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Football Game Preview: St. Augustine’s Hosts Virginia Union

India Powers

RALEIGH, NC – A matchup between two Division II teams, St. Augustine’s University (SAU) Falcons and Virginia Union University (VUU)Panthers, competes on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the George Williams Athletic Complex at 1 p.m.

The two teams, dating back to 2007 in the CIAA series matchup, leave the St. Augustine’s Falcons struggling against the VUU Panthers through all five of their previous matchups.

Virginia Union University has been dominating the field with its explosive defense, earning recognition with CIAA Players of the Week since the football season started.  St. Aug must find a way to pump up their offensive line to take on the VUU Panthers head-on.

St. Aug currently holds 0-4 in the CIAA conference, spotlighting quarterback Christian Perkins consistently beating the odds and trying to make things happen while totaling 137 passing yards with 1 touchdown. With a quick switch out, quarterback, Anthony Butler appeared in the Virginia State game, completing 14 tosses out of 31 attempts with 96 passing yards. He continued against Bowie State, throwing for 114 passing yards with 1 touchdown.

VUU carrying on through the conference (3-1,1-1), the Panthers fell to Fayetteville State in their last meetup and declined from #16 to #24 while staying in the Top 25 nations Division II programs. As the Panthers display an impressive defense while also exhibiting a responsive offensive line, the team works together to stay ranked.

The Panthers, with a key figure on their offense, running back Jada Byers, led all FBS, FCS, and D2 last season with 1,928 rushing yards. Alongside, running back Curtis Allen took shape with 30 carries for 155 yards against Fayetteville State.

The SAU Falcons must tighten up their offense to get some pass coverage to have a chance against the VUU Panthers. They must find a way to improve offensive performances and overcome the Panthers’ dominant defense. Meanwhile, The Panthers have arranged a strong defense with an established offense with some high-standard passes on the front line. Quarterback Anthony Butler will play a crucial role in this effort to win this game.