For the third time in the last four seasons, the Benedictine Tigers will compete for a SIAC championship 16-13 over Savannah State in double overtime.
In the last game, the tackle prepared in Benedict’s place, throwing a season-high three interceptions.
They finished with yards led by Triston Morgan, who posted 94 yards on 18 attempts and a touchdown. Meanwhile, RedShirt Sophomore David Smith followed suit with 71 rushing yards on 18 attempts.
A short punt return deep into Savannah State territory set up Benedict’s first points on a three-yard touchdown run by Darius Ocean’s Malaghi Jones.
The game would turn into an ugly affair after that score, with both teams trading interceptions on their respective offensive drives.
Benedict had numerous opportunities to extend the lead, but it was Savannah State’s first score of the contest in the fourth quarter, including a 44-yard attempt.
On the first play from scrimmage after a missed field goal, Fabian Walker connected with Tadarius Vaughn on a 74-yard pass to put SSU on the road.
Joseph Hampton would hit the end zone on the next play to tie the game with 2:05 left to send the game into overtime.
Trading areas in the first period, the game would go to the second period.
Benedict would put the game away in the second overtime on a 25-yard touchdown run by Morgan after limiting Savannah State to one field goal.
Benedict is now waiting to the SIAC championship gameThey will face the Albany State Golden Rams.
It would serve as a reversal of their matchup two weeks ago, where they handed Albany State its first loss of the season 31-3 at Benedict.
The game will take place at Albany State’s home field, where they haven’t lost since September 2024 (seven home wins since that loss).
