The Virginia State Trojans showed why they were picked to finish atop the CIAA in the preseason predicted order of finish, kicking off the 2024 season with a 23-7 win over the defending SIAC champion Benedict Tigers.
With the loss, Benedict suffered its first regular-season loss since the 2021 season, snapping a streak of 22 consecutive wins.
An unconventional first touchdown
Benedict scored the game’s first touchdown in a way you do not normally see. Attempting a 27-yard field goal, the Tigers had its attempt blocked at the line. However, because a Virginia State player touched the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, Benedict was allowed to recover it and return it to the end zone for the score. This ended up being the only touchdown for the Tigers in the game.
Jimmyll Williams has arrived
This game was all about Virginia State running back Jimmyll Williams, who put the world on notice by being named the game’s offensive MVP. Williams finished with 150 rushing yards on 23 attempts and scored two touchdowns, including an 82-yard run before the end of the first half. Don’t be surprised to see the sophomore running back in the mix for the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year award.
Virginia State wins defensive battle
In a game between two defensive juggernauts, the Virginia State defensive unit looked better by comparison. They limited the Tigers’ offense to 3.88 yards per play and forced three turnovers. Cameron Davis was the star defender for the Trojans, ending the game with five tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.
Benedict offensive miscues
It was a rough day for the Benedict offense, which failed to score an offensive touchdown for the first time since 2021. The passing game was the main source of its problems, only managing 68 yards through the air and completing 41% of 29 attempts. The Tigers had some opportunities on a silver platter that they could not convert, either on dropped passes or on an overthrown ball.
Penalties galore
Penalties were a problem for both teams in this game and will need to be addressed going forward. This game saw 15 penalties, totaling 158 yards, including nine called on the Trojans.