DURHAM – Josh Shaw's 30-yard touchdown run with 1:51 remaining lifted South Carolina State to a 34-27 victory over North Carolina Central on Friday night at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, extending the Bulldogs' winning streak to eight games and keeping their MEAC championship hopes alive.

The victory improved South Carolina State to 8-3 overall and a perfect 4-0 in conference play, while N.C. Central dropped to 7-4 and 2-2 in the MEAC.

Shaw finished with 83 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, capping a pivotal fourth quarter in which South Carolina State outgained the Eagles 161-52 in total offense. His game-winning score came on the first play after a two-minute warning timeout, as the Bulldogs needed just six plays to cover 52 yards in 3:16 following a punt from the N.C. Central 5-yard line.

"We just kept grinding," could have been the motto for South Carolina State, which controlled possession for more than 36 minutes and converted 10 of 17 third-down attempts while building a decisive advantage in total offense, 454-306.

Quarterback William Atkins IV completed 24 of 36 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns for the Bulldogs, though he was sacked five times and threw one interception. His connection with Jordan Smith proved particularly effective, as Smith hauled in seven catches for 72 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets.

The game featured five lead changes and one tie, with neither team leading by more than 14 points at any stage.

South Carolina State struck first on its second possession, driving 27 yards in 10 plays before Nico Cavanillas Alti connected on a 50-yard field goal at the 6:34 mark of the first quarter. N.C. Central answered quickly, with Kaleb Robison matching from 41 yards out to tie the game at 3-3 after a six-play, 51-yard drive.

The Bulldogs then seized momentum with a stunning 14-point burst in the final 10 seconds of the opening quarter. Atkins found Deyandre Ruffin for a 28-yard touchdown to cap a nine-play, 75-yard march, putting South Carolina State ahead 10-3 with 10 seconds remaining. On the ensuing kickoff, the Bulldogs successfully recovered an onside kick at their own 49-yard line, and Atkins immediately launched deep to Nigel Johnson for a 51-yard scoring strike as time expired in the quarter.

The 17-3 deficit proved temporary for the Eagles, who responded with 17 unanswered points in the second quarter.

Robison's second field goal, from 31 yards, cut the margin to 17-6 at the 10:44 mark. Less than a minute later, defensive back Eric Adams intercepted Atkins and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown, his second pick-six of the season and fourth interception overall, pulling N.C. Central within 17-13.

The Eagles completed their comeback on their next possession, a methodical 10-play, 98-yard drive that consumed 4:37 and ended with Chris Mosley plunging in from 9 yards out. The touchdown and Robison's extra point gave N.C. Central its first lead of the night, 20-17, with 2:58 left in the half.

Mosley finished with 105 yards on 21 carries, recording his fifth 100-yard rushing performance of the season. He also caught one pass for no yards.

South Carolina State tied the game at 20-20 early in the third quarter when Alti converted a 28-yard field goal following a fumble recovery on the opening kickoff of the second half. The seven-play, 35-yard drive took 3:13 off the clock.

N.C. Central reclaimed the lead just three minutes later when Walker Harris found Mehki Wall streaking down the middle for a 35-yard touchdown, Wall's fourth receiving score of the season. The seven-play, 66-yard drive put the Eagles ahead 27-20 with 8:33 remaining in the third quarter.

Wall led all receivers with 88 yards on five catches. Harris completed 13 of 31 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown but was sacked three times and struggled to maintain consistency in the passing game.

South Carolina State answered with its own lengthy scoring drive to open the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs marched 80 yards in 13 plays, converting three third downs along the way before Atkins hit Smith for a 24-yard touchdown with 13:25 left in regulation. The extra point tied the game at 27-27.

N.C. Central's ensuing possession stalled at its own 30-yard line after a three-and-out, and the Eagles punted to the South Carolina State 20 with 11:05 remaining.

That set up a critical 10-play drive that reached the N.C. Central 1-yard line before the Bulldogs turned the ball over on downs with 6:03 to play. Shaw carried four straight times on goal-line attempts but was stopped short on fourth down by Donquarius Parker and Wisdom Simms.

The Eagles failed to capitalize, going three-and-out from their own 1-yard line before punting back to South Carolina State with 5:07 remaining. The Bulldogs took over at their own 48 and needed just six plays to find the end zone, with Shaw breaking off the decisive 30-yard scoring run.

N.C. Central had one final chance, starting at its own 8-yard line with 1:43 left. Harris completed passes to Wall for 19 yards and Chauncey Spikes for 20 yards to move the Eagles across midfield, but the drive stalled at the South Carolina State 49. Harris's fourth-down pass intended for Mosley fell incomplete with 12 seconds remaining, sealing the Bulldogs' victory.

South Carolina State dominated time of possession in the first quarter, holding the ball for 11:21 compared to just 3:39 for the Eagles. The Bulldogs finished with 39 rushing attempts for 140 yards, while N.C. Central managed just 88 yards on 28 carries.

Defensively, Jelani Vassell paced N.C. Central with a career-high 12 tackles. For South Carolina State, Roderick Kelly recorded eight tackles, including one tackle for loss.

The Bulldogs converted both of their field goal attempts and all four extra points, while the Eagles also went 2-for-2 on field goals and 3-for-3 on PATs. South Carolina State was penalized four times for 49 yards, while N.C. Central committed four penalties for 43 yards.

N.C. Central will close its regular season on Nov. 22 at Morgan State, while South Carolina State remains in contention for the MEAC title with its unblemished conference record.

Key Performers

South Carolina State:

• William Atkins IV: 24-36, 314 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
• Josh Shaw: 10 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD
• Jordan Smith: 7 receptions, 72 yards, 1 TD

N.C. Central:

• Chris Mosley: 21 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD
• Mehki Wall: 5 receptions, 88 yards, 1 TD
• Walker Harris: 13-31, 218 yards, 1 TD

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

CHAPEL HILL – Monroe High School captured its second state football championship in program history Friday night, defeating previously unbeaten Northeastern 35-25 in the NCHSAA 2A title game at Kenan Stadium. The victory marks Monroe's first state championship since 2015 and caps off a perfect 15-0 season under head coach Johnny Sowell.

The game lived up to its billing as a matchup of undefeated powers, featuring explosive plays and momentum swings throughout the night. Both teams traded haymakers in a first quarter that saw four touchdowns, with Northeastern striking first on Trevaris Jones' 29-yard touchdown pass to Tyell Saunders.

Monroe answered immediately Jordan Young turned a 70-yard reception from Kaegan Chambers into a highlight-reel touchdown, breaking multiple tackles en route to the end zone. The teams continued trading scores, with Northeastern's Unique Blount and Monroe's Chambers adding first-quarter touchdowns to make it 12-14.

The second quarter saw Northeastern take control behind running back Carren Armstrong's 27-yard touchdown run, giving the Eagles an 18-14 advantage. However, Monroe's defense would stiffen, keeping Northeastern from taking advantage of interceptions by Khamani Bennett and keeping the Redhawks within striking distance heading into halftime.

Monroe seized control in the third quarter behind the powerful running of Nymir Kendall. The Redhawks back scored twice in a span of three-and-a-half minutes, including a 24-yard burst that gave Monroe a lead they would never relinquish. Kendall finished with 79 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.

Northeastern refused to go quietly, as Jones connected with Zion Demps for a touchdown on the final play of the third quarter to pull within three at 28-25. However, Monroe's ground game proved too much down the stretch, with Zion Lindsey's 18-yard touchdown run with 2:18 remaining essentially sealing the victory. Lindsey led all rushers with 116 yards on 18 carries.

The Monroe defense played a crucial role in the victory, forcing three turnovers and recording multiple stops in critical situations. Jeremiah Lindsey led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, including two for loss, while Jesus Jarquin-Ambrosio provided a spark with a blocked punt.

For Northeastern (15-1), the loss marks their third runner-up finish in the last six seasons. Despite the defeat, the Eagles showcased their explosive offense, with Jones throwing for 177 yards and three touchdowns, while Armstrong added 113 yards rushing and a score.

The championship marks a crowning achievement for Monroe's program, which had previously finished as runners-up three times before breaking through with their first title in 2015. This second championship further cements the Redhawks' place among North Carolina's premier 2A programs.

CHESTNUT HILL, MA – Boston College dominated both sides of the ball in a convincing 41-21 victory over North Carolina on Saturday, controlling the clock and shutting down the Tar Heels' offense at Alumni Stadium.

The Eagles (6-5, 3-4) established their dominance early, mounting a methodical opening drive that culminated in a 49-yard field goal by Connor Lytton. That set the tone for what would become a masterclass in ball control, as BC held possession for nearly two-thirds of the game (38:02) while amassing 420 yards of total offense.

BC's rushing attack proved particularly effective, with running back Kyle Robichaux leading the charge with 93 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos added 38 yards and a score of his own, while orchestrating an efficient passing game that saw him complete 18 of 27 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown without any interceptions.

The Eagles' ground-and-pound approach wore down the North Carolina defense throughout the afternoon, with their offensive line establishing control early and maintaining dominance as the game progressed. This physical supremacy allowed BC to dictate the pace and keep the Tar Heels' offense off the field for extended periods.

The Eagles' defense was equally impressive, harassing North Carolina quarterback Conner Criswell throughout the game. BC recorded seven sacks and forced three interceptions, including a backbreaking 78-yard pick-six by Raylen Turner in the fourth quarter that pushed the lead to 34-7.

North Carolina (6-5, 3-4) struggled to find any offensive rhythm, managing just 212 total yards. Most telling was their ground game, which was limited to just 36 net yards on 25 attempts. Criswell, under constant pressure, finished 16-of-30 for 176 yards with three interceptions.

The Tar Heels' most explosive play came on special teams, when Caleb Culliver returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. However, that brief spark was quickly extinguished as BC responded with an efficient three-play, 32-yard drive, capped by an 18-yard touchdown pass from Castellanos to Ryan Harris just before halftime.

Boston College's Lewis Bond had a standout day receiving, catching nine passes for 81 yards, while Harris added three receptions for 76 yards and the touchdown. The Eagles' balanced attack kept North Carolina's defense off-balance throughout the afternoon, converting 7 of 15 third downs and controlling the line of scrimmage.

The Tar Heels mounted a late effort with running back Daemon Gause scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but by then the outcome was well decided. The Eagles' dominant performance was perhaps best illustrated by the first down disparity, with BC recording 24 to North Carolina's 13.

Both teams will conclude their regular seasons at home next week, with Boston College hosting Pitt while North Carolina hosts an in-state rival in NC State that needs to win to secure bowl eligibility.

WINGATE – The Wingate Bulldogs captured their first South Atlantic Conference championship since 2017, stifling 19th-ranked Carson-Newman's potent rushing attack in a 28-13 victory Saturday afternoon at Irwin Belk Stadium.

The Bulldogs' defense, which entered the game as one of the nation's best units, held Carson-Newman to just 84 total yards - including a mere 54 yards rushing. The Eagles had been averaging 295 yards on the ground and 386 total yards per game before meeting Wingate's defensive wall.

Place-kicker Caleb Bonesteel earned MVP honors, connecting on all five of his field goal attempts from distances of 43, 38, 48, 36, and 36 yards. His consistent performance kept the Bulldogs in control throughout a game that remained close into the fourth quarter.

Wingate (9-1) took command in the third quarter after leading just 9-6 at halftime. Jake Snapp's 49-yard kickoff return to open the second half set up the Bulldogs at the Carson-Newman 44-yard line. The drive culminated in Noah Bell's one-yard touchdown plunge on fourth down, extending the lead to 16-6.

The Eagles (9-2) showed life early in the fourth quarter when Zane Whitson scored on a one-yard run to cut the deficit to 19-13. But Wingate responded immediately with an explosive four-play, 81-yard drive, highlighted by quarterback Brooks Bentley's 26-yard run and capped by Corey Siemer's 38-yard touchdown burst.

Siemer finished with 86 yards on 13 carries to lead all rushers, while O'Brien Barnett added 70 yards on 13 attempts for the Bulldogs. The Wingate ground game accumulated 165 yards overall, complemented by Bentley's 91 passing yards.

The Bulldogs' defense, which has now held Carson-Newman under 180 rushing yards in both meetings this season, was led by Kai Russell's 10 tackles, including 1.5 for loss. Daniel Morrison and Dontorian Best each contributed seven tackles, while Joseph Reddish sealed the victory with two fourth-quarter interceptions.

Carson-Newman's offensive struggles were particularly evident in the second half, when they managed just 10 yards of total offense. The Eagles' passing game never found rhythm, completing only 2 of 6 attempts for 30 yards with two interceptions.

The game's tone was set early when Wingate capitalized on field position and Carson-Newman miscues. After a methodical 12-play drive resulted in Bonesteel's first field goal, the Bulldogs quickly added another three points following a fumble recovery by Darius Randolph at the Carson-Newman 25-yard line.

The Eagles briefly showed life in the second quarter with two field goals from Bennett Smith, including a 45-yarder that tied the game at 6-6. However, Wingate reclaimed the lead just before halftime on Bonesteel's 48-yard kick and never trailed again.

The Bulldogs' defense took over in the fourth quarter, with Russell and Morrison recording consecutive sacks that pushed Carson-Newman into a fourth-and-28 situation. The defensive effort helped Wingate control the clock, holding possession for nearly 34 minutes in the contest.

Wingate now awaits Sunday's NCAA Division II playoff selection show to learn its postseason fate. The Bulldogs entered the game ranked second in Super Region 2, positioning themselves for a potential home playoff game when the bracket is announced.

The victory marks Wingate's third conference championship in program history, achieved through a suffocating defensive performance that limited one of the conference's most productive offenses to its lowest output of the season by more than 150 yards.

BUIES CREEK – North Carolina Central unleashed an explosive offensive performance, dominating Campbell 45-14 in a nonconference Old North State Showdown at Barker-Lane Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Eagles (4-2) established their dominance early, erupting for 28 unanswered points in the second quarter. Quarterback Walker Harris orchestrated the offensive onslaught, connecting on 14 of 23 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score of his own.

NC Central’s ground game proved equally potent, with J’Mari Taylor accumulating 89 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Chris Mosley delivered a spark with a 57-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, finishing with 75 yards on just two attempts.

The Eagles’ defense matched their offense’s intensity, limiting Campbell (2-4) to 103 passing yards and forcing three turnovers. Quantez Mansfield led the defensive charge with six tackles, including 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. Malcolm Reed and Tomondrey Braxton each recorded interceptions.

Campbell showed signs of life in the second half when VJ Wilkins broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Mike Chandler II later added a 72-yard scoring dash, the Camels’ longest rushing play since 2017. However, these highlights weren’t enough to overcome the substantial deficit.

The Eagles’ special teams contributed to the victory, with Darryl Taylor returning a punt 68 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Kicker Juan Velarde was perfect on the day, converting all six extra points and adding a 43-yard field goal.

Campbell’s defense was anchored by Cornelius Davis, who recorded a game-high nine tackles, while Jalen Brooks added seven stops and a sack.

Up Next

NC Central hosts VU-Lynchburg next week in Durham while Campbell will have a bye week before resuming Colonial Athletic Association play at No. 12 William & Mary on October 19.

RICHMOND, VA – In a high-scoring first-round FCS playoff showdown, the Richmond Spiders emerged victorious against the North Carolina Central Eagles with a final score of 49-27. The game, filled with explosive plays and offensive fireworks ultimately tilted in favor of Richmond and spoiled the Eagles’ first-ever playoff appearance since moving up to Division 1 in 2011.

The Eagles found themselves trailing early in the first quarter after a 35-yard touchdown pass from Richmond's Kyle Wickersham to Nick DeGennaro, putting them at a 7-0 disadvantage. However, North Carolina Central responded with a gritty 1-yard touchdown run by Davius Richard, bringing the score to 7-6. The Eagles then seized the lead with an electrifying 91-yard touchdown connection between Richard and Devin Smith, ending the first quarter with a 13-7 lead.

Despite Richmond narrowing the gap in the second quarter, with Richard's 18-yard touchdown run making it 20-14, North Carolina Central showcased their offensive capabilities. Richard demonstrated versatility, leading the team with both passing and rushing contributions.

In the third quarter, Richmond took control, scoring three unanswered touchdowns. Savon Smith's 14-yard rushing touchdown and an impressive 65-yard punt return shifted the momentum in Richmond's favor. The Spiders extended their lead further with a 71-yard touchdown pass from Wickersham to Jerry Garcia Jr., entering the final quarter with a 35-20 advantage.

North Carolina Central fought hard in the fourth quarter, with Richard orchestrating a 75-yard drive that culminated in his 2-yard touchdown run, narrowing the score to 35-27. However, Richmond responded with three additional touchdowns, securing the 49-27 win.

Offensively, North Carolina Central's Richard showcased his skills, passing for 262 yards and a touchdown while leading the team in rushing with 51 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Devin Smith was a standout receiver, amassing 202 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Jayden Flaker led the Eagles with 11 total tackles, demonstrating resilience despite Richmond's offensive onslaught. Despite the loss, North Carolina Central's defense showed glimpses of strength, with Quantez Mansfield making key plays, including 1.5 tackles for loss.

Although the Eagles fell short in this matchup, their tenacity and offensive firepower were evident. As they regroup for upcoming games, North Carolina Central aims to build on the positives from this contest and make strides in the remainder of the season.

BOONE – Senior Day at The Rock turned into a celebration of milestones and triumphs as the Appalachian State Mountaineers clinched the East Division title with a commanding 55-27 victory over arch-rival Georgia Southern. The win secured their spot in the Sun Belt Championship Game against West Division champion Troy, setting the stage for a championship pursuit.

Despite falling behind 14-3 in the opening quarter, the Mountaineers orchestrated a remarkable comeback, fueled by the arm of quarterback Joey Aguilar, who threw four touchdown passes in the game. Aguilar’s performance not only propelled App State to victory but also etched his name in the program’s history as the single-season record-holder with an impressive 33 touchdown passes heading into the postseason.

The turning point of the game came in the second quarter when App State, trailing 14-10, launched a relentless offensive assault, scoring 38 unanswered points over 16 minutes. The Mountaineers’ defense played a crucial role, capitalizing on turnovers, including three interceptions. Tyrek Funderburk was instrumental in the defensive effort, contributing two interceptions that set the stage for immediate scoring opportunities.

The halftime ceremony added extra flair to the Mountaineers’ resurgence, as the legendary No. 14 jersey of Hall of Fame quarterback Armanti Edwards was officially retired. Edwards, whose short and direct message to the crowd was a resounding “Thank you! Go App!” witnessed his beloved team transform an 11-point deficit into a commanding 41-17 lead by the end of the third quarter.

The Mountaineers’ five-game winning streak to close the regular season, including an overtime victory against James Madison, showcased their resilience and determination to earn a spot in the Sun Belt title game for the fourth time since 2018.

App State’s offensive prowess was on full display, with Aguilar’s 296 passing yards and a balanced rushing attack that accumulated 236 yards on the ground. Kanye Roberts, Anderson Castle, and Maquel Haywood each contributed rushing touchdowns, showcasing the team’s versatility.

The defense, led by standout performances from Tyrek Funderburk and Jordan Favors, played a pivotal role in shutting down Georgia Southern and forcing turnovers that translated into crucial points for the Mountaineers.

As the final whistle blew, App State had not only secured a convincing victory but also established themselves as a force to be reckoned with as they head into the Sun Belt Championship Game, fueled by a perfect blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

Saturday night’s ACC Network game from Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh will be the 113th meeting between the NC State Wolfpack and the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels, recovering from a loss at Clemson, are preparing to face their rivals in the final game of the 2023 regular season. The Tar Heels’ offense, which averages 38.1 points per game, is the 12th highest nationally, and they’ve been successful on third downs, converting 49.7% of them. Quarterback Drake Maye and running back Omarion Hampton have been key players, with Maye throwing at least one touchdown pass in 10 of the 11 games this season and Hampton rushing for 100 yards in six consecutive games.

On the other side, the Wolfpack have been formidable opponents under the guidance of head coach Dave Doeren, the winningest coach in school history with 80 wins at NC State. They are one of only four teams in the Power 5 that have won eight or more games in each of the last four seasons. Their defense, which leads the ACC in total defense and scoring defense vs. league opponents, has been particularly impressive. In the last nine games, the Wolfpack defense has allowed just 88.5 rushing yards per game. During that span, three opponents have rushed for less than 100 yards. This game promises to be a thrilling end to the regular season, with both teams bringing their A-game to the field for bragging rights and a claim to best FBS team in the state.

NCAA Division II Playoffs (Round 2)

Lenoir-Rhyne vs Benedict: The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears are set to face the Benedict Tigers in the NCAA Division II playoffs this Saturday. The Bears have had a strong season, with an 11-1 record and an average of 40.17 points per game. Their rushing game is led by Dwayne McGee, who has gained 1213 yards with an average of 110.27 yards per game. In the passing game, Jalen Ferguson has completed 111 out of 154 attempts, throwing for 1468 yards and 16 touchdowns. The receiving corps is led by DeAree Rogers, who has made 43 catches for 621 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense, Jon Ross Maye leads the team with 86 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. The Bears' defense has been particularly effective, with 35 sacks and 13 interceptions this season. The team's overall performance has been impressive, with an average of 443.7 yards per game. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bears looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Tigers.

NCAA FCS Playoffs (Round )

Gardner-Webb vs. Mercer: This Saturday, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, under the guidance of Head Coach Tre Lamb, a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, will face off against the Mercer Bears in the NCAA FCS playoffs. The Bulldogs have had a strong season, with back-to-back conference championships for the first time since 2002 and 2003, and an undefeated home record. Their offense, led by Lamb, has been aggressive, averaging 34.7 points per game in conference games and converting 24 of their 37 fourth-down attempts. On the defensive end, Ty French has set a new school record for career sacks with 30.5 and has been named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. Running back Narii Gaither has also made history, becoming just the second player in program history to rush for at least 3,000 yards. The Bulldogs have a record of 9-36 against FCS teams ranked inside the national polls, but they defeated #13/14 UT Martin earlier this season. Freshman quarterback Jaylen King, a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, has gone 5-1 in his first six career starts, including leading the Bulldogs to a 38-34 upset victory over #13/14 UT Martin. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bulldogs looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Bears.

North Carolina Central vs. Richmond: This Saturday at 3pm, the NCAA FCS playoff game between North Carolina Central and Richmond is set to be a thrilling showdown. NCCU, with a record of 9-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, has been a force to reckon with this season. They have outscored their opponents 403 to 296, averaging 36.64 points per game. Their rushing attack, led by Latrell Collier with 684 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Davius Richard with 579 yards and 15 touchdowns, has been particularly potent. Richard has also been impressive in the passing game, completing 60.98% of his passes for 1915 yards and 20 touchdowns. On the receiving end, Devin Smith and Joaquin Davis have been key contributors, with 505 and 404 receiving yards respectively. On the defensive side, Jayden Flaker leads the team with 74 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. With a rare appearance in the FCS playoffs, NCCU is poised to give a tough fight to the University of Richmond.

Honoring NCCFB Legend Armanti Edwards 

App State vs. Georgia Southern: App State will host Georgia Southern at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone in a game that will be broadcast on ESPNU Saturday afternoon at 3:30. App State leads the series 21-16-1 overall and 14-5-1 in Boone. Leading the Mountaineers’ offense is quarterback Joey Aguilar with 2,975 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, receiver Kaedin Robinson with 45 catches for 609 yards and 8 touchdowns, and running back Nate Noel with 787 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Andrew Parker Jr. paces the App State defense with 98 tackles. The game will be a significant event, as it's not only the regular-season finale but also Senior Day, and the retirement of QB Armanti Edwards’ No. 14 jersey will take place at halftime. App State is also vying for a Sun Belt Championship Game berth. The team needs to beat Georgia Southern and have JMU win at Coastal Carolina to advance to face West champ Troy on Dec. 2.

As the clock struck noon on Selection Sunday, football fans across the nation eagerly tuned in to witness the unveiling of the 2023 FCS playoff bracket. The anticipation reached its peak as the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee revealed the field of 24 teams competing for the prestigious title.

Two teams from North Carolina, Gardner-Webb and North Carolina Central, found themselves among the chosen few. For the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, it was a testament to their resilience throughout a challenging season. Despite facing one of the toughest nonconference schedules in FCS football, the Runnin' Bulldogs secured significant victories against Elon and #13 UT Martin. They stumbled along the way, facing tough losses to FBS Appalachian State and fellow playoff team Austin Peay. However, as conference play unfolded, Gardner-Webb turned the tide, finishing strong with a 5-1 record and clinching the conference championship for the second consecutive year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the North Carolina Central University Eagles soared into the playoffs on the wings of an impressive season. Fresh off winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the HBCU national championship, the Eagles showcased their strength in a schedule that included marquee matchups against UCLA and a trip to the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis. Victories against South Carolina State and Norfolk State highlighted their success, while a challenging loss to Howard kept them out of the Celebration Bowl for a second year in a row but opened the door to the FCS playoffs.

As the bracket unfolded, fans marveled at the matchups that would define the road to the national championship in Frisco, Texas. Gardner-Webb was slated to face Mercer in the first round, a game that promised intensity and excitement. Meanwhile, NC Central prepared for a showdown with Richmond, setting the stage for a clash between two formidable opponents. Both North Carolina teams will play away from home for the first round of the playoffs with a win putting each team on the road at one of the top eight national seeds.

Top 8 seeds

1. South Dakota State
2. Montana
3. South Dakota
4. Idaho
5. Albany
6. Montana State
7. Furman
8. Villanova

The playoff journey begins on Thanksgiving weekend on ESPN+, with the first-round matchups set to captivate audiences across the nation. 

DURHAM – O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham was the stage for an electrifying college football showdown on Saturday night, as the North Carolina Central University Eagles battled the Campbell University Camels. In a game that kept fans on both sides anxious for the entire evening, the Eagles secured a nail-biting victory in overtime, winning 49-48.

The crowd of 8,410 spectators witnessed an unforgettable game that saw both teams trade blows throughout the night. The Eagles, now standing at 4-1 on the season, extended their home game win streak to eight with this thrilling victory. They will continue their journey as they face Elon University on October 7th at 2 p.m. Campbell dropped to 2-3 and will look to bounce back in a road game against Hampton next Saturday.

Davius Richard Shines for NCCU

Senior quarterback Davius Richard was the star of the night for the Eagles. Richard displayed his versatility by completing 21 of 34 passes for 265 yards, including a crucial touchdown. But it was his performance on the ground that left a lasting mark on the game. Richard scored an astonishing four rushing touchdowns, breaking NCCU's career rushing touchdown record with a total of 33. This remarkable feat also tied the single-game rushing touchdown record for the Eagles.

The game began with both teams trading early blows. Campbell's quarterback, Hajj-Malik Williams, connected with Lamagea McDowell for an 11-yard touchdown pass, giving the Camels a 7-0 lead. NCCU quickly responded with a 51-yard pass from Richard to Devin Smith, setting up Richard's 5-yard rushing touchdown to level the score at 7-7.

Eagles Overcome Deficit

Despite the Camels taking a commanding 35-14 lead in the second quarter, NCCU rallied back with determination. Richard, along with teammates Luke Bracey and Latrell Collier, found the end zone in the second half, making it a nail-biting contest. Sophomore linebacker Jayden Flaker led the Eagles' defense with an impressive 15 tackles, including a crucial stop in the third quarter that set up a game-tying touchdown.

In a game that came down to the wire, it was NCCU's special teams that made the difference in overtime. Senior defensive tackle Karfa Kaba blocked a crucial point-after-touchdown (PAT) attempt, giving the Eagles the opportunity to seal the game. Adrian Olivo capitalized on this opportunity, securing the win for NCCU with a converted PAT.

Campbell's Strong Offensive Showing

Campbell's offense put on an impressive display, amassing 269 yards of total offense in the first half alone. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams threw for 302 yards and five touchdowns, connecting frequently with Jalen Kelsey, who had a career-high 172 yards receiving, including two stunning touchdown receptions of 70 and 65 yards.

The Camels had a chance to clinch victory in overtime, with Williams connecting with Ezeriah Anderson for a 13-yard touchdown pass. However, the blocked PAT proved costly, as NCCU's Latrell Collier swiftly carried the ball into the end zone, securing the Eagles' dramatic win.

A Game to Remember

The game between NCCU and Campbell will undoubtedly go down as one of the most thrilling college football matchups of the season. With both teams displaying remarkable skill and determination, it's a testament to the excitement and unpredictability that college football can offer. As the season progresses, fans can only hope for more games as captivating as this one.

The gridiron at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium is set to ignite as the No. 17 Duke Blue Devils gear up to host the No. 11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a high-stakes showdown under the Saturday night lights. Kickoff for this epic battle is slated for 7:30 p.m., and fans across the nation can catch all the action live on ABC.

This year's eagerly anticipated contest marks the eighth gridiron meeting between Duke and Notre Dame, with the Fighting Irish holding a 5-2 series lead. Duke's first triumph over the Fighting Irish dates back to December 2, 1961, when they secured a resounding 37-13 victory on their home turf. As for recent history, Notre Dame enters the fray on the heels of two consecutive victories, including a convincing 27-13 win during their last encounter on September 12, 2020.

Duke's recent triumph over Connecticut added to the excitement, marking their fourth consecutive in-season win—a feat not seen since 1970. The Blue Devils also made history by kickstarting the season with four consecutive 20-plus point victories. In the wake of their impressive performances, Duke has risen to No. 17 in the Associated Press poll and No. 16 in the USA Today Coaches' polls. This ranking signifies the team's highest national standing since October 25, 1994, when they held the No. 16 spot.

When it comes to winning the turnover battle, Duke has demonstrated prowess under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko. In their last game against Connecticut, they outperformed their opponents 2-0 in turnovers, including a memorable fumble recovery and scoop-and-score by defensive tackle DeWayne Carter during the third quarter. Coach Elko's tenure has seen Duke emerge victorious in the turnover battle in 12 out of 17 games, amassing an impressive 115 points off those turnovers, featuring 15 touchdowns, three field goals, and one two-point conversion.

Coach Mike Elko's tenure has been nothing short of extraordinary, boasting a remarkable 13-4 record, translating to an impressive .765 winning percentage, through his first 17 games at the helm of the Blue Devils. Notably, this milestone is the best 17-game start for a head coach in Duke's storied history. Furthermore, Coach Elko's record at this juncture surpasses that of all current ACC coaches when they began their respective tenures at their current institutions.

Campbell Set to Take on No. 15 NC Central

The Campbell Camels (2-2, 1-2 CAA) are gearing up for an exciting face-off against the 15th-ranked North Carolina Central Eagles (3-1, 0-0 MEAC) this Saturday, September 30. The game will kick off at 4:00 p.m. at the iconic O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

The Camels enter this matchup with one of the most potent offenses in the FCS. They are currently ranked 10th in scoring, averaging 37.2 points per game. Additionally, they rank 13th in total offense nationally, averaging 440.0 yards per game. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams has been exceptional, boasting the FCS's third-best completion percentage at 75.0%. He has completed 96-of-127 passes, averaging 282.5 passing yards per game, with six touchdowns and only one interception. Williams has also been a threat on the ground, contributing four rushing touchdowns.

The North Carolina Central University Eagles, ranked 15th, enter this matchup with a formidable defense. They have excelled in third-down conversion defense, ranking 18th in the nation in FCS, with a conversion rate of just 29.2%. NCCU also leads the MEAC in scoring defense, allowing an average of 32.3 points per game. The Eagles have several standout performers on the defensive side, including Jayden Flaker, who leads the team with 24 total tackles, 4.5 stops for loss, and 3.5 sacks. The defense has been adept at generating turnovers and creating opportunities for their team.

Elizabeth City State Hosts Johnson C. Smith on Homecoming

Johnson C, Smith, off to a fast 3-1 start, will travel to take on the Vikings of Elizabeth City State at Roebuck Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Vikings come into the game at 1-3 after a close loss to Shaw last Sunday. The Golden Bulls have been outscoring their opponents 29-13 through the first four weeks of the season. A balanced backfield, led by Tim Newman, Jr., Jacob Newman, and Shydem McCullough have averaged 187 rushing yards per game coming into this week’s game. Benari Black and Jack Smith lead a linebacker corps that have given opposing offenses fits so far. ECSU head coach Marcus Hilliard, himself a Vikings alumnus, will look to his sophomore signal caller to try and find a weakness in the JCSU defense. Dual-threat quarterback Chase Williams leads the Vikings in passing yards and rushing touchdowns. Demorian Smith and Teonne Porter lead an ECSU defense that is giving up less than twenty points per game so far this season.

BUIES CREEK – Campbell rolled up a season-high 563 yards of total offense and defeated North Carolina Central 48-18 Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium.

Campbell (2-2) scored on six of its seven first-half drives and hit season highs for points (48), total offense, first downs (33) and rushing yards (315) against a previously unbeaten Eagle team that entered the contest ranked eighth in the nation in scoring defense (13.5).

Bryant Barr ran for a career-high 135 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown for the Camels, who ran 83 plays to 64 for the visitors.  NaQuari Rogers added 78 rushing yards and one score, while Lamagea McDowell scored twice on the ground.

Campbell RB Bryant Barr races past the defense. Photo Credit: Bennett Scarborough

Hajj-Malik Williams completed 22-of-33 passes for 248 yards and added 46 on the ground with one rushing TD.  Jalen Kelsey led CU with five receptions for 47 yards and recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown.

Davius Richard completed 21-of-35 passes with two interceptions and a pair of TDs for NC Central (4-1), which ranked fifth in the FCS in scoring offense (43.2) but was held to just three scores despite finishing with 390 total yards.  Richard led the Eagles with 37 rushing yards, while Devin Smith had five catches for 67 yards and two scores.

Aaron Maddox, CJ Tillman and Myles Rowser led Campbell with seven tackles each.  Isaiah Lawson had 12 tackles for the Eagles, while Jason Chambers added 11 and Khalil Baker 10.

Campbell compiled 397 yards of total offense before the break, including 205 on the ground.

The Camels took the opening kickoff and drove 84 yards on 14 plays, capped by McDowell’s four-yard rush.  After forcing a punt, Campbell again drove into the red zone to set up Caleb Dowden’s 30-yard field goal.

Myles Rowser intercepted a Richard pass and the Camels drove 60 yards in six plays.  McDowell finished the march with a 10-yard scoring run for a 17-0 lead with 11:44 left in the second quarter.

Williams pushed the margin to 24-0 on a 17-yard QB keeper with 7:25 to play in the half.

The Eagles got on the scoreboard when Richard connected with Smith on a 28-yard TD pass.  However, Campbell stopped NCCU on the two-point conversion attempt.

CU answered Central’s only first-half score with a 75-yard drive that Barr finished with a 24-yard rush.

Ed Dennis picked off Richard’s pass and returned it 26 yards to give the Camels a first down on the NCCU 34 with 55 seconds to play.  Dowden’s 21-yard field goal pushed the halftime lead to 34-6.

Barr ran for 113 yards on 16 carries in the first half alone.  Williams completed 13-of-18 passes for 192 yards before the break as the Camels converted 5-of-5 red zone opportunities.

NCCU scored on the first play of the fourth quarter on Smith’s 22-yard TD catch, but the Camels responded with a 9-play, 65-yard march that Rogers completed with a 35-yard run.

Alex Santiago blocked a Juan Velarde punt and Kelsey picked it up at the goal line to push the margin to 48-12 with 9:06 to play.  

Richard’s 1-yard QB keeper rounded out the scoring.

Notable North Carolinians

Bryant Barr (Eastern Guilford) – the graduate running back ran for a career-high 135 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown.

Lamagea McDowell (Charlotte Catholic, Hunter Huss) – the junior running back scored twice on the ground to give Campbell an early lead.

Devin Smith (Durham Riverside) – the sophomore receiver finished with five catches for 67 yards, including two touchdowns.

Isaiah Lawson (Butler) – the sophomore linebacker led the NCCU defense with 12 tackles, including a stop for a loss, with a pass break-up.

Up Next

Campbell (2-2) returns to action next Saturday with a 4:00 p.m. kickoff against Charleston Southern in its Big South Conference opener while NCCU has an open week before beginning MEAC play versus Morgan State on Thursday, October 13 on ESPNU.

In the Eagles' first game as a nationally-ranked team in five years (No. 25), they scored the most points since Sept. 17, 2016 (65 vs. Saint Augustine's), and reached 40 points or more for three straight contests for the first time in 37 years. 

NCCU (4-0) used a stable of ball carriers to amass a season-high 272 rushing yards, marking the third consecutive outing with more than 200 yards on the ground.

Leading the way for the Eagles was running back Chris Mosley with 72 yards, including 58 yards on a breakaway race to the end zone early in the fourth quarter. Latrell Collier added 63 yards and a touchdown, J'Mari Taylor posted 54 yards and a touchdown, and quarterback Davius Richard contributed 41 yards and his fifth rushing touchdown of the season.

Richard also completed 12-of-17 passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns. On the receiving end of the scoring tosses were Andrew Smith (3 receptions, 31 yards), Quentin McCall, and E.J. Hicks. Joaquin Davis also had three catches for 33 yards, while Devin Smith and Twan Flip Jr. registered two grabs each for 35 and 33 receiving yards, respectively.

The eighth and final touchdown was a 24-yard connection from quarterback Quest Powell to receiver Marseille Miller with nine minutes left in the ballgame.

Defensively, NCCU was topped by linebacker Max U'Ren with seven takedowns and a forced fumble, while defensive back Makai McCall tallied six tackles. Defensive lineman Colby Warrior accounted for three stops, including 2.0 hits for a loss with an assisted sack, and an interception.

Along with three tackles, NCCU safety Khalil Baker recorded his fourth interception of the season, having collected a pick in each of the Eagles' four games. Defensive back Marvin Reed also had an interception.

Virginia-Lynchburg (0-4) posted 177 yards of total offense and forced five turnovers.

Up next, NCCU puts its undefeated record on the line at Campbell on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

Story courtesy of NCCU Sports Information