Virginia State Edges West Alabama 28-21
Quarterback Champ Harris threw two touchdown passes and sealed the road win with a kneel-down late in the fourth quarter.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
Virginia State University defeated the University of West Alabama 28-21 on Saturday, October 31, 2026. West Alabama led 17-0 in the second quarter before Virginia State rallied behind quarterback Champ Harris.
Why it matters
The win came on the road against a conference opponent and added to Virginia State's momentum in the Great South Conference race. Harris was also named GSC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.
West Alabama's Elijah Guyton hit a 38-yard field goal for an early 3-0 lead, and Harris threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Leon Washington to cut the deficit to 24-21. The game-sealing kneel came with 42 seconds remaining.
The players
Champ Harris
Virginia State quarterback who threw two touchdown passes and was named GSC Offensive Player of the Week.
The details
Virginia State trailed 17-0 after West Alabama drove 80 yards in 15 plays following a punt, and Dakarai Shanks scored a 3-yard touchdown to make it 10-0 with 19 seconds left in the first quarter. Harris then threw a 58-yard completion to Davion Grant before running in a touchdown, and later connected with Jaheim Arnold for a 5-yard score.
Timeline
Saturday, October 31, 2026: Virginia State defeats West Alabama 28-21 on the road.
This Saturday at 2 p.m.: Virginia State hosts North Greensville University at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
Season Trajectory
The road win over a conference opponent positions Virginia State within the Great South Conference race, where weekly honors such as Harris's Offensive Player of the Week designation track which teams are gaining ground. The comeback from a 17-point halftime-era deficit signals a team building late-game resilience during the conference schedule.
Fantasy managers tracking Harris should note his two touchdown passes and rushing score in this win. The home game this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium gives local fans a chance to see the team build on its road momentum.
The takeaway
Late-game execution, including a sealed kneel-down and a turnover that flipped possession, decided this close conference game. Fans and fantasy managers should watch whether the offense can sustain that balance heading into the home matchup.
What happens next
Virginia State hosts North Greensville University at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium this Saturday at 2 p.m.
Further reading
Follow more coverage in Football for updates on Virginia's programs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spectator.
