North Carolina Central football continued its recent dominance of HBCU showcase games and contests staged in NFL stadiums, defeating Norfolk State 37-10 on Saturday in the Circle City Classic. The contest was played at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Quarterback Walker Harris delivered a standout performance for the second consecutive year in Indy, throwing for 245 yards and four touchdowns. The Eagles improved to 3-2 on the season and got the MEAC portion of its schedule off to a winning start.
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NCCU moved to 6-0 in HBCU showcase and bowl games under coach Trei Oliver and 10-2 since 2000 in contests played in NFL arenas. The victory marked NCCU’s second straight in the Circle City Classic, following last year’s 45-3 rout of Mississippi Valley State. In the 2023 Classic, Harris threw for 263 yards and five touchdowns.
Across the past two Classic match-ups, Harris has a stat line of 508 yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions.
How It Happened
After an early three-and-out, the Eagles quickly found their rhythm, with Harris leading a 98-yard drive capped by a 63-yard touchdown pass to Markell Quick.
The Eagles extended their lead less than three minutes later when J’Mari Taylor broke free for a 30-yard touchdown run. Taylor’s score capped a quick two-play, 61-yard drive, pushing NCCU’s advantage to 14-0.
The second quarter saw the Eagles extend their lead further, with kicker Juan Velarde converting a 23-yard field goal after an eight-play, 45-yard drive, making it 17-0 with 14:17 left before halftime.
Norfolk State managed to get on the board late in the first half, with Grandin Wilcox nailing a 45-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 17-3. However, Harris and the Eagles offense responded swiftly, orchestrating a five-play, 45-yard drive that concluded with a four-yard touchdown pass to Luke Bracey, putting NCCU ahead 24-3 with just 21 seconds remaining before the break.
Coming out of halftime, North Carolina Central continued to control the game. In the third quarter, Harris connected with Quick again, this time for a 15-yard touchdown, concluding a lengthy 10-play, 86-yard march. A missed PAT left the Eagles with a 30-3 lead.
NCCU added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, as Harris found Chance Peterson for a 12-yard scoring strike, capping a six-play, 65-yard drive and putting the Eagles up 37-3 with 12:42 left in the game.
Norfolk State found the end zone for the first time with 7:23 remaining, as Jacquez Jones ran 14 yards for a touchdown, concluding a 95-yard drive. Despite this late score, the Spartans were unable to threaten NCCU’s commanding lead.
The Eagles’ defense was another key to the victory, limiting Norfolk State to just 244 total yards, including a meager 85 yards through the air. Their suffocating defensive play ensured that Norfolk State could never establish a rhythm offensively.
Beyond The Box Score
* With the win, North Carolina Central improved to 14-7 all-time against Norfolk State and has now won four consecutive matchups between the two programs.
* The Eagles improved to 2-0 this season in an NFL venue after beating Alabama State in Miami on opening weekend.
* Head coach Trei Oliver improving his record to 32-20 overall and 16-8 in MEAC games.
Next Game
North Carolina Central will look to build on its momentum with a trip to Buies Creek to face Campbell this Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
Scoring Summary
- 1st Quarter (8:50): Markell Quick 63-yard pass from Walker Harris (Juan Velarde kick) – NCCU 7, NSU 0
- 1st Quarter (6:14): J’Mari Taylor 30-yard run (Juan Velarde kick) – NCCU 14, NSU 0
- 2nd Quarter (14:17): Juan Velarde 23-yard field goal – NCCU 17, NSU 0
- 2nd Quarter (1:14): Grandin Wilcox 45-yard field goal – NCCU 17, NSU 3
- 2nd Quarter (0:21): Luke Bracey 4-yard pass from Walker Harris (Juan Velarde kick) – NCCU 24, NSU 3
- 3rd Quarter (3:38): Markell Quick 15-yard pass from Walker Harris (PAT missed) – NCCU 30, NSU 3
- 4th Quarter (12:42): Chance Peterson 12-yard pass from Walker Harris (Juan Velarde kick) – NCCU 37, NSU 3
- 4th Quarter (7:23): Jacquez Jones 14-yard run (Grandin Wilcox kick) – NCCU 37, NSU 10
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