RALEIGH, NC – The Shaw University football team will host CIAA foe Virginia Union in a non-conference game at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, NC, on Saturday, Sept. 9. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
This is the 2023 home opener for the Bears, who will play all five home games at Durham County Memorial Stadium. The contest is designated as Garnet & White Day.
The contest will feature two of the CIAA's best running backs - Sidney Gibbs of Shaw and Jada Byers of Virginia Union.
Series history – 6-4 (Since 2003)
Last Meeting – Won 27-7 (2021 in Richmond, VA)
How To Watch – shawbears.com; theciaasn.com
Shaw
The Bears are looking to bounce back from last Saturday's 52-0 road loss to Benedict, currently ranked 16th. The contest against Virginia Union will be the second straight against a nationally-ranked opponent.
Star running back Sidney Gibbs was one of the few bright spots for Shaw against Benedict. He rushed for 75 yards on 15 carries for a 5.0 yards per carry average. Wide receiver Donte Lee Jr. caught two passes for 72 yards including a 66-yard reception from quarterback Silas Cruse.
Gibbs, ranked fifth in the CIAA in rushing yards per game, needs 271 yards to become the school's career leader in rushing yards. Lee ranks seventh in the conference in receiving yards per game after Week One.
Defensive back Noah Terry leads the Bears with six tackles. Linebacker Elijah Adams tallied five tackles, including a tackle for loss, against Benedict. On special teams, Jatoine Fields ranks fourth in the CIAA in kick return yards per game (21.5) while Lee Jr. and Jon Barnes rank eighth and ninth, respectively. Karlton Byrd ranks fourth in punting yards per game (36.4) after Week One. The Bears rank fourth in the conference in kickoff yards per game (40.0).
Virginia Union
The Panthers moved up one spot to 17th in the AFCA DII Coaches Poll after beating Morehouse 45-13 in the Black College Football HOF Classic last Sunday. Standout back Jada Byers led the way with 147 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Byers along with offensive lineman Justin Meade and placekicker Brady Myers earned CIAA Player of the Week honors at their respective positions. After the first week, the Panthers are second in the CIAA in rushing offense, third in total offense and fifth in passing offense. They are also fourth in total defense. Byers ranks second in the CIAA in rushing yards per game.
