ETTRICK, VA – The Virginia State Trojans will be right back on their home turf in Rogers stadium to host their first conference game of the season against the Falcons of St. Augustine's at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17. The VSU Football team will look to carry the momentum gained last week over into this week as the VSU offense gained 566 total yards while the VSU defense forced two turnovers and allowed just 58 rushing yards and amassed five sacks against Bluefield State.
 
 
Virginia State University (1-1) vs. St. Augustine's University (0-2)
September 17, 2022 - 6 p.m.
Ettrick, VA – Rogers Stadium
Live Stream (subscription needed to watch): Trojan Sports Network 
Live stats: Click HERE
 
 
Self-Scouting
The VSU offense currently averages 23.50 points per game after coming off a huge week scoring 28 points. They rank second in the conference in touchdowns scored with seven, second in points scored with 47 and second in yards gained with 779. The rushing attack currently ranks second in rushing yards gained with 482, tie for second in rushing touchdowns with three and rank second in average yards per rush with 5.4. The downfall to the offense is third down efficiency as they are just 31%. Darius Hagans leads the offense after the senior running back earned 261 yards on just 21 carries with a touchdown a week ago. The all-purpose back now leads the team with 277 rushing yards on 32 carries and a pair of touchdowns after a career night against Bluefield State. His 277 yards puts him firmly in the second spot in the conference as his two touchdowns ties him for second. His total carries puts him second in the conference as does his average yards per game (135.5). His 86-yard rushing touchdown against Bluefield State is the longest rushing play in the conference to this point. The Human Joystick Kimo Clarke has earned 81 yards this season on just eight carries this season which ranks him eight in the conference. He earned a career-high 71 rushing yards on just five carries and capped his day with a 28-yard touchdown in which he broke multiple tackles. He also has earned 57 yards on three kickoff returns. The power back Upton Bailey has amassed 109 yards on just 17 carries in the season which ranks him fifth in the conference in rushing yards. Bailey led the rushing and recieving efforts against Lenoir-Rhyne in week one and earned hard yards a week ago after he ended with 67 yards on 12 carries. He also assumed the kicking and punting role in week one as well. Reigning Food Lion CIAA Offensive Lineman of the Week Matthew Foster anchored an offensive line that helped the Trojans gain 566 yards of total offense, the most in the CIAA through two weeks. Darius Hagans (261), Upton Bailey (72) and Kimo Clarke (71) achieved career-high rushing yardage en route to 401 yards rushing on 50 rushes as a backfield in the 28-7 win against visiting Bluefield State. In addition, on 23 passing attempts, the Trojans surrendered just one sack.

 
The VSU defense gives up 22.5 points per contest which ranks them around the middle of the pack in the conference. They lead the conference currently with five interceptions and also lead in rushing yards allowed per game with 76. The VSU rushing defense also ranks first in average yards per carry allowing just 2.3. The Trojans defense allowed just seven points a week ago as their only points came from a fumble that was picked up and ran intro the endzone by the Bluefield State quarterback. Zion Johnson currently ranks second on the team in total tackles with 13 along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His 13 total tackles ranks him 12th in the conference. Johnson and Kymon Pope tie for a team leading eight solo tackles which also ranks them both 10th in the conference. He earned seven total tackles a forced fumble and a half tackle-for-loss last week against Bluefield State. Kymon Pope currently ranks second on the team in total tackles with 14 along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His 14 total tackles ranks him seventh in the conference. He earned seven total tackles a forced fumble and a half tackle-for-loss last week against Bluefield State. Rodney Jones burst onto the scene in week one after picking off the LR quarterback in the first play from scrimmage of the season. He caught his second interception in two weeks last week against Bluefield State. Though Willie Drew is a cornerback he is involved heavily in the run game as he ranks fourth on the team tackles with eight total tackles (six solo). Marteise Phipps continues to lead the defensive line with 3.5 tackles-for-loss (T-3 in CIAA) and leads the conference with 2.5 sacks.  

 
Opponent Scout – St. Augustine's University
SAU is coming off an extremely rough start to the season as they have given up over 70 points in both contests this season and have only scored an average of 13.5 points in two games this season. The SAU offense earns 214 total yards per game and have only scored four offensive touchdowns. That being said, the Falcons haven't had too many issues moving the chains as they have accumulated more than 20 first downs. The offense is led by reigning Food Lion CIAA Quarterback of the Week Chris Perkins. Chris Perkins accounted for both of the Falcons' touchdowns, including a 60-yard strike against Limestone. The Spring Lake, NC native completed 19 of 30 passes for 223 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the 73-14 loss.
 
The Falcons defense gives up 515 yards per game and has given up more than 20 touchdowns in both contests this season. Lee Sales lead the team in tackles and has a 0.5 tackle-for-loss.
 
 
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