JC Smith in position to master its moment in CIAA

MATT LACZKO | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Johnson C. Smith quarterback Kelvin Durham has led the Golden Bulls to the CIAA's second-ranked scoring offense while leading the conference with 1,442 passing yards.

Johnson C. Smith is back to mastering the football moment.

The Golden Bulls ensured their third straight .500 season, their best stretch since 1967-73 with last week’s 31-20 win at Virginia State. J.C. Smith (5-1, 1-1 CIAA) can go over .500 next week with a win at Shaw for the Bears’ homecoming. Knocking off Virginia State was a statement game because the Trojans were among the preseason favorites for a berth in the conference title game. For the Golden Bulls, who are idle this week, they’re still in the hunt for relevant games after winning what amounted to an elimination contest. 

J.C. Smith moved up the conference pecking order by offsetting Virginia State quarterback Rahsaan Matthews’ one-man assault with big plays on both sides of the ball. Matthews accounted for 345 yards total offense (16-of-30 passing, 259 yards, 2 TDs; 16 carries, 86 yards, TD), but the Golden Bulls, who have the CIAA’s second-ranked offense at an average of 34.1 point per game. countered with red zone efficiency.

They scored a pair of touchdowns on two possessions inside the Trojans’ 20 while the defense limited VSU to 2-of-5 that included two failed field goal tries and a turnover on downs. JCSU also converted 9-of-15 third down opportunities while holding the Trojans to 4-of-12 in similar situations and 0-for-3 on fourth down.

The Golden Bulls, who have the conference’s top scoring defense (17.2 ppg), never trailed against VSU and led 17-14 at intermission after opening with a 10-0 advantage in the first quarter. Kelvin Durham, the CIAA leader in passing yards (1,442) continued his tear, going 18-of-29 passing for 251 yards and four touchdowns for the second straight week.

In addition to matching Matthews’ output, Durham, whose 13 touchdown passes is second in the CIAA, lifted JCSU with explosive plays in the third quarter to shut the door. He connected with Reggie Daniel on a 42-yard touchdown and a 41-yarder to Isaiah Perry to expand the Golden Bulls’ lead to 31-14. Daniel, who caught three passes for 59 yards, also scored on a 3-yard pass in the first quarter. 

Although J.C. Smith was outgained 422 yards to 381, the Golden Bulls controlled time of possession with 32 minutes, 55 seconds, due in part to offensive balance. Running back Bobby Smith, whose 472 rushing yards is second in the CIAA, added balance with a team high 96 rushing yards on 24 carries to go with a pair of receptions for 38 yards.

Next week's opponent, Shaw (1-4, 1-2), is struggling Lamar Manigo’s first season as coach. The Bears have lost two straight to nationally ranked Virginia Union and Bluefield State, the latter a 35-33 setback that was Big Blue’s first CIAA victory since their return to the conference in 2022. 

Before Saturday’s game against Winston-Salem State, Shaw was ninth in the CIAA at 17.8 points scored per contest, while the defense’s 36.0 points allowed is also ninth.

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