If the CIAA coaches are correct, expect another tough football season for the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls.

The school was picked to finish 10th overall in the 13-team Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and fifth in the South Division.

The results of a coaches' poll was released Thursday at the CIAA's annual Football Media Round-Up on the campus of Virginia State University.

The Golden Bulls finished the 2009 season 3-7.

With Winston-Salem State and Lincoln universities joining the conference this year, as well as the divisions being realigned from East-West to North-South, CIAA football will see some new matchups.

JCSU was placed in the South Division with Fayetteville State, Shaw, Winston-Salem, Saint Augustine’s and Livingstone. Fayetteville State and Shaw were picked to finish first and second overall, respectively. In fact, five of the league's pre-season top six teams are on the Golden Bulls' schedule this season.

During an interview with Urban Sports and Entertainment Group, JCSU head football coach Steven Aycock said many of his returning players have worked out over the summer and have developed more comradery.

“We plan to let our work speak for itself,” he said. “A wise coach once told me that greatness is measured over time, and we’re putting in the time to be great.”

The Golden Bulls will open the season on the road against Elizabeth on Aug. 28, and will follow with a short week to face North Carolina Central on Thursday, Sept. 2, in Durham. The team’s home opener will be against West Virginia Tech on Sept. 11.

CIAA Predicted Order Of Finish (Overall)
1. Fayetteville State University
2. Shaw University
3. Bowie State University
4. Elizabeth City State University
5. Virginia Union University
6. Winston-Salem State University
7. Saint Augustine's College
8. Virginia State University
9. Chowan University
10. Johnson C. Smith University
11. Saint Paul's College
12. Livingstone College
13. Lincoln University

CIAA Southern Division Predicted Order Of Finish
1. Fayetteville State University
2. Shaw University
3. Winston-Salem State University
4. Saint Augustine's College
5. Johnson C. Smith University
6. Livingstone College

CIAA Northern Division Predicted Order Of Finish
1. Bowie State University
2. Elizabeth City State University
3. Virginia Union University
4. Virginia State University
5. Chowan University
6. Saint Paul's College
7. Lincoln University (Pa.)
***
This report was based on reporting by JCSU Sports Information Director Lamont Hinson, who is attending the CIAA media roundup.
 

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