Clarke's Three Rushing TDs Lead NCCU to Convincing Win Over ECSU

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Andre Clarke bulled his way to three rushing touchdowns and a hard-hitting defense held Elizabeth City State University to just one score, as North Carolina Central University cruised to a 34-7 victory on a steamy Saturday night inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

The win is the first in the coaching era of new NCCU head coach Jerry Mack, who was presented with the game ball and was drenched with the contents of a water cooler during a post-game celebration.

Clarke's three touchdowns on the ground all came in the first half. He had a fourth score called back due to a holding penalty. The senior running back finished with 83 yards on 12 carries, an average of 6.9 yards per run. The last Eagle to post three rushing touchdowns in a game was Greg Pruitt, Jr. on Oct. 22, 2005 against Livingstone College.

As a team, NCCU amassed 401 yards of total offense, including 236 on the ground and 165 through the air. Junior transfer quarterback Quinn Billerman completed 19-of-29 passes for 165 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown connection with junior transfer receiver Anas Hasic, who finished with seven catches for 121 yards.

NCCU's aggressive defense forced two turnovers, sacked the ECSU quarterback five times and held the Vikings to 171 total yards. Sophomore linebacker Jordan Miles topped the Eagles with eight tackles, while sophomore linebacker Jeremy Thompson added seven tackles with an assisted sack and a pass break-up. Senior defensive end Felix Small contributed six takedowns with 2.0 tackles for a loss and his second forced fumble in the first two weeks.

Sophomore kicker Brandon McLaren added to the scoring with 10 points for NCCU on field goals from 36 and 20 yards, along with four extra-point kicks.

NCCU returns to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium on Sept. 13 to host Charlotte at 5 p.m. For ticket information, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.

Box Score 

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION