ETTRICK, VA – The Virginia State Trojans are preparing for a huge matchup as they travel to Murfreesboro, North Carolina to try to spoil the homecoming of Chowan The Trojans are looking to get back on track after a homecoming loss to Bowie State University last week. The game is set to be played Saturday, October 15 at 1:00 p.m.
 
 
 
Virginia State University (4-2, 3-1 CIAA) at Chowan University (3-3, 3-1 CIAA)
October 15, 2022 – 1 p.m.
Murfreesboro, NC – Garrison Stadium
Live Stream Link HERE
Live Stat Link HERE
 
 
 
Self-Scouting
The Trojans currently averages 28 points per game while giving up 20 points per game. While the offense has averaged 408 yards per game, the defense is tied for first in the CIAA in interceptions with 11 and have forced 16 fumbles so far this season.
 
 
 
VSU Run Game
The rushing attack ranks seconds in the conference in rushing yards with 1,252 yards and tied second in the conference in rushing touchdowns with 14. The Trojans also rank 23^rd in the country in rushing yards. Darius Hagans is the leader of the rushing attack as he has 623 rushing yards with a career high and season long 86 yard run against Bluefield State University which also is the longest running play in the conference e this year. It added to his 263 rushing yards which also was also a career-high. He is also second in the CIAA in rushing yards and currently 9^th in the country in rushing yards. Upton Bailey is second on the team with 291 rush yards and tied with Hagans in yards per carry with 5.8. He ranks 7^th in the CIAA in rushing yards. Kimo Clarke is third on the team in rushing with 157 rushing yards on 26 carries and ties for the most rushing touchdowns on the team. While Hagans has been the vocal point of the run game, Bailey has been quietly having an extremely productive season as 291 yards has come on 45 carries. His 291 rushing yards ranks him seventh in the CIAA. He's gotten in the endzone twice on the ground this season.
 
VSU Passing Game
The VSU passing game ranks third is passing yards (1,195), passing touchdowns (10), average passing yards per game (199.20 , interceptions thrown (5) and completion percentage (52.8).  . Prior to earning his first career start against LC, Jordan Davis came in a reliever role in the start of this season completing 75% of his passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. After efficient play in the first two games, he earned his first official start against Livingstone and went 18-30 passing for 251 yards with a touchdown through the air and a pair on the ground. His last outing was slightly rough as he went just 9-26 with 100 yards through the air and 40 yards on 11 rushes with a touchdown on the ground. Tylique Ray is now fifth in the conference in receiving yards with 312 on just 15 receptions. He has scored two touchdowns this season with one of them being a 76-yard reception.
 
VSU Defense
The VSU defense gives up 20.7 points per contest. They now lead the conference and is second in the country with 11 interceptions. The VSU rushing defense ranks second in conference in average yards per carry allowing just 3.0. They have 16 sacks on the season. Kymon Pope currently ranks first on the team in total tackles with 43 along with a forced fumble, two interceptions and three pass breakups. His 43 total tackles ranks him seventh in the conference. Pope has accounted for 30 solo tackles which ranks him fourth in the conference. He earned nine tackles (eight solo) a pass breakup and a quarterback hit. Zion Johnson is now second on the team in total tackles with 41 along with a pair of forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. His 41 total tackles ranks him ninth in the conference. He earned a seven tackles (two solo) in the win against Bowie State. Willie Drew now leads the conference in interceptions with four and has also accounted for four pass breakups. His four interceptions ranks him second in the country. He also accounts for 20 tackles including 15 solo stops this season to go along with his terrific pass coverage statistics. Marteise Phipps still leads the pack with three sacks so far this season while Miqueal Pillow - Smiley leads the defensive line with 5.5 tackles-for-loss.
 
Opponent Scout – Chowan Hawks
The Chowan Hawks are currently ties for second in the conference with a 3-1 record. The Hawks enter the matchup fresh off a 16-14 win over Lincoln (Pa.). The Bulldogs average 17.1 points per game in the season as they are coming off their best offensive performance this season. The Hawks defense and the conference is led by Linebacker Montre Moore who leads with 63 tackles (27 solo). He has earned double-digit tackles in three games this season as his best game came against Tusculum when he accounted for 16 tackles (eight solo) and a forced fumble. Nijere Peoples has been leading the Hawks offense with 398 rushing yards which ranks him fifth in the conference. He rushed for 129 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown against JCSU.
 
 
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