Johnson C. Smith banking on ’50-50′ chance to make D2 playoffs despite late season slide

Johnson C. Smith is preparing to play another football game that may not come despite the Golden Bulls failing to make the CIAA Championship Game amid a damaging two-game losing streak that upended what was shaping up to be an undefeated season.

The Golden Bulls finished its regular season last Saturday with an 8-2 record after consecutive losses to Fayetteville State and Livingstone, respectively.

JCSU, however, still has a shot at the 28-team Division II playoffs from Super Region II, though they are firmly entrenched on the bubble holding down the seventh spot.

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Photo: Johnson C. Smith Athletics

The Golden Bulls need to hope that Virginia Union (which plays in the CIAA championship game) loses to Virginia State or West Florida drops its season finale to Valdosta State. Both contenders have 6-1 in-region records, while JCSU is 7-2 in the region.

Johnson C. Smith head coach Maurice Flowers says he believes the odds will be in the Golden Bulls favor to make the playoffs.

“I think our chances at making the playoffs are better than 50-50,” Flowers told The Charlotte Observer. “Our strength of schedule and number of quality wins should help us — both are the best in the CIAA. We are practicing this week with the hopes that we’ll be playing in the school’s first Division II playoff game soon.”

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