Nov. 1, 2007

Complete Livingstone Football Game Notes

Series Record...This will be the 60th meeting between the two schools dating back to 1892. JCSU leads the series 37-20-2.

The last five meetings: October 7, 2006 W 19-0 (Salisbury, N.C.) October 11 2005 L 27-10 (Charlotte, N.C.) October 2, 2004 L 16-10 (Salisbury, N.C.) October 11, 2003 W 20-18 (Charlotte, N.C.) - Homecoming October 19, 2002 L 37-19 (Salisbury, N.C.) -

Last Meeting... A storied history of football between Johnson C. Smith (formerly known as Biddle) and Livingstone adds another record in the books. In Salisbury, NC, where it all began, the Golden Bulls (5-1, 3-1 CIAA) dominated Livingstone (1-6, 1-3 CIAA) 19-0 in Alumni Memorial Stadium. The last time JCSU shutout LC was in 1987 and '86. The Golden Bulls are now on a three-game winning streak and remains undefeated away from home.

The Golden Bulls pounced on the Blue Bears in the first quarter with 7:22 on the clock. Marquis Belton (Charlotte, NC) was on the receiving end of an eight-yard touchdown pass from Carlton Richardson (Columbia, SC). The score utilized 67 yards on ten plays. Drew Vezina (Glendale, CA) kicked the extra point attempt and nailed a 22-yard field goal with 2:14 left in the quarter, putting the gold and blue up 10-0.

At intermission, with JCSU leading 10-0, the Golden Bulls led the offense with 38 plays for 164 yards. The Blue Bears struggled with 21 plays for 21 yards. Livingstone lost both of its two fumbles. Livingstone had 14 rushes for a negative three yards and finished the half with one first down.

Johnson C. Smith received the opening kickoff of the second half and returned it into the end-zone for its second touchdown extending the lead to 16-0. De'Audra Dix (Merritt Island, FL) returned the kick for 90 yards; his second of the season.

Herbert Collins, III (Clinton, MD) hit a 20-yard field goal in the fourth quarter for a 19-0 lead. The score topped 10 plays for 69 yards.

JCSU records its first shutout of the season and the first shutout since 1998 when they held Elizabeth City State University scoreless [26-0].

Livingstone improved its offensive production but failed to enter the red zone. JCSU, who leads the conference in red zone defense held the Blue Bears to 56 total plays for 156 yards. On the ground, LC had a total of 33 yards off of 21 attempts and 123 yards in the air.

Ed Wilson led the defensive attack with 9 tackles (5 solo, 4 assisted), one for a loss of 10 yards, one forced fumble, one pass break-up, and one sack for a loss of 10 yards. He had significant help from fellow linebackers Frederick Williams and Jerrell Goodwin who had 7 tackles each. Williams also recorded a forced fumble and a pass break-up.

Belton led the Golden Bulls on offense with 96 receiving yards with six catches. Richardson continued his consistent ways completing six of 13 passes for 97 yards, and a touchdown. He is the only starting quarterback in the league to have not thrown a pick. JCSU totaled 227 yards on offense on 62 plays.

A Win this Weekend Would - Break JCSU's five-game losing streak - Improve JCSU's overall record to 3-7 - End the season on a winning note - Give Daryl McNeill his 30th career win and 20th win at JCSU

KEY INJURIES... William Burgess (knee) out for season, Elijah Ashley (knee) out for season, Marco Kirven (leg) out for season, Curtis Dorsey (shoulder) doubtful.

Banging with Williams For the second consecutive year, Johnson C. Smith has a linebacker leading the conference in total tackles. This time it's Fred Williams. Last season, Ed Wilson led the conferene with 121 total tackles. Though Fred has not crossed the century mark yet, he does lead the entire CIAA in total tackles with 89.

Breaking the Slump...One More Chance The Golden Bulls look to break out of a five-game losing slump that began in September. The last Golden Bull victory came at the hands of the Saint Augustine's Falcons, 33-30. This will be the gold and blue's last chance at a victory.

Franklin...Strong Candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year Rookie wide receiver Jeremy Franklin is a strong candidate for Offensive Rookie of the year. Franklin leads the conference in reception yards (658), receiving yards per game (73.1), and receptions (37).

Scoring Streak... JCSU has scored in 34 consecutive games dating back to a 56-0 shutout by Wofford in 2004.

Last Game of the Regular Season... JCSU will close out the season against the winless Blue Bears of Livingstone College on November 3.

The Coaches...The Golden Bulls are coached by third-year head coach Daryl C. McNeill. McNeill has posted an 29-43 record at JCSU and led the Golden Bulls to a berth in the Pioneer Bowl (2006). He is 1-3 against the Blue Bears.

The Blue Bears are led by first-year head coach Lamonte J. Massie. Massie has posted an overall record of 0-9 at Livingstone. This is his second meeting against JCSU as a head coach. His Edward Waters team fell in defeat to JCSU 19-14 last year at the HBCU Classic in Greenville, S.C.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

JCSU ... LC

Scoring Offense: 19.6 pts/gm ... 8.4 pts/gm

Scoring Defense: 29.1 pts/gm ... 42.6 pts/gm

Total Offense: 307.7 yds/gm ... 178.0 yds/gm

Total Defense: 377.4 yds/gm ... 411.3 yds/gm

Rushing Offense: 129.4 yds/gm ... 26.6 yds/gm

Rushing Defense: 240.7 yds/gm ... 229.9 yds/gm

Passing Offense: 178.2 yds/gm ... 151.4 yds/gm

Passing Defense: 136.8 yds/gm ... 181.4 yds/gm