COLUMBIA, S.C. — Savannah State's defense kept the Tigers within striking distance through three quarters, but Benedict scored twice in the fourth quarter to hand SSU a 23–0 defeat Saturday in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football action at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
Savannah State fell to 1–8 overall and 1–7 in SIAC play, while Benedict improved to 8–1 overall and 6–1 in conference competition.
SSU limited Benedict to 258 yards of total offense and recorded seven tackles for loss, including four sacks. The Tigers trailed just 6–0 at halftime and 9–0 entering the final period before Benedict pulled away.
Reginald Troutman led Savannah State with 10 tackles, including seven solo stops, and a pass breakup.
Kaiden Stanciel finished with nine tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack, while
Trevor Strowbridge contributed six tackles and two sacks for a combined loss of 11 yards.
Zamarian Williams added six tackles, including two behind the line of scrimmage.
Amaari Smith recorded four tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a pass breakup, while
Davion Foster registered SSU's remaining sack.
Benedict opened the scoring with a 20-yard field goal from Logan Karwacki with 5:29 remaining in the first quarter. The kick followed a Savannah State fumble that Benedict returned 43 yards to the SSU 9-yard line, but the Tigers' defense held the hosts out of the end zone.
Savannah State responded with a nine-play, 49-yard possession that reached the Benedict 23. However, a 40-yard field goal attempt was unsuccessful with 13 seconds remaining in the opening quarter.
Karwacki added a 19-yard field goal with 1:50 left in the second quarter. Smith's interception on the final play of the half kept the deficit at six points heading into the break.
Benedict extended its advantage to 9–0 on Karwacki's 35-yard field goal with 4:01 remaining in the third quarter.
The hosts created separation in the fourth when Kahmari Cook returned an interception 17 yards for a touchdown with 8:46 remaining. Savannah State drove 50 yards on its ensuing possession before turning the ball over on downs at the Benedict 22.
Benedict capped the scoring with a nine-play, 78-yard drive, ending with Glenn Foreman's 8-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Mitchell II with 1:09 remaining.
Savannah State totaled 220 yards of offense, including 168 on the ground.
Kendarius Brown paced the rushing attack with 59 yards on 19 carries.
Fabian Walker added 47 yards on five attempts, while
Elijah Stephens gained 36 yards on three carries, including a 28-yard run.
Rashawn Truell completed five of eight passes for 36 yards, while Walker finished three of six for 16 yards. Walker also caught an 18-yard pass, and Stephens led SSU with two receptions.
Chase Butler punted seven times for a 37.1-yard average, with a long of 48 yards and one kick downed inside the 20.
Savannah State returns home Saturday, November 7, to host Virginia University of Lynchburg in its season finale. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. at Theodore A. "Ted" Wright Stadium, where the Tigers will celebrate Senior Day.
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