Virginia Union University's Jada Byers rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns as VUU continued its record-setting season by defeating Lenoir-Rhyne University 44-12 on Saturday, November 30, in Hickory, N.C.

The win earned the Panthers a spot in the NCAA Playoff Quarterfinals for the first time in school history.

VUU's Curtis Allen rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the win.  The game marked the first time VUU had two players rush for 100 or more yards in a single game since VUU did it against Chowan University in 2021.

Virginia Union's RJ Rosales completed 10 of 17 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another score.

VUU's Reginald Vick, Jr., caught three passes for 122 yards and a touchdown while Jalen Mayo had nine tackles in the win.

"I said back in August that this was a team that could compete for the National Championship," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker.  "I think some people laughed at that and didn't think we were capable.  Now we're one of eight teams who are still playing.  We're just blessed to have a group that has stayed the course, remained locked in, did a lot of things that we asked of them and played some good football.  I'm just happy beyond words right now."

VUU is now 10-3 and will face Valdosta State at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, in Valdosta, Ga.