COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict Tigers have had nine days to work out the kinks in their offensive struggles and coach James Woody said the Tigers should show some drastic improvement in that area when they take on the Virginia State University Trojans on Saturday in the annual Palmetto Capital City Classic game. Kickoff is 4 p.m.

“We're looking much better this week,” Woody said. “Offensively, we've narrowed a lot of things down and the coaches are working hard with the game plan. I think this week you'll definitely see a lot of offense. I'm very positive you'll see more offense this week.”

Last Thursday, the Tigers had 120 yards of total offense in a 28-14 loss to Bowie State. The Tigers had 48 yards rushing and both touchdowns were scored by the defense. In a season-opening 28-7 loss to Virginia Union, the Tigers had 25 net yards rushing.

Despite gaining just 73 yards on the ground in two games, Woody said the Tigers will need to establish a strong running game against the Trojans.

“We've got to be able to run the football to win this game,” Woody said. “We're not a throwing football team that's going to throw 70 percent of the time. That's not our game. We want our quarterbacks to manage the game, get the running game going, play some good defense and solid special teams, and hopefully we can do that Saturday.”

Woody said the Tigers will start senior left-handed quarterback Christopher Thomas for the second week in a row. Thomas was 4-of-6 for 12 yards last week. Redshirt freshman Marcus Graham will continue to see action, Woody said. Graham was 7-of-13 for 28 yards against Bowie State.

“We're expecting different packages for both of those guys, and hopefully they can get it done,” Woody said.

Virginia State also comes into the contest with a 0-2 record and searching for its first win. The Trojans opened the season with a 24-0 loss to Division I Norfolk State, then dropped a close 14-13 contest to West Liberty last week. In that game last week, the Trojans held West Liberty to just 44 net yards rushing and 249 yards of total offense.

“They're strong defensively,” Woody said of the VSU defense. “They're fast. They've got big guys on the front and interior and fast guys on the edge. They've got linebackers that can run. It will be a challenge for us.”

The Palmetto Capital City Classic game always brings a big crowd to Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, and the Tigers don't want to disappoint the large audience. And after two straight losses, the Tigers are hungry for a win.

“I think these kids are ready,” Woody said. “They've gone through so much and they've overcome adversity. They're strong kids and we're moving forward on that one-way path towards success. I'm proud of these guys.”

Tickets for the Palmetto Capital City Classic game are on sale at the Palmetto Capital City Classic office at 2352 Two Notch Road; the Township Auditorium, the Benedict athletic office on Laurel Street and at the football stadium.