Central State Marauders (6-3, 6-1 SIAC) at Benedict Tigers (8-1, 6-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium — Columbia, South Carolina
Tickets: Benedicttickets.com
Promotion: Take A Kid To The Game Day (All youths 18 and under admitted free with paying adult); Senior Day
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Benedict College Athletics
 
COLUMBIA, S.C. – For the Benedict College Tigers, a return trip to the SIAC football championship game is on the line when they host the Central State Marauders on Saturday at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
 
The 20^th-ranked Tigers, 8-1 overall and 6-1 in the SIAC, can secure a spot in the championship game with a victory over the Marauders, 6-3 overall and 6-1 in the SIAC. The winner will be guaranteed a spot in this year's title contest. Last year, Benedict lost to Albany State in the championship game.
 
This contest will match up the SIAC's stingiest defense against the big-play offense of the Marauders.
 
Benedict enters the contest with one of the conference's most disciplined defensive units after recording a 23-0 shutout against Savannah State. Over the past two games, Benedict has surrendered just six points, and have given up an average of 15.8 points per game all season, the best in the SIAC and 12^th best in Division II. Benedict ranks high in most defensive statistics – second in total defense, first in tackles for loss, first in red zone defense, and first in passes intercepted.
 
Central State counters with a high-octane offense. Last week against Edward Waters, the Marauders generated 429 total yards, including 213 rushing yards and 216 passing yards. For the year, the Marauders rank among the SIAC's best in multiple offensive categories – second in total offense, second in scoring offense, second in passing yards, first in passing yards per completion, and are second in the nation in passing efficiency with 30 touchdown passes and just six interceptions. They lead the SIAC and are fourth in the nation in passing yards per completion. Their 17.36 yards per completion average demonstrates their explosive play capabilities. Nine different receivers have caught passes for 40 yards or more.
 
Quarterback Jackson Wasik is the offensive leader for the Marauders. His 2,518 passing yards is second in the SIAC and 12^th in the nation, while his 30 touchdown passes is the best in the country. He is also dangerous running the ball, with 358 rushing yards and six scores. His ability to generate production through both phases of the offense makes him difficult to contain, particularly when defensive pressure forces him outside the pocket.
 
The Tigers will look to generate more offense this week after struggling to punch the ball into the end zone last week against Savannah State. The Tigers finished with a season-low 258 yards of total offense. Benedict continues to lead the SIAC in rushing offense at 197.8 yards per game, while David Smith is the SIAC's leading rusher at 88.3 yards per game.
 
Defensively, the Marauders rank last in the SIAC, allowing opponents 205.3 yards per game on the ground. They also rank last in total defense, giving up 419.3 yards per game.
 
This contest not only will determine a berth in the SIAC championship game, but also NCAA playoff seeding implications. Central State enters the week ranked No. 2 in the region, while Benedict occupies the No. 3 position. A victory will likely cement at least one home playoff game for either team.