MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The nation's top-ranked defense will be put to the test again, as the Benedict College Tigers travel to take on Chowan University in a non-conference game on Saturday.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on FloSports, which is a subscription-based streaming service. Click
here to watch or sign up. Live stats will be available
here.
The 14
th-ranked Tigers, 3-0 on the season, have outscored their opponents 140-7 so far this season, and are giving up just 109 yards of offense per game, best in Division II, and second best out of all 652 NCAA football-playing schools over all divisions. The Tigers also lead in rushing defense, scoring defense, and are second in passing yards allowed and third-down conversion defense.
The Hawks enter the game 0-3, and have been outscored 140-38 over their first three games. Despite their record, the Hawks have a strong passing attack, averaging 200 yards passing per game behind quarterback Rashad McKee, and averaging nearly 14 yards per reception. McKee has thrown five interceptions through the first three games, and Benedict's ballhawk secondary has three interceptions so far, including returning
Troy Frazier's pick six for 40 yards last week against Lane. Benedict has also played havoc on opposing quarterbacks, registering 14 sacks.
The weather forecast could play a big part in Saturday's game, as a tropical cyclone is scheduled to hit the North Carolina coast Saturday, with heavy wind and rain. The game was originally scheduled for a 1 p.m. start, but Chowan moved the start of the game back two hours due to the weather.
If the game turns sloppy and teams are forced to keep the ball on the ground, the Tigers are averaging 165 yards rushing per game, while holding opponents to 26 yards per game. The Hawks average just 55 yards rushing per game, and are giving up 233 yards per game on the ground.
The Tigers return home for the first time since the season opener next week, hosting Morehouse at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at
benedicttickets.com.
