Kickoff Time: 10:00 AM ET
Venue: Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Event: CIAA Conference Showdown
Forecast: Sunny skies, high of 72°F, winds 6–8 mph from the northwest, 0% chance of precipitation
Team Overview & Recent Form
Virginia State Trojans
Record: 0–0 (season opener)
2024 Recap: Finished 5–5 overall, 3–4 in CIAA
Strengths: Physical run game, aggressive defensive front
Concerns: Inconsistent quarterback play and red-zone efficiency
Key Returners:
RB Demetrius Strickland (2024: 700+ rushing yards)
LB Darius Fields (2024: 75 tackles, 3 sacks)
Fayetteville State Broncos
Record: 0–0 (season opener)
2024 Recap: Finished 8–2 overall, 6–1 in CIAA; CIAA South Division Champions
Strengths: Balanced offense, opportunistic defense
Concerns: Depth in secondary
Key Returners:
QB Khari Lane (2024: 2,100+ passing yards, 18 TDs)
WR Tyeous Sharpe (2024: 600+ receiving yards, 6 TDs)
Series History
All-Time Series: Virginia State leads historically, but Fayetteville State has won 2 of the last 3
Recent Matchups:
2021: Fayetteville State 28, Virginia State 14
2017: Virginia State 42, Fayetteville State 19
2015: Fayetteville State 33, Virginia State 20
Notable: The rivalry dates back to 1924, with VSU winning the inaugural matchup 8–0. FSU’s first win came in 1976.
Injury Report
Virginia State: No major injuries reported; RB2 listed as probable (ankle)
Fayetteville State: CB1 questionable (hamstring); OL starter probable (shoulder)
Key Matchups to Watch
Khari Lane (FSU QB) vs. VSU Secondary:
Lane’s precision passing will test a Virginia State defense that allowed 230+ passing yards/game in 2024.
Demetrius Strickland (VSU RB) vs. FSU Front Seven:
Strickland’s power running will challenge a Broncos defense that ranked top 3 in CIAA rush defense last season.
Turnover Battle:
FSU was +8 in turnover margin in 2024; VSU was -3. Ball security could swing momentum.
Betting Trends:
FSU is 6–1 ATS in last 7 CIAA games
VSU is 2–5 ATS in last 7 road games
Under has hit in 3 of last 4 matchups between these teams
FSU has covered in 2 of last 3 head-to-head meetings
Historical Betting Results
Sep 25, 2021: Fayetteville State 28, Virginia State 14
Spread: FSU -2.5 → Covered
Total: 45.0 → Over hit
Nov 11, 2017: Virginia State 42, Fayetteville State 19
Spread: VSU -6.5 → Covered
Total: 52.0 → Over hit
Sep 26, 2015: Fayetteville State 33, Virginia State 20
Spread: FSU +3.5 → Covered
Total: 49.5 → Over hit
Game Odds
Virginia State Trojans 48
Fayetteville State Broncos – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 26, 2025
