The Fayetteville State Broncos have staked their claim to be placed among the top contenders in the CIAA, taking down the reigning conference championship runner-ups, Virginia State, in a 34-14 home-opening win.
This is the first time Fayetteville State has won consecutive games since 2023, becoming one of two teams to improve to 2-0 in conference play.
Redshirt junior running back Bryce Council put forth a career-performance in the Broncos’ win, recording 157 rushing yards on 21 attempts and a touchdown.
Quarterback Demari Daniels posted 114 passing yards, completing 63% of his passes, and scoring two touchdowns. He also rushed for 48 yards on five attempts, including a 28-yard touchdown.
The Broncos’ defense played the starring role in this contest, recording six sacks and forcing three turnovers (all in the second half), including a pair of interceptions.
Virginia State was limited to 22 rushing yards, ending a 15-game streak with at least 100 rushing yards.
In its two conference contests this season, Fayetteville State has allowed just 63 rushing yards on 65 attempts.
Trojans quarterback Rahsaan Matthews threw for 257 yards, accounting for the team’s two touchdowns in the game.
With the game tied 14-14 in the third quarter, Fayetteville State broke the ice with a 70-yard drive, culminating in a 33-yard touchdown connection from Daniels to Kristian Golden.
The score would remain 21-14 until the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, when a five-minute drive ended with Daniel’s 28-yard touchdown run.
They then sealed the win with a defensive score, when Isaiah Boyd recovered a strip sack and returned it for a three-yard score.
Next week, Fayetteville State goes back on the road, putting its unbeaten conference record on the line against Bowie State.
Meanwhile, Virginia State will play in its home opener against CIAA contender Johnson C. Smith.
