The Clark Atlanta University Panthers visit Fort Valley State University today in a pivotal Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference East Division matchup in Fort Valley, Ga.

Kickoff is at 6 p.m. with the game being streamed live at http://bit.ly/2BY2PxU.

Despite a slow start, the Panthers (1-4, 0-1 SIAC) are still in the thick of the East Division race as this is the first divisional game for CAU this year.   Fort Valley State (1-4, 1-1 SIAC) has already lost a divisional game, to Benedict, and is just ahead of CAU in the standings.  CAU hosts Benedict next week during Homecoming Week at CAU, making this an important stretch for Head Coach Kevin Ramsey's squad.

"Anytime we are in East Division play, you feel really excited," Ramsey said.  "You know you have to be up for these games going down the stretch.  But our kids are feeling pretty good going into this part of the schedule."

Last week CAU defeated Allen 31-6 behind a power running game featuring Roger Thomas, who rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown, and a defense that held Allen to 245 yards of total offense and had a touchdown off an interception. 

"That was a good win for our guys and our kids' psyche," Ramsey said.  "Special teams, we made things happen there.  We wanted to establish the running game and get Roger going.  That's pivotal in getting anything going, moreso than the passing game.  You've got to be able to run the football."

"Defense is the name of the game and our guys have really bought into the system," he said.  "The young guys are really buying in an playing well.  With those older transfers, they've really bought in and are hanging their hats on it.  That's been extremely important to have that and putting the offense in good field position, and scoring on defense.  Those guys see the effect on how big it is to put points on the board from a defensive perspective."

CAU is led on defense by Ezekiel Edmonds, who has 30 tackles this season, 26 of them solo.  He also has 1.5 sacks, one interception, 2.5 tackles for loss, and has broken up three passes.  William Profit has 28 stops, including 6.5 tackles for loss, while Kameron Rogers has 27 tackles, 20 of them solo, and leads the team with three sacks.

On offense, Elijah Odom will get his second consecutive start at quarterback after last week scoring a touchdown, passing for 56 yards and rushing 47 yards.  Charles Stafford will also see significant playing time today.

"I think they are pushing each other," Ramsey said. "We are keeping tabs on it in case there is any pull away, but we are pleased with both of those guys."

Fort Valley State features a passing game that has accounted for 204 yards a contest so far this season. Wide receiver Lorenzo Smothers has caught 20 passes for 364 yards and a touchdown so far this season, ranking just behind the SIAC's reception leader, CAU's Johnathan Sanders (27 receptions, 255 yards and a touchdown).

On defense, the Wildcats are led by Camron Young, who has 30 tackles and fumble recovery this season, and Zach Anderson and his 20 stops and two interceptions.  Niykiem Floyd has 3.5 sacks this season, while Jahseari Patterson has three.

It all spells out to a big game for both teams.

"Two years ago, we were down at their place and we lost in triple overtime," Ramsey said. "They won and they ended up going to the championship game.  So, we know how it is on this side of the conference.  Each game is a big game henceforth."

CLARK ATLANTA PANTHERS (1-4, 0-1 SIAC)
Head Coach – Kevin Ramsey

Offensive Leaders
Passing - #3 Charles Stafford (65-of-132 for 647 yards, 4 touchdowns, 7 interceptions)
                 #10 Elijah Odom (7-of-17 for 90 yards, 4 interceptions)
Rushing - #22 Roger Thomas (75 rushes, 310 yards, one touchdown, 4.1 yards per carry, long of 30 yards)
Receiving - #1 Johnathan Sanders (27 receptions, 255 yards, 9.4 yards per catch, long of 26 yards, 1 touchdowns)

Defensive Leaders
Tackles – #7 Ezekiel Edmonds (30 tackles, 26 solo, 4 assisted, 2.5 tackles for loss)
                 #20 William Profit (28 tackles, 19 solo, 9 assisted, 6.5 tackles for loss)
                  #8 Kameron Rogers (27 tackles, 20 solo, 7 assisted, 8 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery)
                 #24 Kenneth Morgan (26 tackles, 16 solo, 10 assisted, 1.5 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery)
                 #5 Justin Wade (25 tackles, 20 solo, 5 assisted, 4 tackles for loss)
                 #23 Amon Crumpton (21 tackles, 15 solo, 6 assisted, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery)
Sacks –    #8 Kameron Rogers (3 sacks)
   #7 Ezekiel Edmonds (1.5 sacks)
                 #5 Justin Wade (1 sack)
                 #9 Breante Glover (1 sack)
                 #23 Amon Crumpton (1 sack)
                 #56 Joseph Culpepper (1 sack)
Interceptions - #24 Kenneth Morgan (1 interception)
                            #7 Ezekiel Edmonds (1 interception)
Special Teams
Field Goals - #39 Carlos Saldana (4-of-4 field goals, long of 43 yards)
Punts - #38 Ty Woods (23 punts, 795 yards, 34.5 avg., long of 49 yards)
Kickoff Returns - #21 Jaha McCray (11 returns, 208 yards, 18.9 avg., long of 33 yards)
Punt Returns - #80 Jarel Henry (4 returns, 61 yards, 15.2 avg., long of 21 yards)
 
Fort Valley State Wildcats (1-4, 1-1 SIAC)
Head Coach – Kevin Porter

Offensive Leaders
Passing – #15 Slade Jarman (53-of-85 for 636 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions)
                 #14 Garrel Quainton (34-of-62 for 364 yards, one touchdown, one interception)
Rushing -- #5 Jamari Clark (41 rushes, 145 yards, long run of 20 yards)
Receiving - #1 Lorenzo Smothers (20 receptions, 364 yards, one touchdown, long of 92 yards)

Defensive Leaders
Tackles - #19 Camron Young (30 tackles, 19 solo, 11 assisted)
                #12 Zach Anderson (20 tackles, 12 solo, 8 assisted)
                #25 Andrew Robinson (20 tackles, 11 solo, 9 assisted)
Sacks - #97 Niykiem Floyd (3.5 sacks)
Interceptions - #12 Zach Anderson (2 interceptions)

Special Teams
Kicking – #37 Abisai Gutierrez (2-of-6 field goals, long of 31 yards)
Punting - #39 Eli Mashburn (21 punts, 752 yards, 35.8 avg., long punt of 44 yards)
Kickoff Returns - #10 Jeremy McCants (9 returns, 147 yards, long return of 22 yards)
Punt Returns - #1 Lorenzo Smothers (4 returns, 18 yards, long return of 13 yards)