Game Day Information 

CIAA Friday Night Blitz 

Fayetteville State Broncos vs. Virginia State Trojans 
Location: Durham County Memorial Stadium, Durham, NC
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026 
Time: Kickoff - 6:00 p.m. | Gates Open: 5:00 p.m. | Tailgating Begins: 3:00 p.m. 
Link to Broadcast, Live Stats, Tickets: fsubroncos.com/gameday 

The Fayetteville State University football team heads into one of its most important matchups of the 2026 season as the Broncos prepare to take on Virginia State University in the CIAA Friday Night Blitz on Friday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. With potential NCAA Division II Super Region 1 playoff implications on the line, the Broncos will look to make a statement against the Trojans in a pivotal late-season showdown. 

Both teams enter the contest with identical 7-3 overall records and 6-2 marks in CIAA play, setting the stage for an exciting battle between two programs looking to strengthen their postseason resumes. Fayetteville State will serve as the visiting team as the Broncos look to finish the regular season strong and keep their postseason hopes alive. 

The stakes are even higher for the Broncos, who entered the week ranked No. 7 in NCAA Division II Super Region 1, while Virginia State was ranked No. 9.With the top teams competing for postseason positioning, Friday's matchup presents Fayetteville State with a valuable opportunity to strengthen its pla yoff resume and solidify its standing among the region's contenders. 

About the Broncos 

Fayetteville State enters Friday's contest following a 23-17 victory over Winston-Salem State. The Broncos demonstrated their ability to make key plays when it mattered, closing out the victory with a strong second-half performance. 

The Broncos are averaging 23.2 points and 278.4 yards of total offense per game. The offensive attack has produced 119.5 rushing yards and 158.9 passing yards per contest. Quarterback Jamir Dismukes leads the passing game, while running back Braylon Vinson and the Broncos' rushing attack provide balance offensively. 

Dismukes has demonstrated his ability to stretch the field, recording a season-high 275 passing yards against Livingstone. He has also thrown three touchdown passes in games against Elizabeth City State and Bluefield State. Vinson has provided a dependable presence in the backfield, highlighted by an 88-yard rushing performance against Shaw. 

On the defensive side, Fayetteville State has been particularly impressive. The Broncos are allowing just 17.3 points and 265.8 total yards per game. Their defensive unit has recorded 30 sacks and 13 interceptions, creating opportunities to disrupt opposing offenses and change the momentum of games. 

Defensive standouts include Osirus Rhodes, who recorded a season-high five sacks against Winston-Salem State, and Zyking Patillo and Christopher Bentley, who have each delivered multiple-interception performances this season. 

Players to Watch 

Fayetteville State Broncos 

• Jamir Dismukes – Quarterback: Dismukes leads the Broncos' passing attack and has demonstrated his big-play ability, throwing for a season-high 275 yards against Livingstone while providing leadership and playmaking ability under center. 

• Braylon Vinson – Running Back: Vinson provides a physical presence in the backfield and gives the Broncos balance offensively, highlighted by his season-high 88-yard rushing performance against Shaw. 

• Osirus Rhodes – Defensive Line: Rhodes will be a key factor in slowing down Virginia State's explosive offense after recording a season-high five sacks against Winston-Salem State. 

• Zyking Patillo – Defensive Back: Patillo is a difference-maker in the secondary, having recorded two interceptions in games against both UNC Pembroke and Elizabeth City State. 

About the Trojans 

Virginia State enters the matchup with one of the CIAA's most productive offenses. The Trojans average an impressive 38.7 points and 453.1 yards of total offense per game, including 304.9 passing yards and 148.2 rushing yards. 

Quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr. is the centerpiece of the Trojans' offensive attack. He has demonstrated his big-play ability throughout the season, including a 476-yard passing performance against Johnson C. Smith and multiple five-touchdown passing games. Matthews also recorded 156 passing yards in Virginia State's most recent contest against Virginia Union. 

Running back Brandon Rose adds another dimension to the offense, giving the Trojans a productive rushing option. The combination of Matthews' passing ability and the Trojans' ground game presents a significant challenge for the Broncos' defense. 

Virginia State is coming off a 36-14 loss to Virginia Union and will be looking to rebound against Fayetteville State. 

Players to Watch 

Virginia State Trojans 

• Rahsaan Matthews Jr. – Quarterback: Matthews is the engine behind Virginia State's high-powered offense, averaging nearly 305 passing yards per game and recording a season-high 476 passing yards against Johnson C. Smith. 

• Brandon Rose – Running Back: Rose gives the Trojans an effective rushing option and adds another dimension to an offense that averages more than 450 yards per game. 

• Vincent Ordenes – Wide Receiver: Ordenes provides a reliable receiving option for Matthews and has demonstrated his playmaking ability with nine receptions in the season opener against Barton. 

• Jason Parrilla – Linebacker: Parrilla anchors the Trojans' defensive effort and recorded a team-high 13 tackles against Virginia Union, making him an important player in containing the Broncos' rushing attack. 

Keys to the Game

• Pressure Rahsaan Matthews Jr. - Virginia State's offense averages 304.9 passing yards per game. The Broncos' defensive front must pressure quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr., disrupt his rhythm, and force him into difficult throws. With 30 sacks this season, Fayetteville State has the personnel to make an impact. 

• Limit the Big Plays - The Trojans average 38.7 points per game and have an explosive passing attack. Fayetteville State must maintain disciplined coverage, prevent receivers from getting behind the secondary, and eliminate explosive plays. 

• Establish the Ground Game - The Broncos need to get Braylon Vinson and the running game going early. Controlling the line of scrimmage and producing consistent rushing yards will help control the clock and keep Virginia State's offense off the field. 

• Win the Turnover Battle - Creating turnovers will be critical. Fayetteville State has recorded 13 interceptions this season. The Broncos must capitalize on defensive opportunities while protecting the football on offense. 

Outcome 

With both teams sitting at 7-3 overall, Friday's contest carries significance beyond the CIAA standings. The matchup could have important implications for NCAA Division II Super Region 1 playoff consideration, making every possession and every play critical. 

For Fayetteville State, a victory would provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen its postseason resume while demonstrating its ability to compete against one of the conference's most explosive offenses. 

The Broncos know the stakes, and Friday night presents an opportunity to make a statement on a big stage.