A pair of teams in need of a bounce back performance will meet in Frankfort, Ky., when Kentucky State hosts Central State in SIAC action on Saturday.

Who: Central State (1-2) vs. Kentucky State (0-3)

When: Saturday, Sept. 22, 4 PM CT

Where: Frankfort, Ky., KSU Alumni Stadium

Watch: LIVE on FloFootball

A week after its defense shined in a 7-0 shutout victory over Clark Atlanta, Central State found trouble on the road at Morehouse last week. An early 7-0 lead quickly became a 31-7 deficit—and, ultimately, a 41-14 loss.

Kentucky State’s early-season struggles continued by virtue of a late 28-yard interception return for a touchdown with just 26 seconds left in its rivalry matchup with Kentucky Wesleyan.

The Thorobreds actually led 13-10 with less than two minutes to go before Wesleyan added a field goal with 1:33 to go and then added the late pick six as Kentucky State was attempting to mount a game-winning drive.

St. Ge Emerges As Dual-Threat

Jules St. Ge has enjoyed a solid start to the 2018 season, completing 66 percent of his throws for 385 yards, two scores and three interceptions—while also rushing for 212 yards and a pair of scores.

The latter is made more impressive when you consider that last week served as an aberration, as St. Ge’s ground attack was erased by Kentucky Wesleyan completely. St. Ge has cleared the 100-yard mark in two of the team’s first three games.

We Found John L. Smith—Yes, That John L. Smith

Former Louisville, Michigan State and Arkansas head coach John L. Smith is still roaming a sideline—in Frankfort, Ky.

The 2003 Big Ten Coach of the Year encountered significant adversity—both on the field and off—while coaching in relief of the fired Bobby Petrino at Arkansas in 2012, limping to a 4-8 finish with a team that won 11 games and a Cotton Bowl the year before.

Smith was not retained as head coach, but landed at Fort Lewis College, where he turned a program that went 0-12 the year before he arrived.

In 2015, he was introduced as Kentucky State’s next head coach—and the first white head coach in the SIAC’s 103-year history.

Central State Looking To Replicate Defensive Effort

The wheels came off a bit for Central State a week ago, but the group knows its identity—and it’s defense.

Against Clark Atlanta, the Marauders pitched a shutout, holding its opponent to just 81 yards passing and 75 yards rushing.

Rashaun Searless, Kailen Abrams and Javion Williams combined for 34 tackles—including nine for loss—in the winning effort. Through three weeks, Abrams leads the team with 25 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks.