) vs. Elizabeth City State (1-5, 1-3 CIAA)
Tickets, Broadcast, Live Stats, Game Program: fsubroncos.com/gameday

Following a bye week and a hard-fought 28-20 road victory over Livingstone, Fayetteville State University returns to Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 17. The Broncos (3-3 overall, 2-2 CIAA) will host Elizabeth City State University (1-5, 1-3 CIAA) with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Broncos Looking to Build Momentum
Fayetteville State enters the weekend refreshed after an open date and riding the momentum of a conference win over Livingstone. In that game, quarterback Jamir Dismukes threw for 275 yards and a touchdown, while Malik Fuller rushed for 59 yards and three touchdowns in the Broncos' 28-20 victory.

The Broncos have leaned on a stout defense throughout the season, allowing just 19.8 points per game and 304.5 yards of offense per contest. Fayetteville State also boasts one of the CIAA's most productive pass defenses, recording six interceptions while forcing 15 sacks.

Scouting Elizabeth City State
Elizabeth City State snapped a four-game skid with a 35-21 victory over Lincoln (Pa.) last Saturday. The Vikings scored in every phase of the game, including a 91-yard kickoff return touchdown by Terrance Holland, a punt return score by Kayvawn Simms Rogers, and a rushing touchdown from Andrew Davis.

Despite their 1-5 record, the Vikings have shown explosive special teams ability and enter Saturday averaging 16.5 points per game. Defensively, ECSU is led by linebacker Jack Earley, whose 49 tackles rank among the team's leaders, while Jaevon Branch has added 48 stops.

Players to Watch
Fayetteville State

• Jamir Dismukes, QB The Broncos' signal caller has completed 78-of-125 passes for 946 yards and four touchdowns while adding 177 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
• Malik Fuller, RB The CIAA Rookie of the Week has provided a spark in the rushing attack, totaling three rushing touchdowns despite playing in just five games.
• Marcus Fleming, WR Fleming leads Fayetteville State receivers with 19 catches for 317 yards and continues to be Dismukes' most dependable target.
• Jatavien Taylor, LB One of the CIAA's premier defensive playmakers, Taylor leads the Broncos with 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.

Elizabeth City State

• Terrance Holland, WR/KR Holland leads the Vikings with 186 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions and is coming off a game-changing kickoff return touchdown.
• Josef Manley, QB The Vikings' passing leader has thrown for 463 yards and four touchdowns while completing over 53 percent of his passes.
• Andrew Davis, RB Davis averages 12.2 yards per carry and rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown in last week's win.
• Jack Earley, LB Earley leads the ECSU defense with 49 tackles and remains the centerpiece of the Vikings' defensive unit.

Keys to the Game

• Win First Down - Fayetteville State's defense has been at its best when forcing opponents into long-yardage situations. The Broncos will look to contain the Viking rushing attack and create passing downs.
• Establish the Ground Game - The Broncos average just over 100 rushing yards per game but showed improvement against Livingstone. A balanced attack would help keep the ECSU defense off balance and open opportunities for Dismukes through the air.
• Limit Special Teams Explosives - Elizabeth City State scored twice on returns last week. Fayetteville State's coverage units must prevent game-changing plays in the return game.
• Finish Drives - The Vikings have struggled defensively, allowing 24.5 points per game. Converting scoring opportunities into touchdowns rather than field goals could be the difference for the Broncos.

With conference positioning becoming increasingly important in the second half of the season, Saturday's Homecoming matchup presents an opportunity for Fayetteville State to move above .500 in CIAA play and build momentum entering the stretch run.

The Broncos will seek to capitalize on their extra week of preparation, while the Vikings arrive with renewed confidence after earning their first CIAA victory of the season. Expect a physical conference battle as Fayetteville State looks to defend its home field and give the Homecoming crowd another reason to celebrate.

Fans can find live stats, video, and additional game day information at fsubroncos.com/gameday.