D2-CFB Game Preview: Virginia Union Panthers (3-1) vs. Winston‑Salem State Rams (2-2)

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Venue & Game Info

Stadium: Bowman Gray Stadium (capacity ~18,000)

Location: Winston‑Salem, North Carolina

Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM ET

Broadcast: CIAA Network / ESPN+ simulcast

Weather Forecast (Winston‑Salem, NC)

Conditions: Partly sunny, warm early fall afternoon

Temperature: ~74°F at kickoff, cooling into the upper 60s by evening

Wind: 5–8 mph

Impact: Excellent football weather; minimal effect on passing/kicking

Injury Report

Virginia Union Panthers:

QB C. Williams – Probable (shoulder soreness)

RB Curtis Allen – Questionable (hamstring)

Winston‑Salem State Rams:

QB Bryce Coleman – Probable (ankle tweak)

WR Jamari Johnson – Probable (knee bruise)

Key Player Matchups

QB C. Williams (VUU) vs WSSU Secondary

Williams has been efficient in VUU’s 3–1 start, with multiple TDs and strong accuracy.

RB Curtis Allen (VUU) vs LB Jaden Brown (WSSU)

Allen is VUU’s workhorse; Brown leads WSSU in tackles.

QB Bryce Coleman (WSSU) vs VUU Pass Rush

Coleman has shown flashes but must avoid turnovers against a Panthers defense that thrives on pressure.

WR Jamari Johnson (WSSU) vs CB Malik Johnson (VUU)

Johnson is WSSU’s top target; Malik Johnson is VUU’s best cover corner.

Recent Team Form

Virginia Union (3–1, 1–0 CIAA)

W 45–3 vs Miles College

L 41–38 @ Edward Waters

W 28–10 vs Johnson C. Smith

W 59–7 @ Shaw

Offense: 32.5 PPG Defense: 15.2 PPG

Winston‑Salem State (2–2, 0–1 CIAA)

L 20–17 vs Tuskegee (Red Tails Classic)

W 28–25 @ Mars Hill

W 51–14 vs Lincoln (PA)

L 34–33 vs Virginia State

Offense: 32.0 PPG Defense: 23.2 PPG

Series History

All‑time: Winston‑Salem State leads the historical series

Recent:

2024: Virginia Union 28–14

2023: Virginia Union 31–17

2022: Winston‑Salem State 21–14

Trend: Virginia Union has won 2 straight, both by double digits.

ATS (Against the Spread):

VUU: 3–1 ATS last 4

WSSU: 2–2 ATS last 4

Historical Betting Results:

VUU has covered in 2 straight vs WSSU

WSSU has failed to cover in 3 of last 5 CIAA games

Projected Score: Virginia Union 31 – Winston‑Salem State 21

Game Odds

Virginia Union Panthers                 – 7

Winston‑Salem State Rams         54

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025