A battle for first place in the SIAC standings commences this weekend when the Miles Golden Bears clash with the Clark Atlanta Panthers.
After holding a share of first place through the first five weeks of the season, Clark Atlanta faced a setback following an upset loss to Savannah State.
This left Miles and Albany State as the last remaining teams in the SIAC with unbeaten conference records, with a matchup looming between the two teams the following week.
The Golden Bears snatched sole possession of the top spot in the conference with a 32-21 win.
The biggest storyline in this game is who performs better between the Clark Atlanta offense and the Miles defense.
Panthers high-powered offense could be difference once again
Led by reigning SIAC Player of the Year David Wright III, Clark Atlanta ranks third in the SIAC, averaging over 32 points per game.
He is second among all Division II quarterbacks with 2,135 passing yards and 21 passing touchdowns.
Clark Atlanta’s top two receivers, Armone Harris and Jamal Jones, are one of only two Division II receiver duos with at least 40 receptions and 600 receiving yards each.
Jones has also been a secret weapon for the Panthers on special teams, scoring two kick return touchdowns (tied for the most in the country).
In the Panthers’ last outing against Central State, a game-winning touchdown in the final minute gave the Panthers a narrow victory.
This came after Central State took the lead in the final two minutes after trailing for the majority of the game, including facing a nine-point deficit with four minutes remaining.
They will have their hands full against a Miles team that ranks among the top defenses in all of Division II football.
Tough Golden Bears will need to stay that way
The Golden Bears have the fourth-most total sacks in the country (22) and forced the most interceptions than any team in the SIAC (8).
In their win against Albany State, Miles dominated the line of scrimmage, recording 6.0 sacks, including 1.0 sacks by five different players.
Their defensive unit is highlighted by defensive line duo Jamichael Rogers and Roc Dowdell, one of two in Division II football with 4.0 total sacks each.
Meanwhile, in the secondary, Miles has recorded an interception in every game this season. This includes scoring on a 31-yard pick-six in their game against Albany State.
It will take another masterful performance from the Golden Bears’ defense to tame the high-powered Clark Atlanta offense.
