Venue & Game Info
Stadium: Rogers Stadium (capacity ~7,900)
Location: Petersburg, Virginia
Kickoff Time: 2:00 PM ET
Broadcast: HBCU GO / CIAA Network / ESPN+ simulcast
Special Note: Virginia State Homecoming 2025
Weather Forecast (Petersburg, VA)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm fall afternoon
Temperature: ~77°F at kickoff, cooling into the upper 60s by evening
Wind: 5–9 mph
Impact: Excellent football weather; minimal effect on passing/kicking
Injury Report
Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls:
QB Kierston Russell – Probable (ankle soreness)
WR Malik Brown – Questionable (hamstring)
Virginia State Trojans:
QB Jordan Davis – Probable (shoulder soreness)
RB Chris Baker – Probable (knee bruise)
WR Jaden Lucas – Probable (ankle tweak)
Key Player Matchups
QB Kierston Russell (JCSU) vs Virginia State Secondary
Russell has been efficient in JCSU’s 3–1 start, but VSU’s secondary has forced multiple turnovers in recent weeks.
WR Malik Brown (JCSU) vs CB Jordan Carter (VSU)
Brown is JCSU’s top target; Carter is VSU’s best cover corner.
QB Jordan Davis (VSU) vs JCSU Pass Rush
Davis has been steady, but JCSU’s defensive front has been disruptive in early CIAA play.
RB Chris Baker (VSU) vs LB Tyler Ross (JCSU)
Baker is VSU’s workhorse; Ross leads JCSU in tackles.
Recent Team Form
Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (3–1, 0–1 CIAA)
W 45–9 vs Morehouse (8/30/25, HBCU Classic)
W 28–16 vs Valdosta State (9/6/25, Eddie McGirt Classic)
W 21–17 @ Elizabeth City State (9/13/25)
L 28–10 @ Virginia Union (9/20/25, CIAA opener)
Offense: ~26.0 PPG Defense: ~17.5 PPG
Virginia State Trojans (3–1, 1–0 CIAA)
W 35–7 vs Barton (8/28/25)
L 34–31 @ Norfolk State (9/6/25)
W 36–7 vs Elizabeth City State (9/19/25)
W 34–33 vs Winston‑Salem State (9/20/25)
Offense: ~33.0 PPG Defense: ~20.2 PPG
Series History
All‑time: Virginia State leads the series comfortably
Recent:
2024: Johnson C. Smith 21–17
2023: Virginia State 34–14
2022: Virginia State 28–10
Trend: Virginia State has historically dominated, but JCSU pulled off a narrow upset in 2024.
ATS (Against the Spread):
JCSU: 3–1 ATS last 4
VSU: 3–1 ATS last 4
Historical Betting Results:
JCSU covered in 2024’s 21–17 upset
VSU covered in 2022 and 2023 wins
Projected Score: Virginia State 30 – Johnson C. Smith 20
Game Odds
Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls 51
Virginia State Trojans – 7
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 3, 2025
