Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET
Venue: Roebuck Stadium, Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Capacity: ~5,000
Coverage: CIAA Digital Network / Local Radio
Event: Annual Down East Viking Classic
Weather Forecast (Elizabeth City, NC)
Conditions: Mostly sunny
Kickoff Temperature: ~78°F (25°C)
Wind: 7–9 mph from the southeast
Precipitation Chance: <10%
Impact: Minimal — ideal conditions for both passing and kicking games
Injury Report
Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls
RB1 (Probable) – Minor hamstring tightness, expected to play
CB2 (Questionable) – Ankle sprain, game-time decision
Elizabeth City State Vikings
WR2 (Out) – Shoulder injury, 3–4 week recovery
LB1 (Probable) – Wrist wrap, cleared for contact
Recent Form
Johnson C. Smith (2024 finish: 8–2, 4–2 CIAA)
Closed last season with 3 wins in final 4 games
Defense ranked top 3 in CIAA in points allowed
Elizabeth City State (2025 so far: 0–2)
Week 1: Lost 28–14 at Chowan
Week 2: Lost 27–20 at Hampton — competitive showing against D-I FCS opponent
Series History
All-Time: Johnson C. Smith leads recent series 3–2
Last Meeting: Golden Bulls won 21–14 in 2024 — forced 2 turnovers and held ECSU to under 250 total yards
Key Player Matchups
JCSU QB vs. ECSU Secondary: Golden Bulls’ efficient short passing game vs. Vikings’ aggressive man coverage
ECSU RB vs. JCSU Front Seven: Vikings’ power run game will test a disciplined Golden Bulls defensive line
Special Teams: JCSU’s kicker hit 80% of FG attempts in 2024; ECSU struggled in punt coverage last season
Betting Trends
Johnson C. Smith is 6-2 ATS in last 8 CIAA games
Elizabeth City State is 1-5 ATS in last 6 home games
The Under has hit in 5 of last 7 meetings between these teams
Game Odds
Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls – 4.5
Elizabeth City State Vikings 43.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 12, 2025
