GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Matchup: UNC Pembroke vs. Fayetteville State
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium | Fayetteville, N.C.
Link to Program, Broadcast, Live Stats, Tickets: fsubroncos.com/gameday
 
FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Fayetteville State returns to Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, as the Broncos welcome UNC Pembroke for the annual Two Rivers Classic, a 6 p.m. kickoff that renews one of the region's top Division II rivalries. The early-season showdown features two teams coming off season-opening victories and looking to build momentum in a matchup that has become a staple between the neighboring programs.

Both teams enter the contest with 1-0 records after opening the season with impressive victories. Fayetteville State rallied past CIAA foe Shaw, while UNC Pembroke erased a 13-point halftime deficit to knock off nationally-ranked Wingate. Saturday's match-up features two defenses that excelled in Week 1 and could provide an early benchmark for both programs moving forward.
SEASON OVERVIEW
Fayetteville State Broncos (1-0, 1-0 CIAA)
The Broncos enter Week 2 coming off a season-opening conference victory and have already shown signs of being one of the CIAA's most explosive defensive units. Fayetteville State recorded seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss and held Shaw to only 81 passing yards in its opener.

A major strength for Fayetteville State has been its ability to create momentum-changing plays. The Broncos blocked two punts, returned a blocked extra point for two points, and added a late interception return touchdown.

The biggest area of improvement entering Saturday is discipline. Fayetteville State was flagged 13 times for 123 yards and committed five fumbles, losing one. Limiting penalties and ball-security issues will be important against a UNC Pembroke team that forced three turnovers in its opener.

UNC Pembroke Braves (1-0)
UNC Pembroke enters Saturday with significant momentum after defeating No. 19 Wingate and ending a six-game losing streak to the Bulldogs.

The Braves' defense emerged as the story of Week 1, forcing three turnovers and limiting Wingate to only 204 total yards, including just 68 passing yards. UNC Pembroke's ability to control possession was equally impressive, holding the ball for nearly 38 minutes and wearing down Wingate throughout the second half.

The primary concern for UNC Pembroke is offensive explosiveness. While the Braves controlled possession, they averaged just 3.3 yards per play and produced 216 total yards. The Braves were also penalized 12 times for 105 yards in the victory.
BY THE NUMBERS

Statistic	Fayetteville State	UNC Pembroke
Record	1-0	1-0
Points Per Game	33.0	21.0
Points Allowed	20.0	13.0
Total Offense	292.0	216.0
Total Defense	216.0	204.0
Rushing Offense	148.0	94.0
Passing Offense	144.0	122.0
Rushing Defense	135.0	136.0
Passing Defense	81.0	68.0
First Downs	22	16
Sacks Recorded	7	1
Turnovers Forced	1	3
Third Down Conversion %	28.6%	26.7%
Red Zone Efficiency	3-for-4	2-for-3

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fayetteville State

• Jamir Dismukes | Quarterback - Completed 14-of-20 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown while adding 56 rushing yards and a score.
• Braylon Vinson | Running Back - Rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown while helping establish the Broncos' balanced offensive attack.
• Osirus Rhodes | Defensive Leader - Recorded six tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss in the season opener.
• Marcus Fleming | Wide Receiver -  Led the Broncos with three receptions for 43 yards in the season opener.

UNC Pembroke

• Josh Ehrlich | Quarterback - Completed 20-of-31 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 81 yards and another score.
• Avery Curtis | Wide Receiver - The freshman standout made an immediate impact with 11 catches in his collegiate debut.
• Jadin Baptist | Defensive Back - Led the Braves with 10 tackles and two pass breakups against Wingate.
• Fred Giles | Defensive Line - Tallied six tackles, three quarterback hurries, two tackles for loss and a sack in his first game at UNC Pembroke.

SERIES HISTORY
Saturday will mark the 13th meeting between the two programs. UNC Pembroke leads the all-time series 10-2, although the recent meetings have been highly competitive. The Broncos captured a 35-31 victory in Fayetteville during the 2024 season before the Braves responded with a 31-24 win in Pembroke last season.

Series Snapshot

• All-Time Record: UNC Pembroke leads 10-2
• Last Meeting: UNC Pembroke 31, Fayetteville State 24 (2025)
• Last Fayetteville State Win: 35-31 (2024)
• Home Record vs. UNC Pembroke: 2-4
• Longest FSU Winning Streak: 1 game
• Longest UNCP Winning Streak: 8 games

KEYS TO THE GAME
Pressure the Quarterback - Fayetteville State's defensive front dominated Shaw with seven sacks. Replicating that performance against Josh Ehrlich could disrupt UNC Pembroke's offensive rhythm.
Win the Turnover Battle - The Braves forced three turnovers in Week 1 while committing none. The Broncos must improve their ball security after putting the ball on the ground five times against Shaw.
Control Possession - UNC Pembroke held the ball for nearly 38 minutes against Wingate. Fayetteville State's offense will need consistent drives to prevent the Braves from controlling tempo.
Limit Penalties - Both teams surpassed 100 penalty yards in their season openers. Eliminating self-inflicted mistakes may ultimately determine the outcome.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Saturday's match-up features two teams built around physical defense and timely playmaking. Fayetteville State brings the more explosive offense and one of the region's top pass-rushing units, while UNC Pembroke arrives with confidence after defeating a nationally-ranked opponent and showcasing its ability to dominate time of possession.

The Broncos will look to protect their home field and even the score after last season's loss in Pembroke, while the Braves seek their second consecutive victory over Fayetteville State. Expect a physical contest between two well-coached programs with strong defensive identities and postseason aspirations.