Game Day: #12 Southeastern vs. Edward Waters

#12 Southeastern University Fire (6-1, 3-0 MSC Sun) vs. Edward Waters College Tigers (1-7, 0-3 MSC Sun)
2 p.m. EDT—Lucy Laney Memorial Stadium
Augusta, Ga.  
 
Tickets
Available at the gate—General Admission: $20

Game Coverage
Live Stats
Game Notes    SEU         
Two-Deeps        SEU       Edward Waters
 
For the fourth time in as many seasons, the Fire football team is playing in a game that could secure a conference championship.
 
The previous three decided The Sun Conference champion, with today's game determining the first champion of the Mid-South Conference Sun Division. With a win, the Fire will lock up the division title, marking their third-straight championship season.
 
Standing in the way is Edward Waters, which will be looking for its first win over the Fire in program history.
 
This year's contest is being played at the Augusta City Classic in Augusta, Ga. The annual event showcases HBCU football teams, and is annually one of the largest community events in Augusta.
 
The Fire have had no problem finding the end zone in the previous three meetings, including Jarrell Reynolds historic 385-yard, six-touchdown effort in 2014 at Victory Field.
 
The 2016 matchup was held on a Tuesday, after severe weather forced the game to be postponed from its originally scheduled date. Reynolds found the end zone four times in a 51-7 victory.
 
Southeastern's run game in 2017 is its best ever, with Reynolds leading the entire Mid-South Conference in rushing at 107 yards per game, followed by freshman teammate Kamario Bell at 96.6 yards per game. The 2,306 rushing yards by SEU this season is a new program high, with at least, two more games still to be played.
 
While the Fire offense leads the nation in first downs, its defense has limited the opposition to a total of 143 first downs in seven games; the 12^th fewest in the NAIA. The defense is 19^th in the NAIA in scoring, holding opponents to an average of 22 points per game.
 
The Tigers, usually known for their "Wyattbone" option offense, have put together one of its best defenses in recent years. EWC is currently 19^th against the pass (188.9 yards per game) and 25^th in total defense at 354.1 yards per game. The Tigers have also totaled 15 sacks, and are led by Shaquille Stoudemire's 1.7 TFLs per game. Safety Joey Williams has forced four fumbles, picked off a pass, deflected four others, has recorded 10.5 tackles for loss, and leads the team with 63 total tackles.
 
The offense has had a tough time establishing the run, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. Christian Hays is averaging 100 passing yards per game, along with his team-leading 262 total rush yards.
 
The Fire kickoff in the Peach State for the second time in program history at 2 p.m.