Venue & Game Info
Stadium: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium (capacity ~11,000)
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Kickoff Time: 2:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN+ / HBCU GO / SIAC Digital Network
Special Note: This is the South Carolina HBCU Classic, showcasing two Columbia‑based rivals separated by less than five miles.
Weather Forecast (Columbia, SC)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm fall afternoon
Temperature: ~81°F at kickoff, cooling into the mid‑70s by evening
Wind: 5–9 mph
Impact: Excellent football weather; minimal effect on passing/kicking
Injury Report
Allen Yellow Jackets:
QB J. Harris – Probable (ankle soreness)
RB Malik Brown – Questionable (hamstring)
Benedict Tigers:
QB Eric Phoenix – Probable (shoulder soreness)
RB Jaylin Thomas – Probable (knee bruise)
WR Chris Williams – Questionable (hamstring)
Key Player Matchups
QB Eric Phoenix (Benedict) vs Allen Secondary
Phoenix is a dual‑threat leader who has guided Benedict to an undefeated start. Allen’s secondary must contain his deep ball.
RB Jaylin Thomas (Benedict) vs LB Tyler Bradley (Allen)
Thomas is Benedict’s workhorse; Bradley leads Allen in tackles.
QB J. Harris (Allen) vs Benedict Pass Rush
Harris has shown flashes but must avoid turnovers against a Tigers defense that thrives on pressure.
WR Chris Williams (Benedict) vs CB Marcus Hall (Allen)
Williams is Benedict’s top target; Hall is Allen’s best cover corner.
Recent Team Form
Benedict Tigers (3–0, 2–0 SIAC)
W 10–0 vs Fayetteville State (8/30/25)
W 10–0 @ Central State (9/13/25)
W 45–24 vs Tuskegee (9/18/25)
Offense: 21.7 PPG Defense: 8.0 PPG
Allen Yellow Jackets (1–2, 0–1 SIAC)
W 28–14 vs Johnson C. Smith
L 34–17 @ Fort Valley State
L 41–10 vs Albany State
Offense: 18.3 PPG Defense: 28.3 PPG
Series History
All‑time: Benedict leads the modern series comfortably
Recent:
2024: Benedict 54–21
2023: Benedict 27–14
2022: Benedict 49–20
Trend: Benedict has won 3 straight by double digits, averaging 43.3 PPG in those contests.
ATS (Against the Spread):
Benedict: 7–3 ATS last 10
Allen: 3–7 ATS last 10
Historical Betting Results:
Benedict has covered in 3 straight vs Allen
Allen has failed to cover in 4 of last 5 SIAC games
Projected Score: Benedict 38 – Allen 13
Game Odds
Allen Yellow Jackets 53
Benedict Tigers – 20
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025
