WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Winston-Salem State University football team travels to Pennsylvania on Saturday, Oct. 24, to face Lincoln University (PA) in a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association matchup. The Rams look to build on their first win of the season and continue their recent success against the Lions.

Winston-Salem State (1-6, 1-4 CIAA) is coming off a 43-14 victory over Bluefield State on Oct. 17, while Lincoln (1-6, 1-4 CIAA) looks to rebound from a 40-6 loss to Johnson C. Smith. Both teams enter the matchup seeking their second win of the season and a boost in conference play.

GAME INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
Kickoff: 1 P.M.
Location: Lincoln University, PA
Live Stats: Click Here
Watch: Click Here
Gamenotes: Click Here

THE MATCHUP
The Rams enter the contest after delivering their strongest offensive performance of the season against Bluefield State. WSSU scored 43 points and produced season highs on the ground, using 27 unanswered points across four scoring drives spanning the latter portion of the second quarter and the third quarter to turn a 9-6 game into a 36-6 advantage.

Winston-Salem State has scored 81 points through seven games, averaging 11.6 points per contest, while allowing 29.9 points per game. Lincoln averages 19.9 points and 301.6 yards of total offense per game, including 198.1 passing yards and 103.4 rushing yards.

The Rams will look to maintain their momentum on the ground while limiting Lincoln's passing attack. Protecting possession and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be important for WSSU as it pursues a second victory.

SERIES HISTORY
Winston-Salem State and Lincoln have split the six meetings listed in the series history, with each team earning three victories. The Rams won the most recent matchup, defeating the Lions 51-14 in Winston-Salem on Sept. 13, 2025.

Lincoln earned a 30-27 victory in 2023, while WSSU recorded a 48-0 shutout in 2017 and a 51-10 win in 2016. The Lions won the two earlier meetings listed, defeating the Rams 21-6 in 1947 and 21-0 in 1948.

Winston-Salem State will look to extend its recent success against Lincoln and earn another CIAA victory.

RAMS TO WATCH
Running back Jayvion Danzy leads the Rams' ground game with 538 rushing yards on 90 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. He has scored three rushing touchdowns and recorded a season-long run of 64 yards. Danzy was named the CIAA Offensive Back of the Week following his performance against Bluefield State.

Jamison Funderburk adds 187 rushing yards and three touchdowns, giving the Rams another option in the running game. WSSU has totaled 880 rushing yards this season and averages 125.7 yards on the ground per game.

Quarterback Brayden Jeffries has completed 24 of 40 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns. Through the air, Taron Biles-Walker has recorded 196 receiving yards and one touchdown, while Jayden Grimes has contributed 174 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Defensively, Chancellor Smith leads WSSU with 48 tackles, followed by Maurice Odom with 46. Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman has recorded 43 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, four pass breakups, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.

Avir Johnson has added 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles. The Rams have recorded nine sacks this season, with Mecca Carr-Bordeaux leading the team with 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.

Special teams contributor Anthony Barrett is averaging 41.8 yards per punt, with a long of 71 yards.

LIONS TO WATCH
Lincoln's offense is led by quarterbacks Jayden Triplett and Mikal Davis. Triplett has completed 63 of 105 passes for 839 yards and five touchdowns, while Davis has added 486 passing yards and four touchdowns.

Wide receiver Kyrie Tyson is the Lions' leading receiving threat with 55 receptions for 798 yards and five touchdowns. He averages 14.5 yards per catch and 114 receiving yards per game, making him a key player for the Rams' secondary to monitor.
On the ground, Lorenzo Robinson has rushed for 263 yards and three touchdowns. Dexter Baptistin also provides a rushing option for the Lions.

Defensively, Charles Thompson leads Lincoln with 61 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Brosnan Dukes has recorded 31 tackles and two interceptions, while Isaiah Session has contributed 28 tackles, three tackles for loss and five pass breakups.

The Rams will need to limit explosive plays from Tyson and the Lions' passing game while remaining disciplined against Lincoln's rushing attack. Creating turnovers and sustaining offensive drives could prove decisive in the conference matchup.

UP NEXT
Winston-Salem State continues CIAA play against Elizabeth City State on Saturday, Oct. 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m in Elizabeth City, N.C.

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