ATLANTA – North Carolina Central opened its 2025
campaign with authority Saturday night, dismantling Southern University 31-14
in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Center Parc Stadium. The Eagles
controlled both lines of scrimmage while showcasing a balanced offensive attack
that accumulated 409 total yards.
Running back Chris Mosley delivered a breakout performance,
rushing for a career-high 174 yards on 17 carries with one touchdown. His
explosive 49-yard scoring run with 1:40 remaining in the first half proved to
be the game's turning point, giving NCCU a 17-14 advantage it never
relinquished.
"My big emphasis going into this game was start
fast," Mosley said after earning game MVP honors. "We know we have
weapons and a great O-line. Coming in this game, that was the main focus – just
being electric, giving those guys energy."
The Eagles (1-0) established their ground game early, with
three different backs finding the end zone. Arthur Rodgers Jr. punched in the
game's first score from one yard out, capping a methodical 13-play, 80-yard
opening drive that consumed over six minutes. Aleni Mageo added the final
touchdown on a six-yard run late in the third quarter.
Quarterback Walker Harris managed the game efficiently,
completing 19 of 24 passes for 183 yards and one touchdown – a three-yard
strike to Kyle Morgan that extended the lead to 24-14 early in the third
quarter. Harris also contributed 18 yards on the ground, including an 11-yard
scramble that set up the opening score.
"Walker has always done a really good job of managing
the game," head coach Trey Oliver said. "He has a strong arm and can
place the ball. If the DB is here, Walker can put it on the outside
shoulder."
The Eagles' offensive line, returning four starters,
provided consistent protection and opened running lanes throughout the contest.
NCCU averaged 6.2 yards per carry while controlling time of possession 35:06 to
24:54.
Defensively, linebacker Thomas Johnson anchored the effort
with seven tackles, including two for loss, while forcing and recovering a
fumble. The Eagles allowed Southern (0-1) to score on explosive plays early but
adjusted at halftime to shut out the Jaguars over the final 31:57 of game time.
"We had to try to keep them from getting our safety in
a one-on-one situation," Oliver explained of the halftime adjustments.
"We started exchanging some gaps, moving the interior D-lineman to make
the O-lineman think a little bit more."
Southern struck quickly on big plays, with Cam'Ron McCoy
breaking loose for 69 yards to tie the game 7-7 in the first quarter, and Trey
Holly answering NCCU's field goal with an 80-yard touchdown run that briefly
gave the Jaguars a 14-10 lead.
But the Eagles responded immediately. Mosley took the
ensuing kickoff return to midfield, then broke through the Southern defense
untouched for his career-long scoring run just nine seconds later.
The victory marked NCCU's second consecutive MEAC/SWAC
Challenge triumph and improved the MEAC's all-time record in the season opener
to 12-7.
NCCU will host its home opener Saturday, August 30, when New
Hampshire visits O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium for a 6 p.m. kickoff on ESPN+.
Game Notes:
- NCCU
outgained Southern 409-337 in total offense
- The
Eagles converted 6 of 11 third-down attempts
- Kicker
Kaleb Robison was perfect, connecting on a 24-yard field goal and all four
extra points
- NCCU
committed five penalties for 50 yards compared to Southern's seven for 43
yards
- Attendance was 16,191