For the first time this season, the Clark Atlanta University offense was slowed down as Benedict didn't allow CAU into the end zone in defeating the Panthers 14-3 Saturday.

The crucial Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference East Division match-up was important to both teams as both were one game behind division leaders Albany State and Fort Valley State going into the game.

It was a match-up of the SIAC's top offense, Clark Atlanta 3-4, 1-2 SIAC East), going up against the SIAC's top-ranked scoring defense, Benedict (4-2, 2-1 SIAC East).

Uncharacteristically, the Panthers were forced to punt in each of their first seven possessions, going three-and-out in five of those series.   The CAU defense also shut down Benedict early, forcing them into five punts and a fumble in their first five series.

But Christian Lisby led Benedict on an 11-play, 53-yard drive just before halftime that ended with his 1-yard TD run to give Benedict a 7-0 halftime lead.

CAU got on the board after Johnathon McCrary drove the Panthers downfield at the end of the third quarter and into to beginning of the fourth, leading to Carlos Saldana's 44-yard field goal to pull within four at 7-3.

On the ensuring drive, Benedict countered as Lisby and receiver Okechi Ntiasagwe connected on four plays on a 75-yard drive that more importantly ate up 7:39 minutes from the clock.  The drive ended on a 3-yard Jeremy Johnson touchdown run to put Benedict up 14-3 with 6:59 remaining.

McCrary then drove CAU downfield, getting to the Benedict 27 before he threw an interception just outside of the end zone.  The CAU defense held, but after driving the Panthers downfield with just over two minutes remaining, McCrary threw his second interception.  Benedict then ran the clock out for the win.

Benedict held the CAU offense to just 130 yards, 25 of it rushing.  McCrary finished 15-of-36 for 105 yards passing.  Johnathan Sanders caught seven passes for 60 yards while Deandre Jackson had six catches for 37 yards.  Roger Thomas led CAU with 21 yards rushing.

The CAU defense played a solid game, holding Benedict to just 70 yards rushing and keeping Lisby from throwing a TD pass.   Harding Harper had a game-high 10 tackles, eight solo, and he forced a fumble. Kenneth Morgan had five tackles and two sacks while Jaquatin Victrum and Kamari Jackson both had five tackles.

The Panthers return to CAU Panther Stadium next Saturday for Homecoming when they host Albany State.