CANTON, Ohio — Fabian Duncan rushed for three touchdowns, and Johnson C. Smith University pulled away for a 27-7 victory over Albany State on Sunday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Johnson C. Smith (1-1) controlled the game early, building a 20-0 halftime lead behind a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive performance.

Alexis Rosario-Beltran opened the scoring with a 43-yard field goal with 11:47 remaining in the first quarter. Rosario-Beltran added another field goal, this time from 28 yards, early in the second quarter to give the Golden Bulls a 6-0 lead.

Duncan then found the end zone twice in the second quarter. He scored on a 4-yard run with 8:19 remaining, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run with seven seconds left before halftime. Johnson C. Smith took a 20-0 advantage into the break.

Duncan added his third touchdown just 2:11 into the second half, breaking free for a 40-yard touchdown run to cap an 82-yard drive and push the Golden Bulls' lead to 27-0.

Albany State (0-2) avoided a shutout when Vinson Berry connected with Jaquan Graham for a 23-yard touchdown with 11:31 remaining in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Rodriguez added the extra point for the Golden Rams.

Johnson C. Smith's defense held Albany State scoreless through the first three quarters and limited the Golden Rams' scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon.

The Golden Bulls used five scoring drives to build their 27 points, including four touchdowns and two field goals.

Up next, the Golden Bulls will begin conference play on the road for the third straight time and fce the Rams of Winston-Salem State University.