GAME INFORMATION
Date: September 19, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Irwin Belk Complex | Charlotte, NC
Link to Program, Broadcast, Live Stats, Tickets: fsubroncos.com/gameday

MATCHUP OVERVIEW
CIAA Southern Division rivals renew one of the conference's most competitive series when Fayetteville State travels to Charlotte to face Johnson C. Smith on Saturday afternoon. Both teams enter the contest at 2-1 overall and 1-0 in CIAA play, making this an early-season matchup with significant divisional implications.

Fayetteville State is looking to bounce back after suffering its first loss of the season against nationally-ranked Valdosta State, while Johnson C. Smith enters with momentum following a convincing road victory over Winston-Salem State. The game features a contrast in styles, with the Golden Bulls relying heavily on a powerful rushing attack led by Fabian Duncan and the Broncos looking for balance behind quarterback Jamir Dismukes and a veteran defense.
 
SEASON SUMMARY
Fayetteville State Broncos (2-1, 1-0 CIAA)
The Broncos opened the season with back-to-back victories before falling to Valdosta State 38-9 last weekend. Through three games, Fayetteville State is averaging 17.3 points and 281.3 total yards per game while allowing 21.7 points per contest.

The Broncos have shown flashes offensively behind senior quarterback Jamir Dismukes, who has thrown for 532 yards and three touchdowns, but turnovers have been costly. Fayetteville State has lost three fumbles and thrown four interceptions through three contests.

Defensively, the Broncos have remained competitive despite facing tough competition, allowing just 317.3 yards per game and recording nine sacks.

Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (2-1, 1-0 CIAA)
Johnson C. Smith has emerged as one of the CIAA's most productive offensive teams through three weeks. The Golden Bulls are averaging 22.7 points and 386.7 total yards per game, including an impressive 223.7 rushing yards per contest.

The Golden Bulls have been at their best on the ground behind Fabian Duncan, who ranks among the CIAA leaders in rushing. Defensively, JCSU is allowing just 15.0 points per game and has forced five turnovers, including four interceptions.
 
LAST TIME OUT
Fayetteville State
The Broncos were defeated 38-9 by Valdosta State on Military Appreciation Day at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium. Jamir Dismukes completed 12-of-25 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown, while Marcus Fleming hauled in four receptions for 61 yards and a score. Unique Kelly added five catches for 76 yards.

Defensively, Ryan Debow posted a game-high 16 tackles and Christopher Bentley recorded an interception. However, Valdosta State capitalized on three Fayetteville State turnovers, including two defensive touchdowns, to pull away.

Johnson C. Smith
The Golden Bulls earned a 31-6 victory over Winston-Salem State at Bowman Gray Stadium. Fabian Duncan rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Damien Mazil threw for two touchdowns, both to Brian Lane.

Jamaris Stevens led the defensive effort with 10 tackles, a sack, and an interception return of 57 yards as JCSU held the Rams scoreless through the first three quarters.
 
KEY PLAYERS
Fayetteville State

• Jamir Dismukes, QB - The senior quarterback leads the Broncos' offense with 532 passing yards and three touchdowns while adding a dual-threat element with 91 rushing yards.
• Braylon Vinson, RB - Vinson has been Fayetteville State's top rusher, averaging 4.7 yards per carry with 169 yards and a touchdown through three games.
• Unique Kelly, WR - Kelly has emerged as the Broncos' primary receiving weapon and is coming off a team-high 76-yard performance against Valdosta State.
• Marcus Fleming, WR - A proven playmaker on the outside, Fleming recorded 61 receiving yards and a touchdown last week and provides a deep-threat option in the passing game.
• Ryan Debow, LB - Debow anchors the Broncos' defense with a team-leading 26 tackles and has been a consistent presence against both the run and pass.
• Osirus Rhodes, DL - Rhodes has established himself as Fayetteville State's most disruptive pass rusher with a team-best four sacks this season.

 
Johnson C. Smith

• Fabian Duncan, RB - One of the CIAA's most explosive offensive players, Duncan has rushed for 453 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 151 yards per game.
• Damien Mazil, QB - Mazil has efficiently directed the Golden Bulls' offense, throwing for 371 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
• Brian Lane, WR - Lane enters the matchup with momentum after posting 101 receiving yards and two touchdown catches in last week's victory over Winston-Salem State.
• Jamaris Stevens, LB - Stevens is a playmaker at every level of the defense, totaling 20 tackles, two interceptions, and a sack through three games.
• Vincent Hill, LB - Hill leads the Golden Bulls with 25 tackles and serves as the centerpiece of a defense allowing just 15 points per contest.

 
SERIES HISTORY
The Broncos have historically controlled the series.

Series Snapshot

• Fayetteville State leads: 29-18-2
• Last 10 meetings: Fayetteville State 8-2
• Longest winning streak: Fayetteville State won 8 straight (2016-2024)
• Largest FSU victory: 70-6 (2018)
• Last meeting: Johnson C. Smith snapped the Broncos' winning streak with a victory in 2025

Saturday's contest gives Fayetteville State an opportunity to reclaim momentum in the rivalry after the Golden Bulls ended the Broncos' eight-game dominance in the matchup.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
 

Category	Fayetteville State	Johnson C. Smith
Record	2-1	2-1
CIAA Record	1-0	1-0
Points Per Game	17.3	22.7
Points Allowed	21.7	15.0
Total Offense	281.3	386.7
Rushing Offense	104.0	223.7
Passing Offense	177.3	163.0
Total Defense Allowed	317.3	283.7
Sacks	9	2
Turnover Margin	-3	0
Third Down %	27.3%	39.5%
Time of Possession	30:01	28:56

 
KEY MATCHUP
Fayetteville State Front Seven vs. Fabian Duncan
The outcome may hinge on whether the Broncos can slow down one of the CIAA's most productive runners.

Duncan enters the week averaging 151 yards per game and has already scored five touchdowns. Fayetteville State's defense, led by Ryan Debow, Kadynce Watson, and Osirus Rhodes, has been solid against the run but now faces its toughest CIAA rushing challenge to date.

If the Broncos force Johnson C. Smith into obvious passing situations, their pass rush could become a major factor. Rhodes and the defensive line have already produced nine team sacks through three contests.
 
WHAT TOLOOK FOR
Can Fayetteville State Protect the Football?
The Broncos committed three turnovers against Valdosta State and have lost three fumbles this season. Eliminating self-inflicted mistakes will be critical on the road.

Establishing the Ground Game
Braylon Vinson has shown promise, but Fayetteville State is averaging just 104 rushing yards per game. A stronger rushing attack would take pressure off Dismukes and help control the clock.

Johnson C. Smith's Rushing Dominance
The Golden Bulls have rushed for 767 yards through three games. If Duncan and Kamarro Edmonds get going early, they can dictate the pace of the game.

Red-Zone Efficiency
Both teams have shown inconsistency finishing drives. The team that converts scoring opportunities into touchdowns instead of field goals could gain a decisive advantage.
 
FINAL WORD
Saturday's matchup has all the ingredients of a pivotal early CIAA contest. Johnson C. Smith enters with confidence behind the conference's top rushing attack and a defense allowing just 15 points per game. Fayetteville State counters with a veteran quarterback, a disruptive defense, and a program that has historically had success in this rivalry.

The Broncos' ability to contain Fabian Duncan and avoid turnovers will likely determine whether they leave Charlotte with a crucial conference road victory. Meanwhile, the Golden Bulls will look to continue their momentum and prove last season's breakthrough in the series was the beginning of a shift in the rivalry rather than a one-year result.