WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University football (0-4, 0-2 CIAA) heads to Peterburg, Virginia on takes on the Trojans of Virginia State University on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Rogers Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
When: Saturday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. (ET)
Where: Rogers Stadium – Petersburg, Virginia
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CIAA Week Three Scores
Lincoln (PA) 27, Shaw 49
Fayetteville State 14, Johnson C. Smith 20
Virginia State 28, Elizabeth City State 14
Bowie State 3, Alabama A&M 45
Bluefield State 0, Virginia Union 42
The Series
Saturday's matchup will mark the 27th meeting between Winston-Salem State and Virginia State University. The all-time series is tied at 13-13, with the series dating back to the first meeting on Oct. 28, 1944, when Virginia State earned a 70-0 victory in Petersburg, Va. Eight of the 26 previous meetings have been played on the Trojans' home turf.
The two programs have also met in the CIAA Championship, with the 2014 title game serving as the most recent championship meeting between the Rams and Trojans.
Over the last two seasons, WSSU and Virginia State have split their two meetings. The Rams earned a 15-14 comeback victory in Petersburg on Sept. 21, 2024, before Virginia State edged WSSU 34-33 in a nail-biter on Sept. 20, 2025, in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Trojans' one-point victory in the most recent meeting evened the all-time series at 13-13.
Scouting the Rams
Winston-Salem State enters Saturday's matchup under first-year head coach
Tory Woodbury still searching for its first victory of the season. Despite the 0-4 start, the Rams have remained in good spirits and have continued to practice with confidence heading into this weekend's matchup.
Defensively, WSSU ranks first in the CIAA in passing defense and second in the conference in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. The Rams have recorded four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries through four games.
Avir Johnson is tied for the CIAA lead with two forced fumbles, while
Maurice Odom ranks sixth in the conference in total tackles with 26 through three games. Barrett Anthony has also provided a consistent presence in the kicking game, averaging 42.0 yards per punt on 22 attempts, including a season-long 71-yard punt.
Scouting Virginia State
Virginia State enters the weekend with a 3-1 overall record and a 2-0 mark in CIAA play. The Trojans have established themselves as one of the conference's top offensive teams, ranking third in the CIAA in scoring offense and first in passing offense.
Offensively, VSU is led by junior quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr., who has completed 77 of 117 passes for 986 yards and nine touchdowns through four games. Matthews also leads the team in total offense with 1,081 yards. The Trojans are averaging 263 passing yards per game and 389 total yards per game.
Defensively, Virginia State ranks first in the CIAA in interceptions. Raja'ee Jones leads the Trojans with 31 total tackles and ranks ninth in the conference in tackles. Amir Mateo has recorded two interceptions and ranks second in the CIAA, while Kile Artis has one interception and ranks fourth in the conference. Mateo and Artis have combined for 91 interception-return yards.
VSU's defense has also recorded four interceptions as a team, while the Trojans have totaled 15 tackles for loss and four sacks through four games. As a team, Virginia State has scored 114 points while allowing 110.
Up Next
Winston-Salem State will rest and recover during th bye week before hosting CIAA foe Bowie State University on Saturday, Oct. 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. inside Bowman Gray Stadium.
For more information on Winston-Salem State Athletics and its 12 varsity sports, visit wssurams.com.
