GAME PREVIEW
Opponent: Bluefield State
Date: October 24
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Bluefield, WV
Broadcast, Live Stats, Tickets: fsubroncos.com/gameday

Fresh off a dominant 43-7 victory over Elizabeth City State, the Fayetteville State University football team travels to Bluefield, W.Va., on Saturday, Oct. 24, for a 2 p.m. matchup against Bluefield State. 

The Broncos enter the contest with a 5-3 overall record and a 4-2 mark in CIAA play, while the Big Blue are 3-7 overall and 2-5 in conference action. 

About Fayetteville State 

Fayetteville State has relied on a strong defensive identity throughout the season, allowing just 18.0 points per game while holding opponents to 271.4 yards of total offense per contest. The Broncos have also controlled possession, averaging more than 31 minutes per game with a 31:18 average time of possession. 

Offensively, Fayetteville State averages 274.7 yards per game, including 167.1 through the air behind quarterback Jamir Dismukes. The Broncos have recorded 114 first downs this season and have converted 78.6 percent of their fourth-down opportunities. 

In last week's victory over Elizabeth City State, Dismukes completed 18-of-22 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Freshman running back Malik Fuller rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Marcus Fleming hauled in seven receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. 

Defensively, the Broncos turned in one of their best performances of the season, limiting the Vikings to just 73 total yards of offense. Freshman defensive back Zyking Patillo recorded two interceptions, including a 50-yard pick-six, while graduate defensive end Osirus Rhodes totaled six tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack. 

About Bluefield State 

Bluefield State enters Saturday's game averaging 321.8 yards and 26.1 points per game. The Big Blue have relied heavily on their passing attack, averaging 250.8 passing yards per contest and totaling 26 passing touchdowns on the season. 

Wide receivers Brandon Wiley and Jerimiah Evans headline Bluefield State's passing game, while quarterbacks Savan Briggs and Rishon Holmes have combined for much of the team's aerial production. 

The Big Blue are coming off a loss to Winston-Salem State in which they accumulated 212 passing yards but were held to just 83 rushing yards. 

Players to Watch 

Fayetteville State 

• Jamir Dismukes - Dismukes is coming off a four-touchdown performance against Elizabeth City State and continues to provide leadership for the Broncos' offense. His ability to make plays through the air and on the ground will be critical Saturday. 

• Malik Fuller - The freshman running back has become a key contributor in the Broncos' rushing attack. Fuller rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown last week and will look to build on that momentum. 

• Zyking Patillo - The CIAA Defensive Back and Rookie of the Week delivered a game-changing performance with two interceptions, a blocked punt, and a touchdown against Elizabeth City State. Patillo remains one of the conference's rising defensive playmakers. 

Bluefield State 

• Brandon Wiley - Wiley is one of the Big Blue's top receiving threats and showcased his big-play ability with a 62-yard reception in the team's last outing. 

• Jerimiah Evans - Evans provides another weapon in Bluefield State's passing attack. He recorded four receptions for 55 yards last week and will be a player Fayetteville State's secondary must account for. 

Keys to the Game 

• Control the Passing Game 
  Bluefield State averages more than 250 passing yards per game and has thrown 26 touchdown passes this season. Fayetteville State's defense will need to continue generating pressure and forcing turnovers. 

• Win Time of Possession 
  The Broncos average over 31 minutes of possession per game and controlled the ball for 36:06 against Elizabeth City State. Sustained drives will help keep Bluefield State's passing offense off the field. 

• Establish the Run 
  Fayetteville State rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns last week. An effective ground attack would allow the Broncos to maintain offensive balance and dictate the pace of the game. 

What to Expect 

Saturday's matchup features contrasting styles. Bluefield State prefers to attack through the air, while Fayetteville State has built its success around defense, ball control, and timely offensive production. If the Broncos can continue the defensive form they displayed against Elizabeth City State and capitalize on scoring opportunities, they will be in a strong position to leave Bluefield with another conference victory. 

Series Outlook 

Fayetteville State enters the contest with momentum after scoring 43 unanswered points last week and earning multiple CIAA weekly honors. The Broncos will look to continue that momentum Saturday as they seek another important conference win before entering the final stretch of the regular season. 

Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Fans can follow live coverage on FSUBroncos.com and on social media by following @FSUBroncos.