WASHINGTON, D.C. — North Carolina Central University broke open a one-possession game at halftime by exploding for three touchdowns after intermission to cruise to a 28-6 conference victory over Howard University inside Greene Stadium in the nation’s capital on Saturday.
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All three NCCU running backs found the end zone, topped by redshirt freshman Latrell “Mookie” Collier with a two-yard touchdown rush and a 39-yard catch-and-run for a score. Junior Isaiah Totten amassed a game-high 90 rushing yards on 17 carries for the visiting Eagles, including a 5-yard touchdown as the only score in the first 30 minutes. Junior Jordan Freeman broke two tackles then raced to the end zone for 37 of his 40 ground yards.
As a team, NCCU (4-5, 3-2 MEAC) posted 199 rushing yards, while limiting the Bison to just 39 yards on the ground. In all, the Eagles recorded 390 yards of total offense, compared to 195 total yards by Howard (1-8, 1-4 MEAC).
The NCCU defense held Howard scoreless until the final minute of the contest. The Eagles registered seven sacks, including 1.5 each by senior Darius Royster and sophomore Jessie Malit, and junior Bryan Mills tallied his fifth interception of the season. Royster, the league leader with 8.0 sacks, and senior Deonta Fair collected a team-high six tackles apiece.
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NCCU freshman quarterback Davius Richard completed 18 of 29 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown. He connected with seven different Eagles, with Ryan McDaniel, E.J. Hicks and Tyler Barnes each grabbing four receptions. Daeshawn Stephens added three catches for a team-best 50 yards.
NCCU has now won eight straight against the Bison, with Howard’s last victory in the series coming in 1994.
Up next, NCCU hosts Norfolk State for homecoming on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. inside O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.