DURHAM, North Carolina – After a one-point loss in 2014, the North Carolina Central University Eagles made for a successful rematch, defeating the Morgan State University Bears, 20-17, on Saturday, Oct. 24 in O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
A late fourth-quarter interception from Ryan Smith appeared to be the most pivotal moment of Saturday's battle, as he stopped what would have been a Morgan State (3-4, 3-2) touchdown and possibly a loss for the Eagles (4-3, 3-1).
Redshirt freshman Dorrel McClain headed the ground attack with 113 of the team's 187 rushing yards, along with two touchdowns for the Eagles.
On defense, C.J. Moore was the leader with 10 total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for a loss. NCCU's defense obtained 14 total tackles for a loss, four sacks, and the Eagles held the Morgan State offense to -11 rushing yards. Defensive linemenRichard Mitchell and Darius Spruill accounted for five takedowns, including 2.5 hits for a loss with 1.5 sacks each for NCCU. Spruill also forced and recovered a fumble.
Lavontis Smith took on a 41-yard punt return in the first quarter, placing the Eagles in good position for McClain to fight through the Bears defense and pick up a one-yard rushing touchdown. The Eagles were first on the scoreboard, leading 7-0.
Redshirt senior Nathan Scruggs had a leaping 19-yard catch, advancing the Eagles to the Morgan State 21-yard line. McClain toughed his way through for a two-yard touchdown, and NCCU dominated Morgan State 14-0 at the close of the first quarter.
A two-yard rushing touchdown from Morgan State quarterback Seth Higgins gave the Bears control of the field before their visit to the locker room, though they were still trailing, 14-7.
Coming out of the locker room, the Bears maintained the momentum with another early third-quarter touchdown. A pass to Morgan State tight end Willie Gillus from Higgins knotted the score at 14.
The battle was only tied for moments, because NCCU freshman Nigel Macauley stepped on the field attempting a 47-yard field goal and regained the lead for the Eagles at 17-14 in the third quarter.
No score went unattended as the game reached the final quarter. Morgan State responded to the NCCU field goal with one of their own, this time for 50 yards off the foot of Chris Moller. The score was then tied at 17.
The Bears lined up to punt with under eight minutes remaining, but a blocked punt by the Eagles led to a fumble recovery, bringing Macauley back in action for the Eagles. Macauley's field goal broke the tie for the second time, giving the Eagles their 20-17 lead.
After Smith's interception, the Eagles managed to wind down the clock with 2:48 remaining, and they now look to take on Norfolk State University on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. back in O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium for NCCU's homecoming.
NOTES:
NCCU freshman kicker Nigel Macauley, who tops the NCAA Division I-FCS with an average of 2.0 field goals per game and is the top scorer in the MEAC, made two field goals, including the game-winner from 30 yards out with 6:19 remaining.
NCCU redshirt-freshman running back Dorrel McClain recorded his second straight 100-yard rushing performance and third of the season with 113 yards and two touchdowns on the ground versus Morgan State.
NCCU held Morgan State to minus-11 rushing yards, fewest rush yards by an opponent since Sept. 29, 2001 when Edward Waters finished with minus-42 rush yards.
NCCU amassed 14 tackles for a loss, including four sacks, resulting in a loss of 53 yards.
NCCU head coach Jerry Mack celebrated his 35th birthday on Saturday, Oct. 24. He was born Oct. 24, 1980 in Memphis, Tennessee.
BOX SCORE
Written by Staci Green, NCCU sports information student assistant
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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