Soccer
Soccer
The Sport: Fayetteville State returns dwelling to tackle Johnson C. Smith for his or her ninth recreation of the season and sixth convention battle. The Broncos have received 5 video games in a row and stay undefeated in CIAA play at 5-0 and tied for first place within the convention standings. JCSU is 4-1 (7-1 total) and ranks third within the convention. Kickoff at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium is scheduled for 1:05 PM.
Key Storylines:
Streak Watch: Fayetteville State has received eight straight in opposition to Johnson C. Smith, together with a 27–0 shutout final season.
Protection Wins Championships: FSU’s protection has been lights out, permitting simply 13.6 factors per recreation in CIAA play and forcing 15 turnovers during the last three video games.
Golden Bulls Offense: JCSU has been explosive at occasions, scoring 50+ factors twice this season, however turnovers and penalties have plagued them in losses.
Championship Implications: A win retains FSU within the driver’s seat for the CIAA Championship title recreation, whereas JCSU wants a win and assist to remain alive within the race.
Head-to-Head Historical past: Fayetteville State shutout Johnson C. Smith final season with a 27-0 win on the highway in Charlotte. The Broncos have received eight in a row over the Golden Bulls relationship again to the 2016 season. FSU additionally has a 20-3 report in opposition to JCSU since 2000.
Undefeated Convention Begin: The Broncos undefeated begin to CIAA play marks the fourth time within the Head Coach Richard Hayes Jr. period that FSU has opened the convention slate 5-0. FSU went an undefeated 8-0 within the CIAA in the course of the 2023 season and likewise ran the desk at 7-0 in 2021.
Gamers of the Week: Fayetteville State has acquired 9 CIAA Participant of the Week awards at numerous positions this season on offense, protection and particular groups. Linebacker Matthew Leach, defensive again Keyshawn Monk and place kicker John Hernandez-Vargas are the three gamers which have earned a number of POTW awards at their positions. Monk is coming off a Week 8 Defensive Again of the Week Award for his efficiency final week at Shaw the place he contributed throughout the board within the secondary, recording six whole tackles (two solo), 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one go breakup, one quarterback hurry, and a fumble restoration
Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah Named to HBCU Legacy Bowl: Final Wednesday FSU Tight Finish Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah was named a participant within the 2026 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl. Ashley-Diarrah is second amongst all Bronco receivers with 290 receiving yards on a team-high 27 catches. The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, introduced by the Black Faculty Soccer Corridor of Fame, is a postseason all-star recreation showcasing the very best NFL draft-eligible soccer gamers from Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities. The sport can be broadcast reside on NFL Community on February twenty first in New Orleans.
Offense Rankings: Fayetteville State’s offense enters this week ranked fifth in whole scoring (29.4 PPG), fifth in rush yards per recreation (150.9) and tenth in passing yards per recreation (168.3). On the particular workforce’s facet, FSU leads the CIAA with 9 subject objectives made in 12 makes an attempt. The Broncos have additionally scored not less than 30 factors in each convention recreation this season and are averaging 38.4 factors per recreation in CIAA play.
Protection Rankings: On the defensive finish FSU leads the CIAA with 30 whole sacks, and can also be tied for first in interceptions (9), third in whole yards allowed per recreation (309.8) and tied for sixth in pressured fumbles (6).
Quarterback Room: For the reason that begin of convention play senior Demari Daniels has emerged because the Broncos beginning quarterback. Daniels has accomplished 53.7% of passes this season for 1,056 whole yards and 7 touchdowns whereas additionally displaying his dual-threat skill with 373 rush yards and 4 TD’s on the bottom. FSU’s quarterback room has loads of depth with Joe Owens and Wilson Kargbo Jr. having additionally acquired begins underneath heart this season.
LAST WEEKEND: The Fayetteville State Broncos continued their convention dominance with a 31–13 highway win over Shaw at Durham County Stadium. The protection was the story of the day, forcing 5 turnovers—together with two interceptions and three fumble recoveries—whereas holding the Bears to simply 325 whole yards. Joseph Woodard led the cost with 6 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks, a pressured fumble, and a restoration. Keyshawn Monk added an interception and a fumble restoration.
On offense, Demari Daniels rushed for 80 yards on 10 carries and threw a 51-yard TD go to Unique Kelly, whereas Caden Davis added 59 yards and a landing on the bottom.
FSU constructed a 28–0 lead earlier than Shaw bought on the board, and the Broncos sealed the win with a late subject purpose.
The Broncos outgained Shaw 371–325 and held the Bears to simply 6 factors on three pink zone journeys. With the win, FSU stays undefeated in CIAA play.
This previous weekend, Johnson C. Smith College hosted Winston-Salem State and got here away with a dominant 52–27 victory at Irwin Belk Complicated in Charlotte. Quarterback Kelvin Durham was electrical, throwing for 351 yards and three touchdowns, whereas additionally speeding for two scores. Operating again Bobby Smith added two speeding touchdowns, together with a robust 11-yard run within the fourth quarter. Huge receiver Deandre Proctor caught two landing passes, together with a 60-yard bomb late within the recreation to seal the win. The Golden Bulls racked up 526 whole yards and 28 first downs, averaging 9.1 yards per play.
Winston-Salem State made a late push with 21 fourth-quarter factors, however JCSU’s offense was an excessive amount of to beat.
This win improved Johnson C. Smith’s report to 7–1 total and 5–1 in CIAA play, preserving them in rivalry for a spot within the CIAA Championship recreation.
ALL EYES ON JCSU:, All eyes can be on a Golden Bulls squad that has emerged as one of many convention’s most explosive groups in 2025. With a 7–1 total report and a 5–1 mark in CIAA play, JCSU enters the matchup with championship aspirations and a roster stacked with playmakers on each side of the ball.
Main the cost is junior quarterback Kelvin Durham (#1), a dynamic dual-threat who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns whereas including eight scores on the bottom. Durham’s skill to increase performs and make throws on the run has been a nightmare for opposing defenses all season.
Within the backfield, Bobby Smith (#14) gives a gradual presence, speeding for 634 yards and 7 touchdowns. His bodily operating fashion enhances Durham’s mobility, giving JCSU a balanced assault. On the skin, Brian Lane (#5) and Deandre Proctor (#3) have emerged as dependable targets. Lane leads the workforce with 624 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, whereas Proctor provides 510 yards and 6 scores, together with a 60-yard strike in final week’s win over Winston-Salem State.
Pink zone effectivity has been a power for the Golden Bulls, thanks partially to Reginald Daniel (#0), who boasts 5 touchdowns on simply 13 receptions, averaging practically 20 yards per catch.
Defensively, linebacker Vincent Hill (#0) anchors the unit with 51 tackles and 6 tackles for loss. He is joined up entrance by Cadricus Stanley (#22) and Steny Joseph (#97), who’ve mixed for 8.5 sacks and persistently stress opposing quarterbacks. Within the secondary, Elijah Wilson (#17) has been a ball hawk, recording three interceptions and two go breakups.
Particular groups might additionally play a task, with kicker/punter Lukasz Smolen (#37) offering a gradual leg, changing 4-of-5 subject objectives with a protracted of 47 yards and averaging over 42 yards per punt. Return specialist Isaiah Perry (#10) is a game-changer, having already taken two kickoffs to the home, together with a 100-yard return.
With a high-powered offense and a protection able to creating havoc, Johnson C. Smith presents a formidable problem for the Broncos. Saturday’s matchup can be a check of Fayetteville State’s defensive self-discipline and offensive execution as each groups battle for supremacy within the CIAA South.
Offensive Rankings:
Scoring Offense: High 3 in CIAA – averaging over 35 factors per recreation
Whole Offense: Among the many high within the convention – over 400 yards per recreation
Passing Offense: 2nd in CIAA – led by QB Kelvin Durham with 2,074 passing yards and 19 TDs
Dashing Offense: Balanced assault – RB Bobby Smith with 634 yards and seven TDs
JCSU’s offense is likely one of the most explosive within the CIAA, combining vertical passing with a powerful floor recreation. They’ve scored 50+ factors twice this season and are averaging over 9 yards per play in latest video games.
Defensive Rankings:
Scoring Protection: Center of the pack – permitting round 20–25 factors per recreation
Whole Protection: Stable however not elite – giving up 350–375 yards per recreation
Turnovers Compelled: High 5 in CIAA – together with a number of interceptions and fumble recoveries
Sacks: Led by DL Cadricus Stanley and LB Kevin Haynes Jr., combining for six.5 sacks
Whereas not essentially the most dominant unit statistically, JCSU’s protection has been opportunistic, creating key turnovers and holding opponents in verify by way of three quarters in most video games.
Fayetteville State Broncos – Keys to Victory
#1. Management the Line of Scrimmage
FSU’s protection has been dominant in CIAA play, particularly up entrance. The Broncos should win the battle within the trenches to include JCSU’s dual-threat quarterback Kelvin Durham and restrict explosive runs from Bobby Smith.
#2. Pressure Turnovers
The Broncos have pressured 15 turnovers of their final three video games. Persevering with that pattern can be essential in opposition to a high-powered Golden Bulls offense that may rating shortly.
#3. Set up the Run Early
Demari Daniels and Caden Davis have fashioned a powerful speeding duo. Controlling the clock and preserving JCSU’s offense off the sphere can be key to dictating tempo.
#4. Restrict Large Performs
JCSU thrives on chunk yardage by way of the air. FSU’s secondary should keep disciplined and keep away from giving up deep photographs to Brian Lane and Deandre Proctor.
# 5. Capitalize within the Pink Zone
FSU has struggled at occasions to complete drives. Changing pink zone journeys into touchdowns quite than subject objectives can be essential in a recreation that would flip right into a shootout.
Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls – Keys to Victory
# 1. Shield Kelvin Durham
Durham is the centerpiece of the offense. Maintaining him upright and giving him time to function can be important in opposition to a Broncos protection that brings stress from a number of angles.
# 2. Begin Quick
FSU has been dominant in second halves. JCSU wants to leap out early and pressure the Broncos to play from behind, which might disrupt their run-heavy recreation plan.
# 3. Win Particular Groups
Isaiah Perry is a risk to attain on any return, and kicker Lukasz Smolen has been dependable. Area place and particular groups execution might swing momentum.
# 4. Restrict Turnovers
JCSU has been susceptible to giveaways in losses. Ball safety can be paramount in opposition to a protection that thrives on takeaways.
# 5. Disrupt FSU’s Rhythm
If the Golden Bulls can pressure third-and-long conditions and get off the sphere defensively, they’re going to give their offense extra possibilities to strike shortly.
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