THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 29, 1994 TAG: 9410290308
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
It's been nearly a year since Johnson C. Smith last won a football game, so if you're a Norfolk State fan, you might worry about the Spartans taking the Golden Bulls lightly today at the Bullpit in Charlotte.
Don't, says Norfolk State coach Darnell Moore. As it turns out, the last team to fall to J.C. Smith was none other than . . . Norfolk State.
According to Moore, that's all the motivation the Spartans need.
``They aren't doing all that well, but they beat Norfolk State last year,'' Moore said. ``We can't take anything for granted.''
In one of the low points of last season, the Spartans jumped up on Johnson C. Smith, 13-0, then sputtered offensively. The Golden Bulls won, 20-13, spoiling Norfolk State's homecoming.
To prevent another upset, the Spartans must contain a Johnson C. Smith offense that, while last in the conference, has shown signs of life lately.
Two weeks ago, the Golden Bulls put up 32 points in a loss to Livingstone, which has the top-rated defense in the conference. It's cause for concern because Norfolk State, after giving up 575 yards to Virginia Union last week, has slipped to last in the conference defensively.
The Spartans are giving up 454 yards per game and have been especially vulnerable against the run, yielding 5.5 yards per carry.
Moore is shuffling several players this week, starting a pair of freshman, Lydell Finley and Kevin Paige, in the secondary. They're starting in place of veterans Robert Stokes and Byron Wilson.
Finley and Paige played well last week in 45-27 win over Virginia Union. Paige made a big hit on Panthers receiver William Taylor, causing a fumble that Finley picked up and ran 90 yards with for a touchdown.
``They don't give us any more speed. They don't give us any more quickness,'' Moore said. ``One thing they give us a little bit more attention to detail.''
Johnson C. Smith's defense has not been much better than Norfolk State's. The Golden Bulls are giving up 430 yards per game.
Norfolk State, however, is second in the conference in offense, and has the top-rated passing game by far.
GAME NOTES: Today's game kicks off the softest stretch of Norfolk State's schedule. The Spartans' final three opponents - J.C. Smith, Lane and Kentucky State - are a combined 2-18-1 heading into today's games. . . . Linebacker Chris Hall (ankle injury) is not expected to play. Fullback Stanley Johnson, who strained a knee ligament two weeks ago against Hampton, is listed as probable. . . . The Spartans are 0-2 on the road. This is their final road game of the season. by CNB