LIVINGSTONE (0-0) at BENEDICT (0-0)

Palmetto Capital City Classic

Johnson Stadium — Columbia, S.C. — 5 p.m.

Radio: None — Video available on www.benedicttigers.com

2015 RECORDS: Livingstone 5-4 (7-4, counting two NCAA non-counters). Benedict 0-10.

COACHES: Livingstone — Daryl Williams’ record is 13-16 in three seasons. Four seasons prior to Williams taking over, the Blue Bears were 2-38. Benedict — Mike White, second year at Benedict after 15 years at Albany State (112-51, six SIAC championships).

 

LAST YEAR: Livingstone won the Palmetto Capital City Classic over Benedict, 49-6. The Blue Bears amassed 604 total yards. Head coach Daryl Williams rolled the dice early with a successful fake punt when the score was just 7-6.

WATCH FOR: After a tight competition through the spring and preseason practice, Williams named Dallas Bruton the starting quarterback. The red-shirt freshman from Lexington, Ky., fills the big shoes of four-year starter Drew Powell, now playing professionally in Australia.

“Dallas had a year to watch Drew and we’re only asking him to manage the game,” said Williams. “He’s just a little more ready to lead us right now. We’ve given him the keys to the offense and it helps him that there’s a solid defense behind him.”

Williams said that quarterback Thaddeus Bell, another red-shirt freshman, could see action as well in the season opener today.

“We’re ready to go,” continued Williams. “We’re in good shape with no major injuries, so most everyone is available to play. I’m excited to see how the new players do and the team speed, which has improved.”