LEXINGTON, Va. – Coming off its bye week, the VMI Keydets travel to Charleston to do battle in the Military Classic of the South.
THE MILITARY CLASSIC OF THE SOUTH – One of the oldest traditions in college football, VMI and The Citadel have met 78 times since 1920, as the two sides battle it out for the Silver Shako Trophy. The Shako itself was introduced to the rivalry in 1976, with the winning team's Institution holding onto the trophy each year.
Broadcasts
ESPN+/(WWCW Lynchburg/Roanoke)
Radio Broadcast on 96.7 3WZ (Wade Branner, Rick Cruze)
Live Stats
___________________________________________________________________
VMI (2-3, 1-1 SoCon)
Roster
Schedule/Results
Statistics
Game Notes
SoCon Stats
___________________________________________________________________
The Citadel (0-6, 0-3 SoCon)
Roster
Schedule/Results
Statistics
Game Notes
___________________________________________________________________
MATCHUP IN MACON – Slated to finish third in the preseason poll, Mercer rebounded from a tough loss at Furman to take down VMI the Keydets 38-3 in Macon. Mercer, who is receiving votes in the FCS Top 25, was led by SoCon Special Teams Player of the Week Devron Harper (217 all-purpose yards including punt return and receiving touchdowns).
KEY STATS (vs. Mercer)
- With his 40-yard reception in the second quarter, receiver Chance Knox now has over 2,000 career all-purpose yards
- Kicker Caden Beck kicks a career-high 46-yard field goal in the third quarter
- Receiver VJ Johnson registers a career-high five catches on the day
- On the defensive side, senior Evan Eller finishes with 12.0 tackles, josh Knapp with 11.0
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS – Although The Citadel is in search of its first win, the Bulldogs had a strong showing at No. 4/5-ranked Furman. The Paladins, who are 4-1 with their lone loss coming at South Carolina, averaged 38.0 points per game at the FCS level entering last weekend, and topped the Mercer Bears 38-14 on September 23. Among the league, The Citadel ranks last in offense (8.0 ppg) and defense (41.0), averaging just 126.0 yards per game in the air while allowing 275.67 per game (223.7 on the ground). Graeson Underwood can run the ball, but has just two passing touchdowns and three interceptions.
THE SERIES – The Citadel, who leads the all-time series 44-32-2, enters Saturday having won two straight, including a nailbiter in 2022 and a nine-point win the last time the teams met in Charleston. Prior to 2021, the Keydets had won two in a row, collecting a 34-21 victory at The Citadel in 2019. Last year, Chance Knox was the story of the game offensively, registering a career-high 194 all-purpose yards (9 catches, 114 yards and a TD), 80 yards on kickoffs).
