FSU coach Kenny Phillips
Hello, Saturday. Hello, Football.
The Fayetteville State Broncos are again ready to take to the gridiron, playing in their second straight road game, this time at Irwin Belk Complex in Charlotte to take on the vastly improved Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls.
The Broncos (3-5, 3-2) are seeking their fourth win in the last five games and still have a chance to finish at least .500 for the ninth time in coach Kenny Phillips’ 12 years at the helm. But this won’t be the 64-6 walkover it was a year ago at Jeralds Stadium. The Golden Bulls (4-4, 3-2), led by freshman sensation Keahn Wallace at quarterback, are a much different team that they were during last season’s 2-8 campaign. One of the top rushing teams in the CIAA, JCSU will try to give a little payback to the Broncos, who have beaten Smith in 10 of the last 11 meetings.
Plus, a shot at finishing in second place alone in the CIAA Southern Division is at stake.
Check back here for running updates from today’s game, which kicks off at 4 p.m.
Pregame
JCSU has won the toss and has elected to receive. We’re ready to go.
First Quarter
13:31 Good start for the Broncos’ defense, getting a sack of Wallace by Marcus Witherspoon and Jospeh McLean. Good defense all around, including in the secondary to allow the pass rush to pursue. Two sacks in three offensive downs. Big start for the FSU defense, forcing the Bulls to punt.
12:49 Good field position for the Broncos to start, beginning the drive at the JCSU 47.
12:43 TOUCHDOWN, BRONCOS!!!!!!! Wow, right off the bat, Chauncey Concepcion finds Antonio Allen in stride in the seam on the post route, and it’s a 7-0 lead after the 6-second drive.
That’s the first time the Broncos have gotten off to a quick start this year, last week included.
12:43 Two kickoffs for Austin Turner, two kicks booted out of the end zone.
10:08 And the Bulls answer right back, thanks to some poor tackling by the Broncos. Not even poor tackling, but rather a complete lack of tackling. Wallace throws a simple bubble screen to Matthews Jeffries, who stays on his feet to take it to the house for a 60-yard touchdown pass.
That was just giving the early score away. Have to wonder whether having Andre Lyles, who’s out with a dislocated wrist, would’ve kept that one from happening to the degree it did. 7-all.
8:51 Broncos move into Smith territory thanks to a personal foul face mask penalty on third down. FSU to the Smith 47. Time to answer.
The thing is, correcting giving up a long play on a screen is fairly easy to correct. the FSU defense has been strong against the run here early and has sacked Wallace twice, which just makes giving up the TD seem all the more like a freebie.
6:59 Pugh breaks a tackle and slips free, picking up 19 yards on third-and-5, moving the Broncos to the JCSU 24. Nice play to keep the drive alive, which looked like it may stall because of — tell me if you’ve heard this before — a holding penalty on FSU.
6:00 And after yet another FSU holding penalty — really, now? — the Broncos get bailed out thanks to a pass interference call against the Golden Bulls. Automatic first down to the 22 after a pass was almost picked off on 1st-and-10.
4:45 And another holding penalty against FSU, this time on third down. It looks like Concepcion was short of picking up the first down, so we’ll see what JCSU will do.
The Bulls will accept the penalty, pushing FSU back to the 27. Well, it gives the Broncos another shot. This happened last week to great success for FSU, leading to a touchdown.
4:14 CC able to scramble around and pick up four yards, so Turner will come on after a rough week last week to attempt a 40-yarder.
3:35 And Turner knocks it down. No doubt about that one. Good to see. FSU, 10-7.
Good snap, good spot, great kick. Turner is so much better than he’s been this season, and it’s nice to see him drill that one with no doubt.
3:22 And Wallace is coming off the field after being shaken up on the play. The Broncos have been getting good pressure, and rocked him pretty good there. On comes backup Maleik McCall.
2:31 And Phillips brings the heat on defense on McCall, with Marcos Esquivel and Steven Moore throw him down for a loss of 9. JCSU forced to ount from its end zone.
And FSU will take over on the Smith 39.
No penalties, guys.
1:20 Well, it wasn’t a penalty. Only worse.
A bad handoff exchange between Concepcion and Anthony Williams leads to a fumble, and JCSU takes over on the 41.
1:00 Well, there’s the penalty. A personal foul penalty against the Broncos, and the penalty woes continue from last week. JCSU moves inside the Broncos 35. Andrew Alexander in for JCSU at QB.
Second Quarter
The Broncos really need to tighten up here, and check themselves even moreso than the Bulls. FSU held itself back from scoring opportunities last week against an overmatched Livingstone team, but that allowed the Blue Bears to be int he game throughout. It’s happening again here today. FSU with a fumble and five penalties for 50 yards.
14:21 And Wallace is back in for JCSU for 4th-and-inches from the 30.
JCSU will go for it, as it should. There’s movement along the line, but there’s no flag.
And Wallace is stoned short of the first down. Broncos take over. Big play there.
Wallace still looks like he’s favoring his arm.
11:51 Another nice run by Concepcion on the QB draw, but that was set up by brilliant blocking and physicality up front on the offensive line. The CIAA Rookie of the Week picks up 17 yards to the JCSU 42.
11:05 Concepcion breaks a tackle and picks up about four yards. It’s not enough for a first down, but it does make for an interesting decision for Kenny Phillips. Long field goal, four-down territory or try to pin JCSU deep?
Turner will punt, and it’s not a good one. May have been tipped, and JCSU will take over on the 30. Ouch.
9:52 Alexander back in the game for JCSU, and is picked off by Joshua Scales, who read that one the whole way. Broncos take over on the FSU 39 after Scales’ team-high fourth pick of the year.
New life.
9:15 Concepcion has to throw that one away, but that’s OK. That’s what Phillips would rather have than something being forced. Those forced throws led to three interceptions for CC last week.
8:17 Still, FSU can’t do anything with it. Good defense being played by JCSU now.
Alexander trots back out again as Wallace can be seen circling his arm on the sideline.
6:12 Marcus Witherspoon with another big hit today, this time against Denzel Hartley on the running play, No gain brings up 3rd-and-5.
5:31 And another missed tackle in the open field as Alexander hooks up with William Trimble on a short pass play out of slot, only to go 54 yards inside the Broncos’ 10.
4:45 Third-and-goal from the 5. Alexander fires to the end zone — PICKED OFF BY JOSHUA SCALES! Another big play by Scales, who gets his fifth pick of the year.
Wow. Scales was the guy who saved the touchdown earlier on the tackle of Trimble on the 54-yard play, then really saves the TD with the interception. Huge, huge play for the Broncos, who are dodging bullets.
Let’s see if the Broncos can get something before the half. Remember, FSU gets the ball to start the second half.
3:23 And the Broncos just can’t get out of their own way. A bad snap goes over Concepcion’s head on third-and-10, and he has to scramble, round the ball up and knock it out of the end zone for a safety.
FSU can’t overcome these mistakes for long. 10-9, and JCSU will get the ball.
And kicking the free kick into the wind, Turner tries to keep the ball low and under the win. But Smith with take over on the 44. Broncos need their defense to come up huge again.
2:23 And Wallace is back out again, but the Broncos force three-and-out.
42 seconds Concepcion is going to be flagged for intentional grounding, and FSU will be forced to punt.
You know what CC was trying to do there, but taking the sack would’ve been better to keep the clock moving. FSU will punt from its end zone.
Need to be careful here. Don’t give away more points.
Another bad punt for FSU, bouncing back inside the 30 to the 28. JCSU has a real chance here with 28 seconds to go.
The Broncos are giving as much as Rangers manager. Ron Washington.
23 seconds Wallace hooks up with Jeffries on the slant, moving to the 3.
13 seconds Two incomplete passes from Wallace in the end zone. Broncos are still dodging.
:00 seconds Bad snap. The ball is loose. Wallace can’t pick it up.
AND KWAMERE BAILEY SCOOPS IT UP …
AND
IS
GONE!
TOUCHDOWN, BRONCOS! It’s a huge return, and JCSU decided to be in the giving mood. What a smart play by Bailey. With time running out, he knew just falling on the ball means virtually nothing. JCSU wasn’t going to score after the bad snap, no matter what. And Bailey had the presence to try to scoop and score, and does just that, going 70 yards. 17-9, at the break in favor for FSU.
Third Quarter
Kenny Phillips said the Broncos needed to contain the Golden Bulls rushing game. So far, JCSU has been thrown for a loss of 8 yards on the ground. Let’s see if the Broncos can keep that up and slow the Bulls down.
14:44 Nice return by Jamere Pugh, returning the opening kickoff 54 yards to the JCSU 36. Good chance for FSU to take control here.
13:57 Fantastic hard running by Colon Bailey. Sometimes he won’t get you much, but Bailey never gives up on a run. He keeps those legs churning and has the ability to carry would-be tacklers. He picks up 8 yards on 3rd-and-1 to the JCSU 19. Big play there. All hustle.
13:07 Concepcion finds tight end Jesse Whitley for a first down after another hard run by Bailey. Broncos to the 5, with the run opening things up.
12:21 Bailey to the 1.
11:35 TOUCHDOWN, BRONCOS!
Bailey goes right through the hole and scores easily. Great, great opening possession for FSU, and especially for the offensive line.
Unfortunately, Turner’s PAT is blocked. FSU leads 23-9.
It could’ve been 2 points the other way, but — who else? — Joshua Scales tackles the returner.
11:13 Wallace returns, but it’s three-and-out after a holding penalty on the kick return. And chance for good field possession for the Broncos.
10:44 And a great return by — tell me if you’ve heard this name before — Joshua Scales. He scoops the punt off the bounce and makes a couple miss before going 34 yards to the JCSU 29.
8:52 In my best (worst?) Elton John voice…B-B-B-Bailey and the Broncs.
Why? Three plays, 29 yards rushing, and Bailey scores from 10 yards out. Huge effort by the offensive line and Colon Bailey.
It’s all Broncos right now. 30-9.
8:41 Broncos are flat-out rolling. Turner’s kickoff gets away from Smith, and FSU recovers it at the JCSU 15.
7:56 But it’s disaster for the Broncos a play later. Williams looks like he’s head for another score, but fumbles. Lamarr Person scoops it up and is gone 07 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown.
This one isn’t over yet. FSU, 30-16.
It’s only a 2-score game now.
7:50 Lot of chatter out there right now. Broncos need to answer to regain momentum and not let this get away like the Shaw game.
6:04 Big play here for FSU. Third-and-2 from near midfield. Need to keep the chains moving. Three nice runs by Bailey.
Naked bootleg is the call for Concepcion after an FSU timeout. Great call by OC Dick Portee. First down, Broncos.
5:33 And now a 15-yard chop block penalty against the Broncos. Only the first penalty of the second half, but this is a big one. Broncos fall all the way back to their 40. First-and-25.
5:21 Another nice play call by Portee, a roll out pass and catch from CC to tight end Xavier Molina-Williams. That gets 12 yards back.
5:06 TOUCHDOWN, BRONCOS!
Gorgeous pass by CC, great route by Jamere Pugh, and it’s a 48-yard score for the Broncos. Freaking huge play. 37-16, Broncos, who regain momentum. Perfect.
5:06 This will surely make JCSU a one-dimensional offense. That’s what Kenny Phillips was hoping for.
4:12 Three-and-out.
3:33 Pass interference goes against JCSU on an incomplete pass on third down. Broncos get a new set of downs, move near midfield, and now can chew up more clock.
1:11 Getting chippy out there. I wouldn’t mess with Larry McDonald, if I were you, not that Larry would ever make a bad play to jeopardize his team.
:00 seconds Broncos will be foreced to punt, but it’s a great third period for FSU, which at the very least on this series, has flipped the field and eaten some clock.
Fourth Quarter
The Broncos held the ball for 12:21 of the third quarter.
13:47 JCSU goes to the no-huddle, and Wallace picks up 24 yards and moves into FSU territory at the 40.
12:53 Wallace is showing incredible toughness out there. His right arm is obviously hurting, he’s been limping, and he’s trying to lift JCSU onto his back.
Third-and-8 in four-down territory for JCSU.
Wallace takes off and runs, getting the first down at the Broncos’ 24. He’s shaken up again, but the Golden Bulls are moving.
Still a lot of time left. (Shaw.)
And Alexander comes on for JCSU. He has two picks today.
12:01 At this point, you guys may want to stop throwing Joshua Scales’ way. He breaks up the long pass play.
11:53 Nice pass by Alexander, splitting the needle. He moves JCSU to the FSU 13.
(Ugh, getting my cliches mixed up. Make that “threading” the needle.)
10:33 What a catch by Jeffries. He rose above Simeon Marshall and made the play. You can’t do anything more than Marshall ddid. Just a great catch. Tip your cap. FSU leads 37-23 after the 5-yard TD pass play.
10:25 Just stop it. 11 penaties now. Block in the back on the return.
9:47 Very nice job by Concepcion staying with the play, buying time, then stopping on a dime to fire a strike to Molina-Williams. First down, FSU.
8:23 FSU facing 3rd-and-6. Need this one to keep the chains — and more importantly, the clock — moving.
Bailey fighting, fighting, getting to the 37. Three yards shy. Broncos have to punt.
Need a good punt here. This is as big a defensive play as any.
Great kick, but Trimble makes a great return, bringing the ball out to the JCSU 40 after a 55-yard punt. Golden Bulls aren’t out of this.
6:51 Alexander back in for JCSU. Wallace may be done for the night.
6:16 Pass is dropped on third down. It’s 4th-and-3. This could be the ballgame.
He moved! Golden Bulls jumped!
Flag is down. It’s 4th-and-8 after the false start.
6:10 Alexander fires, but it’s behind Daniel Taylor. Broncos will take over on downs on the JCSU 41.
Honestly, that should be it.
6:06 And Bailey takes off through another big hole by the offensive line. It’s a 25-yard gain to the JCSU 16.
5:23 Punch thrown by Chris Sams of JCSU. The officials saw it, and the flag flies. Let’s see what happens here. There should be an ejection.
It’s offsetting personal foul penalties, but Sams is tossed for going Money Mayweather on the Broncos.
4:47 Jerren Banks of JCSU is now tossed after another punch/push. This is getting ridiculous. May have to bypass postgame handshakes.
Meanwhile, the Broncos are at the 18, and Turner will likely come out for a 33-yard chance.
3:50 But you know what, as the Broncos take a timeout, maybe it would be better to run another play and keep JCSU, with its backup QB, backed up. Turner’s had several FG attempts blocked, and TD the other makes this a 1-score game.
Turner will try it.
It’s a fake! Scales takes it and runs. Is it a first down? Very close.
Either way, a fantastic play call.
Thing is, it was a high snap. Maybe Scales, who’s been the holder this year, took it on his own to avoid a potential block. Heady. Heady. Heady.
It is a first down.
3:13 And Bailey goes in from 5 yards out for his third TD of the game. That should do it. It’s 44-23 lead. Huge, huge win for the Broncos.
3:06 Getting chippier. Show your class, Broncos. Several JCSU players are trying to amp things up here.
1:54 Tick. Tick. Tick.
1:16 JCSU is moving, but it matters little at this point.
FINAL: FAYETTEVILLE STATE 44, JOHNSON C. SMITH 23
Solid win for the Broncos. The Pioneer Bowl hopes are still alive.
Great reporting. Good win for Fayetteville State!