Livingstone 27, Johnson C. Smith 10

October 1, 2005

Charlotte, NC – The oldest black college football game which stems back over 100 years ago was renewed tonight in what seemed to be a grudge match between Johnson C. Smith University (0-6, 0-3 CIAA) and Livingstone College (1-5, 1-2 CIAA). For the third consecutive year, both teams entered the contest winless, but the Blue Bears would capitalize on a few key mishaps by the Bulls to prevail in the end 27-10.

For the first time since the last minute loss to Bowie State, the Golden Bulls put points on the board first on a 29-yard field goal by Herbert Collins, III. The Blue Bears also kicked two field goals to end the half only up by three points. The first touchdown did not come until late in the third quarter on a seven yard pass from Jason Mitchell to Jeremy Grier. Mitchell again found Grier early in the fourth quarter connecting on a 30-yard touchdown pass to give the LC a 20-3 advantage with 14:35 remaining in regulation.

“We find ways to beat ourselves,” said head coach Daryl C. McNeill. “We came out flat, not as sharp as we have been in a couple games. We are still fighting though, we will be ok.” Offensively, the statistics proved the team to be better than in past weeks. The team was able to go over the century mark in both rushing and passing to end the day with 279 yards of total offense, just 10 shy of what Livingstone finished with, 289. The defense was led by senior linebacker Chris Nelson. Nelson led all defenders with nine tackles, one for a loss of six yards and half a sack for a loss of five yards.

Unfortunately, the schedule does not lighten up for JCSU as they travel to face the undefeated Falcons of St. Augustine’s College. To add more fuel to the fire, it is also St. Augustine’s homecoming. Game time is slated for 4:00 pm in Raleigh, NC. The Blue Bears moves on to face the Rams of Winston-Salem State University.