By: Lloydrica Hudson, Sports Editor

VSU football will hit the road for the first time this season when they take on Fayetteville State on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The Blazers enter the matchup 2-0 after wins over Emory & Henry and Warner. VSU’s offense has shown improvement through its first two games, particularly on the ground. 

The Blazers rushed for 71 yards against Emory & Henry before increasing that total to 117 yards against Warner.

Running back Shawn Paschall has led VSU’s rushing attack through two games. 

Paschall has 128 rushing yards on 15 attempts, averaging 8.5 yards per carry, with one touchdown. His longest run of the season is 89 yards. 

Champ Harris has added 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 attempts.

Harris has also led the Blazers in passing, completing 15 of 33 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. 

Tyrieke Wade has provided another option at quarterback, completing five of seven passes for 47 yards and a touchdown.

Leon Washington Jr. leads VSU’s receiving group with five catches for 48 yards. As a team, the Blazers recorded 159 receiving yards in the season opener and 63 against Warner.

VSU’s defense will look to build off a strong performance against Warner. After recording five tackles for loss and one sack against Emory & Henry, the Blazers finished with 13 tackles for loss and four sacks against Warner.

Fayetteville State also enters Saturday’s game with a 2-0 record. The Broncos are averaging 21.5 points per game and are led offensively by quarterback Jamir Dismukes, who has thrown for 363 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Fayetteville State has been led by Jatavien Taylor through its first two games. Taylor has recorded 13 tackles, including nine solo tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack. 

The Broncos’ defense has allowed 13.5 points per game and 236 rushing yards through two games. 

Saturday’s matchup gives VSU an opportunity to remain undefeated as the Blazers continue their early season schedule away from home.