GAME PREVIEW
Opponent: Winston-Salem State
Date: November 7, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC
Broadcast, Live Stats, Tickets: fsubroncos.com/gameday

Fayetteville State will wrap up its regular season schedule on Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Broncos travel to face longtime CIAA rival Winston-Salem State. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. in Winston-Salem, N.C. 

The Broncos enter the matchup with a 6-3 overall record and a 5-2 mark in CIAA play after rallying for a 21-17 victory over Bowie State last weekend. Winston-Salem State comes in at 2-7 overall and 2-5 in the conference, looking to finish the season on a positive note at home. 

About Fayetteville State 

Fayetteville State has built its success around one of the CIAA's stingiest defenses. The Broncos are allowing just 17.3 points per game and 276.3 total yards per contest, while forcing 10 interceptions and consistently winning the field position battle. 

Offensively, Fayetteville State averages 23.2 points per game and features a balanced attack with 1,092 rushing yards and 1,451 passing yards through nine games. The Broncos have also excelled in situational football, converting 77.8 percent of their fourth-down attempts and controlling possession for more than 31 minutes per game. 

Players to Watch 

• Jamir Dismukes, QB -  Dismukes leads the Bronco offense and is coming off an efficient outing against Bowie State, completing 14-of-19 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown while adding 41 rushing yards. 

• Isaiah Silver, RB -  Silver provided a spark last week with 87 rushing yards and a touchdown on just five carries, highlighted by a 48-yard scoring run. 

• Jason Melton II, LB -  The reigning CIAA Defensive Player of the Week continues to anchor Fayetteville State's defense. Melton recorded 19 total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss, in last week's win over Bowie State. 

• Zyking Patillo, DB -  Patillo remains one of the Broncos' most reliable defensive playmakers and totaled eight tackles against Bowie State while helping secure another strong performance by the secondary. 

About Winston-Salem State 

The Rams have endured a challenging season but remain a dangerous opponent, especially at home. Winston-Salem State averages 216.7 yards of offense per game and relies on a physical rushing attack led by running back Jayvion Danzy. 

Defensively, the Rams have struggled to stop opposing offenses, allowing 25.3 points and 360.1 total yards per game. However, Winston-Salem State has shown an ability to create turnovers and make games competitive with timely defensive plays. 

Players to Watch 

• Jayvion Danzy, RB -  Danzy is a key piece of the Rams' offense and rushed for 62 yards on 19 carries last week against Elizabeth City State. 

• Brayden Jeffries, QB -  Jeffries directs the Winston-Salem State offense and passed for 89 yards in the Rams' most recent contest. 

• Yetristan Brown, DB -  Brown led the Rams with nine tackles and an interception last week and has been a consistent contributor in the secondary. 

• Christopher "CJ" Brown, DL -  A disruptive presence up front, Brown recorded two tackles for loss and a sack against Elizabeth City State. 

What to Expect 

Saturday's contest features contrasting strengths. Fayetteville State brings one of the CIAA's top defenses into a matchup against a Winston-Salem State offense averaging just 11.3 points per game. The Broncos will look to establish the run early and force the Rams into difficult passing situations. 

The Rams will likely attempt to shorten the game with their rushing attack and rely on their defense to create momentum-changing plays. Winston-Salem State's best chance for success will be limiting turnovers and winning the field-position battle. 

Keys to the Game 

• Stop the Run - Winston-Salem State's offense is most effective when Danzy and the running game get going. Fayetteville State's front seven will look to control the line of scrimmage and make the Rams one-dimensional. 

• Continue Defensive Pressure - The Broncos recorded four sacks and held Bowie State to 17 points last week. Generating pressure on Jeffries could force mistakes and create short fields for the offense. 

• Establish the Ground Game - Fayetteville State rushed for 203 yards against Bowie State and will look for Silver, Braylon Vinson, and the offensive line to continue that success. 

• Win the Turnover Battle - The Broncos have thrived when creating takeaways and converting them into points. Limiting mistakes while forcing Winston-Salem State into turnovers could be the difference. 

Outlook 

Fayetteville State has an opportunity to finish the year with a strong 7-3 overall record and 6-2 mark in CIAA play, providing a positive season highlighted by one of the conference's top defenses and several standout individual performances. 

Kickoff between Fayetteville State and Winston-Salem State is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Winston-Salem, N.C.