Miles looks to celebrate Homecoming against defending Western Division winner Kentucky State, knowing a win would not only avenge a tough defeat from last season, but keep it on a straight path towards a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship.

The Golden Bears have struggled with consistency this season, splitting their six games in the won-loss column overall while also alternating SIAC wins and losses. With a team that has used its fair share of young players and newcomers, that is to be expected. But head coach Reginald Ruffin hopes that his team has begun to hit its stride when it matters the most.

Kentucky State was one of the biggest surprises of the 2016 campaign in the SIAC. With a first-year head coach and a freshman quarterback, the Thorobreds started 1-4 and did not have the look of a championship team. But three consecutive wins – including two huge upsets of Miles and Tuskegee – helped them win the West and earn a spot in the SIAC Championship Game, where they held a late lead but ultimately succumbed in overtime to Fort Valley State.

Last week, Miles season appeared to be on the brink as it was on course to suffer an upset road loss to an underrated opponent on their Homecoming. But in explosive fashion, the Golden Bears came from behind with a 31-point fourth quarter to defeat Central State. Kentucky State was not near as fortunate, trailing the entire way as it lost for the second straight week, 35-23, to West Virginia State.

After his 210-yard explosion against Central State, junior running back Justin Hardy has now posted one of the top-20 rushing performances in Division II this season and is second in the SIAC in rushing yards. The Golden Bears have used three starting quarterbacks this season but freshman Joseph Cambridge showed his mettle by throwing for 212 yards and a touchdown in his first career start last week. Defensively, sophomore Austin Stephens (60) and senior Anthony Hardy (49) continue to pace the Golden Bears in tackles while senior Kaelan Bonds (six) and freshman MarQuel Shelton (three) leads a strong pass rush in sacks. The special team continue to be a force as well, blocking another punt and scoring against Central State while senior Nick Christiansen, one of the top kickers in the country, has made 9-of-10 field goals.