The Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls took a massive step toward clinching a berth in the CIAA championship game, going on the road to secure a 24-15 win over the Winston-Salem State Rams.
This marks the first win for Johnson C. Smith on Winston-Salem State’s home field in over 50 years.
With the win, the Golden Bulls improve their overall record to 8-0, inching closer to the first perfect regular season in school history with two games remaining.
Meanwhile, Winston-Salem State’s record drops to 6-3, effectively eliminating them from CIAA championship contention.
Touchdown Crouch! @jcsufootball takes a 24-7 lead in the 4th Quarter vs Winston-Salem pic.twitter.com/Ak47L8YXaM
— JCSU Athletics (@JCSUSports) October 26, 2024
Johnson C. Smith Defensive Masterpiece
Despite what the score may indicate, this game was not close, as Johnson C. Smith’s defense put together the best performance of the season.
They limited Winston-Salem State to a season-low 155 offensive yards, including 39 rushing yards, the Rams’ lowest total in a conference game since 2021.
Through three quarters, the Rams had just 57 offensive yards while recording just three first downs (six overall) and converting just 2-of-11 third downs.
Game-Changing Turnover Helped Golden Bulls
On an extended first offensive drive for the Golden Bulls, they came away empty-handed after missing on a 24-yard field goal.
After two more scoreless possessions, it took a timely turnover later in the first quarter for them to get the scoring going.
Attempting to hand the ball off out of the shotgun, Rams quarterback Daylin Lee fumbled the ball, which Benari Black recovered.
The Golden Bulls converted the turnover into a 6-yard touchdown run by Kamarr Edmonds, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
WSSU Had So Missed Opportunities
As much as Johnson C. Smith’s dominant play was the reason they won this game, Winston-Salem State did itself in with multiple missed opportunities.
In the second quarter, after being forced to punt, the Rams forced a fumble on the return and recovered it in Johnson C. Smith territory.
On the ensuing offensive possession, WSSU was held to a 42-yard field goal attempt that missed, leaving them scoreless.
The Rams also committed ten penalties in the game, many of which took away first downs on offense or propelled the Golden Bulls to a first down.
