McCray and Vincent Propel Panthers to Victory at Benedict, 24-3

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Clark Atlanta University broke the winless drought for the 2015 football season with a 24-3 road victory at Benedict College. Jaha McCray eclipsed 100 rushing yards for consecutive weeks, while Matthew Vincent shook off a disappointing performance last week to throw for 234 yards and a pair of scores.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Benedict opened the scoring with a 21 yard field goal from Tory Mimbs with 2:43 remaining in the opening quarter.

Clark Atlanta tied the game as Jorden Paige connected on a 23 yard field goal, the first successful FG attempt this season for CAU, with 6:56 remaining until halftime.

Following a BC turnover when Patrick Hoard fumbled while being sacked, CAU took possession at the BC41 and 63 seconds until the intermission. Vincent found Darryl Minor from eight yards out for the scoring pass after just four plays and 31 seconds.

McCray rushed for a 98 yard touchdown midway through the third quarter. The run is the longest by any player in the SIAC this season. After a successful PAT, the Panthers held a 17-3 advantage that would remain until the final quarter.

Vincent found Brenton Martin on the first play of the fourth quarter for the 52-yard score. Another PAT from Patrice Louissant made the score 24-3. CAU drove 80 yards in seven plays while controlling the clock for 3:48.

The win is the fifth for head coach Kevin Ramsey in his career and first at the helm for Clark Atlanta University.

THE NUMBERS:

CAU held commanding advantages in many categories; first downs (15-8), rushing yards (206-35), passing yards (228-87), time of possession (29:33-28:37).

The Panthers converted 4-of-14 third down chances and scored on 2-of-3 trips to the red zone.

Overall the offense ran 65 plays for 434 yards (6.7/play).

Vincent ended the day completing 11-of-24 passes without an interception. He also was the second-highest rusher with 46 yards on 14 carries.

McCray rushed 14 times for 122 yards, including the 98-yard run, and averaged 8.7 yards/carry. McCray also was the top pass catcher with three receptions for 88 yards.

The CAU had four players each record a tackle-for-loss, while Tevin Waller recorded a team-high five tackles.

Antonio Mallard and Mykel Lucear each added a sack on the day.

Joshua Tate added two more interceptions, with 20 return yards total. Tate now has five interceptions this season and should be at the top of the SIAC in the category.

UP NEXT:

Clark Atlanta returns home for the final time in 2015 and will face SIAC East rival Albany State on Oct. 24 at 2:00 p.m. from Panther Stadium. The game will feature Senior Day prior to the kick and Homecoming events during halftime.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY CLARK-ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION