HBCU homecoming clash: Livingstone vs. Fayetteville State

The upcoming 2024 HBCU homecoming matchup between Livingstone College (4-2) and Fayetteville State University (3-2) promises to be a competitive CIAA contest based on the teams’ cumulative stats.

Offensive Matchup:

• Livingstone College averages 275.8 total yards per game, balanced between 133.8 rushing yards and 142 passing yards. Mohamed Nyanamukenga leads their ground game, averaging 95.4 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Zorian Wallace is efficient, with a completion percentage of 58.3% and 389 passing yards over four games, supported by a receiving corps led by Angel Carrillo and Chris Washington.
• Fayetteville State averages 323.8 total yards per game, with a slight edge in passing (223.2 yards) over rushing (100.6 yards). Joe Owens is the primary quarterback, throwing for 694 yards and four touchdowns, with David Baros as a key target, averaging 66.6 yards per game.

Defensive Matchup:

• Livingstone’s defense has shown resilience, allowing 275.3 yards per game and recording 15 sacks. Their defense is led by Davion Watkins, who has tallied 4.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, while Kevin Larkins Jr. has contributed an interception return for 16 yards.
• Fayetteville State’s defense is slightly more porous, allowing 317.8 yards per game but excelling in sacks with 12 on the season. Shi Gaskin has been particularly effective with four sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.

Special Teams:

• Livingstone College has a solid kicking game, with Jason Zapata hitting 9 of 11 field goals, including a long of 49 yards. Chancellor Bryant also contributes on punt returns, averaging 16.2 yards per return, including a 50-yard touchdown.
• Fayetteville State has John Hernandez-Vargas, who has made 6 of 8 field goals with a long of 43 yards. Their special teams unit also features a reliable return game, with Anthony Greene averaging 19.71 yards per kick return.

Key Storylines:

• Both teams feature strong defenses capable of creating pressure, but the battle may come down to which offense can protect the ball better. Fayetteville State has thrown 4 interceptions this season compared to Livingstone’s 8, potentially giving FSU an edge in turnover battles.
• Livingstone’s ability to control the clock with its run game, powered by Nyanamukenga, will be a key factor against Fayetteville State’s balanced attack.

This matchup between HBCU squads and contending rivals could hinge on field position, turnovers, and big plays in the special teams and defensive units. Livingstone is off to a 4-2 start, its best start in a decade. Meanwhile, F ayetteville State is off to its worst start since 2017. Expect a tightly contested battle, with both teams looking to build momentum in the second half of the season.

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