WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Winston-Salem State University football team returns to Bowman Gray Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, to host Bluefield State University in a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The Rams (0-6, 0-4 CIAA) and Big Blue (0-6, 0-4 CIAA) will each look to secure their first victory of the season. Saturday's contest will also feature Senior Day and Pink Out, along with several halftime recognition celebrating members of the WSSU community.

GAME INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Location: Bowman Gray Stadium | Winston-Salem, N.C.
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SENIOR DAY AND PINK OUT
WSSU will recognize seniors from the football team, athletic training staff and Red Sea of Sound Marching Band as part of Senior Day. Fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of Pink Out.

At halftime, the university will recognize a Horn$ member, present a check to the Hayes Foundation and honor the 2026 CIAA Women's Track and Field Championship Squad.

THE MATCHUP
Both teams enter Saturday's game seeking to break through in conference play. WSSU is coming off a 21-0 loss to Bowie State on Oct. 10, while Bluefield State most recently fell 51-0 to Johnson C. Smith on Oct. 3.

The Rams have scored 38 points through six games, averaging 6.3 points per contest, while allowing 32.5 points per game. Bluefield State has scored 66 points and allowed 225, averaging 11 points offensively and surrendering 37.5 points per game.

WSSU will look to establish a more consistent offensive rhythm and capitalize on scoring opportunities, while its defense aims to limit the Big Blue and create opportunities for the Rams to turn the momentum in their favor.

RAMS TO WATCH
Running back Jayvion Danzy leads WSSU on the ground with 356 rushing yards on 74 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. He has scored one rushing touchdown. Jamison Funderburk has added 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Quarterback Brayden Jeffries has recorded 165 passing yards and one touchdown. Through the air, Taron Biles-Walker leads the Rams with 187 receiving yards and one touchdown. Alex Wiley IV has contributed 99 receiving yards, while Jayden Grimes has recorded 73.

Defensively, Chancellor Smith leads WSSU with 48 total tackles. Maurice Odom follows with 46 tackles and three tackles for loss. Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman has recorded 34 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, three pass breakups, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles. Avir Johnson has added 27 tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Special teams contributor Anthony Barrett is averaging 42.2 yards per punt, with a long of 71 yards.

BIG BLUE TO WATCH
Bluefield State enters the contest averaging 223.3 yards of total offense per game, including 95.3 rushing yards and 128 passing yards.

Quarterback Savan Briggs leads the passing attack with 517 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Julian Crawley has recorded 272 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Syir Sutton has added 174 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

On the ground, Derek Binder has rushed for 167 yards, Justin McBean has recorded 161 and Tydrez Clements has added 159 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Defensively, Michael Riley leads the Big Blue with 33 tackles. Brian Eashmond and Amir Powell have recorded 28 tackles apiece. Eashmond has four tackles for loss and one sack, while Powell has four tackles for loss, one sack and two forced fumbles.

Bluefield State's defense has recorded eight sacks and forced eight fumbles through six games, giving the Rams' offense another area to monitor.

UP NEXT
WSSU continues CIAA play as the Rams travel to Pennsylvania to take on the Lions of Lincoln (PA) on Saturday, October 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For more information on Winston-Salem State University athletics, visit wssurams.com.