Andrew Alexander stepped in and threw the Golden Bulls' only touchdown pass in a 35-26 loss to Fayetteville State
Box Score Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University football team suffered a 35-26 divisional loss to Fayetteville State University on Saturday, October 19th at Irwin Belk Complex. JCSU moves to 4-3 overall and 2-3 in the CIAA, while the Broncos improve to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in the conference.
Fayetteville State managed to score on their opening drive to take an early 7-0 lead. Derek Bryant connected with Chris Hubert for a 20 yard touchdown reception. The Golden Bulls responded with a 12-play, 83 yard scoring drive of their own. Junior running back
LeAnder Barney (Erie, PA) crossed the goal line from two yards out to tie the game (7-7).
JCSU fell behind again after allowing a 65 yard touchdown throw from Bryant to Dwayne Lorrick. The Broncos scored in just three plays and held a 14-7 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Golden Bulls failed to score on back to back offensive series, including an interception before the start of the second quarter.
Colon Bailey had a two yard TD run for FSU at midway point of the second quarter. The touchdown run capped a 10-play, 80 yard drive and increased the Broncos' lead to 21-7. Junior quarterback
Keahn Wallace (Miami, FL) threw his second interception of the day to Marquel Gathers on the following drive. Prior to this game, Wallace had only thrown two interceptions all season (five games played).
The JCSU defense forced a turnover on downs and prevented another FSU score. Wallace checked out of the game due to an aggravating ankle issue. Junior quarterback
Andrew Alexander (Charlotte, NC) took over duties under center. Alexander led the Golden Bulls downfield in 10 plays for a second touchdown.
Barney rushed into the end zone from 13 yards away. A botched snap on the extra point kick led to a failed conversion and FSU held a 21-13 lead. The score remained the same until halftime.
Fayetteville State eventually scored on another big pass play in the third quarter. Bryant fought Tavon Gatlin for a 68 yard touchdown connection. JCSU wasted no time responding with a touchdown on the other end. Alexander crossed the goal line on a quarterback keeper from a yard away. The Golden Bulls had a failed two-point conversion attempt and trailed 28-19.
JCSU closed the gap with a touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Alexander threw a 33 yard TD strike to senior receiver
Chris Patterson (Pendleton, SC) to bring the Golden Bulls within a score (28-26). The Broncos sealed the victory with an 11-play, 75 yard scoring drive on the ensuing possession. The drive took up almost seven minutes of game clock and put JCSU in a 35-26 deficit.
Alexander had his pass intercepted by Michael Johnson on following drive, which ended the game. Fayetteville State had 488 yards of total offense compared to 412 yards for the Golden Bulls.
Barney rushed for a game-high 89 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Alexander also tallied 60 yards on the ground off 11 rushes. Wallace finished with 82 yards passing off 9-of-16 attempts with two interceptions. Alexander completed 13 of 20 attempts for 182 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions as well. Both senior receiver
Terrell Hutchison (Chester, SC) and sophomore receiver
Fred Scott (Stone Mountain, GA) had seven catches and over 90 yards receiving.
Bryant had a stellar day with three touchdowns and 418 yards passing and no turnovers for the Broncos. Bailey only rushed for 40 yards off 12 attempts, but had two touchdowns on the ground.
JCSU will be looking to get back to their winning ways heading into their next matchup against Shaw University. The Golden Bulls will be celebrating their 2013 Homecoming on Saturday, October 26th at Irwin Belk Complex. Kickoff for this divisional clash is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
