Morgan State and North Carolina Central met on Saturday night in a matchup between two first-year head coaches. And when the dust settled, Trei Oliver picked up his first MEAC win as the Eagles defeated the Bears, 27-17.
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It looked as if the Bears would get a good start as they drove down the field to start the game. But after being denied on a fourth down near the goal line, their efforts were stopped. On their next drive, they were once again stopped in the red zone; being forced to attempt a field goal. On their next two drives, MSU QB DeAndre Harris threw an interception to end both drives.
The Eagles defense started the game with its back against the wall as the Bears drove into the red zone on four straight drives. With that, they only gave up three points during that stretch. As the defense held things down, the offense responded. Eagles quarterback Davius Richard rushed for 62 yards to score the Eagles first touchdown of the game. Davius wasn’t done as he ran once again late in the third quarter for another score. Early in the fourth, Latrell Collier scored from 43 yards out for another touchdown.
After the rushing attack was done, the Eagles walked out with a 27-17 victory on the road.
The story of this contest is that the Bears could not put the Eagles away early. Four red zone drives to start the game but after that, the Bears lost momentum.
Offensively, the Eagles ran for over 300 yards and controlled the pace of the game. Isaiah Totten gained 116 yards while Jordan Freeman added another 95 yards on the ground.
The Bears passing game was grounded. DeAndre Harris struggled, only throwing for 67 yards. Backup QB DJ Golatt scored the only touchdown for the Bears.
NCCU defensive back Byron Mills snatched three interceptions in the contest which took the air out of the Bears offense in the process.
NC Central will face Florida A&M next weekend. Morgan State will face Bethune-Cookman, also on the road.
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