The Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls got a big day from quarterback Kelvin Durham, leading the team to a 28-16 win over the vaunted Division II contender Valdosta State.
Johnson C. Smith becomes the second HBCU to defeat the three-time Division II national champions, joining Virginia Union, which claimed its win in 2022.
Trailing 10-0 in the second quarter, the Golden Bulls put up their first score of the game on a one-yard rushing touchdown by Durham.
Johnson C. Smith began to take control of the game thanks to an interception by Rontay Dunbar that set the offense up just outside the red zone.
They took full advantage of the turnover, punching the ball into the end zone four plays later on a five-yard rush by Durham to take a 14-10 lead.
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After forcing a Valdosta State three-and-out, Durham put his third rushing touchdown of the game on the board, faking a handoff and scoring on a seven-yard run.
Valdosta State got itself back on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter on a 65-yard passing touchdown up the middle of the field, but could not get the two-point conversion, making the score 21-16.
In the final four minutes, the Johnson C. Smith defense forced a turnover on downs on the VSU offense, who had the ball in JCSU territory with a chance to take the lead.
The Golden Bulls got the ball back, putting the game away with a 58-yard run by Bobby Smith, setting up a 13-yard passing touchdown from Durham to Reginald Daniel.
As a result of their win, the Golden Bulls became the third HBCU to beat Valdosta State since 2017 after previously holding a 0-11 record against the Division II power. They join a list that includes Albany State (2017) and Virginia Union (2022).
Johnson C. Smith will now look forward to the beginning of its conference schedule, going on the road next week to face Elizabeth City State.
