WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) will face off against Virginia Union University (VUU) at Historic Hovey Field in Richmond, VA on Saturday in a historic HBCU football rivalry. This matchup holds significant weight, as the series between these two CIAA rivals is tied 23-23-1, with VUU winning the last two encounters in 2018 and 2019.
More importantly, this is a matchup of a team looking to defend the conference title against one looking to make its biggest statement yet that it is ready for one.
WSSU enters this game as one of the surprises of the HBCU football season, boasting a 4-1 record. That is its best start since 2014, when it made it all the way to the CIAA title game as one of the premiere HBCU programs of the time.
The Rams’ offense has been effective, averaging 23.2 points per game and accumulating 838 rushing yards over five games, averaging 167.6 yards per game on the ground . Trevon Hester leads the charge, averaging 75.8 rushing yards per game with three touchdowns. The Rams’ passing game, led by quarterback Daylin Lee, has added 745 yards and six touchdowns — including three last week in a win over Bowie State.
WSSU head coach Robert Massey said that despite several drops on Saturday that could have resulted in a bigger day on the stat sheet, he’s confident in the passing game.
“From a confidence standpoint we feel good that we can go run the ball or throw the ball if need be to beat folk,” Massey said. “Daylin had a heck of a game. Three touchdowns, no turnovers and he controlled the ball, controlled the field — controlled the game for us. He checked in and out of good situations from around run-pass stand point and we allow him to do that. So having a guy of his caliber that gives us confidence going into games, where we know is key can get us out of some bad situations.
Defensively, WSSU has been stout, allowing just 14.2 points per game while snagging eight interceptions. Justin Fleming has been a defensive standout with 40 tackles and two interceptions, while leading the team in sacks with three. The Rams’ ability to control the line of scrimmage has also been key, with the team racking up 12 sacks on the season — four against Bowie State last week.
Virginia Union University (2-2, 1-1 CIAA)
Virginia Union, sitting at 2-2, is coming off a dominant 42-7 victory against Shaw. They’ve shown offensive balance, averaging 354.3 total yards per game. Running back Jada Byers is the focal point of the offense, averaging 108.33 rushing yards per game and scoring five touchdowns.
Massey said Byers’ accolades are well-deserved, but he likes his defense heading into the matchup.
“I don’t know if just from the film that I’ve seen if he’s played against a defense that is as athletic as we are. We are very athletic on the back end. The receivers had a big, big week this past week in the throwing game, throwing the ball. But our DBs can cover when you’ve gotten a little older on the back end by way of the portal and it’s showing — and that’s important.
VUU quarterback Mark Wright has also been efficient, throwing for 471 yards and four touchdowns with a completion rate of 64.15%. Receiver Reginald Vick has been explosive, averaging 143 receiving yards per game with three touchdowns.
“We’re going to go there to stop the run and force them to pass,” Massey said. “And then we’ll get out, we’ll pin ears back and get after the quarterback — hopefully to take their fans out of the game and and keep outside of the ball game.”
Defensively, VUU has shown resilience, but it has allowed 367.7 yards per game. It has been vulnerable on third downs, allowing opponents to convert at a 51.11% rate , and its time of possession has been a concern, with opponents holding the ball nearly seven minutes longer per game . However, linebacker Shamar Graham has been a standout with 35 tackles, including three tackles for loss.
Keys to the Game
- WSSU’s Ground Game vs. VUU’s Front Seven: WSSU will likely lean on their rushing attack, led by Hester, to wear down VUU’s defense, which has allowed 150 rushing yards per game. VUU will need to contain the Rams’ potent running game to keep the contest close.
- Virginia Union’s Passing Attack: VUU’s ability to stretch the field with Vick and Wright could challenge WSSU’s secondary, which has been strong, with eight interceptions. If VUU can establish the pass early, it may open lanes for Byers on the ground.
- Turnovers and Time of Possession: WSSU’s defense has thrived on turnovers, and maintaining that trend will be crucial. VUU has struggled to control the clock, and if WSSU can sustain long drives, it may prove decisive.
This game promises to be a hard-fought battle between two historic HBCU powerhouses with much at stake as they try to break the series tie and gain a crucial CIAA win.