COLUMBIA, S.C. – In the midst of all the Homecoming parties, reunions, parades, concerts and tailgating, something else happens. And that is the football game between the Benedict College Tigers and the Morehouse Maroon Tigers.

Kickoff is 2 p.m. Saturday in Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. Watch the live stream here. Live stats are available here.

The Tigers are looking to put on a good show for the alumni after falling to Albany State 28-6 last week. Injuries have played a big part of Benedict's mid-season struggles, resulting in a 3-4 overall record and 0-3 in the SIAC. Morehouse (2-5, 2-1) opened up the season with five consecutive losses, but has rebounded to win their last two games, including a dominating 51-3 victory over Fort Valley State last week.

"They're a good football team. They started off a little slow, and they've won their last two," Benedict head coach Chennis Berry said. "They beat Tuskegee, which is one of their rivals, and this past week, they had a big win against Fort Valley State. They'll be playing with a lot of emotion and they'll be believing. But our kids are believing as well."

The Tigers have struggled with injuries this season. They have used four different quarterbacks and have seen some of their top offensive lineman hampered with a variety of injuries. Their preseason projected starting running back never played a snap this season, and the top backup has been out of action for the last few weeks. The defensive line has also seen its share of injuries.

Berry doesn't want to use injuries as an excuse, and uses a "Next man up," mantra.

The Maroon Tigers rank last in the SIAC in total offense despite last week's outburst of 445 yards against Fort Valley State. Quarterback Michael Sims was named SIAC Offensive Player of the Week after completing 11-of-20 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown. The Maroon Tigers rushed for 213 yards last week. Benedict ranks 10^th in the SIAC in rushing defense, giving up an average of 199 yards per game.

The key may turn out to be turnovers. Benedict ranks 21^st in the nation in turnovers gained with 16. Their nine pass interceptions rank second in the SIAC and 19^th in the country. The Maroon Tigers rank second in the SIAC in turnovers gained with 17 and have intercepted seven passes. Morehouse took advantage of five fumble recoveries and an interception against FVSU last week.

The other key in the game will be the crowd. Berry knows the Tigers will have the home-field advantage with the large Homecoming crowd.

"We get the opportunity to play in front of our home crowd, a chance to play in front of all the alumni coming back, get a chance to play in front of family and friends," Berry said.

"We're excited already," Berry said. "We know the band, the BC BOD will be rocking the house. We need 11,000 screaming fans in the house. The guys feed off the momentum of the crowd. When the band gets to rocking and you see them bouncing up and down on the sideline, that brings the juice, the energy. So we're expecting an exciting game and our young men are chomping at the bit."