SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2026
Clark Atlanta University Panthers (2-5, 2-3 SIAC) at Edward Waters University Tigers (5-2, 4-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Event: Edward Waters University Homecoming 2026
Weather: Jacksonville, Fla. Forecast
Watch: SIAC Network
Live Stats: Edward Waters University Athletics
Last Meeting: Edward Waters 55, Clark Atlanta 41 — October 27, 2025
NCAA NPI: Edward Waters No. 1 in Super Region Two; Clark Atlanta No. 19
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., -- Clark Atlanta travels to Jacksonville for Edward Waters' Homecoming on Saturday in a matchup featuring two teams coming off dramatically different Week 7 finishes. The Panthers enter at 2-5 overall and 2-3 in SIAC play after scoring the game-winning touchdown with 15 seconds remaining to defeat Allen, 17-14. Edward Waters enters at 5-2 overall and 4-1 in conference action after suffering its first SIAC loss of the season, falling 45-24 at Benedict.
Saturday represents an important response game for both programs. Clark Atlanta snapped a four-game losing streak with its Homecoming victory over Allen and now has an opportunity to build momentum during the final portion of its schedule. Edward Waters, meanwhile, returns home after Benedict ended the Tigers' four-game winning streak and knocked them from the ranks of the conference unbeaten. Despite the loss, Edward Waters remains one of the SIAC's leading championship and postseason contenders.
The stakes are especially significant for Edward Waters in the NCAA postseason picture. The Tigers were ranked No. 1 in Super Region Two when the NCAA released its first Division II NPI rankings on October 18, carrying a 59.566 NPI. Clark Atlanta appeared at No. 19 with a 48.859 NPI. With the rankings updated each Sunday through the end of the regular season, Saturday gives Edward Waters an opportunity to strengthen its position while Clark Atlanta can significantly enhance its résumé by defeating the region's top-ranked team.
THE MATCHUP
Edward Waters enters Week 8 with one of the SIAC's most explosive offensive attacks. Through the conference's current statistical report, the Tigers are averaging 41.3 points and 440.3 yards of total offense per game, including a conference-leading 327.8 passing yards per contest. Quarterback Tavion Faulk has powered an offense capable of scoring from virtually anywhere on the field, while Izaiah Jean-Baptiste, Xavier Irvin, Tylon Williams and Jayden Pressey give the Tigers one of the deepest receiving groups in the league.
The Week 7 loss at Benedict showed, however, that Edward Waters is not immune to falling behind when opponents control the line of scrimmage. Benedict rushed for 238 yards and three touchdowns, averaged 6.4 yards per carry and built a 35-3 halftime advantage. Edward Waters eventually generated 447 total yards, including 349 through the air, but much of that production came after the Tigers were forced into comeback mode. The 45 points allowed were also the most Edward Waters has surrendered to a Division II opponent this season.
Clark Atlanta's offensive identity has increasingly centered around its running game. Against Allen, the Panthers rushed for 178 yards on 36 attempts, with Trayvon Pinder producing 96 yards and a touchdown and Dae'Jeaun Dennis adding 92 yards and the game-winning score. The Panthers averaged 4.9 yards per rush and generated both of their touchdowns on the ground. That formula could be especially important Saturday because controlling the football and limiting Edward Waters' possessions may be Clark Atlanta's best method of slowing one of the conference's most explosive offenses.
The Panthers will need more production from their passing game to keep Edward Waters from loading the box. Xzavier Jackson and Kaleb Williams combined for 137 passing yards against Allen, with Chry'shawn Sellers catching seven passes and Kevin Deceus adding two receptions for 47 yards. Clark Atlanta has shown the ability to generate explosive rushing plays throughout the season, but balance will become increasingly important against an Edward Waters team capable of forcing opponents into high-scoring games.
Defensively, Clark Atlanta's challenge is considerable. Faulk threw for 349 yards and two touchdowns against Benedict despite being sacked four times, and Edward Waters produced 27 first downs and converted all four of its red-zone opportunities. The Panthers will need to pressure Faulk without surrendering explosive plays to his deep group of receivers, while also preventing him from extending plays with his legs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Clark Atlanta - RB Trayvon Pinder
Pinder has emerged as the centerpiece of Clark Atlanta's rushing attack and continued his productive stretch against Allen, carrying 17 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. His 45-yard run was the Panthers' longest play on the ground, and his two-yard touchdown with 39 seconds remaining in the first half gave Clark Atlanta a 10-7 advantage.
Pinder's role becomes even more important against Edward Waters because Clark Atlanta will want to shorten the game and limit Faulk's possessions. He has demonstrated big-play ability throughout the season, including a 188-yard performance against Benedict earlier in October, and his combination of power and explosiveness gives the Panthers a runner capable of changing field position quickly.
Clark Atlanta - RB Dae'Jeaun Dennis
Dennis delivered the decisive play in Clark Atlanta's Week 7 victory, scoring on a two-yard run with 15 seconds remaining to complete an 88-yard game-winning drive. He finished with 92 yards on 12 carries, averaging 7.7 yards per attempt, and produced a long run of 24 yards.
Together, Dennis and Pinder combined for 188 rushing yards and both Clark Atlanta touchdowns against Allen. Their ability to share the workload gives the Panthers a formidable one-two combination entering Jacksonville and could allow Clark Atlanta to attack an Edward Waters defense that surrendered 238 rushing yards to Benedict.
Clark Atlanta - QB Xzavier Jackson
Jackson completed 13-of-25 passes for 116 yards against Allen while also handling the majority of Clark Atlanta's quarterback duties. He threw one interception and was sacked once, but he directed the Panthers' decisive final possession, helping Clark Atlanta travel 88 yards in 10 plays for the winning touchdown.
Jackson does not necessarily need to match Faulk statistically for Clark Atlanta to win Saturday. His priority will be protecting the football, converting manageable third downs and taking advantage of opportunities created by the Panthers' rushing attack. If Edward Waters commits additional defenders to slowing Pinder and Dennis, Jackson will have chances to create explosive plays through play action.
Clark Atlanta - WR/KR Chry'shawn Sellers
Sellers continues to be Clark Atlanta's most versatile perimeter weapon. Entering Week 7, he had accumulated 682 all-purpose yards, including 329 receiving yards, 296 kickoff-return yards and 54 punt-return yards. He followed that production with seven receptions for 51 yards against Allen while also contributing in the return game.
His versatility could be especially important in Jacksonville. Edward Waters has demonstrated explosive scoring ability, meaning field position and special teams could become significant. Sellers gives Clark Atlanta a player capable of influencing the game as a receiver, punt returner and kickoff returner.
Clark Atlanta - WR Kevin Deceus
Deceus provided Clark Atlanta's biggest receiving play against Allen, catching two passes for 47 yards, including a 37-yard reception. His ability to stretch the field complements Sellers' work underneath and gives the Panthers another option when opponents become aggressive against the run.
Clark Atlanta will likely need several explosive passing plays Saturday. Edward Waters has the offensive firepower to score quickly, and Deceus' ability to create chunk yardage could help the Panthers answer without abandoning the run-heavy approach that has been productive.
Clark Atlanta - LB Eric Searcy
Searcy led Clark Atlanta defensively against Allen with 10 tackles, including six solo stops. He has been one of the Panthers' most consistent defenders throughout the season and will be central to Clark Atlanta's effort to limit Edward Waters after the catch.
Against an offense that spreads the field and forces defenders to tackle in space, Searcy's range becomes particularly valuable. Edward Waters completed 30 passes against Benedict, meaning Clark Atlanta's linebackers and defensive backs could face a high-volume tackling assignment Saturday.
Clark Atlanta - DB Lacedric Foster
Foster recorded seven tackles against Allen and has consistently been among Clark Atlanta's leading defenders. His ability to support against the run while remaining dependable in coverage will be critical against an Edward Waters offense capable of forcing defensive backs to defend the entire field.
Foster and the Clark Atlanta secondary face one of their most difficult assignments of the season against Jean-Baptiste, Irvin, Williams and Pressey. Preventing short completions from becoming explosive gains will be a major part of the Panthers' defensive plan.
Edward Waters - QB Tavion Faulk
Faulk remains one of the SIAC's premier offensive players and the engine of Edward Waters' high-powered attack. Entering Week 7, he had thrown for 1,910 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging a conference-leading 318.3 passing yards per game. His ability to generate explosive plays through the air has been central to Edward Waters' 5-2 start.
Even in the loss to Benedict, Faulk produced another major statistical performance, completing 30-of-52 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 44 net yards despite losing 33 yards on four sacks. Faulk helped Edward Waters produce three second-half touchdowns as the Tigers continued attacking despite facing a 35-3 halftime deficit.
Edward Waters - WR Izaiah Jean-Baptiste
Jean-Baptiste entered Week 7 as one of the conference's leading receivers after accumulating 597 yards and eight touchdowns on 37 receptions. Against Benedict, he again demonstrated his consistency, catching seven passes for 90 yards, including a 29-yard reception.
Jean-Baptiste's combination of volume and explosive-play ability creates a difficult matchup for Clark Atlanta. With Edward Waters able to distribute the ball to several productive receivers, the Panthers cannot devote all of their coverage attention to him, creating opportunities for Jean-Baptiste to find favorable matchups.
Edward Waters - WR Xavier Irvin
Irvin was Edward Waters' leading receiver against Benedict, catching eight passes for 124 yards. His 40-yard reception was the Tigers' longest play of the afternoon, and he averaged 15.5 yards per catch.
Irvin's Week 7 performance illustrates the depth of the Edward Waters receiving corps. Even when defenses focus on Jean-Baptiste, Faulk has multiple alternatives capable of producing 100-yard performances. Clark Atlanta will need to limit explosive gains while still preventing Edward Waters from methodically moving the chains underneath.
Edward Waters - WR Tylon Williams
Williams became Edward Waters' primary scoring threat in the second half against Benedict, catching three passes for 39 yards and two touchdowns. His 21-yard touchdown reception cut the deficit to 38-17 during the third quarter before his 18-yard scoring catch early in the fourth produced Edward Waters' final points.
Williams has repeatedly shown the ability to deliver in scoring situations, and his presence adds another complication for Clark Atlanta in the red zone. With Jean-Baptiste and Irvin attracting attention throughout the field, Williams' ability to finish drives makes him a particularly important player to track inside the 25-yard line.
Edward Waters - RB Johntarrious Thomas
Thomas contributed in both phases against Benedict, rushing 13 times for 37 yards while catching four passes for 57 yards. His 31-yard reception demonstrated his value as a receiving option out of the backfield.
Edward Waters has relied heavily on its passing game, but Thomas' versatility prevents defenses from treating the backfield as merely an afterthought. Against a Clark Atlanta defense that must already account for Faulk's mobility, Thomas can create matchup problems on screens, checkdowns and designed receiving opportunities.
Edward Waters - LB Trevon French
French continues to anchor the Edward Waters defense and produced another standout performance against Benedict. He recorded a team-high 11 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack, accounting for a significant portion of the Tigers' four tackles for loss.
French entered Week 7 as the SIAC's leading tackler with 69 stops. His assignment Saturday will be especially demanding because Clark Atlanta is coming off a 178-yard rushing performance and features two productive backs in Pinder and Dennis. French's ability to diagnose plays quickly and prevent explosive runs will be critical.
Edward Waters - DB Aykenon Rodgers
Rodgers finished with five tackles against Benedict and forced a fumble, continuing to provide playmaking ability in the Edward Waters secondary. He also recorded a pass breakup.
Clark Atlanta's offense is most dangerous when its rushing game creates opportunities for explosive passes, so Rodgers and the Tigers' secondary will need to remain disciplined. His ability to contribute against both the run and pass makes him particularly valuable against the Panthers' offensive approach.
BY THE NUMBERS
5-2 — Edward Waters' overall record entering Week 8.
4-1 — Edward Waters' SIAC record following its first conference loss.
2-5 — Clark Atlanta's overall record entering Saturday.
2-3 — Clark Atlanta's record in SIAC play.
440.3 — Edward Waters' total offensive yards per game through the current SIAC statistical report.
41.3 — Points per game for Edward Waters, the conference's highest scoring average in the current report.
349 — Passing yards for Edward Waters quarterback Tavion Faulk against Benedict.
188 — Combined rushing yards for Clark Atlanta's Trayvon Pinder and Dae'Jeaun Dennis against Allen.
124 — Receiving yards for Edward Waters' Xavier Irvin against Benedict.
No. 1 — Edward Waters' position in the first NCAA Division II Super Region Two NPI rankings.
WHAT TO WATCH
Edward Waters' Response After Its First SIAC Loss
For the first time this season, Edward Waters enters a conference game following an SIAC defeat. Benedict jumped on the Tigers immediately last week, scoring touchdowns on four of its first five meaningful possessions and carrying a 35-3 advantage into halftime. Edward Waters responded with 21 second-half points and finished with 447 yards, but the early deficit was too large to overcome.
How quickly Edward Waters resets will be important. The Tigers remain 4-1 in conference play and No. 1 in the initial Super Region Two NPI rankings, so their larger goals remain directly in front of them. Returning home for Homecoming gives Edward Waters an opportunity to demonstrate that the Benedict result was a setback rather than the beginning of a late-season slide.
Can Clark Atlanta Control the Game on the Ground?
The most obvious path for Clark Atlanta begins with Pinder and Dennis. The two backs combined for 188 yards against Allen, with each scoring a touchdown, and Clark Atlanta finished with 178 net rushing yards despite losing yardage elsewhere. Pinder has already demonstrated his explosive potential with a 188-yard performance against Benedict earlier this month.
That becomes even more intriguing after Benedict rushed for 238 yards and averaged 6.4 yards per attempt against Edward Waters. Clark Atlanta does not need to duplicate Benedict's performance exactly, but sustained rushing success would accomplish two objectives: create favorable situations for Jackson and, just as importantly, keep Faulk and the Edward Waters offense on the sideline.
Faulk Against the Clark Atlanta Secondary
Edward Waters' passing game remains the defining matchup. Faulk has repeatedly produced 300-yard performances, and even Benedict's defense could not prevent him from throwing for 349 yards. Irvin, Jean-Baptiste, Williams and Pressey give him multiple options, while Thomas can become a factor out of the backfield.
Clark Atlanta will need to create pressure without sacrificing coverage integrity. Allen managed only 101 passing yards against the Panthers last week, but Edward Waters presents an entirely different challenge. Allowing Faulk time to work through his progressions could force Clark Atlanta into a game played at a pace that favors the Tigers.
Finishing Drives
Clark Atlanta's 17-14 victory over Allen was defined by its ability to finish the two possessions that mattered most. The Panthers traveled 80 yards for Pinder's touchdown immediately before halftime and then went 88 yards in 10 plays for Dennis' game-winning touchdown with 15 seconds remaining.
Edward Waters was perfect in scoring opportunities against Benedict, converting all four of its red-zone trips into three touchdowns and a field goal. Against two offenses capable of moving the football, red-zone efficiency could separate the teams. Field goals may not be enough if Saturday develops into the type of high-scoring game Edward Waters has played repeatedly this season.
Explosive Plays
Both offenses possess players capable of dramatically changing the game on one snap. Pinder broke a 45-yard run against Allen, Deceus caught a 37-yard pass and Sellers provides another threat in the return game. Edward Waters countered last week with Irvin's 40-yard reception and has produced numerous long passing plays throughout the season.
Limiting those explosives will be particularly important for Clark Atlanta. Edward Waters has shown the ability to score in bunches, including 55 points against Savannah State, 46 against Morehouse and 61 against Kentucky State. The Panthers cannot allow one mistake to become a sequence of rapid scores.
Special Teams
Special teams could become a hidden factor Saturday. Clark Atlanta kicker Cedric Oglesby connected from 52 yards against Allen, giving the Panthers legitimate scoring range well outside the red zone. Punter Joseph Wright averaged 53.0 yards on two punts, placing both inside the Allen 20.
Edward Waters experienced the other side of special teams against Benedict when Chris Butler returned a kickoff 76 yards for a touchdown immediately after the Tigers had cut the deficit to 38-17. Winning the field-position battle and avoiding a momentum-changing special-teams play will be critical for both teams.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Edward Waters 55, Clark Atlanta 41
October 25, 2025 — CAU Panther Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Edward Waters spoiled Clark Atlanta's 2025 Homecoming celebration with an explosive 55-41 road victory, producing a season-high 633 yards of total offense. Quarterback Noah Bodden led the Tigers' high-powered attack, completing 22-of-39 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns.
Wide receiver Makai Lovett hauled in seven receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns, while Davri Morris added four catches for 134 yards and two scores. On the ground, Brady Tillman rushed for a career-high 171 yards, including a pivotal 57-yard touchdown run that gave Edward Waters a 48-41 advantage in the fourth quarter. Johntarrious Thomas contributed 94 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Akenon Rodgers sealed the victory with a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, putting the finishing touches on one of Edward Waters' most impressive offensive performances of the season.
The victory improved Edward Waters to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in SIAC play, giving the Tigers a memorable road triumph over the Panthers.
LAST TIME OUT — CLARK ATLANTA
Clark Atlanta 17, Allen 14 October 17, 2026 — Panther Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Clark Atlanta delivered one of its most dramatic victories of the season, driving 88 yards in the final three minutes and scoring with 15 seconds remaining to defeat Allen, 17-14. The victory improved the Panthers to 2-5 overall and 2-3 in SIAC play and provided a memorable finish to Clark Atlanta's Homecoming game.
Cedric Oglesby opened the scoring with a 52-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. Allen answered with a second-quarter touchdown, but Clark Atlanta responded immediately before halftime. The Panthers marched 80 yards in 10 plays, and Pinder scored from two yards with 39 seconds remaining to give Clark Atlanta a 10-7 halftime advantage.
The teams played a scoreless third quarter before Allen capitalized on a Clark Atlanta fumble early in the fourth. Demetri Simmons scored from four yards with 12:43 remaining, putting the Yellow Jackets ahead 14-10. Clark Atlanta twice moved into potential scoring position afterward but came away empty, including a missed 40-yard field goal with 9:28 remaining.
The Panthers received one final opportunity at their own 12-yard line with 3:03 left. Clark Atlanta responded with its best possession of the afternoon, traveling 88 yards in 10 plays and 2:48. Dennis completed the drive with a two-yard touchdown run with 15 seconds remaining, and Oglesby's extra point produced the final margin.
Clark Atlanta finished with 315 yards of total offense, including 178 rushing and 137 passing. Pinder carried 17 times for 96 yards and a touchdown, while Dennis rushed 12 times for 92 yards and the winning score. Jackson completed 13-of-25 passes for 116 yards, and Kaleb Williams added 21 passing yards. Sellers caught seven passes for 51 yards, while Deceus contributed two receptions for 47 yards.
Defensively, Searcy led Clark Atlanta with 10 tackles, Foster added seven and Artellious Edmond and Terrell Lumpkin recorded six apiece. The Panthers held Allen to 278 total yards and 101 passing yards. Clark Atlanta did not record a sack but limited the Yellow Jackets to one offensive touchdown on four red-zone trips and made the stop it needed before producing the decisive final drive.
LAST TIME OUT — EDWARD WATERS
Benedict 45, Edward Waters 24
October 17, 2026 — Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
Edward Waters suffered its first conference loss of the season as Benedict used a dominant first half to build a commanding advantage and defeat the Tigers 45-24. Edward Waters fell to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the SIAC despite producing 447 yards of total offense and 27 first downs.
Benedict established control immediately. David Smith scored on runs of six and 32 yards, Christopher Johnson added a 10-yard touchdown run and Gianni Mascolino threw touchdown passes of 12 yards to Demetris McKelvey and 54 yards to Zackery Watkins. Edward Waters' only first-half points came on Cole Sosa-Jones' 24-yard field goal, leaving the Tigers facing a 35-3 halftime deficit.
Edward Waters showed considerable fight after intermission. Camren Stewart scored from two yards on the opening possession of the third quarter, and Faulk later connected with Williams for a 21-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 38-17. Benedict immediately answered when Butler returned the ensuing kickoff 76 yards for a touchdown, restoring a 28-point advantage. Faulk and Williams connected again from 18 yards early in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.
Edward Waters finished with 447 total yards, outgaining Benedict's 367, and held the football for 32:54. The Tigers produced 349 passing yards and 98 rushing yards while converting seven of 18 third downs. Edward Waters was also perfect on four red-zone scoring opportunities, producing three touchdowns and a field goal.
Faulk completed 30-of-52 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns with one interception while adding 44 net rushing yards. Irvin caught eight passes for 124 yards, Jean-Baptiste added seven receptions for 90 yards and Williams caught three passes for 39 yards and two touchdowns. Pressey finished with seven catches for 37 yards, while Thomas contributed 37 rushing yards and 57 receiving yards.
French led the Edward Waters defense with 11 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack. D'Juan Grant and Rodgers recorded five tackles apiece, with Rodgers forcing a fumble, while Javon Miller recovered Benedict's lone lost fumble. The Tigers registered two sacks but struggled to contain Benedict's rushing attack, which accumulated 238 yards and three touchdowns.
SERIES HISTORY
Clark Atlanta and Edward Waters have produced a competitive recent series since Edward Waters' return to the SIAC. The programs have met regularly as conference opponents, and recent games have demonstrated the ability of both teams to create close finishes.
The most recent meeting continued that pattern, with Edward Waters earning a one-point victory in 2025. That narrow result gives Clark Atlanta additional motivation as it heads to Jacksonville, while Edward Waters will attempt to continue its recent success against the Panthers.
Saturday's game carries significantly more weight for Edward Waters than a typical Homecoming matchup. The Tigers are 4-1 in conference play and entered the week No. 1 in the NCAA Super Region Two NPI rankings. Clark Atlanta, meanwhile, enters with renewed confidence after its last-second victory over Allen and has an opportunity to dramatically alter both the SIAC race and the regional postseason picture.
NCAA DIVISION II NPI WATCH
Edward Waters enters Week 8 in one of the strongest postseason positions of any team in NCAA Division II Super Region Two. The Tigers were ranked No. 1 in the region when the first NCAA Division II NPI rankings were released on October 18. Edward Waters carried a 4-1 Division II record and a 59.566 NPI through games played October 17, narrowly ahead of Kentucky State at No. 2 and Benedict at No. 3.
The placement is particularly notable because the SIAC occupied the top three positions in the initial regional rankings. Central State was also inside the top 10 at No. 8, giving the conference four of the region's first eight teams. Under the new NPI system, results and strength of schedule are used to establish the rankings that factor into NCAA championship selection.
Clark Atlanta debuted at No. 19 in Super Region Two with a 2-3 Division II record and a 48.859 NPI. The Panthers remain outside the immediate playoff picture, but Saturday represents a significant opportunity because a road victory against the region's No. 1 team would become the most valuable result on Clark Atlanta's résumé.
For Edward Waters, protecting its postseason position adds urgency to its Homecoming game. The Tigers' 45-24 loss at Benedict came one day before the first NPI rankings were released and was therefore already reflected in their No. 1 position. Saturday begins the next stage of that postseason race, with every remaining result capable of influencing Edward Waters' regional standing before the NCAA Selection Show on November 15.
Follow The Tigers
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