North Carolina A&T Hopes for Homecoming Victory Against Hampton Amid Injuries

As North Carolina A&T prepares for its homecoming game against Hampton University on October 19th, the team faces significant challenges, particularly in its running game. Key players Kenji Christian and Wesley Graves are sidelined due to injuries, prompting the Aggies to look to other players for offensive production in what promises to be a challenging matchup against Hampton.

North Carolina A&T, holding a record of 1-5 and 0-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), has encountered difficulties this season, especially on defense. The Aggies have allowed an average of 464.5 yards and nearly 40 points per game. Offensively, the team must adjust without its two leading rushers, Kenji Christian, who has accumulated 256 yards and one touchdown, and Wesley Graves, with 225 yards and one touchdown. This situation puts additional pressure on players like Shimique Blizzard, with 115 rushing yards, and Cameren Dalrymple, who has 138 yards, to step up in their absence.

Justin Fomby, the quarterback, will likely carry a significant burden with 700 passing yards and five touchdowns this season, despite throwing four interceptions. Without a consistent running game, Fomby must find ways to connect with receivers such as Ger-Cari Caldwell, with 309 yards and two touchdowns, and Jayvonne Dillard, who has 239 yards, to keep the Aggies’ offense dynamic.

Hampton University arrives in better form with a 3-2 record, having scored 132 points while allowing 127. Their balanced attack is led by running back Elijah Burris, who boasts 389 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Malcolm Mays has increased his impact, throwing for 356 yards and three touchdowns, and contributing 99 rushing yards. Mays’ dual-threat capability is pivotal to Hampton’s offense, complemented by Chris Zellous’ similar strengths.

Hampton’s defense has proven formidable against passing attacks, allowing only 139 passing yards per game, which could challenge A&T’s Fomby, especially as he may be forced into passing situations. So far, Hampton’s defense has generated pressure with ten sacks this season.

One of the key matchups is North Carolina A&T’s backup running backs against Hampton’s run defense. With Christian and Graves out, Blizzard and Dalrymple will need to take on more responsibility. They face a Hampton defense that has allowed 205.6 rushing yards per game but might focus on stopping the run with A&T’s top rushers unavailable.

Malcolm Mays and Elijah Burris pose challenges for A&T’s defense, which has struggled against both the run and pass. Mays’ dual-threat capability could lead to long, exhausting drives for A&T’s defense.

Justin Fomby must contend with Hampton’s secondary, which gives away only 139 passing yards per game. To succeed, Fomby must avoid turnovers and capitalize on any opportunities presented by the defense.