LEXINGTON, Va. – After a two-game road swing, the VMI Keydet Football team returns home on Saturday, hosting archrival The Citadel in the annual Military Classic of the South. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Foster Stadium
GAME PROMOTIONS - Tickets
Saturday also serves as the Institute's annual Family Weekend and is a "Red Out" as all VMI fans are encouraged to wear red to show their support. Commemorative t-shirts are available at the VMI Bookstore. Pregame, there will be a flyover, the VMI Regimental Band will perform at halftime and postgame will be the presentation of the Silver Shako.
How to Follow
ESPN+ / Radio - 96.7 FM 3WZ / Live Stats / SoCon Notes
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VMI Keydets (0-6, 0-2 SoCon)
Roster / Schedule / Last Week – L, 16-31 @Wofford / Stats / Notes
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The Citadel Bulldogs (2-5, 0-4 SoCon)
Roster / Schedule / Last Week – L, 16-30 @WCU / Stats / Notes
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BATTLE FOR THE SILVER SHAKO
Saturday marks another chapter in one of the oldest traditions in college football, as it will be the 80th meeting between VMI and The Citadel. The Military Classic of the South dates back to 1920, with the Silver Shako trophy being introduced to the rivalry in 1976.
SERIES HISTORY
VMI has won three of the last five matchups, including last season in Charleston. Hunter Rice led the Keydets with 111 yards and the game-winning score as VMI snapped a two-game skid in the series (17-13). The Citadel holds the all-time advantage with 44 wins, 33 losses and two ties. In Lexington, VMI is 18-14-2 all-time.
LAST TIME OUT
A pick-six and a blocked punt for a touchdown were not enough to lift VMI to victory at Wofford last week, as the Terriers would prevail 31-16. While the VMI offense struggled to get going (five turnovers), the Keydet defense and special teams gave VMI a lead in the fourth quarter for the first time, but Wofford closed with two scores to win the game.
HOW THEY RANK
With three blocked punts (two coming at Wofford), the VMI special teams unit ranks second in FCS football in that category. Shamus Jones' pick-six against the Terriers is the second defensive touchdown of the season for VMI (Asa Locks), moving VMI to sixth nationally in that category. Kouri Crump continues his strong season in the secondary, with his 5.8 solo tackles per game ranking fifth nationally.
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
After starting 2-1, the Bulldogs have lost four straight and are most recently coming off a 30-16 loss to Western Carolina. The Citadel is led offensively by receiver Dervon Pesnell whose 19.83 yards per reception lead the SoCon, while quarterback Jonathan Bennett's 1,179 yards ranks third among SoCon quarterbacks. The kicking game of The Citadel is strong, as Ben Barnes leads the conference in field goals per game, while James Platte leads the league in punt average (46.8 ypk). Three Bulldogs have a least 40.0 tackles on the year but redshirt junior 58.0 tackles (3.5 sacks) pace the team.
