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Football hosts Fairmont State in Week Three

9/14/2022 11:49:00 AM

INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The West Virginia State University football team (1-1, 0-1 MEC) will host Fairmont State (0-2, 0-1 MEC) on Saturday, Sept. 17 after both teams suffered defeats in week two of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. 

PREVIOUS CONTESTS
  • West Virginia State was defeated by Frostburg State (2-0), 18-7
  • Fairmont State was defeated by Charleston (1-1), 40-38 (4OT)
LAST MEETING

West Virginia State defeated Fairmont State, 30-23, in the third week of the 2021 season. The Yellow Jackets went up 23-3 at halftime with a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter and three field goals in the second quarter. The Falcons scored their first touchdown late in the third quarter which was answered by another WVSU TD early in the fourth quarter, 30-10. FSU then scored twice before the final whistle to make the game seem closer than it actually was.

THE BUZZ AT STATE

The WVSU defense put in another solid performance against Frostburg State despite the defeat. The Yellow Jackets currently lead the Mountain East Conference in total defense with 226 yards allowed per game and are ranked 19th in all of NCAA Division II. Through two games, the defense has only allowed one touchdown against tough competition.

State's defense held the Bobcats to three points through three quarters, but gave up its first touchdown of the season midway through the final stanza. Frostburg possessed the pigskin for over 40 minutes to finally wear down the seemingly impenetrable WVSU defense. Every West Virginia State offensive possession ended in a punt or turnover on downs except for the 97-yard touchdown drive midway through the first quarter.

SCOUTING THE FALCONS

Fairmont State went toe-to-toe with Charleston in week two, but were unfortunate to lose after four overtime periods. The Falcons came back from a 21-0 deficit to tie the contest in the closing minutes. The score remained tied after two overtime periods to force each team to attempt two-point conversions to determine a winner. Four two-point conversion attempts failed before UC finally broke the deadlock.

Fairmont's starting quarterback, Neal Connor, completed 19-of-38 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Myles Miree and LeJay Hatcher each rushed for 105 yards in the game. Linebacker Brocton Balir made 21 total tackles on the day, including one sack. The FSU defense was susceptible to both the pass and the run, giving up 223 yards through the air and 223 yards on the ground.
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