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| D’Vonte Graham helped NC A&T to a 24-21 upset win over Appalachian State on Saturday. (NC A&T photo) |
Game Of The Week: NC A&T 24, Appalachian State 21
A few weeks ago, we told you Aggie Pride was back, but even we didn’t expect this. NC A&T traveled west to Boone and came away with a program-building 24-21 win over FCS power Appalachian State. The Aggie defense and special teams came up big time on Saturday, stifling the Moutaineers run game (67 yards on 31 attempts) and forcing two big interceptions, including a Pick Six by linebacker D’Vonte Grant. Add in a short touchdown pass from Kwashaun Quick to Desmond Lawrence and a 91 yard kick return by Tony McRae and A&T held a sizable lead for most of the second half. Still, the game wasn’t sealed until App State’s Drew Stewart missed a 46 yard field goal.
The win was A&T’s first over a ranked opponent since the 2003 season, and its first over a non-HBCU since 2004. The Aggies defintitely opened eyes not just in the MEAC, but in the FCS as a whole.
Offensive Player of The Week: Greg McGhee
After a disappointing sophomore season in 2012, it looks like Greg McGhee is finally living up to the hype. The 2011 MEAC Rookie of The Year came up big in the Nation’s Classic, totaling nearly three hundred yards of total offense as Howard held off Morehouse 26-17. McGhee completed 21 of 27 passes and threw for three touchdowns as Howard won this game for the third season in a row.
Defensive Player of The Week: D’Vonte Grant
Grant was a huge part in NC A&T’s upset over App State on Saturday. The senior linebacker from Charlotte recorded eight tackles, and not only intercepted a pass, but returned it 57 yards to help the Aggie’s take a double-digit lead heading into halftime.
Freshman of The Week: Michael Jones, NCCU
For most of the game, North Carolina Central’s defensive backfield was a big part of the reason the team struggled with D2 St. Augustine’s. The Eagles allowed AJ Guilford to throw for three touchdowns on the day, but Jones’ interception and 80 yard return in double overtime ended St. Aug’s drive and allowed the Eagles to win by a field goal.
Trending Up: NC A&T
A&T’s upset of App State shows why picking them third in the MEAC was a mistake.
Trending Down: NCCU and Morgan State
A week after being shut out by Duke, North Carolina Central needed double overtime to defeat former CIAA foe St. Augustine’s.
All the momentum Morgan appeared to have gained following a decent showing against Army was lost in Saturday’s 31-14 loss to Robert Morris.