ATLANTA, Georgia -- To say that Clark Atlanta University head coach and his Panthers football team are excited about Saturday's game against Albany State University would be an understatement.
It's Homecoming Day; it's Senior Day; the game will be broadcast live on ESPN3; and it's a game with huge implications in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's East Division race. Kickoff at CAU Panther Staidum is 2 p.m.
"It's homecoming and there's no better atmosphere to be in than a Clark Atlanta University homecoming," Ramsey said. "You couldn't have a better opponent than Albany State – they are on a roll, undefeated in the conference; playing well. Head Coach Gabe Giardina has been doing a good job with those guys in his first year.
"This is our last home game so we'll be sending out 14 seniors," Ramsey said. "So, it's a pinnacle for them and getting all the energy together towards sending those guys off right."
CAU is 3-4 overall, 0-2 in the SIAC East after their 14-3 loss at Benedict last week. But only two games separate the top and bottom of the division, meaning the race is still tight for the division crown and the SIAC Championship Game berth that goes with it.
"You know how this division is," Ramsey said. "A year ago, Fort Valley State ended up doing just that. So from here on, we have to take it one game at a time. Our big game now is this homecoming game and Albany State.
The Golden Rams are 5-2, but more importantly, are 2-0 and in first place in the East Division. They utilize a run offense ranked No. 1 in the SIAC and is powered by the conference's leading rusher, McKinley Habersham (737 yards, 105 yards a game).
They sport the conference's top scoring offense, averaging 27.1 yards per game, just a little over a yard more than the second-best offensive scoring team, Clark Atlanta.
On defense, the Golden Rams have the third-best defense in the conference (CAU is fourth). Albany State is led by Emmanuel Brown, who has 53 tackles and 1.5 sacks this season.
The CAU offense will be looking to get back on track after they were stymied for the first time this season. The Panthers are second in scoring offense, total offense and pass offense. Johnathon McCrary continues to lead the SIAC passing and total offense. Deandre Jackson and Jonathan Sander are tied for third in receptions.
"We've been getting the ball downfield," Ramsey said. "We've been able to get [running back] Roger Thomas going, and I think that's what's pivotal for us. We've really got to get him going because his is a weapon for us. The running game sets up the passing game and we've got to be able to run."
On defense, the Panthers have been led by linebackers Harding Harper and Jaquatin Victrum. Harper is the SIAC's third-leading tackler, while Victrum has 49 tackles and two sacks.
"One of the best group of linebackers I've ever been around because they are so athletic," Ramsey said. "Primarily with Victrum and Harding, the leadership that those guys provide for those younger kids, primarily our defensive front, we've been really growing. Those guys have really been melding together as a defensive unit overall. We've just got to create more turnovers to really get our offense going too. That's what's been pivotal for us – getting turnovers to create a short field for our offense to attack quickly."
It all makes for a big game.
"The guys are juiced," Ramsey said. "This is one of those deals where the stage is set. The hay is in the barn. Let's go!"
CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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