INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The West Virginia State University football team (3-2, 2-2 MEC) will host West Virginia Wesleyan (0-5, 0-4 MEC) at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 8 for Homecoming. The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

PREVIOUS CONTESTS

• WVSU defeated Alderson Broaddus (0-6, 0-5 MEC), 30-3
• WVWC was defeated by Wheeling (4-1, 3-1 MEC), 37-0

LAST MEETING

The Yellow Jackets demolished the Bobcats, 38-3, in week six of the 2021 season. A WVSU touchdown was answered by a WVWC field goal in the first quarter to keep the game close, 7-3. That lone field goal ended up being the only points put up by Wesleyan in 60 minutes of action.

State added four touchdowns and a field goal in the remaining three quarters for a decisive victory over the Bobcats. The Yellow Jackets totaled 419 yards of offense compared to 268 yards by WVWC. The WVSU defense came up with two interceptions in the contest while holding Wesleyan to 138 passing yards.

The BUZZ AT STATE

West Virginia State's running game found a new gear last week in a 30-3 win over Alderson Broaddus. The Yellow Jackets rushed for a season-high 327 yards on the Battlers. Sophomore running back Joel Felder carried the ball 17 times for a career-high 161 yards (9.5 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. 

Meanwhile, the State defense held AB to only 57 rushing yards and less than 200 yards of total offense. The Battlers made a mere 10 first downs in the entire 60 minutes and were picked off twice. The Yellow Jackets have made seven interceptions and 16 sacks on the year going into week six.

SCOUTING THE BOBCATS

West Virginia Wesleyan ranks last in the Mountain East Conference in both total offense (249 yards per game) and total defense (465.2 yards allowed per game). The Bobcats score an average of 15.8 points per game (last in the MEC) while giving up an average of 43.2 points per game (second-to-last in the MEC). 

Wesleyan averages a measly 66.4 yards per game on the ground. The Bobcats possess one real threat on offense in wideout Devin Washington. He has caught 18 passes for 354 yards (19.67 yards per catch) and three touchdowns thus far.

The WVWC defense has a knack for knocking the ball loose with seven forced fumbles in five games played, but struggles to get to the quarterback with a total of three sacks.