Livingstone College Football Eyes Signature Win Against Johnson C. Smith

Livingstone College football team seeks a signature victory as they prepare to face Johnson C. Smith University on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 1 p.m. The game will take place at the Irwin Belk Complex in Salisbury. With a current record of 5-4 and an impressive home record of 4-0, Livingstone’s season has been solid yet lacks a standout win against a team with a winning record.

Livingstone’s victories this season have come against opponents with losing records, including Lincoln, Bowie State, Shaw, Allen, and Virginia-Lynchburg. Among these teams, Allen, with a record of 4-5, represents the strongest competition faced so far. A win against Bowie State would have significantly boosted their standings, but the Bulldogs are not the same formidable team they were in 2019.

High Stakes in the Commemorative Classic

This weekend’s matchup against Johnson C. Smith, who boasts a record of 8-1 and 5-1 in conference play, presents the ultimate opportunity for Livingstone to secure a defining win. The Golden Bulls have not claimed the CIAA championship since 1969, but they are enjoying a remarkable season this year. Their only loss came against Virginia Union, a team that has proven to be a tough opponent for anyone.

Johnson C. Smith has recorded two significant victories, defeating Fayetteville State with a touchdown in the closing seconds and overcoming Virginia State. Their performance places them prominently in the conference, with the CIAA’s second-best offense and the top-ranked defense. This combination makes them a challenging opponent for any team.

In contrast, Livingstone has shown improvement defensively, climbing to fifth in the CIAA after a dominant 43-13 victory over Shaw last week. Their offense, however, remains eighth in the league, indicating room for growth as they head into this crucial game.

A Historic Rivalry

The Livingstone-Johnson C. Smith game is historically significant, known as the Commemorative Classic. This rivalry traces back to the inaugural HBCU football game played on December 27, 1892, when Biddle College faced Livingstone on a snow-covered lawn, with Biddle winning 5-0. Biddle later became the Golden Bulls in 1916 and evolved into Johnson C. Smith University in 1923.

Since their first encounter, the teams have met 86 times, with Johnson C. Smith leading the series 49-34-3. In recent years, Livingstone has shown resilience, winning three of the last five meetings, including a victory last season in a tightly contested defensive battle.

The Massey Ratings project Johnson C. Smith will win by 24 points with a forecasted score of 34-10. While these statistics suggest a challenging match for Livingstone, their tenacious defense could make the encounter a thrilling spectacle.

As Livingstone College aims for a breakthrough performance, fans and players alike understand the significance of this game in shaping the season’s narrative. A victory could not only enhance their confidence but also cement their place in the history of this enduring rivalry.