COLUMBIA, S.C. -- In Miles' win two weeks ago at Central State, the offense looked to have been unlocked as the Golden Bears scored at will in a big win over the Marauders.

On Saturday, the defense allowed just one touchdown drive but saw the offense and special teams struggle in a 20-3 loss to Benedict at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. Despite putting up more yards and running more plays, the Golden Bears (1-5, 1-2 SIAC West) were unable to find the consistency in all three phases -  offense, defense, and special teams - to get the team back into the win column.

The second quarter did in the Golden Bears on Saturday. A tipped pass landed in the hands of Jayden Broughton, who walked in from two yards out to put the Tigers on the board less than three minutes into the period. Seven minutes later, Kendall Norman returned a punt 77 yards for another score. Then, with a minute left before halftime, backup quarterback John Lampley found a wide open Jayden Thomas for a 9-yard touchdown pass to send Benedict into the locker room with a 20-0 advantage.

The defense recovered two fumbles and had four sacks, one each from Zion Sharpe, JaMichael Rogers, Ka'Darrion Jones, and Roosevelt Thompson. The touchdown drive came after a bad punt set Benedict up from the Miles 44-yard line.

The Tigers (6-0, 3-0 SIAC East) had just 132 yards of total offense and averaged just more than three yards per play. But while Miles had a sizable advantage in all the offensive categories, the Golden Bears were only able to muster a 27-yard field goal from Jackson Spradlin with just under 10 minutes left in the contest. There were a couple of other opportunities for the Golden Bears to put points on the board, including a late drive that got inside the 20. But Jacob Millhouse threw his second interception of the game in the end zone with less than two minutes remaining.

The offense did have a few bright spots. Millhouse threw for 162 yards with Jaih Andrews (four catches, 80 yards) and Jaylen Peterson (four catches, 64 yards) the main recipients. Cornell Kendrick had 45 yards on 10 carries after subbing for injured starter Zarious Keyes, who had 37 yards on 10 carries before exiting the contest.

Miles will host Lane for Homecoming in its next contest, Oct. 15, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.