Saturday, October 17, 2026
Edward Waters Tigers (5-1, 4-0 SIAC) at Benedict Tigers (5-1, 3-1 SIAC)

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium — Columbia, South Carolina
Event: Benedict College Homecoming 2026
Weather: Columbia, S.C. Forecast
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Benedict College Athletics
Series: Benedict leads the series, 5-1, dating to 2001
Last Meeting: Benedict 31, Edward Waters 27 — October 18, 2025, Jacksonville, Florida

THE MATCHUP

Edward Waters enters Week 7 with one of the most explosive offenses in NCAA Division II football, averaging a conference-leading 41.3 points and 440.3 total yards per game. The Tigers have accumulated 2,642 yards of total offense through six contests, including 1,967 passing yards and 675 rushing yards. Edward Waters leads the SIAC in passing offense at 327.8 yards per game and has scored 35 touchdowns this season. The Tigers' offensive production has been fueled by quarterback Tavion Faulk, who leads the conference in passing yards per game, and a talented receiving corps featuring Izaiah Jean-Baptiste, Tylon Williams, Xavier Irvin and Jayden Pressey.

The Tigers' most recent performance against Kentucky State demonstrated their ability to score quickly and overcome significant deficits. Edward Waters accumulated 614 yards of total offense, including 498 passing yards, while scoring nine touchdowns in a 61-42 victory. Faulk completed 32-of-40 passes for 498 yards and four touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Edward Waters scored 19 points in the third quarter and 28 in the fourth, transforming a 14-point halftime deficit into a 19-point victory. The Tigers' ability to generate explosive plays through the air, combined with their efficiency in the red zone, makes them one of the SIAC's most difficult offenses to defend.

Benedict counters with one of the conference's most balanced teams, averaging 416.2 yards of total offense and 29.2 points per game while allowing an SIAC-low 18.3 points per contest. The Tigers lead the conference in rushing offense at 205.5 yards per game and rank second in passing defense, allowing just 174.7 yards per contest. Benedict has also intercepted nine passes, tied for the conference lead, and has consistently generated pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The Tigers enter Saturday following a 37-24 victory over Allen in which they accumulated 367 total yards, including 225 passing and 142 rushing. Quarterback Jett Peddy threw two touchdown passes, both to Reece Dobard, while Chris Butler and A'chean Durant added rushing touchdowns. Benedict also received a 32-yard punt return touchdown from Alex Powell, demonstrating its ability to generate points in multiple phases.

Saturday's matchup presents a significant contrast in offensive styles. Edward Waters relies heavily on its explosive passing attack, while Benedict has established itself as the conference's most productive rushing team. The outcome could depend on whether Benedict can control possession and limit Faulk's opportunities or whether Edward Waters can force the home team into a high-scoring contest.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Edward Waters - QB Tavion Faulk
Faulk enters Week 7 as one of the SIAC's premier offensive players and the conference leader in passing yards per game. Through six contests, he has completed 117-of-179 passes for 1,910 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 318.3 passing yards per game. His 65.4 completion percentage ranks among the conference's best, while his 184.8 passing efficiency rating reflects his ability to consistently produce explosive plays. Faulk has also contributed 119 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, giving him 23 combined passing and rushing scores this season.

Against Kentucky State, Faulk delivered a remarkable performance, completing 32-of-40 passes for 498 yards and four touchdowns while adding 14 rushing yards and a touchdown. He connected with Williams, Jean-Baptiste and Pressey for scoring plays and directed an offense that produced 614 total yards. Faulk's ability to distribute the football to multiple receivers and create scoring opportunities will be tested against a Benedict defense that leads the SIAC in scoring defense and has intercepted nine passes this season.

Edward Waters - WR Izaiah Jean-Baptiste
Jean-Baptiste enters Saturday as the SIAC's leading receiver in receiving yards per game and touchdown receptions, having accumulated 597 yards on 37 catches with eight touchdowns through six contests. He averages 99.5 receiving yards per game and 16.1 yards per reception, making him one of the conference's most productive offensive threats. His eight receiving touchdowns also place him among the SIAC's leading scorers with 48 points.

Against Kentucky State, Jean-Baptiste caught a game-high 10 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, including an eight-yard scoring reception early in the fourth quarter that gave Edward Waters a 40-34 advantage. His ability to create separation, move the chains and produce touchdowns makes him Faulk's primary target. Jean-Baptiste will face a Benedict secondary that has been particularly effective against opposing passing attacks.

Edward Waters - WR Tylon Williams
Williams has emerged as another dangerous receiving option in Edward Waters' explosive offense, entering Week 7 with 21 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns. He averages 16.6 yards per reception and 58.2 receiving yards per game while contributing an additional 194 kickoff return yards. His versatility has helped him accumulate 561 all-purpose yards through six games.

Williams delivered one of his strongest performances of the season against Kentucky State, catching six passes for a game-high 127 yards and a touchdown. His 24-yard scoring reception from Faulk early in the third quarter helped ignite Edward Waters' second-half comeback. Williams also recorded a 41-yard reception and consistently created opportunities downfield. His ability to stretch the field will be important against Benedict's aggressive secondary.

Edward Waters - WR Jayden Pressey
Pressey enters Week 7 with 17 receptions for 242 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards per catch. Although Edward Waters features several productive receiving threats, Pressey has demonstrated an ability to make important plays in scoring situations and provide another reliable target for Faulk.

Against Kentucky State, Pressey caught three passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns, including an 11-yard scoring reception in the third quarter that gave Edward Waters its first lead since the opening period. He also recorded a 48-yard touchdown reception earlier in the contest. His performance helped Edward Waters overcome its halftime deficit and demonstrated the depth of the Tigers' passing attack.

Edward Waters - LB Trevon French
French enters Saturday as the SIAC's leading tackler, having recorded 69 total tackles through six games, including 30 solo stops and 39 assists. He averages a conference-best 11.5 tackles per game and has been the centerpiece of Edward Waters' defensive unit throughout the season.

Against Kentucky State, French led the Tigers with 12 tackles, including five solo stops and seven assists. His ability to make plays across the field helped Edward Waters withstand a Kentucky State offense that accumulated 409 total yards. French will face a significant challenge Saturday against Benedict's conference-leading rushing attack, which averages 205.5 yards per game.

Edward Waters - DL Javon Miller
Miller has been one of Edward Waters' most productive defensive linemen and enters Week 7 following an impressive performance against Kentucky State. He recorded six tackles, including two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, while forcing a fumble. His ability to disrupt the pocket was an important factor in Edward Waters' six-sack performance against the Thorobreds.

The Tigers finished with nine tackles for loss and six sacks against Kentucky State, demonstrating their ability to generate pressure despite allowing 42 points. Miller will be important against a Benedict offense that features both a productive rushing attack and a quarterback capable of generating explosive passing plays.

Benedict - QB Jett Peddy
Peddy enters Week 7 as one of the SIAC's leading quarterbacks, having completed 83-of-166 passes for 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns through six games. He averages 200.0 passing yards per contest and has accumulated 1,259 yards of total offense, including 59 rushing yards. His ability to generate explosive plays through the air has complemented Benedict's conference-leading rushing attack.

Against Allen, Peddy completed 9-of-18 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns while throwing one interception. Both touchdown passes went to Dobard, covering 47 and 39 yards. The first helped Benedict establish a 20-0 first-quarter advantage, while the second extended the Tigers' lead to 37-17 late in the fourth quarter. Peddy's ability to capitalize on opportunities downfield will be important against an Edward Waters defense that has allowed 263.5 passing yards per game.

Benedict - RB David Smith
Smith enters Saturday as Benedict's leading rusher with 441 yards on 71 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt and 73.5 yards per game. His production has helped Benedict establish the SIAC's top rushing offense, averaging 205.5 yards per contest. Smith has also contributed 35 receiving yards, bringing his total to 476 yards from scrimmage.

Against Allen, Smith carried the football 11 times for 42 yards and added a six-yard reception. Although the Yellow Jackets limited his explosive opportunities, Smith helped Benedict maintain offensive balance and control possession during critical stretches. His ability to establish the running game will be important against an Edward Waters defense allowing 128.5 rushing yards per contest.

Benedict - RB A'chean Durant
Durant has emerged as another productive option in Benedict's backfield, accumulating 283 rushing yards on 44 carries with four touchdowns. He averages 6.4 yards per attempt and 47.2 rushing yards per game, giving Benedict another explosive runner capable of creating scoring opportunities.

Against Allen, Durant rushed six times for 35 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt. His 14-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter extended Benedict's lead to 27-17 and helped the Tigers regain momentum after Allen had narrowed the deficit to three points at halftime. Durant's ability to complement Smith and Christopher Johnson gives Benedict multiple rushing threats and could become an important factor in controlling the tempo against Edward Waters.

Benedict - WR Reece Dobard
Dobard enters Week 7 with 14 receptions for 234 yards and three touchdowns in five appearances, averaging 16.7 yards per catch. His ability to create explosive plays has made him one of Benedict's most dangerous receiving threats.

Against Allen, Dobard delivered his best performance of the season, catching three passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He opened his scoring with a 47-yard reception from Peddy in the first quarter before adding a 39-yard touchdown catch late in the fourth. Both scores came at important moments and demonstrated his ability to create separation and capitalize on downfield opportunities. Dobard will be a key target against an Edward Waters defense that has allowed 1,581 passing yards this season.

Benedict - WR TJ Hatch
Hatch enters Saturday as Benedict's leading receiver in yardage, having accumulated 326 yards on 17 receptions with one touchdown. He averages 19.2 yards per catch and 54.3 receiving yards per game, making him one of the SIAC's more productive deep threats.

Against Allen, Hatch caught three passes for 56 yards, including a 35-yard reception that helped Benedict move the football through the air. His ability to stretch opposing defenses creates additional opportunities for the Tigers' rushing attack and provides Peddy with another reliable option alongside Dobard.

Benedict - LB Caleb Edwards
Edwards enters Week 7 as one of Benedict's leading defensive performers, having recorded 36 tackles through six games, averaging 6.0 stops per contest. He has contributed consistently against both the run and pass and has helped Benedict establish the conference's top scoring defense.

Against Allen, Edwards recorded seven tackles, including five solo stops, 1.5 tackles for loss and a half-sack. He also recovered a fumble, helping Benedict capitalize on Allen's offensive mistakes. His ability to make plays near the line of scrimmage will be important against an Edward Waters offense that averages more than 440 total yards per game.

Benedict - DB Ethan Nation
Nation has been one of Benedict's most productive defensive backs and enters Saturday following a strong performance against Allen. He recorded four solo tackles, intercepted a pass and broke up two additional attempts, helping Benedict limit the Yellow Jackets' passing attack during critical moments.

Benedict enters Week 7 tied for the SIAC lead with nine interceptions and ranks second in passing defense, allowing 174.7 yards per game. Nation's ability to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers will be especially important against Faulk and Edward Waters' conference-leading passing offense.

BY THE NUMBERS

5-1 — Overall records for both Edward Waters and Benedict entering Week 7.

4-0 — Edward Waters' undefeated conference record.

3-1 — Benedict's SIAC record.

5-1 — Benedict's advantage in the documented series dating to 2001.

4 — Consecutive victories for Benedict against Edward Waters.

41.3 — Edward Waters' conference-leading scoring average.

18.3 — Benedict's conference-leading scoring defense average.

440.3 — Edward Waters' total offensive yards per game, best in the SIAC.

416.2 — Benedict's total offensive yards per game.

327.8 — Edward Waters' conference-leading passing yards per game.

205.5 — Benedict's conference-leading rushing yards per game.

1,910 — Passing yards for Edward Waters quarterback Tavion Faulk.

18 — Touchdown passes for Faulk.

318.3 — Faulk's conference-leading passing yards per game.

597 — Receiving yards for Edward Waters' Izaiah Jean-Baptiste.

8 — Touchdown receptions for Jean-Baptiste.

498 — Passing yards for Faulk against Kentucky State.

614 — Edward Waters' total offensive yards against Kentucky State.

47 — Second-half points scored by Edward Waters against Kentucky State.

61 — Points scored by Edward Waters against Kentucky State.

69 — Total tackles for Edward Waters' Trevon French, the SIAC leader.

1,200 — Passing yards for Benedict quarterback Jett Peddy.

441 — Rushing yards for Benedict's David Smith.

326 — Receiving yards for Benedict's TJ Hatch.

9 — Interceptions recorded by Benedict's defense this season.

37-24 — Benedict's Week 6 victory over Allen.

61-42 — Edward Waters' Week 5 victory over Kentucky State.

31-27 — Benedict's victory over Edward Waters in the most recent meeting.

WHAT TO WATCH

The SIAC's Best Offense Against Its Best Scoring Defense
Saturday's matchup features one of the conference's most intriguing statistical contrasts as Edward Waters brings the SIAC's highest-scoring offense into Columbia to face Benedict's top-ranked scoring defense. Edward Waters averages 41.3 points and 440.3 total yards per game, while Benedict allows just 18.3 points per contest. The Tigers from Jacksonville have scored at least 36 points in five of their six games, including 55 against Savannah State, 46 against Morehouse and 61 against Kentucky State. Benedict, meanwhile, has held four of its six opponents to 20 points or fewer and has demonstrated the ability to create turnovers and limit opposing passing attacks. The matchup between Faulk and Benedict's secondary could play a significant role in determining Saturday's outcome.

Edward Waters Returns Following a Week 6 Bye
Edward Waters enters Saturday following a scheduled bye week, giving the Tigers additional preparation time after their 61-42 victory over Kentucky State on October 3. The week away from competition provided an opportunity to recover from a physically demanding contest and prepare for a Benedict team that has controlled the recent series. Edward Waters will look to maintain the offensive rhythm that produced 614 yards and nine touchdowns against Kentucky State while improving defensively after allowing 42 points and 409 total yards. The Tigers' ability to carry their offensive momentum into a difficult road environment will be important as they attempt to remain undefeated in SIAC play.

Benedict's Rushing Attack Against Edward Waters' Front Seven
Benedict leads the SIAC in rushing offense at 205.5 yards per game and features several productive backs capable of creating explosive plays. Smith leads the team with 441 rushing yards, while Durant has contributed 283 yards and four touchdowns. Christopher Johnson provides another option with 305 rushing yards and five touchdowns in five appearances. Edward Waters enters Saturday allowing 128.5 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the conference in rushing defense. The matchup between Benedict's offensive line and an Edward Waters defensive front featuring French, Miller and Lemar Harris could determine whether Benedict can establish its preferred offensive tempo.

Can Benedict Slow Down Tavion Faulk?
Faulk has been one of the SIAC's most productive quarterbacks throughout the season and enters Saturday averaging 318.3 passing yards per game. His ability to distribute the football to multiple receivers has helped Edward Waters lead the conference in passing offense, while his mobility provides another scoring threat near the goal line. Benedict counters with one of the conference's strongest secondaries, allowing 174.7 passing yards per game and intercepting nine passes. The Tigers have also generated pressure on opposing quarterbacks, recording five sacks against Allen. Limiting Faulk's opportunities to create explosive plays will be one of Benedict's most important defensive assignments.

Turnovers and Defensive Pressure
Both programs have demonstrated the ability to create turnovers and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Edward Waters recorded six sacks and forced two fumbles against Kentucky State, while Benedict produced five sacks and recovered three fumbles against Allen. The Tigers from Columbia also intercepted a pass and blocked multiple kicks during their Week 6 victory. With both offenses capable of generating points quickly, turnovers could have an especially significant impact on Saturday's contest. Edward Waters must protect Faulk against an aggressive Benedict defense, while Benedict will need to limit negative plays against a defensive front that produced nine tackles for loss in its most recent outing.

Homecoming Atmosphere and Conference Championship Implications
Saturday's game carries significant implications for the SIAC championship race. Edward Waters enters Week 7 undefeated in conference play at 4-0, while Benedict stands at 3-1 and remains among the conference's leading contenders. A victory would allow Edward Waters to strengthen its position atop the standings and secure its first victory over Benedict since 2002. Benedict, meanwhile, has an opportunity to hand Edward Waters its first conference loss and improve its own championship positioning. With Homecoming festivities surrounding the contest, the atmosphere at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium could provide an additional advantage for the home team.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Benedict 31, Edward Waters 27
October 18, 2025 — Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

Benedict earned a hard-fought 31-27 victory over Edward Waters in the programs' most recent meeting, overcoming multiple momentum shifts to remain undefeated in the series since 2021. The Tigers from Columbia entered the contest unbeaten and faced an Edward Waters team looking to establish itself among the SIAC's leading championship contenders.

Edward Waters opened the scoring with a first-quarter touchdown before Benedict responded with a field goal to trim the deficit to 7-3. Benedict took control during the second quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points to carry a 17-7 advantage into halftime.

Edward Waters responded after intermission, scoring 10 unanswered points in the third quarter to tie the contest at 17-17 entering the fourth. The final period featured several lead changes as both teams attempted to secure an important conference victory.

Benedict scored 14 fourth-quarter points while Edward Waters added 10, allowing the visitors to escape Jacksonville with a four-point victory. The win extended Benedict's winning streak in the series to four games and marked the second consecutive meeting decided by four points or fewer.

The 2025 contest followed Benedict's narrow 31-28 victory in Columbia during the 2024 season, continuing a trend of competitive matchups between the programs. Saturday's meeting provides Edward Waters with an opportunity to reverse that trend and secure its first victory over Benedict in more than two decades.

LAST TIME OUT — EDWARD WATERS

Edward Waters 61, Kentucky State 42
October 3, 2026 — Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

Edward Waters delivered one of the most impressive offensive performances of the 2026 SIAC season, overcoming a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat Kentucky State 61-42 in Jacksonville. The Tigers accumulated 614 total yards, including 498 passing yards, and scored 47 second-half points to secure their fourth consecutive conference victory.

Edward Waters opened the contest with a 75-yard touchdown drive to take an early 7-0 lead, but Kentucky State responded with three consecutive touchdowns to establish a 21-7 advantage early in the second quarter. Camren Stewart scored on a one-yard touchdown run to bring Edward Waters within seven points, but Kentucky State added another touchdown before halftime to carry a 28-14 advantage into the locker room.

The Tigers began their comeback immediately after intermission. Faulk connected with Williams on a 24-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter before Stewart scored on a seven-yard run to trim the deficit to 28-26. Edward Waters then took a 33-28 lead when Faulk connected with Pressey on an 11-yard touchdown pass with 4:53 remaining in the period. Kentucky State responded with a one-yard touchdown run from Juan Gainous to regain a 34-33 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

Edward Waters took control during the final period, scoring 28 points to pull away from the Thorobreds. Faulk connected with Jean-Baptiste on an eight-yard touchdown pass to give Edward Waters a 40-34 lead before Johntarrious Thomas scored on a two-yard run to extend the advantage to 47-34. Kentucky State answered with a touchdown and successful two-point conversion to trim the deficit to 47-42, but Edward Waters responded with two additional touchdowns. Faulk scored on an eight-yard run before Thomas added a three-yard touchdown run to complete the scoring.

Faulk finished with 498 passing yards and four touchdowns, completing 32-of-40 attempts while adding a rushing touchdown. Williams led the receiving corps with six catches for 127 yards and a score, while Jean-Baptiste caught 10 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Pressey added three receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns, and Fatoma Paulk contributed two receptions for 61 yards. Thomas rushed 12 times for 46 yards and two touchdowns while adding five receptions for 47 yards, and Stewart contributed 54 rushing yards and two scores.

Defensively, French led Edward Waters with 12 tackles, while Harris, Ande King and Mataye Youman recorded eight stops apiece. Miller finished with six tackles, two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, while Jordan Allen contributed two sacks. Edward Waters recorded nine tackles for loss and six sacks while forcing two fumbles and recovering two. The Tigers also limited Kentucky State to 88 rushing yards despite allowing 321 yards through the air.

The victory improved Edward Waters to 5-1 overall and 4-0 in SIAC play, giving the Tigers an important conference victory heading into their scheduled Week 6 bye.

LAST TIME OUT — BENEDICT

Benedict 37, Allen 24
October 10, 2026 — Charles F. Bolden Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina

Benedict extended its winning streak to two games with a 37-24 victory over Allen in a matchup that featured explosive offensive plays, defensive pressure and a significant first-half comeback attempt by the Yellow Jackets. The Tigers established a 20-2 first-quarter advantage before Allen rallied to within three points at halftime, but Benedict regained control in the second half to secure its fifth victory of the season.

Benedict opened the scoring when Butler broke free for a 36-yard touchdown run with 12:55 remaining in the first quarter. Less than a minute later, Powell returned a punt 32 yards for another touchdown to extend the Tigers' advantage to 14-0. Benedict continued its early offensive success when Peddy connected with Dobard on a 47-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 20-0. Allen received two points on a defensive conversion return following the unsuccessful extra-point attempt.

The Yellow Jackets mounted a second-quarter comeback behind quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr., who connected with Talik Graham on a 32-yard touchdown pass before scoring on a two-yard run as time expired in the first half. The two touchdowns helped Allen trim Benedict's advantage to 20-17 at halftime.

Benedict regained momentum in the third quarter when Durant scored on a 14-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 27-17. Spires added a 42-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter before Peddy connected with Dobard on a 39-yard touchdown pass with 1:44 remaining to give Benedict a 37-17 advantage. Allen added a late touchdown when Upshaw connected with Mi'Uhon Callen on a nine-yard scoring pass, but Benedict held on for the 13-point victory.

The Tigers finished with 367 total offensive yards, including 225 passing and 142 rushing. Peddy completed 9-of-18 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, while Gianni Mascolino added 49 passing yards. Smith led Benedict's rushing attack with 42 yards on 11 carries, while Butler added 36 yards and a touchdown on one attempt. Durant contributed 35 rushing yards and a score, and Johnson finished with 19 rushing yards.

Dobard led the receiving corps with three receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns, while Hatch added three catches for 56 yards. Jayson Salkey contributed a 28-yard reception, and Zackery Watkins and Demetris McKelvey each added 15 receiving yards.

Defensively, Kahmari Cook led Benedict with eight tackles, while David Makonzo and Edwards recorded seven stops apiece. Makonzo recovered a fumble and recorded a pass breakup, while Edwards contributed 1.5 tackles for loss, a half-sack and a fumble recovery. Ty'Metrius Patterson added 1.5 sacks and forced a fumble, while Nation intercepted a pass and broke up two additional attempts. Benedict finished with five sacks, seven tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries.

The victory improved Benedict to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play, keeping the Tigers among the SIAC's leading championship contenders heading into their Homecoming matchup against Edward Waters.

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