North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is set to host South Carolina State (SCSU) in a much-anticipated football matchup. The game will take place at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium on Friday evening, kicking off at 5:30 p.m. Fans can catch the live broadcast on ESPN2.
Eagles vs. Bulldogs: A Historic Rivalry
This game marks the 30th encounter between the Eagles and the Bulldogs. NCCU holds a slight edge in the overall series with a record of 15 wins to SCSU’s 14. However, SCSU has dominated recently, winning four of the last five matchups. The last victory for NCCU against SCSU was a decisive 62-28 win in 2023.
NCCU’s Performance in the MEAC
Under head coach Trei Oliver, who began his tenure in 2019, NCCU has a record of 21 wins and 10 losses in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) games. The Eagles have maintained a strong competitive performance, recording a 4-1 conference record for the last four consecutive seasons. Since rejoining the MEAC in 2011, NCCU boasts a cumulative record of 58-43 in conference play.
Recent Game Highlights
In their latest game, NCCU triumphed over Norfolk State with a score of 31-28. Quarterback Walker Harris led the charge with three touchdown passes and accumulated 265 passing yards, bringing his season total to over 2,500 yards. Wide receiver Chauncey Spikes was instrumental, catching eight passes for 71 yards, including two touchdowns.
- Quarterback: Walker Harris – 265 passing yards, 19 touchdowns in last six games
- Receiver: Chauncey Spikes – 17 receptions, 279 yards, five touchdowns in last two games
- Running Back: Arthur Rodgers, Jr. – 80 rushing yards on 24 carries
- Kicker: Kaleb Robison – Career-best three field goals in recent game
- Defense: Linebacker Isaiah Lawson – Eight tackles, two for a loss
South Carolina State Overview
The Bulldogs come into this game with a strong season record of 7-3, including a perfect 3-0 in conference play. They recently secured a convincing 42-12 victory over Howard and have won five games in a row. SCSU leads the MEAC in passing offense, with an average of 286.3 yards per game.
- Top Passer: William Atkins IV – 1,760 passing yards, 12 touchdowns
- Leading Receiver: Jordan Smith – 666 yards, five touchdowns on 39 receptions
- Defense: Michael Lunz II – 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks
NCCU Home Record
NCCU has demonstrated strong performance at home under coach Oliver, with a home record of 20 wins and 8 losses. This season, they are currently 2-2 at home. The Eagles achieved undefeated home records in both 2022 and 2023, showcasing their effectiveness at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
Key Players to Watch
Continuing their success, three players from NCCU are on the Stats Perform HBCU Player of the Year Watchlist: Walker Harris, Malcolm Reed, and Trevon Humphrey. All three have also been recognized as Preseason First Team All-MEAC honorees.
This clash between the Eagles and Bulldogs is not just about rivalry; it also highlights the potential playoff implications for both teams, making it a must-watch event for college football enthusiasts.
